Tonight will be last workout in the Master's Hammer & Chisel 8-week program, which features a mixture of light weightlifting and cardio. It had been years since I had lifted weights regularly, so it took my body a little while to adjust.

During these 8 weeks, I made sure to drink at least one protein shake per day; typically mixed with skim milk. There are many different brands of pre & post workout protein mixes, so finding the best one to suit your needs can be challenging.

Earlier this month, I received a sample box full of Grizzly Protein samples from ETB (Eat The Bear) Fit, featuring three different flavors - Chocolate, Vanilla and Chocolate Peanut Butter. Each Non-GMO Whey Protein Isolate flavor is free of banned substances, gluten and lactose.

The Grizzly Protein Vanilla contains zero sugars, zero fat, 25g protein and 100 total calories. Vanilla isn't my favorite flavor for a protein shake as I've tried several ones that have tasted bland. To my surprise, this vanilla protein mix actually tastes pretty good.

Well, I've almost made it through my first week of The Master's Hammer and Chisel workout program, with tonight's workout being day 7. I hadn't watched any of the DVDs prior to starting the program, so I wasn't aware of what routines were in each one; which was the reason why I was surprised to find so many leg exercises in them. I don't have the best knees, so I've been extra careful not to injure myself. Let's just say that my body is extra sore from all the workouts.

I've mentioned many times on here about the importance of taking vitamins and supplements as they help your body recover from intense workouts and aid in your overall weight loss goals.

What is Moringa Oleifera?

Well, Moringa Oleifera is a small plant that can be found in North India, where the leaves are either eaten or used in herbal medicines. One cup of fresh chopped leaves contains protein, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Iron, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin A (from beta-carotene) and Magnesium. The leaves are also a great source of antioxidants.

The leaves in the Pure Moringa Oleifera have been freeze dried crushed (pulverized) and contain 1200mg per two vegetable capsules (there are 180 capsules in the bottle that was sent to me). It's mean to be used as a multivitamin that will help promote weight loss, increase your immunity and give you an energy boost.

Instead of kicking off a brand new workout routine on January 1st, I'm starring it tomorrow (Jan. 4th), which is the beginning of the first full week of 2016. The workout program that I'll be starting is The Master's Hammer and Chisel (Beachbody) that will last for 8 weeks; with each workout running between 20 to 40 minutes. 

I purchased the basic package, which comes with 6 DVDs, featuring 13 different workouts (the 10-minute AB Hammer is featured on each DVD) and two bonus workouts, 21 Day Fit Extreme: Dirty 30 Extreme and Body Best: Best Total Body. Also, there is a bonus disc with a a 17-minute workout called The Master's Cardio. Additionally, there is 7 color-coded containers and a protein shaker.

You can't just jump into a program like this without some simple preparations.

Here are three tips:

Figure out your meal plans and go to the grocery store.

A healthy diet is one of the important factors into getting into shape, which was something I was lacking last year. I've already cut out the energy drinks (yes, they're horrible for your body) and replaced it my bad habit with celery (my favorite vegetable).

Make sure you have the right equipment.

The Master's Hammer and Chisel requires light to heavy dumbbells, so make sure you have several different sizes (or the adjustable kind), so you can switch to different weights during the workouts. There are some floor workouts, so if your floor isn't carpeted or if you don't have a thick rug, I would recommend getting a yoga/exercise mat.

Drink Water!

Yep, you'll need plenty of water handy while exercising. I recommend getting a 16 to 20 ounce water bottle.

Update: While my original post was written on Sunday morning, I had forgotten to publish it until today. 

I do hope everyone didn't stuff themselves with too many sweets over the holidays! While I did let myself have a few pieces of fudge, I kept my sugar intake to a minimum, and I was able to drop a few pound during the last two weeks thanks to exercise and a dietary supplement that I've been taking. 

My original intention was to kick off a new weekly post called "Fitness & Coffee Sundays" on January 3, but I decided to go ahead and write my first post today. What will my new posts be about? Well, I'll have a small rambling about my own exercise routines and, then, I'll feature a review or spotlight on a fitness related product.