Natural Warrior Tea

   I'm in love!  You just don't realize what you've been missing until Mr. Perfect comes to your door.  This time Mr. Perfect came in the way of some awesome loose leaf tea delivered by the postman.  I know what you're thinking, "Tea is tea, how is this one any different?".  WRONG!  I'm sure you've either read or heard about all of the health benefits tea has to offer.  Every time I go grocery shopping I buy one of the well known brands of "healthy" tea and call it a day.  Oh how wrong I was.  

   After doing some research I discovered how much better loose leaf tea is for you rather than regular tea bags.  Loose leaf is a much healthier option because it gives you all of the antioxidants and good stuff you've been looking for compared to tea bags which don't.  

   Grace Lee, founder of Natural Warrior Tea, sent me five of their teas to try: Green Tea, Yerba Mate Tea, Mint Guayusa Tea, Dragonwell Tea and Black Tea.  When the tea arrived it also came with a paper describing the teas, how they would help and why I should be using loose leaf tea.  I have to say I was impressed with the flavor of all five teas.  I was a little apprehensive on trying the Mint Guayusa Tea because I am not a fan of mint by any means.  I was pleasantly surprised that I liked this one.  I think it's because I could taste the mint without it being too overpowering.  The Dragonwell was my favorite to try until I knocked over my glass and didn't get to finish it.  Then I found my soulmate, the Healer Brew Black Tea.  This one is at the top of my list and will now forever have my heart and a space in my cabinet.  Going on two years ago I cut out all soda products so my sensitivity to caffeine is higher than before.  I was impressed that all of the teas gave me added energy without the jitters and crash that follows.  

   This company is 100% natural, organic and vegan.  There are no added ingredients in the tea so when buying this tea you know that it is exactly that, tea.  The tea comes directly from the farms so no worries about mass production and all of the problems that that can cause.  The cost of the tea ranges from $25-$44 a bag, with 20-30 servings per bag.  YIKES, but hang on. I thought the price was high at first too but then I broke it down.  If I get a $44 bag and get the minimum 20 servings, I will be spending a little over $2 for a cup of tea.  I guarantee we won't be able to find a tea of this quality for that price anywhere else.  

   The main focus of this blog is fitness and health.  I am on my journey to becoming the best and healthiest version of me possible and that means I need to be fueling my body with the best stuff out there and so do you.  All in all for taste, quality and price I give Natural Warrior Tea five stars.  The only thing I would recommend to them is to have some sort of sampler package available for there customers.  It would be nice for customers to be able to purchase and sample each tea before jumping in with both feet and committing to one big bag that they may or may not like the flavor of.  Check out their website and tea and let me know what you think below.  

   SURPRISE!!!!!  If you decide to try the tea use coupon code CAIT for 15% off of your order.  Happy brewing. 

   www.naturalwarriortea.com

   @naturalwarriortea 

PS - I would like to add that this isn't one of those crap teas full of diuretics promising you an 80 pound weight loss over night.  This tea is just an overall, good for you, healthy tea.  Nothing will make you lose weight other than healthy eating and working out.

21 Day Fix Vegan Shopping List

21 Day Fix Vegan Shopping List

   

   The 21 Day Fix program comes with a meal plan including meat but this shopping list is for all of you out there following a vegan diet.  I was actually surprised by all of the vegan options that made the cut for this program. Be sure to read your program for all of the specific portions.

GREEN- KALE, COLLARD GREENS, SPINACH, BRUSSEL SPROUTS, BROCCOLI, ASPARAGUS, BEETS, TOMATOES, SUMMER SQUASH, WINTER SQUASH, STRING BEANS, PEPPERS, CARROTS, CAULIFLOWER, ARTICHOKES, EGGPLANT, OKRA, JICAMA, SNOW PEAS, CABBAGE, CUCUMBERS, CELERY, LETTUCE (NOT ICEBERG), MUSHROOMS, RADISHES, ONIONS, SPROUTS

PURPLE- RASPBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES, WATERMELON, CANTALOUPE, ORANGES, TANGERINES, APPLE, APRICOTS, GRAPEFRUIT, CHERRIES, GRAPES, KIWI, MANGO, PEACH, NECTARINE, PEAR, PINEAPPLE, BANANA, PAPAYA, FIGS, HONEYDEW MELON, SALSA, PICO DE GALLO, TOMATO SAUCE 

RED- SHAKEOLOGY, TEMPEH, TOFU, PROTEIN POWDER (HEMP, RICE, PEA), VEGGIE BURGER

YELLOW- SWEET POTATO, YAMS, QUINOA, BEANS, LENTILS, EDAMAME, PEAS, BROWN OR WILD RICE, POTATO, CORN, AMARANTH, MILLET, BUCKWHEAT, BARLEY, BULGUR, OATMEAL, PASTA, COUSCOUS, CRACKERS OR CEREAL, GRAIN BREAD, BAGELS, WAFFELS, ENGLISH MUFFINS, TORTILLAS

BLUE- AVOCADO, ALMONDS, CASHEWS, PEANUTS, PISTACHIOS, PECANS, WALNUTS, HUMMUS, COCONUT MILK

ORANGE- SEEDS (PUMPKIN, SUNFLOWER, SESAME, FLAX), OLIVES, PEANUTS, COCONUT, 21 DAY FIX DRESSINGS

TEASPOON- OILS (OLIVE, COCONUT, FLAXSEED, WALNUT, PUMPKIN SEED), NUT BUTTERS (PEANUT, ALMOND, CASHEW), SEED BUTTERS (PUMPKIN, SUNFLOWER, SESAME)

FREE FOODS- UNSWEETENED GREEN TEA, LEMON OR LIME JUICE, VINEGARS, MUSTARD, HERBS, SPICES (EXCEPT SALT), GARLIC, GINGER, HOT SAUCE, FLAVOR EXTRACTS, 21 DAY FIX SEASONING MIXES

                       HAPPY GROCERY SHOPPING!!!!

21 Day Fix

21 Day Fix

   If you have a TV or a social media account, I am sure you have heard about the 21 Day Fix.  It's a workout program from Beachbody, featuring Autumn Calabrese.  Calabrese is a celebrity fitness trainer and also a national-level bikini competitor.  The program has done extremely well and I have personally seen great results from friends that have completed the entire workout program.  I decided to see what all of the hype was about and ordered it for myself.  

   The basic program comes with 6 easy to follow workouts on two DVDs, your 21 day portion control system, workout calendar and four bonus gifts. The 21 day portion control system is especially handy.  No counting calories! You get to eat a certain amount of containers depending on your goals for the program.  If it fits in your container you eat, super easy.  The containers are color coded so you know what types of food go in each containers.  I was worried about how the meal plan would be for me since I'm vegan and most meal plans seem to only allow chicken but it looks like it'll work.  
   I'll be starting the program tomorrow and over the next 21 days I'll be posting about the workout for the day and my meals.  I will also post a chart showing all of the vegan approved foods for the program. At the end of my program I will post my before and after pictures, weight and measurements. If you're not vegan, don't worry, the program comes with a non-vegan meal program.  

   If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or find me on my Facebook fitness page.  I'll also be hosting a  support/accountability group that you're welcome to join.  

CARE Animal Rescue Race

This race benefits an awesome animal rescue group. They are a non-profit charity doing amazing work for the animals. There will be a fun run, 5k and 10k. You can also bring your dogs. Check it out and invite your friends and family.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1560301757548112/?pnref=story

Monday Mini Workout

Here's your Monday mini workout. Repeat 5 times. Enjoy!

Military this is for you!

ACTIVE military (spouses included) and VETERANS:

Did you know Beachbody is a huge supporter of our military? Beachbody honors ACTIVE military (spouses included) and VETERANS by making you eligible for a 25% discount on ALL of our amazing products Beachbody has to offer. Your favorite workouts, supplements, Shakeology and Derm products. 

Email me for details. Dreamcatcherfitness@yahoo.com

Mini Workout

Mini workout for the day. Repeat 4 times. Enjoy!

Vegan Creamy Corn Chowder

Vegan Creamy Corn Chowder 

   First off, let me just say I am loving my slow cooker I got for Christmas and that this recipe is the bomb.  This recipe is super easy and it made enough to last me a week.  I'm also counting this on my 21 day fix as a yellow container.  Let me know how you like it.

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 pound of potatoes, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped ( I used yellow and orange)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound fresh or frozen corn kernels ( I probably used closer to 2 because I like soups thick)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (yes it's vegan, that's just what it's called)
2 cups nondairy milk (I used soy)

DIRECTIONS:
   Add all ingredients to slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.  About 30 minutes before serving remove at least 2 cups of soup to blender or food processor and puree. Add back to slow cooker. Serve.  If desired, you can add vegan sour cream or vegan cheese to top it off.

Enjoy!






 

Dream Board

   So my team is doing some training and part of our "homework" was to make a dream board. Here's mine! My main goal is to be debt free, move to Oregon, own a home, be ranked diamond, become a personal trainer and be certified in Piyo and of course have great abs like Autumn. What are your dreams and goals?

Super Saturday

~*~*~*~ATTENTION~*~*~*~*~

January 11, 2015 Come join me at Super Sunday. 

I have the opportunity to take 5 guests to Super Sunday. If you think you might be interested in coaching and seeing what Beachbody is all about, this is for you. Beachbody's CEO, Carl Daikeler, along with the fabulous trainer, Autumn Calabrese, will be at this event. We will also have a workout led by Autumn, trainer of 21 Day Fix and 21DF Extreme, at the end of the day. 

This event is free for guests and you can ride with me to the location. If you're interested in coming shoot me a message ASAP. Spots are filling up fast.

Girlboss

Re-opening up this opportunity for THREE more ladies!

I AM ON A SEARCH.

Think of it like the American Idol a Fitness Coaching... I want to find that next "IT" girl. That ROCKSTAR CHICK. The one that has been wanting something BIG for her life she just isn't sure what exactly that "thing" is yet. I'm looking for a HARDWORKING DREAMER and a self-motivated person with a BIG HEART.

I want to work one-on-one to train YOU into the next 6-figure earning GIRLBOSS, who will find that success right alongside me!

My job as a fitness coach is SO MUCH MORE than just "selling fitness programs" I sometimes like to think of myself as more of a LIFE COACH than a fitness coach. I LOVE to help people. I get this major satisfaction from helping to make people's lives better. Maybe it's in helping them to lose weight, maybe it's to help boost their self-esteem, maybe it's teaching them how to eat clean, and maybe it's providing the tools to achieve FINANCIAL FREEDOM. But whatever it is, the keyword is HELP.

I love to know at the end of the day that my job, that what I do, is making some sort of difference in this world. <--- Do you feel like that too? Is that something YOU might want also? "Losers quit when they fail. Winners fail until they succeed." <--- THAT. I'm looking for someone who, when they read that, they say YES, and get little goosebumps.

If you think this job could be for you, if you love social media, if you love fitness, if you love helping people, if you love a role of leadership, if you love belonging to an organization full of people who LOVE YOU, LIFT YOU UP, and WANT YOU TO SUCCEED - then yes, this job is for you. And I want to talk to you.

So feel free to email me at Dreamcatcherfitness@yahoo.com and let's chat. VERY excited.

21 Day Fix Vegan Shopping List

   21 Day Fix Vegan Shopping List

   

   The 21 Day Fix program comes with a meal plan including meat but this shopping list is for all of you out there following a vegan diet.  I was actually surprised by all of the vegan options that made the cut for this program. Be sure to read your program for all of the specific portions.

GREEN- KALE, COLLARD GREENS, SPINACH, BRUSSEL SPROUTS, BROCCOLI, ASPARAGUS, BEETS, TOMATOES, SUMMER SQUASH, WINTER SQUASH, STRING BEANS, PEPPERS, CARROTS, CAULIFLOWER, ARTICHOKES, EGGPLANT, OKRA, JICAMA, SNOW PEAS, CABBAGE, CUCUMBERS, CELERY, LETTUCE (NOT ICEBERG), MUSHROOMS, RADISHES, ONIONS, SPROUTS

PURPLE- RASPBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES, WATERMELON, CANTALOUPE, ORANGES, TANGERINES, APPLE, APRICOTS, GRAPEFRUIT, CHERRIES, GRAPES, KIWI, MANGO, PEACH, NECTARINE, PEAR, PINEAPPLE, BANANA, PAPAYA, FIGS, HONEYDEW MELON, SALSA, PICO DE GALLO, TOMATO SAUCE 

RED- SHAKEOLOGY, TEMPEH, TOFU, PROTEIN POWDER (HEMP, RICE, PEA), VEGGIE BURGER

YELLOW- SWEET POTATO, YAMS, QUINOA, BEANS, LENTILS, EDAMAME, PEAS, BROWN OR WILD RICE, POTATO, CORN, AMARANTH, MILLET, BUCKWHEAT, BARLEY, BULGUR, OATMEAL, PASTA, COUSCOUS, CRACKERS OR CEREAL, GRAIN BREAD, BAGELS, WAFFELS, ENGLISH MUFFINS, TORTILLAS

BLUE- AVOCADO, ALMONDS, CASHEWS, PEANUTS, PISTACHIOS, PECANS, WALNUTS, HUMMUS, COCONUT MILK

ORANGE- SEEDS (PUMPKIN, SUNFLOWER, SESAME, FLAX), OLIVES, PEANUTS, COCONUT, 21 DAY FIX DRESSINGS

TEASPOON- OILS (OLIVE, COCONUT, FLAXSEED, WALNUT, PUMPKIN SEED), NUT BUTTERS (PEANUT, ALMOND, CASHEW), SEED BUTTERS (PUMPKIN, SUNFLOWER, SESAME)

FREE FOODS- UNSWEETENED GREEN TEA, LEMON OR LIME JUICE, VINEGARS, MUSTARD, HERBS, SPICES (EXCEPT SALT), GARLIC, GINGER, HOT SAUCE, FLAVOR EXTRACTS, 21 DAY FIX SEASONING MIXES

HAPPY GROCERY SHOPPING!!!!

Painted Pit Bulls

   As a fellow animal rescuer, I love when I can purchase awesome products that also help out animal rescues.  This calendar is just that, awesome and it helps out a great rescue, Forgotten Souls Bully Rescue.  Anyone that owns or has ever been around a Pit Bull, knows what great dogs they can be.  However, they are the number one breed to be euthanized in shelters.  That is due to a number of things; they get bad reputations, they get mislabeled in shelters (many shelters label any dog with a large head a Pit) and get euthanized just because of their breed and also over population.  There are tons of irresponsible Pit Bull breeders out their contributing to the overpopulation problem, with false hopes that they will ALL get great homes and never end up in the shelter, which is rarely the case. 

   Forgotten Souls Bully Rescue's mission is to rescue the voiceless, unwanted bullies in the DFW area and bring them from forgotten to forever. They are a SMALL rescue but have hopes of making a BIG difference. They take dogs from local euthanasia lists that people and even other rescues seem to not notice and give them their second chance. Unfortunately, bullies are often the overlooked ones and do not get adopted quickly. Right now they currently have 7 fosters in which they have had anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Currently they can not take in anymore dogs until they get more funds, more fosters and some of their current fosters adopted. Lack of adoptions and funds has really taken a toll, so their focus is to get their current fosters out and into their own furever homes. While they can't take in any more animals to their own rescue at the time being, they continue to transport, volunteer, advocate, network, temp foster, and help other rescues when they can.

   With the purchase of the Painted Pit Bulls calendar you will be helping save more lives through Forgotten Souls Bully Rescue.  50% of the proceeds goes directly to the rescue.  I've purchased a few calendars benefitting rescue groups and this one is my favorite by far.  The calendar itself is of high quality. The material is thick and heavy duty, not like some calendars that are cheaply made and fall apart.  Each month has a gorgeous picture of a painted Pit Bull and also contains a coupon for an item from Dog Park Publishing.  The photos above are just a few of the current gorgeous dogs available for adoption.  Check out the link below to purchase calendars and also see dogs that are ready for their furever homes. 

https://www.facebook.com/ForgottenSoulsBullyRescue

Wounded Warrior Project and P90

Wounded Warrior Project and P90

2 days until this new program comes out - perfect for ANY age and ANY fitness level. It's the prequel to P90X with all of the great results of P90X, without all of the extreme moves.

I know there are lots of us that know a soldier. Ones that made it back safe, some made it back injured and some never came back at all. The awesome company I work for is helping out our soldiers by helping the Wounded Warrior Project. Beachbody will be donating to the Wounded Warrior Project for each P90 program sold - in honor of Tony Horton's father who passed away and their mutual involvement and support of that project.

I have a goal to help AT LEAST one person with their fitness goals and pay it forward to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Who's with me?

If you're interested in joining my team or have questions about the program, please contact me at, Dreamcatcherfitness@yahoo.com

Do you really not have time?

 
   I came across a picture yesterday and it really got me thinking.  The picture showed how many hours are in a week and what we use our hours for.  A good amount of us complain that we just don't have time to workout.  Is that really true, or is it just an excuse to make us feel better about not working out?  For most of us, it's probably just an excuse.  I'm guilty of this myself.  I decided to figure out what my own hours are.  Right now I'm at work for about 41 hours, have school/study time for about 15 hours, and if I sleep 8 hours a night, that's 56 hours.  There are 168 hours in a week, I'm busy about 112 of those hours.  That leaves 56 hours open that I don't have anything scheduled.  Even if I get the second job I just applied for, I will still have 36 hours of free time a week.  36 hours!  Now of course in those 36 hours I still have to do household duties.  I can no longer say that I don't have time to workout.  Figure out your own hours to see if you truly don't have time, or if you're just making excuses.

You are perfect.

You can be the ripest peach in the world, but there will still be someone who hates peaches.

   

   All of these women above are all different sizes and they are all still gorgeous.  All of us have different goals when it comes to our bodies.  I often see people on social media criticizing others because of their body types.  No one has the right to do that.  There will always be someone that say you are too skinny, too thick, too average, too muscular; you will always be too "something" for someone.  All that matters, is that you are happy and comfortable with your body.  I personally, would like to lose a lot of my thickness and gain a good amount of muscle.  To some, lots of muscle on a woman is manly.  Those people are entitled to their opinion but I think it looks good and that is my goal.  Your  goal may be completely different from my goal, but that is YOUR goal. Do what makes you happy and don't worry about the rest.

Welcome

 
   Welcome everyone!  First off, I want to say thank you for checking out my blog.  I hope you will find what you're looking for.  I started this blog thinking I wanted to focus solely on fitness and my journey from thick to fit.  I've decided I want my blog to be much more than that.
   When I started my fitness journey I was searching for a vegan to follow for advice and ideas.  Let me tell you, there's not a lot to choose from.  I'm hoping this will help a lot of people when they are looking for healthy vegan meals.  I will try to always include the calories and nutritional content of the recipes I use.  You will find the recipes I try and cookbooks I recommend under the "Recipes" page.
   I plan on doing the majority of my workouts at home or outside.  I want to show people that you can meet your goals without ever stepping inside a gym.  A lot of people have a hard time getting to a gym on a regular basis.  They either have no place for their kids to go, there is not a gym close by or they may not be open when you're available to go.  For me, it's a lot more convenient to workout at home.  I also feel like I put more effort into my workouts when I'm by myself because I'm not worried about looking like a hot mess.  Under the "Shop" page, you will find the link to my Beachbody page.  From there, you can join my team or order products.
   If you're like me, you probably look up reviews before purchasing a product.  If the good reviews don't outweigh the bad, I don't buy.  Under the "Review" page you'll find all of my reviews.  I'll do reviews on anything as long as it is vegan/animal friendly; beauty products, workout programs, health foods, pet products, anything.  If you're a new company and would like me to review your product feel free to email me.
   I am very passionate about charities.  There is just something about helping those in need that makes you feel good.  The "A Helping Hand" page will contain links to all of the charities that I find. They could be for animal rescue, helping someone with medical bills or school fundraisers.  If you know of a charity that needs some exposure, please email me and let me know.
   Smile! We all have those days where we are just in a blah mood or down in the dumps.  If you're in one of those moods go to the "Smile" page.  You will find all things that make you smile or laugh.
    Other than the items listed above, you will probably see your fair share of animal posts.  I am the founder of a non-profit animal rescue so you will see animals that are for adoption as well as my personal dogs when they're just being cute.  You may notice under my welcome image an icon that has a paw print.  Click that and it will take you to my animal rescue Facebook page, Rescued Souls.
   Thank you for checking out my blog.  I hope you find it helpful and informative.  Remember, if you have a product you want me to review, a charity you want me to recognize or just have a question feel free to email me.