✨TODAY I CELEBRATE 17 YEARS!! ✨

THIS IS MY LONG FULL STORY!! Please take a few minutes to read if you can. xoxo

I shared my story for the very first time 4 years ago. As difficult as it was, the reason I shared it finally after so many years was I felt a deep desire to help those that are struggling. I wanted others to know that I had my own share of struggles but we can overcome them and rise above. The amount of out pouring love that I received blew me away. Thank you all for that. Today I stand tall and proud!

✨I want to share my story and really it is not easy to share. As I post this, my hands are sweating and my heart is beating fast. I have hesitated for so long because of the fear of how people would take it. I feel like all these years I had to hide this part of me. But I decided that I no longer want to be afraid; that my story may help someone who is struggling; that it may show someone that you can go through struggles and overcome them; that you can become happy with who you are. This is what made me who I am today. It is my story and my path. It has given me strength and passion. I wouldn’t be who I am today without having experienced it..

✨We all have struggles in life. No one is perfect and it is what we do with them that can change our lives. I will admit right here and now that I am not happy with every decision I have made in the past. But when it came down to it, I was faced with two choices and I know I made the right one. I could have chosen to feel sorry for myself or I could have chosen to make a change to better my life. I chose to make it better.

A day that I CELEBRATE a DECISION I made 17 years ago TODAY that CHANGED MY LIFE!)

✨I struggled with insecurities from I swear the day I was born. I just was very shy, timid and just felt so uncomfortable about myself. I remember not really talking to people until I was in 4th / 5th grade. I would shrug my shoulders, I hated making eye contact and I really felt so uncomfortable if anyone looked at me. I couldn’t order at restaurants, or if the teacher called on me in class, I would completely freeze and feel total panic. Once I hit about 7th grade, girls started to give me a problem. High School was the absolute worst. They wrote mean things about me in the bathroom, pranked called me, said nasty things as I walked by at school sporting events and it goes on. Inside I felt terrible already about myself and this just made me feel even worse. I tried to mask it and act as though I didn’t care, but at home, I spent many days crying. See you never know what someone’s struggles are. You never know what really is going inside.

✨I remember being at my first high school party and I gave into the peer pressure of alcohol. I found that it made all my insecurities and anxiety go away. Alcohol masked my insecurities and anxiety and I did not have to deal with the real issues. This was the beginning of my struggles with alcohol. What it turned into was a constant cycle of making bad choices and feeling regret.

✨I was 21, at Rutgers, started getting failing grades, drinking way too much, just got out of a terrible relationship and my grandmother that lived with me my whole life passed away. It was a really low time in my life. I just didn’t realize yet that alcohol was the root of my problems. I wasn’t someone that drank every day. The problem was what happened when I did. I had a group of friends that invited me out to help me feel better and that is the day I met Scott. As corny as this may sound the moment I saw him, I remember it so clear, I knew that he was the one. I really feel that he was placed in my life for a reason. He is the best thing that came into life, he is my best friend and makes me laugh like no other! I am not really sure what he saw in me at the time but I am glad he did see the real me. He loved the person I was when I was not drinking. He struggled with the girl I became when I was drinking. It was a long road of ups and downs but it made our relationship stronger because of it.

✨I tried to stop drinking from the age of 21 until the age of 27. I struggled every time I stopped because all my friends were going out and drinking and I felt alone. It wasn’t easy to be the only one not drinking and I would just go back to drinking again. I just wasn’t ready. Finally at the age of 27, 15 years ago TODAY, May 24th, I finally had it. I was tired of hiding my FEELINGS, I was tired of making bad choices, and I was tired of feeling REGRET. I knew that deep down I could be so much more and that I was tired of that person I had become while drinking.

✨Through those years, I found exercise to be my outlet. It amazed me how it could make me feel good, strong and happy. It became a passion of mine. I knew when I was feeling alone and anxious, I could exercise to feel better, and that it would just change my mood and was my outlet in life.

✨There came that point when I was finally ready to make the change and stop drinking. I was in a really bad place and I will never forget the way I felt that day. It keeps me from ever going down that path again. I was about to get married in 3 months and the wedding was called off. I didn’t know what the future held but I knew that this is what I had to do to better my life. I am very thankful for all the support from my family because they are always there for me. I am also so thankful to very close friends of mine Michelle Sysol and Tim who were there for me in this very tough time, she found a support group for me, pushed me to go and it was the best decision I could have made. I knew as soon as I went there, I was exactly where I was supposed to be. It wasn’t easy, there were many struggles but through this I became so strong and I let go of my past, I worked on my insecurities. I focused on my health and became confident. I became a person I never knew I could be. I became HAPPY inside and out.

✨I look back to this day 17 years ago and it AMAZES me. I feel so thankful that I made this change. Deciding to make this change led me to such a beautiful place. I have a loving relationship with my husband. I have 2 of the most precious gifts in the world my children and I can’t imagine life without them. I am so thankful that I made the change before I had children. I truly feel that is a gift. I have a very loving and supportive family. My parents and Scott's family have always been so supportive and loving. I truly believe that God guided me this way and I am so very thankful.

✨I share this because if you are struggling, I want you to know that you can change, that you can better your life, that YOU ARE WORTH IT! This day I now celebrate 17 years! I don’t know if anyone realizes how much that means to me. I have celebrated it quietly for one too many years and I now am proud to share it with the world.

"Just for today I will be unafraid, Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me."

How To Meal Prep & Plan - Simple Tips

I have some meal prep & planning tips for you that may help!! Keep reading! 😉

Does meal planning and prep make your head spin?  

🤪

I woke up today and said, “It’s time to get my shiz together!!” I have been way too lax with nutrition and just organization in general. I was sick 🤒 the past 2 days but was feeling better today thank goodness!! 👏🏻 I took advantage of the time and planned out my week! 🗓✏️ I am starting up a new 100 day workout program along with my favorite nutrition program. So ready to get back on track. 

🔹First!! Keep it SIMPLE!! You don’t have to make fancy recipes to be healthy and you also don’t have to eat steamed chicken only.

🔹Set aside time each week to make a plan. It can take less than 30 minutes out of your day but trust me you will be so happy you planned ahead. 

🔹Think about the week ahead. What do you have going on with sports, the kids schedules, any events, your schedule and hubby. How many meals do you really need to make?

🔹Repeat meals!!!!! I literally eat the same things everyday for breakfast, lunches & snacks. I try to mix up dinner options because everyone seems to like that. 

🔹Make extra for leftovers for lunches or another dinner night. You can also freeze leftovers for another week.

🔹Food shop and get the ingredients for what you are making for the week. I have been food shopping online and it’s the BEST!!!!! Time saver!!

🔹Start small! Maybe start with meal prepping one meal for each day or just a few snacks and then build on it each week. You will find what works for you the more you do it. 

🔹Take 1-2 hours a week to prep some things up. It may seem like a lot but it will save you so much time during the week when things are crazy hectic and you can’t even breathe. 

🔹Get storage containers in similar sizes to stack in refrigerator. 

🔹You will get better at the more you do it. I was terrible when I first started but got faster and faster and now I can prep so many things at once!! 

🔹DON’T GIVE UP!! Everything feels hard at first. 

🎁 Oh and I am NOT the most organized person and my Christmas 🎄 stuff is still up but at least we have some healthy meals ahead! 

👉If you’re interested in learning more about meal prep and planning I would be happy to help. I have tons of meal plans & recipes that I share with my group!

👉Want my meal plan for this week? Click this link - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KvkUd2GymAIA6AZOG76-eYwJALoCl_F8urmcWRGRjrM/edit?usp=sharing

This time of year there are treats all around us!!!! There are so many recipes that are healthier options and taste delicious. When I first started on my journey 13 years ago, I went on the look for healthier options for treats and found so many!! Here are few of them to enjoy this holiday season.

Jack-O'-Lantern Protein Balls.

 Prep Time 15 mins

 Cook Time 0 mins

 Total Time 15 mins

 Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-natural smooth peanut butter
• ¼ cup pure pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup raw honey
• ¾ cup dry old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3 scoops Vanilla Shakeology
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp. mini chocolate chips
• 12 small pretzel sticks, each broken into 2 pieces

Instructions

1. Combine peanut butter, pumpkin, honey, oats, Shakeology, and cinnamon in a medium bowl; mix well with clean hands or a rubber spatula.  
2. Shape mixture into twenty four walnut size balls.
3. Arrange chocolate chips in protein balls to resemble jack-o'-lantern faces. Stick a pretzel piece into the top of each protein ball to make a stem.
4. Place in airtight container; refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Jack-O'-Lantern Protein Balls

Amount Per Serving (2 pieces)

Calories 184

Total Fat 10g

Sodium 138mg

Total Carbohydrates 18g6

Dietary Fiber 2g

Sugars 10g

Protein 9g

Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour or oat flour, spelt flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• Pinch of sea salt
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed with a fork
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup raw honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil 
• 1/3 cup chopped dark chocolate
• Olive oil cooking spray, optional

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, flaxseed and salt.
2. In a large bowl, with a hand mixer, beat bananas until smooth. Add egg whites and beat until combined. Gradually mix in applesauce, honey and safflower oil.
3. Mix dry ingredients into banana mixture; stir in chocolate.
4. Mist a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Pour batter into pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until browned on top.

Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1/12 of bread
• Calories: 182
• Carbohydrate Content: 32 g
• Fat Content: 6 g
• Fiber Content: 3 g
• Protein Content: 3 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 1 g
• Sodium Content: 74 mg
• Sugar Content: 16 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat Content: 3 g

16 Years of Sobriety!!

TODAY I CELEBRATE 16 YEARS!! I shared my story for the very first time 3 years ago. As difficult as it was, the reason I shared it finally after so many years was I felt a deep desire to help those that are struggling. I wanted others to know that I had my own share of struggles but we can overcome them and rise above. The amount of out pouring love that I received blew me away. Thank you all for that. Today I stand tall and proud!

Please read and YES..it is a LONG post! xoxo

I want to share my story and really it is not easy to share. As I post this, my hands are sweating and my heart is beating fast. I have hesitated for so long because of the fear of how people would take it. I feel like all these years I had to hide this part of me. But I decided that I no longer want to be afraid; that my story may help someone who is struggling; that it may show someone that you can go through struggles and overcome them; that you can become happy with who you are. This is what made me who I am today. It is my story and my path. It has given me strength and passion. I wouldn’t be who I am today without having experienced it..

We all have struggles in life. No one is perfect and it is what we do with them that can change our lives. I will admit right here and now that I am not happy with every decision I have made in the past. But when it came down to it, I was faced with two choices and I know I made the right one. I could have chosen to feel sorry for myself or I could have chosen to make a change to better my life. I chose to make it better.

A day that I CELEBRATE a DECISION I made 16 years ago TODAY that CHANGED MY LIFE!)

I struggled with insecurities from I swear the day I was born. I just was very shy, timid and just felt so uncomfortable about myself. I remember not really talking to people until I was in 4th / 5th grade. I would shrug my shoulders, I hated making eye contact and I really felt so uncomfortable if anyone looked at me. I couldn’t order at restaurants, or if the teacher called on me in class, I would completely freeze and feel total panic. Once I hit about 7th grade, girls started to give me a problem. High School was the absolute worst. They wrote mean things about me in the bathroom, pranked called me, said nasty things as I walked by at school sporting events and it goes on. Inside I felt terrible already about myself and this just made me feel even worse. I tried to mask it and act as though I didn’t care, but at home, I spent many days crying. See you never know what someone’s struggles are. You never know what really is going inside.

I remember being at my first high school party and I gave into the peer pressure of alcohol. I found that it made all my insecurities and anxiety go away. Alcohol masked my insecurities and anxiety and I did not have to deal with the real issues. This was the beginning of my struggles with alcohol. What it turned into was a constant cycle of making bad choices and feeling regret.

I was 21, at Rutgers, started getting failing grades, drinking way too much, just got out of a terrible relationship and my grandmother that lived with me my whole life passed away. It was a really low time in my life. I just didn’t realize yet that alcohol was the root of my problems. I wasn’t someone that drank every day. The problem was what happened when I did. I had a group of friends that invited me out to help me feel better and that is the day I met Scott Pinto. As corny as this may sound the moment I saw him, I remember it so clear, I knew that he was the one. I really feel that he was placed in my life for a reason. He is the best thing that came into life, he is my best friend and makes me laugh like no other! I am not really sure what he saw in me at the time but I am glad he did see the real me. He loved the person I was when I was not drinking. He struggled with the girl I became when I was drinking. It was a long road of ups and downs but it made our relationship stronger because of it.

I tried to stop drinking from the age of 21 until the age of 27. I struggled every time I stopped because all my friends were going out and drinking and I felt alone. It wasn’t easy to be the only one not drinking and I would just go back to drinking again. I just wasn’t ready. Finally at the age of 27, 15 years ago TODAY, May 24th, I finally had it. I was tired of hiding my FEELINGS, I was tired of making bad choices, and I was tired of feeling REGRET. I knew that deep down I could be so much more and that I was tired of that person I had become while drinking.

Through those years, I found exercise to be my outlet. It amazed me how it could make me feel good, strong and happy. It became a passion of mine. I knew when I was feeling alone and anxious, I could exercise to feel better, and that it would just change my mood and was my outlet in life.
There came that point when I was finally ready to make the change and stop drinking. I was in a really bad place and I will never forget the way I felt that day. It keeps me from ever going down that path again. I was about to get married in 3 months and the wedding was called off. I didn’t know what the future held but I knew that this is what I had to do to better my life. I am very thankful for all the support from my family because they are always there for me. I am also so thankful to very close friends of mine Michelle Feliciano Sysol and Tim who were there for me in this very tough time, she found a support group for me, pushed me to go and it was the best decision I could have made. I knew as soon as I went there, I was exactly where I was supposed to be. It wasn’t easy, there were many struggles but through this I became so strong and I let go of my past, I worked on my insecurities. I focused on my health and became confident. I became a person I never knew I could be. I became HAPPY inside and out.

I look back to this day 16 years ago and it AMAZES me. I feel so thankful that I made this change. Deciding to make this change led me to such a beautiful place. I have a loving relationship with my husband. I have 2 of the most precious gifts in the world my children and I can’t imagine life without them. I am so thankful that I made the change before I had children. I truly feel that is a gift. I have a very loving and supportive family. My parents and Scott's family have always been so supportive and loving. I truly believe that God guided me this way and I am so very thankful.

I share this because if you are struggling, I want you to know that you can change, that you can better your life, that YOU ARE WORTH IT! This day I now celebrate 15 years! I don’t know if anyone realizes how much that means to me. I have celebrated it quietly for one too many years and I now am proud to share it with the world.

"Just for today I will be unafraid, Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me."

Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful!

Be your own kind of beautiful! 💖

Love and accept yourself as you are right now. Stop comparing, judging yourself and treat yourself as you would a good friend with compassion. Accept who you are with an open heart.

We can be so hard on ourselves. Embrace yourself as you are. We all have positive and negative qualities. No one is perfect in this world. 

I know this because I would do this and can still fall into this trap. I was so insecure growing up and it wasn't until I hit my late 20's/30's that I started to believe in me. I have learned to laugh at myself, at my imperfections, to leave the past in the past, learn and grow from it, to be more present. I have learned my strengths and just grew in confidence loving myself at every part of my journey. Not waiting to get to a certain point first. It's so freeing actually.

It takes work, it doesn't come natural. I put time into reading and listening to books that inspire me and make me grow. I exercise daily which is a big mood booster and eating healthy. The saying..you are what you eat is very true. I started to meditate for a few minutes each morning and boy is it awesome. I make the time for it. Life is busy for all of us. I find the busier I am the more I get done. So, make the time for you if you aren't already. Get your family and loved ones involved. It doesn't have to be super time consuming but it does have to be a consistent behavior to make an impact.

If you ever want book recommendations, workouts, meal plans, recipes, meditation tips please reach out because I would be happy to chat about.

Ultimate Portion Fix - Fix Your Portions...Fix Your Life

FIX YOUR PORTIONS...FIX YOUR LIFE

Ultimate Portion Fix is the expansion of one of the most successful weight-loss programs ever, with portion-control containers that take the guesswork and emotions out of eating perfectly sized meals. With supportive accountability groups to help you stay on track, you can reach your goals.

I have been following this nutrition plan for the past 5 years and was eating clean for 7 years prior to this plan. It helped me to really dial in to the correct portion sizes, balancing out all the food groups without eliminating foods and honestly it took all the guesswork out. I was eating healthy foods but a little too many carbs and not enough protein and vegetables.

I now eat more food but the right foods and workout less time than before I started this. This style eating is how I lost 40 lbs of baby weight and kept it off. This system is SIMPLE and has made reaching your goals so much easier and results that will last!!!!

Autumn has taken portion control to the next level, with more information, more recipes, more proof and more support, and created the Ultimate Portion Fix. Even if you’ve been using containers for years, this 30-day program can set you up for a lifetime of success.

It’s hard to lose weight. You will learn how to create satisfying meals, swap out processed foods for wholesome ingredients, and break your sugar addiction. Plus, help you understand why you eat the way you do, and show you how to separate your feelings from food. This program has made it so the whole family can do it together and still love eating. With Ultimate Portion Fix, now you’re in control.

Watch this video to find out more - https://vimeo.com/310908035

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN -

Plan and prep the right sized portions, every time

Make healthy, delicious meals with balanced macronutrients

Help break your sugar addiction with wholesome, healthy ingredients

Find your “why” and harness your real motivation to get ultimate results

Get the whole family healthy and involved in their own nutrition—kids actually love it

Fuel your body for performance when you make exercise a part of your success

Find your community who can help support and encourage your success—groups get results

A Simple System, Zero Guesswork - Color-coded containers, over 30 short “how-to” videos, 300+ recipes, food lists, plus powerful strategies and healthy hacks to make meaningful, long-term weight loss achievable. You’ll learn how to eat the right foods, with the ideal ratio of macronutrients, every time.

Custom Eating Plans & 3 Paths - Your eating plan based on your body type, lifestyle and goals. There are 3 paths through the program, Foundational Fix, Timed-Nutrition, and Carb-Cycling, that will help give you the ultimate flexibility with tons of delicious recipes to find lasting weight-loss success.

Finally, You’re Not Alone - Whether you’re doing it with your family, your friends, or in a Challenge Group led by an Ultimate Portion Fix Master Coach, you’ll have the support you need for all 30 days of this program, and beyond. When you’re inspired and supported, your best weight-loss results are truly achievable.

Step-By-Step Instruction

• 30+ videos will teach you the principles, tricks and strategies for every step of your weight loss journey. You’ll learn how to use the containers, how to plan, prep and food shop, and how the fundamentals of portion control can give you a lifetime of benefits.
• 

• Tools to Guide Your Journey

• A Workbook and Daily Logbook help set you up to get the most out of this incredible program. Helpful video summaries, daily check-ins, and thought-provoking reflections make sure you’re getting to the core of what drives your eating decisions.
• 

• 300+ Recipes You’ll Love

• Great food is right at your fingertips with the FIXATE® cooking show, FIXATE Vol. 2 Cookbook, and 75 Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids included in this program. You’ll see how you can finally break your sugar addiction and remove processed foods from your routine when you’re making meals with wholesome ingredients.
• 

• Results for the Whole Family

• Portion control can work for everyone in the house, including kids. Ultimate Portion Fix is designed to let you eat the foods you love, and still succeed. You’ll see how getting the whole family involved in what foods make it to the table can be the smart choice—and the delicious choice.

Get ready for healthier takes on your favorite foods.

With Ultimate Portion Fix, you still get to enjoy the foods you love, but you’ll learn how to prepare them in healthier, right-sized portions. You can still eat burgers, pasta, pizza, even desserts. This program makes sure you do it the healthy way, in less time.

Get over $2,000 worth of nutrition info with this program, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

30+ Step-by-Step Videos

Getting started is as easy as pressing “play”

Workbook

Take notes as you watch the videos, and complete other written exercises to guide your journey

Daily Logbook

Take a minute each day to track what you eat, how you feel, and what’s going on with your body

Color-Coded Containers

Use these to portion out every meal, even snacks and desserts

FIXATE Vol. 2 Cookbook

Discover over 100 brand-new recipes that work with your containers

FIXATE Cooking Show

This container-based cooking show is a great resource for delicious meals

75 Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids PDF

Give your kids healthy meals they’ll love to eat

Beachbody Insulated Tote Bag

Keep your hot food warm and your cold food cool when you’re on-the-go (only on select offers)

Beachbody App

Access the program, stay on top of your daily container use, your portions, Shakeology, and stay in touch with your group

Bonus Workouts

21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix EXTREME shot in real time with a new workout every day, updated for faster progress (available starting April 1, 2019)

They got their ultimate results with Ultimate Portion Fix. So can you.

 

Fill out this form to join in my new group for all the support, motivation and accountability. https://thefitandhealthymama.wufoo.com/forms/ultimate-portion-fix-nutrition-makeover/

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

You can complete the entire Ultimate Portion Fix program, drink all of your Shakeology and Beachbody Performance supplements, and if for any reason you’re not satisfied, we’ll give you your money back—no questions asked!