MoNdAy MaDnEsS!!!!

HAPPY MONDAY ALL!!! So it's the beginning of another week, a new chance on life, a sense of "start over-ness", and the #1 DAY sooo many decide to plunge into a new exercise or nutrition program :) So although I am COMPLETELY for this day and the nostalgia it brings as far as a new beginning, I just want you to sit back for a second and realize that ANY day you choose you can start again! That's honestly probably one of the best things about this life we've been given...and the freedom that we have in the WoNdRoUs U.S.A. It doesn't matter if it's Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday...you can PiCk yourself UP any day of the week and brush off the dust, wipe down the scrapes and bruises, and tuck in your gut, and say..."I'm ready! Let's do this!"

So...with those thoughts in mind, I want YOU to ask yourself that question right now. Are you ready to do this??? If NOT...then WHEN??? I tend to be a "Jillian" at times and stick it to you with these eye-opening, moment of truth questions, but the fact is...there's no time like the present! Just think...if you decide to start on your journey towards a HeaLtHiEr lifestyle today...you will be 1 step closer to where you want to be tomorrow and not at square 1. Isn't that GREAT??? I mean in as little as 1 day, you are already going to see and be making progress in you life :) From the way you carry yourself to the comments you make to others, a feeling of self-confidence and empowerment will soon follow this ChAnGe Up in your life and you will not be able to contain this inward transformation that is going to ultimately also change you outwardly! So as you stumble about your Monday with a sleepy-eyed look, a possible stain on your shirt from the lazy motor skills you forgot to wake up as your morning coffee was supposed to make it's way to your mouth...I want you to process the thought that it DOES NOT have to be this way. And here are a few key reasons why:

1.) Exercise brings forth EnErGy...a body in motion stays in motion...a body at rest stays at rest

2.) Picking good eats makes you feel lighter, brighter, and more apt to be positive and not a DeBBiE DoWnEr

3.) You will look forward to each new week because it will become a CHALLENGE for you to become a better Y-O-U...not comparing yourself to others (b/c that's just setting you up for DiSaStEr), but knowing where you are at and that you CAN and WILL make progress in this week :)

4.) There's just something about heart PumPinG, sweat inducing, nasty smelling exercise that causes a person to feel like they can "TAKE ON THE WORLD!!!"...so why not give it a shot?!

5.) And LAST (for now)...others will see this change in you and in all honestly will want to be around you more sheerly for the fact that you are InSpIrInG, MoTiVaTiNg, EnCoUrAgInG....and just POSITIVE :) I have said this before and will say it again...POSITIVE PEOPLE are drawn to POSITIVE PEOPLE!!! So take a look around at who you are hanging with and make a quick observation ;)

And I couldn't head out this morning without sharing a FABULOUS-O new take I came up with for breakfast :) So be prepared to see several recipes, renditions on food, etc. while logging into this CrAzY girl's blog!

Chocolate Banana Shakeology Pancakes

- 1 Scoop Chocolate Shakeology
- 1 Banana
- 1/2 Cup 100% Whole Grain Oats
- 1/2 Cup Water
- Organic Honey (a small drizzle...the pancakes will already be sweet enough without this)

Put all ingredients in a bowl and mash together completely allowing each ingredient to become "intertwined" with the next ;) Put a skillet or nonstick pan on medium heat and spray with canola oil. "Plop" about half of the mixture onto the pan (I use a 1/2 cup measuring cup to do this) and then spread it out a little because the mixture will be thick. ***If you don't do this you can easily burn the outside and the inside will still be SUPER GOOEY...which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you like it this way. I leave mine a little thick because I like the moistness/gooey-ness a little in the middle of the pancake. It makes me feel like it's a "no bake or chocolate oatmeal cookie" that hasn't set completely yet. Let it cook until you see the outer edges begin to look not as gooey and cooked. Then flip that sucker over and wait just a little longer...this side will not take near as long to cook. Then plate and do the other half of the mixture...or do both pancakes at the same time so they finish together :) Add organic honey or agave nectar to your liking...the pancakes are already SUPER SWEET...so I usually don't use anything at all! EnJoY :)

***This can be 2 servings or 1 depending on how hungry you are. It would typically be 2 for me...but this morning I was EXTRA hungry ;)

And the BEST part is I have NO REGRET!!! I just got a breakfast packed with digestive enzymes, antioxidants, phytonutrients, super foods, and protein to keep me RaRiN' to go ALL day long :) If you wanna know more about Shakeology and it's SUPER POWER contents...check out my website at http://www.shakeology.com/allysongilmore.