If y'all didn't already know, I'm getting married on July 21st in Kauai! I couldn't be more excited and the pending beach vacation has given me the motivation I needed to kick my butt into high gear! In about August of last year I decided to go back to purely aesthetic workouts as opposed to performance focused. I just had a heart to heart with myself and looking good in my wedding dress was more important to me than increasing my back squat. So with the support of my Personal Trainer, we switched me over to bodybuilding style workouts. It took a lot for me to admit I wanted to steer away from performance driven workouts. Focusing purely on looks had been a slippery slope for me in the past. I feel like I've grown a lot the last couple years and now understand that happiness does not come from a certain weight or look. I'm not trying to achieve happiness through my body so I gave myself permission to focus once again on my aesthetic and I have been loving it! Bodybuilding style workouts are how I started my fitness journey and it's been so fun to revisit this style of training. Within 6 weeks I noticed a difference in the mirror. I had been struggling to lose weight and all of a sudden it was falling off! You can never be 100% sure as to why but my gut says that it's for a couple of reasons.

Before: October 2016-132 Pounds

First off, sometimes switching your routine is all you need to do! If you do the same style of workout over and over and over without any changes you can hit a plateau. This may have been the case with me. More likely it's due to the fact that I was working out too hard. As amazing as high intensity workouts are sometimes it can create a state of stress in your body. When cortisol levels rise that will cause you to hold onto weight. Slowing down and not doing as much could help you shed the pounds. I believe this was the case for me. I started working out less and seeing better results! I went from doing heart pounding AMRAPS to moderate paced lifting with free weights and my body has thanked me. Olympic lifting also tends to make me look square and blocky(just my body type) so moving away from the barbell and picking up dumbbells has helped me whittle my waist.

Now(April 2017): 124 Pounds

With only 3 months to go until my Big Day(YAY!) I've been focusing on sticking to my meal plan. Up until recently I've been a little more lax, enjoying brunch with friends and a glass or two of champagne on the weekend. This is the first time I've even been able to eat and drink in moderation and still lose fat! What an amazing feeling it was to live a balanced lifestyle and still see results. The last couple of weeks I decided to buckle down and hit my macros and results are happening even faster! Below is my meal plan but PLEASE know this is just what works for me-this may not be the right macros/calorie intake for everyone. If you need assistance calculating your Macros, please let me know. I offer custom meal planning assistance and it's my favorite thing to do!
Macros: 
Calories: 1250-1350
Carbs:15% (46G)
Protein:40% (146G)
Fat:45% (57G)

It takes time...but it's worth it!

As I countdown to my Wedding I will be sure to share all my other tips and tricks to get lean and sexy!  I've been compiling all the workouts I did to get lean and am going to be releasing them soon in an E-Book called Bride Tribe Bootcamp! This online program just for Brides is launching SOON so stay tuned!

XO,
Kristin

Photo By Andrea Rowe

Beliefs are what we tell ourselves about a given topic--rules or associations we have decided are true with absolute certainty. Beliefs are influenced by many factors including your parents, society and all other outside influences that you adopt.

Beliefs are the key to success and failure.  This is true for all areas of your life but I want to discuss how your beliefs, the things you have told yourself are true, effect your fitness journey.

Do these sound familiar?
I just have bad genes, it's impossible to lose weight. 
My body just hangs onto fat, it always has. 
I'm not athletic, I could never do that race. 
I'm not very good at working out, so I could never look like that. 
I just don't have any will power, so I could never eat healthy enough to lose weight. 
I'm not a morning person, I could never workout before work. 

These are all beliefs--things you have TOLD yourself are true-imaginary rules you have formed in your mind.  Truth is you have the ability to change those "rules" right now! Why have you put yourself in a box and limited your capabilities and potential?

When I worked a desk job I was having trouble fitting in a solid workout during my lunch hour. After work the gym was super crowded and I could never get on the equipment I wanted, so I decided that before work was the best option. This meant I had to get up at 4:15AM. At first I was like "Wow, that is SUPER early and kind of ridiculous!"--my BELIEF.  Then I decided to change my belief about what 4:30 AM meant--Is it early or is that just what I'm telling myself? Early compared to what? People get up at all different hours of the day and night to go to work. The bus driver that's going to give me a ride to the gym has to get up early too--I'm not the ONLY person in the world getting up at that time! It's only crazy and ridiculous if I tell myself it is! There are other people around the world trying to get in shape that have to fit in a workout before work too and they are getting up, so why can't I?

This shift in mindset-my belief-made a world of difference. I started to just accept it as a part of my routine-something that was necessary to reach my goals.  It wasn't a big deal or something impossible because I was no longer telling myself those things.  If it ever came up in conversation about how I got up early and rode the bus 30 minutes to get to the gym most people would say, "Wow, I could never do that!"--their BELIEF. But in truth, they could do they if they changed their belief about it! Because they had programmed themselves to think "I'm not a morning person", they never will be unless they decide not to believe that anymore.  Simple as that--we are what we believe.

So what if you told yourself.....
I AM capable of anything!
I CAN complete that marathon!
I AM a morning person and 4:30 AM is just when I wake up!
I CAN lose this weight and become healthy again !
I CAN be happy all the time!


My favorite quote is--The body achieves what the mind believes.  Believe in yourself and the power you have to make anything possible.

Love, Light & Health,
Kristin

1. Make it a positive statement, not about what you don’t want. For example-I am eating healthy everyday. NOT I’m not eating unhealthy food anymore.
2. Affirmations should be in present tense not future. I AM Healthy and happy, NOT I am going to be happy and healthy.
3. It should be short and to the point, something you can eventually memorize.
4. Write it down somewhere you'll see it all the time. The more you see it, the better.

Photo By Andrea Rowe

Love and Light,
Kristin

You looking for support to get back on track? Don't know where to start? Are you tired of feeling tired and gross? Well I'm here to help! 

The seasons are starting to change and I know it has me thinking about changes I want to make and new routines I want to implement. That includes getting my nutrition back on point! Summer had me eating BBQ and Ice cream but it's time to get back to work! Want to join me?? 

It's time for a Free 5 Day Clean Eating Challenge Group!

I have transformed myself through clean eating and working out and I want to help you find your inner rhythm and what works for your body so that you can experience a lifestyle change as well--this is NOT another crash diet.  

I remember when I first started eating clean, it was hard! I had to give up my pasta and candy habit and it took time but little by little I started feeling better! I realized that eating clean was fueling my body and my mind--I felt amazing.  Yes, it did take time for me to fully understand what eating clean was but I was determined to make a change and so can you! 

I'm excited to share with you all the things I've learned along the way.I will help you every step of the way with daily accountability, motivation and support! 

Here's what you can expect if you join-
1. Learn what it really means to Eat Clean-I break it all down!
2.  A free 5 day meal plan
3.  Grocery list
4. A private online group to check in daily, ask questions, get support and motivation.
5.  Daily tips that have worked for me
6. Support from others doing the challenge with you! 

3 Easy Ways to sign up-
1.Just get in touch with me via email-deviousfitgirl@gmail.com
2. Add me Facebook and send me a message
3.Just Comment "In" below! 

Invite friends to join!  
Why not bring a few friends along for the ride! There is nothing better than having an accountability partner. You are more likely to stick with it if you have someone by your side.

My hands are scabbed, I'm dripping sweat and dropping to my knees as my arms give way under me. Yep-I'm back at CrossFit and I couldn't be happier!

What a busy couple of weeks! I've barely had time to write about all of it and I'm afraid things are not going to slow down anytime soon.  Don't you wish we could just pause time or have an extra day to get it all done? When you dream big like I do it seems like every second is taken up by either doing things to reach my goals or thinking about things I need to do. It's exhausting but SOOO rewarding, I wouldn't want it any other way! Honestly, every comment I receive about my blog or "like" on Instagram keeps me motivated to keep pushing forward.  There is nothing more gratifying to me than inspiring others, I've never experienced something more humbling.  With that said, here's your motivation...SUMMER IS COMING! Wether you want to admit it or not we are going to be in bathing suits in T-3 months(+/-).  If that doesn't make you break into a cold sweat then you're either feeling good about where you're at(yay) or you're in denial. The good news is 12 weeks is plenty of time to kick it into gear and be feeling Deviously fIT poolside!

How to Get Moving!

Find What Makes you Tick-
Why do you want to get fit? Is it because there's a cute new guy at work? Do you want to get back to your pre-baby weight? Are you just hoping to be healthier in 2014?  Whatever the reason is embrace that and create a mantra.  Use that mantra when you start talking yourself out of working out.  We all have that annoying internal dialogue, "I should go...but my bed feels so good! No really, I should just get up".  That is honestly me every morning! But you have to snap out of it and GET UP! Last year when I started working out about this time it was to get in shape for Vegas.  I would hear my alarm go off and groan a bit then I would flash to the image of me sitting by the pool in Sin City....VEGAS! It got me out of bed every time.

That wonderful Vegas trip! I wish I was there right now-

Create a Schedule-
If you plan when you are going to workout you can hold yourself accountable and avoid excuses. Sounds simple but creating a routine works! Make sure your plan is realistic, prep your stuff accordingly and make it a priority. Believe me, I know there are plenty of other things you'd rather do than go workout but you will be happy you skipped Suzy's going away mixer when you look smoking hot in 3 months.  I know it feels like you're missing out but it's a blip on the radar in the scheme of things.

Create a Support Network-
When I'm feeling a lack of gusto I log on to Twitter and I'm instantly inspired.  It's the "if they can do it, I can do it" syndrome.  It's odd to be motivated by complete strangers but whatever works! It just reminds me that there are people everywhere overcoming obstacles and making time to train.  Other great sources of support are Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and blogs.  The old fashioned flesh and blood support buddies are great too! I personally prefer to workout alone(except at CrossFit) but if having a cheerleader at the gym makes you go then call em' up! Follow me on Twitter and Instagram if you want! Links above-

Take Pics-
The 'selfie' is a necessary evil that I have come to love.  Taking pictures of your physique each week is the best way to see results.  Personally, I can't be objective when looking in the mirror-I rarely see progress.  It's only when I swipe back thru my pics the next day that I can see the difference(hopefully it's better not worse!).  The results are what keep me going back for more, it's absolutely addicting!

Pre-Vegas selfie last year

Treat Yourself-
Buying a new set of kicks or a cool new gym bag is oddly motivating! If you are feeling good and excited to try out your new purchase it gives you one more reason to workout.  Another way I look at it is "earning" my new gym clothes. I can far more easily justify spending money on a new workout shirt if I'm going to the gym 5 days a week.  It becomes a need not a want(or that's what I tell myself).

My newest "need"!

Yes, there will be sacrifices and yes, you will have moments of doubt but push through! If you miss a workout or binge on some fast food just start fresh and move on.  Don't beat yourself up about it because that will make things worse. I often hear Dori from Finding Nemo saying, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming".  It makes me smile every time.  I hope this helps you kick start your booty into gear! The Mai Tai's and suntan lotion are calling our name~

That’s it!? It’s all over?  Within a matter of hours there are no more presents under the tree, the stockings are empty and the Christmas music has come to a screeching halt.  The stress of finding that perfect gift has passed and now we are left with lots of crumpled wrapping paper.  The New Year will be here in just a few short days and I’m just not ready! To be honest, I’m actually quite bummed that the holidays have come and gone but as they say onward and upward! To help beat my post holiday blues I decided to give myself something to look forward to…what better thing than running a race!

Go Niners!

I’m not sure if any of you are feeling the same way but I hope I’ve inspired you to use fitness to brighten your spirits! Find a race near you and give yourself a new experience to look forward to. If a race isn’t something you are ready for yet, pick a weekend to run a new trail.  There is no better time than the present to make a change and challenge yourself!

I started my fitness journey almost a year ago with no goal other than to get in shape.  Part of this "Operation: Get HOT" was running my first half marathon. As some of you may know I ran my race with Team Challenge. This group raises money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation which is near and dear to my heart(Read more about my story here).  I was so motivated each Saturday to meet with the team to training and share this awesome experience together.  I left each team practice feeling fulfilled, energized and rejuvenated.  Finishing the race was bittersweet...although I achieved my goal I was losing those warm and fuzzy Saturday mornings(they were actually cold and foggy but you know what I mean).

A foggy team training morning at the Conservatory of Flowers I've been digging deep lately trying to find that same drive and passion I had during this time.  I kept reading things that said, think about why you started.  I kept coming back to my half marathon and what a huge motivator that was for me.  I was training for the race but it was to raise money for a wonderful cause and it felt so good!  So it got me thinking, how can I replicate that feeling and tie together my passion for fitness with giving back to others?  That's when I stumbled upon this amazing app Charity Miles.  It's an app that donates to the charity of your choice(about 20 to choose from) every time you bike, run or walk! All you have to do is download the app, sign up with your name and email(that's it, promise) then start raising money for your favorite organization! I couldn't believe that it was so easy to give back for something I was already going to be doing.  They donate .25/mile when you run or .10/mile when you bike.  I still can't get over the fact that I am donating every time I go out to run or bike, something I would be doing anyway! To top if off, one of the charities that they support is CCFA(Crohn's and Colitis Foundation)!

So beautiful!

Working out to be healthy should be motivation enough but let's be honest-most of us need more that that! Knowing what motivates you is essential in your fitness journey.  These motivators and goals may change and evolve as time goes on and that's great.  If you need some direction just take a step back and make sure you haven't lost sight of what keeps you happy, grounded and lacing those shoes up each day. Hopefully Charity Miles will give you the same sense of satisfaction and motivation that it does for me!

Participating charities include:

• Achilles International
• ASPCA
• Autism Speaks
• DoSomething.org
• Every Mother Counts
• Feeding America
• Girl Up
• Habitat for Humanity
• Ironman Foundation
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• Nothing But Nets
• Partnership For a Healthier America
• Pencils of Promise
• She's the First 
• Shot@Life
• Stand Up to Cancer
• The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
• The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
• The Nature Conservancy
• VisionSpring
• The World Food Programme
• Wounded Warrior Project

Read more about the app here-
http://www.charitymiles.org

The alarm clock went off for the fifth time this week. Time to get up and head to the gym to get in one last workout before the weekend. I STRONGLY considered staying in bed, especially after my horrible nights sleep! But I thought about how disappointed I would be in myself if I didn't go. And of course I ended up having a killer work out and will feel 100%less guilty when I indulge this weekend on some vino!