Monday, April 30, 2012

French Toast with Strawberry Syrup

I woke up craving some French toast. I am a big breakfast eater, which is why I drink my Shakeology for lunch instead of breakfast. So after seeing Kati's post this morning about Grilled Banana Sandwich. I decided it was time I take to the kitchen and make a healthy version of French toast!



Ingredients:
2 pieces of whole wheat bread
1 egg
Brown suger
Almond Milk (or low fat milk)
Cinnamon
Vanilla Extract
Strawberries







Directions
Heat frying pan. You can use a little spray if you would like.
Beat egg in a bowl. Add a splash of Almond milk, sprinkle of cinnamon, dash of vanilla.
Dredge bread in egg mixture then place on frying pan. 
Sprinkle brown sugar on the side facing up. Then flip and cook other side.




 

Place strawberries in blender or food processor for 30 seconds.



Pour strawberry mixture over French toast and ENJOY!

Friday, April 27, 2012

How Do I Really Know if Shakeology Is Worth the Money When Everything Else Costs Less?

 From The Blog - Shakeology

There are many protein shakes and meal replacements that are less expensive than Shakeology. But comparisons based on the simple "protein shake" or even "health shake" are usually off the mark and don't stack up to Shakeology.

Shakeology was designed for people who want more than protein, and for people who want the health benefits being represented by the ingredients on the label. To really know whether a product measures up to Shakeology, you need to keep some things in mind:

How much is enough?

 

We are proud of Shakeology's 70+ ingredients. Other shakes will trumpet the number of ingredients they have too. But are the ingredients they are counting actually good for you? Are there any artificial flavors or colors listed in those ingredients? Not in Shakeology!

Are they derived from whole-food sources? They are in Shakeology! Too often the "magic ingredient" has been isolated from the enzymes and phytonutrients that actually make the ingredient useful when consumed.

And does the competition formulate for the synergistic benefits between the ingredients, or just slap together whatever is hot in the media? Shakeology was specially formulated for the collection of ingredients to work together like a symphony; this combination is so effective, some people report dramatic benefits within the first week. Other supplements point to one or two individual ingredients and build a "story" around their superfood attributes.

Protein

 

Pay attention to a product's protein source or blend. Protein sources like whey protein hydrolysate have been shown to trigger a much higher insulin response in the body. That's not an outcome we would tolerate in Shakeology.

Our protein source is whey protein isolate, which is more than 90 percent pure protein. Plus, Shakeology is loaded with digestive enzymes and lactase—that's the enzyme that breaks down lactose and is found in over-the-counter products like Lactaid®. Don't confuse whey protein concentrate with isolate. Whey protein concentrate is the least pure form of whey protein made. The benefit of isolate versus concentrate is that the fat has been removed to achieve isolate. The fat in whey protein is what carries toxins consumed by the animal. That's the reason Shakeology can be used by so many people who are lactose-intolerant—because those toxins have been removed through the isolate process.

For our vegan formulation, we use sprouted brown rice protein, not soy. Does the competition use ANY soy in their formulation? Soy protein contains estrogen, mimicking compounds that can interfere with your hormones. On top of that, most of the soy in the marketplace is GMO (genetically modified). These are two important reasons why we don't use soy in Shakeology.

Glycemic index tested . . .

 

In terms of sugar, many protein shakes contain 1 gram of sugar or less. This is because they are using artificial chemical sweeteners. (Check the label for sucralose, aspartame, or sugar alcohols.)
 Shakeology's small amounts of sugar comes from natural sources and whole superfoods like coconut flower nectar and luo han guo, which are easily processed by the body and, in fact, have been tested and certified by an independent lab to have a low glycemic index of 24—that's lower than most fruits! (An apple is 36, and an orange is 43.)

What's not in the base, they may suggest you add later

 

Other shakes don't cost as much as Shakeology at first glance, but they also don't contain the full profile of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for some vitamins and minerals, or whole-food sources of antioxidants, phytonutrients, adaptogen herbs, prebiotics, probiotics, or digestive enzymes. We've seen competitors make you buy a separate vitamin pack for $150 per month! Once you add it up, this is hardly a "good deal," and it's usually hardly even a good product.

To achieve the benefits of Shakeology we've seen, competitors charge between $250 and $335 per month! $120 doesn't seem expensive when you realize all of the benefits Shakeology delivers.

SUMMARY:

Formula: 70+ of the healthiest ingredients from whole-food sources from around the world VERSUS protein, fillers, artificial coloring, and isolated glamour ingredients
Winner: Shakeology

Protein Source: Shakeology's pure whey protein isolate or plant-based sprouted brown rice protein VERSUS soy, hydrolyzed whey, and/or whey concentrate blend
Winner: Shakeology

Taste: Rich Chocolate, tangy Greenberry, or fruity Tropical Strawberry Shakeology VERSUS chemically-derived, artificially-flavored competition
Winner: Shakeology

Price: $120 for Shakeology VERSUS—Oops! It's impossible to compare lesser formulations on price. But if you add in all the separate vitamins and flavoring agents the other companies ask you to buy to match the benefits and nutritional content of Shakeology, you would easily spend over $300 every month—that's 2 and half times the cost of Shakeology!
Winner: Shakeology

But the best comparison is results. From weight loss, to reduction in cravings, to regularity, to healthier cholesterol levels, to increased energy levels, to an overall sense of well being . . . We give a bottom-of-the-bag guarantee on Shakeology because we KNOW people will be amazed by how they feel. Shakeology is the winner by a total knock out!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Reflection


I was looking at my measurements from exactly a year ago and cannot believe I have lost 20 lbs and 20 inches!!! I started and stopped P90x twice due to issues with my back. I complained about the price of Shakeology and put off getting it. Man was that a BIG mistake! The lbs and inches just feel off when I started my 3rd round of P90x along with Shakeology. Many people get intimidated by Beachbody because they think its only P90x and Insanity. NOPE! There are many workout programs for people of ALL physical capabilities. I can work with you to find the perfect program for you. We also have the healthiest and nutritious health shake...Shakeology. Even if you can't get started with a workout program I highly recommend Shakeology to help fuel your body with everything it needs. I have seen diabetics come off insulin, cholesterol levels lowered, energy increased, the list goes on and on. The most common thing I hear is "I can't afford it" I have to tell you its a lot cheaper to get a workout program you do from home. You buy the program and its yours forever, no gym membership, no paying for gas to drive anywhere. You wake up and PRESS PLAY! With Shakeology the price comes out to $4 a day. That is cheaper then a McDonalds happy meal or capppuccino at Starbucks but you are fueling your body with the most nutritious and delicious shake! I only say this because I was that person a year ago. I wanted changed and a healthier lifestyle but I wasn't willing to invest in it. I thank God that I finally came to my senses because I want to be around for my children, grandchild and great grandchildren one day. Yes, I plan to live that long!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Homemade Yogurt Bites



This is such an easy and fun treat for the kids. Great for a healthy and refreshing snack in the hot summer days. But you have to eat them quickly before they melt!

What you need:

  • Yogurt (I prefer Greek yogurt)
  • Cookie Sheet
  • Pastry Bag or you can use a ziplock bag and cut off one of the corners.


This was my first time using the pastry bag and I loved how they came out!


Stick the cookie sheet in the freezer for about an hour before serving. Make sure you keep them in the freezer if you do not plan on eating them yet.


Serve and Enjoy!