Yes, I Get Angry - A Cancer/Life Update

Do you ever have one of those week, months... maybe even years where nothing seems to go right? You do the work, you dot your i's, cross your t's, you do what you are supposed to do in life and yet, it just seems like the world is caving in around you.

Truthfully? That is how I have felt since March. I am not one for expressing my feelings so much. My fitness journey? Sure. My struggles with cancer... a little more reserved, but I will still share. What I ate for dinner that night, you know I'll share that. But my feelings? Um, not often. One of my girlfriends and I were talking about that this weekend. Her and I are both the "keep the feelings in till they explode like Mount Vesuvius" kind of people. I am like that about a lot of emotions. It's hard for me to share about that.

So a life/cancer update, here we go: I found out about two weeks ago that I was in remission! Yay! This is so exciting. It is one more hurdle that I jumped to get rid of cancer and my family and I are stoked. We feel good about it, but we also got news that in order to fully prevent it from recurring, it would be in my best interest to go through another (BIG) surgery. One that will keep me down for the count for a few weeks and will be a life changing surgery (minorly, but still...) This surgery is not needed immediately, and I want to make sure everyone knows it is not life or death, it is just preventative. I want to wait until we move and I establish a team of physicians that I trust to have it done. When you have been through the healthcare system like I have in my life, you know that this is important. Not only that but I need to find a diabetes specialist who also specializes in cancer as well.... not easy to do in any area. Here in CO, it was a 4 hour drive to Denver. In FL it will most likely be a 2 hour drive to Tampa. So there is that, but the thing that has been really on my mind and the thing that keeps me up at night and wont let me sleep and the thing that I talk about the least is the financial strain this has put on our family.

I thought I was doing really well, keeping on top of our medical bills. (I say "our" because Corey and I are essentially going through this together, there is no "I" when you're going through cancer treatments, you have to be able to lean on someone) I worked hard through 10 weeks of radiation treatment that left me sick, tired, in pain.... to be able to pay the bills as they came in. Cancer treatment is not affordable. It is awfully expensive and we have insurance. I hate money. People say that "the people that say Money Is The Root of All Evil, don't have any" and I truly believe this!  I worked - at the preschool, coaching through Beachbody, teaching Piyo - whatever I could do to bring something to the table financially I did. I put on a happy face and worked through it so I could turn around and pay the hospital every penny I made. When I was done with treatments I was excited. I had stayed on top of everything and felt like I did a good job of nipping that all in the bud. We took a celebratory cruise in February to relax, forget our stress, forget I had cancer, to unwind and just be together as a family. It was perfect.

Then I got home and looked in the mailbox. I had 5 envelopes from the Gunnison Valley Healthcare System... 5. I thought: We've only been gone for 7 days what can all of these be. My heart sank as I opened them. Bills, all bills. More bills. I felt like I was going to explode. 4,593 .... 2,041 .... 1,297 ... 1,698 ... 751 ...  Remember when I said I felt like I had done everything right and yet the world was still caving in all around me. That is how I felt. I was scared to tell Corey. He already carried such a heavy financial burden since I wasn't bringing to the table what I normally did. (I shouldn't have been scared, he is the calm one between us when it comes to things like this and he just said "you can't cry and get mad about this, what was the alternative? Not doing treatment and dying?") I just didn't know what I could do to change things. Probably nothing. I eat right, I am fit, I am active, I live in a beautiful clean air state.... but you still think of the what ifs. I could not sleep at night because all I could think was I want to buy a house, I want to pay my bills, I want to keep my credit up, I don't know what I am going to do. 

Through the lack of sleep, (due in part to the financial stuff, moreso because my feet hurt so bad from the neuropathy (another great side effect of both Diabetes and where I had radiation done) the lack of ambition to help others set in and my Beachbody business was failing, I wasn't being the leader to my awesome team I should have been, I always felt like I was letting my leader down, I was moody with everyone - from the lack of sleep, the stress... I don't know, but I do know that somewhere in there my attitude changed from this positive, encouraging person I have worked so hard to become to a stressed out and irritable and sad person. THAT is not who I am. I even feel like my temper was short with Brody and I never want to be like that. Ever. I have learned to talk about my fears and my feelings. I was telling a few ladies at my church last week, kind of joking - well if I am being really honest, not joking at all - that I had heard another BB colleague of mine, a very well-respected and successful coach in the industry say how she would scavenge in her house for things she could return to wal-mart to be able to afford food that week and I was considering doing the same thing. It was then that I was told : IT IS OK TO NEED HELP. It's OK to take help. And it is most definitely OK to talk about our struggles instead of keeping them inside. 

They put together this fundraiser for me and I didn't talk about it for over a week. I could not possibly share this. I could not tell people I was struggling. I could not let that facade down that I have been holding up. That I can do it all on my own.... So I told my sister. And she shared. Then my other sister did too. Then a few friends. SO I wanted to post an update as to what is going on so I am totally transparent and honest here. 

I love that I have had so many people there for me over the past few months. I am truly blessed to have a great support system in my family and friends. I cannot say enough thanks. 

If you want to donate, here is the link. It is truly appreciated. 

Help Leanne Kick Cancer to the Curb for Good!

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Yep, I have Type 1 Diabetes.... Here is What You Should Know and Why Shakeology and Beachbody Helped me!

I am a Type 1 diabetic and I want you to know a few things about me as a diabetic and as a faithful Shakeology drinker. It has changed my life as a diabetic and all I want to do is reach others with T1D and help them too!!

Here are some facts about Type 1 first and foremost: 

1. Diabetics try their best to live the most normal life possible. We can do anything anyone else can. We are in a lifelong struggle to define themselves in any other way but diabetic.

2. People with Type 1 Diabetes can’t make Insulin. Insulin, in people without diabetes, is a hormone made in the pancreas. It allows glucose in the bloodstream to be converted for use in the body as energy.

3. Excess glucose in the bloodstream damages body systems and is the root of diabetic complications. Having too much, or too little glucose in the blood is dangerous and can ultimately cause death. Keeping blood glucose levels within normal levels is the ultimate goal of people with diabetes but can be affected by food, exercise, illness, stress, and a whole bunch of other annoying, unpredictable events.  

4. They are not allergic to sugar. They balance what they eat by testing their blood glucose levels and taking insulin through injections. Yes, injections and finger pricks often hurt at first but we get used to it. 

5. Type 1 Diabetes is occurs when the Islets of Langerhans (insulin-producing cells in the pancreas) are attacked by the body.

6. Nobody understands why their bodies attack themselves. They did not get diabetes from their mothers who gained too much weight during pregnancy, from eating too much sugar, from exercising infrequently or from any other known reason. Please be careful not to confuse Type 1 with Type 2 Diabetes. People with Type 1 cannot exercise away their diabetes or eat better to "cure" it. 

7. We hate it when you offer the rest of the room cake and tell them they can’t have it and offer them a diet coke instead. They know you mean well, but you make them feel alienated and inherently different. Let them refuse cake if they want to, and let them eat cake if we choose. We know more than you about what we’re living with.

8. There is no such thing as ‘having diabetes really bad’. People with Diabetes choose to take care of themselves or not, or somewhere in between. Your uncle who ‘had diabetes so bad’ chose not to take care of himself and he lost his leg or went blind as a result. That being said, even the most tightly controlled diabetes reduces life span.

9. The cost of living INSURED with type 1- for me- is anywhere between 50-150 a month. (A few months ago it was 225 a month) The cost of living uninsured with diabetes can easily be 400 dollars per month or more.

10.  Preventative healthcare and education are the ideal weapons in the fight against diabetes. 

Here's what I can tell you about being on Shakeology and having Type 1 Diabetes:

1.  Since starting Shakeology my HgbA1C level has consistently been in the 5-6 range. Before using Shakeology it was in the 9-12 range. 

2.  Since exercising daily and drinking my shakes daily I have more control over my blood sugars and see less spikes in glucose levels. 

3. My LDL (bad Cholesterol) is at 110 and my HDL (good Cholesterol) is 50. 

4. I do not get sick as often at all. Being a diabetic, this is extremely important - most times when I get sick, I get really sick and a simple cold can turn into an upper respiratory infection or pneumonia. 

5. It is low on the Glycemic Index: Which means that carbs enter the blood stream at a lower rate than foods higher on the GI.  This keeps blood sugar levels steady and allow us to use those carbs as energy more easily. Any number under 55 is considered low - Shakeology is at 24.  

Low GI diets help people loose and manage weight.

Low GI diets can increase the body's sensitivity to insulin.

Low GI carbs help improve diabetes management. 

The reduce hunger and prolong physical endurance. 

Here is an old video I did while raising money for Tour De Cure in 2008 to educate people on Type 1 diabetes. Forgive me... this was 7 years ago. 

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Beachbody Super Saturday Registration

Registration Form



When: Saturday July 25th 2015
Time: 8:00AM
Where: Mt. Crested Butte - my house

WHAT IS NATIONAL SUPER SATURDAY?

It’s our quarterly get-together, where Coaches from across the USA come together at hundreds of events to prepare for the next quarter, recognize success, share tips, and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!

WHEN IS THE NEXT SUPER SATURDAY?
July 25, 2015 — save the date!

WANT TO ATTEND AN EVENT?
Don’t be shy! Get out there and support an event near you.

Find an event to attend using the map below:

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These Protein Balls Are a Great Post-Workout Snack!

When you need a quick post-workout snack, something with protein and carbs, look no further. Made with only three ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, these protein balls couldn't be easier to whip up. At 47 calories per ball, a three-piece serving is 141 calories and offers 8.1 grams of protein and 24 grams of carbs. Yet a serving is also low in sugar — just 5.1 grams AND is a low glycemic index snack!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup rolled oats
1 serving vanilla protein powder (I use SHAKEOLOGY)
1 large banana

DIRECTIONS

1. Pour rolled oats and protein powder into a food processor or high quality blender such as a blendtec or vitamix.   Turn on for a minute until the oats are slightly chopped but not completely smooth.
2. Add the banana, and turn on until a coarse yet pliable dough forms. 
3. Roll into 12 balls, and place in a reusable container.
4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Below is the nutritional info for one protein ball:

Of course, feel free to jazz up this basic recipe by mixing in a little dried fruit, chopped almonds, or dark chocolate chips — if you do, just add a little extra banana or some raw honey to maintain the pliable consistency.

Enjoy!

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3 Yoga Poses to Help You Sleep Like a Baby

Forget your to- do list, worries, and troubles and let your busy day go with these 3 incredibly relaxing yoga poses. Do them right before you climb into bed .... Deep sleep, here you come. 

1. Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose

Sit on the floor with one side of your body grazing wall. Swing legs up against the wall and slowly lower your back and head to the floor, keeping legs straight. Allow your hands to fall out to sides, palms facing up. Breathe deeply, relaxing into the pose. Hold for 1 to 5 minutes.

2. Child's Pose

Kneel on your mat with your big toes touching and knees spread mat-width apart.

Lower torso between knees, bringing your forehead to rest on mat and extending arms. Breathe deeply, holding for up to 1 minute or even longer.

3. Happy Baby Pose

Lie on your mat and pull your knees to your chest.

Place hands on the outsides of your feet, opening knees wider than your torso. Press feet into hands while pulling down on feet, creating resistance. Breathe deeply, holding for up to 1 minute.

That's it! Do these poses before bed nightly for a calm and relaxing pre-sleep routine and you will be drifting off to dreamland before you know it!

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Normal vs. Organic vs. Non- GMO - How to know what to choose!?

This weekend I had the chance to watch a great documentary on GMO's. My husband and I have been into organics for the past, oh, 7 years or so, but hadn't really dived into the whole GMO- Free issues until recently.

Well watching GMO OMG has opened our eyes to how bad GMO's really are for you.

So I did a little shopping and cost comparison as to the difference between buying regular old food, to organic, to non-GMO. The cost difference is NOT that much!!  I would rather see my family eat healthier and live longer lives then feed them the regular "whatever is on sale" items.  We live on a budget, day to day, week to week. We are not rich by any means(besides rich in life and love), but this is important!

(Please excuse any spelling errors above, I forgot to spell check my document!)

To be totally honest - we SAVED $5.00 by going with the Stretch Island Fruit Co. Fruit Leathers vs the Angry Birds Fruit Snacks at Costco! But even if we don't count that (they were on sale) - for my total it was only $2.79 more for my items I compared.  My conclusion : Do I think my families health is worth $2.79? UM Of course!!!  That is a crazy question. Everyone always says Organic/eating clean/finding GMO-Free items is hard on the wallet and such. Well I am here to prove that so wrong. Yes, they may be a few cents more at times, but far healthier in the long run. 

I think I will be taking the GMO-Free/Organics route for a long, long time! 

For Money Saving tips on shopping clean on a budget visit my previous post here: 

Eating Clean and Healthy on a Budget

This information is taken directly from the website from the Movie GMO OMG:  http://www.gmofilm.com/faq.aspx

What is a GMO?

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Genetic modification involves the mutation, insertion, or deletion of genes. Genetically engineered crops are crops that are altered with inserted genetic material to exhibit a desired trait.

How common are GMOs?

The United States is the world leader in genetically engineered crop production, with 165 million acres, or nearly half of global production. Currently in the United States, approximately 85% of all processed foods contain GMOs.

Are GMOs bad for us?

The effects of eating genetically engineered (GE) foods are still largely unknown. The studies that led to the market release of certain genetically modified seeds were conducted by the same companies that manufacture the seeds themselves, and the raw data for these tests have not been released for the public to see. There have been independent, peer-reviewed studies that suggest that there could be harmful effects to human health caused by the use of GMOs and the chemical pesticides and herbicides that go along with them, but again, there has not been enough research done and the jury is still out. Also, without labeling GE foods, we cannot associate any health problems with people who ate them — because we do not know who ate them. Since the FDA has no way to track adverse health effects in people consuming GE foods, and because there is no requirement that food containing GE ingredients be labeled, there is no effective way to gather data on health problems that may be happening.

What are the environmental effects of GMOs?

Genetically engineered (GE) crops usually use more pesticides and herbicides than non-GE crops, and they can easily contaminate organic and non-GE conventional crops with unwanted genetic material. Roundup Ready crops (which are engineered to tolerate application of the weed killer Roundup) are known to increase Roundup (glyphosate) use. Glyphosate has been linked to kidney and reproductive difficulties, allergic reactions and blocking mineral nutrients essential to human health. Now, superweeds and pests like the rootworm that have become resistant to GE-affiliated herbicides like Roundup and pesticides and require many more toxic chemicals to be applied to crops. There are also significant ethical and economic concerns involved with the patenting of living organisms and the rapid spread of GE crops has increased the corporate consolidation of the seed supply.

What is the difference between genetically engineered plants and plants altered through natural hybridization processes?

Plants altered through natural hybridization processes crossbreed plants within the same species. This process can happen naturally through cross pollination, but gardeners, farmers, and horticulturists have created the bulk of modern hybrids, often over the course of many years. The genes of genetically engineered (GE) plants have been altered by the insertion of genes taken from unrelated plant species, animal or bacterium that would not otherwise not occure naturally.

How can I avoid GMOs?

Until there are mandatory GMO labeling laws in place, the only way you can avoid eating GMOs is to eat food labeled as organic and/or food that is labeled as “Non-GMO”. Organic food prohibits the use of genetically modified ingredients in its production, and “non GMO” means that that product, although it may not be organic, does not include genetically modified ingredients.

- See more at: http://www.gmofilm.com/faq.aspx#sthash.ImtnmgDw.dpuf

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Eating Clean and Healthy on a Budget

I get a lot of questions about how you can make clean eating affordable. Today I have a few answers. 

Eating clean can be hard and expensive. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle actually helps everything in the long run. Less doctor bills, less prescription medication costs. 

If you do away with your daily Starbucks, or fast food meal on the go, you would save SO much money right off the bat. You would be surprised as to what you can get for $50 a week at your local grocery store.

Here are a few tips to help you eat clean and maintain your budget.

1. Get a Rewards Card at your local supermarket

2. Look for coupons in the mail

While couponing is addictive and can be time consuming, the deals are incomparable. - My advice, clip what you KNOW you will use and on the DAY you plan your shopping trip take those ones you want to use. 

3. Plan out your meals for the week

If you plan out what you will eat for the week, once you get to the grocery store it’s easier to get what you need and not be distracted by the countless aisles of processed food.

4. Eat local and in-season

Local produce is usually cheaper than purely organic because it requires less money and gas to transport, while in-season produce just makes more sense…who wants to eat something that couldn't naturally be growing during a certain time of year?

5. Organic does NOT mean better

 

The USDA bylaws for what is considered organic are unclear and unregulated. Fruits like bananas, oranges, grapefruit... anything with a harder peel, especially do not need to be organic. Save your money and just go with fruits and vegetables over processed garbage, regardless if they are organic or not. 

6. Avoid packaged or pre-made foods

These foods are often almost double the price of what it would cost to make in your own kitchen and oftentimes have high sodium content.

7. Always eat your leftovers

When you throw away food, you are throwing away money. Think about that!

Here is a typical daily meal plan that is easy to stick to and has many health benefits while also being affordable: 

Breakfast:

½ cup of oatmeal with 1 cup of milk and a handful of frozen berries

3 egg omelet 

Morning Snack:

1 apple, 2 tablespoons of almond butter

Lunch:

Shakeology (at only 4/serving, this is less than the cost of any fast food lunch even a packaged salad from a grocery store. 

2 hard boiled eggs; salad with greens and tomatoes; 

Afternoon Snack:

½ bell pepper/ 1/2 cucumber / mini peppers + 1 tablespoon of hummus

Dinner:

1 Chicken or Turkey Breast (4-6 oz.), 1 cup of a green or brightly colored vegetable (these are often cheaper if frozen), and a 1/4 cup quinoa

While this meal plan may seem boring, it is economical, healthy, and can be tailored to your liking by adding spices, fresh garlic, or fresh citrus for flavor.

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Do You Ever Have One of Those Days?

Oh My GOSH!

Today was one of those days. 

Busy to the max. Stressful. Fulfilling. Challenging. Rewarding.

The day started with happy tears. I got to announce one of my best friends as she rank advanced as an Emerald coach. 

As soon as I posted her rank advancement - I immediately teared up. I am so proud of her! 

Then the frustration of working a full - time job set in: Today was Brody's first field trip ever. To the pumpkin patch. Growing up I have this picture: Me in Kindergarten at the pumpkin patch. My parents were chaperons on that field trip. Hence the reason I have that photo and the memory.  Since the day Brody started Kindergarten I envisioned going with him on his first field trip. I found out last week that because of my work schedule, the only day I could not change in the month of October, was the day of his field trip. 

He wanted me to go so badly. This is his "I'll just have to go with my teacher Miss D. then" look. 

Breaks my heart. 

I vow to him - from 1st grade on, I will never ever miss a field trip with him again. 

I promise him, a job will never get in the way of me spending time with him again. 

Sacrifices now = happy fulfilling life later. - This is my current mantra.

His bus was 10 minutes late picking them up this morning which threw off my schedule for the day and if that weren't bad enough as he was getting on the bus I noticed that he was not carrying his lunch bag - So there I was: crazy mom running out of the car yelling for the bus to stop rolling away because my son boarded while leaving his lunch in the park. 

Oye! 

Then I got to do something today that was really exciting!! My first PiYo Live class! LOVED teaching. Wearing the mic, in front of a class: what an experience. I had a blast and although they said it was tough, my class members said they loved it too! (I am SO SORE!!  Maybe practicing release 33 2 times a day since Tuesday was not the smartest thing to do prior to teaching a class! haha!) 

I ended the day with a call with 2 of my teammates and no matter what that always lifts up my spirits and then there's this: 

All in all I can't complain. A day can start rough, but as long as you are positive you'll get through it. 

How do you push through a tough day?!  

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The Why That Makes You Cry...

... It is a saying often heard from Beachbody Coaches. We say it to our customers and we say it to ourselves. Find a "why" that makes you cry. Whether it be to help a customer push play to get rid of medications or to help one of your coaches on your team make that push to help someone - we say it all the time. I have thought about this post for weeks now - how to say it- write it- explain it, wondering what people will think, but the truth is this is MY WHY and I don't have to worry about what other people think. So here goes. People wonder all the time why I am a Beachbody Coach. Why I push others to get healthy and fit and feel good. Why I do what I do. The reality of the situation is that there are a few for me but my "why" really didn't make me cry until this past Monday.  One of my reasons for coaching is so we as a family could re-locate to a tiny little ski town on the Western Slope in CO. A job became available for my husband Corey - a job that NEVER becomes available. Full-time year round work for the resort. The bummer of the situation: I have a really great paying job, we have a year lease on our house still, and Brody is in the middle of his school year. We realized that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Corey, so we took it. I say we because from day one of applying for the job, to the interview, to condo hunting in Crested Butte - we had to be a team.  This means that Corey now lives and works 4 hours away from us. 

Brody and I are sad. We knew it would be hard to leave- and we knew it would be a sacrifice for 9-12 months. In the end it will mean a better life for Brody. It will mean a graduating class of 60 kids instead of 900.  It will mean he grows up in a town where kids still can go outside and play in a safe environment. It means he can ski his little heart out. 

He wants to ski in the Olympics - Big goals for a 5 year old.

This means that I have thrown all caution to the wind and have committed to increasing my team by next year. Becoming a 2-star diamond coach.

As we drove away from Corey leaving him standing there on the steps of his condo, I held it together. Then Brody started crying "Daddy is my first and favorite friend". And for the first time my why made me cry. I need to re-unite my family in our favorite place ever. 

For now, I want to coach to earn enough income to supplement what part of my salary I will loose by taking a job in a small town.... In the future: 

I never want to miss another field trip of Brody's again because of work. 

I want to volunteer in his school. 

I want to open up a PiYo Studio. 

I want to HELP as many people as I can get healthy and strong. Go off of medications because they have changed their life. I want to help the coaches on my team get to financial freedom. I want to help one of my coaches who's job is crushing her spirits to become a full time SAHM. I want to help another mom help pay for her child's physical therapy bills. I want to help a woman supplement their family income so her husband does not have to work so hard..... the list goes on and on. 

So that is my big why. That is why I post daily about my passion for Beachbody and helping others. 

What is your Why?

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New Challenge Group Starts Sept. 8th - Are you in?

Ok...I am about to share my own #transformationtuesday post. I am NOT happy about my before photos, I am embarrassed- me the promoter of health and fitness, clean eating, and working out - I kind of let myself go a bit. Now I will say, in both the before and afters I am the same size 2/4 - but in the before photos I am 118-120 and the afters I am 114-116 and holding steady. Yes, I still worked out almost every day, yest I still ate clean 70% of the time, but I did eat some garbage. Some processed foods, went out to eat a lot, bbq's, camping - all of those weekend of unhealthy eating caught up to me. I don't even look happy in my before photos, I look sick actually. No make-up, and look like I don't take pride in myself. Well feeling like that SUCKS!!! It is in a time like that when I remember why I started this journey and am reignited to start fresh. I would love for you to join me in my September Challenge group. It starts Sept. 8th and you need to get a challenge pack to start (Or become a coach or if you are already a coach on my team you can join us!) For the first 3 people that sign up this week I will give you 10% off of your order!** 

Join me and help yourself start to feel better too. I want to help you become the healthiest version of yourself!

** you get 10% back off of your purchase paid via pay pal from you to me within 3 business days of your purchase

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