Preparing for the new challenge!

So the new year starts tonight, and I'm ready to do the best Advocare challenge yet!  One of the most important things when doing a challenge is preparing!  Another thing I have to prepare for is a new semester of school, so that means plenty of crock-pot meals!  So, soon I will be going on a big shopping trip for everything!
I'm going to buy all the stuff for both lists for crockpot meals- see previous posts, and lots of fruits and veggies for the challenge.  I will also be buying Catalyst from Advocare to help get off the fat while protecting my muscles and lots of Spark to keep me pumped up!
I've got a friend who is doing the challenge with me and we'll be trying to swim laps once a week in addition to regular cardio things and the weekly "anywhere" exercises- also from a previous post- to get fit, toned and lose the Christmas fat! 
If you want to do the challenge, the link to order is http://www.advocare.com/130346245 and start thinking about food before starting!

New Year, New You?

***Sorry the formatting is off- I couldn't get it to work without messing it up more! ****

So, it's that time of year for new years resolutions!  I got my new treadmill for christmas and ready to start a new year off right! 

In honor of the new years, Advocare has some awesome deals and specials for the new year!
First, the 24 day challenge is on sale!  And there is an all new exercise program avaliable!
  Second, there is a contest within my area for those who lose weight and inches during the 24 day challenge! 

To order go to http://www.advocare.com/130346245

Off track...literally

My treadmill is dead.  I am sad.  The belt was loose and kept slipping when I tried to run, and there would be a horrible burnt smell after I tried.  After my hubby tightened it, the belt doubled onto itself.  Boo.  So, I'm hoping Santa Clause comes through for me and gets me a new one because I have a hard time exercising consistently without it. 
On the good news side- I have a new favorite Spark flavor!  Pink Lemonade!  Yum Yum! So good. 
After the first of the year I might just have to do another cleanse to get back on track after being without exercise for over two weeks and yummy treats the holiday brings.  :)

New Exercise Routine

One does not live by cardio alone.  While I think Cardio is awesome to keep you in shape and the lose weight, once you reach a plateau you need to add more.  More muscle= a toned, fit look.  While I like my Advocare 'Can you 24' workout DVDs, I get tired of workout videos.  So I went to pinterest to find something easy and do-able.  I printed off this list I found and trying to follow it.

I'll let you know how it goes!  I'm still feeling good with my progress, and last I checked I was down over 2 inches from my waist! 

Another Pinterest Find

Another find from pinterest- a snack that isn't technically Advocare or Allergy friendly, but if you have to have chocolate may be a good alternative to your favorite candy bar!

They didn't have a name, so I'm going to call them chocolate bites.  You melt your choice of chocolate chips in the microwave (30 seconds at a time, mixing each 30 seconds until smooth).  Drop it onto wax paper by the spoonful, put on some nuts or dried fruit and tada!

I have made "samples" of dark chocolate (think antioxidant!), milk chocolate, and semi-sweet chips.  I have used a variety of almonds (also antioxidant), cashews, peanuts, and dried fruit to see what I like the best.

Let them sit until hard, or can put in the fridge to speed it up.

I haven't tried it yet because it's still setting up! I'll let you know!