Body Beast Total Body Workout - Makati City, Philippines

Body Beast Total Body Workout - Makati City, Philippines

When I travel, I never make an excuse not to workout. It can get pretty challenging at times, but it's a challenge back home as well, so I try not to make it a big deal when I travel because in all reality, it's just an excuse. So I arrived in Manila, Philippines a couple days ago and the first night I arrived pretty late, so I didn't really do anything but catch up on some Beachbody business stuff. I ended up not sleeping at all since I was still trying to get use to the time change from flying in from the USA into Asia, which is a 12 hour difference. When everyone in the Makati City was sleeping, I was wide awake! =)

By the time I knew it, the sun was up and I was very excited to start my day. The night before, I met this traveler from North Dakota who's family became pretty wealthy in the oil business years ago. The cool thing about him is that he didn't act like he was wealthy, or he didn't brag about coming from a family with money. Just like most backpackers that I meet, he was more focused on what life has to offer through the gift of travel. Through my travels, I have met Harvard Grads to down-to-earth millionaires who have started tech companies, travel blogs etc. while traveling, and we all have one thing in common, travel is the best education out there, and most of the world is totally clueless when it comes to doing something that you are truly passionate about.

 Body Beast Total Body - Slimmer's World, Makati City Philippines

So it was now about 6:00 am, and my travel buddy asked me if I wanted to go ahead and hit the gym, which we talked about the night before. We talked about going at 7am, but heck....we were both up so we decided to start the day! Before taking off, the receptionist gave us a couple guest passes to this gym called Slimmer's World. The name sounded a bit weird, but we took the passes, thanked him, and went out the door. We decided to run to a Gold's Gym which was about 1.5 miles away. We figured that the run would be a good little warm up to our workout. It was pretty fun dodging cars and jeepneys along the way, and made for a nice little obstacle run. We finally arrived at the Gold's Gym on Ayala Dr. (Makati City) and requested a day pass. The receptionist told us that it would be 1000 pesos which translates to about $25 US. Now I've been to a lot of gyms when I travel, and I have never paid $25 for a day pass! I've also been to to a few Equinox Gyms around the world and made use of free passes. I mean the most I've ever paid for a day pass is about $5-$10, and that's in the USA.....so paying $25 for a day pass in the Philippines was totally ridiculous! I started thinking that maybe this girl was starting a business on the side or something lol.

We ended up leaving and decided to check out Slimmer's World (Makati City). Our passes were good for 3 days, and when we arrived at the gym, we were totally impressed. The gym had 3 levels with everything that we needed and then some. Body Beast Total Body was the workout of the day, and we added some strength body weight cardio exrecises in between the circuit sets such as burpees, plyometric jumps, and more burpees =). 

It was an awesome workout, and I am definitely looking to my second visit today! If you are ever in Makati City, I highly recommend that you check this place out. Happy travels and stay active my friends! =)

Need more tips about working out while traveling? Contact me and I'd be happy to share some tips to help you stay motivated! =)

Makati City Philippines - Jeepney

Related Links:
- Body Beast information and purchase options
- Other travel posts


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Insanity MAX 30 - Coming December 2014

Insanity MAX 30 - Coming December 2014

Are you ready for Celebrity Trainer Shaun T’s latest sweat-inducing, cardio fest? INSANITY MAX:30 (take a sneak peek - video below) is coming this December 2014 and it will be the hardest 30 minutes of your day, hands down! You’ll be challenged to push harder than ever before, and you’ll see the best results of your life. Check this out, the program will have over 150 new moves and sequences featuring killer cardio and tabata strength workouts. There’s no equipment needed and there will be a low-impact modifier in every workout so anyone can push to their MAX.

 Insanity MAX 30 - Find Your Max!

How Does It Work?
It’s time to max out your workouts! What does the heck does that mean? To “MAX OUT” means to stop or fail for the first time in the workout. In INSANITY MAX:30, it's not about getting through all 30 minutes, it's about going as hard as you can for as long as you can, until you MAX OUT. When you start INSANITY MAX:30, you might only get through the first 5 minutes before you MAX OUT. Just record your MAX OUT time, catch your breath, and continue for as long as you can. Track your MAX OUT times over the course of the program. As long as you MAX OUT, you'll get MAX RESULTS in 60 days guaranteed!

Insanity MAX 30 is now available - Get the Challenge Pack now!

Take a SNEAK PEEK of the Insanity MAX 30 workout!

JOIN MY INSANITY MAX 30 TEST GROUP - CLICK HERE!

To get the LATEST updates and information on the NEW Insanity MAX 30, make me your FREE Coach now - Click Here! And you will get information as soon as the workout is released, plus exciting details on my Insanity MAX 30 Challenge (Test Group). It's time to FIND YOUR MAX!

Related Links:
- What is the Beachbody Challenge?
- Free Online Fit Club
- More Shaun T Workouts

Creator of Insanity MAX 30 - Shaun T and I

What's In My Backpack?

What's in my Backpack? Southeast Asia

Hey guys, I'm about to leave for my backpacking trip to Asia, and I am pretty excited! A lot of people have been asking me what I pack when I take off for a backpacking trip, so I decided to post a blog about it and make a quick video (below). Here are the things that I pack in my carry-on Patagonia Backpack: (please note, the list below changes depending on where I am going, and how long I travel)

My Backpacking List for Southeast Asia: (approx. 2 months)
- 10 Tank Tops
- 6 Workout Tops
- 5 Tees
- 3 Convertible Pants (pants that can also be converted to shorts. Also weather resistant with lots of pockets)
- 1 Pair Inov8 All-Terrain Shoes
- 1 Pair Sanuk Flip Flops
- 1 Pair Running/Workout Shoes (what I will be wearing when I depart USA)
- Agility Ladder (for my workouts)
- Jump Rope
- 2 Go Pros
- 1 Portable Hard Drive (I'll be taking a lot of footage!)
- 2 USB (I have some of my Beachbody Workouts on there)
- Power Cords
- Toiletries Bag
- 30 Day Supply of Shakeology (getting another 30 day supply shipped to me in Thailand)
- 1 Shaker Cup
- 1 Micro Fiber Towel (perfect for travel, doesn't take up a lot of room, and packs tight)
- 3 Under Compression (who knows, I might find a race while I'm there)
- 1 Drawstring Strap Bag (I use this when exploring different cities)
- iPhone (don't call me, just email me or facebook me, I am bringing it for emergency purposes to stay in contact with my daughter)
- iPad (when I'm too lazy to use my macbook, oh and to watch Netflix)
- Macbook (this is how I run my Beachbody Coaching business around the world)
- Passport
- Lucky Travel Charms from my Mom =)

And that's it guys! Although I plan to only be in Asia for a couple months, this would be the same list for even a whole year of travel in Asia. Keep in mind that as I travel, I purchase things along the way and also leave things behind, but truth be told, I will never carry more than I need in one backpack. If I buy something and it doesn't somehow fit in my backpack, I simply just find a postal office and ship it back home. My goal is to always travel as light as possible.

Feel free to watch my video below and see how I pack all of this stuff into one Carry-On Patagonia Backpack!

What's In My Backpack? Check out my VIDEO:

I never leave without my Shakeology! Try it risk-free, and you'll see why =)
Chocolate, Vegan Chocolate, Vegan Tropical Strawberry, Strawberry, Vanilla, Greenberry

Top 10 Reasons Why Athletes Are Terrible Entrepreneurs

Now before you begin reading this post, please note that I am an athlete and an entrepreneur. More of an extreme sports athlete, I've raced mountain bikes and have been obstacle course racing since 2011. This post is based on my own experience through years of being around elite athletes of all sports genres. Some of the information below has been given to me by the athletes themselves.

Top 10 Reasons Why Athletes Are Terrible Entrepreneurs:

1. SPONSORSHIPS - Athletes have worked hard to get where they are, and companies see this as a way to market their products so they approach these athletes with free products and gear. A lot of these athletes then promote these products just for free swag, races, exposure, but very rarely get paid. Instead of relying on sponsorships, why not try business and partner affiliations and get paid for products that you really use and believe in. Build your dream, not theirs!

2. MINDSET - The mindset of most athletes is to be the best at what they do, unfortunately it doesn't mean being the best at making business or money making decisions. Companies make money from these great athletes, I think it's time for athletes to change their mindset and begin educating themselves about taking their talents and earning a living with something they are passionate about. It's time to become entrepreneurs, and not just an athlete with an employee mindset.

3. "I Just Love What I Do" - I hear this a lot from athletes. They say they love what they do and then they continue to go to a job that they don't like on Mondays. People who love what they do, they do it for a living. Pro Football Players do what they love to do and get paid. Why not start a business on the side to help you do your passion full time and one day you will be able REALLY DO WHAT YOU LOVE, and not just say you do.

4. FEAR - Athletes are great people. They have earned respect from a lot of people, and they have credibility. That's great, but what happens when you can't play football anymore, or race elite at a Spartan Race, what's next? Athletes are BEASTS by nature but have a fear of venturing out of their comfort zones. By the time they retire from their sport, most of them are dead broke or struggle to make ends meet. Why not get the knuckle up and diversify while you are still on top, so when you're done playing top athlete, you will still be able to stay afloat. Become an entrepreneur, sponsorships are temporary.

5. CLOSE-MINDED - This is a big one. Athletes are so set on their own ways sometimes it cripples them. Most athletes are used to getting hand outs and so many times they expect to get things for free. They expect to be offered business partnerships without even doing their own research or work on their end just because they are an athlete. Be smart, understand that business is totally different from athletic training and be open to learning about ideas that could benefit you in the future instead of expecting things to fall on your plate all the time.

6. TRUST - It's difficult to find trust in anything that you do which involves business. Some athletes trust too easy, while others have a 12 foot wall around them. Athletes like to keep a lot of things private because they train to be the best, and that's understandable. If they give away their secrets, then someone else will be the best, and they don't want that. But in order to excel, athletes have to find trust in a coach, accountability partner etc to keep them on point. Business works in the same way. Search for a person that you can trust, someone who has credibility, and someone who is focused on your goals (not theirs), and allow them help you build a future business....together!

7. STUBBORN - Some athletes think they know everything. Yes, they are great at running, catching, surfing etc. but if you want to continue having companies (and a boss) run your life then it's time to listen and begin getting some sound BUSINESS advice. This is where you can stop running and start listening because your future is at stake.

8. RESIDUAL INCOME - Most athletes don't have a clue about passive residual income (Income that keeps on coming in even though you are not working). Pro Athletes live off of endorsements, sponsorship deals etc. But if you're not one of those big time athletes then this might be something that you should be looking into otherwise you'll be working a lot harder (for the rest of your life) then how you are training now.

9. BAD INFLUENCE - The cool thing about athletes is that they all ban together like brothers and sisters. The camaraderie is insane! But when it come to business, some athletes consult the wrong people. Like anything, if you want advice on having a good relationship with your spouse, you don't talk to someone who has relationship issues! Business is the same way, if you want to run a successful business, you get advice and direction from someone who is successful in the business, not someone who has failed or knows nothing about business. It's called the BASICS.

10. DON'T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES - Let's face it, becoming an entrepreneur is tough. Most people don't have the mental toughness to become successful business owners because of the fear of selling, getting rejected left and right, and the big "D" delayed gratification, people just want success now, and it just doesn't work that way. Athletes endure lots of pain, so you would think that they would make good entrepreneurs, but that's not always the case. Just like anything, if you don't BELIEVE you can, then you're absolutely right!
 


Take the Beachbody Challenge - It's begins now!

Travel Is My Passion

 Travel is my Passion!

My backpacking trip to Asia is fast approaching and I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am! I had my first taste of traveling abroad back in 2001 when I backpacked Europe and visited 5 countries. It was an amazing experience that I still continue to talk about till this day. After that trip, I knew that travel was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The question is, how could I do it?

Many years have past since then, I have been able to go on other backpacking trips, but I was always pressured to come back because of finances. Just like many backpack travelers, I also worked hard, saved what I could, so that I could go on to the next trip. That method started to get old. I wanted to find a way that I could still work and travel, but it had to be something that I was passionate about, something that I loved doing, and I wanted to make sure that it was something that I could do to help people.

Check out my VIDEO from Semuc Champey - Guatemala

After many trials and tribulations, and failed business projects, I stumbled upon the Beachbody Coaching Opportunity. I actually graduated from P90X, which most of you know is one of Beachbody's #1 selling fitness programs, and one of the most extreme workout programs. At the time, I did not know that Beachbody offered an opportunity for their customers to become ambassadors (Independent Business Owners - Coaches) for their products, and once I found out, I was very excited about it. I didn't start off as someone who wanted to start a Beachbody Coaching Business, I just wanted the discounts on the supplements. Who wants to pay retail for anything right? But as I got more and more involved, people began to get inspired by my dedication and passion for health and fitness, and they wanted me to coach them! And that is how my hobby for fitness turned into a business. My Beachbody Coaching business has now allowed me to do things that I have only dreamed of. In only 2 years (of consistent hard work) I was able to quit 3 of my jobs and become a full time Beachbody Coach. The most exciting part is that I run my business completely online, which means that I could be anywhere around the world and run my business just as long as I have an internet connection! So remember when I was asking myself how I was going to be able to travel the world? Well, I finally found a financial vehicle, and all it took was for me to make a decision to start a fitness journey and help others achieve their goals.

For more information on P90X - click here!

Travel to me is like paradise. When I am not home, I actually feel like I am home. Travel also challenges me because everywhere you go, there are obstacles such as having to learn different languages, getting lost, figuring out what you're eating, and dealing with border patrol =). But that's all part of it, the adventure, and that is what I long for.

I have met so many people who have never left their city or country that they were born in, and that is mind-blowing. To me, the absolute best education is travel. I've met so many people during my travels, people who have left their corporate jobs to live freely, students who wanted to travel but never made it back home because they found their passion, and the list goes on. You hear it all the time when people are stressed at work, they say "I need a vacation", and I say, "don't take a vacation, just travel".

I will be leaving for Asia next week. I do not have an itinerary, I don't have a tour guide, and I don't even have a return ticket. I will be posting updates here on my blog if you want to stay posted on some of the exciting places that I will be visiting. As usual, everywhere that I go I will be spreading the word of health and fitness to the world. Because remember, if it wasn't for my health and fitness, I would not have the opportunity to travel the world, and for that, I am forever thankful.

Travel is my passion....what is yours?

Find out more ABOUT ME - click here!

Health and Fitness is the BEST investment - Start your journey today!

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!

Get Insanity Certified - Click Below!



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:

 For more information about the Insanity Program and Purchase Options - click here!

 Take the Insanity Challenge - Start Today!

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:
- Try Shakeology Risk Free, Buy Now!
- More Recipes
- Become a Beachbody Coach, Join my Team!


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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


Take the PIYO CHALLENGE - Buy now!

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!

Get a Free Fitness Program Assessment - Click Here Now!

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

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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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