I would love to help you begin your journey or help you get to the next stage of your journey! Please contact me for details and to join my accountability group!
ninapears@hotmail.com
Nina Pears
Fitness Journey
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
I would love to help you begin your journey or help you get to the next stage of your journey! Please contact me for details and to join my accountability group!
ninapears@hotmail.com
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Do you wonder why I do what I do and why I am so passionate about what I do? Why do I train so hard? I was asked this question today. I thought for a minute and my initial response was, I am not training for anything. Then as I started to explain all the reasons why I do what I do, I realized I am truly am training for something.
I workout and eat clean because at 33 years old, I am in the best shape of my life and I feel better than I ever have. Physically, I feel amazing. I have energy and don't get sick. I am able to constantly go and keep up with the craziness of life without ever missing a beat. Mentally, I am strong and confident. I am not afraid of failure or stepping outside my comfort zone. I like me. I love me!
After three kids, I am able to be strong and physically fit.
My workouts and passion have given me a confidence that I have never had in my entire life.
I am able to be a positive role model to my kids and my family. It really is a family journey. We work out together and we eat healthy together.
I am able to help others. I get to share my story and help others get started or move past their sticking points.
I have found a way to work out every day, be in the best shape of my life and only dedicate 30 minutes a day to it!
I have learned how to properly fuel my body and eat for my health and not just satisfaction.
So what is it that I am training like crazy for? If you want to define 30 minutes a day of working out, eating clean, and sharing my journey as training crazy?
I am training for the rest of my life. I want to live my life to the fullest and really live every day! Being in the best shape and feeling the best I can possibly feel allows me to do this! It isn't just my 30 minute workout, my runs, and my clean eating that allows me to do this. It is also being able to inspire, motivate, and help others that gets me there mentally. It really allows me to live my life to the fullest!
I workout and eat clean because at 33 years old, I am in the best shape of my life and I feel better than I ever have. Physically, I feel amazing. I have energy and don't get sick. I am able to constantly go and keep up with the craziness of life without ever missing a beat. Mentally, I am strong and confident. I am not afraid of failure or stepping outside my comfort zone. I like me. I love me!
After three kids, I am able to be strong and physically fit.
My workouts and passion have given me a confidence that I have never had in my entire life.
I am able to be a positive role model to my kids and my family. It really is a family journey. We work out together and we eat healthy together.
I am able to help others. I get to share my story and help others get started or move past their sticking points.
I have found a way to work out every day, be in the best shape of my life and only dedicate 30 minutes a day to it!
I have learned how to properly fuel my body and eat for my health and not just satisfaction.
So what is it that I am training like crazy for? If you want to define 30 minutes a day of working out, eating clean, and sharing my journey as training crazy?
I am training for the rest of my life. I want to live my life to the fullest and really live every day! Being in the best shape and feeling the best I can possibly feel allows me to do this! It isn't just my 30 minute workout, my runs, and my clean eating that allows me to do this. It is also being able to inspire, motivate, and help others that gets me there mentally. It really allows me to live my life to the fullest!
Nina Pears
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Our weight is really just a number! It is hard to accept that but it really is just a number. It doesn't define us or what we look like even though we think it does. At the beginning of my fitness journey, the number on the scale was what drove me to push harder and is what measured my progress and defined my results. It has taken a long time but I have come to peace with the fact that it really is just a number. If you look at me, you might have a really hard time guessing how much I weigh. Then someone that has the same weight as me, may look completely different than I do. Heck, my weight even fluctuates by up to 5 pounds on any given day.
Slowly but surely, I have learned to stay away from the scale and not pay attention to the average number or the ups and downs of a few pounds through out the day. I measure my fitness success by the way I feel, the way my clothes fit, the image the mirror presents to me, and the increase in strength I have gained.
It really is a remarkable feeling to let go of that number on the scale.
It took me many years and I came to peace with it while looking at pictures and realizing how different I looked and felt at different stages of my life when I was essentially the same weight as I am today when I am in the best shape I have ever been in and look the best I have ever been and am the strongest I have ever been.
Hide the scale for a while and base your success and progress off of how you feel, how your clothes fit and measurements. It is very liberating.
And go ahead take a guess at how much I weigh in each picture!
In all of these pictures taken from last March until 2 weeks ago I weigh between 126 and 132 pounds. My lowest weight was in the center after the 3 day refresh and I maintained that weight my first month of Insanity Max. You would probably be shocked to know after increasing the intensity and working even harder, I am actually back up to 130 now. Am I freaking out? No, not at all because I am fittign in smaller clothes and I am working out harder than ever and I love the way my body looks and feels. Don't get caught up in the number! It is just a number! I love the fat/muscle comparison! That speaks louder than a number I read on a scale that can shift so much in 1 day alone!
Slowly but surely, I have learned to stay away from the scale and not pay attention to the average number or the ups and downs of a few pounds through out the day. I measure my fitness success by the way I feel, the way my clothes fit, the image the mirror presents to me, and the increase in strength I have gained.
It really is a remarkable feeling to let go of that number on the scale.
It took me many years and I came to peace with it while looking at pictures and realizing how different I looked and felt at different stages of my life when I was essentially the same weight as I am today when I am in the best shape I have ever been in and look the best I have ever been and am the strongest I have ever been.
Hide the scale for a while and base your success and progress off of how you feel, how your clothes fit and measurements. It is very liberating.
And go ahead take a guess at how much I weigh in each picture!
Nina Pears
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Pancakes for breakfast on Sunday mornings have become a regular at our house! One of the great things about pancakes is that they can be made in so many different ways. You can also add things in to customize them for the many tastes of the family.
My favorite pancake recipe is with almond meal and oats. We always add a banana into the mix and then will add other fruit or chocolate chips for fun! On special occasions we get shipped cream too!
Another great thing about making pancake sis that the whole family can take part in making them!
When you make pancakes, you don't' need to compromise on nutrition and they can actually be loaded with nutrients and good for you! I recommend experimenting with flours. We really like buckwheat flour too.
My Go To Pancake Recipe
Ingredients-
1 ripe banana
2 cup almond meal
1/2 cup oats
1 egg
1 cup milk
1tsp baking powder
1tsp vanilla
1 tsp coconut oil
Mash the banana into the bowl, add all other ingredients and stir. After spooning the batter onto the griddle add in fresh fruit or chocolate chips. Before serving top with whipped cream, peanut butter, or syrup. We usually just eat ours plain or with peanut butter.
My favorite pancake recipe is with almond meal and oats. We always add a banana into the mix and then will add other fruit or chocolate chips for fun! On special occasions we get shipped cream too!
Another great thing about making pancake sis that the whole family can take part in making them!
When you make pancakes, you don't' need to compromise on nutrition and they can actually be loaded with nutrients and good for you! I recommend experimenting with flours. We really like buckwheat flour too.
My Go To Pancake Recipe
Ingredients-
1 ripe banana
2 cup almond meal
1/2 cup oats
1 egg
1 cup milk
1tsp baking powder
1tsp vanilla
1 tsp coconut oil
Mash the banana into the bowl, add all other ingredients and stir. After spooning the batter onto the griddle add in fresh fruit or chocolate chips. Before serving top with whipped cream, peanut butter, or syrup. We usually just eat ours plain or with peanut butter.
Nina Pears
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Have you heard of the 52 New Food Challenge? This is a book that introduces a family food challenge for the year. The challenge is to eat a new/different food each week of the year. You then keep track of the different foods you tried as a family and can talk about them and rate them.
I don't know about you, but if I put Kumquats on my child's plate and expected them to eat them, they wouldn't even try them because of the unknown factor. What are they? What do they taste like? Kids generally stay away from the unknown.
However, if you recognize that is something new and you have never tried it as a family before and even play around with different recipes, kids will be more apt to give it a try and may even love it! I love this idea and approach. Not only will it help my kids try new foods but it will encourage me to try new recipes and get out of the rut of making and eating the same exact foods on a weekly rotation.
I can not wait to try this! The book categorizes different foods by the season and maps it all out for you so you are not trying to figure it out on your own every week. However, I love to walk through the produce isle of Whole Foods with my kids and find unique things and buy them and try them!
I will be implementing this at our house! Does anyone want to join us? I would love to start a group to share recipes, reactions, and stories!
Please let me know if you are interested!
ninapears@hotmail.com
I don't know about you, but if I put Kumquats on my child's plate and expected them to eat them, they wouldn't even try them because of the unknown factor. What are they? What do they taste like? Kids generally stay away from the unknown.
However, if you recognize that is something new and you have never tried it as a family before and even play around with different recipes, kids will be more apt to give it a try and may even love it! I love this idea and approach. Not only will it help my kids try new foods but it will encourage me to try new recipes and get out of the rut of making and eating the same exact foods on a weekly rotation.
I can not wait to try this! The book categorizes different foods by the season and maps it all out for you so you are not trying to figure it out on your own every week. However, I love to walk through the produce isle of Whole Foods with my kids and find unique things and buy them and try them!
I will be implementing this at our house! Does anyone want to join us? I would love to start a group to share recipes, reactions, and stories!
Please let me know if you are interested!
ninapears@hotmail.com
Nina Pears
Sunday, January 11, 2015
When it is cool outside and football is on, there is no better go to dish than chili and corn bread. There are a million types of chili and most are delicious, some are healthy.
This is a light chicken chili loaded with vegetables and super easy to make.
Put all ingredients int eh crock pot and cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours
2 frozen chicken breasts
1 can black beans
2 cups fresh pico de gala
2 cups frozen corn
1 diced yellow aquash
1 diced zuchinni
1 cup diced sweet peppers
Optional- chili peppers it up
Before serving, take the chicken out and dice it up then add back tot the crock pot, stir and serve
can top with cheese and onions
Homemade Sugar Free Corn Bread
3/4 cup corn meal
1 1/2 cup almond flour
1 egg
2 tsp baking powder
dash salt
3 packets stevia 3 tsp stevia Can be substituted with honey- 3 tsp honey
This is a light chicken chili loaded with vegetables and super easy to make.
Put all ingredients int eh crock pot and cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours
2 frozen chicken breasts
1 can black beans
2 cups fresh pico de gala
2 cups frozen corn
1 diced yellow aquash
1 diced zuchinni
1 cup diced sweet peppers
Optional- chili peppers it up
Before serving, take the chicken out and dice it up then add back tot the crock pot, stir and serve
can top with cheese and onions
Homemade Sugar Free Corn Bread
3/4 cup corn meal
1 1/2 cup almond flour
1 egg
2 tsp baking powder
dash salt
3 packets stevia 3 tsp stevia Can be substituted with honey- 3 tsp honey
Nina Pears
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
One of my favorite things to do is look at ingredients and try to mimic a project but make it even healthier. This weekend, we purchased some raw balls. They are dried fruits and nuts rolled up into balls and are delicious. They are super expensive and also have agave and honey in them. They are similar to real fruit and nut bars. I love to experiment with these and have an easy healthy snack to grab on the go. We had a little time tonight and went through our pantry and created our own raw balls.
We made a few different kinds. The kids picked things they liked and experimented. The kids were able to be 100% hands on and helped in all aspects.
We didn't measure anything out. We just made an equal blend of all ingredients. It it turned out too sticky, we added more almond flour and if they were too dry, we added a little water to the mix.
1. In the food processor, blend unsweetened dried figs, almond flour, splash of water, cocoa powder, and coconuts. Blend until evenly blended. You could add oats too.
Then roll in to balls and roll in coconut. Everything we used was unsweetened.
2. In the food processor, blend unsweetened apricots, applesauce, cinnamon, and almond flour. You could add oats too. Blend until evenly blended.
Everything we used was unsweetened.
3. In the food processor, blend oats, almond butter, applesauce, and cinnamon. Roll into balls.
We place them all on a pan lined with wax paper and freeze. You can eat them frozen or let them thaw for a couple of minutes first.
These are husband and kid approved and 100% guilt free!
We made a few different kinds. The kids picked things they liked and experimented. The kids were able to be 100% hands on and helped in all aspects.
We didn't measure anything out. We just made an equal blend of all ingredients. It it turned out too sticky, we added more almond flour and if they were too dry, we added a little water to the mix.
1. In the food processor, blend unsweetened dried figs, almond flour, splash of water, cocoa powder, and coconuts. Blend until evenly blended. You could add oats too.
Then roll in to balls and roll in coconut. Everything we used was unsweetened.
2. In the food processor, blend unsweetened apricots, applesauce, cinnamon, and almond flour. You could add oats too. Blend until evenly blended.
Everything we used was unsweetened.
3. In the food processor, blend oats, almond butter, applesauce, and cinnamon. Roll into balls.
We place them all on a pan lined with wax paper and freeze. You can eat them frozen or let them thaw for a couple of minutes first.
These are husband and kid approved and 100% guilt free!
Nina Pears
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
So much of my day happens before I even start my day at work.
I am up early and take advantage of every second I have. I love lazy mornigns and having the freedom to go at my own pace.
Unfortunately, those mornings only come once in a blue moon. Having 3 kids, animals, a husband is gone at least 3 morning in a row every week, and a job where the kids come with me to work means we have an all out sprint marathon every morning. Yes a sprint marathon. No there is not such a thing but that is what our morning is. We go non stop like chickens with our heads chopped off from 5-8.
Every morning, I seem to learn something new or adjust our routine to try to make it more efficient than the day before.
Here are my tips to a stress free workout...
1. Set your alarm early enough so you have at least 5 minutes of quiet time to yourself- I make sure I can enjoy my first cup of coffee in peace in quiet
2. Try to get a workout in. You will start the day off on the right foot doing something for yourself and it will make the rest of the day so much better!
3. Set out clothes the night before for yourself and the kids
4. pack lunches the night before
5. Have kids help!
pack their own snack, make their own breakfast or help where they can, pack their own bag
6. Divide up morning responsibilities and chores amongst the kids. Everyone has a job in the morning.
7. No screen time.
8. Reading or homework time. It keeps them bust and engaged while you are scrambling to get everything ready.
9. Have the kids get in the car 5 minutes before you are leaving. Then they will be in there for a minute while you do a final sweep to make sure everything is done and nothing is forgotten. And by the time you get to the car, the kids will be in it and ready to go.
10. Have a checklist of essentials by the door- backpack, lunch, snack, homework. Double check one last time before departure.
And the next part of the day can begin...
I am up early and take advantage of every second I have. I love lazy mornigns and having the freedom to go at my own pace.
Unfortunately, those mornings only come once in a blue moon. Having 3 kids, animals, a husband is gone at least 3 morning in a row every week, and a job where the kids come with me to work means we have an all out sprint marathon every morning. Yes a sprint marathon. No there is not such a thing but that is what our morning is. We go non stop like chickens with our heads chopped off from 5-8.
Every morning, I seem to learn something new or adjust our routine to try to make it more efficient than the day before.
Here are my tips to a stress free workout...
1. Set your alarm early enough so you have at least 5 minutes of quiet time to yourself- I make sure I can enjoy my first cup of coffee in peace in quiet
2. Try to get a workout in. You will start the day off on the right foot doing something for yourself and it will make the rest of the day so much better!
3. Set out clothes the night before for yourself and the kids
4. pack lunches the night before
5. Have kids help!
pack their own snack, make their own breakfast or help where they can, pack their own bag
6. Divide up morning responsibilities and chores amongst the kids. Everyone has a job in the morning.
7. No screen time.
8. Reading or homework time. It keeps them bust and engaged while you are scrambling to get everything ready.
9. Have the kids get in the car 5 minutes before you are leaving. Then they will be in there for a minute while you do a final sweep to make sure everything is done and nothing is forgotten. And by the time you get to the car, the kids will be in it and ready to go.
10. Have a checklist of essentials by the door- backpack, lunch, snack, homework. Double check one last time before departure.
And the next part of the day can begin...
Nina Pears
Sunday, January 4, 2015
To be honest with you, the first week was hell. The whole program is based on pushing yourself as hard as you can. I felt if I was going to do it, I was going to go all out. Everyday was a mystery when it came to the workout. I didn't know what was coming next or how far I could go. There were times when I felt light headed and like I wanted to throw up because I was pushing myself to my max. That first week, the accountability group was key! I needed the support to keep me in it. When things are difficult for me, I have an easy time giving up.
After the first week, I started looking forward to this workout. I wanted to compete with my previous times and push myself even further. Everyday I did and I was able to see the gain in mental and physical strength. The moves that I thought were insane like diamond jump burpees or suicide burpees or scissor pushups were now doable and actually kind of fun because they were so out of the ordinary. I started counting how many I could do and making sure next time I pushed myself to do more. I also did whatever it took to beat my previous max out time. It was such a competition against myself like it should be. We really are our own and only competitors. There were some days that I had set backs and maxed out earlier than the previous week but that just pushed me even harder to beat it the next time.
After 1 month, I have gained so much strength. I measure it by my max out times. The cardio challenge acts as your fitness test each week. I increased my time by over minute during the first month. I also pushed myself harder each week to go faster or have better form. I saw the biggest increase in the Tabata workout. This workout is more strength based than cardio based and I increased my time by 15 minutes.
Physically, I can not believe the difference in definition. My muscles are so much more defined now all over my body. I notice it most in my abs and legs. Instead of just having thick legs, they look muscular and you can actually see the definition in my abs. I have lost 7 inches all over my body with the most significant loss in my thighs. I lost an inch and a half in each thigh. 7 inches in a month is pretty crazy!
But most significantly, I feel great! I love this workout and how it makes me feel. Everyday I am able to see progress and crave the next day's workout!
I have also learned that this work out can be done at any fitness level. There is a modifier that does similar moves but with less intensity. You can also stop and go at your own pace after you max out which can be at 1 minute. If you want results and a battle against yourself, this is the workout for you!
ninapears@hotmail.com
Nina Pears
Thursday, January 1, 2015
I love this concept and article. Let's trade in resolutions for #REAlsolutions. Let's be real for a minute, we all make resolutions and they are usually health related but we never really have a clear plan on how to achieve our resolutions and we usually don't even have the right tools.
Take me as an example. I can make a resolution for 2015 and say I want to get in the best shape of my life. But what does that look like? I am already in pretty good shape so it would be easy to not push myself and just maintain. How am I going to get there. It is too vague to every really know if I achieve it and the vagueness also allows me to lose focus and give up on it and then it is another year making a meaningless resolution that I never see through. So how much muscle do you want to gain? How much weight do you want to lose? What exactly do you want to accomplish? What is the plan to get there?
My #realsolution is to get to 125lbs by 1/30/15. I plan to accomplish this by completing Insanity Max 30.
My fitness plan for the rest of the year is to run a half marathon this spring in under 2 hrs. Run a full marathon in the fall in under 4:20. Complete Insanity Max 30 by the end of January then jump into 21 Day Fix Extreme for February and then do Body Beast to gain some muscle.
The other piece of the puzzle is accountability. We need to hold ourselves accountable by looking at our plan often. Having an accountability partner to do it with is great too. Or having a coach to support you through.
For the month of January, we have some pretty great sales on the tools that will kick start your fitness or take you to the next level. I would love to share these sales with you and help you make 2015 the healthiest and happiest year! The journey is the most rewarding process not the destination. Let's start this journey!
http://www.teambeachbody.com/teambeachbodyblog/beachbody-programs/dont-make-new-years-resolution-make-realsolution?ICID=CT_BLOG_REALSOLUTION
ninapears@hotmail.com
Take me as an example. I can make a resolution for 2015 and say I want to get in the best shape of my life. But what does that look like? I am already in pretty good shape so it would be easy to not push myself and just maintain. How am I going to get there. It is too vague to every really know if I achieve it and the vagueness also allows me to lose focus and give up on it and then it is another year making a meaningless resolution that I never see through. So how much muscle do you want to gain? How much weight do you want to lose? What exactly do you want to accomplish? What is the plan to get there?
My #realsolution is to get to 125lbs by 1/30/15. I plan to accomplish this by completing Insanity Max 30.
My fitness plan for the rest of the year is to run a half marathon this spring in under 2 hrs. Run a full marathon in the fall in under 4:20. Complete Insanity Max 30 by the end of January then jump into 21 Day Fix Extreme for February and then do Body Beast to gain some muscle.
The other piece of the puzzle is accountability. We need to hold ourselves accountable by looking at our plan often. Having an accountability partner to do it with is great too. Or having a coach to support you through.
For the month of January, we have some pretty great sales on the tools that will kick start your fitness or take you to the next level. I would love to share these sales with you and help you make 2015 the healthiest and happiest year! The journey is the most rewarding process not the destination. Let's start this journey!
http://www.teambeachbody.com/teambeachbodyblog/beachbody-programs/dont-make-new-years-resolution-make-realsolution?ICID=CT_BLOG_REALSOLUTION
ninapears@hotmail.com
Nina Pears
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