Bodybuilding Bakery – Part 1: Bodybuilders Brownies

By CandiceMaria | December 26, 2014

So I’ve tweaked a familiar black bean brownies recipe into the yummy yet lean holiday treat you see in the pic! See the macros as follows:

The nut butter icing in the above pic is optional and is not tallied into the recipe or macros.Basically add any topping of choice for flavor or mood for the moment but don’t go overboard.

Recipe ingredients are as follows:

INGREDIENTS
1 15 oz. can (~ 1 3/4 cups) low sodium black beans, well rinsed and drained
2 large flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal & 5 tbsp water)
3 T organic refined coconut oil, melted (or sub other oil of choice)
2/3 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder (the higher quality the better)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 heaping cup Stevia baking sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
slightly ground or pulsed in a food processor or coffee grinder for refined texture
Optional toppings/mix-ins: 1/4 cup slivered almonds
30 g semisweet chocolate chips

~ Merry GAINZ Mas…I AM CANDICE MARIA ~

Isolate and Grow: Nourish Your Goals – Part 2

By CandiceMaria | November 30, 2014

Isolate and Grow: Nourish Your Goals – Part 2

ISO-Ambassador Search: Challenge 2: Vote for me before December 1st at http://www.isolatorfitness.com

Click the InfoGraphic below to watch my challenge video submission and see why I love my #ISOBag!

Until next time…#EatClean, #TrainDirty and #IsolateandGrow compliments of your very own #ISOBag on sale NOW at http://www.isolatorfitness.com

~ I AM CANDICE MARIA ~

Beyond the Flex: Passion & Progress

By CandiceMaria | November 26, 2014

“Started from the bottom, now we are here.” ~ Drake

I began composing this blog about a month ago, and finally decided to publish it going into the season of giving thanks, I am grateful for this trip I am on.

It has become more and more evident that my lifestyle has changed more than just my physical appearance and the responses I get from others. It has changed my outlook on life.

Simple everyday decisions are life changing actions that lead to so many milestones at 30 something years of life with more to come!

Just the simple act of shopping for clothes just a few months ago during my competition prep brought tears to my eyes.

So when I finally decided to break down and go shopping, I was mortified by disbelief that I had managed to drop approximately 2.5 dress sizes during the beginning of my competition season.

In choosing what to try on was such a proud moment. Not having to switch out sizes because the size I thought I could wear was too small, but in fact too big for my newly discovered frame.

When size 10’s became 8’s, and 8’s became 6’s, and even 6’s became 4’s, I knew at that point, I was living a dream, and was in the best shape of my life.

Never in my life have I been that slim built, lean athletic girl. You know the track sprinting, glee club, popular, cartwheeling cheerleader type.

8th grade Basketball to 1st Figure Competition at 31

Nope, I was that shy, nerdy, kid on the chunky side of life, you know the one that the teachers loved, but the other students laughed at. My how the tables have turned!

Childhood Days - The Chunky Side of Life

I’m still that nerdy, shy kid on the inside, but on the exterior, I’m a lean mean roaring muscle machine and I’m not done roaring yet, in fact I’m just getting started! To be continued. … I AM CANDICE MARIA

#AestheticallyAthletic #ActionFigure

Genetics? It’s Called Hard Work

By CandiceMaria | October 17, 2014

The Million Dollar Smile of a Dream Chaser

If you took a journey back in time in my life up to today, you would debate heavily the potential of this once round child transforming naturally into a competitive figure athlete.

1st Place Open Figure Tall NANBF Global Cup Championship

Bad or Good genetics? Neither its called get off your ass and stop making excuses.

I have been asked recently was I just “genetically lean and built? However flattering, I simply replied, nope, “just hard work and eating right”.

People always want to tell me how much they already work out, but when I ask about their nutrition and eating habits, things get uncertain. “Oh I eat clean, I eat this, that, and the other!” Then I hit them with well how much are you eating? Are you getting enough protein? Limiting your simple carbs? And it’s “case closed” nothing left to say or the excuses begin about how they can’t maintain this or that. The macros tell all! You have to adjust the diet in order to perform at optimal potential and see results from your workouts! Sometimes it requires sacrifice and at all times commitment, something the majority of people just aren’t ready for.

I believe in clean flexible dieting. Flexible doesn’t mean go crazy and eat what you want, hence why I call it “clean”! Fuel your body with a wealth of healthy food choices of your liking! That’s the “flexibility” part!

So no I’m not a genetic miracle. This body wasn’t built overnight. It’s a testimate of focused dedication to my physique, my health and my future!

Until next time. .. #EatClean…#TrainDirty

~ I AM CANDICE MARIA ~ #AestheticallyAthletic

T-Walk 2014 NANBF Global Cup Championship

Isolate and Grow: Nourish Your Goals

By CandiceMaria | September 21, 2014

The following blog will show you step by step how I #IsolateandGrow with the help of my #IsoBag!

Step 1 : Stock up on healthy food and clean eats! Can’t eat healthy if your kitchen isn’t healthy!

Step 2: Pick a cooking day. Cook as much as you want to have ready in advance. I typically do 2 to 3 days worth because I’m in competition prep.

Step 3: Fill the handy containers. How nifty are these! I typically store what ive cooked and fill my containers nightly for the next day’s worth of meals.

If I know my schedule is going to be super hectic I will fill containers for 2 days worth of meals.

Step 4: Refrigerate until morning or Pack your #IsoBag. If you filled your containers for the next day or several days just place everything in the refrigerator.

If you filled containers specifically for that day go ahead and pack your bag.

Step 5: Hit the ground running, your #IsoBag has you covered! As a busy full time grad student, yoga teacher , fitness trainer, part time nurse and figure competitor staying fueled with healthy food on the go is essential to my success.

The following are just a few highlights from a typical day with my #IsoBag:

The list goes on! Trust the process, trust the bag and #IsolateandGrow!

Until next time. ..#EatClean…#TrainDirty

~ I AM CANDICE MARIA ~

Don’t forget to visit Isolator Fitness to vote for me to become your next #ISOAmbassador

Training 101: The Proper Way to Hire a Trainer

By CandiceMaria | September 19, 2014

So many times I’ve had people half heartedly say to me, “I need you to train me!” or “Oh, are you a trainer, well I want to get rid of my stomach, belly fat, etc…..” the list goes on. However, I never entertain such statements because they are empty. Not that I’m so high and mighty, but because my time and skills have a value.

In this post I have outlined 5 Very Important Steps to gaining the serious attention of a professional personal trainer. These steps are as follows:

1 – Be serious about your health and fitness level and have pre set goals in mind that you desire to attain. I can’t stress this point enough. I will refuse to train you if you’re not serious about the work at hand and making progress.

2 – Approach the trainer with a sincere need for their services. Please don’t waste my time or your own with foolish uneducated banter, hence step number one, Be Serious!

3 – Tell the trainer what your goals are and be specific. Vanity is not a goal, and neither is spot reduction, that’s something you tell a cosmetic surgeon (ie. Liposuction, tummy tuck, etc). Professional Personal Trainers are not in the business of “quick fixes” true transformation requires time and hard work!

4 – Have a strong work ethic. I can give you a plan but a willingness to execute the plan, I can’t give you that, that’s on you.

5 – Have a set a deadline. Goals are the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result. Literally a destination or point marking the end of a race. So not only do you need a goal, you need a deadline for reaching that goal.

So with that said, I don’t ignore people’s statements like the examples above because I’m being arrogant, I’m saving space in my schedule for the people that understand my 5 Step Process!

Until next time. …#EatClean…#TrainDirty!

~ I AM CANDICE MARIA ~

TRAINER’S CORNER: Biweekly Update Feb. 2014

By CandiceMaria | February 12, 2014

TRAINER’S CORNER: Biweekly Update Feb. 2014

So it’s a little later in the week than usual that I am sending this out, but here are your bi-weekly updates:

FITNESS CONSULTATIONS at ANYTIME FITNESS – MCCALLA

If you are in the Scale Back Alabama program and not sure how to begin losing the 10 pounds you need to schedule your consult NOW! Contact me at 205-239-7794 to book your appointment!

Also, if you are a member of Anytime Fitness – McCalla and are stuck in a rut with your current workout routine you need to call me NOW as well to set up a fitness consultation so I can help you get back on track!

SHARE MY JOURNEY CONTEST

DEADLINE is FRIDAY! VALENTINE’S DAY!

SUBMIT YOUR VIDEOS HERE

Don’t miss the opportunity to train with me for a MONTH FREE of CHARGE + Attend all of the shows I am planning to compete in for the 2014 Figure & Fitness Competition Season!

NEW CLASSES

Join me for

Gentle Flow Yoga at Lake View Country Club in McCalla

10:00 A.M. Wednesdays starting March 5, 2014

$40/4 Weeks of Class General Admission

Open also to Silver Sneakers Insurance Card Holders FREE of CHARGE

~Please remember to bring your own mat to each class~

Candi’s F.I.T. Camp at A NU U Barber & Beauty Salon in Pelham

Faith – Inspired – Transformation Camp is open to women of ALL ages, shapes, & sizes to come together to discuss nutrition and fitness and discover how to transform their overall health mentally, physically, & spiritually!

The 12 Week Faith Inspired Transformation Program Runs March 9th through May 26th, 2014

Sundays & Mondays at 5:30 PM

Pre-Registration Required

Cost: $240*

*Installment Plan Available

Deadline to Register: March 8th

Contact Candice: 205-239-7794 or candicehubbard@gmail.com to register

Registration Link Coming Soon!

Also this Program is open to Silver Sneakers Insurance Benefit Cardholders for FREE!

SCALE BACK HEALTH TIPS:

If you are not receiving your health tips from the State Department, let me know. Below is a summary of the past week’s Health Tips:

1) Are you READY? The ONLY way to be READY is to have a PLAN! Book a Fitness Consult with a Personal Trainer!

Preview of a Sample Workout I put some of my Current Clients’ Through

2) MOVE MORE! Simple enough, get started! Lose the EXCUSES & Find the RESULTS!

3) LOVE YOUR BODY: Give the Gift of HEALTH

Recipe for a Sweet Treat that’s Yummy & Good for You all at the Same Time

VEGAN GLUTEN FREE BLACK BEAN BROWNIES

*Current Clients I’m Whipping up a Special Batch Just for you guys this week! Happy Heart Day!*

~ Your Trainer ~

Candice Maria

TRAINER’S CORNER: Biweekly Update – Scale Back Alabama Edition

By CandiceMaria | January 28, 2014

TRAINER’S CORNER: Biweekly Update – Scale Back Alabama Edition

Welcome Scale Back Alabama Participants!

Congrats on taking the initial step towards better health!

Welcome also to my Biweekly Trainer’s Corner Update;

FUN ACTIVITIES for Scale Back Participants:

Scale Back Alabama Participant Special Personal Training Packages: Invest in the motivation and education you need to transform your body in 10 weeks with a nationally certified personal fitness trainer during your participation period in the Scale Back Alabama program! Good luck to you and your team!

Anytime Fitness McCalla Weigh-In Site ONLY:

10 Weeks – 1 x/ Week $35/Session $175/Month per Participant*

*up to 2 people only can sign up under the same plan with the 2nd person’s plan being discounted 50%*

FREE Initial Fitness Consultation and Personal Training Session: Anytime Fitness McCalla & Chelsea ONLY:

If you didn’t get a chance at weigh-in to set up your one-time FREE session contact me to get set up this week at Anytime Fitness McCalla. Anytime Fitness Chelsea Scale Back participants should contact any one of our team members at that location for scheduling that appointment.

*Unfortunately at this time, due to some recent changes in facility dynamics, I will not be offering any personal training services at the Tuscaloosa YMCA weigh-in location.

FREE Social Media Coaching & Accountability for ALL Weigh-in Locations:

#TWEETtheBURN for @ScaleBkAlabama

Follow me on Twitter: @IAMCandiceMaria and Follow Scale Back Alabama on Twitter: @ScaleBkAlabama

Each week during your 10 weeks in the contest, Tweet what you did that was healthy and tag me, @IAMCandiceMaria, your local area coordinator and @ScaleBkAlabama in your Tweet with hashtag #TWEETtheBURN

Example: @IAMCandiceMaria, I completed (Fill in Fitness or Nutrition Activity) for @ScaleBkAlabama #TWEETtheBURN

Other Announcements:

“SHARE MY JOURNEY” CONTEST DEADLINE EXTENDED: FEBRUARY 14th 2014

WIN a FREE Month of Personal Training with my Spring 2014 “Share My Journey” Contest. Winners not only receive a FREE Month of Personal Training Sessions with me as I prepare for the NPC & SNBF 2014 Bodybuilding, Figure, Fitness, & Bikini Competition Season, but also winners will be invited to a front row seat to all of my shows during the 2014 Competition Season! Along with other prizes as well as be featured on my Biweekly Blog Updates as an Ambassador for Wellness!

Will you be 1 of 3 lucky winners in 2014!? Winners will be announced in February, Training begins in March!

Contest available for Anytime Fitness-McCalla location ONLY!

Share my journey to the stage and beyond by sharing your story with me so that I can inspire you to chase your dreams in 2014! Submit a video about your story to candicehubbard@gmail.com to be considered eligible.

My Personal Training Location:

Anytime Fitness-McCalla

4955 McAdory School Rd

McCalla, AL 35111

Booking a FREE Fitness Consultation is as simple as contacting me to set up an appointment!

Scale Back Alabama Local Area Coordinator

Candice M. Hubbard, BSN, RN, AFAA

Nationally Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach

205-239-7794

candicehubbard@gmail.com

www.iamcandicemaria.com and www.scalebackalabama.com

Trainer’s Corner: January Bi-Weekly Update

By CandiceMaria | January 13, 2014

Greetings Anytimers, Tuscaloosa Y’ers, & Everyone in Between!

Check out the video below for your Trainer’s Corner Biweekly Update

Other Announcements:

Zumba Fitness Party for Scale Back Alabama Kick-off at Anytime Fitness McCalla

Thursday, Jan. 16th at 6PM

New Scale Back Alabama Weigh-in Site for Tuscaloosa County: YMCA of Tuscaloosa County!

Anyone can create a TEAM! Team Captains can only be Captain for 1 Team! Team up to Lose 10 Pounds in 10 Weeks!

Trainer’s Corner: NYE 2013 Edition Weekly Update

By CandiceMaria | December 29, 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR HEALTHY PEOPLE!

Hope everyone is excited about what 2014 has in store for them! I AM!

TRAINING LOCATIONS:

ANYTIME FITNESS – MCCALLA, 4955 McAdory School Rd, McCalla, AL 35111

YMCA of Tuscaloosa County, 2405 Paul Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

This Week’s Training, Teaching, & Event Schedule is As Follows:

Keeping Up with Candice Maria

ANNOUNCEMENTS

It’s time to BOOST your Workout Routine!

Introducing

GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING OPEN HOUSE

with me

Anytime Fitness McCalla

JANUARY 1 – 27, 2014

Stop by the Information table by the Personal Trainer Office to select the class that will best meet your specific fitness goals for 2014!

*Look for your FREE Trial Session PostCard in the mail*

Get Ready for…..

28 Days that Will Change Your Life

The 28 ARBONNE Essentials Day Detox Boot Camp Launch

January 3 – 31, 2014

Set your intentions for a healthier NEW YOU in 2014! Lose old habits and build a foundation for success!

Visit the ARBONNE Store at Anytime Fitness McCalla or Contact me via phone or email to register!

Registration is ONLY $25 to receive my 28-Day Detox e-book and daily journal + the cost of your ARBONNE Essentials Kit!

Working out is ALWAYS Better with Friends!

TEAM UP to Lose 10 – in – 10 while competing for Cash Prizes from the

Alabama Dept. of Health!

It’s Scale Back Alabama at Anytime Fitness-McCalla!

www.scalebackalabama.com

Stop by the information table by the Personal Trainers Office to Register your Team!

I am looking for 10 People to be Team Captains!

Official Weigh-In will begin January 18-24, 2014

and lastly….

The Launch of the Spring 2014 “Share My Journey” Contest

What’s your Story? Don’t forget to send in your submissions between January 1 – 31, 2014 to be considered for my Spring 2014 “Share My Journey” Contest. Winners not only receive a FREE Month of PT Sessions with me at either Anytime Fitness* or YMCA of Tuscaloosa County* as I prepare for the NPC & SNBF 2014 Bodybuilding, Figure, Fitness, & Bikini Competition Season, but also winners will be invited to a front row seat to all of my shows during the 2014 Competition Season!

*Membership at either facility is required to enter contest*

Share my journey to the stage and beyond by sharing your story with me so that I can inspire you to chase your dreams in 2014!

~ Blessings ~

Candice Maria

Amateur Fitness Athlete | USATF Running Coach | Personal Trainer | Writer | Creative Director of The CapoKinesis Method

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VEGAN GLUTEN FREE BLACK BEAN BROWNIES

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