Friday, September 5, 2014

Fruity Sweet Potato Salad


Cold Sweet Potato Salad
Fruity Sweet Potato Salad

Here is an awesome Sweet Potato Salad recipe that you can make pretty quick and eat it for breakfast or a post-workout breakfast snack. Honestly, it tastes so good you could eat it anytime of the day in between your meals After you prepare it, it's simple, just take it out of the fridge and dig in!

Serving Size: 4 people
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

What you need:
- 4 Sweet Potatoes, peeled (optional) and cubed
- 2/3 cups Grapes cut in half
- 1 Apple diced
- 1/2 to 1 cup of Dried Cranberries and Sliced Almonds mixed
- 1/2 cup of Mayo made with Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- Sea Salt and fresh ground Black Pepper to taste
- Paprika (optional)

Preparation:
- Add sweet potatoes to a large pot and bring to a boil (medium high heat). Cook until tender (12-15 minutes)
- Drain sweet potatoes with a colander , rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then let sweet potatoes cool down. To ensure that they sweet potatoes are cool and dry, you can place on a platter on top of some paper towels.
- Combine the sweet potatoes, grapes, diced apples, dried cranberry and sliced almonds, mayo, and lemon juice into a large mixing bowl.
- salt and pepper to taste
- Sprinkle with Paprika if desired.

Place the Sweet Potato Salad in the fridge and let it set for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy! =)
 Cold Sweet Potato Salad
Cold Sweet Potato Salad


For more recipes, click here!


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Thursday, September 4, 2014

10 Lifestyle Companies Who Inspire Me


Arnel Banawa
10 Lifestyle Companies Who Have Inspired Me

There are a lot of people who have inspired me, but there are only a few companies that have actually made a huge impact in my life. These companies have challenged me, helped me discover who I am, kept me connected with the people who matter most in my life, showed me how to live a healthy lifestyle,  introduced me to hundreds of people who have the same vision as I do, and so much more! Here are 10 companies who have INSPIRED me.

1. Beachbody - I cannot thank this company enough because they have helped me gain physical and financial success. Freedom is the ultimate gift that anyone could ask for because it's about doing what you want, when you want, anytime you want! Out of all the companies who have inspired me, this company is hands down my #1. Beachbody has given me health, happiness, time with my family, freedom to travel the world, and the ability to provide for my daughter. Thank you Beachbody!

Beachbody Coach Summit - Las Vegas
Beachbody Coach Summit Las Vegas

2. Spartan Race - I have never been challenged to the limits both physically and mentally by another company. Spartan Race has showed me what I am truly made of. This company has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing athletes who have one thing in mind, to conquer every obstacle no matter how big or small, and to always continue to set goals to achieve my greatness within.

Spartan Race Special Ops Sprint - Tampa, FL.
Spartan Race Tampa

3. Patagonia - I am all about giving back, and when I first heard about Patagonia's dedication to the environment and social responsibility, that was more than enough reason for me to support them. Patagonia is all about adventure and keeping our planet as safe as possible, so as an adventurer myself, I felt right at home.

4. Lonely Planet - The very first time I traveled abroad (Europe) was in 2001. I was able to plan a trip all by myself without any tour guides or travel agents, and I still felt completely comfortable. Lonely Planet has taught me about seeing the world how it was meant to be seen as an Independent Traveler, and NOT as a "tourist". Travel and learning about world culture is my #1 passion and Lonely Planet is my travel bible. I currently have invested almost a thousand dollars (maybe more) in travel education, and I'm happy to say that it has all been with LP. Travel is the best education that anyone could ask for, and thanks to LP, I have the knowledge to trek anywhere, and live anywhere. The world is my home, and I can never sit still, I must explore.

I was born to travel!
Lonely Planet Travel

5. Apple - So how has this company inspired me? It's quite simple. Apple has invented simple products that have truly been an amazing part of my success as an entrepreneur, father, and athlete. From editing software to help me grow the sport of Obstacle Course Racing, to sharing my fitness and business journey online with thousands of people from all over the world using an iPad. This company has given me the tools to help me share my story and inspire others to live happier and healthier lives.
 
6. Facebook- I have connected with more people using facebook then any other social network online or offline. Nothing will ever beat that personal one on one human interaction, but this company has been a game changer in the art of connecting people from anywhere around the world. I have connected with old friends and family, rekindled relationships, and have met some wonderful people who have made a major impact in my life.

My Online Fitness Group on Facebook

7. Couchsurfing - Think of traveling the world and meeting people for the first time. Now think about those very same people treating you like family in their very own home when they don't even know you! Well, that's the type of community that Couchsurfing.org provides. Imagine traveling to the most beautiful places on the planet and not paying a dime for accommodations, there is nothing more awesome than that! I have created life-long friendships with the couchsurfing community, and I highly recommend that everyone should experience this type of travel, it's about really getting down and learning about the local scene and building relationships with the world. 

8. Hostel World - Another way to see the world and meet people from all walks of life is through hostelling. When I travel I choose to stay at hostels versus fancy hotels because when I travel, it's about exploring the outdoors for me and meeting other travelers. If I wanted to stay inside in a nice place to relax, I might as well just stay home. Hostel World allows me to hop from city to city, from country to country and meet other travelers along the way. I don't know how many times I've been inspired by someone who I just met at a hostel. If you want to hear some great travel stories, and get the best travel tips, then forget about guide books, go to a hostel and chat with real people who are traveling for months and years at a time.

Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal Wonder of the World

9. Crossfit - I do not consider myself a Crossfitter, or a Crossfit Athlete. But what I do like about this company is the culture and community. As a fitness enthusiast, I enjoy incorporating various types of workouts into my routine, and I love nothing better than mixing a little bit of Crossfit into my P90X workouts. I am a Beachbody Coach, but I do appreciate different ways to stay fit. There is nothing more inspiring than working out with people of all fitness disciplines and everyone respecting each other's training methods. It's not about the workout, it's about what works for you. I thank Crossfit for getting people off the couch and offering an environment that helps people stay motivated and challenged.

Spartan 300 Workout with the girls from Bandit Crossfit
Bandit Crossfit

10. Family - Now I know that this is not a company, but FAMILY is the most important thing in my life. There is nothing more inspiring than being in the company of my very own family and close friends. I do everything with my family! We workout together, do business together, play hard together, travel together, cry together, motivate together, and pray together. For me, family is everything!

 My #Fitfam
Beachbody Family

 My daughter and I =)
Daddy's Girl

So that's it, my Top 10 Lifestyle Companies Who Inspire Me! Which companies have inspired you?



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Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Tips for Running on "Survival Mode"

Tips for Running on Survival Mode
 Tips for Running on Survival Mode

I'm going to be completely honest with you, I really dislike running in the heat. And during the really hot summer months, I do a lot of tread mill work unless I am some place where there is less humidity or up in the mountains. I have family who live out west in the Las Vegas area, and yes, it can get really hot out there, but there is relatively no humidity. When I first started running there, it was pretty weird because I was hot, but I wasn't sweating as bad as I normally do, and that's when I found out how humidity can really play a huge role in training.

Humidity is a huge factor to runners because the higher the moisture content in the air, the hotter it feels, especially when you are running. Let's say that it's about 88 degrees outside which is not so bad right, but if you have 70% humidity, that 88 degrees can feel like over 100 degrees! Now that's a SWEAT FEST! 

Running Singles

When your body heats up, it gets dehydrated, and when that happens, your body then goes into "Survival Mode", which means that your body is basically trying to keep you alive lol. I don't want to go into specifics about maintaining blood flow to your essential organs, so let's just keep it simple:

When it's really hot outside, it's better to be safe. It's not worth the risks. Use these tips to help you make better decisions when it's a super hot running day:

TIPS FOR RUNNING IN HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS: "Survival Mode"

- Stay inside and use a tread mill
- Stay hydrated and try to run in shaded areas as much as possible
- Take as many breaks as needed
- Don't worry about timing your run
- Run by how you feel instead of keeping pace
- Look for warning signs such as dizziness, headaches, tingly skin, fatigue, nausea etc. If you feel any of those signs, call it quits or take a break and only proceed when you are feeling much better.
- Always listen to your body
- You can always do a great Insanity Workout with me too =)


I did a 5 miler today and it was one of those days! I felt my body temperature rise a few times and I had to slow my pace down. I did bring hydration with me, and although there were plenty of times I wanted to pick up the pace, I simply had to just put my ego aside and play it safe. It was a great run!

Running on Survival Mode
Hot Trail Running Tips - Pensacola, Fl




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Monday, September 1, 2014

P90X+ Total Body Plus Workout


P90X+ Total Body Plus
 P90X+ Total Body Plus

I haven't done any of the P90X Plus Workouts in awhile and decided that it was about time. The P90X Plus Workouts are another set of workouts geared towards people who have completed the P90X Classic Program or is at an advanced fitness level. As with all P90X workouts, always listen to your body and modify if you need to.


As I mentioned in some of my past P90X blog posts, I enjoy incorporating running into my workouts. This helps me train for one of my favorites hobbies....Obstacle Course Racing! You will also see me using sand bags instead of dumbbells, and adding a weigh vest to my plyometric workouts. As your level of fitness gets better, you too can add different elements to your P90X workouts to keep things exciting and more challenging. That's why I love P90X so much, it's more than just a 90 day program, it's a lifestyle, and perfect for anyone of all fitness levels. For more information on various P90X workouts, videos, and purchase options, click here!

Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment Needed: Pull-Up Bar, Weights, Power Stands (optional)


Watch my P90X+ Total Body Plus Workout:



Related Links:
- Buy P90X Plus Now
- P90X Nutrition Plan
- Obstacle Course Race Training with P90X
- P90X Program Options
- What's the Beachbody Challenge?
- Celebrities Who Do P90X
- Become a Beachbody Coach


Choose Your Own Challenge - Start a Fitness Journey TODAY!




Saturday, August 30, 2014

Shakeology Ingredients with P90X Creator Tony Horton


Shakeology Ingredients Tony Horton
Shakeology Ingredients 

I have been using Shakeology since 2010 when I began my fitness journey with P90X. A lot of things have improved since then, and many other flavors and vegan varieties have been introduced. First of all, I am not a nutrition expert, but I do know that since drinking Shakeology everyday since 2010, I am able to do things in my 40's a lot better than when I was in high school. Was it all Shakeology? Probably not, it's because you can only get the best results when you combine 80% nutrition with 20% fitness. Before Shakeology, I hated vegetables! I thought everything tasted weird as I transitioned from junk food to natural whole foods. I think the toughest part, especially as a filipino was going from eating white rice to eating brown rice. I thought it was disgusting lol. But I knew that if I wanted to change my body, I had to change what I've been putting into it. Fast forward to 2014, I am now a fan of vegetables, I don't eat a lot of grains, but if I do, it's whole grains.

 Shakeology is my Fuel
Shakeology for Spartan Race
Miami Spartan Super

My nutrition, and how I fuel my body was forever changed when I decided to begin consuming Shakeology. I can remember the first time I tried Shakeology, I made a Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Banana Shakeology with Almond Milk, and the first thing I thought was like "why is everyone not on this stuff!!" It was amazing. I have tried all the flavors, and chocolate seems to still be my all time favorite. It took me some time to get used to some of the flavors, especially the vegan ones. I have never tried a vegan shake before, so the grittiness was something that I had to get used too, but I eventually did, and now I absolutely love them! I am also more open to trying many vegan dishes that I never thought of trying in the past.

Clean Eating with Shakeology
Clean Eating with Shakeology

If you are someone who is still transitioning from eating processed foods, then it will take a bit for your body to get used to clean eating and Shakeology. I recommend that you let Shakeology run it's course and flush out all those toxins that have been accumulating in your body for years. Give it some time and let your body adjust. It takes time, but it will be worth it.


I've bumped into a few people who love making their own shakes. They love buying their own stuff fresh and juicing. I'll be honest with you, I've tried it too, but it can get very expensive to do it daily, and even when I used to buy all the stuff, it still never compared to all the ingredients that is in Shakeology. If you can put a shake together that has all the ingredients that Shakeology has, then you probably need to get in contact with corporate, I'm sure that they would like to talk to you =). But until then, why not save your money and make your life simple. That's what Shakeology is.....Simple, Whole Nutrition in a Bag.

Shakeology Ingredients
 Beachbody HQ - Santa Monica, CA


Check out this funny video with the P90X Creator Tony Horton as he gives you an idea on how many quality ingredients are in Shakeology, it will amaze you! =) Why spend several hundreds of dollars when you can get everything is just one bag? Well, you can, and it's called Shakeology!

Shakeology Ingredients: Tony Horton Checks Out Shakeology



http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/MDSUSH311G?referringRepId=59991


Related Links:
- My Shakeology Website
- Shakeology is Clinically Proven
- Become a Shakeology Affiliate
- Become a Beachbody Coach
- Recipes
- P90X Program Information and Purchase Options




Friday, August 29, 2014

4 Types of Beachbody Coaches


4 Types of Beachbody Coaches
 We are Team Dynasty

I'm happy to write this post on the 4 types of Beachbody Coaches. But before we get into that, I wanted to let you know what Beachbody Coaching is not. So many people think that Beachbody Coaches are like Personal Trainers, and although we do have Coaches who are Personal Trainers, that's not what it's about. Some people think that as a Beachbody Coach, you have to be in shape or an elite athlete of some sort, but that is also far from the truth. Some people think that you have to be a salesman to become a successful Beachbody Coach, hmmmmm.....then what do you call me, because I am definitely NOT that.

The company Beachbody offers some optional certification courses for P90X, Insanity, and PIYO, but again, this is not needed to become a Beachbody Coach. A Beachbody Coach in a nutshell is anyone who is the following:

- Already living a healthy and fit lifestyle
- Fitness Professional or Non-Professional 
- Interested in starting a health and fitness journey
- Someone who loves helping people, and is not "money" focused
- Interested in making a change, and have a better life and future for themselves and their family

Coaches Change Lives
4 Types of Beachbody Coaches

You do not have to be an Elite Athlete, or be in the best shape of your life to become a successful Beachbody Coach. What I've learned in this business is that people don't relate to perfect. People relate to "real people" who are, or have gone through life struggles, and are willing and focused on helping others. As an athlete in the obstacle course racing community, I see too many people who are fixed on what they think fitness should be. They also think that there is only one type of coach, and only one way to train, that's totally ridiculous.  It is not everyone's goal to train for an obstacle course race. Some people just want to lose weight, eat healthier, and just be happy. A good coach caters to everyone and anyone. Yes, it's a good idea to have a niche (by the way, that is my niche) but again, why limit yourself just because the media (everyone else) says that it's "cool' to be this type of coach. I would much rather be a coach to people who have different goals, and be able to help coach them through whatever they decide to do. Functional Fitness is key, everything else is just "marketing".

It's funny when people call me a salesman. The reason why people think I'm a good salesman is, and they don't know it, but I am good at what I do only because I BELIEVE in what I do. If you don't believe in what you are doing, trust me, you will not talk about it, or share it with people. I know for a fact that I can help people make big changes in their lives, not just physically, but also financially. But the funny thing is that I didn't always feel that way. I didn't have the confidence in the very beginning, but that's what happens when you become a Beachbody Coach.  I see success happen all the time in this business, and I always surround myself with people just like me, and it's proved to be very beneficial. Life doesn't have to be dull, trust me, there are people out there who want success for you! 

 Beachbody Coaching is a Lifestyle
4 types of Beachbody coaches

 We live in a "marketing" world. Everything is about sales whether you like it or not. I mean, when is the last time that you recommended a movie or fancy restaurant to a friend or stranger? When was the last time you told someone that they need to do a Spartan Race or a marathon? We refer people to things, places, races, food, and products all the time. The only difference between what you do, and what I do is that I am getting paid for doing something that I am passionate about. When you love what you do, trust me, you will never have to work a day in your life! And I am here to help you experience that, but only if you are absolutely serious about your future!

So what are the 4 types of Beachbody Coaches, here you go:

1. Discount Coach #1 - Earn enough income to cover MY Shakeology & program purchases!

2. Discount Coach #2 - Earn an extra $500 a month to help with bills and/or use for future vacations!

3. Business Builder - Build a business that eventually allows me to become a fulltime coach earning 50k+ a year.

4. Top CoachI have what it takes to be a TOP 10 COACH and am ready to go FULL FORCE to get there!

 Join the Fastest-Growing Beachbody Coaching Team in history!
4 Types of Beachbody Coaches

I don't care what anyone says, I know that everyone in their right mind would love to be happier and healthier. If someone says "I enjoy being sad, depressed, and look forward to being on "meds" for the rest of my life", well I think it would be safe to say that they are not in their right mind =).  

Beachbody Coaching is about helping people reach their fullest potential. It's about living a healthy and more fulfilling life. So if you want to be miserable and unhealthy for the rest of your life, then that's your business.....but if you want to be happy, healthy, and have true financial freedom for you and your family, then that's my business! I look forward to meeting you =)

(Fill out the Coach Application and I will contact you to help you get started)


All it takes is a DECISION to change your life!
4 Types of Beachbody coaches



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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

iPhone 6 - The Fitness App Revolution


iPhone 6 Health App
iPhone 6 via: Youtube

I have been waiting for the iPhone 6 to come out, and I just got word that it may be available on or before September 9th, 2014.

According to Forbes: iPhone 6 to "Revolutionize Sports and Fitness" with it's new Health App. Fitness Apps have been gaining more and more popularity these days, and I honestly have to say "it's about time". From athletes, runners, gym rats, P90X'ers to yogis, you can find almost any health and fitness app for anything active these days. So with all of these apps available how will you know which app is best for you?

Just like anything in life, it's about trial and error. Testing the waters is what needs to be done. Firstly, narrow it down to the activity that you are focused on, then go for the highest rated apps. There are a lot of free fitness apps out there, but for just a couple bucks more, you can get something 200X better without those annoying pop up ads!

With the new iPhone 6 coming out, I think it's really cool that they plan to have their new health app already integrated into the phone. Apple has already been advertising it with their ad "strength".  So be on the lookout for the new iPhone 6, or not =).....if you're an Android enthusiast. It doesn't matter if you have an Andriod or an iPhone, both smartphones have health and fitness apps to help you get into shape!

Apple - Strength



The Fitness App Revolution is coming on strong, but just as a reminder to all of you, it's not about the app or the workout program, or the gym membership........that's only 20% of your results. If you want to get the best results, it's highly recommended that you focus 80% on your nutrition, what your fuel your body with.

iWatch based on Nike Fuelband
iwatch fuelband

I am excited to be starting some Online Challenge Groups incorporating some of these popular fitness apps along with the best Superfoods Shake on the market, Shakeology. I've actually already started, so ask me about the following challenges, and let's get started today:

- Running Challenges
- Crossfit Challenge
- Beachbody Challenge
- Fitness App Challenge
And much more!

Contact me about any of the challenges above 


All of the above challenges will require challengers to be on Shakeology for at least 30 days. Why? I can't keep track of your workouts everyday, but at least I know that you are having your daily dose of dense nutrition with the best nutrition shake on the market, that's why! =)



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