Every year about this time I begin thinking what I'd like to have as a New Year's Resolution...It seems like there is a common trend each year...eat healthier, lose weight, tone, pay off debt, etc....This year I am wanting to keep those things in mind, but I also have a new goal. It is to help AS MANY ladies as possible to start LOVING THEMSELVES again and get healthy and fit in the New Year! 

I know how it can be when we feel unattractive and feel lost as to where to turn for help.

**I know there are some of you ladies who took care of yourselves in the past but put yourselves on the back burner to care for your husbands, children, families, etc. While that is all wonderful it is STILL IMPORTANT to make time for YOU so that you're able to better care for them! 

**There are others who have wanted to eat better and get in better shape ALL of 2015 - BUT NEVER MADE A PLAN.....A goal without a plan is only A WISH. STOP WISHING! START DOING! We will talk via text, IM, phone call, etc and talk about your goals and MAKE THAT PLAN so you are able to transform yourself in 2016!

**There are also some of you who have recently finished your pregnancy and feel blah when you look in the mirror! That was ME last summer! (can you say frumpy post preggers butt? ah! lol.....) I can help you work back up to a fitness routine and kickstart your day with a CONVENIENT, healthy meal (that you can make with one hand while holding that baby in the other...lol) It will keep you on track while gradually easing back into that fit lifestyle! (safe for breastfeeding as well!)

**Also  - there are some of you who have completely blown it and derailed at the end of this year! HEY! It is OKAY! 2016 is a brand new year to start over again!!!! 

**I know there are also some of you reading this who have a workout routine in place and also eat clean most of the time! Maybe you are looking for that healthy meal replacement to BOOST your current routine and keep you on track for when you do cheat here and there! ;) Still gotta live!

ALL OF US ARE IN DIFFERENT PLACES IN OUR LIVES. ALL OF US ALSO HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON. WE WANT TO FEEL CONFIDENT AND LOVE WHO WE ARE! 

In 2016 I promise to help you start living the life you deserve, by offering my personal mentorship, plugging you into a group of amazing women who have and are learning to love themselves again. I will help you regain your self-confidence through fitness, nutrition, and sense of purpose! 

With my mentorship, you'll have your choice of fitness program ( I will help you find a program for you based on your needs) and a complete nutrition plan. You will be sharing the journey with a group of ladies just like yourself (THAT MEANS YOU ARE AMAZING YOURSELF!) And if you're interested in earning an additional income you'll have that option as well. 

You ARE beautiful inside and out and deserve to be happy and live an extraordinary life. If you are ready to get started please contact me! 2016 is going to be a HUGE year for us! It is time to make positive changes and I am really excited to gain more amazing ladies on my team! Know that who you were in 2015 does not define who you can be in 2016! It is a blank slate ready to be written.....what will you do?

Sign up to join my team! 

http://goo.gl/forms/th7bC3hZLB

andreanewkirknaturalliving 

I am excited to announce that I am looking for other motivated individuals who want to start a new lifestyle of being healthier. People who want to not only eat healthier, get into a convenient, at home workout routine, but get paid to help others do the same! When I started out with Beachbody's programs to lose my baby weight, I didn't know that it would lead to such a fulfilling lifestyle! My daily Shakeology shake and my daily workout (I have now completed Piyo, Brazil Butt Lift, and 21 Day Fix) helped me lose weight and tone in ways I could not have done by piecing together a random workout at a gym!

I signed up as a "coach" just for the discount and love the 25% off I get with anything I order! When a few people asked me how I was getting the results they were seeing, I told them about it and they purchased their own programs and Shakeology for themselves as well! Long story short, Since I've been telling people about this since July this year, I'm already making a couple hundred dollars extra a month! What would a few extra hundred do for you monthly? Help pay bills? Have "fun" money to go shopping or on a weekend trip? Save up for a yearly vacation you'd love to afford? Don't confine your dreams to in a box!

I am not stopping here! This train is leaving! lol......I'm taking EVERYONE with me who wants this lifestyle also. I am showing them the ropes, helping them take the same steps I did to get on track with healthier eating and feeling stronger with simple, yet effective workouts! I WILL HELP YOU.  It is totally doable! Promise. If I can do it while working full-time and with a baby - SO CAN YOU.

It is SO fun to be part of a network of other people who are all working towards the same thing- being healthy and helping others do the same! Such a positive force! It is so enjoyable. I like to pick and choose what I do with my little bit of free time after work and after baby is asleep. I can promise you one thing. Being a Beachbody coach is worth it. Every single minute of it.

Wanna join my team? Let's chat and see if it is a good fit for you!!!

https://www.facebook.com/andrea.newkirk.7

*********************************************************************************

 There are THREE different types of coaches!  Who knew, right?  Let me elaborate... 

Discount Coach ~ or really a "preferred customer".  This is someone who LOVES the products but has no desire to sell or coach.  NO problem!  You can take full advantage of a 25% off discount just by signing up.  This is on your Shakeology, programs, apparel, supplements, equipment, etc.!  No selling and you literally do not have to ever talk about the fact you are a Beachbody coach.  There is a $15.95 monthly coach fee, but you are STILL saving $16 a month on your Shakeology order, which is a savings of over $200 a year.   

Hobby Coach ~ you LOVE Shakeology and Beachbody products, and think it would be nice if you could make just enough to cover your shakeology order each month.  Yes, that can be done and it's easy to reach that goal!  Or maybe you have a full-time job and you are just looking to make a little extra FUN money from talking to people about how the products have changed your life.

Business Builder ~ you love the products, drink Shakeology and use the programs every day.  You believe wholeheartedly in them and want to pay it forward while earning a significant income as a coach.  You are ALL IN and participate in trainings and other opportunities to grow your business.  You want to be a top coach and have a goal of a six-figure income or beyond!!


-andreanewkirknaturalliving

Hey there! This is just a quick post to remind you that it is NEVER to late to invest in yourself! This past week I've gotten off track a bit, I skipped a few workouts and made some food choices that didn't help me with my goal! Why? Because life happens and we are human and still have to live! What keeps me motivated is each day is a new chance to start over! A clean slate! I love that my Shakeology keeps me on track with my food choices - my 30 minute daily workouts are totally doable! My favorite thing: YOU!!!!!

I LOVE that I have other people on my team pushing towards the same goals!
1-Get healthier
2-Feel better
3-Make some money doing #'s 1&2

I feel inspired and motivated as I see my friends make the choice to work on themselves! It is truly a ball of positive energy and excitement! If you have not given it a try yet, I WOULD LOVE to see you invest in YOU and give it a try! All you have to lose is inches and a negative view of yourself! lol....

It is so easy for me to be critical of myself...unhealthy choices don't help how I feel about myself...It is crazy what an esteem booster it is to finish a thirty minute workout or drink my Shakeology....it is just knowing that I did something positive and healthy for myself....it is a great feeling! Positivity leads to more positivity - It is like a crazy runaway train with nothin' but greatness!!! haha....

Keep on keeping on and keep that chin of yours up! We all backslide here and there...what matters is that we make the decision to start over again!

-andreanewkirknaturalliving

The 21 Day Fix is one of my favorite programs now! It is super effective and very encouraging that results are possible within such a short period of time! I lost a little over five pounds and seven inches all together from the 21 Day Fix! I am really excited as I gear up to lead another challenge group!

The first few days I wondered how I would keep up with my containers...then by the end of the first week I had it all figured out and actually was planning meals in my head in "containers" !! Haha...This week I am not doing the 21 Day fix but still think to myself which container would be used when I eat something! It is crazy how I "reset" my thinking when it comes to meals! I know NOW when I am overeating because of how helpful the container system is!

Let's talk about exercise. The 30 minute workouts for the 21 day fix were VERY effective and I love that they don't take much time to fit in! I'm not gonna lie - some days I just didn't "feel" like pushing play...BUT I DID. By the time I started the workout, I realized that it is such a short time...over before I knew it! Afterwards I was so glad I did my workout. The exercise side of the 21 day fix really helped with my results!

Overall - I'd give this program a 10! It is quick. Only 21 days. It is all spelled out for you! Shakeology really is one of my favorite meals! During the fix it felt like a "cheat" meal because my vegan chocolate shakeology tastes like a milkshake! haha....even this week while I'm not being as strict with my diet I know that by drinking my daily Shakeology I'm still getting in my vitamins and veggies that I need while keeping my weight in check! I am looking forward to my next challenge group starting on November 2nd! I am excited for everyone in this upcoming group to see how "doable" it really is!!!




I would LOVE to have you in my next challenge group! Let me know if it is something you would be interested in! If you are new to working out, or if you just need  an extra "boost" or a place to start with your fitness goals - 21 DAY FIX IS THE ANSWER!!! I'd love to help encourage you and get you started! YOU CAN DO IT!



-andreanewkirknaturalliving

Well, Tomorrow makes week two out of three for the 21 day fix that I am doing! So far I can tell a positive difference in my energy level and my complexion! My clothes are fitting more loosely (some pants now fit over my thighs and butt that did not last month!) I am learning portion control as well as healthy whole food recipes! The 30 minute daily workouts are convenient to fit in every day and are SUPER effective! Shakeology as a complete meal replacement has helped tremendously as I can make a shake for a quick, healthy breakfast or lunch! I am so excited to share my results when I am done after one more week!!!!! I think it is super important to try something myself before letting others try it! I can honestly say that the 21 day fix so far has been doable and is looking to be VERY effective!

I love that in three short weeks I am able to see accelerated results.... Yes, there are times that have been hard for me - like coworkers bringing in pumpkin pie and whipping cream! (yum!) or cookies, or ordering pizza for lunch!!! AHH!  BUT. The bottom line is this: If I want to change my body and get results, I need to make small changes and sacrifice a little instant gratification to get me closer to my goals and stay on track. I can honestly say I HAVE SURVIVED skipping the processed foods I used to crave A LOT more than I do now! (I'm a little scared actually what fast food could do to my stomach now after two weeks of clean eating! haha...you know what I mean!) I haven't wasted away from skipping the junk food and choosing fruits and peanut butter instead as treats! When I've craved chocolate - and that HAS happened multiple times in the past two weeks, I've instead made one of my vegan chocolate shakeology shakes! That took care of me wanting the taste of chocolate and also helped curb my cravings! (I love adding cinnamon and vanilla to it also to make a cinnamon roll recipe!  - Chilled coffee added is also another one of my favorite ways to drink it!!!)

I'll post again and let you know what my thoughts are after the entire 21 day fix! I will be starting another challenge group later this fall!!!! (In time to be finished before Thanksgiving and Christmas!) Actually, the 21 Day fix challenge pack is on sale the entire month of October!!! Perfect timing if you ask me!!! Until then I plan to keep on keepin' on.....   ;)

-andreanewkirknaturalliving

Well, I have been back at work for three weeks now! The first week was the toughest. Leaving my baby in the morning when she is all smiles and most snuggly is the hardest! It has been an adjustment, but good to get into a new routine and schedule I suppose!

I have not mentioned it yet, mainly because I wanted to be positive it really helped...and now I can confirm that it did! I made the decision to have my placenta encapsulated after reading many reviews of other mom's results! My post-partum bleeding was not much of anything and I can say that it is because of taking my capsules! As many people know "baby blues" is something a lot of women face. I did not go through that because I was able to take my capsules as my hormones changed and my daily moods fluctuated. A few times when I felt temperamental I took a few and it really made a difference in my mood! (Just as my husband!! haha) I feel that I was able to "return to normal" after pregnancy because of the help from my capsules! The final test that proved they really helped my mood: The week I returned to work. I felt saddened as I got ready to leave the first couple of days back to work. I teared up a few times while getting ready and decided I should take a capsule to help boost my mood. I can honestly say that I felt better, more stable and positive after taking them...Even a co-worker mentioned how well I handled the transition back to work! I know that positive thinking helps, but I can honestly say I am so thankful that I did the placenta encapsulation!

Lisa is known as "The Placenta Lady" in the St. Louis area. She is very experienced when it comes to prepping and delivering your capsules! I am very happy with the results and wanted to share the info with you! This is her website:   http://stlplacentalady.weebly.com/

I know the subject can be seen as "taboo" because normally your Placenta is whisked away in a biohazard bag at the hospital! We spend nine months creating a human, why throw away the very thing that sustained life inside us when we can benefit from it! I'm only writing this to be transparent with you and share something that helped me!!!

Everyone does things differently...no such thing as a "right" or "wrong" way. Just different. I'm really happy I chose to have my placenta encapsulated! I actually have some capsules saved in my deep freezer. I've read it can help with hormonal changes or imbalances in the future such as menopause, for instance. We shall see how that helps ;) I figure it can't hurt anything!!!

Anyways...you can take or leave this information! I hope it helps if some are considering it! Lisa is great! I figure using something your body created is far better than some sort of artificial drug to aid with post-partum healing!!!

Hope this helps ;) Even if you think I'm a weirdo. lol

-andreanewkirknaturalliving

Today is the 21st, which means my sweet baby girl is one month old already! I'm reflecting on the past four weeks and realize time goes by SO QUICKLY! I'm thinking about my favorite moments so far as a mom, thinking about my most frustrating ones as well - and ya know what? Sometimes the things that were frustrating wouldn't have been if I hadn't been so "planned" with how I thought things should go...I'm learning one day at a time to take things as they come. It is good to plan ahead - but sometimes it is also good to throw plans out the window and just roll with it. I'm liking that plan more and more!! ;)

Life is too short to worry!!! Worrying is like praying for what you do not want to happen! LOL. 

Matthew 6:25-34English Standard Version (ESV)

Do Not Be Anxious

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?²⁶ Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷ And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?^[a] 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, ²⁹ yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹ Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

³⁴ “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

I know we all set goals for ourselves, which is important to have direction. Without any sort of plan we would not accomplish much. I guess the main thing I am focusing on today is that sometimes our plans can get in the way of how life's cards will inevitably fall...God already has it all figured out. Our job is to do our best and be good stewards with our lives. We should always strive to be the best version of ourselves as possible. That means our character, our relationships, our health, etc. The whole package. Stress will NOT add a single minute to your life. I am guilty of stressing over STUPID things. I am working on getting better at it! I don't know if it is a "woman thing" - we think we have to be concerned and fix everything....but news flash ---- WE DON'T. That is where prayer comes in. I am working towards living a healthy, carefree life! I know anyone I ask would agree that a healthy and carefree life sounds like a good plan! ;) 

Enjoy today. It will not be repeated. Make today count. You are exchanging 24 hours for whatever you spend today doing. Make sure it is something you are happy with! 

Life is beautiful. 

If you haven't noticed that yet today then slow down and pause to appreciate the small things! 

Oh yea...

Don't worry, about a thing, 'cause every little thing's gonna be alright! ;)

-andreanewkirknaturalliving

Summer is in full swing and for many that means vacation(s), long weekend trip(s), or fun evenings out! It is important to LIVE and enjoy "splurging" here and there with friends and family! The only issue we sometimes run into is that too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing...lol. I want to share a quick detox with ya that can help you get back on track in only 3 short days!

The 3 day refresh makes it easy since it is all spelled out for the three days you dedicate to detoxing. It is a great way to hit restart and have a clean slate! Nutrition is important and this 3 day program keeps that in mind while keeping nutrition in mind as you "re-vamp" your body!

Life is too short to miss out on fun opportunities - ya just gotta keep in mind EVERYTHING IN MODERATION!!! It is about finding balance! We all get off track...(either intentionally or accidentally!) As long as you jump right back on track you are good to go! ;)

This made me laugh and I have to share it:

I hope you are having a wonderful summer! If you are from Missouri and reading this you can relate to our weird weather pattern that has gone from weeks of rain to high 90's! Crazy! Maybe it'll even out so everyone can enjoy being outdoors for a little bit! If you've fallen off your path and want a way to jump back in consider the 3 day refresh! Message me for details on Facebook or click my "shop my store" link on my blog!! Keep in mind - everything in moderation! 

-andreanewkirknaturalliving

It's been a little while since my last post! I'm slowly getting into a routine as I figure out this new mama role! It takes a lot of work figuring things out at first, but SO rewarding!!! It hasn't been three weeks yet and I already feel like I've known my daughter for a long long time! She's truly a blessing in my husband's and my life! She is our new favorite thing! haha.....

My last post was about waiting for God's perfect timing...I can definitely say looking back at my labor and delivery experience it was important for me to surrender and give it to God. His perfect plan is always better than when I try and make things happen on my own. I had a set idea of how my labor and delivery would go. Let's just say that my own little plan didn't end up happening exactly as I had imagined....BUT - knowing now what the Doctor said about my size and how things went, it is much better that delivery ended up happening the way it did! God truly knows best! We have a happy, healthy baby girl and all is right with the world!! LOL.

One thing that I am realizing is that God does not automatically give us the things we pray for....instead He gives us opportunities to learn what we've prayed about! Many times I get an idea in my head of how I will do things and then when it doesn't go that way, I get discouraged. I am slowly learning to go with the flow and keep an open mind as God paves the way...Parenting, as I can already see will be trial and error...lol...I can have an idea of how things will go, BUT until I am there in the situation and actually experiencing it,  I don't know the end result, and that is okay. I love this stage of my life. What is exciting to me is it will only get better as Nova grows up and develops her own little personality! It is so fun having a new little family!

Another lesson for me: after a C- section I cannot jump into regular workouts right away! That changed that plan for me, haha. So plan B it is. Since I am limited to walking right now diet is KEY for dropping some baby weight. My answer: Shakeology! It is a super healthy meal replacement option with TONS of vitamins, prebiotics, probiotics, etc....It is important for me to be eating right while breastfeeding and wanting to drop a few pounds! ;) Plus - I can make it quickly with one hand! Haha...for other mamas reading this YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN when it comes to multitasking with a newborn! ;)

Slow and steady wins the race! For now it is walking and drinking Shakeology.....in a few more weeks when I get the green light it will be PIYO and Shakeology consistently! I want other ladies to join me on this journey so LET ME KNOW if you want in! Accountability makes it easier to stay committed! I will be here to push you as you join me to get fit together! I'm excited to see who is serious about putting some skin in the game and making changes! 

I'm learning to "go with the flow" - not the easiest lesson for me to learn, but hey! We are all works in progress!!! I'm gonna work with what I've got...I'm going to take each day one step at a time. I'm going to enjoy life as it happens.....I've always loved surprises...every day is a surprise! haha....Have a great day and let me know if you wanna join me!!! (message me on Facebook, I'd love to have ya!)

-andreanewkirknaturalliving

This week's lesson is patience. 

I have always said "Anything worth having is worth waiting for." It has been what I've said since high school when I really dug down and started praying for my future husband. I knew that by praying, getting out of the driver's seat, and allowing God to write my love story, I would be with who God wanted me to have. 

I met my wonderful husband in 2007 and sure enough, God's blessing on my love life was definitely worth waiting for! Jacob and I decided to once again be patient and WAIT for marriage, remaining pure as we put God first in our relationship. Was that easy? UM. NO. That was the LONGEST 14 month engagement! HAHA! But once again - ANYTHING WORTH HAVING IS WORTH WAITING FOR. Can I just say that our wedding night was one of the most incredible moments of my life? Not because we were "pros" - lol - but because we felt God's blessing on our life, in our relationship...It was a pure, perfect moment - and it was because we allowed God to be the center of it. 

The same lesson can be applied to my life right now as I have recently felt impatient as I am 39 weeks pregnant this weekend! Last week I felt frustrated that my "time" had not come yet and I was trying EVERYTHING to induce labor naturally! Haha - I'm sure there are some other mamas reading this who can relate! Ya know what though? God gently reminded me Thursday evening that I need to stop focusing on what I think is best and allow Him to create the most perfect story. Hasn't He already proven to me that when I allow Him to write my story it turns out better than if I had forced it myself?!! I stopped and prayed as I journaled and the feeling on stress and control was gone. It is crazy how we can get to narrow minded as to how everything is supposed to play out. Whether it is in our relationships, our jobs, our finances, WHATEVER it may be you are stressed about - STOP trying to make it work on your own! Something absolutely beautiful happens when we allow God to come into our lives and paint the picture He has already created! We just have to give HIM the opportunity to show us. 

Today I am back to my original mindset that "Anything worth having is worth waiting for." It took me a little while to realize I was focusing on ME trying to make things happen when I wanted them to. Without taking a step back to evaluate myself it is SO EASY to get wrapped up in feeling the need to control everything. I don't want to miss the beautiful details in waiting for God's timing. I am trusting in HIS plan for when my daughter is ready to make her way into this world. God's plan for my life is greater than what I could ever create for myself! I am excited as I wait to see this exciting chapter unfold! It will all be in His perfect time - So I know it will be a beautiful story! 

I encourage you to take a step back in your own life and allow God's perfect plan to take place. Some of you who are reading this may think I'm kooky, crazy, or eccentric for how I have chosen to live my life...and that's okay with me ;) Lol. I just know that when I take myself out of the equation and lean on God, the most abundant life unfolds!

-andreanewkirknaturalliving

Well, this pregnancy is coming to a close as I get closer and closer to my due date!  I wanted to share what ended up being my favorite! I did a lot of research to find high quality, non-gmo, plant based vitamins and supplements for baby and me! I never used to stomach daily vitamins as I would feel nauseous after taking them! I started taking the Vitamin Code Raw prenatal vitamins about 2-3 months before getting pregnant and have switched between that brand and New Chapter prenatal vitamins during my pregnancy. I just switched to New Chapter post natal vitamins yesterday to carry me through when I deliver! I found the Nordic Naturals DHA strawberry flavored DHA gel capsules to be my favorite! NO fish taste whatsoever- and that is important especially while pregnant!!! Haha! I was able to avoid any antibiotics this whole time and I know it is from keeping my "gut" healthy with probiotics and a mainly gluten free/ clean diet! That brings me to my next favorite! Shakeology! There were days I craved my vegan chocolate shake or my vegan tropical strawberry shake when I woke up, or if not then - for lunch! The ingredients are very high quality and actually kept me full (which is saying a lot this last trimester!! Haha!) It is important to fuel yourself with REAL food during pregnancy so you and baby can be the healthiest you can be! So: to break it down to a shopping list for my mamas who want the info: 

Daily Supplements: 

Garden of Life Raw Prenatal Vitamins

Or

New Chapter Prenatal Vitamins 

(Different health food stores carry one brand or the other it seems) 

Ultimate Flora Daily Probiotic

Nordic Naturals DHA

Meal Replacement When Needed:

Shakeology 

*I have enjoyed this pregnancy! Overall I have felt healthy and stayed pretty active... I truly believe when you fill your body with quality foods and vitamins, you are able to function at your best! I hope these resources help! Message me on Facebook if you have any questions! To those of you who are thinking about pregnancy, it is a wonderful experience, to those of you who are pregnant, enjoy it! To those of you who are holding your little one(s), how fun!

I will be holding my little one sometime this month and cannot wait!!!

-andreanewkirknaturalliving

How are you feeling today? Don't give me the "I'm Good" response... Think about it and give me an honest answer...

If we are honest with ourselves I think there is at least one area in our lives we KNOW we could improve upon. Maybe it has to do with your current relationship, your job, your health, your personal behavior, etc....there is ALWAYS room for IMPROVEMENT. ROOM TO GROW and BETTER ourselves!!! Until we FIRST improve OURSELVES in areas we can grow in , we are unable to improve other areas of our lives. It is SO easy to get caught in an everyday routine and settle for a mundane lifestyle. Who really wants that? NOT ME. I want to THRIVE, I want a carefree, healthy lifestyle that allows me to feel good about myself and truly enjoy my family and friends around me! Without investing in yourself, it is very difficult to be full and pour yourself into others.

We were created as vessels.
Vessels carry things.
We can carry mental, intellectual, spiritual, or physical things with the purpose to pour them out to others. Vessels are used to carry, contain, or pour something out. Without being refilled, we can eventually run dry, which is why it is vital to have a larger source to "fill up from" so to speak.

Your life has meaning! When God created us, He gave us unique abilities and talents and set us on a path or journey called life. We have the incredible ability to bless others by our own unique personalities and gifts! Not one person is the same and that is the beauty of grasping the differences of others and investing in relationships! When we allow God to fill us, there is a sense of "renewal" and "refreshing" - a powerful joy that overflows and we cannot ourselves create! It is bigger than us! It is personally encouraging to me to know that I do not have to come up with my own joy. I am able to "tap" into God - a source WAYYY beyond anything I could fill myself with. He is overabundant, He is whole, it is an unbelievable feeling. I have a true peace knowing where my purpose comes from. Knowing where my joy will be filled from. Seeing that the stress is NOT on me to constantly "renew" myself, but press into the Lord and allow HIM to fill me and renew me daily.

The next important thing to reflect on is our health. Without functioning at our top ability, it is very difficult to "pour" ourselves into others in a positive way. (in your family, with friends, at work, etc.) This means mental and physical health. How we feel and look physically directly affects how we mentally approach life. If you feel that you are stuck in a rut then it is time to MAKE A CHANGE.

Maybe you have exhausted all the other options for joy. Have you tried God yet? What is there to lose? He is free ;) lol.... Maybe you are ready for a "new look" - losing some weight or simply toning. Have you honestly given it 100% with exercise and healthy eating to effectively see those changes? Only YOU can answer that. What are you willing to try to get to WHO YOU WANT TO BE?

A goal without a plan is only a wish. I truly love being a coach!!! I am excited to invest in you and your goals! I am on my own journey as well and CANNOT WAIT to work alongside with some of you who are ready to put some skin in the game and get fit with me! I am 37 weeks pregnant and will be diving into a 30 day challenge with serious individuals who want to commit and get some awesome results. I am excited as I already have a newly engaged lady who is ready to lose some weight and tone for her big day! I have a mama who is ready to get back on track in order to feel better about herself and pour herself out to her kiddos more! Where do you fit in? Where are you at in your journey? What personal goals do you have in mind? Stop wishing about the "YOU" that you dream of and let me help you MAKE A PLAN. We are gonna do some work! We are going to see results. Promise. It is the whole package. Are you in?

Shoot me a message on Facebook or email me: andrea.living4him@gmail.com
My next challenge group will start a bit later this summer...

- andreanewkirkhealthyliving

I think there is too much pressure today on women. For some reason skinny=beautiful. God designed women to have natural curves and yes - extra "padding" here and there. There is something mysteriously beautiful about feminine curves. Our society keeps pushing us to have that "six pack" or that "thigh gap." Some women naturally have those things....and some of us don't. It is unhealthy to compare ourselves to other women thinking "that is what I want to look like..."

This picture is a reminder that every woman is beautiful! These women ALL WEIGH THE EXACT SAME AMOUNT!!! (That is why we should only use what we see in the mirror as determination! NOT some model we think is perfect. REALIZE YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL and EMBRACE who you are!!!)

I believe it is important to fill our bodies with healthy food so we are not constantly working against ourselves. I also believe that regular exercise is important for our overall health. It is important to feel confident in ourselves and how we look. There is nothing wrong with pushing ourselves to get that "extra definition" or "toning excessive jiggle." The best rule of thumb is EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. 

I am currently finishing up a clean eating challenge (tomorrow is the last day) and I feel proud of myself and the ladies who joined me in it and stuck it out!!! I honestly think the hardest part of the whole thing is trying to plan ahead and have everything mapped out. It is more expensive to eat healthy also - BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT. I am going to continue on this path of eating healthy! Convenience is what's getting me....lol. This is what I have decided:

I am spending X amount of dollars to make smoothies (greek yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, flax seeds, probiotics, fresh veggies, frozen fruit, etc....). After planning ahead and spending that money to make those shakes I could have bought a complete shake ready to go.

I thought about buying Shakeology last fall but passed on it because the initial price scared me away. I also did not know enough about it to value it to spend the money.  I have always been the type of person that has to know "WHY" before I believe it and "PROVE" that something works...lol. Call me stubborn - but hey - it is what it is. 

I have been doing my "research" lol...I believe now that the ingredients in Shakeology are truly high quailty! (you get what you pay for) If I went to the store and bought everything I needed to make a shake equivalent to this one it would be REALLY EXPENSIVE! (Plus then I'd still have to store it all and actually make the shake and clean up...haha - I know I sound lazy. BUT IF IT IS NOT CONVENIENT IT IS HARD TO STICK WITH.) 

I finally "bit the bullet" you could say and bought a 30 day supply of Shakeology to try. I LOVE IT. I decided on the individual packets so I have it measured out already, I can conveniently take it to work, mix it up at home -plus easy to throw in my purse for a backup meal (NO excuse for fast food...lol) I tried half vegan chocolate and half vegan tropical strawberry....yum. Normally I don't really care for premixed shakes...but these are tasty! ;) Okay - enough about that. I am just excited about it! lol.

(here's my link if you want more info on it: http://www.shakeology.com/andreanewkirk

Anyway, it will be a convenient, healthy way for me to stay on track while fitting in my next exercise challenge starting on June 1st!  If you aren't already my friend of Facebook - Friend Me! I am still adding people to my member list for when I create the closed challenge group for June 1ST! (It is a free 30 day challenge group that will help us all stay accountable and TONE for summer!)

I LOVE encouraging you to be the best you can be. I KNOW that if you set your mind to it - you CAN do it! You are stronger than you think. Once again - You have ALWAYS been beautiful. Now you're just deciding to be healthier, fitter, faster, and stronger. Remember that. 

And remember - YOU are your only competition. 

-andreanewkirknaturalliving

This may seem random and that's okay! LOL. I am getting really excited about our garden this summer! My husband and I ordered non GMO seeds this year! We are excited to make our own baby food later this fall for our daughter when she's ready to transition to food! I just wanted to share the information because I am so excited about it!!! The company we found and love is from Missouri, which is neat! The more I learn about non-GMO foods, the more I want to strive to eat healthier! I think it is important to share knowledge when it will help benefits others! I could REALLY go in depth here about non-GMO foods, but I mainly want to share this company's information with you!!! You can request a free seed catalog from them here: http://www.rareseeds.com/request-our-catalog/

I would also recommend reading more about their family business! Pretty neat!

Part of being healthy is fueling our bodies with healthy, whole foods! (Not a bunch of processed crap!) Buying organic/non-GMO can be expensive! (but still cheaper than doctor bills!) Even if you don't have a spot where you live to plant a large garden, you can still plant a few seeds in a container garden and grow your own main veggies that you eat most of!

Here is the "about us" spot on their website:  http://www.rareseeds.com/about/

Take a look and see what you think!

I'm excited to see how our garden does this summer!  I'm thankful for my husband taking care of it since I'm 6 weeks away from our due date! I think it will be a neat opportunity to grow, prepare, and freeze our own baby food for later this year and into next year as well!

Do I have any mamas that are reading this blog? I am a first time mom and am 34 weeks pregnant this week! I am excited to meet my little baby at the end of June! I am also nervous/excited to see what my body looks like after baby is here. Are there any other moms out there that are looking forward to getting back in shape afterward? I have been super careful throughout my whole pregnancy using organic, non-gmo prenatal vitamins and have tried to stay pretty active the whole time. It is getting SUPER hard to have any motivation these last weeks to exercise though! I am down to walking a couple times a week...and not very far because of sciatica! Bummer dude. (Won't miss that! lol)

Anyways - I am getting really excited about my "plan" later this summer to get back to where I'd like to be! I have a challenge pack waiting with my name on it here at home! I wanted to have it ahead of time so I have NO EXCUSE to start right away! I will be using Shakeology for either one or two meal replacements each day - along with eating as clean as possible and exercising! I ordered Brazil Butt Lift because as my pregnancy progresses I can see that will be a lovely problem area where I have gained and will need to LOSE afterward! I also have PIYO from before pregnancy - and I LOVE IT. So will have to decide how to incorporate that as well!

I am planning to breastfeed so know that my calorie intake and QUALITY of food intake will be SUPER IMPORTANT. I was actually going to start Shakeology last week because I tried one and it was DELICIOUS. (normally I HATE meal replacement shakes because to me they have a weird aftertaste and don't fill me up.) I can tell the ingredients are awesome quality because I felt energized and full afterward! I did a little research and found out if I drink Shakeology while pregnant I would actually need to STOP taking my prenatal vitamins because it would be TOO many vitamins for baby! Talk about healthy ingredients! I ordered the Vegan Shakes to try...So far really liked the tropical strawberry and have yet to try the vegan chocolate post pregnancy!

So - the plan is meal replacements + healthy snacks in between shakes during the day + healthy dinner + exercise plan.

The only thing missing: YOU.

I need accountability.
I need to know there are other moms taking this journey with me...
I want to encourage you in your fitness journey after baby!
I want to give you the tools and support you need for success!
I KNOW WE CAN DO IT.

It is so important to look and feel our best so we are able to pour ourselves into our new babies and our families!

I am getting really excited for this adventure. I am not saying it will be easy, in fact, I will probably be exhausted and looking for little reasons to skip exercising from time to time. THAT is where being part of a challenge group comes into play! It is a safe, closed group that offers encouragement, support, honesty, accountability, and most of all, success.

Who wants to join me? It does not matter if you are a first time mom, have five kids, just delivered recently, or have put yourself on the back burner for a few months or years and are READY to change how you look and feel about yourself. It is possible to have success and I am SUPER EXCITED to have you alongside me! The workouts are convenient to fit into your schedule without a gym membership. The shakes leave NO room for guesswork with what a healthy, complete meal looks like. (I'm looking forward to that while on maternity leave and breastfeeding!) It will be doable. We can do it together! Message me on Facebook for more information if you think this is something you want to join me in!

-andreanewkirknaturalliving

Who struggles with nutrition and knowing what foods are healthy? I believe that whatever you eat has a BIG impact on your body if you're trying to lose weight, get toned, or just be healthier in general. It is difficult to stay on the straight and narrow with temptations of late night snacking, convenient drive through meals, and even hidden calories from soda and coffee creamer!

SO.........
I am starting a FREE five day CLEAN EATING challenge next week! You will be part of a private group with others that are all doing this together! It will be a great way to jump start some healthy eating habits! I will be doing it as well and want some accountability also!

It is only 5 days! I believe that if you set your mind to it and have the right tools and encouragement you will be able to smash this five day challenge!

The challenge will be: Monday, May 18th - Friday, May 22nd. In order to be part of this group, I need to know "you're in" via Facebook by this Friday - May 15th!

-andreanewkirknaturalliving

It is encouraging to know that it is never too late to start a new goal...This morning I am excited, thinking about small steps I can take to improve my overall health! This past Friday I launched a hydration challenge on my Facebook - incorporating ways to drink the required about of water daily for your specific weight! (This is a pic that I shared to calculate how many ounces you need daily!)

It takes a conscience effort to pace yourself during the day, but is actually easier than I thought....I am finding my body actually craves water more than any other drink once adjusted to that as my beverage of choice each day! Next week I will introduce my next FREE CHALLENGE to sign up for. It will build off of the hydration challenge.....I want to gradually build new habits to have a healthy platform for losing baby weight this summer!

EVERYTHING IN MODERATION! What are your goals for yourself this spring or summer? What are you willing to sacrifice to see the changes you are wanting? It is SO important to take small steps so you are able to attack your goals without feeling overwhelmed! Take a bit of time to decide where you want to be in a week, a month, 90 days...

Message me on Facebook to share your goals, struggles, or if you just need some info on fitness plans! LITTLE STEPS are how you are successful!!! You can do anything you set your mind to!

-andreanewkirknaturalliving

It has always been a goal of mine to be healthy and active. I played soccer during college and remained active during that season of my life. (I am blessed to say that I have been happily married since 2009) My husband and I met in college - got married within a year and a half and began this journey together called life! We were pretty active in the beginning of our marriage when our schedules were lighter....It is tricky to balance healthy eating and exercise when real life hits and there is a new routine that begins. Finding time and motivation to fit in healthy eating and regular exercise can be a real struggle. Especially when it isn't always most convenient. I occasionally would run, hike, or mountain bike after work or on the weekends - but never fully committed to a "lifestyle" schedule. My eating habits slowly got worse and I felt lazy when it came to exercise. Summer of 2014 rolled around and I decided to try something new...

I'm not going to lie. I normally DO NOT like regular exercise. I have never had a gym membership, and never will. I decided to try Piyo because it looked convenient as I could do the scheduled workouts at home after work each day. An added bonus: no one to stare at me as I figured out my workout routine...haha. I decided to go all in  - be committed and do the workout schedule for two months. 

At the end of the two months I think I only missed two of my scheduled workouts. I felt more confident about my abilities and strength, actually LOOKED FORWARD to how I felt after working out, and best of all - I LOST INCHES and LOOKED AND FELT BETTER!! I decided it is worth going all in and giving something new a try! 

Within weeks of completing my two month challenge I found out I was PREGNANT!!! I continued to do Piyo off and on (most times the modified version during my first trimester). I did Piyo about once a week during my second trimester and then every once in a while during my third trimester while supplementing weekly walking. 

I decided to become a coach to inspire new Moms to stay fit - and be an encouragement about losing the baby weight AFTER pregnancy! As I write this I am 32 weeks pregnant and getting motivated to work hard after baby arrives to get back in shape!I believe that with the right tools, positive encouragement, and dedication anything can be achieved. I want to invite other new moms to join me on this journey as I work to achieve my own fitness goals after baby! What is there to lose???

Gotta keep in mind: "A GOAL WITHOUT A PLAN IS JUST A WISH!" 

I am here to help you MAKE A PLAN so that your own goals can be accomplished!!! You can do it! I believe in you!

I've got 8 weeks until my due date and I just ordered myself a challenge pack to have during my maternity leave! In order to set myself up for success I decided that it would be best to have a program I enjoy (PIYO and just ordered BRAZIL BUTT LIFT), convenient and complete meals - (SHAKEOLOGY), and accountability (YOU!) If you are interested in joining me along this transformation journey let me know! Challenge packs are available on my beachbody site -http://www.teambeachbody.com/andreanewkirk

We shall see how this transformation goes! I know realistically it will take a while, because it is not a crash diet. It will be actual discipline and work - fitting in a workout routine and sticking to a healthy diet. Everything in moderation. That is what my dad taught me growing up - It is what I still live by. Balance is key in everything!!! We are all human and will slip up from time to time - but as long as we jump right back on track that's all that matters!  Just gotta keep moving in the right direction!!!!

"Life is a journey, not a destination."

Who wants to journey with me?? ;)

-AndreaNewkirkHealthyLiving