Avocado Popsicles

Ok I'm going to be honest with you, I've been on this "popsicle high" lately! Being from Florida and the fact that the weather has been so HOT lately, having a popsicle is the only thing that I've been thinking about to cool off!

I love avocado and bananas! Mixing these together makes these popsicles taste like rich ice cream! And with each popsicle boosting only 122 calories, it's packed with protein fiber and some good healthy fats! Let's make some Avocado Popsicles shall we =)

Total time:  4 hours, 10 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes 4 servings, 1 pop each

Ingredients

What do I need?
- 1 ripe medium avocado, cut into chunks
- 1 ripe medium banana, sliced
- 1/4 nonfat plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 tsp. finely chopped lime peel
- 1 tsp. fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 tsp. raw honey
- 1 to 4 Tbsp. Water

Preparation:
Place avocado, banana, greek yogurt, lime peel, lime juice, raw honey, and 1 Tbsp water in blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Add additional water until you get to your desired consistency.

Pour avocado mixture evenly into ice pop molds and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until set.

 Nutrition Facts

For more recipes, click here!

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Celebrities Who Do P90X

 Celebrities Who Do P90X

Who cares right? Well, it's funny that some people can get motivated by celebrities working out, and the way I see it....if it motivates you to get off your ass, then it surely is a lot better than doing nothing!

Get the P90X Workout Sheets - Click Here!

Believe it or not, celebrities are real people, you're like "what, really lol?". What I mean by that is that there are celebs that would rather workout on their own instead of hiring a Personal Trainer. Not all celebrities hire Personal Trainers believe it or not! I mean think about it, if you are an A-List Celebrity, you are escorted, protected by bodyguards, and almost always have an entourage hanging around you, so it just makes sense that some of these celebrities choose to do things on their own....such as working out, and doing P90X.

Sheryl Crow - P90X

Here is a quick list of celebrities that have done P90X. This comes directly from Tony Horton's facebook P90X Celeb List, so it's not like I am making this up =). I have added a couple more to the list from my own research, but this is pretty much Tony Horton's list. Oh, and if you do not know who Tony Horton is, well....he's like the guy who created P90X. I'm sure you've seen his picture on Google Images right next to the founder of Crossfit =).

Kelly Slater - P90X

Now I am not even sure if the celebrities on the list have even finished the full P90X Challenge, but that doesn't even matter. The fact that these celebs have tried it, incorporated it, or graduated from it, just shows that it is something to look into. Also, keep this in mind, none of the people on the celebrity list were asked to endorse P90X, they all can independently vouch that it does work, and that they have completed it, or at least have done it as part of their training for a movie, concert, professional game, or just to stay in shape.  

The Celebrity List:
1. Sheryl Crow
2. Ashton Kutcher
3. Demi Moorre
4. Usher
5. Ewan McGregger
6. Jenny Garth
7. Poppy Montgomery
8. Emmett Smith
9. Ray Lewis
10. David Akers
11. Donovan McNabb
12. Brian Westbrook
13. Matt Diaz
14. Kelly Slater
15. Barry Zito
16. Bryce Dallas Howard
17. Kenny Smith
18. Jo Jo Reyes
19. Brian Wilson
20. Pink
21. Joey Fatone
22. John Hartung ~ Local news and sports
23. Paul Ryan ~ Congressman - R
24. Heath Schuler ~ Congressman - D
25. Ray Allen
26. Jason Scheff
27. Chris Pratt -Guardians of the Galaxy
28. Ben Stiller
29. Erin Andrews - ESPN
30. Jenn Brown - ESPN Reporter

Click here for P90X Program Information and Purchase Options!

And so there you have it. Now this is not at all the full list, and I am sure that there are more and more celebrities who are "BRINGING IT" with P90X. And if it isn't with P90X, it may be one of the 30+ Fitness Programs that the company Beachbody has on the market.

Chris Pratt - P90X

So just because these celebrities have done, or are doing P90X, does this mean that you should? Absolutely not! Your best bet is to find out which program would be best for you based on your current fitness level, goals, and lifestyle. As a Star Diamond Beachbody Coach, I would be honored to assist you with that by offering your a FREE Fitness Assessment. Simply fill out the quick and easy form, and I will give you some options!

Click here for a Free Fitness Program Assessment! 

Poppy Montgomery - P90X

Just like a lot of the celebrities featured above, some of them are focused on giving back to some amazing charities and global causes. My "Art of Giving Challenge" focuses on giving back to the less fortunate, and respectable charities. When you fill out the Free Fitness Assessment, you will have the option to donate to a charity of your choice should you decide to start a fitness challenge or journey. You too can be a CELEBRITY by giving back and getting fit at the same time!

Get started now by taking the Beachbody Challenge, or fill out the Free Fitness Assessment Form, and I look forward to your success!

Related Links:
- How to do P90X at the Gym
- P90X Nutrition Plan
- P90X Program and Purchase Options
- How to gain mass with P90X
- Obstacle Course Race Training with P90X
- Personal Training versus Beachbody Coaching


Get Started with P90X3 now - Only 30 minutes a day!

How to Get Rid of Your 4 BIGGEST Exercise Excuses

Everyone loves a beautiful body that is free from excess fat and unsightly stretch marks. For this to happen, there should be some exercises that ought to be incorporated in your routine. This is sometimes hard because most people find excuses for doing exercises not realizing that it’s their own body that will not benefit from the many advantages associated with doing exercises. So for you to ensure that you do not keep making up excuses for doing exercise, it is important to remember the many benefits that come along with doing exercises. Instead of just hoping to do exercise when you find some time, consider scheduling it! The same way you would not like to miss an important meeting, ensure that you put the same weight on your scheduled exercises and you will find that excuses will actually not be an option.

I use Google Calendar for my fitness and business!

Check out my Top Fitness and Business Apps

One of the excuses that people use is that they are too tired to exercise. Well, we usually are also too tired to beat that deadline on our projects but we do! That same intensity should be applied on doing exercises. It is evident that life is usually exhausting and we all need some energy that will get our blood flowing and muscles moving. In this case, you should drink Shakeology which actually gets to provide your body with the much needed fuel that your body requires to operate at optimal speed. Shakeology results are often felt almost instantly because of the surge of energy that you get to experience, which enables you to finish your workout without feeling drained.

When I'm tired I do my favorite Yoga Pose with my daughter! =)

But most of the time, we drink Shakeology!

 Try Shakeology Risk-Free, Click here!

Another big excuse for doing exercises is that you need to first lose some weight. There are many ways one can lose weight and this is usually through brisk walking, hiking or biking. A work out at home is also ideal and this is usually with the use of Beachbody fitness programs that are effective if and when they are followed to the letter.

Take the Beachbody Challenge - Click Here!

Another one is when someone says that they are too hungry to exercise. It is evident that one cannot exercise on an empty stomach so when this happens, you should not just postpone the whole idea of exercising altogether. Since there is the Shakeology protein bar that contains all the necessary proteins, consider making one and having them at hand whenever you need them. They are super-easy to make, super-nutritious and super delicious and another reason as to why you should have them is that it is an energy packed healthy snack!

 Shakeology Vegan Protein Bar

 Click here for the recipe!

Before settling on the excuses, consider embracing the aforementioned factors and in a few months, you will be glad that you did!


Related Links:
- Shakeology is Clinically Proven
-  3 of the Coolest Shakeology Recipes for the Summer
- 10 Little Things That Can Give You Big Results
- Free Fitness Program Assessment
- Become a Beachbody Coach


Jump start your fitness and nutrition! Refresh Now!

Body Beast Workout REDUCED!

 Body Beast for Cheap - Links below!

Body Beast is the first in-home Body Building Program that incorporates resistance, nutrition, and supplements systems on the market. Not just for the home, this program is perfect for GYM RATS as well, kinda like me =) I love working out at home, gym, and the outdoors, and Body Beast along with P90X are my "go to" programs when I am building muscle and strength.

SCROLL DOWN TO GET THE REDUCED PRICES FOR BODY BEAST!

The program has been reduced, and is at it's LOWEST price ever! Like I mentioned in some of my other posts, Body Beast is hands down one of my favorite workout programs. It just works!

Body Beast Reduced!

Whatever goals that you have, whether it be to lose weight, build mass, gain strength, or get ripped, there is a Body Beast workout schedule for you! There is even an annual Body Beast Physique Competition where you can show off your results! But if you're not the type of person who likes being on stage (like me), then you can simply submit your results into the Beachbody Challenge and have the opportunity to win $500-$100,000!

Body Beast at the Gym

What is the Beachbody Challenge? - Click here!

Body Beast for Women

Get BODY BEAST at REDUCED PRICES here:
BEST DEAL - BEST RESULTS
- Body Beast Extreme Challenge Pack (with Body Beast Supplements), $170 "reduced from $220"
- Body Beast Shakeology Challenge Pack, $160 "reduced from $180"

GOOD DEAL - GOOD RESULTS
- Body Beast Base Kit, $39.90
- Body Beast Deluxe Kit, $149.90
- Body Beast Ultimate Kit, $199.90

The Body Beast Challenge Packs (highly recommended) include the Body Beast Fitness Program, Free Trial Club Membership (with meal planner), Shakeology Nutrition (or Extreme Supplements), Free Coaching, and addition to an Online Body Beast Challenge Group for BEST results!

Body Beast Challenge Groups Forming Now!

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about Body Beast:

- How long is each workout?
Workouts range from 29-55 minutes

- What is the workout schedule?
1 workout per day, 6 days per week, 12 weeks.

- What size workout space is needed?
6 square feet of space is needed

- What shoes are recommended for this workout?
Cross-trainers

- Where can I get the workout sheets?
Click here

- Where can purchase Body Beast equipment?
Click here

- Can I get the same Hampton Dumbbells featured in the videos?
Yes, click here

- How can I get the best results?
Purchase a Challenge Pack (reduced links above). Fitness is not just about working out, it's about what you fuel your body. Just think 80% nutrition, and 20% fitness.

Body Beast at the Gym

Body Beast Group Workout - Orlando, FL

Related Links:
- Body Beast Bulk Arms Workout
- Body Beast Cardio Workout
- More on Body Beast!


Take the Body Beast Challenge now!

My ALS Ice Bucket Challenge VIDEO!

 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

I was nominated to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge by my brother Tony from Las Vegas, so here is my video to show proof that I completed the challenge, and donated to the ALS Association.

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge - 2014

I'm going to be honest, when I started seeing everyone, and their families dumping ice cold water on themselves all over the internet, I was like "is this even a real challenge, and for what?", I actually thought it was pretty silly, but as soon as I found out what it was all about, then I totally understood. It's the simple things like this that can make a huge impact, and although I was not a fan of pouring ICE COLD WATER over my head, I am now glad that I did because every person that watches my video, and shares it could make a huge difference.

I know that there may be more people who might not understand what the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is all about, or where it came from, so I just wanted to share this touching video about where it all started. Please watch the video below:

Where it all started

For more information on  Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and how you can help, please visit http://www.ALSA.org

Who is Arnel Banawa? Click here!

How to Make Cheap Sand Bags for Spartan Training

 Cheap Sand Bags for Spartan Training

So my brother and I are always looking for ways to workout not just for us, but for the people we help prepare for obstacle course races such as Spartan Race, Savage Race, Warrior Dash, and the OCR World Championships. Most of our workouts are inspired by a combination of the P90X workouts that we do, as well as the Spartan WOD's. We wanted to do a group SAND BAG WORKOUT, but looked into getting the "pancakes' that you see being used at the Spartan Races, and it was too costly to purchase 30 of them, so we improvised and made our own. We watched a ton of videos on youtube, and found some good ideas. Most videos were based on someone making a just a few sand bags, and most of the time, it was for themselves. We were looking for the most cost effective way because it wasn't going to be just for us, it was going to be for a group of 30+ people. We figured that for half the cost of one Spartan Pancake (20-30lbs), which is about $60-$65, we could buy our own supplies and make 30+ sand bags ranging from 15lbs to 25/30lbs. So instead of having just a couple sand bags, now we have enough for a nice Sand Bag Group Workout.

Spartan Pancakes are PRICEY! 

Check out the SAVINGS:
30 Spartan Pancakes at $60 each = $1,800 (not including tax and shipping)
30 Homemade Sand Bags = $35
Total Savings: $1765  <---------------------------<<<

Sand Bag Supplies Needed: (We purchased everything from a local Home Depot)
- Regular White Sand Bags ($.45 cents each)
- Duct Tape, about $6-7 per roll
- Zip Ties (4 per sand bag)
- Extra Heavy Duty Trash Bags
- Sand (some people use other things to stuff their sand bags other than sand, well guess what people, then that's not a sand bag!)
*Total cost for all the supplies for 30 sand bags was roughly $30-35. And this was not even looking for deals!

Tools:
- Bucket to put sand in
- Weighing Scale
- Pocket knife

 Let's get started:

1. Seal the "already sealed" end first which will be the "bottom". (This is optional) Leave the other side open so that you can stuff it later. We wanted to seal both ends because it makes for a good handle on both ends of the sand bag.
- Simply roll the sealed ends together
- Duct tape the ends nice and tight
- Use to zip ties to make it secure
- Duct tape over the zip ties (don't cut the ends of the zip ties, just roll it around the ends, this makes a really nice handle for the sand bag)
- Duct tape over the top (vertically), then use duct tape again to secure (horizontally)

2.  Fill bucket with sand and weigh it to your desired weight. The bucket weights about 2lbs, so if you want to make a 15lb sand bag, make sure that the weigh scale reads 17lbs. For a 25lb sand bag, that means weighing out 27lbs etc.

3.  Dump the sand that has been weighed into a Heavy Duty Garbage Bag.

4.  Twist the access garbage bag making sure to get most of the air out of the bag. Duct tape the bottom and the top of the twist, then with a pocket knife (be careful), cut off the access.

Twist

Duct tape bottom and top

Cut off access (please be careful)

Duct tape the two twisted ends together (fold top to bottom then duct tape together) to keep the sand secure.

5. Place heavy duty garbage bag into the sand bag that you "bottom" sealed earlier.

Once you have placed the heavy duty garbage bag filled with sand into the sand bag, simply seal the top end just like you did the bottom end earlier.

6. And the final product, you're very own homemade sand bag!

We made some 15lb and 25/30/lb sand bags. Now you are ready to do all kinds of workouts! Here are some sand bag workout ideas:
- Running with sand bag (you can run with two as well, one on each shoulder)
- Squats
- Bicep Curls
- Jump Squats
- Squat thrusts
- Sand bag throws
- Weighted Push Ups
- Skull Crushers
- Weighted Bear Crawls
And much more! 

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Now these homemade sand bags probably won't last as long as the Spartan Pancakes, but they are budget-friendly and very easy to make and re-make.

Incorporating the Sand Bag into your Workouts

And then when you're done working out, just relax and get on a LONG BOARD and enjoy life! =)

Beachbody Coach Life!

Related Links:
- Obstacle Course Race Training with P90X
- Obstacle Course Racing Videos
- Obstacle Course Racing Community
- Become a Beachbody Coach


Train for a Spartan Race with the Elite Insanity Asylum Challenge!

Push Up Challenge - Drive To Inspire

 A Drive to Inspire - Pensacola, FL 2014

Today I met up with a good friend Ankur Man Shrestha. Ankur is on a mission to do 50 consecutive push ups in 48 states within 25 days. Originally from Nepal, Ankur is currently a student at the University of Cincinnati. He was inspired to raise social awareness to fight obesity because of an email he received from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering & Applied Sciences Graduate Admissions Office. The email stated that there would be an increase in his 2014-15 tuition and fees due part by a health insurance premium. Ankur said “I exercise and work out my body every day. I cook and eat healthy, and at all costs, avoid junk food (burger, fries, and soda). Then why do I have to suffer this hike in my premium?”

A Drive to Inspire - Ankur Man Shrestha

This was the beginning of his fight to help end the trend of obesity. I totally relate with Ankur, we are both on a mission to fight the obesity trend, and that is why I met up with him, along with other members of Pensacola Fit Club to do 50 consecutive pushups at Martime Park to raise social awareness. We were surprised to see that even WEAR Channel 3 News was also there to catch the story.

Click here to see the brief story featured on WEAR Channel 3 - Pensacola! 

Ankur is majoring in Chemical Engineering, but he told me that he has learned so much from traveling around the states, meeting other travelers, and that he believes that he has found his real passion in health and fitness. That actually made me very happy because being a Beachbody Coach, that is what I do. I help people live a more healthy and fulfilling life and show them how they can make a living doing what they truly love. I am glad to have met Ankur, and I look forward to his success with his mission. If you would like to find out more about Ankur, you can check out the links below:

- Drive To Inspire
- Connect with Ankur on Facebook
- Drive to Inspire on Facebook

A Drive to Inspire - 2014

Related Links:
- The Art of Giving


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