DECEMBER.

Well, here we are Bikini Body Mommies -- it’s December!  The year is nearly behind us, and it's time to start thinking about what we want 2013 to bring, right?!  Well, before you run off and start making your list of New Years' resolutions -- STOP.  I want you to go grab a cup of hot tea and a cozy blanket, and snuggle in! Being a Bikini Body Mommy is about BALANCE -- which is something I KNOW most of us mommies struggle with.  So this year, before all of the hectic holiday festivities and family commitments begin, I think it’s important that we take a short time-out to relax and reflect on the past year, and all that it has brought us. After all -- if January is the month of resolution, shouldn't December be the month of reflection? I think so.

As I sit in here in my jammies, snuggled up in my cozy blanket with a hot cup of “Swiss Apple tea” in hand (this sugar-free apple cider alternative, is a December staple for me!), I am reflective of all the changes that have happened in my own life this year.  It feels amazing to look back on 2012 and see more success than failure, and from the failure see lessons learned.  In fact, if there was a standard by which any given year could be judged, for me it would be looking back each December and being able to definitively say, "I am in a better place now than I was this time last year.”  I am thankful that this year, this is true for me.  As I look out my window to see the soft dusting of snow and twinkling lights in my neighborhood, it's tempting to start planning the coming year, and where I'd like to be this time in 2013.  But this year, I'm resisting.  Instead I'm going to take most of this last month of 2012 to live in the present, and enjoy the moment and place that I am in.

This also means taking the time to personally wish you and your loved ones, a very happy holiday season!  I am so grateful for your constant love and support of the workouts, nutrition advice, and other information I have been sending your way, and for helping to make Bikini Body Mommy the empowering positive platform for women that it is today.  I have personally connected with so many of you, and your individual stories this past month. Thank you so much for being both vulnerable and brave enough at the same time to share yourself with me. 

Only a month into it’s launch,  there have been well over 100,000 of you ladies who have visited this blog, left comments, posted your daily progress on facebook, shared your family and daily life with me on instagram, emailed, tweeted, pinned my workouts, and spread your infectious happiness and motivation amongst the BIKINI BODY MOMMY COMMUNITY -- in turn motivating, helping, and inspiring countless others to do the same.  Even though this space is different from the "traditional" face-to-face personal training sphere that I am use to, words cannot express how much utter joy and LOVE goes into each and everyday of coaching, connecting, mentoring, inspiring, and communicating with every single one of you -- And how equally thankful I am that you are willing to communicate, connect, and inspire ME right back.

The accumulation of all of the above, has made me so ridiculously happy that I took the tremendous leap of faith that was required at the beginning of this year, to leave everything known, comfortable, and familiar behind.  As many of you who know my story, might have guessed -- 2012 has been one of the hardest, yet most empowering years of my life.

HARD:

• Putting on a bikini 7 days after you give birth, is uncomfortable (some might argue INSANE).  
• Standing in front of the bright lights and scrupulous lens of a professional photographer week-after-week (often times without seeing much change) ... when you are personal trainer who is 100 pounds over weight -- is humiliating, humbling, and downright painful. 

EMPOWERING:

• Publicly transforming my body, ultimately loosing 100 pounds, writing a book, and founding this company, has not been easy -- but nothing worth while ever is. 

SO THANK YOU, Bikini Body Mommies.  Thank you for believing in me -- IN THIS BIKINI BODY MOMMY MOVEMENT, and for giving me the motivation and support I need to continuously re-charge and push beyond my own boundaries of what I believe I'm capable of creating, achieving, and delivering to you all -- YOU LADIES ROCK MY WORLD!

All my Love,

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CURING CRABS.

 

CURING CRABS.  Mental-Health, Fitness, Diet and Seafood...

Ok, I feel quite guilty. If you landed on this page because you were honestly looking for STD advice on how to cure to crabs, sadly you have been deceived.  You will need to continue your search and/or seek the proper advice of a medical professional -- which I am not.  Good luck!

Onward.  Bikini Body Mommy motivation time! Today I wanted to talk to you ladies about a very real social phenomenon, and the disastrous effects it can have on your mental-health, fitness, diet, and Bikini Body Mommy Transformation goals.  It’s called, “THE CRAB THEORY.”

As with most of my posts, there is a little story behind this one.  But first the pictures ...

A couple of years ago, shortly after my parents moved across the country to Maryland,  the kids and I flew back to visit them at their new home.  Having been born, raised, and lived in southern California my entire life, there was a whole list of things that I had never experienced -- Crabbing was one of them!

Our visit was specifically timed towards the end of summer -- Prime crabbing season in Maryland, and the weather was perfect.  Shortly after arriving, the kids were super anxious to have grandma take them out for their first “crabbing” experience.  Armed with a gigantic bucket, a net, some rope-twine, and about 10 pounds of chicken thighs -- Down to the docks we went.

Both kids tied a long string of rope twine around a raw chicken thigh, and then slowly lowered the bait off the dock into the water.  Laying on their bellies, they looked over the edge and waited.  It only took seconds for the first gigantic blue crab to snatch the bait.  The kids quickly pulled up their line, and then tossed their crab into the big open bucket that we had brought along with us! SUCCESS.

Over the corse of an hour, the kids had successfully fished the crabs out of the water so fast, that they had nearly filled the entire bucket! This is when my son, after putting his latest catch into the bucket, anxiously looked at me and said, "We need to find something to put over the top of the bucket mommy.... the 'c-waaabs' are going to escape!"

Here's where the story gets interesting...

I looked down at the bucket and quickly realized that every time one of the crabs tried to make an ambitious escape, several other crabs would methodically reach up, grab the attempted escapees legs, and pull him back down to the bottom of the bucket. It happened over and over again.  It was fascinating! You’d think that the crabs would realize that if one could escape, they could too!  But instead they were more interested in keeping their clan in the bucket!

It is amazing how closely this reflects human nature.

When someone does something to become more successful or to better themselves, whether it is starting to workout or trying to make a conscious effort to change their nutrition habits, often times other people will subconsciously try to drag that person back down to their level to keep them from succeeding.  After all, if that person succeeds how would it make everyone else who is fat, miserable, stuck-in-a-rut, and unhappy with themselves, look and feel?  Instead of joining in and making the same positive changes, it's amazing how consistent the human response to self-improvement in others, seems to mimic the crabs mentality -- to drag the person back down.

I’m sharing this story because it is my hope that you'll find the analogy helpful during this important time when you’re trying to make dramatic positive changes in your life.  I hope that you'll remember it the next time you go out to dinner with friends and everyone starts giving you a hard time about not ordering alcohol, or for not diving into the basket of bread... “Just have one drink!” they say.  I hope that you'll remember it the next time you want to have an early night because you have to be up early the next morning to get your Bikini Body Mommy Challenge workout done, and your spouse pressures you into staying up late to eat popcorn and watch a movie with them... “Oh come on, you’ve been so good -- you can miss one workout!”

If you have ever tried to make a drastic change in your life, I can guarantee you have experienced situations like this, and that you will likely continue to experience many more. It’s human nature.  That being said -- Awareness is the first step! Don’t let the crabs or the social pressure in your life, pull you down.  It can be disastrous to your success.  Here are some tips to help you manage them.

How to Rid Yourself of Crabs 101:

• Who’s Ripping Off Your Legs? Surround yourself with people who will support you in your quest for transformation.

• Be conscious of who you spend your time with. Try and surround yourself with ‘positive, can do people’ because Mindset is EVERYTHING.

• Steer clear of Negative-Nancy’s. Negative thoughts can be disastrous to your progress.

• Stiffen that upper lip lady – nobody said it was going to be easy, I PROMISE though it'll be WORTH IT!

• Take one day (heck -- even one meal!) at a time, but keep your end goal in sight!

• Find a motivator – whether it’s ME or a close friend.

• Remember that this type of negativity often stems from jealousy. Don’t be too hard on those that are jealous of you because often times it's subconscious, and they're the ones who think you are amazing.

Final Thoughts ... BEWARE OF THE CRABS IN YOUR LIFE, and even more importantly -- DON'T [B]E ONE!

xx,-B

 

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If my story sounded familiar, I would love to hear your stories about the crabs in your life... leave a comment below :) 

BIKINI BODY MOMMY 90 DAY CHALLENGE

SO EXCITING -- There are literally HUNDREDS of NEW Bikini Body Mommies starting the challenge TODAY!!!

If you're one of them, You can find all of the information you need to begin -- including the FIRST WORKOUT HERE: 

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.283288225109841.54325.271068432998487&type=3

Make sure you go back to the FB page to post your scores after your workout, so that I can follow your progress -- and also to help motivate and inspire all of the other women who are also starting the challenge WITH YOU!  

You Bikini Body Mommies will be workout accountability partners, pushing and motivating each other, which is an important support system to have! We all have to start somewhere -- so POSITIVE support, even if it comes from a total stranger -- is HUGE!

As far as the Bikini Body Mommy nutrition side of things goes -- START SMALL! I listed my TOP 5 Nutrition Tips in a blog post recently, that you can start implementing right away! This week I only want you to implement #1. It's easy, and will give you the most "bang for your (Transformation) buck!" Here's the link: http://www.bikinibodymommy.com/2012/11/top-5-favorite-ab-moves-nutrition-tips.html

GOOD LUCK today Ladies ... I SERIOUSLY CAN NOT WAIT to meet and connect with every single one of you -- So don't forget to post your scores! LETS GET THIS TRANSFORMATION STARTED.... xx-B

GIVING THANKS.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us" - Albert Schweitzer

Wishing my fellow Bikini Body Mommy family of clients, followers, supporters, and loved ones in the states... A very Happy Thanksgiving!

Getting into the traditional spirit of things, I thought I'd share a funny little home video of my kids first time cleaning a turkey ... Enjoy!




Lot's of Love,
Briana & Family
Founder/CEO Bikini Body Mommy, Inc | Join the Movement. Become an After

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MONDAY MOTIVATION. What Inspires You?

Some days you just need something to inspire you, and build you back up to the “you” that you are on your very best days. I don’t know if it was something in the weather, the overwhelming tasks I had at hand, that time of the month, the horrible cold I’ve been fighting for the past few days, or perhaps it is all of it combined, but I've been having one of those days.  I think we all know that energy is contagious ("Either you affect people or infect people"), so I wasn’t too far into my morning before I realized that I was beginning to spread my ickiness around to my poor family!

It was official, I was frustrated, overwhelmed, and in the dumps.  Luckily, by noon I'd turned things around and all it took was a 5-minute self-impossed "time-out," to revisit something that I found inspiring. Something that reminded me of the way both my head, and heart soar on my very best of days.   Enter…. “An Awesome Book!”  No, I’m not playing around and trying to keep you is suspense -- the book really IS titled “An Awesome Book!”  It is a children's picture book, written by Dallas Clayton. I initially bought it a few years ago as a great story to read to my kids, but its message is one that I feel gets lost in the day-to-day monotony of being an adult, and really resonates with me.

The  story is all about having fantasticly BIG, POWERFUL DREAMS.  It is available to read online, but this is the passage that turned my day around...

"Yes there are places in the world

where people dream up dreams

So simply un-fantastical

And practical they seem...

 

Yes there are places in the world

where dreams are almost dead

So please my child

Do keep in mind

Before you go to bed ...

 

To dream a dream as big

As big could ever dream to be

Then dream a dream 10x as big

As that one dream you see

 

And once you’ve got that dream in mind

Please dream a million more

And not a million quiet dreams

A million dreams that roar!

 

A million dreams

So loud they scream

So loud they sing and shout!

So super huge

they say hey world!...

Guess what im dreaming bout?

 

I'm dreaming about everything

that no one thought to wonder

Dreams so big that

They've got dreams and

They've got dreams up under!

 

So please dream for those

Who've given up

For those who've never tried

Please use your dreams to make new dreams

For all the dreams

That died

 

Cause you're the one whose dreams can be

Whatever dreams you want

Whose dreams can change the way things are

And the way that things are not

 

And if they say that all your

Dreams are too big to come true,

You tell them that I told you...

That’s what dreams are meant to do!

 

They’re meant to make it seem as if

You don’t know up from down

Cause dreams are dreams

And that’s why dreams

Are worth having around!"

What I love about the story is its downright empowering message.  I love how it calms my soul, and reaffirms that that I am on the right path. That it IS okay to DREAM BIG, and go after “the IMPOSSIBLE.” That I have the power to manifest whatever greatness I want for my own life -- and YOU DO TOO.

Whether you have a 100 pounds to lose,  dream of one day putting on a bikini -- and being free from all the negative body image and insecurities that currently weigh you down. Or maybe you work 9-5 at a dead-end job and dream of doing something more fulfilling and passion driven.  Maybe you're a stay-at-home mom and (as rewarding a job as it is) you feel you've lost your sense of self, and dream of re-kindling your own "spark."  Regardless of your present day situation or personal aspirations, you have the power to change.  It all begins with a DREAM. Think outside the box, don't be afraid to challenge yourself to be who you want to be. 

Anyway, I didn’t mean to get so cheezy on you all. Really this note is just as much for me as for all of you. But if anyone else out there is feeling at all like I did this morning….take deep breaths, quiet your head, and know deep within your heart that you have the power to change ANYTHING in your own life that you decide on. So…. let’s make it happen. I’m right there WITH YOU. xx  Blessings – B

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TOP 5 FAVORITE AB MOVES & NUTRITION TIPS FOR A FLAT TUMMY!

"Mother's Apron" ... "Marsupial Pouch" ... "Muffin Top" -- BE GONE!

 

As promised ladies, here are my TOP 5 FAVORITE AB MOVES & TOP 5 NUTRITION TIPS for BANISHING your MOMMY BELLY and Losing that NASTY Lower Ab-Flab ... FOR GOOD!

 

TOP 5 AB MOVES: Finish the series - then repeat,  for a total of TWO Sets...

 

#1: BIKINI TWIST

1.) Lean back and prop your upper body up on your elbows (your back should remain lifted), palms facing down. Brace your abs in tight and lift your legs into a 90-degree angle (knees should be touching), toes pointed.

2.) Slowly lower your legs over to the right (knees should stay together). Keeping the 90-degree angle, lower your legs & then lift them up to the left. That is one rep. Perform 20 reps.

#2: PIKE PLANK

1.) Sit with your legs slightly bent, feet flexed up, and hands just outside of your hips, fingertips facing forward. Draw your abs in tight and press down through your palms to lift your hips up off the ground a couple of inches. 

2.) Focus on lifting your hips with your abs, only use your arms and legs to brace yourself. Fully extend your legs and try to push your hips backward. Hold for 2 seconds. Then bend your knees and return to the start position. That's one rep. Perform 10 reps.

*wrist issues? perform this move on your knuckles, or lay back onto your elbows

#3: WALKING V-PLANK

 

1.) Begin in an elbow plank with your hands clasped, and feet about hip-width apart. 

 2.) Keeping your knees locked, walk your feet in towards your hands as far as you can until your hips end up in a high “pike” position. Slowly inch back out, reversing the way you walked in, until you return to the start.  That's one rep.  Perform 10 reps.

#4: SIGNATURE BIKINI BODY MOMMY "CRUNCH"

 

1.) Begin in a full plank position, with your palms under your shoulders, feet together.





2.) Bend your left knee under you and across towards the inside of your right elbow (your hips should turn to the right and you'll pivot slightly on the ball of your right foot). Slide your left leg back to the start position and then repeat to the right. That's one rep. Perform 20 reps.

 

*wrist issues? perform this move on your elbows

#5: "TUMMY TUCK" HIP-LIFT

1.) Lie face-up with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle, feet off of the floor, with your knees pressed together. Place your hands underneath your hips, palms facing down.



 
2.) Inhale, straighten your legs (toes pointing to the ceiling), and lift your hips up off the ground.  Exhale and return your hips back down to the start. That's one rep. Perform 30 reps.

TOP 5 BIKINI BODY MOMMY NUTRITION TIPS: For a FLAT STOMACH!

Implement just ONE of these new nutrition habits for 1 FULL WEEK before implementing the next tip.

 

#1: Take a Multivitamin & Liquid Fish Oil supplement

DOSE: Multivitamin - 1 daily like Kroger Women's One a day , Fish oil supplement like Nordic Naturals LIQUID FORM 1 gram per 1% body fat, but NO more than 30grams.

 

 REASON #1: The multivitamin is an insurance policy against nutrient deficiencies -- Most clients come to me deficient in a bunch of vitamins, minerals, and omega 3’s... and if we fix that right out of the gate, we can really hit the ground running! 

REASON #2: The fish oil has plenty of data behind it that suggests that it has positive effects on the motivational centers of your brain (when taken in the dose I recommend), as well as increases FAT LOSS, and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.

 

Why start here? It’s EASY -- we can build up a positive momentum! And If we can actually impact the motivation centers in your brain to increase your motivation, in addition to fixing your nutrient deficiencies, increase your fat loss, and help you to be less sore from your new BIKINI BODY MOMMY CHALLENGE workout regime -- right out of the gate ... you're going to have a better chance of success!

 

 

#2 Eat Breakfast within 20 minutes of waking up 

(This means-- BEFORE YOUR COFFEE!)

 

Turn your metabolism into a fired up fat-burning furnace FIRST THING! Keep it small and protein rich.

 

 

#3 Consume Protein-rich foods with EVERY MEAL

 

Get at least 20 grams in per meal! Great sources include: eggs, greek yogurt, chicken, fish, bison, quinoa, black beans, lentils, and chickpeas.

#4 BEWARE of WHITE

  

This includes rice, pastas, potatoes, cereal, bread,  fried food with breading, and milk.

 

#5 Drink COPIOUS AMOUNTS of H2O

AMOUNT: Consume at least half your body weight in ounces, upwards of 1 gallon every day -- NO EXCEPTIONS! 

 

1/2 your Body weight Example: 150lb woman would drink 75 ounces DAILY -- a little over 6 traditional 12oz water bottles.

1 Gallon Example: 10 traditional 12oz water bottles DAILY.

 

Yes, it IS A LOT of water.  YES, you'll likely be going to the bathroom every 10 minutes until your body adjusts. If you really want to lose the fat and ditch the pooch that making you feel so awful about yourself -- Deal with it! I cant emphasize enough how important hydration is when it comes to fat loss.

 

 

 

In closing, if you know another woman (family member, work colleague or friend -- Mommy or Not!) who wants to lose weight, please share this post or tell them about the Bikini Body Mommy Challenge somehow. Whether they have 100 pounds to lose -- or are just wanting to look better in their jeans, if you know someone who can benefit, please pass it on. xx,-B

 

  Start Today! Join the BIKINI BODY MOMMY CHALLENGE for FREE:

http://facebook.com/BikiniBodyMommy

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***I don’t have ANY relationships with companies that sell vitamins or supplements.  The product links I recommend above, are the brands that I currently use.

MONDAY MOTIVATION.

Today's Declaration:  I AM WILLING TO DO WHAT'S "HARD."  

Sometimes it's good to be that fish.  Sometimes it's hard.  Sometimes it's lonely. Sometimes you want to just turn around and re-join the rest of the group .... Don't! Keep swimming in your own direction.  Stay the course ... prioritize your health & fitness along WITH ME. Discover the Bikini Body Mommy community of women who are all looking to do the same.  Transform your body and your life. Become your [B]est self.

xx,-B

 

"To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage." - R.W. Emerson

 

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Q & A.

Bikini Body Mommies!!! I'm about to do something really fun, that I've never done before... I'm shooting a vlog and I'm going to answer 10 of YOUR QUESTIONS -- about ANYTHING! What do you ladies want to know?

You can leave a reply 1 of 3 ways: in the comments below, via FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM !

xx,-B

WELCOME!

Don't fret Ladies, The help you need IS coming...

Shed the baby weight, transform your body, and get in the best shape of your life! -- Who's with ME?!

Operation Late Night G.S.D (Getting S#%T Done) Underway...

WELCOME! It's SUPER LATE, but I don't care... I am SUPER Awake & ohhh SO INSPIRED to finally launch this baby! [B]IG THINGS are in the works, so make sure you're also following my blog with Bloglovin so you don't miss anything! I can't wait to FINALLY connect with you all -- Stay Tuned! ;) xx,-B