Thank you for your love and support!

Before 2016 fully fades into the past, I wanted wish all of my followers and supporters a very happy holiday and blessings for the New Year. I appreciate you showing me the love with your Facebook and Instagram "likes," your referrals, your positive comments! I feel the love, and I thank you.

Take time this season for you and fully enjoy the ones you love. Loving ourselves and our bodies primes us, and strengthens us with the ability to care for our families. It makes us happier people!

My husband and I had 10 days off with our boys. We've played games together, watched movies, built Legos, of course, there was some arguing and disputes! They are brothers, after all! It's not always rainbows and unicorns, but we usually look back and laugh at the good and the bad. This year, we traveled to Miami to visit family from December 9 to December 15, which postponed my holiday gift shopping....I left it until the last minute! But of course, the holidays come anyway, and so did being present with my family, because that is the true gift for this mom.

For me, 2016 was a memorable year, because I quit my traditional desk job to be a Beachbody coach full time, working from home, making my own flexible schedule! My sincerest and heartfelt thanks for following and supporting me on this journey I have been on as a coach. It touches me when people invite me into their lives as they join my team as coaches, or when reaching out for my help on their fitness transformation. My way of life sometimes seems like an unconventional way to earn a living, but this opportunity has changed my family's world. Many times it's challenging to be so public with our life, but I know it is worth it if I can help or inspire just one person.

Because of Beachbody, my life will never look the same. This blessing has allowed me to find my passion while creating a life of financial freedom for my family. Life is too short to settle for a job that you hate, or time away from those you love. I made the decision to become a coach, follow a different path to find joy in life, and be present with my family. One of my favorite quotes comes from Gary Vaynerchuk (social media and business mogul): "In 2016 there is no reason to do shit you hate!" I put aside my fears, worked hard and went for it. Make no mistake, I did not choose the easy path, but I chose one where I could design a life I love, and have an impact!

The mission of  my business is helping others get healthy, and I take this seriously. And I use the word "HEALTHY" on purpose, instead of skinny, or strong, or lean. To me, "healthy" means happy and confident in ones body, because we're fueling our bodies with whole foods and treating them to loving movement. One of my clients recently said to me that in my mission to help others get healthy "you're saving lives." I never thought of it that way, and I was honored by her statement. In my heart of hearts I believe I have a gift that was put in my life for a reason. The rewards of this job reach beyond the financial, when I teach other coaches how to duplicate my success in my business, or when I can help someone accomplish a weight loss goal, and learn how to love their body.

2017 is going to be an even bigger year for our family, and I hope it will be a year filled with blessings for you too!

Happy New Year to all of you! Looking forward to working with so many of you in the coming months as you set out to accomplish your own New Year's resolutions. Please reach out if you would like to join my Happy NEW YOU health and fitness accountability group or fill out the form below.

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6 Tips to bounce back after a holiday binge.

When there's such a delicious (and elaborate) food on the table, when we're presented with a buffet of holiday feasts it's easy to go overboard during the holidays. Whether it's a salt binge, too many sweets, champagne, calorie laden holiday drinks, or a combination of all, don't resign yourself to feeling uncomfortable all day long. These tips will help you feel better sooner.

1. Start chugging....WATER!: Be sure to hydrate before bed and have a full cup of water ready to drink as soon as you wake up. Keep drinking water all day long, drinking two to three liters of water throughout the day. It may feel counterintuitive to drink a lot of anything when you're feeling full, but you'll start feeling better immediately.

2. Freshen up: Take a shower, get dressed (NOT in sweatpants), put on deodorant, so there's no time to sit around and succumb to that "blah state." Taking the initiative ASAP will make everything else feel easier. Once you're all cleaned up, don't just reach for any old outfit; choose clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Feeling better mentally is an important part of feeling better physically.

3. Fill up with VEGGIES and PROTEIN: One of the worst things you can do after overindulging is skip out on breakfast the next day and mess with your metabolism. Instead, enjoy a breakfast with an egg white and veggie omelet and some berries, which contain fiber. A breakfast that's full of protein and fiber will support healthy digestion and keep your stomach satisfied throughout the morning. This way, you won't be ravenous for a huge lunch or snack on whatever's in sight and stay stuck in the cycle.

4. MOVE!: Do 45 minutes to one hour of steady state cardio exercise. Walking, jogging, the elliptical machine are all good choices. Even if you're feeling bloated and sluggish, hitting up a quality cardio session to sweat things out is one of your best defenses against the dreaded food hangover. You'll feel 10 times better when you're done!

Finish that up with 15 minutes of stretching and twisting. Twists just get things moving. If you have Beachbody On Demand All Access, then there are some fabulous, short, yoga workouts that include twists, which support digestion and release toxins. If you don't have time for a full sequence, take two minutes to move through a handful of yoga poses!

5. Keep your meals clean: You don't have to go overboard with a liquid diet or crazy detox, but do your best to all day long, and include one cup of green, leafy veggies at the beginning of each meal. Reach for balanced, light meals full of fresh seasonal produce and whole grains. Steer clear of processed foods and too much sugar or salt — your body will thank you later.

6. Forgive yourself/love yourself: After you've had a fun night out, don't be unkind to yourself. There's no reason you shouldn't be able to enjoy a festive meal freely, so don't allow negative self-talk to take over. The best thing you can do is move forward with a positive attitude and happy memories of your fun.

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All Access Membership Challenge Packs - A revolution in workouts

Start the New Year with the gift of fit! Beachbody is giving a pretty big gift this season. As a coach my job is to support people on their health and fitness journey by running virtual challenge groups.

Beachbody has invited me to run a group in January that allows participants to achieve results and GET PAID TO GET HEALTHY through the Beachbody Health Bet!

But Beachbody has taken it one step further. Yesterday they announced a revolution in fitness as we know it through the ALL ACCESS ON DEMAND CHALLENGE PACK available December 27.

The Annual All-Access Beachbody On Demand membership provides total access to EVERY PROGRAM available on Beachbody On Demand, plus future releases!

SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
Starting December 27, 2016, receive this limited time offer by purchasing either the Annual All-Access Beachbody On Demand + Shakeology Challenge Pack or an annual membership. 

Why is this so Revolutionary?
Beachbody has completely revolutionized the way we look at at home workouts with the previous release of programs like Insanity and P90X. People started to get incredible results while working out at home.

Now Beachbody is doing it again. They understand the importance of nutrition but also that weight loss and fitness is a lifestyle. It’s not a 21 day or a 30 day committment. It’s a long haul mindset that starts by giving you ALL the tools you need to achieve your results over time.

What is included in the Annual All-Access Beachbody On Demand + Shakeology Challenge Pack?

1) 1-Year Membership to Beachbody On Demand with all content included, plus future releases

2) Shakeology (choice of 30-day supply on Home Direct)

3) Portion Fix (includes 7-piece portion control container set, eating guide, large blue container & shaker cup)

4) Access to my virtual accountability groups throughout 2017 as well as 1:1 daily motivation and support.

What are my All-Access Price Options?

• The Annual All Access Beachbody On Demand Challenge Pack is $199 (not available until Dec. 27).
• The Annual All Access Beachbody On Demand Membership is $99.95. This option does not include Shakeology, the portion containers or access to my challenge group.
• You can also choose the Beachbody on Demand Kick Start Challenge Pack which includes the 3 day refresh, which is truly the BEST option to start fresh, cleanse and get on the path to success in the new year and that is $239 US and $277 Canadian. (not available until Dec. 27).
• If you bought a challenge pack between 12/1 and 12/26 you can upgrade to this challenge pack offer for $69 again by using the link below.
• www.BODMembershipChange.com on or after Dec. 27.

What if I already have the Beachbody Club Membership?
Coaches and customers who don’t currently have a Beachbody On Demand membership can purchase this membership.

If you are an existing Beachbody On Demand Customer you will HAVE to cancel your current membership by calling customer service at 1-800-470-7870 and canceling and then you will be price adjusted accordingly. Then, you can complete this form by clicking on the link to upgrade to the all access subscription www.BODMembershipChange.com. You cannot do this until the Dec. 27 when it is launched.

Workouts Included:
All content, digital tools and workouts available on Beachbody On Demand, including popular hits like 21 Day Fix, CORE DE FORCE, CIZE, 22 Minute Hard Corps, PiYo, and Country Heat, Hammer & Chisel, P90X3, Insanity, ALL OF THEM, plus future releases.

You will also have access to the Fixate Cooking Show as well as all nutritional guides PDFs and workout calendars.

How Long After I Order is All-Access Available?
Within 24-48 hours after purchase you can access Beachbody on Demand All Accesss!

What Do I Offer as a Coach?
As a coach, I have been on my own fitness journey for five years. I started my journey with 21 Day Fix, and learned about the importance of nutrition and long term commitment with P90X. Throughout the past three years, I’ve maintained my weight loss. My health and fitness journey is a lifestyle that I’ve commited to long term.

I am able to work with people who are ready to make change permanent. The all access challenge pack gives you the same tools I’ve used at your fingerstips. Want to gain muscle and tone? Hammer and Chisel is yours! Need to learn the basics of nutrtion? Great! Let’s start the 21 Day Fix? Love your cardio? Cool. Let’s kick butt with some Max30! You want a different MMA style workout? Let’s crush it with Core De Force. You have the ENTIRE catalog!

2017 is going to be your healthiest year to date!

With the accountability from me as your 2017 coach, the simplified nutrition of Shakeology and the Fix Portion Control program, as well as a catalog of top rated fitness programs, you have everything you need to get started on your journey and continue throughout 2017 and beyond.  

Are you ready to learn more? Complete the application below so that I may contact you within 24 hours.

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Get PAID to get HEALTHY!

Many people put their health on hold during this time of year. I get it, I used to be one of those people. I’d make excuses for myself….”It’s just to busy right now” or “I’ll be out of town too much” or “I want to bake Christmas cookies and go to parties” and so on and so forth. It wasn’t until I dropped those excuses that I found lasting health and wellness.

We all have a choice to make TODAY. Will you be making lasting changes in 2017? Do you want to break that pattern of excuses and do something TANGIBLE to increase you health and happiness? The HEALTH BET is back and can help you break the cycle of excuses forever. Last fall, it helped so many of my clients stay ACCOUNTABLE for a full 30 days and get them headed back on the right path with exercise and nutrition. Not only that, those that stuck with it for the full 30 days got a CASH payout.

Beachbody recently announced they’re doing it again, this time INCREASING the cash pot. 

My Health Bet Participants Get:

• Fitness program + meal plan
• 30 servings of Shakeology
• Peer support and accountability
• 1:1 coaching from me (I’ll check in with you if you go “missing”)
• Access link to My Challenge Tracker App
• Clean eating recipes

How it Works:

• No money required for buy-in
• Split a pot of 3M+ (to be shared by all Beachbody clients who meet the qualifications)
• Log 3 workouts/5 shakes per week
• That’s it!

Spaces in my Health Bet group will be limited so I can ensure I have time to give everyone 1:1 coaching. Reserve your spot today! No money is required for the buy-in. You only need ME as your coach and a challenge pack (a fitness program bundled with Shakeology). FLASH SALE: Everyone who signs up for the Team Beachbody Health Bet with me BEFORE 12/23 will also get a copy of FIXATE by Autumn Calabrese.

Please MESSAGE ME (Vanessa McLaughlin) on Facebook or fill out the form below if you are interested and I’ll help you find the right program for your needs and goals and set you up!

*Challenge Pack purchase required to reserve your spot.

FLASH SALE – Until Friday, December 23 ONLY – purchase your challenge pack through me and I will also send you a copy of the FIXATE cookbook!! 

Please fill out the application below for an exclusive spot in my Beachbody Health Bet Challenge!

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My Fear of FAILURE...

There is a DISEASE that everyone should be SCARED of. It is something that is freaking RAMPID in our society. And its KILLING our spirits, dreams and any chance we have to be our best selves. It's called "Fear of Failure" and it is BEATEN into us from childhood.

Think about it, When you are a child do you ever question trying things out? Do you ever NOT try and walk because you are afraid to fall on the ground? Or do you ever NOT try the cartwheel in gymnastics class because you know hitting your head will hurt? NO, EVERYONE is falling around you and you just GO FOR IT until you get it! But then you go to school and you're taught an F on your paper or test, stands for FAILURE, and it becomes the grade you fear the most, because it means you are a failure; you have failed on this test or paper, and therefore you have failed at school, at life. And we spend the rest of our adult lives avoiding the prospect of failure LIKE THE PLAGUE.

So, if you don't "succeed" at something in everyone else's eyes, you're a FAILURE and no one wants that! But, I challenge you to REDEFINE FAILURE. Try and define it for yourself. Is it being FIRED right before Christmas? Is it being in 200k of defaulted student debt and not telling your husband the whole story until a week before your wedding? IS it spending 3 years in law school, passing the bar exam, working as a lawyer, and then deciding it wasn't for you ? Is it starting 5 different careers and then you realize at 45 years old you like none of them? BECAUSE I've done THEM ALL, DO YOU GUYS THAT FOLLOW ME think I'm a failure? Because by conventional definitions, I MOST CERTAINLY AM!

But something CRAZY happened after each one of those things .....I picked myself UP and started again until I got it right. NOT RIGHT by society definition ....RIGHT by MY definition. And each one of those things POINTED me in this direction...TODAY.

NOW think about all the things you never did because you where "Afraid to fail" and think about IF you tried those things and you succeeded? Would your life look different? Would it look better? BUT let me get this straight you were SCARED to try because of POSSIBLE failure? THIS IDEA CONFUSES ME.

So lets dig DEEPER. Let's call failure "fear of what other people think of you" because thats really it! Because failure is in the eye of the beholder! So in reality YOU are scared to tell people you are trying something! right? BUT what if your CHILD came to you and said "I'm scared to try for this scholarship that would change my college experience BECAUSE if I don't get it people will laugh at me." YOU WOULD ( as the parent) say: "don't you EVER not do something because of what people think , they don't matter anyway....RIGHT? SO WHY cant we do that for ourselves?!?!?!?!?!?!

So do me a favor right now. THINK about the thing you DON'T want to try. Let's take Beachbody coaching for example. You don't want to try because you are SCARED to fail. right? BUT WHAT is failure to you?

It helps me if I can LIST out the worst case scenarios, so that I can logically tell myself those are SILLY fears that have been drilled into my brain from childhood.

#1- Worst thing that can happen is: I get a fitness program for myself and get some good results.
#2- What if I stop working out? Ok, I'll start again!
#3- What if I start coaching and then people think its weird? WELL odds are you don't want those people in your life anyway, and what difference does it make what they think! If you KNOW you are doing good for yourself and for others then why on EARTH would anyone you call a friend think thats weird?
#4- What if i don't reach some ridiculous standard I have in my own head on my own time? The only place you are going is FORWARD! Then you are further than you would have been!

YOU SEE, FOR ME, the FEAR and disease that drives ME has ALWAYS been "fear of missing out" or "fear of being left behind" Or fear of getting OLD and having REGRETS.

FAILURE is however YOU DEFINE IT. BUT for most of us , its an EXCUSE we use to protect ourselves! FAILURE is NEVER the WORST CASE. The worst case is ALWAYS holding yourself back from something imaginary and then missing out on the best you. NOW, when I put it like that doesn't that sound silly?

THE GOOD NEWS: there is a CURE. its called stop being a weenie and GO FOR IT. Don't the person who says "I WISH I DID THAT." find that thing you had when you were a child that TOLD you to keep trying for the cartwheel because eventually you'll get it OR you'll find out you don't even like cartwheels and you'll move onto SWIMMING

So, what the heck is this Beachbody Coaching thing? That’s what I used to wonder. I was a big skeptic. I heard about coaches, but I had no idea what they actually did or how they made money. Now, I feel BLESSED to have found a job that allows me to work out, set my own hours, be my own boss, connect with like-minded people on social media, and earn money while I’m at it. I couldn’t ask for a better job!

I am going to be hosting a Sneak Peek Into Coaching Group on Wednesday, DECEMBER 28 (all day, so jump on whenever you want) so that I can tell you exactly what coaching entails: time commitment, how coaches make money, what they do on a daily basis, and how they grow their business. I’ll cover it all! Contact me at vanessadotfitness@gmail.com or through Facebook if you’d like to join. We’ll be talking about:

• What is a Beachbody Coach?
• What are the advantages of becoming a coach?
• How do they make money?
• What experience is needed?
• What are the work hours like?
• What sets successful coaches apart?
• How does a coach advance their business?
• What type of training will I receive?

It’s a great place to simply ask questions, no commitment required. 

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Apple Pie Shakeology

The smell and taste of apple pie, full of cinnamon, juicy apples, and I like mine ala mode, so it's got melty, creamy, vanilla ice cream....YUM! This tastes like apple pie ala mode, but it's nutritious for me - so, no guilt!

Unsweetened applesauce and cinnamon make this Shakeology smoothie taste like apple pie filling with whipped cream. It’s even better with homemade applesauce, which is super easy to make and so worth it. If you want to go the extra mile to make this even more delicious, add a dash of ground ginger and ½ tsp. of pure caramel extract.

Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetend almond milk
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup ice

Preparation:
Place water, Shakeology, applesauce, cinnamon, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

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Healthy Holiday Treats: worthy of bringing to a party!

Whenever I'm invited to a holiday party at someone's house, I make a point to bring something I know fits within my plan. It doesn't mean I won't have a treat or two, or a glass of champagne, but then I know nutritious foods will be available for me!

When I started this journey, I was the one who always brought the fruit and veggie trays, and I was known for this among my family and friends. They were boring, and no one was REALLY looking forward to them. So, then I changed my tactics.

I started bringing healthy, nutritious dishes that were also delicious!! This showed everyone that to be healthy during the holidays, I did not survive on only fruits and veggies, forgoing the delicious holiday treats. I don't believe in deprivation, but I also don't believe in abusing my body, and making it feel bloated and sick by eating foods loaded with processed ingredients, sugar, and other nutrient void ingredients.

These three dishes are worthy of bringing to any holiday party, and will show everyone that healthy food can taste delicious!! Would love to know if you bring any of these to a party, or serve them at your own party, and what people said!.

Cranberry Crumble Bars








Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Pecans

Apple Crisp









Greek Pasta Salad

Festive and Fruity Holiday Dessert




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Cranberry Crumble Bars

I LOVE coffee cake or crumble bars. I always notice them in coffee shops and bakeries. Sometimes, I'll treat myself to one, but most of the time I leave them in their glass case, because pastries like these are notoriously packed with calories, fat, and processed sugar.

Making your own can cut down on those not so nutritious ingredients, and this cranberry crumble bars recipe is a healthier take on these mouthwatering treats. The base is made from gluten-free oats and almond meal, with coconut sugar (my new find), and coconut oil replaces butter. The result is a much more wholesome pastry crust, that tastes truly indulgent.

The filling is made from chopped cranberries and orange, a delicious pairing, and a sprinkling of coconut sugar takes the mixture sweetens the two. TIP: cranberries (and their juice) can stain quite easily. I suggest wearing an apron and making sure you wash your hands and cutting board right after use. Don’t wear your favorite white t-shirt to make this recipe!

The process for making these cranberry crumble bars would work just as well with other fruits, such as apples, blueberries, or even strawberries. I especially love the cranberry combination at this time of year, but feel free to experiment once you get the hang of it!

Container Equivalents
1½ Yellow
1 Blue
1 tsp.
Cranberry Crumble Bars
Serves: 12 servings, 1 bar each

Ingredients:
Parchment paper
Nonstick cooking spray

For Crust:
1 cup dry old fashioned oats, gluten-free
1 cup whole raw almonds (or 3/4 cup almond meal)
¼ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
3 Tbsp. coconut sugar
¼ cup + 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin organic coconut oil, melted

For Filling:
3 cups coarsely chopped cranberries
¼ cup 100% orange juice
1 Tbsp. finely grated orange peel (orange zest)
2 Tbsp. coconut sugar
1 Tbsp. cornstarch, preferably GMO-free

For Topping:
3 Tbsp. coconut sugar
2 Tbsp. gluten-free all-purpose flour
¼ cup dry old fashioned oats, gluten-free
1 Tbsp. + 1½ tsp. extra-virgin organic coconut oil
Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper. Lightly coat with spray. Set aside.
3. To make crust, place oats, almonds, salt, and sugar in food processor (or blender); pulse into a fine meal. Make sure no large pieces remain.
4. Add oil; pulse to mix. It should form a loose dough that sticks together when squeezed between two fingers. Add more oil if too dry.
5. Spread oat mixture into prepared pan. Press into an even layer with your fingers or a flat object (like a drinking glass).
6. Bake for 15 minutes. Increase heat to 375º F. Bake an additional 5 minutes, or until crust is fragrant and edges are slightly golden brown. Set aside.
7. Reduce oven temperature to 350º F.
8. To make filling, heat cranberries, orange juice, orange peel, sugar, and cornstarch in medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until bubbly. Set aside.
9. To make topping, combine sugar, flour, oats and oil in a small mixing bowl; mix with fork until mixture resembles coarse meal. Set aside.
10. Add cranberry mixture to crust; cover evenly.
11. Top with crumble topping; cover cranberries evenly.
12. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cranberry filling is warm and bubbly and topping is golden brown.
13. Cool completely for 1 to 2 hours. Lift parchment paper from pan; cut into 12 bars.

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Chocolate-Gingerbread Shakeology

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I love whipping up holiday flavors with my Shakeology. While this one doesn't taste quite like gingerbread, it does remind me a bit of a gingerbread latte at Starbucks. It has a delicious spicy chocolate taste that is perfect for the holidays! Enjoy!

1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 thin slice fresh ginger, peeled, finely chopped (or ½ tsp. ground ginger)
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup ice

Place milk, Shakeology, cinnamon, ginger, extract, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

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