Weight loss Transformation Tuesday interview with Crystal Martinez

This hot Chiquita needs no introduction, she is one motivated and inspiring young lady who just woke up one morning and had enough of how she looked and most importantly felt. Let me introduce you to beautiful Crystal Martinez from Spoonful Of Fit;

Transformation Tuesday with Crystal Martinez

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 

I am 26 and fell in love with fitness in December 2011. I wanted to live to be the best I could be, both inside and out, so I started lifting and eating clean and lost 20 pounds in the process.

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 

I don’t think I ate any vegetables until my early twenties. I was a picky eater when I was younger. I ate a lot of processed foods marketed towards kids from Lunchables to Lucky Charms and fruit snacks. In my teens, I ate a ton of fast food. In my early twenties, I tried eating healthy to me, that was Lean Cuisines and fat-free/low-fat everything.  Now I finally know what clean eating is and eat only unprocessed and chemical free foods and tons of vegetables. J

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?

I used to play volleyball, softball, Taekwondo, and did cheerleading growing up. Now, I just focus on weightlifting and running sprints out at the track.

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?

Fitness and food are my two biggest passions, so that makes the gym and the kitchen like home to me. I love creating healthy recipes and cooking for my family and friends. Every time someone makes a recipe of mine or messages me to tell me that I have helped them, I smile so big.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?

When I looked into the mirror one morning, not being able to fit into any of my jeans, and I felt and looked unhappy and unhealthy, that’s when I realized I needed a lifestyle change. I made up my mind to change and never looked back.

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

I just became a NASM-CPT, so I am looking forward to making the move to Southern California and transition careers from working in an office cubicle, to being a personal trainer in my dream city, doing what I love to do. I want to empower individuals to be the best version of themselves they can be by making their health a priority and reaching their fitness goals.

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

My transformation wasn’t just a transformation of my body. For me, fitness is very much mind, body, and spirit. I transformed on the inside. I grew stronger emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Fitness empowered me to be a stronger woman than I ever thought I could be. It also wasn’t a straight path. There were ups, downs, highs, and lows. This is why it is a journey and a lifestyle. It’s not a straight path, but I am destined to keep trucking along to be the best me I can be.

Fitness Food And Style Photo A Day Challenge - Day 1 DENIM

Hello everyone, another month, another challenge.

I thought I would mix things up a little and get you to capture everything and anything Fitness Food And Style related. So get your camera ready!

The words are your guide, prompt, inspiration to get all creative. As you may know by now, I am such a visual person and I live on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. So please come and join me. Hash tag #ffsphotoaday and let's have some fun.

Photo A Day Challenge

Day One - Denim

Assorted denim

A denim bag filled with coloured and acid wash denim jeans. A denim vest, jacket and acid wash shirt! :-) can I have any more denim???

Here are my fantastic four pics that caught my eye from;

@kristinostevik
@sunshinengiggles
@bec_wallaby and 
@susanmarlene

Denim action

What's your favourite denim piece?

Hope you're having a fabulous Wednesday! XxDani

Healthy new lifestyle Transformation Tuesday with Matt

This young man is all about, eat what you want as long as it fits your macros. I came across Matt on Instagram @ If_It_Fits_Your_Macros early this year. So Matt's theory is, enjoy the food you eat and if that means a donut, go for it. Of course don't eat the entire Krispy Kreme or Donut King box!!! He's about calorie counting and reaching your macronutrient target and has an amazing story to share. 

So without further a due, here is the sensational Matt Cull.

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 

I’m 21 and I started out at around 17 going to the gym like most other young guys, with very little knowledge or dedication and spent the best part of 2 years training in the gym with very little progress. It wasn’t until I began studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science that I really became dedicated and started to develop my knowledge of fitness and what is required to gain muscle mass. From there I improved my eating habits and ever since I have been dedicated to educating myself in nutrition and training through my own research of scientific studies and research, the most reliable source of information that is available. More recently, I have been dedicated to spreading the truths of the fitness industry through my business project ‘Macro Fit’, and educating people about a more flexible approach to dieting through macronutrient tracking. When I started my journey I was a mere 68kg and am currently 83kg at 6’ which I predominantly achieved through the utilization of tracking calorie intake and macronutrients.

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 

When I was younger I just ate whatever Mum cooked. Our dinner was always home cooked and on the rare occasion we would have take away, it never bothered me that we didn’t eat much take away because my mums cooking was always good. We had plenty of rice and pasta usually with a serving of meat and vegetables. Breakfast was always cereal and toast. Nowadays, I eat a similarly broad range of foods, and even though I still live with my parents, I cook all my meals. I eat any foods that will fit into my predetermined macronutrient goals. Anything from poptarts to broccoli, chicken to pizza etc. It’s all about moderation, with health being the number one priority, so getting sufficient vitamins and minerals and fibre is just as vital as reaching your macronutrient targets.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?

I have always been very athletic in the past and have played more sports competitively than I can think of however I predominantly played footy and cricket. I have put these on hold for the time being however to focus on my studies and on my weight training.

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?

Obviously physical fitness and health is a great interest of mine; ensuring I am healthy and doing the best I can to ensure a great quality of life for myself in the future. In particular I love weight training. Educating myself is a passion and I’ll probably be at Uni studying until I’m 26.  I get a great deal of satisfaction from helping others, especially in educating people about fitness. I have a lovely partner of 5 years who makes me smile as well as our border collie pup of 10 months. I also absolutely love the TV show “Parks and Recreation”, it’s pretty much the only TV I will watch as the rest is nonsense.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?

Starting my university degree, not only because I was learning relevant information about the anatomy and physiology of the body but also that university teaches you that you can’t make any claims about something, unless there is sound scientific evidence to support the claim. For me, this provoked a desire to research things for myself and find out all the answers I needed to know from a fitness perspective.

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

I am hoping for my new business to be a success, so I can help spread the truths of the fitness industry to the world and help people to live a more practical and sustainable life while achieving their health and fitness goals.

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

Count calories and track macronutrients. It’s not as hard or as time consuming as it sounds, and once you get used to it, it become second nature. I spent too many years not knowing how much to eat, or what proportion of macronutrients I was eating or needed to eat. Tracking macros takes the guesswork out of it and gives you the option to be much more flexible than just about every other dieting protocol, which means you are far more likely to stick with it and achieve goals in the long term.

Thank you so much Matt for sharing your new healthy lifestyle with us. For those interested in following Matt and his amazing macro lifestyle, you can reach him here;

Website (not yet active but coming soon)- Sign up to mailing list at www.macrofit.com.au

Facebook – www.facebook.com/macrofit

Apparel Store – www.macrofit.spreadshirt.com

Email for more info about tracking macros – info@macrofit.com.au

This post is proudly sponsored by 1st Available.com.au REGISTER NOW FOR FREE!

Mini squats challenge - 1000 squats in 5 days

How are you going?

Just a quick post to let you know my legs feel like jelly and sore?!!! Doesn't even come close. Day 4 today so I have 200 scheduled today.

It's great leg awareness. I have been a little slack with my exercise regime, nevertheless I am still breaking up my squats throughout the day 25 reps whilst brushing my teeth, 25 reps while I am folding our washing etc... You can fit in fitness wherever as long as you make the time.

Dani Stevens drop it like a squat

Instructions for "good-form" squats

1. Stand up straight with your feet firmly planted on the ground approximately shoulder width apart. To help maintain a straight back as you perform the exercise, it's a good idea to focus on an object directly ahead of you at eye level.

2. Contract your abdominal muscles as you bend your legs at the knees. Either stretch your arms out ahead of you, lightly position your hands behind your ears or hold your arms at your side as you slowly lower yourself into a squatting position. Lower your body to a position where your thighs are almost parallel to the floor. Return to the starting position and repeat.

Important: Proper technique is critical, otherwise serious injuries or gradual injury over a period of time can occur. The back must maintain its natural curvature and not "round out" otherwise excess strain can be placed on the spine and cause serious injury.

Also, to avoid undue stress on the knee joint, do not allow your buttocks to drop lower than your knees as you lower your body towards the ground.

SOURCE: http://www.twohundredsquats.com/what.html

Remember, the main aim of the two hundred squats per day program is to get you motivated and moving. Also to improve your leg strength, fitness and general health. The program is all about making progress and constantly challenging yourself. Give the 5-day program a chance and you'll be amazed at your new found strength. Please do not attempt these as a regular exercise regime as you need your body to repair and have rest days. So I simply recommend incorporating them in your normal fitness regime x3 per week.

Dani Stevens no more excuses

Last night on Instagram I posted the above quote. I always find some excuse not to do something. I mentioned I was going to pull the pin with the 200 squats but with everyone cheering me along, I couldn't let you down. You ALL inspire me so much!! Thank you.

Who inspires you?

FOOD

Our #standfullyraw 80/20 challenge is going great guns! Kids are enjoying their jam packed fruit lunch boxes. For my local readers please head over to Peachs on Eastwood St in Ballarat for your exclusive 10% discount when you mention my blog. I really would love to encourage more fruit and vegetables in your day so please feel free to share with your friends and family.

There is also a 180 Nutrition giveaway on Facebook and Instagram. Please head over if you haven't already liked my page and share the post with your friends for your chance to win a 1.5kg bag of either chocolate or coconut protein powder. Leave your fave smoothie recipe on my wall post and I'll announce a random winner at the end of the month.

For those that can't wait, you can simply order directly at www.180Nutrition.com.au and please use the promo code 264464 at check out for your exclusive 10% discount.

I'm all about sharing the love! Happy Thursday everyone.

XxDani

JETSTAR come fly with me, come fly let's fly away.....or maybe not?

I love Frank Sinatra

I especially love flying, anything to do with the airport I AM THERE!! There is just something about that place that grabs me. I love seeing people welcome loved ones in their open arms, all that hugging and kissing, the farewell tears and see you soon waves, the chauffeur gentlemen holding up their passengers names (one day that will be me, not the chauffeur but the passenger being driven by the chauffeur!) and just the hustle and bustle of it all. Growing up I ALWAYS wanted to be a Flight Attendant AKA trolley dolly but the boys/men in my life never allowed me to be that high up in the sky and away on trips for too longer periods. Hmmmm...I wonder why??

Having said that, I haven't had the best experience with our friends at Jetstar recently. I had two back to back shockers!!! Waaaa? I hear you say. I didn't tell you this? Well I did tweet it!

Let me fill you in when I was away at the DP Conference in Sydney a couple of weeks ago..... 

I'll try and keep it short and sweet. Both arrival and departure times were delayed. Real bad. Especially when you need to get home to your beautiful 4 babes and gorgeous man of a husband. BUT!!! Because I LOVE the airport so much it didn't phase me, seriously I know there are some of you that loathe that place and just want to fly in and out! I get that, but I love THE AIRPORT!!! You know what the airport reminds me of???

Twitterland. Yes, mingling and chatting to random strangers across the globe! I love it!

So back to my airport saga which really wasn't a big saga to me because it made me so passionate to want to create a healthier food bar than this one.....

Sydney airport, anyone fancy a healthy treat?

Seriously? What's going on there? Don't get me wrong back in the day I would've loaded up on a couple of bags but now, I just roll my eyes and think convenience makes people more money and that's how the business world works! Hence me not wanting to work in the business world, instead for people to help them, especially when it comes to their health and their families wellbeing.

Anyways, here's my delayed flight snapshot, flight was meant to leave Sydney at 12:55pm however it decided to go at 14:30pm instead....so people are sitting around, waiting, waiting....

What to do at Sydney airport when your JetStar flight is delayed SHOPPING OF COURSE

So what did I do? I much preferred to go window shopping during that time and find some things for the kids. Oh yes, and try a little black leather/denim dress (which I didn't buy, too short!).

Anyways to top things off I find out over our DP Gala Dinner, while speaking to one of the major sponsors, Klaus who is the Exec Chairman of 1stAvailable.com.au (a new company that has been set up to make our lives so much easier so you can find and book all your healthcare appointments, from one place on your mobile or PC and even after hours! How cool is that?) telling me something about Jetstars $8.50 credit card surcharge (the funny thing is, I didn't check all these fees when I booked my flight, I just wanted to fly away....) 

But when I did the math if we were ALL going.....

That means every time I book online with Jetstar and pay by credit card (which is the only way I roll these days) I get zapped with a $8.50 surcharge per passenger per flight; 

x6 (Adrian, Dani, Noah, Oscar, Mietta & Zali) 
x 2 (return trips) 
= $102 WTH?

Jetstar are saying thank you very much to the Stevens family, for choosing to fly with us!!! Can you imagine to the rest of the Australians? That's my leather/denim dress up there that I could get with that money Jetstar. Where's the love?

Here is the love......

Jetstar drop the $8.50 credit card surcharge on our airfares in line with the new Reserve Bank ruling!

SIGN THIS PETITION OVER AT CHANGE.ORG  and let's get some spending money in our pockets while we travel huh? That's criminal that they want to charge this amount, in fact the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) recently stated "these charges are just not acceptable and should be dropped". AMEN. So sign away my friends and lets help Klaus make a stand against Jetstar. There are already 35,682 signatures which mind you the CEO is ignoring but if we reach another 14,000 signatures then Jayne Hrdlicka will have to respond to this petition. So let's make this count and forward onto your friends and family.

Come over and leave them a message on their Jetstar Facebook page here's mine!

NB: Jetstar will claim the $8.50 is not a credit card surcharge but their "service and booking" fee. Whatevs! Like that is service? We all know the drill, so let's put a stop to this. 

Fitness

3 days of exercising for me this week, 90 minutes MAX! Combined both my resistance training and leg interval workout. I'll take some pics of some of my moves to exactly show you what I've been up to. How about you? Have you been following the stand up and be rawesome leg workout programs on my blog or using your own? You can check it out here or come follow the Fit Yummy Mummy workouts I do. It's never too late to start.

Food 

It's been a tough week and to be honest I think I buckled after Day 2 or 3 with being 100% fully raw? It's like asking a smoker to quit cigarettes for 30 days. I know it's doable (all this cold turkey stuff) but some people are different and I am one of these people.

I was constantly tired and felt light headed, dizzy and just lacked energy. Mind you I didn't prep myself or YOU enough, to get our meals prepared and that is what I have found most challenging with going fully raw. There is a lot  more fruit and veg prep work than my ordinary way of cooking and if I don't prepare the night before the kids really can't wait for their juice or salad if I have to peel it, wash it, cut it, serve it etc.....right then and there. They want their food NOW!!!!!

Anyways this morning was a breeze as I was more prepared. So I took my morning snack with me, a large bowl of watermelon (approx. 300 calories). I am slowly learning and adapting. However I am incorporating my meat products along the way. Not too much, maybe 20% of the time. More on that on another post. Happy Saturday!!! Gotta fly.....

Watermelon snack

What are you finding most difficult throughout our STAND UP AND BE RAWESOME challenge?

XxDani

Weight loss Transformation Tuesday with Joanna Pace

I'd like to introduce the lovely Joanna Pace, she is such an inspiration. I have been following her sister Janet's Facebook Page Fitness to Faithfulness and I am truly grateful she was happy to share her transformation with us here today.


How fabulous does she look? Rocking it Mama Joanna, like a true rock star!!!

Joanna dropped 3 jean sizes in less than 9 months!

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?


I am 46 years old, married 25 years, and have three gorgeous children ages 23, 19, and 16.  Ever since my pregnancies, I have always stayed active, working off the baby weight, doing aerobics.  The older I got, extra weight was hanging on.  I started running in 2000 and that seemed to work for awhile.  Since, I turned 40, I was not happy with my body shape.  I was working out hard, but never seeing any changes, weighing 150+ wanting to give up.  I had the mindset that since I was working out, I could eat anything I wanted!  Big mistake!  I was negating everything I was working hard for!  In Feb. 2012, I started Turbo Fire and loved it!  But, still frustrated with no weight loss.  I was still eating as I had always done thinking I was eating healthy!   On August, 5, 2012, I decided to make a change and my healthy fitness journey began.  I began to track my calories with the My Fitness Pal app, started making healthy eating choices, cut ALMOST all the sugar out of my diet, and worked out with Turbo Fire.  Then, and only then, did I start seeing results!  I was losing 1 lb. a week!  By March 6, I had lost 24 lbs. weighing 126.  I have had a 16% change in my body.  I have lost 4 jean sizes!  I am now a size 3!

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 

As a kid and up until last August, I ate anything I wanted, mostly not healthy...casseroles, fried foods, desserts, fast food.  I ate a ton of sugar and I snacked a lot!  It didn't even register to me that I was eating unhealthy until I started tracking my calories.  I was shocked!  Now I do not go over my allotted calories for the day, no matter what.  I cut out desserts and sugary snacks and I only allow something sweet if I have any calories left over.  If I snack, it is fruit, veggies, or almonds.  My biggest smile of the day is if I have enough calories left over to allow myself to have microwave popcorn in the evening!  My eating has totally changed and I will never go back.  It is a lifestyle change, for sure.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?

I have never played sports per say, but after Turbo Fire, I consider myself an athlete!  I am stronger than I have ever been before, I can jump higher than I ever have, and my body looks better now than when I was a skinny 110 lb. teenager...before children!  Growing up, I hated to sweat.  The sweat pours off of me now and I love it!!  

I love watching my son play high school football!  Go Seven Lakes!  And I love watching my home football teams, the Houston Texans and Texas A&M play!  Huge fans!  

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?

What makes me smile?  My children and my husband!  I have been a homemaker for 25 years and absolutely love being a mother to my three children!  I have dedicated my entire adult life to being the best mom and wife I could be!  I love Jesus!  He is the whole purpose of my life!  Without Him, I would be nothing!  I am a praise team singer at Second Baptist Church, one of the largest churches in Houston.  I have the privilege of singing to thousands of people every single week.  I am also involved in a women's praise team, Watershed, that I am so blessed to be a part of.  I love movies and books and have a huge collection of both!  My favorite pastime is sitting down and watching a movie with the family, by myself, in the theater, at home, anytime!  I love it!

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change? 

My catalyst for my lifestyle change was after seeing pictures of myself on a cruise I took in July.  That's what it took.  I was so frustrated and really wanted to see a change.  And I knew it had to be something totally different than what I have done in the past.  Obviously, that was not working for me!  The thing is, nobody thought I needed to lose weight.  When I told them I was 150 lbs., they didn't believe me or that I wore a size 10 jean.  I am the first one to admit that I could "rock" my clothes!  The truth of the matter was that I was never content or happy with my body shape underneath those clothes.  I was not making healthy eating choices and I negated my working out by thinking I could eat anything I wanted BECAUSE I was working out!  I am finally happy and content with my body shape for the first time ever!  And it's a conscience decision every day!  

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

My goal over the next 12 months, and really, the rest of my life, is to maintain my weight and continue on with my healthy lifestyle with exercise and healthy eating.  It's a choice everyday!  Everyday making that choice what my body needs...not want I WANT!  Treating my body with respectful choices...it's the only one I've got!!!!!  

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!  I thought I was always going to be the weight I was.  I remember having a bad attitude thinking, well, might as well eat "that", it doesn't matter!  I'm always going to have this belly pooch and these muffin tops!  It's a hard road, but you can do it!!!  If you have a not so good day today, be better tomorrow!  Soon it will be a lifestyle!  Choices will become easier!  Eat more at home.  Know what you are putting in your body!  If you eat out, choose a salad or grilled foods.  Know exactly what you are ordering!  You can eat out and still eat healthy!  Go online and check out their menus before going so you know what you are ordering!  Don't drink your calories!!!  Go ahead, get started today...you can do it.

How fabulous!!! thanks again for sharing your amazing story with us Joanna and anybody who would like to follow Joanna please do;

www.facebook.com/joanna.b.pace
www.beachbodycoach.com/joannapace 
www.instagram.com/joannapace 

For your feature please send me your pictures and write in the subject line: TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY and email me dani@fintessfoodandstyle.com.au

XxDani