HOLY.....BATMAN!

Today's blog will just be some tips that I've learned in the last 4 weeks and a few other things we need to re-learn and train ourselves on to survive in a healthy manor.

Society has engraved in our brains that less is more. This is NOT always the case. When you are counting calories and/or changing your eating habits to lose weight and get healthy you MUST be sure you are eating enough food. 

Us women especially like to think that if we eat less we'll lose more weight. That is so wrong! If you've been following my journey you know that I've had trouble kicking a cold the past couple of weeks. When you are sick like that the last thing you want to do is eat a lot of vegetables and protein. I was eating what I thought I should eat but was only getting to 800 calories a day. Because I didn't want to be short on calories I would eat 2 TBSP of natural peanut butter to get closer to the 1300 mark. Umm.....I know its fat and protein which is NOT good before bed. I reached out to Lacey and she gave me a great tip...of course. When its later in the day and you are hungry eat something hot or spicy. This will fool your body into thinking its full a lot faster than if you were to eat something crappy. 

I heated up some chicken broth and added vegetables. Since I needed to go shopping I added what I had left in the fridge...green beans and tomatoes. I know probably sounds gross but I added a few (no salt) spices and black pepper and it was really good actually. 

You MUST eat enough calories or your body will store fat and you will NOT lose weight. Your body will also store fat if it doesn't know the next time you are going to feed it. Creepy sounding right - like its from Little Shop of Horrors or some shit, but its true. When you eat on a schedule its so much better for your body and your weight loss. 

On the flip side...HOLY PORTION SIZES BATMAN!!! We have the biggest portion sizes in the country here in the Midwest (in my opinion). Like we are frickin squirrels needing to plump up for the winter or something! PUT THE FORK DOWN FATTY! Seriously, we should eat 1/2 of what we are normally served. 

Don't be afraid to order when eating out like you're Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally. Get your food cooked with olive oil instead of butter. Ask for no bun, ask for no seasoning or no marinade or no sauce on your chicken. Minus the big "o" of course...unless you are feelin' it.

And for HEAVEN'S SAKE...don't let the waitress talk you into the carbs...seriously tell the bitch no 8 times if you must. We went out for breakfast as a team and the waitress was almost insulted we didn't want the hashbrowns. She came back like 3 times asking if we wanted toast or a muffin. Like carbs is a right of passage. They are like crack cocaine...SAY NO TO DRUGS!

Don't eat bok choy...its not good!

And because I have to leave you with a funny story...

You all know Lacey came in for a day to train us. Well after about 2.5 hours at the gym we all went to grab breakfast before the afternoon +Flywheel Sports  workout...smelling a little ripe. I was smelling very ripe. I always carry the baby wipes and some bath and body spray. Yeah sometimes it just smells like fruity vajajay but hey at least I'm trying. So anyways, we are sitting at the breakfast table and I sprayed a couple of squirts on my sweatshirt and then oh so slyly (so I thought) put the bottle under the table to spray the nether region. And whatya know...one of the waitresses saw me. She not only started laughing but ran across the f*cking restaurant towards me, high fived me and said "that was awesome, love it". Then proceeded to tell all the other waitresses how great I was by spraying my crotch. They all started laughing. You may be thinking "Oh my gosh I would have died and ran out". But let me tell you when you walk around stinking from sweat that you EARNED you care much less about what people think and take it like a champ. I laughed right along with them, shrugged my shoulders then ate my breakfast..WITHOUT THE HASHBROWNS!  

Oh I'm not done yet...there are a lot more silly stories like this coming up in my next few blogs (not just my dumb antics either) so be sure to come on back if for nothing else...a good laugh!

Til then xoxo

#Fluffy2Fit

Stop Procrastinating and Get Your Groove Back like Stella!

WEEK 3 OF #FLUFFY2FIT

Queen of Procrastination...right here...that WAS me. In just 3 short weeks I've learned to get up and get moving. Get off my lazy ass and get to the gym or get to +Flywheel Sports  and get it done. Once you get up, get out of the house and get your workout done you feel so much better and still have the entire day ahead of you. I will say that even after this 8 weeks is over I"ll still get up early and get my workout in so I make sure I get it in and still have the rest of my days. Maybe not a 5:30am class but yes early.

It did take me until this week to not feel completely exhausted afterwards. Like drooling on myself ready to fall out tired. But hey, I'm here and I'm doing it. Jerry rolled over last night and told me he was proud of me for getting up and working out daily and that I'm looking good already. What a great compliment from a man of...well many words actually. Love you honey. But ladies in all seriousness, he's all over me. This is awesome! Lose weight or even give a really good effort and you'll get a little extra lovin!

OH MY GOSH that reminds me!!! There are a few things I must share. With everything smelling HORRIBLE when you sweat as much as I am these past few weeks...invest in some baby wipes. Keep them in your purse, bag, bathrooms at home, everywhere. Maybe a little feminine powder or baby powder ya know the travel size. Ugh gross I'm tellin ya! I was going pee and Jerry came to talk to me and had to walk away. YES...that frickin stinky. My pee, me, yuuuuck!

BUT again, completely worth it in the end. If he's all over me now and I smell I can't wait until this is all over and I smell pretty!

TMI...nah...I just tell you the truth that other people won't talk about. 

I also don't brush my teeth before my early Flywheel classes...can't wake up the kids. Its pretty gross though so I think I'll start keeping an extra toothbrush downstairs. 

Rain, snow, sleet, tornado GET UP AND GET MOVING! Here's this weeks' video: https://youtu.be/Rqk0JDLpFmQ

xoxo #Fluffy2Fit

Do NOT let anything stop you!

I've been so sick! However, that has not stopped me from getting to +Flywheel Sports  and it hasn't stopped me from eating healthy. Even though I haven't been on the actual meal plan I've been eating soup for lunch and dinner. Soup with NO CARBS other than the vegetables. So I made homemade chicken soup with lots of veggies in it. I added extra black pepper to give it a little kick, you could try cayenne too if you like that better. But this isn't a bad substitute its healthy. So even sick you can continue on your journey. I've also added a little OJ in my water, taken Vit C chewables, Zicam and DayQuil to kick this thing. No time to rest! Speaking of rest - 7-8 hours of sleep a night is a MUST!

Take a few minutes to watch my video about Week 2. I talk about my support system and I cannot stress again how important it truly is to have everyone around you on board to a healthier family.
https://youtu.be/2U9hbDyD0_k

Jerry (my hubby) agreed to try +Flywheel Sports  with me but when I tried telling him he was going with me to the next 5:30am class...I heard crickets! LOL I'll get his butt there one of these days. I have my kids involved with the workouts and they are having so much fun with it!

In addition to Flywheel our Team has started to do HIIT workouts at +Blockhead Fitness  with Candy Morales. Some of you have said how +Lacey Stone looks like she can kick some a$$. Aren't those arms just ridiculous? I mean really! Well I can say that working out with Candy has been no walk in the park either. When she yells you just do! Some of us have cried from the soreness and thats ok because in the end we are going to destroy Team Jorge!

I'm also excited that my back is strong and not deterring me from my fitness goals. All those doctors and physical therapists that told me I couldn't do anything other than walk for 10 minutes at a time and just stretch...beat it! #NOEXCUSES

I will say that it takes practice but if you are cleared to workout and have any issues with your lower back or discs - you have to keep your core engaged ALWAYS! Every single time you lift a weight, do a push up, a jumping jack, you have to be sure you engage your core and protect your back. In the end you will be stronger than ever!

Speaking of jumping jacks...if you are a woman over 35 or have had children do yourself a favor...if you aren't sure if its sweat or a tinkle don't take any chances and go to the bathroom. Jumping jacks will get ya every time so be sure to tinkle before you really tinkle!!!

I HEART YOU ALL!   #Fluffy2Fit
                                 

8 WEEKS TO CHANGE BY LACEY STONE FITNESS

As promised here's the plan. Nothing outrageous, just STICK TO IT!

8 WEEKS TO CHANGE BY LACEY STONE FITNESS

1. FLYWHEEL & HIIT WORKOUT 

2. FOOD

3. GOALS + COMMITMENT + TEAM WORK = SUCCESS 

COMMIT TO THIS CAMP and it’s 11 RULES

All you have to do is follow these rules for the next 2 months. I know it seems like a long time but these next 8 weeks could set the standard for the rest of your life. This isn’t forever, it’s 8 weeks of eating right, no drinking, working out HARD, and being awesome. Follow my lead and lets get that body you’ve always wanted but didn’t believe you could have. One glass of wine during experience is not happening… Discipline yourself to commit to you.

This camp is about people who believe in committing and sticking to goals, real goals. We’re not talking about fad diets, we’re talking about hard work and being leaders of positivity in everything we do through being our own awesome selves consistently.

RULE 1: BOOTCAMP 

I need you to do 2 HIIT (High Intensity Interval) Workouts per week. 

My APP 15min Workouts 

I recommend you do one of the cardio move workouts paired with an AB workout for best results. 

Be Fit Workouts: Search Lacey Stone Fitness & Workout Name on YOUTUBE

1. 25mins MAX Cardio Challenge Workout: 

2. 25mins SHRED WORKOUT

3. 25mins Ultimate Cardio Burn Workout

FitBit:

4 Newbie Workouts: https://blog.fitbit.com/lacey-stones-exclusive-fitbit-flex-workout-1/

4 Experienced Workouts: https://blog.fitbit.com/lacey-stones-exclusive-fitbit-charge-hr-workout-1/

RULE 2: FLYWHEEL

I need you to go online at 5 pm every Sunday and sign up for your 3-4 Fly Classes for the week. 

FACT: The more involved you get with social media and the teachers at Flywheel the more successful you will be. 

SCHEDULE & RESERVATIONS POPULAR TEACHERS SELL-OUT FAST:

Old Town: http://www.flywheelsports.com/reserve/old-town

Gold Coast: http://www.flywheelsports.com/reserve/gold-coast

NO EXCUSES

THERE ARE CLASSES AT: 6am, 7.00am, 8am, 12pm, 530pm, 630pm, 730pm

SOME OF MY FAVORITE FLY INSTRUCTORS

MY CO-CAPTAIN COACH: Candy Morales, Candy is an amazing human being. I encourage you all to take her class as much as possible. If you can not take Candy’s class I’ve also highlighted my other favorite Flywheel Instructors. 

Fly Super Stars, Instructors are like dating… If it doesn’t work try another one. These are some of the best, but you may like some teachers that I have not listed. 

Tracy Chudnow

Lindsey Mcmeen

Alicia Miller 

Michael Wollpert

Will Hayley

Donna Cennamano (master instructor/creative lead)

RULE 3: NO ALCOHOL

Alcohol, don’t do it this camp. Feel the difference when you wake up in the morning. If you drink a lot the first week might be tough. But in week three to four you will be walking on sunshine.

If your friends peer pressure you, ask yourself are your friends opinions more important than changing your life? Why aren't they supporting your success?

If you don’t think you can, why is that? Do you need it…if the answer is yes, that’s something to explore. 

Worst Case Scenario: Blame your crazy coach. They will either back off or they are not your friends. The End. 

RULE 4: REST DAYS

We are going to be BUST A**** . I need you commit that you are taking at least 1 - 2 rest days per week. No EXERCISE and if your body is achy you need to get a massage. If you want to save money that is what why your Husband, Wife, and/or girlfriend are there for you.

RULE 5: SLEEP

GET 7-8hours/night… Less Coffee more sleep. Get plenty of sleep, the better rested you are the better you will perform in all areas of your life.

RULE 6: NO SODA

Just don't do it.

RULE 7: CAFFEINE

I want you to drink coffee, I believe caffeine is good if used properly. It raises your basil metabolic rate, the rate at which you digest food. Increases alertness and performance. Do not abuse this, and don't have caffeine on an empty stomach. (I'm using Silk Almond Milk Coffee Creamer - 1 TBS plus 1 packet of Tevia)

RULE 8: THE SCALE

How much do you weigh? I promise I won’t share this with anyone. It’s to hold you accountable and get you working starting now.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT weigh yourself again until the first day of Week 3. Lets see what we can do.  Realistically, in 28 days on my program/camp in a healthy way you could drop 8 low end -15lbs on the high end and maybe more.  If you maintain what we’ve done post camp for a week it’s guaranteed that you will lose at least 20lbs. 

(Please know that because my team only has 8 weeks and is part of a challenge we will be getting a little stricter with our diet and putting more workout time in the last 3-4 weeks of the challenge)

RULE 9: THE FOOD 

LA PLAN

www.kleanla.com - This is how I will want my team to eat. Gluten, soy, and preservative free, low carb, and organic ingredients. The reason I like delivery service is because it takes away the guess work. Perfect Portion Size + Healthy Good Tasting Food = Guaranteed Success. 

MY BREAK DOWN ON STEVE HARVEY 

CALORIE COUNTS & EASY BREAK DOWNS

I would suggest 1500 calories for women and 2000 for men to keep it simple. Have them eye ball the protein by using the Palm of their hand or if they want to measure, 3 oz for women and 5 oz for men (3xs a day). Then 1/2 cup carbs and full cup of veggies. Snack can be the small fruit with some healthy fat.

EXTRAS & KEY IMPORTANT: Coffee in the morning is AWESOME (You can add some almond milk and a little half and half and 2 brown sugar packets or stevia) I will allow two coffees per day. If you need more food, add Warm Soup broth or tomato based NO CREAM - I like spicy to add of feeling of fullness, NO ALCOHOL, NO SUGAR SODAS. 

BONUS SUNDAYS AFTER THE FIRST 3 WEEKS: Every Sunday- I’d like my team to continue eating healthy but I want them to explore food for themselves. Don't follow my plan to the T. If you want a pasta night fine, if you want a hamburger fine. 

BASIC BREAKDOWN

-BREAKFAST

2 EGGS WITH 1/4 CUP OF BEANS AND 1 CUP OF SPINACH WITH SALSA

-LUNCH

LARGE SALAD WITH GRILLED CHICKEN, STEAK, FISH AND AN OLIVE OIL BASED DRESSING

-SNACK

1 APPLE W/ TSP PEANUT BUTTER

-DINNER

SALMON WITH BROWN RICE AND BROCCOLI

TEAM LACEY PLAN

WEEK 1

Breakfast

3 Eggs, 1 piece of toast, olive Oil (WITH ONE CUP OF SPINACH)- MAY ADD SOME SALSA OR KETCHUP

Snack

Bag of Nuts (I WOULD LIMIT TO 8 NUTS- A BAG OF NUTS CAN BE UP TO 1000 CALORIES!)

Lunch

Salad with protein - chicken, salmon, or steak (UNLIMITED VEGGIES AND PROTEIN SHOULD BE THE SIZE OF YOUR PALM- MAY ADD 2 TSP OF OLIVE OIL BASED DRESSING)

SNACK: 1 FRUIT WITH 1 TSP OF ALMOND OR PEANUT BUTTER

Dinner

Fish & Vegetables 

WOMEN SHOULD STICK TO 1300-1500 CALORIES/ MEN SHOULD BE 1900-2100 CALORIES

WEEK 2

Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries 

Snack: Apple and 1 table spoon of PB - What’s the name of that brand you use? (A BETTER OPTION THANK PEANUT BUTTER IS ALMOND BUTTER)

Lunch & Dinner Same as Week 1

WEEK 3

Breakfast: Yogurt (greek yogurt or something low in sugar) with two table spoons of granola - make sure its organic.

Snack: Banana

Lunch: Large bowl of soup with vegetables and Protein source fish or chicken

Dinner: Alternate between Steak & Fish with vegetables

* Tip: If you are full great but be sure you are still within your calorie range. If not add a salad with protein to your day.

WEEK 4

Your Favorites from week 1 - week 3

WEEK 5 - 8 WEEK = REPEAT WEEK 1- WEEK 4

RULE 10: MENTAL

MENTAL

I strongly believe that there are 3 Pillars that get in the way of people’s fitness success:

1. Personal: Girlfriend, Boyfriend, Husband, Wife, Friends, Family. Does it get in the way of working out? Will they support you for the next 8 weeks?
2. Professional: Do you like it, do you not? Does it get in the way of your working out? Do you use it as an excuse to avoid making a commitment? 
3. Physical: What is your fitness routine? Do you workout and eat right consistently? Do you like your workouts? I GOT YOU HERE!!!! 

No “I Can'ts” I need you all to have an “I CAN” Attitudes! When You are consistent and committed to my program you will forever break your bad fitness habits. By the end of these 8 weeks everyone will feel like they’ve turned from an ordinary civilian to a real - deal athlete that can handle anything life throws at you, both inside and outside the gym.

1. PERSONAL: Family/Friends – Be good to them this week. Share some love. If you don’t like your family or friends… Well maybe we need to talk about that because that unhappiness is getting in the way of your fitness success. Friends – Do you have friends you love and can trust? Great. If you don’t I think you see the pattern. Who you choose to surround yourself with has a direct affect on your happiness and your success. To be success is about waking up in the morning wanting to take on the day with a smile on your heart.

2. PROFESSIONAL: Job – Give your best. Learn who you can trust and who you can’t trust. If you can’t trust anyone at your job that must stress you out. This is something we need to work on for your fitness routine. Stress = Cortisol = Fat = a road block to consistency.

3. YOU: Physical – Are you working out consistently are you eating right? I’m taking care of this piece of the puzzle for you this camp. HOWEVER, 1 & 2 need to feel good in order for 3 to be lasting.

MENTAL MOTIVATION 

If your 1 & 2 are good… Than all you have to do is show up and workout.

I’ve found through working with A LOT of people, results without a happy 1 & 2 are not worth it as having a good body is superficial… It’s like thinking that having a fancy car or a pretty wife/husband is going to fill that void inside your heart. Nothing can fill that void except you. We all have it… It’s those people that recognize it and work on filling it with love every day, those are the people we all respect. Those are the people that are truly fit from the inside out. Lets work on being that kinda fitness for the next two weeks. When you can trust yourself to stay committed to your goals and your happiness, anything is possible.

We are more than our workouts… We’re magic.

RULE 11: GET SOCIAL - I COMMIT / VIDEO DOMINATION

How can we help change others? Blogs, Social Media Check-Ins? 

ALSO I believe a big part of committing to healthy living is committing to it

entirely. The biggest part of a lasting life change is having a SOLID community (Team) in your life that supports your change. That's why I recommend that you talk about this experience with friends so you and they are invested in your success. Don’t hide, it’s time to shine! SHARE, SHARE, SHARE.  

YOUR ASSIGNMENT: GOAL 

Know what you want out of this opportunity and focus on it every day. Do whatever it takes and don’t let anyone get in your way. Write down your goals and have it be in your face every single day. Want to get into an old pair of jeans? Pull those bad boys from the back of the closet and put them out so you see them. Take a picture and put it on your fridge. Have a weight goal? You should, write it down and post it EVERYWHERE!

WHAT DO YOU WANT?! 

SCHEDULE

OUR FOCUS FOR THE 8 WEEKS

16 HIIT Bootcamps 

12 - 16 Fly Classes

At least 8-16 rest days

Healthy Eating

No Drinking

Plenty of Sleep 

Reaching Our Goal 

BREAK THE PATTERN

Week 1 & Week 2 & Week 3(maybe) are the absolute hardest. GET THROUGH THEM TO GET TO IT! 

Week 4 - BREAK THROUGH WEEK! 

Week 5 - PATTERN BROKEN

Week 6 - Feeling like an athlete loving the new pattern

Week 7 - Reached all goals

Week 8 - EXCITED BECAUSE YOU DID IT!!!

Week 9: Forever changed, no looking back. 

#ICOMMIT

There is no accident that you saw my posts and are reading my blogs. I’m so excited for you!!! Please reread this and make sure you got it all. Print it out… This is everything you need to know to succeed in all areas of your life, not just your weight-loss goals. If you follow this plan, you will become a happier healthier human being. You will become the hero you were born to be… This is why Lacey does what she does. 

Final Question, Do you commit to this camp and it’s rules? That better be a YES! 

Lacey Stone really is going to WIN with us! Duck face you're goin down!

I will survive!

Did you sing the title of my blog in Gloria Gaynor's voice? No? I think you did now thought right?!

Ok so the first Flywheel is under my belt. I think its really going to help drop the pounds. For those of you that have never heard of Flywheel its an indoor cycling stadium. Basically a spinning class on steroids. They have locations all over but the 2 Chicago locations are in Old Town and Gold Coast. I'll be going to the Gold Coast one that is on State Street just past Superior.

It's actually pretty cool inside. You check in, get your riding shoes, pick a locker (thats free, I like free). They have water on tap, cold water and even room temperature water for those that have sensitive teeth like me. GENIUS! They have showers, bathrooms and then the main event...Stadium Room where all the action takes place. The instructor is up front and miked. There's a "Torque Board" that shows how you are doing compared with the others in the class (totally optional). With how frickin competitive I am I LOVE the Torque Board - it pushed me to keep going so I wasn't last lol.

The seats, well the seats aren't nearly big enough for my wide ass but hey it is what it is right? So my inner butt area is a little sore but after a while it just went numb. Lacey says I'll get used to it after about 3 rides. We shall see...

It was hard, no way I could even get close to keeping up with the instructor and the resistance (Torque) she was yelling out and RPM's to be at. I'll get there but wow it was still hard. At one point my thighs were burning and I really wanted to just give up. I closed my eyes and pushed on through it. Just listened to the music and I thought about how great its going to feel to be all skinny at the reveal show. Even if not skinny...so much thinner! And SUPER BONUS (no not the cash) we will beat Team Jorge!

I've been an athlete my whole life (chubby athlete but athlete nonetheless) and with that I am very competitive. So much so my sister-in-law Jackie refuses to play board games with me. Not on my team or the other team LOL. Didn't think I was THAT bad but hey...who doesn't like to WIN! So yes I am doing this for me, to be healthier and live a longer life. BUT it is going to feel so good to kick their ass! Team Jorge is going DOWN!!!!

I might even start sending some of my chocolate products to the other team - is that too dirty? Hmmm....they don't have to eat it right? MUAHAHAHAHAHA!

But for real, Flywheel was a scary experience that show me how out of shape I really am and how far I have to go. I'm excited though because like I said its going to help shed the lb's!

Check it out if you can. When you download the app they give you a free credit to try out a class. My advice is to grab a gel pad for your seat (at the front of the class in a basket), bring a water bottle and wear light clothing. Don't wear shorts unless you like to chafe! Biker shorts or workout crop pants are probably your best bet. OH and they have towels too for the sweat. Oh my the sweat! But it feels so good after.

Ok nap time, I feel soooo tired lol! I'll post the diet next PROMISE!

No, it's NOT time to make the Donuts!

So if you watched the show, today you met my team. We are an eclectic group with a common goal. We've said a few times that they should have made a reality show out of this just with our team with the jokes and lively personalities - we could fill HOURS of entertainment.

Well as I sat and watched the show with my family I thought to myself WOW look how frickin FAT I am on this show! I knew by the scale how the pounds were going on and my jeans were a little tighter but hot damn Nicole! I am disappointed in myself...myself BEFORE I made the decision to do something about it. So if you are like me and your jeans are a little tight and the pounds keep going up, change with me. Let's change our lives in the next 8 weeks!

This #8WeeksToChangePlan is not for the weak hearted. You need to be ready for the challenge and that means committing to yourself and everyone around you to the plan. You need to prepare yourself for a roller coaster of emotions. Commit to NO ALCOHOL! Its just 8 weeks, 2 months of your life without a drink...can you handle that? If not, we should talk about why you need that drink.
And just like #LaceyStone said today on the show, your head has to be right first. "A sexy body is nothing without a happy heart".

Once you make the decision to not just "lose weight" but to CHANGE YOUR LIFE to be healthy and happier then BRING IT! Let's do this!

The second thing you have to do is get your family and friends on board. You will need their support and to be honest they can help keep you accountable too. I do NOT want to disappoint my little girl. My Gianna girl looks up to me so much and is watching every move I make. I'm teaching her so much right now. Teaching her how to be healthy and make healthy choices. I'm also showing her that even when you are down in life (or FLUFFY in my case) you can pick yourself up and get to it. #NoExcuses and never give up!

I'm so very grateful for this opportunity from the Steve Harvey Show and Lacey Stone. We have so much support its crazy! From our team including Lacey, family, friends and our fans. We have great support from +Flywheel Sports and (in my opinion - which is highly regarded lol) Candy Morales who is Flywheel's top instructor here in Chicago. Lacey even worked it out so we could train with Candy once a week at Blockhead Gym. Everywhere we turn we have such amazing support! #Blessed

Are you in yet? PUT DOWN THE DONUTS AND LET'S GO! Come on back tomorrow to get the plan details.

Watch my weekly videos on my YouTube Channel here: www.youtube.com/user/nicoledomico

Til then!

#Fluffy2Fit

OH P.S. - The "Veteran" part of the show didn't make the cut. So to explain my url...Steve Harvey called my the team veteran and said that I along with Ric, our former athlete, are an advantage. I'll be whipping the team into shape and playing the motherly role. Yep...Jess & Katie call me the "Team Mom". And EVERY single time they do I picture myself with a pair of all white Reeboks (like my mom used to wear) and those mom jeans UGH. Glad Steve saw my age as an advantage...we'll see how this old body hangs at week 7. Ok Night Night!

Did you say donuts?

So this is me. I'm married to a wonderful (pretty damn hot guy) husband, Jerry. We have two kids, Gianna who's 5 and Anthony aka Big Tony who is almost 3. Again, this is me at home, working and watching my kids play. If you are like me and run around all day cleaning, working from home and taking care of your kids...then you too may be making very unhealthy choices for yourself. Usually the kids, husband and house come first before me. STOP! This has to change.

So I have a TON of excuses of why I haven't lost the baby weight and I had a TON of excuses before the kids to be "FLUFFY". Let's see ummm...I like drinking wine and beer. I am a food lover. I am a stress eater, its how I handle stress and loss. At least I have my pretty face, my husband loves me for me. And my biggest one, my back. After giving birth to two toddlers (just ask my OB he'll tell ya) by having two c-sections my back has been toast. Years of physical therapy, shots, hospitals, chiropractors, MRI's blah blah blah. I FINALLY found someone that fixed my nerves (without surgery) and I started to feel good. I got myself a FitBit and decided yep I'm FINALLY going to lose the weight. Had a sllllooooowww start on my own of course.

Then I got a call from my cousin Jess asking me if I wanted to be a part of an 8 week weight loss challenge with the Steve Harvey Show. Ummm YEAH!

I've recently lost a colleague of mine to cancer and her mantra was "NO EXCUSES". She was such an inspiration and her loss hit me in the gut! No more excuses Nicole, time to get healthy. Love and miss you Lynn McDonald.

So, with all that said I am partaking on this crazy weight loss journey with 2 of my cousins and 2 other amazing individuals that I've just started to get to know. Jess Loren, AJ Popov, Ric Gruber Jr and Katie Price are my teammates. We have the MOST AMAZINGLY POWERFUL trainer, Lacey Stone from Lacey Stone Fitness. Lacey has graciously paired us up with Candy Morales from Flywheel to help be her eyes and ears here in Chicago. Lacey of course is an LA Superstar! Together we 7 are a fierce bunch!

You'll have to see who the competition is and what the prize is to be won by watching the Steve Harvey Show this Friday, January 8th at 2pm CT on Ch 5. Check your local listings if necessary.

Then head on back here to get inspired, see my food plan, exercise plan, struggles and victories! Hopefully I can inspire more than a few Mom's out there that its never to late to make some changes and get healthy.

Here's to a healthier and improved ME in 2016!