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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

The "Tone It Up" plan and me

I first stumbled across the Tone It Up girls, Katrina and Karena, via Pinterest months ago.  Wouldn't these toned bishes catch your eye too?

I followed the link to their Web site and saw that these perfectly sculpted ladies had a blog, nutrition tips, printable workouts, and lots of YouTube work-out and nutritional videos.  A lot of their stuff is free, but it you want their comprehensive diet and fitness plan including recipes, workouts and a 7-day slimdown, you've gots to pay.  You can choose between the original plan, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, gluten-free vegetarian or pescatarian and it will cost you $149.99.  Go to their site to read more about the pricing and what you get for your money.  

I was mesmerized by how perfect they looked, but didn't think much about it again until very recently.  You see, I'm completely out of shape and that's putting it nicely.

Simply put, I'm fat. I'm not saying this so you can tell me, "You are not fat. You are beautiful."  I don't need to hear that. I don't want to hear that.  No, I don't need to be craned lifted from my bed every morning, but I'm unhealthy, it's not cute, I'm not happy with body and it is time to do something about it.

Prior to committing to the Tone It Up plan, I stumbled across another girl on Pinterest named Laura who blogs/vlogs about her weight loss.  I spent hours watching her body transformation videos and started following her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.  She is truly an inspiration and has a blog Laura Must Lose Weight if you want to check it out.
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Girlfrand is brave because she puts it ALL out there.  We're talking filming a YouTube video in nothing but her bra and panties at her heaviest weight of 195.   As much as I'd love to be able to show you my transformation, you will not be seeing me in my bra and panties. Ever. Laura covered that one for us thank the Lord.  

Anywho ...


What I like most about the TIU girls and Laura is they are all about clean, healthy eating and working-out. None of it is a quick fix. It's not a fad diet.  It's about avoiding processed foods and eating balanced meals of carbs (yes, you eat carbs, but at the right time of day and the right portions), lean proteins and lots of fruits and veges!  You also eat fats, but good fats like fat from olives, olive oil and avocados.  You even can sneak in a few glasses of red wine a couple times a week if you like to hit the bottle.

The plan is so sensible.  It's not an extreme diet that inevitably sets you up to fail (i.e. cabbage soup diet, Atkins, egg white diet, etc.).  On the TIU nutrition plan, you eat five meals a day, you drink lots of water, you work-out and you have an entire online community of TIU members who are there to encourage and hold you accountable.  Hence, if you follow me on Instagram/Twitter, you have seen me blowing up your news feed with pictures of healthy meals.  These are called "check-ins" and that's what every member of the TIU community does on the daily.

Now you know more about the TIU plan and why I've decided to do it.  I am in no way associated with TIU or Laura. I simply stumbled across them and was compelled to make a life change.  With that being said, there are a few changes I've already made that are easy changes any of you can incorporate into your lives if you are looking to become healthier versions of your already fabulous selves.  Tomorrow I'll blog about those and some recipes that are easy to make and yummy!

It's only been a little over a week since I started TIU, but I'm extremely committed and determined.  I lost about 3 lbs last week.  Even if you don't have weight to lose, this plan could still benefit you.  The girls implore you to be TONED, not "skinny soft".  I'm an ex-gymnast so I can co-sign. I have muscles and as much as I'd love to, I'll never have the build of a super model.  Even if I starved myself.

So there you have it; my take on the Tone It Up plan.  I'd love to talk more about it with any of you, just leave your questions in the comments.
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43 comments:

  1. I'm an ex gymnast and fat too! I actually just moved to Houston and I'm going to check out a gym tonight! My body totally did a change up after having two kids. I can't use the baby weight as an excuse anymore since he will be two in two months!!!!


    Countryrootscityliving.blogspot.com

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  2. This is such a great post! I can't wait to see/hear all about the program!

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  3. Can't wait to hear about your success!! I've always been interested in TIU so if love to har an opinion from someone I trust! Keep us updated!

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  4. Oh I am SO with you! I'm terrible about reading magazines like Shape, Self, and Fitness but I never DO anything. I need some accountability as well. Do you tweet your workouts and stuff too? Can't wait to see your end results! I need to get started because I've got a vacation to Cozumel coming up in September! I was supposed to get in shape in time for Summer but I let that one go out the window!

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  5. literally looked at this yesterday! I've been working out hard for about 2 monthly and really haven't seen many results... I know it's my diet that's keepin me down. I follow you on instagram and all of your meals look SO GOOD!! I'd love to hear what you think about it! Is it worth the $$ or could I find a healthy cookbook and go from there... you know we're all about a bargain around these parts :)

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  6. I have loved seeing your food pics on instagram. They're giving me ideas and inspiration for eating more healthily. I'm definitely interested in the TIU plan . . . but not sure about the $150. I think that what makes me hesitate so much is that I know that if I count calories & work out several times a week, I will lose weight. I have done it a billion times. The problem is that I gain weight/lose weight/gain it/lose it and that's the way it's been my whole life.

    Right now, I'm probably close to my fattest. Last summer, I was happy with my body (relatively). I know that it would only take a month of recording everything I eat/being seriously committed to working out/etc., but . . . that is hard, especially since I like wine & beer so much.

    If you are "fat" then you must gain weight in the best possible places. Your face never looks fat, and that is what I hate the most about myself when I gain weight. Ew.

    Regardless, I am definitely going to go to their website and read all about it. I've been getting their emails for weeks now and usually I ignore them . . .though you're inspiring me to change that.

    Good for you Lindsey!!! I'm proud of your commitment :)

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  7. I absolutely LOVE this post. You wrote it so well and that is what I want to do TONE big time. Those girls look AMAZING and so does Laura. My mouth dropped at that! I have to definitely check out her site and these other girls! Thanks for this post! And yes you go girl! I wish we could do it together!

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  8. I LOVE the TIU girls! I bought their beach babe dvd and love it. Since Nov I've lost 21 pounds and most recently dropped a couple pounds a week with the inspiration of Katrina and Karena! They are freakin hot!

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  9. I was a gymnast too and have the butt to prove it!! Nice work girl. I am super excited to hear how it goes and learn done of your recipes. And workout!! Love me a new workout!!

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  10. I love the TIU girls! I've been doing their workouts for a few years now and I LOVE them! I was in such great shape last summer because of their workouts. I must get on that again! haha.

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  11. cant wait to hear about it....i follow their site and never have the money (or effort) to invest into it!!!! if it works with you ill be tempted!!!

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  12. Kudos to you, friend, for doing this! I've been working out doing a mixture of what you mentioned, and I've lost 26 pounds! Crazy to think I can still stand to lose about 10=15 more, but that'll all come in due time. :)

    Keep it up! And although I do not think you are "fat" by any means, I'm glad you are taking positive steps to find something you want and you have put your mind in it to do it. Whoop whoop!!!

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  13. Ah! i just saw the TIU girls yesterday too. I have always been skinny fat, and last March I saw a photo of myself at a friends wedding and was like, "who the eff is that chick?! and when and how did that happen?!"

    So I decided to train to become an NPC bikini competitor, and last December joined a team. The online community will totally help.

    You never realize how important diet is. So even on days you dont want to work out, keep on track diet-wise. That's the best advice I can give, "You can't out train a bad diet."

    I look forward to following you on this journey!

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  14. You go girl!! Your doing awesome, I've been following your instagram and everything looks so delicious!

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  15. Whoo Hooo! Congrats on your first 3 of many more! Take lots of pictures of yourself. It's one thing to think you look a certain way in the mirror but cameras don't have skewed perceptions.

    YOU CAN DO IT!!! and thanks for motivation for others (she says typing on the couch)

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  16. Whoo Hooo! Congrats on your first 3 of many more! Take lots of pictures of yourself. It's one thing to think you look a certain way in the mirror but cameras don't have skewed perceptions.

    YOU CAN DO IT!!! and thanks for motivation for others (she says typing on the couch)

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  17. You really have inspired me. This post really makes me realize that I have some changes to make. Really with what I eat. I need to get it together. I want to get it together. I have a mini vacation this week but when I get back I intend to start a new beginning. Thanks for this push, I needed it!

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  18. I'm so excited for you! I started eating clean and heavy lifting last month in preparation for a trip to Hawaii in December to celebrate turning 30...if that's even possible to celebrate. ;) I figured if I have to turn 30 I don't want my body to look 30! Your post is definitely motivating, thanks so much!

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  19. Wow, amazing! Clean eating in my opinion is the only real way to lose weight and keep it off...this is insprational to anyone who wants to be better or feel better and be healthier! And no, i dont think i could model in my skivvies but wow, she is so inspiring!!

    Aesthetic Lounge

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  20. I am right with you! I am the heaviest I have ever been and bought the Tiu plan last week. I am soo excited to see results and change my lifestyle. I am not starting the plan until I get back from my vacation but have been following loosely and haven't lost weight but a few inches!

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  21. I love the TIU girls! I've always wanted to buy their program, but just haven't yet. So happy for you! If you need some healthy recipes, I've posted a few but I'd always be happy to email you more along with tips!

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  22. This post is so motivating!!! I'm feeli g the same way as you do! I just want to tone up and have been trying to eat more healthy. My problem is I eat out too often do who knows what I have been eating!! Way to hold yourself accountable! I'd lOve to see some of your recipes! :)

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  23. get it girl!! for real, you're totally motivating me.
    I think my biggest problem is willpower. I have ZERO. a lot of times I have good intentions, but they are just that... intentions. sadly, and embarrassingly enough, I've had a gym membership for a few years that I havent used once.
    I need to do something ASAP. I feel really unhealthy, and definitely unhappy with my body.
    so how do you stay focused? and resist temptation? I feel like every social thing I do revolves a restaurant, food, or a bar. I KNOW I can make smart choices, but it's like, when everyone else is getting a freakin cupcake, I gotta get one too. basically, I suck.

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  24. YAY! & Congrats on joining the TIU team!!! There plan really is simple - lean, green & clean! No diet fad, just a better life style for you! Love it & love the TIU girls! Keep up the good, hard work sister!

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  25. Wow good for you! I need to do this also.

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  26. Kudos to you and congrats on realizing that YOU are worth it. Keep us updated and don't lose your groove :)

    Sara @ youandmearewe.blogspot.com

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  27. Thanks for the post! I've been struggling with weight loss for a LONG time now, and I have about 80 pounds to lose to be where I feel I will be healthy and happy. I hate it when my friends say that I'm just "chubby" or "don't worry, you're fine!". Um, no. This is NOT fine. I am medically OBESE... since when is that FINE?? I will definitely be checking these websites out.

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  28. i can't wait for your post tm! the food you've been posting looks delish. good job for going for it!

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  29. Just checked out the TIU girls! OMG, so excited. I downloaded some of their workouts. I have been stuck in a work out rut, so this will give some new moves and motivation.

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  30. Great post!!! I love their work outs. I've been on the fence about doing their diet plan, but I think I will strongly consider it now. I've been trying to eat clean for a couple of weeks now...I feel SO much better when I stick with it. Keep up the great work girl, you can do it!!

    Thanks for the extra motivation :)

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  31. Wow, I'd heard of the TIU girls before, but never paid much attention...and Laura's trasformation...holy CRAP! I can't wait to delve into both of their blogs. I'm on week 7 of a "lifestyle change", I prefer calling it that over diet or exercise, and I'm feeling fantastic! I've lost 10 lbs and have become addicted/hooked/whatever you want to call it, to working out and eating clean. I still have meals where I'll enjoy myself, but then I make myself work out harder that night. Oh and I'm a former gymnast too...and I think that helps. ;)

    Love your post, as always!

    Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  32. LOVE those girls...and by "love" I mean envy. ;) Good for you sister!! I'm anxious to see your results! You'll do great! <3

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  33. Good luck chicky, I'm inspired. Defiantely going to take a look at these girls. Im pretty "soft" myself and if only I could get the motivation I know I could totally get toned!

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  34. I think I've mentioned to you before (but def on my blog) about my love for them too. I've been following them for over a year and think it's amazing what they do!! While I'm already pretty healthy (most of the time) and eat pretty similar to them anyways, I can def see how the $150 pricetag is WAY worth it. and the best part is once you get the hang of what foods to eat and when you will never have to pay it again and you can do it on your own. :)

    Supporting you chic!

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  35. This is great! Congrats on this new healthy life change! I hope you can still drink wine with me at S&D meetings!! :) I do WW actually (have lost and gained 20 lbs twice! woo hoo!)and am pack to counting right now bc I got waaaay off. Good luck!!!

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  36. I'm an ex gymnast as well and would love to get back into my "toned" body. I've stumbled upon the TIU girls as well, but never seriously considered the program. I'd love to see if the results work for you and how you feel. I've been trying to hit the gym for the past few months, but it's so much harder and less fun than gymnastics! I would also love to see some of the workout plans you enjoy. Good Luck, I know you can do it!

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  37. I wish we lived just a little bit closer to each other so that we could go work together in the evenings (or, God forbid, in the morning!)

    But I'm right there with you! I am a former ballerina. And you saw me on Sunday, I certainly am not in ballerina shape! You've inspired me! I'm gonna do it too! No more peanut butter chocolate chip cake for me :(

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  38. Did you do the 7 day slim down? I purchase their plan and only made it through 4 days of the slimdown plan and lost 6 pounds!

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  39. This is so inspirational! I've been having a hard time with trying to lose weight and feel more confident in myself, but you've pointed me in the right direction for motivation! It all looks exciting! :) Good luck with everything and congratulations on making the healthy change!!

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  40. Hi, I'm seriously considering buying this plan but I have a few questions and I'd be so grateful if you could help me! I've tried just about every diet I can think of (paleo, vegan, etc.) not only to lose weight but to fix some health issues I have. The results have been that instead of being overweight, I am now underweight. My goal now is to "tone it up" (haha) and gain muscle and a figure! I'm very health conscious but at the moment I try not to eat too many animal proteins. Does the TIU plan have you eating animal protein in each of the 5 meals? Thank you so much :)

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  41. Pleaseeee!! can anyone share with me the nutrition plan????? Im from Argentina and right now we cant buy thing from the us!! !! pleaasseee!! my mail es “mermoleiro@gmail.com”

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  42. Did you purchase/use the protein powders for your recipes?

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