Life with Laci

My work space today.

I don’t know about you, but I am NOT a fan of getting out in the cold, especially on a day that it’s pouring rain. Cold annnnnnd wet-nah.

I will just stay inside.
Cozy.
Blankets.
Sweats.
Candles lit.
Favorite shows on.
Dr. Pepper zero.
And my cell phone.

That’s all I need to “work” for the day.
This is truly one of the reasons I love the flexibility of what I do!

Which is harder for you?

(And why do you think)

**And just for fun I’ll pick a random comment and send ya some of my favorite energy boostin craving crusher drink packets!! They help me get all my water in too!!

BIG Hairy UNpopular Opinion…..

You ready?

I ❤️ Protein shakes!!!

There. I said what I said 🤣🤣

BUT y’all— I DO NOT DRINK PROTEIN SHAKES!!!

And I understand…I’ve been there… I used to have friends and family who drank them, and they would tell me it tasted like a brownie so I would taste it, and those people have never eaten a brownie!

Or-they would say, this tastes like a Reese’s peanut butter cup, and my response was – in what world?

Protein shake mixes are definitely labeled with the same name, but they are not alike. It is hard to find one that is low in fat and low in carbs, but high in protein… One that doesn’t have metals that will make you sick and is made of natural ingredients, so it’s good for you… ya know, that’s supposed to be the point. And one that doesn’t even begin to address how it does or doesn’t break down and absorb into your body.

And Oh my gosh, having enough protein in your body changes everything… It keeps you full, you build lean muscle…so that you can sustain a healthy weight, it helps you lose weight, it keeps you satisfied, it helps you reduce cravings and the list goes on!!

Enough about the science -back to the fact that I don’t “drink” protein shakes! But I love them??

I use protein powder in every way, EXCEPT for a shake. I sneak it in pancakes and waffles for my kids and myself… Who am I kidding… I mix it in yogurt. Here’s a weird one, I mix it in cottage cheese and blend it, and it becomes fruit dip… Don’t knock it till you try it. It’s so good in muffins and oatmeal. One of my favorite ways is to make protein coffee with salted caramel lean shake mix and milk or half and half (blended together it makes creamer) And I love having peanut butter chocolate chip pretzel protein bites, oh yeah and (protein) ooey gooey warm and melty monster cookies and milk at night before bed!!

It’s doesn’t have to taste bad! It doesn’t have to be boring!!! Healthy stuff can taste amazing!!!

*and get the best protein powder so you make it worth it!! I’m all my research I haven’t found a better nutritional label and taste as lean! I can get ya a discount code if you are interested.

So as I was working out at the gym today, I was thinking about how far I’ve come, and what my goals have been -past and present. I have to do something to distract myself while lifting and that stupid treadmill-lol.

In the past…

I’ve been skinny and didn’t think I was at the time
I’ve been skinny fat
I’ve eaten Healthy and “on plan” for my goals
I’ve tried a lot of different “diets”-diet culture crap
I’ve stuck to some plans a long time
I’ve stuck to some not very well at all
I’ve lifted weights before
I’ve been happy with what I see in the mirror
I’ve been disappointed with what I see in the mirror

But today….

I noticed something different
My mindset is different
My outlook is different
My goals are different
My dedication and determination is different

This is the first time, for real -for real, that I truly think I found the very best plan for me!

So all those other things are an important part of my journey to find my best life. The important thing is that I didn’t quit.

And I wanted to… I even quit on myself at times without really quitting on myself or at least I didn’t say I quit, even though my actions show that I did.

At this point in my life, I’m starting to understand how important health really is and what my 19-year-old son called “life muscle“ it’s the kind of thing that you exercise and eat well so that you can continue to do activities that you love, so that you don’t have restrictions and allow your body to secretly hold you back, like I can jump up out of our boat, because my arms are stronger, I can surf on the boat because my legs are stronger, I can snow ski with my kids and someday my grandkids because I take care of my body… I never want age or a weak body to be the reason. It also helps prevent injuries and supports joints and bones as I age.

So today, when I look in the mirror, I don’t look for skinny… I look for strong “life muscle.” When I look at food, I don’t say I can’t have that, or I can’t have this, I enjoy my carbs, my sweets, and I know I can have absolutely anything… I get to choose to have healthy stuff, but I also choose to have yummy stuff and treats. They all fit in my plan. It’s not all or nothing.

And my plan has helped me over the last four months…….20lbs gone, dropped 3 pants sizes and gained lots of muscle.

How??????? The products that I take, have supported my health, my wellness, my energy, helped my cravings, boosted my mood, and give me ingredients I can’t get in foods that support my goals for my life. My eating plan is flexible and includes lots of fruits, veggies, proteins, fats, and even sweet tart ropes, ice cream, and cookies! No diet culture for me anymore. My workouts are designed to build a lot of lean muscle to sustain my weight, my fat loss, and give me lots of “life muscle.”

So here’s to lots of carbs and heavy weights, and the best program with tons of support!!!

What about you? As you reflect, what do you want for your life and future?

I know. I know! The holidays aren’t *quite* here YET, but y’all know it will be in the blink of an eye!!!!

A few years ago, I started doing my holiday baking EARLY…. All my pumpkin bread, banana muffins, breads, braids, rolls and cookies. I do 1 or 2 each week starting late October. Then I label and freeze them in freezer safe bags.

Let me tell you, what a stress FREE holiday meal plan!!! They taste just as good (if not better) and cuts your holiday meal prep in half on the big feast!!!

Do you bake ahead? What are you making now to save time at Thanksgiving???

This was an easy one for me!!!! What would you chose?
(i am an easy peasy 2)

Fun fact….I’m not the biggest fan of drinking protein shakes! How about you?

BUT-it is so important to a healthy life to eat about 1g protein per pound you weigh each day! How can we get in MORE protein (it’s actually important for everyone in the family) without eating pounds of chicken or drinking shakes?

Some of my all time favorite ways to get in protein….

☕️Iced coffee with protein creamer (I use salted caramel lean and unflavored complete collagen)
🎃Pumpkin protein streusel muffins (I use vanilla lean)
🥥Pina colada Greek yogurt (I use pina colada complete collagen)
🍫PB chocolate chip pretzel protein balls (I use vanilla and salted caramel lean)

I eat these every day and get lots of protein but I enjoy every bite!!! Good food that’s good for ya!!! Healthy can taste good!!

What recipes or ideas do you have for getting in some extra protein?

My little ball of fluff!

He’s ornery, so ornery but he’s mine!

Always said I would never have a dog BUT because of those beautiful blue eyes, I now have 3 (we couldn’t leave him all alone).

“He’s so fluffy I’m gonna die!” -That’s how I feel! (IYKYK)

But really, I’m so so grateful for this fluffy best friend. He brings me so much happiness and joy. I realized recently that when I am sad or stressed I often find my way out to sit with the doggies. They just love me no matter what. They will sit by my side. They love unconditionally. I just pet that magic fur and feel better!!

Can’t imagine life without them all now!!!

Do you have a furry family member? (Post a pic with your furry friend) Am I crazy or do they melt your stress away too?

This is fun!!!! I L-O-V-E to travel....like seriously I love to see different parts of the world, the scenery, the culture, the amazing people, it amazes me how we can be so different, but so much the same!!!

It is tough for me to answer this....there are so many places I would love to see that I haven't seen, places and people I love that I would love to go back to, but I will cheat and say.....ANYWHERE- if all of my family is with me! It is all about creating memories for me!

I know...such a cheater, so for sake of the question and being a rule follower, I'd love to go to Israel and see all the places Jesus walked, I would love to go to Australia or Ireland or New Zealand, and Maui!!!

How about you? Where would you like to travel to in the world?

As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a wife and mom and I was blessed to marry my high school sweetheart and through birth AND adoption to be a mom of three crazy, sometimes ornery kiddos and now an amazing daughter-in-law. Can’t wait to add grandma to my resume (hint hint).

I absolutely love connecting with people and having real, authentic relationships. I love to support others, no matter what their dreams and being there in time of need to help, support, and pray.

I really love good food, intense sweat sessions aka exercise, and I want to live life on my terms where I find joy in every day things.

I am a health and wealth coach. I love helping others reach their goals and feel their most confident best selves. And I love helping others build an income with the flexibility of working from a phone so we can be where we want, when we want and making memories with those we love.

So hang out with me here for tons of tips, good food/recipes, fashion, family, fun, not taking anything to serious, maybe learn what "not" to do at times, and a whole lot of Jesus.