July 17th 2018; Somewhere in the the 9AM hour

Sarah, It is breast cancer.

Sigh

Sigh

Sigh

Something I NEVER thought I would hear at this time of my life. 

I mean after all, I was literally getting my kids dressed to leave the house for a playdate when the nurse contacted me with my biopsy results. Results we had been waiting FOUR long days for. My husband had been staying close to home and working from him the first part of the week, so when I did receive the call, I was not alone with this kids. He went to take the trash out when the nurse called me. 

Sarah, Its V from XXX, is now a good time, as she can hear my kids in the background squealing. Yes, of course

I ran out of the house so fast yelling for my husband, put the phone speaker so we could both listen to the results. As we sat down on the patio together.......

Sarah, it is breast cancer. , let me go find my husband.

I sat there in shock. I think I even blacked out for a minute. I saw my entire life flash before my eyes. There were no tears at that point. I kept thinking how UNFAIR this was. WHY ME? Holy, shit I am dying. My kids need their mom. My husband needs his wife. I remember looking over at my husband and tears streaming down his face. Then I lost it. He was the strong one during those days of waiting impatiently as I googled and searched on IG for young breast cancer survivors. 

All while these thoughts were going through my head, the nurse was explaining what our next steps were. We knew going into the ultrasound and after the biopsy I needed to seek out a breast surgeon. Whatever was inside my breast, had to come out. We had no idea what to ask. I was drawing a blank and thank goodness my husband is quick to ask questions. She went on to explain my diagnoses:

Her 2 Negative

Er & PR positive 

Okay and what stage: Stage 2

Okay, okay, okay. 

We need to find a surgeon, which I had already been researching, from information they gave after my biopsy. Thank God for my husband because he was on TOP of this. {I will go into detail about this in another post}

We then got the information to send over to a surgeons office that my husband had contacted the day before. 

Once, we felt we had most general information we needed to start off with, we were good to go and ended the call. 

I called my mom and sister, they filtered the news down to our family. 

My husband called his family. 

There was nothing else I could do except cry my eyes out. Cry some more. And then some more.

Then, in typical mom fashion. Put the kids in the car and we went to our playdate. I had to get out of the house. I had to continue on with my day and put this in the back of my mind.

And this is the beginning of my cancer journey.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Thank for for following me on this journey. These are the raw, unfiltered feelings that I am sharing.

Sarah 

Fruity Mancakes

Ok, these may not sound amazing but don’t doubt me yet....

Here’s the thing – they’re so versatile! You can add more or less oats…you can do just eggs, just egg whites or a combo of egg and egg whites…all depending on your own preferences and goals! 

I’ll share with you the 21-day fix/Insanity Max: 30 approved recipe I use along with my husband’s.

WHAT YOU NEED

Her recipe (21 day fix approved) – Yields 4-5 pancakes

• 1/4 cup quick oats – 1 Yellow
• 4 Egg whites – 1/2 Red
• 1/2 cup berries or 1/4 of a banana – 1/2 Purple
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

His recipe – Yields 12 pancakes

• 1.5 cups oats
• 6 Egg whites
• 1 Egg
• 1 banana or 1 cup berries
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

• Preheat pan to medium heat.
• Combine the Egg/Egg whites, oats, vanilla and cinnamon. You can do this in a bowl if you want to leave the oats ‘whole’ or in a blender if you like a smoother, more pancake-like consistency. Stir or pulse a few times to combine.

• Add fruit and pulse until you get the desired consistency you like!
• Using a 1/4 cup, pour into pan, cooking each side about 2 minutes or until you see the edges forming. Flip once. Let cool and store in air tight container or eat immediately!

The one thing I LOVE about these is that you can eat them hot or cold, in the car, or running around – which fits my lifestyle perfectly!!! 

Honestly though – you can’t go wrong! They’re so tasty!

If you’re ever looking for more clean eating meal ideas, tips, recipes or just motivation – join my next health and fitness accountability group! I’m a big believer – there’s power in numbers!!

XOXO,

SJB

Beachbody Coach 

22 Minute Hard Corps Release: Get Some

Your bootcamp style program is now here.

Tony Horton's 22 Minute Hard Corps. 

This program is 22 Minute Hard Corps is a no-nonsense, 8-week boot camp style workout program designed to get you epic results. Created by legendary trainer Tony Horton, 22 MinuteHard Corps offers 8 total-body cardio, resistance, and core routines to help you get in shape in a minimal amount of time.

Who is this program for?
Everyone!

What are the length of the workouts?
22 minutes total; including warm up & cool down

How much space will I need?
Same amount of space you use during your other Beachbody programs. 

Is there a modifier?
Of course 

 How long is the program?

8 weeks PLUS an additional week called "Hell" week

What will you get with this program?

• 8 challenging workouts on 2 DVDs
• Quick Start Mission Guide
• 8-week Basic Training Action Plan
• Rations for Results Nutrition Field Guide
• Cold Start pre-workout drill
• Hell Week Challenge Card
• HARD CORPS: Battle Buddy Workout DVD (Network Exclusive)

So now is your time, do you accept the challenge?

I AM KICKING OFF MY 22 MINUTE HARD CORPS TEST GROUP EXCLUSIVE FOR MY NEW AND CURRENT CUSTOMERS ON March 21st  

On the 21st of March  we will start our pre season which consists of 1 week of goal setting, pictures, measurements, meal planning and education on the nutritional plan and then the following week is our official day 1.

******For 8 weeks I will guide you daily through the program with support, accountability, access to an online/app based closed group for support and guidance.  Each participant is required to purchase the 22 Minute Hard Corps Challenge Pack/Program and commit to replacing 1 meal a day with Shakeology for the duration of the group.

If you are interested in getting more information about the program please email me at sjbender11@gmail.com and I will contact you within 24 hours with details.

If you do not currently work with a Coach please make me your FREE coach here.  

XOXO,

SJB

Beachbody Coach 

Hammer & Chisel: Month 1

It has arrived! 

I have OFFICIALLY finished month 1 of Hammer & Chisel!


I think I found another soulmate workout! It reminds me a lot of Body Beast, which Sagi, is a trainer in this program as well.

I had originally started Hammer and Chisel when it was released and was able to stream it through Beachbody On Demand, before I received my copy in the mail. Cool, Right?

These workouts are NO joke. They are hard. I have tested my limits. This is the FIRST program I have gone full force since having my son. 

The one thing that has gotten me through this program is my accountability group & success partner. If it was not for them, there is no way I could've succeed this far. 
                                               

 I was cranking these workouts out, but not getting anywhere. WHY?  Because I was NOT following the nutrition part of the program. It makes a HUGE difference. This time around, I have been meal planning weekly, prepping, and sticking to my plan. My body feels a lot better and also cleaner, crazy to think.

I tell others all the time, the trainers create these programs for a reason. There is a reason why the schedule & nutrition guides are the way they are. THEY WORK.

I can not stress enough how important it is to plan with this program and other Beachbody programs.

One thing is a must is Shakeology. Easiest meal of the day & the healthiest meal of the day.

One thing that has saved my throughout this program this far. My secret sauce! E & E pushes me. It gets me going on those early mornings. It gets my mind focused. Could not survive without it. 

Pre-workout

So to showcase off my hard work, here are my 30 day pictures!

Hard work

Dedication

Sweat

And sometime tears.

I am so damn proud of myself it's insane. I NEVER thought I would be this far after having my son. I thought I would forever be stuck in that rut. 

Here I am & cheers to the next 30 days! 

Interested in learning more about this program or one of my other favorites? 

I  WOULD LOVE FOR you to participate right along with me.  Here's the opportunity I have:

• Daily accountability
• Nutritional plan
• Recipes
• Tips and motivation
• Opportunity to win $500 
• A FREE T-Shirt
• FREE DAILY COACHING
• RESULTS 
• Send me an email at sjbender11@gmail.com

XOXO,

SJB 

Independent Beachbody Coach 

Chicken Quesadillas

I have been doing so well with mixing up our dinners & trying out new recipes. I have been CRAVING quesadillas for the past week and had to find a good, but different recipe that we haven't tried before.

This is a QUICK and easy recipe. Remember, I am not the best chef so this was perfect for us. 

Loaded with approximately 37 grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber, these Quesadillas are delicious!

Ingredients:

• 16 oz skinless chicken breast

• cumin

• oregano

• garlic powder

• salt and fresh pepper

• cooking spray

• 1/2 small onion, cut into strips

• 1 bell pepper (red or green) cut into strips

• 1 clove minced garlic

• 1 tbsp. oil

• 1-1/3 cup Weight Watchers Mexican blend shredded cheese

• 1 cup avocado-mango salsa

• 8 low-carb whole wheat tortillas

Directions:

1. Slice chicken breast in half so you have 4 cutlets.  Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder.

2. Lightly spray skillet on medium heat with oil and cook chicken until cooked on both sides.

3. Remove from  heat and cut chicken into strips (set aside).

4. To the skillet, add 1 tbsp. oil and cook onions and peppers, season with salt and pepper.

5. Cook about 2 minutes, add garlic and continue cooking until vegetables are soft (be careful not to burn the garlic!).

6. Heat another skillet on medium heat and lightly spray with oil.  

7. Add tortilla, top with cheese, chicken, onions, peppers, and pico de gallo or avocado-mango salsa.

8. Top with the other tortilla.  Cheese should be melted and the bottom of the tortilla should be golden brown.  

9.  Put a plate on top of the quesadilla to flip it over onto the plate. Then slide the other side onto the skillet.  Cook another minute and remove with a spatula.  

10. Cut into wedges and enjoy!  

Recipe from: skinnytaste 


ENJOY!

XOXO,
SB
Independent Beachbody Coach 

Turkey Meatballs

Alright friends, I had to share this one with you. I have tried a different turkey meatball recipe before and could not stand to eat it. Turkey meat is so good for you, yet I can not stand the taste of it. When I cook with it, its usually in tacos that has sauce & seasoning to cover up the taste.              

So, I found this recipes and thought "why not give it another shot?"                                              

Have at it my friends!

Total Time: 6 hrs. 22 min.
Prep Time: 20 min.
Cooking Time: 6 hrs. 2 min.
Yield: 6 servings, 3 meatballs each

Ingredients:
1 lb. raw 93% lean ground turkey
½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt), divided use
½ tsp. ground black pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ cup whole grain panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes, crushed
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves

Preparation:
1. Combine turkey, ¼ tsp. salt, pepper, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and cheese in a large bowl; mix well with clean hands.
2. Roll mixture into eighteen 1½-inch meatballs. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add half of meatballs; cook, turning occasionally, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until meatballs are browned on each side. Place browned meatballs in a 3-quart slow cooker.
4. Repeat with the remaining meatballs. Set aside.
5. Add onion to same skillet; cook, over medium-high heat, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
6. Top meatballs with cooked onion, tomatoes, oregano, and remaining ¼ tsp. salt; cook, covered, on low temperature for 5 to 6 hours, stirring once or twice.

XOXO,

SJB

Independent Beachbody Coach

The Master's Hammer & Chisel is officially LAUNCHED!

What is The Master’s Hammer and Chisel™? 

I am going to first tell you that this program is going to be a GAME CHANGER!!!  I haven't been this excited in quite some time!  I counted down the hours until I was able to buy it TODAY!  I have access On Demand to get the workouts and the nutrition guide and program manual even before it arrives on my doorstep.  So if you are just as excited as I am make sure you get the challenge pack which comes with 30 days of On Demand so you can access it right away!!!  I am ready to get hammered and chiseled for the new year!  HECK, if I can stick to this program in December and have all of you for accountability and support we are NOT going to be setting New Year's Resolutions to get in shape! We are going to be rocking out NEW GOALS! 

ARE YOU IN!?!?!
I'm kicking off my EXCLUSIVE HAMMER AND CHISEL TEST GROUP on December 14th.  You gotta make sure you are included! 

So lets talk details!  Yup I'm about to get all technical on you, but I know that having all the facts helps so much!  HERE YOU GO!

For the very first time, trainers Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese have teamed up to create an expert program designed to help you craft a powerful, perfectly defined body. The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is an innovative resistance training system that incorporates three muscle-sculpting phases—Stabilization, Strength, and Power—or SSP Training. This is how Sagi and Autumn help you efficiently build, chisel, and refine a masterpiece physique in just 60 days.

About your Trainers 
Co-creators Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese are experts when it comes to incredible physical transformations. Sagi has been crowned Mr. Israel— twice—and is a Master Professional Personal Trainer, IFBB Pro, member of the IFBB Propta Hall of Fame, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist. Autumn Calabrese is a celebrity trainer, best-selling author, and working mom who has held certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA), and has competed at the national level in various bikini competitions.

What makes The Master’s Hammer and Chisel incredibly effective and unique? 

• The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is built on the three phases of SSP Training— Stabilization, Strength, and Power. Other workouts only focus on one or two phases, which might give you decent results. But The Master’s Hammer and Chisel program incorporates all three methods to help you relentlessly chip away fat and carve every muscle for a strong, visually stunning body in 60 days.

• 12 brand-new, 30- to 40-minute workouts that combine Sagi and Autumn’s proven techniques for 60 days of hardcore resistance training.

• Sagi and Autumn make eating for your goals simple. That’s why they included their easy-to-follow and completely customizable nutrition plan, along with 7 portion-control containers that show you how to portion out the right amount of food to help you reach your unique fitness goals.

• Flexible nutrition that allows you to lean out, sculpt and maintain, or build muscle.

• Includes options to adapt certain exercises if you have limited access to equipment. BONUS!

• Includes a modifier who demonstrates some moves at a lower intensity.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Team Beachbody® Exclusive Workout: The Master’s Cardio 

Ever wonder what Sagi and Autumn’s favorite cardio moves are? Find out as they tag-team this challenging workout that will get you shredded fast!  You only get this workout when you purchase through a coach which is ME!! So if you don't have an account or a coach, make sure you go here and sign up!

MY SITE TO MAKE ME YOUR COACH~~~~  IT'S FREE

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment needed 

A few dumbbells, a bench or stability ball, and a chin-up bar or resistance band with a door attachment kit.  I have the Bowflex adjustable weights and they range from 5 to 50 lbs. 

Other options:

1. Stability Ball 

2. Red Resistance Band 

3. Door Attachment 

4. 8-lb. Medicine Ball

Nutritional supplements

• Shakeology® is an important part of The Master’s Hammer and Chisel nutrition plan 

• Beachbody Performance™ for better endurance, stamina, focus, and recovery 

• ActiVit® Multivitamins

------------------------------------------------------------------------

What’s in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Base Kit?

Beachbody® On Demand 

When you purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and become a Premium Team Beachbody Club member, you’ll get unlimited access to Beachbody On Demand, where you can stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and hundreds of proven Beachbody workouts via any desktop, tablet, TV, or mobile device—wherever you have an internet connection. Just look for “Purchased Programs” on Beachbody On Demand to stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel workouts.

FAQ

Q. What’s included in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Challenge Pack?

• 12 workouts on 6 DVDs 
• A set of 7 portion-control containers and a shaker cup 
• The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide 
• Quick-Start Guide 
• 60-Day Calendar 
• 2 bonus workouts: 10 Min Ab Hammer and 10 Min Ab Chisel
• 30 Day supply of Shakeology

Q. How does The Master’s Hammer and Chisel differ from Body Beast®?

Body Beast is a bodybuilding program that focuses on muscular hypertrophy. The Master’s Hammer and Chisel includes aspects of bodybuilding, but also focuses on improving endurance, power, agility, strength, balance, and range of motion to sculpt a tight, defined physique.

Q. How does The Master’s Hammer and Chisel differ from 21 Day Fix EXTREME®?

21 Day Fix EXTREME is a shorter, goal-specific program, whereas The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is a full 60-day program with slightly longer workouts. 21 Day Fix EXTREME focuses on getting you shredded, while The Master’s Hammer and Chisel also helps you improve other aspects of your fitness, such as muscular endurance, power, strength, and agility. It’s a whole new approach to getting you ripped. 

Q. What equipment do you need for The Master's Hammer and Chisel?

• A few dumbbells of various weights appropriate to your strength and fitness level. 
• A bench or stability ball. 
• A chin-up bar or a resistance band and a door attachment.

Q. How does The Master’s Hammer and Chisel nutrition plan compare to Body Beast, 21 Day Fix®, and 21 Day Fix EXTREME?

Like the nutrition plans in 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix EXTREME, The Master’s Hammer and Chisel uses the portioncontrol container system. However, it is tailored to meet your specific goals and the nutritional demands that a challenging body-sculpting program like The Master’s Hammer and Chisel requires.

Q. Can you customize The Master’s Hammer and Chisel nutrition plan to meet your unique goals?

Yes! If you want to gear your nutrition toward building more muscle (a surplus), or toward shredding fat (a deficit), you can use the Nutrition Plan Quiz to recalculate your calories to help you reach your goals.  Plus as your coach that is my job to help you navigate the nutrition plan to get the very best results possible!!!  I'm going to be sharing my meal plan my nutrition guide and all my tips that will help you get the best results possible.

Q. How do the calorie charts for The Master’s Hammer and Chisel work?

The Nutrition Plan Quiz included in the program and nutrition guide will determine your appropriate calorie chart based on your goals. Like the calorie breakdowns in 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix EXTREME, the ones in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide also include the number of color-coded, portion-control containers your bracket requires each day to meet your goals.

Q. How does the 60-day calendar work?

The Master’s Hammer and Chisel program is a 60-day rotation of hardcore strength training built on the three phases of SSP Training—Stabilization, Strength, and Power. Sagi and Autumn strategically structured these workouts to train in all three phases efficiently, so following the calendar is important. 

Q. How does the Beachbody Performance™ line fit in to the program?

Because these workouts are so demanding, we highly recommend you consider adding Beachbody Performance supplements to your regimen to help support your energy, muscle-building, and recovery.* Instructions for incorporating Beachbody Performance into your nutrition regimen are included in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide.  Check it out here!

Q. Is there a Team Beachbody exclusive if customers order The Master’s Hammer and Chisel through me?

Yes! Customers who purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel through you will get a FREE bonus workout—The Master’s Cardio (a $19.95 value)! 

When Sagi and Autumn want tough, fat-chiseling cardio, The Master’s Cardio DVD includes their go-to moves. Short, but intense, this workout boosts aerobic capacity, power, and muscular endurance—without impacting your lean-muscle gains.

Q. Can I stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel workouts? 

Yes! If you purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and become a Premium Team Beachbody Club member, you’ll get unlimited access to Beachbody® On Demand, where you can stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and hundreds of proven Beachbody workouts via any desktop, laptop, tablet, TV, or mobile device—wherever you have an internet connection. Just look for “Purchased Programs” in Beachbody On Demand to access The Master’s Hammer and Chisel.

Q. Is there a The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Challenge Pack? 

Yes! It contains The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Base Kit, your first 30-day supply of Shakeology® Home Direct, and a FREE 30-day premium trial membership to the Team Beachbody Club where you can stream your workouts anywhere with Beachbody On Demand.**† 

There is also The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Performance Pack that contains The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Base Kit, your first 30-day supply of Beachbody Performance Energize and Beachbody Performance Recover, and a FREE 30-day premium trial membership to the Team Beachbody Club where you can stream your workouts anywhere with Beachbody On Demand.‡†

Challenge Pack price: $180 

Performance Pack price: $180 

To get your challenge pack click here.  Get The Challenge Pack NOW {DECEMBER 1st}
Follow me on FACEBOOK for the exclusive launch times!

When you purchase your challenge pack make sure you send me an email at sjbender11@gmail.com if I am your coach so that you are enrolled into my exclusive Test Group for Hammer and Chisel where I will guide, direct and mentor you every step of the way!

ARE YOU IN???  ARE YOU GOING TO GET HAMMER AND CHISEL??  COME ON, LETS DO IT TOGETHER!  ACCOUNTABILITY AT ITS FINEST!!!

Let's get HAMMERED!!!

Chat with you soon!

XOXO,
SJB
Beachbody Coach