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By: Jamie Len Cumbo

Going through a weight loss transformation like the one I went through last year, showed me that there are many pieces to the puzzle to get to your fitness goals. And being happy on the inside is a big link.

Yes. I go through periods where motivation seems to come naturally. I also have days where I have to fight through my workouts with every fiber of my being just to push play. Regardless if it’s a lack of mental motivation or if I have another flare up, it happens.

And no, it has not been easy staying optimistic on those ‘bad’ days. But, I am learning to deal with the cards I have been dealt, all with a smile on my face. And in the end, not only am I happier but I’m able to help others along the way.

I’ve learned that many people struggle with their health in some way. Whether it’s a lack of motivation, willpower, support, an unhealthy relationship with food, or a combination of those things. It doesn’t mean you’re weak just because you struggle. If you can struggle and smile, you know you’re in a good place. And if you can open up and share your experiences to help others along the way with their journey, even better!

It has taken me so long to open up about my personal struggles with my health. And the struggles didn’t just disappear because I lost weight. They are still there. But, at the end of the day I am still in it, working on improving my health so I can live the happiest, most fulfilling life possible.

I do believe that exercise and nutrition plays a huge role in your overall well being and happiness. And when you feel good on the inside by feeding your body the right foods, think positive thoughts, and are happy…. the outside will naturally follow.

So, every morning I start my day by reading some personal development along with my goals, affirmations, and prayer. This has worked magic in helping me keep an optimistic outlook in my life and passion in my heart. I also find that it gives me more energy! You should try it.

Do more things that make you smile. I have also surrounded myself with people who are working on their personal fitness goals each day and have experienced more happiness than I ever imagined as I help others achieve their goals, too!

Is there something holding you back from being happy? If there is something you don’t like about yourself, CHANGE IT!! Lead by example and it will help motivate others to do the same. Read something that motivates you, do a quick workout, make a new healthy meal, and think of all the things you’re grateful for!

And do it all with a smile on your face.

Everyone is different. What works for me won’t necessarily work for you, but by starting my days off with goals, inspiration, and prayer I have lost weight and become one of the happiest people you could ever meet. And I wasn’t always this happy. But I’ve learned to be GRATEFUL for what I have and to focus on where I’m going, not where I was yesterday.

By:Jamie Len Cumbo

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Have you ever found yourself having a conversation with someone and simply talking to them creates more excitement in your voice? You find yourself smiling just being in their presence. Yet on the flip side, we’ve all been around those people who have a dark cloud that follows them and literally sucks the life out of you just being nearby.

Why does that happen? The answer is simple, it’s ENERGY. Everyone we come into contact with has good or bad energy. We all know the difference.

The energy you put out each day all starts with your thoughts. The more good things you focus on, regardless of how unhappy you are or what is going wrong in your day, the better energy you put.

Easier said than done, right? Of course. Our thoughts are incredibly powerful. And once you realize this, you can start to become more aware of the thoughts you think and you will start to see the direct link to the things that happen in your life on a daily basis, as a result of your thoughts and the energy you put out.

So the question is, what kind of energy do you give off to people? Would YOU want to be around YOU? The answer should come easy. If it doesn’t, you may want to work on the energy you put out each day.

Here are 6 simple things you can do to improve the energy you give off to others:

1) Start out each day with writing out things you’re grateful for. It is virtually impossible to give off bad energy when you are thinking about things you are grateful for and all the good things in your life.

2) Believe you can achieve your goal. When you really believe in the things you are doing, you do things with passion, with enthusiasm, and it’s contagious to those around you.

3) Journal your thoughts. Learning to recognize when you have negative thoughts and what causes them will help you either avoid those experiences altogether or will help you turn those thoughts around and have an optimistic outlook on the same experience.

4) Make a vision board of what you want in your life. This will help you take consistent actions towards attracting what you want in your life, instead of talking about and focusing on what you don’t want.

5) Find your passion. The more you are in alignment doing those things you could do all day, every day, the more you will enjoy your life, the happier you will be, and you will naturally give off great energy to those you come into contact with.

6) Have a purpose. Take the time to write out your purpose in life. When you have a PURPOSE it is much easier to feel like all the little things you do each day have meaning behind them. And those things are ultimately bringing you closer to your goals, bringing more joy into your life.

When you live your life with purpose and passion, it is going to be very difficult to give off bad energy to those around you.

So, figure out what makes you tick, what excites you, what you could do all day every day and never be paid for. If you know what your purpose and passion in life is, great! If you don’t, start paying attention to the times in your life when you are HAPPIEST. That’s when everything feels ‘right’ in your life. The energy you give off to others is contagious and unknowingly, many times when you are in alignment with what makes you happy, you are impacting the lives of others around you, simply with the good energy you put out.

Follow your dreams, your purpose, and your passion and you will automatically put off good energy to those around you… many times helping those same people discover dreams of their own.

By:Jamie Len Cumbo
www.Facebook.com/SweatyFitness

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Are you focused on your goals— specifically, when it
comes to your health???

Here’s the problem.

It’s pretty easy to eat a healthy meal. It may even be pretty easy to
workout. However, if you go through these each day just ‘because’
and you aren’t supporting a goal, then it is super easy to lose motivation,
right?

Eventually, you may find yourself skipping workouts and eating more
than you intended to. You may even find you’ve completely forgotten
about your weight loss plans.

So How Do You Stay Focused On Your Weight Loss Goals?

These 5 powerful steps you can maintain focus and achieve
success.

1) The first step is to have a goal. How much do you want to weigh?
What size clothes do you want to be in? And when do you plan to reach
that goal? (a specific date)

2) The second step is to break that goal down into manageable
goals. For example, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds it can seem overwhelming.
If you break that 20 pound goal down into 1 lb a week you know that within
5 months you will have achieved success. And one lb a week is a very manageable
goal.

3) The third step is to know how to achieve your goals – create a step
by step plan. For example, if you now know that you need to lose a pound a
week that means reducing your daily calorie intake by 500 calories (500 calories
by 7 days is 3500 calories, which equals a pound.) Or you could increase your
activity to burn an extra 500 calories each day. How you choose to achieve your
goal is up to you. The point is that you must have a plan. A plan will help you stay focused.

4) The fourth step to maintain focus is to track your results. If you
don’t track your steps and your achievements how will you know if you’re on
track to achieve your goals?

You can use any number of tools to track your success:
• Journal
• Spreadsheet
• TeamBeachbody.com
• Mobile device app such as MyFitnessPal or Livestrong

5) The fifth and final step is to reward yourself for your success. Don’t
wait for the big day when you’ve reached your goal weight to celebrate. Celebrate
the smaller successes too! Share online with
your friends, family and network. Buy new clothing – whatever makes you feel good.

Focus is about keeping your eye on your goal. And these 5 key steps will help
you to find and maintain focus to reach your fitness goals!

And remember, as a Beachbody coach, I am here to support you in your fitness
goals!!

Jamie Len Cumbo
www.Facebook.com/SweatyFitness

Continue reading »]]> How to Leave a Legacy Behind

We all want to change the world. We all want to be remembered long after we are gone, leaving a legacy behind. Many of us also have a strong desire to leave this world a better place than when we entered it.

Steve Jobs said it best when he said “We’re here to put a dent in the universe.”

I came across that quote recently, and it touched my heart. Ironically, at church this week they were talking about Steve Jobs’ book and this incredible picture on the inside and back cover. It had that same quote with a picture of Steve sitting in a chair with his feet up on the table, his hands behind his head, as he looked at an Apple computer. And yes, he most certainly left a dent in our world. But that wasn’t the great part. On the computer was a picture of his wife and son.

What an incredibly powerful picture.

When all is said and done, it’s not about how much money you have, what your job title is, what you did or didn’t have growing up, or how big your thighs are. It’s about the relationships you have.

So, why am I writing about relationships on my fitness blog? Because, in pursuit of trying to leave our mark behind, sometimes we lose sight of the really important things in life. And if you’ve ever been faced with a near death situation, endured the loss of a loved one, or had anything traumatic happen in your life you know it’s all about the little things when you’re faced with those trying times.

And the people in your life.

The journey to health is so much more than a number on a scale or what size clothing you wear. It’s about being healthy physically, having a healthy state of mind, and having great relationships.

If you want to leave a true legacy behind, focus on helping others get everything they want in life, with what you’ve been blessed with.

If you want support on your fitness journey, email me at JamieLen99@gmail.com.

By:Jamie Len Cumbo

Dedicated to Team Legacy Angels <3 <3 <3

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Stacy joined my very first challenge group, and she has since then gone on to have her own transformation and is now a coach herself, helping others change their life!! I am honored to be able to call this woman my friend. Her positive energy & attitude follows her everywhere she goes.

Not to mention she has lost almost 40 lbs and her family is getting healthier, too!! And her strong desire to have a tummy tuck and go under the knife to try to get rid of what she thought was ‘impossible’ is no longer a thought. She has changed her body the RIGHT way…. through diet and exercise. She is a leading example to show others that not only is it possible, but hard work really does pay off. And the more you surround yourself with others who will support you on your journey and not let you fail, the better your results!!

1. Why did you decide to start a round of P90X?

I have been a runner for years. I used it to control my weight. I got to a point where I was having all kinds of aches and pains and in spite of the running, my weight yo-yoed. I saw my coach’s success video and decided to give P90X a try.

2.How did having a coach and an accountability group make a difference?

Having a coach and an accountability group was essential to my success! I had purchased the program 5 months before I made Jamie my coach. The great thing about a group is that Jamie’s posts are encouraging and we, the members of the group, post our workouts and also keep each other accountable.

3. What was your biggest challenge with the program and how did you overcome it?

Some of the moves were a challenge to me. Honestly, there were a lot of moves that I could not do. I modified the moves and would occasionally try the move to see if I had improved. By the end of my P90X challenge, I could do most of the moves without modification.

4. How has your life changed since you started?

I feel fantastic! I have more energy than I ever remember having before. I have lost 37lbs and 4 pant sizes. After 4 babies and at the age of 43, I am more fit than ever and weigh less than I did in High School.

By: Jamie Len Cumbo

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Do you believe in setting goals? I sure do.

Goals are great for so many reasons. Most importantly, they serve as a guideline to help keep us on the path of our passions and desires in life. I always say that your goals should make you really uncomfortable and give you goosebumps at the same time. That’s how you know you’re going in the right direction.

Back in October 2011, I went through a P90X & Shakeology transformation. After completing the program, I was so excited to share my story with others to show people what can happen if you want something badly enough. That it can be done, despite all those excuses.

So, I made a YouTube video, in hopes of inspiring a few people along the way as I continued on this journey to health.

One of the goals I set after making my transformation video was to have 100,000k hits by April 8th (which, at that time was 6 months away).

This number made me excited just thinking about it, because I knew the more people who saw it, the more lives I could potentially touch. So, every morning when I reviewed my goals, I read this: “I have 100,000 hits, or more, on my YouTube video by April 8, 2012.” And have read this since October of last year.

I do not think it’s an accident that it’s up to almost 84,000 and averaging around 1500 hits a day…. With exactly two weeks to go. Whether or not it gets to 100,000k hit by April 8th is not the point, because this experience has brought an important reminder in my life.

A reminder, that goal setting is powerful and it works if you take the time to do it.

Here are 4 things to remember when you set your goals:

1. You must be specific in what you want.
2. Be passionate and excited about the goals you set
3. Set a deadline
4. Do not give up on the goals you desire the most.

Even if you don’t see how it’s possibly going to happen, keep focusing on them. Your subconscious mind will eventually figure out a way to bring it into your life. And with God’s guidance, deciding what you want in life, and focusing on all the things you are grateful for as you work towards getting there… you will begin to attract things in your life you’ve never imagined.

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By: Jamie Len Cumbo

Spring is officially here! Spring symbolizes a new life, a new beginning, and a fresh start. That day is today, my friend! So whether you have ‘fallen off’ your healthy regiment for a few days, weeks, or even years, now is the perfect time to regroup and get motivated.

Here are 11 tips to help you not only get motivated, but stay motivated if you have lost it.

1. VISUALIZE your new body. Look at a picture of what you are working for, even if it’s cut out of a magazine of someone else’s body with your head glued on (yes, I did that). The more you focus on that body you want, the more excited you will get and the quicker you will start to transform your own body.

2. Watch YouTube videos. If you are ever lacking motivation, watching success stories of others who have transformed may give you the push you are looking for. There are many people out there who have transformed their bodies, each one going through many obstacles to get there. It’s motivating to see real results and proof that hard work and persistence really does pays off.

3. Give Yourself a Reward. If you stick to your clean diet and workout schedule, reward yourself for your hard work (but not with food). You can treat yourself to a message, a new pair of workout shoes, or anything else that puts a smile on your face. These little rewards can serve as huge motivation to workout and stay disciplined.

4. Keep a Journal. Even if it’s on your cell phone. Your journal should include your goals, affirmations, what you eat daily, any successes you are proud of, and how you will prepare for certain challenges coming up.

5. Read some Self-Development. Any type of self help book that focuses on becoming better in some way will get you going in the right direction. It works every time.

6. Don’t Let a Slip Turn into a Complete Fall. If you mess up and eat something you shouldn’t, or miss a workout or two, don’t put your hands in the air and give up completely. It’s times like this you must remember why you started in the first place.

7. Schedule your Workouts. Make your workouts part of your routine, like brushing your teeth. Tell yourself it’s not an option to miss it. Wear your workout clothes to bed if you have to. Make a big calendar with the workouts you plan to do that week. After you work out, take a big marker and X it off. You will subconsciously work towards getting it done each day.

8. Surround Yourself with Healthy People. Do not surround yourself with people who sabotage your hard work. Find people who are also working hard each day to live a healthier life, even if it means online. Workout buddies are also good to have to help hold you accountable.

9. Get Halfway There. Sometimes, the thought of doing an entire workout is overwhelming if you’re just not motivated. The key is to start, promise yourself you will get halfway there, and chances are pretty high that once you start you won’t stop. Because by then, the endorphins will be kicking and you’ll finish the entire thing.

10. Look at Pinterest. If you’re not familiar with Pinterest yet, check it out. It’s a website that is great to turn to for daily motivation and inspiration. Looking at pictures of fit bodies and great quotes can be motivating enough to slap on your sneakers and workout right then and there.

11. Write Out Your Success Story. This is one of the most powerful things you will do. Write your story out as if it’s three months down the road. How much do you weigh? How do you feel? How has your life changed now that you are healthy? Write it in the present tense as if it has already happened. Read it daily. You should get really excited when you read this because it will fuel your fire more than all the others combined.

Regardless if you are starting your new workout regiment this week, or you needed a little boost to help you keep going, I hope these tips give you that push you need.

The more you workout and eat healthy, the more you crave how it makes you feel. It doesn’t happen overnight. Those habits took many years for you to develop so be patient, stay consistent, and know that today is another new beginning.

Continue reading »]]> Are you an emotional eater?

Emotional eating is one of the most overwhelming issues for many people who are trying to control their weight. Becoming aware of your emotions and what triggers your emotional eating plays a big role in overcoming it. For many people it’s hard to cope with extremely powerful emotions they are feeling at that time… boredom, anxiety, depression, excitement, and even feeling a loss of control. I’m an emotional eater, and I’ve recently learned that many others face the same struggles on a regular basis, which is why I’ve been compelled to share these tips.

The key is to figure out if it’s really hunger you are feeling or some underlying emotion.

Here are 5 ways to get your emotional eating under control.

1. WRITE IT DOWN IF YOU STICK IT IN (YOUR MOUTH) Take note of everything you put in your mouth, food and drink, for at least 30 days. Everything. Unfortunately, for many people there is a strong connection between emotions and food. Once you start writing down when you eat and how you feel at that time, you can then start to pinpoint emotions that trigger you to eat and figure out what strong emotion you are feeling that is causing you to eat when you’re not even hungry.

2. KNOW WHAT MAKES YOU TICK. Everyone has trigger foods. Some people can’t eat just one or two potato chips without eating the entire bag. And others can’t have just one piece of chocolate without eating anything chocolate in site. The bottom line is to become aware of what foods make you crave more, going past the point of real hunger.

3. GET RID OF YOUR ALL OR NOTHING MENTALITY. Tell yourself that you can have anything you want, you choose not to. That way, you don’t feel deprived. There are substitutes for everything these days. Find a healthier version of what it is you think you are craving. And don’t let a slip up turn into a complete binge for all your hard work the past several months. What takes you 4 weeks to lose, can come back in a few days of this all-or-nothing mentality.

4. TAKE A BIG GULP. Of water, that is. Find a big glass of water and chug the entire thing. Maybe even two glasses. Sometimes your body mistakes the feeling of dehydration for hunger. When you drink a big glass of water and wait a few minutes, you can then determine if it’s real hunger you feel.

5. BURN BABY BURN. When you catch yourself mindlessly grabbing for the refrigerator door, go run up and down some stairs, do 50 jumping jacks, or drop to your knees and do as many pushups as you can. Get the blood and endorphins flowing, and figure out if you’re brain just wanted some of those happy chemicals. You will almost immediately feel better and miraculously the hunger pains should subside, too.

The key is to be aware of your triggers and learn how to deal with your emotions in a more constructive, positive way. This will help you get your emotional eating under control once and for all.

Many people eat to fill voids in their life. This is a lifelong journey to health and the more you become aware of these behaviors, the easier it is to change. And yes, they can be changed.

Remember, food is meant to FUEL your body, not feed your heart.

By: Jamie Len Cumbo

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There used to be such a strong stigma attached to the word sweat. Dirty. Gross. Smelly. And for some, I’m sure there still is.

I’ve learned to love the word. Because when I hear it, I think of working out, fit bodies, and health.

It’s become one of my favorite words.

I’ve learned that in order to dramatically change your body it means you must eat a clean diet, have accountability, set goals, and you’ve got to get your sweat on!!

Here are 5 top reasons to sweat it out AT HOME:

1. You don’t have to worry about looking cute for anyone.

2. You will never have to wait for a machine, like you would at the gym

3. You will save money for gas and that gym membership you don’t need

4. You can grunt, moan, and make any noises you want while you’re pushing yourself to the limit

5. There are no excuses when you commit to working out at home. One way or another, you can always find a few minutes to get sweaty at home. Always.

The more sweat that drips from your face, the changes you will make to your body.

If you continue to get sweaty with a good at-home workout (like all the Beachbody programs) you will be more apt to stay consistent with it, because there are less obstacles in your way keeping you from a killer workout.

And the good news is you can lie in that big puddle of sweat when you’re done and know that you’re just a few feet away from the closest shower.

NO MORE EXCUSES. Just a few more reasons WHY…

By: Jamie Len Cumbo

Continue reading »]]> The TROPICAL VEGAN Shakeology is here!

THINK PINK!

By: Jamie Len Cumbo

With more vegetarians, vegans, and plant based eaters out there (including Tony Horton himself!), Team Beachbody has FINALLY come out with a VEGAN Shakeology, Tropical Strawberry.

This is going to be better than the previous formula, not only because it VEGAN, but also because this is now going to have all the necessary Whole Foods (and much more!) without any synthetic vitamins and minerals.

A few changes that go well beyond just the flavor.

Whole Food and Plant Based

Tropical Shakeology is VEGAN! That means no Animal products, dairy or any such derivatives! For folks who are Vegan and Vegetarian, this is going to be the best source of protein for you. It is also wheat and GLUTEN FREE!!!

What is the source of Protein now that WHEY has been taken out?

Protein Source is going to be Fermented Sprouted Brown Rice Protein. This is a completely Plant Based Protein. The Amino Acid profile is similar to Whey Protein Isolate. I am happy Soy Protein Isolate has not been used.

10 REASONS TO DRINK SHAKEOLOGY.

1. Reduce cravings

2. Build your immune system

3. Makes you feel full, longer

4. Increase energy levels and stamina

5. Promote regularity and healthy digestion

6. Lowers cholesterol

7. Improves mental clarity

8. Nourish your body with the super foods, probiotics, and nutrients/vitamins for optimal health

9. Makes your skin, hair, and nails healthy and strong

10. Did I mention LOSE WEIGHT and inches!???

For lots of answers to common questions about Shakeology, visit http://sweatyfitness.com/?page_id=1513

As you can see, Shakeology played a HUGE role in my transformation, and I continue to drink it everyday for a reason.

To ORDER go to: http://myshakeology.com/JamieLen