Beachbody T25 Update!

I'm 3 weeks into T25 & as promised, I'm sharing my results and a review of the workout. First off, baby is now a year old. 6 months after he was born I was thin & in pretty decent shape,  but still flabby from several months of pregnancy bed rest. I was heading in the right direction but when summer hit we found ourselves enjoying the outdoors, so figured I didn't need to work out. I didn't gain weight but I didn't lose any either,  so I planned to kick back into high gear in the fall. So here we are.  I found a local Beachbody coach who is amazing & started mid September.  You can see I'm already getting serious results! This was even with me talking 10 days off to go visit Tim's family in Southern Oregon! 
Here is my 3 week review:
Week One: T25 was difficult at first,  but only 25 minutes,  so definitely do able.  I started in decent shape but still could not complete the workout (I finished but took little 20 second breaks). There is a moderater so I followed her most of that first week. At first I was VERY sore,  but that subsided by the end of the first week. I could feel myself getting stronger and saw a little more definition in my legs.
Week Two: The workouts were getting easier as I was gaining strength quickly. I could complete the entire 25 minutes without breaks and was using the moderator less and less. I was noticing new definition in my arms and a flatter tummy by the end of the week. The flex picture was fallen at the end of this week.
Here is where my 10 days off came in. I didn't do T25 at all but I went on a few walks and jogs with baby (it was a GORGEOUS area) & planked a few times. I also ate a lot of junk :/
Week Three: I just completed this and the stomach and backside pictures are current results. I feel 10x stronger at this point. My arms, legs and back are firm and my stomach is looking better than it has in years! I've lost 1 inch off my waist and 1.5 off my hips. I was a little sore getting back into it after 10 days off but again,  that is fading. 
I have days I don't want to do this,  but at only 25 minutes,  I can't make up good enough excuses not to!
The bottom line is that this is a very effective workout requiring very little time. The support group is extremely motivating & keeps me going when I only want to lay on the couch, eat Doritos and watch baseball (ok... I've done that a few times too, lol). I think T25 will work for almost everyone. If you are totally out of shape you will need to go slower & use the moderator more, but it's very do able!

Summer Break from Blogging - New Fitness Challenge Coming in September

I set out to make a health,  beauty and fitness blog, & at first it was a huge motivator to be diligent about my workouts and paleo eating.  Then summer hit. Summer is my favorite time of year because there is so much to do! Tim and I took our baby to his first rodeo last Saturday! The baby was more interested in eating Tim's hamburger than watching,  but it was fun to take him out in his little cowboy boots :) we've been doing lots of swimming, exploring,  bbqing... it doesn't leave a lot of time for blogging.
I squeezed in a quick workout this morning, and up until last week I've been doing a LOT of running.  So while my workouts haven't been regular,  I've been keeping active & in shape the fun way! August is going to be crazy, so I plan on starting a new fitness challenge in September. I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do,  but I've got a few ideas. I'm excited for a new round of exercise,  & a new results! 

Thankfulness

This week I'm feeling so thankful for Tim. I had a crazy week. I love serving at the church and vacation bible school was so much fun,  but with a baby it took a lot! I didn't get enough sleep,  our house started getting messy, the laundry was piling up.  The worst part was that I was too busy to work out (my stress release). I'm usually a pretty cheerful person, but I was beginning to feel overwhelmed and my attitude showed it.
Tim saw that I was stressed out and put aside his other obligations to watch our baby while I worked at the church.  He met my coffee needs (that's a big deal for me, lol), encouraged me,  and helped out around the house.  I admit I had a few grouchy days, but he showed me so much intentional love... made me feel adored and important in the midst of my chaos. The truth is, he does this not just during vbs, but whenever I am weak, struggling, sad or overwhelmed.
Life is crazy.... it never goes how we expect it to, but somehow in it's turmoil I found blessings. If I focus on the messes, that's what I see..a mess. If I focus on the good, the love, the people who hold me up when I'm weak.... I am truly thankful!

Blaming Baby for Eating the Pie, a Paleo Recipe to Right My Wrongs, & Younique News!

Paleo Cauliflower "Potatoes"

I made Tim a delicious peanut butter chocolate pie for Father's Day. Yesterday I took little "slices" all day long. It was my breakfast, my lunch, my snacks... when I brought it back out after dinner last night I realized I'd eaten over half of it. If that's not bad enough, I tried to convince Tim the baby ate it! I'm all about having a piece of pie now and then, in fact I'm pretty sure pie is holy ;) however half a pie and using the baby as a cover up is probably crossing the line. 

Today I figured I'd better at least attempt to eat clean and get myself back on track. As I write this I'm cooking the cauliflower for one of my favorite "paleo" recipes. Cauliflower is used a lot in paleo and low carb eating. You can make pizza crusts from it, tortillas, and even mock rice! The mashed potato recipe is in my opinion the easiest and the best of them all! I'll give you two versions. One is similar to the one in the picture (taken from Paleopot.com) the other is my tried and true recipe I've been making for a few years now. In both versions the key to making it delicious is butter of course :)

Crock Pot Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Put one head of cauliflower florets in the crockpot

Cover with salted water or broth

Cook on high for 3-4 hours

Remove and drain, put in food processor or mash

Add lots of butter, a little salt, and any other toppings you enjoy like bacon, cheese (not considered stickily Paleo, but is ok with Primal Paleo, if you even care.. I don't), chives, etc.

My recipe is pretty much the same, only I boil the cauliflower so I can eat this right away!!!

This is so good! Promise! Babies like it too! Almost as much as they like pie ;)

Today was another leg day. Even though I'm well into this work out regime (over two months now) It still hurts some days. Today was that day (probably from all the extra pie weight). Some days I think "this is getting easy, time to up my weights". Today I kept looking over at baby who laughs at me though my entire work out and telling him "we should turn this junk off and watch Bubble Guppies instead, shouldn't we." Regardless, I finished the whole thing and feel great for pushing through.

I have exciting news regarding my Younique business! I'll be at the women's expo at the civic on the 28th! I can't wait! If you are reading this and are local, come by and check out the product. I think the virtual sales route is great, but the quality really needs to be seen in person. This will be a great opportunity for me to show people first hand why I'm so crazy over this makeup!

If you can't make it to the expo, go check out Younique here: https://www.youniqueproducts.com/KarlieHodgen/party/266725/view

As always, you guys can message me here, on Facebook, or email me at karliejeanh@gmail.com

Younique New Business

Here it is! Younique Cosmetics. They are a new high quality makeup that understand the current trends & advances. Check out my before and after pics! I'm thrilled! I had chosen  not to put up the details of this company until I tried the product. If I don't absolutely love something, I'm not going to sell it. I'm VERY picky with my make up, and this stuff truly impresses me! The 3D lashes make my eyelashes HUGE! In a great way :) The makeup itself is beautiful, has a perfect texture, gorgeous colors & is NATURAL! This stuff is better than my Sephora stash of cosmetics, & that says a lot!
 After researching every home based company out there, why did I chose Younique? I fell in love with this company even before I tried the cosmetics. Their purpose is to empower women, allow opportunity to work from home, encourage us to love and uplift one another, while enhancing beauty inside and out. It's about building confidence and bettering ourselves. Now THAT is a purpose I can get behind! It's a new (less than 2 years old) company that is growing quickly. I'd never heard of it until a few weeks ago. There are no consultants in my area, & very few even in the Portland area. I truly get to get in at the beginning stages of this company! Talk about an opportunity! Want to know what else? They make it so I can run this business 100% online if I choose through social media, etc. Home parties are not necessary! Additionally, I get paid instantly! When purchases are made, my commission goes directly into my account. No waiting a month to get paid, & no autoship. I'm getting ready to start an online party. If you would like to learn more about these great products, let me know!

https://www.youniqueproducts.com/KarlieHodgen/party/248969/view

Progress! All the Hard Work is Showing Results

Two years ago, I couldn't even do ONE girl push-up. Now I can do 30 REAL push-ups (with "semi" decent form). This might not look like great results, but considering I've never had upper body strength, this is a huge accomplishment! 

Due to new advertising restrictions I'm no longer promoting Omnitrition, but that's no reason not to continue to meet my fitness goals!!! I'm still pushing through my swimsuit challenge... Not sure when I'll consider myself done, but I'm loving the journey!

As I mentioned im no longer promoting omni. I love the products & still use the shakes on a daily basis, but they took away the ability to advertise via Facebook, Pinterest, blogs, etc. I'm a stay at home mom & want to keep it that way, so I need a company that allows me to work & advertise from home. For now I will still provide omni products, but I will not be promoting it. 

I'm currently looking for a new home business. Wow! The amount of choices out there is incredible! I have a few things in mind & can't wait to blog about it! One particular company I'm researching is brand new... I'd never heard of it before, & I LOVE what they sell... It would be a lot of fun! I'm not telling yet (because I'm looking at all options before I officially decide). So stay tuned! :)

Staying Skinny While Eating Bread! Low Carb, Wheat & Grain Free Recipe

First here is an update on my personal fitness challenge: Today's workout was cardio. Add that to painting and working in the yard all weekend, & I'm feeling it! I'm below my pre pregnancy weight and have built muscle, so I'd say I'm progressing well on my fit for summer goal!  I have to say, maintaining a healthy weight is easy when you have broken food addictions and don't crave carbohydrates anymore.

It's a gorgeous morning! can't wait to get outside & work in my yard a little more & maybe take a trip to Hood River this afternoon to play in the sun! But first I've got some bread baking to do! You heard me right! It's not what you think though! This bread is very low carb, and wheat/grain free!!!

Why no wheat? After losing 35 pounds a few years ago with hcg and breaking a carb addiction (read how by clicking here) I discovered I felt much better without wheat in my diet. I do still have it, but not every day, & certainly not every meal like I used to when I was addicted to wheat! I try to eat paleo with dairy (no grains, processed food, & sugar) about 75% of the time. 25% of the time, I eat whatever I want (I love candy).

This morning I am making this paleo sandwich bread for the first time! Here is the recipe:

I love Paleo recipes! It tastes like cheating, but I feel healthy and energized after eating this way. A donut just gives me a headache and a tummy ache. 

I know one of the biggest difficulties in eating "differently" is how to feed your family.. Especially the kiddos. Can I make an appeal here? Feed your kids the same way!!! Our families don't need all those refined carbohydrates and wheat either! Knowing what I know about nutrition, I'm raising my little guy (& strongly encouraging the rest of my family) to eat the same as I do.

Being ridged about it isn't the answer. My baby already knows that he likes French fries and frozen yogurt! However, I am mindful of his meals, making sure that 75% of them (or more) have a fruit, vegetable & protein emphasis. Yes... Baby still gets carbs, but a good portion of his meals are paleo. I rarely feed him baby cerealIf I do it's usually oats mixed with fruit. He loves eggs, Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, & chicken. He eats his veggies like a champ and only spits out his peaches :)

Here is his breakfast:

I love being healthy, & want good health for my family as well! Sure, I want them to enjoy my momma's apple pie & REAL Homemade rolls, but eating right most of the time allows us to enjoy the treats without allowing it to destroy our health.

Do you have an addiction to wheat, sugar or carbohydrates that you want to kick? Would you like to lose a few pounds and enjoy good health? I can help you! Message me on Facebook or email me @

Karliejeanh@gmail.com

www.omnitrition.com/beautifullife

Nothing Tastes as Good as Being Fit Feels

Just a little motivation for all of my Omni Clients (and to anyone else on a fitness journey). What a difference 44 pounds make... She went from 190 pounds to 146 on the Omni diet and her waist went from 35.5" to 28"! Doesn't she look great!

You still have time to get in shape before summer! A lot of people are making their fitness and weightloss goals a reality! had a client lose 9 pounds last week... Way to go! I've got another who is about to succesfully finish phase 2 (before and after pictures soon!) I've also added three new clients this week! I can't wait to work with you guys!

For those of you already working towards your goal... Summer is almost here! Let's all remember why we started our fitness journey and stick with it! The results are worth it! Just remember...

If you haven't started, what are you waiting for? No matter what method you decide to use to get in shape, do it now! You will be glad you did! You guys can do this!!!! -Karlie 

www.omnitrition.com/beautifullife

Karliejeanh@gmail.com

Stale Oreos, Baggy Pants and a Few Weeks of Diet Food that Tastes Pretty Good!

Here are some of the Omni Diet recipes I made with a client yesterday. In two hours we made 11 meals (+ 4 salad dressings). I don't cook for all my clients... But this one is extra special :)

On Omni you retrain yourself how to eat. You spend a few weeks on a low calorie restrictive diet, but it results in breaking food addictions, comfort eating, cravings, etc. it's like you have a clean slate! Omni allowed me to retrain the way I eat and allow my body to break the addictions so I had the actual ability to follow through. 

Is it easy to give up your favorite foods? In the beggining, no. The products work together to fight cravings, suppress your appetite, detox, & rapidly burn fat. However, that first week, you miss the foods you relied on. When you don't cave into cravings, your body breaks those addictions fast. By the second week you don't even miss the foods. You now have control again! 

After about three weeks your pants are falling off and your desire to use food for anything other than nourishment is gone. You no longer live to eat... But eat to live. 

As you enter the second stage of your diet you begin to introduce foods back into your diet. This is where you find out what your body likes. I found out my body likes meat and proteins. Nuts, veggies, fruit, corn, oats and can even tolerate sugar! My body does not like wheat. Everytime I'd eat bread I'd feel sick.

Now think about that... I'd been eating so much bread before, & not realizing how bad it made me feel until I took it away. I was living my life consuming something that made me feel horrible and didn't even know it? 

I now avoid it. That doesn't mean I never have it. I'll still eat a hamburger, a cookie, more pizza than I should, or an occasional sandwich, but it's not at every meal like before, but a few times a week. But guess what! I'm totally ok with that because I'm no longer addicted to those foods anymore!

Wanna know something crazy? I have Oreos and chips in my cupboard that have gone stale. I didn't want them beyond the first few. They have no control over me. That's freedom!

Now back to the Omni Diet foods! Protein, veggetables, and fruits can be delicious and satisfying. Here are some of the recipes we made: Spicy lime chipolte chicken, chicken curry, Italian beef stew, cumin chili, Garlic ginger chicken with asparagus, strawberry freeze, baked apples with cinnamon. A few weeks of eating like this to lose 1/2 - a pound a day AND break food addictions? I think that is doable! As I mentioned above, it took us two hours and about $30 to make a weeks worth of single serving meals! 

The idea of giving up favorite foods for a few weeks might seem daunting, but with omni it's easier than you think! And so so worth it! You will get those foods back, but instead of them controlling you, you will be in control! Stale Oreos and your pants will fall off... Can't beat that ;)

Karliejeanh@gmail.com

www.omnitrition.com/beautifullife

Do it Now, Because Later Becomes Never! Motivation for Today!

These women lost 41 and 48 pounds on the Omni Diet!

I got a text a few minutes ago from a client saying "I lost 4 1/2 pounds this morning!" I can't even begin to tell you how excited I got by her success! She is only 15 days into her omni diet and has already lost 14 pounds! Not only is she encouraged to move forward with her fitness goals, but it has encouraged me as well!

I've been kind of pathetic with my workouts this week, but I can tell you that text motivated me to get back on track. No excuses today!!! 

I love this quote:

I think we become hopeless at times, thinking fitness is beyond our reach. Or we fall into the vicious cycle of "I'll start tomorrow". NO! How many years will you allow bad health consume? 

Start NOW!

You are in control of your health and your body, so take control! I promise when you do the only regret will be that you didn't start sooner!

If you are interested in learning more about the Omni Diet message me on Facebook or email me. I can add you to a private Facebook group that allows you to read about the diet, follow the progress of others, see before and after pictures, and ask questions if you would like.

Do you want to lose a little weight (or a lot)? Would like to tone up for summer? I can help you meet, even exceed your fitness goals! Feel free to email me, message me on Facebook or give me a call to discuss your goals!

Karliejeanh@gmail.com

www.omnitrition.com/beautifullife

UPDATE!!!! My Swimsuit Season Challenge

Goodbye Muffin Top :)

Here is my two week progress picture, and I see results!!!! The first picture was taken the day I posted the challenge. Both pictures were taken in the same mirror. The shorts are the same pair, only the waste band is slightly rolled down on the first picture (probably from the pressure of the muffin top, lol). I'm slightly tanner in the second picture thanks to my Too Faced self tanner :) Otherwise, it's a pretty accurate portrayal of my progress! 

I'm pretty impressed with the changes I see in my body. On top of my 30 min workouts,  I am replacing one meal with an Omni protein shake (which tastes like cake batter ice cream). The shake fills me up more than any other protein shake  I've ever used, & it's resulted in a decreased appetite. My goal was not to lose weight, but to build muscle and get in great shape. However I've lost two pounds (unintentionally) in the last two weeks... & definitely gained muscle! 

I had a sick baby for a few days, then I got sick, so I have not worked out every day as planned. In all honestly I have only worked out 10 of the last 16 days. Needless to say, I'm surprised to see such great results.

Going forward, I'm going to be more realistic... My new goal is to work out 30 minutes a day, 4-5 times a week. It might take my longer to complete my "90 days" but I'm ok with that. I'll continue to replace one meal with my Omni shake, while maintaining my normal eating habits otherwise. I'll post another update in a few weeks!

On another note. My momma is doing a round of the omni drops diet right now. She was down 10 pounds the first week!!! I'm so proud of her! I'll be posting before and after pics at the end of her three weeks on the diet. I love watching people get healthy... But it's the best when it's someone you love!!! Go mom! 

I'd love to help you reach your goals too! Anyone who wants to get in shape for the summer, whether you have a lot of weight to lose, or if you just want to tone up, I'm here to help!

You can:

Email me at karliejeanh@gmail.com

Message me on Facebook

Give me a call (message or email me for my number

Place an order @ www.omnitrition.com/beautifullife

How the HCG Diet Actually Works!

Here are the results of a guy who used the omnitrition HCG diet for only 14 days! Don't believe it? Read the article below on how HCG works! 

Do you want to know how HCG works? I've made some pretty big claims on the capabilities of using the HCG drops with diet. I mean, if someone tells you that you could lose 20 pounds in 23 days your going to doubt it. I know I did! That was until I watched my friends have this type of success with the diet. Then I just had to know HOW this could work! I found an article (that is not endorsed by Omnitrition) that explains it fairly well so I decided to post it for you all to read! 

*Here is my obligatory disclaimer stating that the below article or it's medical claims are not in anyway endorsed by omnitrition. HCG might do really cool stuff beyond weight loss, only I can't say all the amazing things it might do because no one wants legal drama.. ;)

"Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, an English physician specializing in treating overweight patients, noticed that human chorionic gonadotropin mobilized abnormal fat in patients that were taking it for other conditions.  After much research it was discovered that HCG corrects a poorly functioning hypothalamus gland so it can control your appetite and burn 2000 calories from the abnormal fat reserves.  As the abnormal reserves are released, patients lose weight, the body reshapes itself and as a pleasant side benefit, often the energy, blood pressure, blood sugar and metabolism are restored to normal. Consequently, besides losing weight, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, immunological and endocrinological conditions have reduced in intensity or disappeared.

Method:  You take a daily administration of HCG which burns 2,000 calories, 1500 calories from the abnormal reserves and 500 from the diet.  You will lose on average one pound a day, while modifying your body contour, and feel in excellent mood and energy throughout the program.  You will be doing all of this without excessive exercise, surgery or hunger.
You must take a minimum of 23 doses of HCG to a maximum of 40 to achieve a correction of the hypothalamic dysfunction.  Since HCG burns 2000 calories, you will only be allowed to eat 500 calories, but your appetite will be well controlled by the HCG.  At the end of the treatment you will go into Stage 2.  During Stage 2 you will reset the hypothalamus based on a pre-industrial revolution diet.  Before the Industrial Revolution people did not have easy access to starch and sugar.  Today, starch and sugar are so easily available, they are hard to resist.  By avoiding starch and sugar for 21 days, the hypothalamus will thereafter allow you to have a cookie with lunch or a piece of chocolate with dinner without a gain in weight.

Cravings and Keeping the weight off 
Double Blind studies have demonstrated that patients in the control group had cravings during the program while those receiving the HCG did not have cravings, lost more weight and kept it off. A 20 year study showed that 60-70% of patients kept the weight off permanently.  This program is the ONLY solution I know for “The Overweight Syndrome” here in America.  My patients tell me it is the easiest weight they have ever lost.  They lose their cravings within 72 hours and go through the treatment losing about one pound a day, effortlessly, without anymore exercise than walking 15-30 minutes 3 times a week or just staying active in their work or play.  No exercise program, diet drinks, will power or protein powders are required. You will eat ordinary healthy foods; you can drink coffee, tea, herb tea and enjoy social events with ease, regardless of what other foods are being served.  I did this program myself, lost 26 pounds in 26 days and never felt better in my life.  All these years it may have seemed like regaining your health was an endless series of diets, pills and powders.  I hope this challenges you to take responsibility for what might truly transform your appearance, health and energy once and for all."

This is the source of the above article www.drrickmarschall .com

Karlie Hodgen

www.omnitrition.com/beautifullife

Karliejeanh@gmail.com

My Personal Swimsuit Season Challenge!

My Muffin Top/Exercise Chart

Want to Do This With ME?
These are necessary:
*30 min of daily exercise (that includes cardio AND weights)
*A high quality liquid vitamin (I suggest Omni IV)
*Protein Meal Supplement (Most trainers will suggest supplementing with protein to effectively strengthen and tone. I'm using OmniFit)

Use the following products for Optimum Results!
*Omni Sport Drink mix (builds muscle, helps tone, adds needed nutrients that we deplete during a regular fitness routine
*Thermo Java and or Tea I would serve the tea iced! (This product is insane! It burns fat like crazy while boosting your metabolism. In fact it works soooo well I'm not taking it because I'm still nursing my little guy, but if I was not, it would definitely be part of this challenge, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to burn fat!)

I love summer! Warm nights that hold onto light, sweet tea and lazy afternoons at the river, baseball and BBQ (oh how I love BBQ!), cowgirl boots, painted toes, boho sun dresses, the front porch and my guitar.... homegrown vegetables, outdoor concerts, and hot weather! The hotter the better (90-100 degrees is PERFECT for me). By the time the August heat hits, most people begin to anticipate fall... not me. I would be content to live in summer forever!

Last summer I spent in my third trimester. We enjoyed the lake in June, but by July I was on bed rest, trying to move into our new home, and getting ready for baby. While baby was well worth losing a summer, this year I've got to make up for it!!!!

As much as summer and I click... there is one thing about it that gives me a touch of hesitation. Swimsuits. When I was 35 pounds heavier, I HATED swim suits (see how I lost the weight by clicking here). Now I don't mind them, but I still feel uncomfortable wearing them in public. This year I have decided I  am going to push myself to get that summer body I've always wanted!

Judgement Disclaimer * Now before you all go and judge me here (she's thin already, she has an abnormal fixation on her figure, blah blah); stop! This is not about being skinny, this is about being fit and healthy. This is about setting goals and accomplishing them.This is a gift to myself AND my family. I feel so great being strong and fit, not just on the outside, but on the inside! Feeling healthy is fantastic!  (:

Ok... back to my mission. I've challenged myself to lose fat and tone up for the summer. I've already lost weight previously through my HCG Diet. My goal here is not to lose any more, but to take my fitness to the next level!

Wanna know how I plan on doing this? Working out is a challenge with a baby, so I purchased a knock off of P90x at Big 5 for $14.99. It might not be to the same level as P90x, but it's affordable, and the workouts are only 30 min long. YES! That's about all the time I have to work anyway. I've been doing this nearly 3 weeks and have seen some results, but they have stalled... so I'm going to take it up a notch. I'm adding Omni Sport which increases energy, stamina, and muscle tone, as well as Omni Fit high protein meal supplement. Originally I was going to also include Omni Thermo Java and Tea, however this is so effective in burning fat, I am going to hold off while I'm still nursing a baby (babies need fat). With that said, I am not going to diet. My baby's nutritional needs come first. I will eat as I always do. I will not be changing anything else as I want my results to be an honest reflection of Omni products and 30 min of daily exercise.

I'll repost in a few weeks with before and after pictures! Also,  I've also got a client getting ready to start her HCG Diet and she just took her before pictures. She is willing to let me post her pictures of her results, so be looking for those on a future post too!!!! I'm excited to see how these products help me meet my goals to look awesome this up coming swimsuit season! I also encourage any of you that are interested to join me! 

Karlie Hodgen

www.omnitrition.com/beautifullife.com

karliejeanh@gmail.com

Beauty Beyond the Physical; Encouragement to Beautify Your Soul

Confession: I had diet coke and brownies for breakfast, so today is a good day to focus on something besides physical fitness ;)

I want to encourage others to live a "beautiful life", to set goals, succeed, overcome. So far I have put a lot of emphasis on the physical. Health and fitness are so important  to me that I have a strong desire to see others thrive in this area, however, the most important part of who we are has nothing to do with our physical bodies, but our souls. While I've said I'll keep this blog free of religious or political rants, I would be missing the point of having a beautiful life if I didn't put emphasis on the spiritual aspect of who we are.

 I want to share with YOU things that positively change and encourage me!

With that said, I'm asking you to check out the link below (I posted the link on Facebook a few weeks ago as well). If you share my Christian faith it will inspire you to live out God's love in a bigger way. If you don't share my faith, I think it will give you a better look at the true heart of God (not the judgment and hypocrisy Christian church folks sometimes portray). While it's addressed to women, I think the heart of the message would be pertinent to men as well. 

I copied my personal comment on the post so you could get a good idea of how it spoke to me. Now go check it out! 

http://pearlsandgrace.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-new-church-lady.html

"This post confirmed what God was already stirring in my heart. Thank you for writing it! I can relate having been the other church lady for so many years, one who judged the single mothers. My perfect little Christian family only had room for other perfect people... only one day I realized I was not so perfect. Now I am the momma with a baby on her hip, praising God in the pews without a ring on my finger or a husband at my side. While I am not a "single" mother, I do appear to be at first glance (and I've made for some interesting gossip in our community, lol). Trust me, even in todays churches I still get judgment. If I was not already grounded in my own relationship with Christ, I would have walked away. It is out of obedience that I continue to stand in the pews. As I praise God at church he whispers in my soul "daughter, now that you are broken, I can finally use you." Unfortunately pride in my perfection was in the way of ministering to others before.
In your brokenness, God used you! This post is beautiful beyond words and resinates God's true desire for Christian women. Judgment and false perfection is SO ineffective. Thank you for your transparency and heart. You have put kindling on a movement that's ready to set fire, change lives, and grow the kingdom of God!" ~Karlie

Karlie Hodgen
www.omnitrition.com/beautifullife
karliejeanh@gmail.com

I Support Home Business Why You Should Too!

Baby helping his mommy work on her Omni business! 

I love watching people succeed! Whether it's a fitness goal, a financial goal, or a personal accomplishment, I get excited! 

Sometimes when we set goals, we have to get creative! What we want can't be achieved by doing things the way the rest of the world does it, so we think outside the box, get motivated, and get to work. 

I have goals.

I want to stay home with my sweet little guy. I want to be available to my children. I want to contribute to the family income. I want to help others. I want to be able to pour myself into causes I believe in, by works and finances! (I also want to go to Denver and watch the Broncos play win next year ;)

I've noticed a lot of my friends (real life and internet) are also thinking outside the box. If it's wraps, vitamins, make-up, or whatever, I have one thing to say. Good for you! I support you. Do you want to know why? 

               I understand your goals!

              

               I understand it's NOT about driving a fancy car, power suits, or motivational 

                   speakers

          

               It's about staying home with our babies

        

               It's about having more time to love those around us

               It's about a product we love and want to use and share

               It's about not killing yourself at your job & having time to do what we love

               It's about having enough income to make ends meet... maybe a little extra... 

                  maybe a lot extra!

                

Is the idea of making a great income from home a myth? Is there just some random couple back east who makes millions while the rest of us only chase a dream? Absolutely not! I've had three personal friends (all of which I knew BEFORE they succeeded in home business) make an exceptional income from home, and by exceptional I mean over $5000 a month (one of them is a fellow Omnitrition distributer!). I also have several friends (myself included with a past business) that have enjoyed a couple $100 extra each month. You have to work for it, but you have to work for anything, right! Also, did you know that 80% of all women who make over $100,000 a year do it through a home business? So, despite the skeptics, home business is a very valid way to make a little money....or a lot!

I think the key is finding the right fit. I'm really love my Omnitrition business! I've had an overwhelming response so far, and I'm so enjoying helping people meet their weight loss and fitness goals. I'm excited how quickly it's growing! I've never tried a better more effective weight loss product! I've got a great product and I know it! I'm also excited by some of the other home business products out there! I went to a party selling organizational products and pretty totes. I'm sold. I want all of it! I have a few friends selling wraps that shrink your tummy (how cool is that?). What ever you chose to promote, make sure it's a good product and you love it, then you can't go wrong!

When we support each other, we enable each other to reach our goals. Not every product out there is going to be for you, but there is some awesome stuff out there! I find that home businesses often have products of superior quality, are unique, and often on the cutting edge. Let's not bash each other for having goals, and choosing to "think out of the box" to accomplish them! Instead, let's empower one another to succeed! 

Karlie Hodgen

karliejeanh@gmail.com

www.omnitrition.com/beautifullife

Sunshine, Teething Baby, and a Caffeinated To Do List

Today is a good day! Baby is still working on his first tooth and kept us up half the night, and I have yet to actually get anything done (besides the first two on the list), but for some reason I have a lot of joy and anticipation for today. Maybe it's because the sun is shinning, or maybe it's because I LOVE what's on my "To Do List" today! it's nothing exciting, but this is the first day I haven't gone into town in awhile. I truly enjoy a quiet day at home sometimes.

Karlie's To Do List

*Prayer 

*Drink lots of coffee :)

*Fold Laundry :(

* Organize Baby's closet (We are getting ready to paint his room chocolate brown with powder blue accents and I've storing things in his closet. Time to de junk!)

*Drink more coffee

*Devote an hour to my Omnitrition business (I just got a new client yesterday. I'm so excited to work with her and help her meet her weight loss and fitness goals...YAY!!!!)

*Daily Workout (Today is cardio. I have been working really hard with my weights, so a day of only cardio is a welcome break for my sore muscles.)

*Soak in some sunshine!!! I think I'll put baby in the carrier, sweep off the walk way, and start planning where I'm going to plant my garden this year. 

*Try a new recipe for dinner "Paleo Bacon and Butternut Squash Cakes" (Recipe Below)

Does anyone else make lists? If it's written down, I usually do it! So with a fresh cup of coffee brewing (and it's rapidly approaching noon) I'm off to start working on my list! :)

Paleo Bacon and Butternut Squash Cakes

1 Butternut Squash peeled and chopped (I'm using frozen because who has time for chopping and peeling squash)
6 slices cooked bacon crumbled (I'm doubling this)
1 tbs chives
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/4 tsp dried sage
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbs onion powder
coconut oil
~
Steam squash until tender then mash (or thaw the package if you go the easy route)
add sage, red onion, onion powder, bacon, salt, pepper, and chives.
Shape into cakes
Preheat coconut oil in skillet on medium
Cook cakes on both sides until brown and crispy
~
I'm going to serve this with sour cream (not paleo) and a green salad with raspberry vinaigrette

My Weight loss Story; How I Went From a Size 12 to a 2, Broke a Food Addiction, & Embraced a Fit Lifestyle!

The first picture is me a few years ago in a tight size 12, weighing over 160 pounds. I'm now a size 2 and weigh 128 thanks to the HCG Diet! Omnitrition offers the best quality HCG Drops on the market!

We all know how to lose weight, right? Eat less, exercise more... so why then is it so hard? I had spent most of my life at a healthy weight, however after having children and some difficult life events, my weight had slowly crept up. Three years ago I had reached my highest weight ever. On a small frame I weighed over 160 pounds and barely fit in my size 12 jeans. I was tired, depressed, and overall unhealthy. I tried everything to get the weight off. With a nutritional background I understood how to lose weight, but it was so difficult to eat less, and exercising with an additional 35 pounds was not easy. I would sometimes have success and lose a few pounds here and there, only to gain it back.

Why was it so difficult to eat less? Why would I start out my mornings eating right, only to fail that evening by binging on breads and sweets? Why didn't I have self control?

I had pretty much given up when a few of my friends started rapidly losing weight. These women had always struggled with their weight, so to see them finally successful, I had to know what they were doing. They told me about this crazy HCG diet. My first thought was "no way am I going to do that." I walked away from them thinking they would not continue to lose weight, and if they did, they would certainly gain it back. A few months later I ran into one of the woman again. She had melted down to a perfect weight, and had not gained any of it back. 

I am always a skeptic. I will research myself into a frenzy and doubt all claims, so even with the proof of watching two close friends succeed with HCG, I wasn't ready to jump on the band wagon. A few months later I ran into another friend. A woman from my church who I greatly respected had shed over 50 pounds. When I asked her how she did it, again, it was the HCG diet. It was then I thought maybe there was something to this HCG after all.

It was nearly three years ago when I finally decided to take the plunge and give this diet a try. I ultimately lost well over 30 pounds, went from a size 12 to a 2, and three years later have not gained any of it back! I even had a baby (was back to my pre pregnancy weight three months postpartum!)

Why was it different this time? Why did HCG work when everything else failed?

HCG did something that other diets did not. It reset my metabolism, broke my food addictions, and brought my body back to a place where it was balanced. After HCG, I had my self control back. I can have one bite of dessert and be content. I eat what I want, but also listen to the cues of my body. With the food addictions gone, I can now eat to live, not live to eat. I eat whatI want, because my body is now healthy, and it wants what it needs! My life is no longer controlled by food or diets. I am healthy, fit and free! 

I am passionate about fitness and nutrition. I want to see others succeed like I have so they can live without extra weight and food addiction taking up their precious time and energy. I'm all about health and safe weight loss which is why I chose to sell and promote HCG through Omnitrition. It is important to not only use superior quality HCG drops, but to take high quality vitamin supplements with this diet. Additionally, you want support! This is not something to do alone. I offer more than just a product or information to my clients, but support and motivation to succeed! There is the right and the wrong way to do this diet. To ensure optimum health and results, make sure you do it the right way! For more information on onmnitrition and HCG feel free to contact me with any questions, and visit my website at www.omnitrition.com/beautifullife

Strawberry Cream Sorbet (My Favorite HCG Diet Treat!)

Take a handful of medium frozen strawberries, 1tbs milk, stevia to taste (vanilla cream stevia is extra amazing in this) and water to make desired consistency. Blend in a blender and enjoy! I would have this as my desert quite often during my HCG Journey. 

No Carbs Before Noon...And the Recipe that Makes it Easy!

I'm a self proclaimed candyholic! I can't get enough of the pure sugary, artificially flavored, kid crack...but I also know I have to have balance my love of snacks with healthy foods and exercise if I want to stay in a size 2 (I'll share how I got in a size 2 in another post!).  

One way I keep my sugar cravings at bay is not eating carbs before noon. Now I know, you will hear it's best to eat your carbs in the morning, but I can promise you, if I eat carbs for breakfast, I'm going to be hungry ALL DAY!!! Not just hungry... ravenous! I've also figured out that I have will power in the morning, not so much at night, so why not take advantage of the will power when I actually have it, right? :)

That leads me to the reason of this post. BREAKFAST! I'm not a big breakfast fan, but when I do have it, it's got to be filled with protein and NOT carbs. My morning meal usually consists of a protein shake, or a few almonds (or coffee with way too much cream). However, I have a few favorite recipes I use when my desire for something delicious over powers my morning laziness (not a morning person).


I'll share my favorite recipes over time, but today it's all about MUFFINS! You heard me right. I'm not breaking my no carbs before noon rule with these either! The recipe is PALEO (google it). Oh how I love eating paleo... feels like cheating, but it's not! I don't follow the paleo diet, but I use the recipes on a regular basis because they are very healthy, low carb, full of protein, and super delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 cups almond flour (almond meal)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, gently melted
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup coconut milk (I was out and used half and half)
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• stevia to taste – about 1 – 2 droppers full, and a little honey (:
• A 1/2 cup blueberries

Preheat oven to 375 F. Put liners in a muffin tin or lightly grease.

Mix dry ingredients together well. Add wet ingredients and mix.

Scoop into muffin tins (about 1/2 to 2/3 full) and bake for about 15 – 20 minutes, until the muffins spring back to a gentle touch.

Let cool a few minutes in the tins, then gently remove and let cool on a cooling rack. 

Makes 1 dozen muffins.

*This recipe was adapted from fastpaleo.com

My Beautiful Life

We all desire a beautiful life. We are in a constant quest for beauty. Not just physical, but in our surroundings, our emotions, as we create our memories. So often we get discouraged as our realities don't match our desires and expectations. I lived that way for a long time, crippled by my longings for something more. My quest for the next best thing never resulted in lasting joy. Ultimately I found myself as a young woman, alive but not living.

One day my world collapsed. 

As I sat in the dark ruins of my life, every little bit of light became beautiful. The lyrics of a song, blueberry pie, a midnight run, a random act of kindness, all brought me joy. They had been there all along... why hadn't I seen it before? 

Not only did I open my eyes to the beauty in my surroundings, but I began to see the beauty God had created in ME! Suddenly I was not held back by my unrealistic expectations of how things "should" be, but I was free to be who I really was. It's amazing how freedom from our expectations unleashes our potential.

My name is Karlie

I love beautiful things

   Like... 

               Waking up to my little baby, his big smile and his cotton candy breath 

               Fitness, strength, results from hard work, gummy bears & onion rings

               People... all people... no exceptions

               Music. My guitar. My slightly off key Taylor Swift living room performances ;)

               Worship. Faith. Jesus 

               My orange $3 thrift shop vest

               Football

               Families (especially messy imperfect ones)

               Lip gloss, recipes, Instagram pictures of my coffee cups 

                             

This blog is about celebrating the beauty in every day life.

It's about the little things that make me happy.

It's about big things like freedom and love.

It's about rising out of the ashes

It's about succeeding 

It's about what REALLY matters

And sometimes, it will be about what doesn't matter at all

               ...........................................

This is me! In my $3 orange thrift store vest (: