Why I Am Not 100% Paleo

Why I Am Not 100% Paleo

Let's face it, the caveman back in the days had limited sources. They ate what they could to survive and fed their families based on what they gathered from a day of hunting, hence the name "Hunter Gatherer".  These days, hunting for food is going to the local market or grocery store and picking things off of a shelf. No need to kill anything, no need to run after anything, just place things in a shopping cart - go home, and eat!

A lot of things have changed since the Paleolithic Times. Every day people are finding new food sources, and with that comes the discovery of amazing nutrients, and unfortunately not so healthy benefits. In today's day and age, people are now less active because technology has made things easier for us, which makes some of us just plain lazy. Obesity has become an epidemic in many parts of the world. So in many ways, the caveman had a great life. They had to work hard to survive, but they lived healthy and fit lifestyles. This is one of the reasons why Paleo is such a great way to live because it's simple, and it works.

But I am not 100% Paleo. And to be honest, I have never met anyone who is. A lot of people claim that they are, but those very same people also tell me that they had a cheat day or a cheat meal and loved it....well that's not 100% Paleo, and that's ok! =) I absolutely love the whole idea behind eating whole foods, cutting out sugar and grains, and exercising regularly. Why do you think the caveman were such great athletes? It's because of what they fueled their bodies with.

I have a lot of friends who use the Primal Blueprint, which is like a not so strict Paleo Plan. I try to keep things simple and follow the Paleo Plan as close as I can, and then I drink my Shakeology. And you're like, well that's not PALEO! Well, that's what makes me not 100% Paleo =). The way that I look at it, if the caveman had Shakeology and access to all the 70+ Superfoods that make this shake so healthy, I guarantee you that they would've consumed it. If you want to do what the caveman did back in the paleolithic times, then go hunt for your own food, run after game instead of going to whole foods, cook everything outside, and wear close to nothing in the winter. The world is always evolving, and food sources are always being discovered. It's ok to eat and discover new things just as long as it has great benefits, and you are exercising daily. It's all about being educated and making good choices.

There is not one way of eating, like there is not one form of elite fitness. To become successful in life, health, and business (if that's what you're into) it's about keeping your mind open. Feeding your body with the fuel that it needs to survive and thrive. Yes, Paleo works, but it's not the only thing that will give you amazing results. And trust me, I will take my Shakeology over a piece of meat any day!

LIVE Insanity Class - Round 1

LIVE Insanity Class - Round One

It doesn't matter how many times you do INSANITY, at home or a LIVE Insanity Class at the gym, it just never gets easier! The cool thing about the Insanity Workout Program is that it is for everyone, although if you are at a beginner fitness level, I highly recommend that you either try to find a program that is less intense and low impact, or just modify the workouts and simply listen to your body, because Insanity can get pretty crazy!

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If you need assistance in finding the BEST fitness program for you based on your lifestyle and goals, just fill out my Free Fitness Program Assessment form, and I will send you some options to help you with your goals. Click here for the Free Fitness Assessment! 


The LIVE Insanity Round One Workout consists of:
- Warm Up
- Quick Stretch
- Block 1 (4 exercises, 30 sec each, 3X, rest after each round, plus a 1 minute power round exercise)
- Block 2 (5 exercises, 30 sec each, 3X, rest after each round, plus a 1 minute power round exercise)
- Block 3 (4 exercises, 30 sec each, 3X)
- Rest
- Core Workout (4 exercises, 30 sec each, 1X)
- Cool Down

Check out my LIVE Insanity Round One Workout Video:

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Shakeology Recipe

Peanut Butter and Jelly Shakeology

I am a peanut butter enthusiast, so I love anything peanut butter! I love Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (Yikes), and I really love Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches!

Get Shakeology Samples Here!

Other than trying to keep my carb intake to a minimum (grains), I also moderate my sugar intake as well, it's just not good for you people! So when I start craving things like that, I improvise =)

This morning I was craving a big fat Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, but I did not give in (trust me, it was TOUGH!!!), so instead I made a delicious healthy PB&J alternative with Vanilla Shakeology.

INGREDIENTS:
- 1 scoop (or packet) of Vanilla Shakeology
- 1/2 cup  unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup  water
- 1/2 cup  red grapes
- 2 tsp.     all natural peanut butter (ok, I might have added more peanut butter) ha ha

Blend with with ice until smooth! Enjoy =)

 PB&J Shakeology Served!

Did you know that Shakeology is Clinically Proven? Watch this!

Related Links:
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My LIVE PIYO Class Review

I attended my first LIVE PIYO Class at Pensacola Fit Club and I would have to say that I was totally impressed. The class was lead by a couple coaches on my team who just recently attended a PIYO Certification Class in Orlando, FL. These two amazing people were Coach Amanda Stephens and my sister/law Coach Jasmine Banawa.

LIVE PIYO Class - Pensacola Fit Club

As an athlete, I was told by some of my Beachbody Coach friends that PIYO is perfect for anyone involved with Sports Peformance such as running, team sports, and obstacle course racing just to name a few. I ended up purchasing the program through my Beachbody Coaching Business and found out that it was MONEY! When I did PIYO for the first time, I could plainly see the benefits of the workouts almost immediately, and since then I have been a firm believer in the program.

LIVE PIYO Class is a whole new ball game. For starters, it's pretty exciting and motivating to do it in a class atmosphere. The music was upbeat and went well with the workout, and it seemed like everyone loved it, infact I did not hear one person say anything negative about the class! Even the guys loved it =) The moves can get pretty fast, but after a few times, and a little stumbling and fumbling, it get's easier. Trust me, if I can do it, then you can do it!

It took me awhile for me to get into YOGA, and I still struggle at times with motivating myself to do yoga, but I never regret a good yoga session! PIYO combines a little bit of yoga, pilates, strength, and cardio. No weights are required and no holding yoga poses for a long period of time, it's just an overall awesome program.

Take the PIYO Challenge! (link below)

Would I recommend PIYO to everyone? Absolutely! I recommend this program for anyone who is interested in improving their overall strength and flexibility. It is a low-impact program and is geared for all fitness levels. I encourage everyone to take the PIYO Challenge first, then take some LIVE PIYO Classes to change things up a bit and keep things exciting. It's always great to connect with like-minded people who love to stay active.

I also run a Free Online Fit Club where I host some online PIYO Group Workouts so that you can try some workouts before beginning a challenge. Here are some PIYO options for you:

PIYO Challenge:
- Start the PIYO Challenge Now - BUY the Discounted PIYO Challenge Pack here! I will add you to an Online Challenge Group with others who have similar goals as you!

Test the Waters:
- Make me your FREE Coach now, and I will send you a Free Fitness Assessment to help you with your goals, and add you to my exclusive Online Fitness Group where I post all of my Free Online Group Workouts and upcoming Challenge Groups.

Enhance Your PIYO Challange with LIVE Classes:
- Take a LIVE PIYO Class

Stay active my friends, look forward to your SUCCESS!

LIVE PIYO Class - Pensacola Fit Club

Related Links:
- PIYO Hardcore on the Floor Workout
- What is a Beachbody Fit Club?
- What is the Beachbody Challenge?
- Try Shakeology Risk-Free
- Become a Beachbody Coach


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BEACH WORKOUT - Pensacola Fit Club

Pensacola Beach Workout - Pensacola Fit Club

I started the morning with an awesome Beach Workout which I hosted along with my brother Fermin Banawa, and sister/law Jasmine Banawa from Pensacola Fit Club. The workout was absolutely free, and we even included a complimentary lunch right after which included Grilled Chicken, Turkey Burgers, Mixed Greens, Watermelon (of course), and some Homemade Sweet Potato Salad.  WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW! =)

Do you live in the Pensacola, FL area? If so, check out Pensacola Fit Club here!

Pensacola Fit Club is organized by local Beachbody Coaches who are dedicated to helping the community get healthy and fit. The weekly workouts are free, but for the more serious people, we encourage our members to begin a fitness journey with one of our Online Challenge Groups. With these Challenge Groups, we offer free coaching and provide great advice about living a healthy and positive lifestyle.

Check out the Beach Workout Routine List below, and watch the 1 minute video below that I made during the workout. Join us next time. If you are not local, no worries at all. We also run Free Online Fit Clubs, and Online Challenge Groups, just contact me and I can help you get started!

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Pensacola Beach Workout Exercise List:

WARM UP

- Jumping Jacks 30 sec.

- High Knee Walks

- Shuffle Back

- 10 Push Ups

- Up and Over Hips

- Inch Worm

STRETCH

CIRCUIT 1: (2X) each exercise for 30 seconds

- Suicide Drills

- Suicide Jumps

- Rotational Jumps

- Floor Sprints (mountain climbers)

REST (2 minute)

CIRCUIT 2: (For Time)

- Sand Bag Run Carry along water to marker (25 meters)

*Do the following below 3X for time

- Flutter Kicks in the water (20)

- Bear Crawl out of water to marker

- 10 Burpees

- 10 Squat Thrust with Sand Bag

- 10 Push Ups

(rest and hydrate after each round)

- Sand Bag Run back to starting point (25 meters)

Make Your Own Sand Bags for Training - Click Here!

CIRCUIT 3: (Teamwork Round)

- Wheel Barrels to 5 Decline Push Ups (up and back, switch partners going back)

- Team Sand Bag Pass with Bear Crawl (up and back)

- Sand Bag Sprint Runs with Dips (one person runs with sand bag "up and back" and the other person performs dips until partner returns from sprint run, switch up, do this 3X)

- Sand Bar Over Head Toss (up and back) 

COOL DOWN

Watch our Beach Workout Video:

Related Links:
- What is a Beachbody Fit Club?
- What is the Beachbody Challenge?
- Become a Beachbody Coach


Get to the next level - Take the Beachbody Challenge - Get Started Today!

Fruity 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

For more recipes, click here!


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10 Lifestyle Companies Who Inspire Me

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

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.

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!

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

 Need some fitness motivation? Message me!

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

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

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

 My daughter and I =)

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

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