I think we can all agree... NO ONE likes getting sick. Which is why I put together this little guide of the holistic practices I use to fight illness fast. I mean, I knocked out my sore throat in 2 days flat just a few weeks ago using this exact routine.

And here's the crazy thing, for years, when I would get sick, I would get sick for a month at a time.

It always started the same, I'd get a sore throat, the sore throat would turn into a bronchitis, the bronchitis would turn into a deep chest cough, and on...

We're nearing the end of the year, and I have to tell you... I don't love New Year's resolutions. I don't love the idea of waiting for a day to decide to change your life in a positive way. I think the second you get an idea in your head that will better your life, you should start working on it. Right the F now. 

I also don't love resolutions because it sets you up for quitting. If you say you're going to workout 5 days per week the entire year, and then God forbid get sick for a week and can't, suddenly you're let off...

_{(Image credit: VeganLiftz)}

You might expect a post like this to be filled with the typical "you're eating too much," "your workouts aren't effective," "you aren't taking the right supplements." But honestly, in my 7 years of experience as a trainer, those have not been the true reasons for stalled (or never started) weight loss.

In this post, I'm going to outline the biggest underlying culprits preventing you from reaching your health and fitness goals, I'm going to give you some basic tools you can start using today to begin making...

I'm telling you right now, you are going to look at the ingredients in this recipe and think, That's it... Kat's gone off the deep end. 

But I swear to you, these brownies are delicious, fudge-y, soft, and decadent. You would never think they were actually healthy for you.

Don't believe me? Give them a shot!

Ingredients

• 1 15-oz. can reduced sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 3 eggs
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• 3/4 c coconut sugar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 c cacao powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp...

Sugar cravings. The two words that can ignite fear in the fiercest of dieters, the fitness warriors, the health fanatics. 

Sugar cravings. The destroyer of weight loss goals, the seemingly insurmountable desire for sweetness, the ever present frustration and saboteur of all things healthy.  

Sugar cravings. Are they possible to truly beat? Or will we face this foe forever?

Let's find out...

I'm sure you've heard the study that explains how sugar is just as, if not more addictive than cocaine. Which means the battle to...

"I always have this poochy belly..."

"I hate my thick thighs..."

"By butt is too big..."

"I wish my arms looked more defined..."

We all have that one area of our body that drives us nuts and, of course, it always seems like the most stubborn body part to tone, tighten, or taunt into submission. 

Why? Why is there such a thing as a "trouble zone?" And is there anything to be done about it?

Well, while there are a million DVD's and workout programs out there titled things like Chiseled Abs, Thigh Slimmer, and Burn Off That...

Because sometimes you just need some simple guidelines to fall back on...

1. Thou shalt treat thy body the way it deserves to be treated.

2. Thou shalt not go back for seconds.

3. Thou shalt move daily.

4. Honor thy veggies and thy fruits. 6 servings per day to be exact.

5. Though shalt not covet sugar and alcohol.

6. Though shalt drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily.

7. Though shalt not kill... the entire pie. Watch those portions ;)

8. Though shalt bring the joy.

9. Thou shalt not steal from thy sleepy time.

10. ...

As the busiest travel day of the year approaches, I know staying on track to reach your weight loss goals can pose a challenge. It feels like you have less control of your food, your schedule, and let's be honest, your will power. 

But I have to tell you, it isn't as difficult as it seems when you have a plan. I once had a client site traveling as her biggest barrier to weight loss as her job shipped her around the country two weeks out of the month. Often times she was staying in small towns without a lot of options.

However,...

Often times, people assume they have to turn their world upside down and inside out if they want to change their life for the better.

But truth be told, the more overwhelming the shift, the less likely you are to be consistent. And with no consistency, comes no lasting change. 

Which is why I wanted to give you this list of 5 easy-to-implement habits that can truly change your health, your mind, your mood, your energy, and your life for the better. 

1. Eat at least 5 servings of produce.

Most people feel like crap because...

Oh hey holiday season, where'd you come from? Oh, out of nowhere?? Yeah... sounds about right!

Ya'll (yes, I say "ya'll")... I cannot believe we are already in November. I cannot believe we are 2 months away from 2019. And I cannot believe that between now and said new year, the average American will gain 10 freaking pounds! 

Guys... we've got to raise the bar this year. We've got to do better, we've got to be better, we've got to set a better example for the next generation. And we've got to stop normalizing the holiday weight...