Tips for beginning a Tone It Up challenge

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This year marks my 4th Tone It Up Bikini Series, and my 3 year anniversary of being a Tone It Up Nutrition Plan member. 

It's so crazy to think how much has changed since that first challenge- with me, with the community, with the world, but what I love most has remained constant. Tone It Up challenges are about helping women take care of themselves!

I've learned a ton over the past 3 years about exercise and nutrition, and below are the 5 things I wish I would've known at the very beginning of my journey. I hope sharing this with you will be a catalyst in your success!!

TAKE BEFORE PICTURES AND MEASUREMENTS

Ok. I know this part is uncomfortable, but trust me, you’re going to want to see the progress you make. I personally think the order of priority goes like this: 

  1. Photos. Take one facing the camera, one in profile, and one from behind. Stand somewhere that’s well lit, in a swimsuit or sports bra and shorts. Use the timer on your camera, or have a friend or family member take the shot. Remember- these photos signify the beginning of your journey. You may not love them, but give yourself a pat on the back for being brave enough to take steps towards being your best self.

  2. Take your measurements. Measure your neck, bust, waist, hips, thighs, calves, and arms. Write your measurements down, and take them again in 4 weeks, and at the end of the challenge. I lost SERIOUS inches even when the scale wasn’t moving as quick as I wanted.

  3. Weigh yourself. Or don’t... that’s up to you. BUT. I promise you’re gonna want to know where you started at the end of this challenge.

You don’t have to share your progress pics with anyone. I didn’t share mine for two years! But I took them every challenge to celebrate the progress I was making.

STOCK UP ON PROTEIN, AND MAKE A SMOOTHIE A DAILY HABIT

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I use Tone It Up Organic Protien on a weekly basis in baked goods and smoothies. Having a healthy sweet treat during the week has been key to keeping my nutrition on track, and protein muffins are easy to transport, and easy to eat when you’re on the go!

I start each day with a smoothie for M1 or M2. It’s a great way to get a nutrient rich meal in, no matter how busy your schedule is. I have a smoothi for M2 during the week because I can do my job and drink it at the same time. I love to add 2 giant handfuls of spinach to my smoothies for an extra punch of vitamins and minerals! 

If I had to suggest on flavor to start with, it would 100% be vanilla.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE PERFECT POST

Please enjoy yourself while scrolling through my early posts.

It doesn’t matter if the lighting is perfect, or your plate is wiped down, all that matters is that you show up for yourself!! Whether you’re posting your meals, your workouts, or just life, don’t overthink your IG posts. If you’re brand new to the community, posting these things may be totally new to you- that’s ok!! My photos have definitely evolved over the past 3 years, and now, I really enjoy food styling- hence the food blog!! But that was literally YEARS in the making. Just have fun, and remember that your account is ultimately about being true to you!

GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK IF THINGS DONT GO PERFECTLY

Trust me when I say, you will have setbacks. Just remember- you can make the comeback bigger than the setback. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall, it only matters how many times you get up. You are going to have an off day. You will probably miss a workout. You may overindulge on a restaurant meal. This happens LITERALLY to everyone. Just remember that you can get right back on track with your next meal or your next workout. Don’t let one slip up ruin a whole day, or worse, your week! Learn from it, and do better the next time.

This group of women wants to see you succeed!

GET TO KNOW THE COMMUNITY

You will be hard pressed to find a group of women who are more supportive than #tiugirls. They will cheer for you, give you tough love, a shoulder to cry on, and a great dinner idea when you’re stumped. Get to know them through your local community, though IG, or through workouts on the Studio Tone It Up app! Having a community who supports you (especially through a lifestyle change) can help you achieve your goals faster, and will celebrate with you every step of the way.  

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More than anything, just remember that you are in control of your happiness! Take a moment everyday to celebrate the fact that you are working towards creating the best version of Y-O-U. The challenge is yours, and yours alone.

xo, Terra