I chose to invest in my health and these are the tools I used to get there

Okay first thing first, there is no one size fits all. Some things that work for me might not work for you. Supplements do take time to work. Sometimes it takes a week and sometimes it takes longer. If you try a supplement and have a reaction to it that makes you feel sick, uncomfortable or unwell, stop taking it! I am not a doctor and I suggest that you consult your doctor prior to adding any vitamin, supplement or over the counter medication to your routine an in your body. Due to my hypothyroidism, it is extremely difficult for me to lose weight. It was so depressing to be working out, eating better and still not see the scale move or my measurements change. I tried a non-invasive laser procedure costing thousands of dollars that resulting in no results. Between my plexus supplements, vitamins, meal replacement shake and workout regimen I finally was seeing change in my body. I was finally feeling a change, having more energy during the day, sleeping better at night (when my kid allows of course), feeling overall healthier. Crazy to me, I lost ten pounds and overall 8" in 2015! This was huge for me as I hadn't seen a change in years. Granted it took a lot longer than it does for most but again I have hypothyroidism (among many other health issues) and every person is unique.  With that being said, here is my regimen, with some info about the products. (It may seem like a lot, but this is what my body needs to get healthy, stay healthy and to help me lose the weight I want to lose.)

Supplements:
1. Cap full of IntraMax first thing in the morning. Followed by a glass of water. This stuff is like gold to me, helps boost my immune system and is way better than any multivitamin as your body actually absorbs the nutrients. It is a little on the pricey side, 1 bottle is a month supply. I feel the pro's outweigh the con of price and honestly my health matters to me so it is worth it.

2. With my morning meds I take Vitamin D, as many people (especially in Michigan) are lacking in this department. Just ask your doctor to check your Vitamin D levels with a simple blood test. It's amazing how this can help your total body health.

3. I take Block, a supplement made my Plexus, before my biggest meal (usually dinner) and usually before lunch as well. It blocks up to 48% of the absorption of starches and sugars. In todays world where we tend to reach for more bread, pasta etc this helps out.

4. Before my biggest meal, (again usually dinner) I drink the "pink drink" aka Plexus Slim. It is not a meal replacement drink and it tastes great, which is a big plus for me. It naturally helps you lose weight. In addition to that, it helps keep blood sugar, cholesterol and lipids at healthy levels. Diabetic friendly too!

5. I take the Plexus brand Probiotic at night with my nighttime medication. I can not stress enough how important a healthy gut is to your overall health. What we put in our bodies does matter. I used to get sick all of the time. Especially after my son was born, as he was always getting sick. If he got sick I was soon to follow. This last time he had the flu and I actually didn't get it. I didn't get a flu shot this year, (I'm not promoting to not get a flu shot,) I'm only saying with my history of a poor immune system and my son in my personal space the entire span of him being sick, I wasn't as concerned about it knowing I had this in my corner. This is the time where I also take MagMind, a magnesium supplement. It helps with muscle soreness and memory, these two things alone are worth taking it, for me. It also helps with quality of sleep.

Other:
1. In the morning I drink my meal replacement shake. I prefer shakeology as it is jam packed with nutrients. vitamins, proteins and minerals. It's hard to get all of those fruits and vegetables in everyday. Life is busy and chaotic and this way I know I got a good dose of them each day. More importantly I feel so much better since I started and it comes with a recipe for 30 days for each flavor you try. So far I love the chocolate and the vanilla. I like to do the chocolate with a little peanut butter, banana and ice. I also love the vanilla with chai tea and ice, it's like a frozen chai latte!

2. I do my workout routine after that, which is currently whatever disc is up on my Piyo Program. I love that its low impact so I can actually do it. Ever since my car accident my knees do not appreciate heavy impact workouts. I've truly come to appreciate the Beachbody programs over the years. When I'm not doing a program, I still love to warm up on my elliptical for ten minutes and then punch my punching bag for 10-20 minutes. Followed by a triple set of plank/push-up/squats. After either I drink the results and recovery post workout drink, I actually love this and wish I could drink it all day! It taste so good and it really does help with not being as sore. In the warmer or (as we say in michigan) the non-winter months I tend to go on a fast paced walk for 45minutes to an hour (about 3 miles) 2-3 times a week.

3. Water, water, water. I'll be straight honest I am not a fan but it is so very important so I still do it!

4. I have my main meals but I watch my portions and how much starch and carbs I have on my plate. I try to keep healthy snacks on tap and prepped for the in-between. It is true what they say that 5 small meals is better than 3 large ones. Also try to make sure whenever it is you eat dinner, you wait three hours before going to bed to give yourself more time to digest. Another tip, if you're going to have something that is harder to digest such as pasta or breads, have that for lunch so you can use the energy you get from it and have more time to digest it. Currently I am eating more leafy greens as it goes with my "clean eating diet" plan that goes along with my Piyo program. You can workout everyday tirelessly but if you aren't eating right you will not see the results you are looking for.

5. I don't agree with cheat days. You will just gorge yourself and then those cravings you finally got rid of will be back in full swing. I don't believe in depriving yourself either, instead I allow three cheats a week. Between you and me, that's usually chocolate or wine. Moderation is key.

6. I have mostly, eliminated fast food from my diet. I'm not saying I never eat fast food but it's more rare these days. I also quit drinking pop, which was very difficult as I do love ice cold coca cola. Most people eliminating these two things alone notice a huge change in how they feel and tend to drop a little weight.



I know it can be overwhelming and I don't suggest doing all of these things let alone starting them all at once! Once you make the choice to feel healthier, be healthier; do one step at a time to find what works best for you to get you to your goals. If you need help figuring out how to obtain these goals please contact me, I would be happy to help you get there. Remember there was a time where I reached out to my coaches, I am just like you.

Lastly, I hold a free 7 day health and fitness challenge at the beginning of each month, if you would like to check it out contact me for more details!
Those interested in starting a beachbody program can join my 3 week health and fitness challenge held monthly! Contact me so I can help you pick the right program for you!





Live. Love. Read. Repeat.

End of the year update

It's the end of the year of 2015 and as such its time to let go of the things we cannot change or did not go our way. I don't think we have to stick with new year's resolutions as the only time to start new but it is an opportunity to do just that. January 4th I will be holding a free (private) challenge group, a 7 day full body workout challenge to give you, and myself a kickstart for the new year. If you are interested, message me on my page, https://www.facebook.com/coachdreadigiglio/

My next 3 week challenge begins January 11th and you have plenty of time to contact me! I will help you pick out the best program for your wants, needs and goals. Plenty of time for you to receive your program before the start date. And don't think you are alone, I am doing the work right along with you. I am currently two weeks into the Beachbody PiYo program. It is kicking my butt, but the low impact of the workout is exactly what I needed.

In the next blog post I will go over what I have personally been doing to get my health and fitness on track. From the supplements I take, the workouts I do and basic daily routines. I don't believe in recommending something without first trying it myself. At the very least doing the research on the product before hand.

So Happy holidays and I hope you all have a happy new year!!!

Today is the day to work towards the new you, the you that you want to be. Why not start today?