Can Shakeology help with fibromyalgia?

Recently on a Facebook thread a person asked the question if Shakeology has helped with fibromyalgia in any way? Now, this is not a scientific or clinical study but this is what people said:

Marisa F.- I have fibromyalgia! Shakeology has made a huge difference!!! I suffered for years! I feel amazing now!!

Beth G.- I really have not thought about it Carl…but I have not had many flare ups since starting on Shakeo..that being said…I have it very mild

Carlos M.- I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 2 years ago, but have several other issues as well. I started shakeology almost 2 months ago & little by little I’m feeling better. Even eating healthier because I’m losing those old cravings & snacking habits. Lost 10 lbs & although it didn’t happen overnight, with daughter Jenna’s encouragement I pressed on. I now have energy to workout, taking it at a slower pace than the majority of TLS, but I’m not giving up! At 65 yrs old, I’m grateful to have connected with such a strong, dedicated & loving bunch of people who care about others. That in its self is worth it!

Susi K.- I do. I have had Fibro for YEARS. My Rheumatoid Specialist wanted me on 3 different meds for the pain. One of them was to control the symptoms from one of the other meds. I told him no and that I would find an herbal remedy. Shakeology AND working out has kept my Fibro in check. I NO longer have pain. I don’t take meds. This is what I take: Shakeology, Joint Support, Herbal Immune and Cor Cal Mag from BB. I feel great. When I am in pain, I will take 2 aspirin and work out to Light and Easy from YBB. I FOUND AN HERBAL REMEDY AND IT WORKS.

Eric H.- My wife has it and since being on shakeology and working out with slim in 6 she hasn’t had any pain

Nia P.- I had painful fibro pains for over 12 yrs…my pains have vanished after a month of shakeology..will recommend to everyone!

Kristin K.- don’t let a fibromyalgia diagnosis stop you! it’s like arthritis, you HAVE TO MOVE, it will make you feel better! I was diagnosed 13 years ago, and i decided to ignore it. I started doing yoga, getting stronger, feeling better. Now I do Turbofire and drink my shakeology every day. No more tender pressure points, not nearly as much depression, fatigue, sure, because I’m BUSY enjoying my life!

Robin B.- I’m a walking testimony – I was diagnosed with Fibro after a car accident and given medication with the prognosis “I’ll have good days and bad days”. I was severely limited – from the time I got up until I went to bed. Because of that I gained 30 pounds and then diagnosed with Clinical Depression, which they wanted to medicate me for as well. I did my research and found how important nutrition was for this auto-immude disorder and others and Shakeology was my saving grace. I come off all medication, lost 30 PLUS pounds and within 90 days was able to enjoy P90X and insanity again. I have since not gone a day without it.

Carol S.- I had it and I have been doing Shakeology since it came out. After the first 6 to 8 months of having 1 shake for breakfast I was 100% medication free. My spasms and pain from the fibro were gone. I could get up and down off the floor and everything! It has changed my life and my families. Thank you so much for your wife having a plan. It gave me my life back!

Deyanna B.- I have Fibromyalgia and MS! I feel amazing using my Shakeology. Having autoimmune problems I am also very careful as to what I put into my body now! My Health is my Wealth!! Only the BEST for me!!! =)

Cheryl H.- I was diagnosed with Fibromylgia 15 years ago and was on meds for it until I was on Shakeology for a few months. I have probably been given a total of over 40 different RX’s since I first had the virus that affected my heart and immune system. Was on 19 last January. Down 9 after several months in the Shakelogy and now take 3.

Michele W.- I have fibromyalgia for about 20 years and trust me – proper nutrition is half the key to feeling better. I have tried shakeology and if I remember correctly, by the third day I was feeling pretty good! A shake a day and good nutrition and and all I really need is Motrin once in awhile!

Christina S.- Shakeology has helped me push thru the chronic fatigue that is believed to be a symptom of my fibromyalgia

Leigh Ann P.- I was diagnosed about 11 years ago triggered by a miscarriage and hereditary from my mom. When Jason suggested we start working out together I told him there was not way because of the pain. I did anyway and I will never stop. I do drink Shakeology and I know with the combination of working out and drinking the shakes I no longer have this diagnosis!! Lots of prayer too!

Katherine B.- Yes. It directly helps the fatigue which leads to me having the energy to workout and ease the physical pain suffered from my condition. It’s the very reason I drink at least a shake a day and have for almost two years. When I was first diagnosed with it, I wasn’t aware of Shakeology and was drinking energy drinks just to get through the day, which proved counter-productive after a time, because they are like a drug in that one must consume more and more for the same results. I gained a bunch of weight from the medication and the drinks and then my bro gave me some Shakeology, enough for a couple of weeks and I knew It was a new staple in my daily caloric intake.

Reva D.- Shakeology and Slim in 6 helped me with the fatigue and keeps NW from getting too sore. I notice a big difference when I don’t drink it regularly!

Rhonda F.- I have Fibromyalgia and it helps in many ways.

Michelle M.- Yes my mom has Fybromyalia and since I got her going on Shakeology 7 months ago she does feel better … all over. She is 59 and was getting worse and was even thinking on going to meds until I talked her into trying Shakeology. So far no meds and she is better so has to be Shakeology. Has to be. She also said her hair, nails and digestion is better. So really I have to say thanks to such a great product and company…glad to be a coach

Karina C.- I suffer from Fybromialgia in my back and Shakeology has helped with the fatigue. Immediately after I take it a feel a rush of energy to go on with my day. I truly love it The energy I feel is natural and pumps me up for the day; makes me want to exercise. I have to take it everyday though and I have felt a great change in my body because of it

Heather C.- Carl I have fibromyalgia and use shakeology every day. I also have a bunch of fibro customers that also use it. I find it helps the pain, energy levels and ibs.
Genia J.- I have multiple autoimmune disorders, and the answer is : YES! It does. My Rheum specialist says that I’m healthy, and most of my disorders are in remission. I have problems with swallowing and digestion. Shakeology has helped with both. I also does wonders for inflammation.

Theresa L.- Carl, I myself has fibromyalgia. Since being on shakeology theres has been a big improvement on what I can do. I still have my ups and downs but on a good day I can excercise. Prior to Shakeolgy I couldn’t do any excercise at all. So I would say Shakeology definately helps fibromyalgia. I hope this helps.

Barbara G.- I have fibromyalgia and I feel the best on the days I have Shakeology for lunch; and do my TurboFire almost every day. It’s the best combination in the world and it sure beats medications!

Bernie M.- Carl, I have suffered from the condition for around 12yrs, since getting fit using beachbody exercise programs and shakeology over the past 12 months I have found significant improvements in my condition. Previously I was on prescribe medication called Lyrica having 600mg per day, in addition to having 500ml of tramadol (pain killer) 3 times a day. The medication was a hard on my body as the condition itself. With improved fitness and better nutrition including shakeology I personally founda reduction in joint inflamation and pain, improved brain function with a reduction in brain fog, improved sleep quality, and a significant improvement in mood due to increased natural production in seratonin levels. Personally over the last 12 month I have now been able to stop taking lyrica + tramodol, and now just take a suppliment of melatonin to aid restful sleep. I can’t tell u the improvements in the quality of life they are plentiful + hughely significant!

Renee G.- I was diagnosed a little over two years ago with Fibromyalgia. My doctor told me to keep moving, and not to let the soreness and aches fool me. But I was taking at least 8 muscle relaxers per day and 4 Vicadin per day. I’ve been using Beachbody since March 2010, but the exercises were still a little rough on me. When I became a Coach and started Shakeology in November 2010, I cut way down on my muslce relaxers and pain meds. I only take them now either when I’ve overdone a workout or when the weather is really rainy and cold. So I would say that it is definitely doing something to help with all the inflammation I was having. I exercise 5 to 6 times per week and drink Shakeology every day. My pain level is now at 1 (depending on the weather) and my meds are as needed only.

Marianne V.- I’m an acupuncturist and herbalist. Some of my fibro patients have taken Shakeology and love it. One of them found her symptoms decrease by 80% within a week. I was surprised by her results and other similar fibro patients results. From a chinese medicine point of view, Shakeology would make perfect sense to incorporate

Linda S.- I do …it made a huge difference,i had been to specialists that said sorry deal w the pain. I would sit n cry because I hurt so bad,even to breath!! A few days in was a huge change for me,1 week into shakeology no more pain. I havent had a drop of pain since! I have a new coach same thing

Jonathan G.- Wow! These comments and reactions are absolutely amazing. I have been drinking Shakeology myself for years so I am a firm believer in how great it is. It is important to remind everybody that while we are always thrilled to hear about people having incredible experiences with Shakeology and improving their fitness, eating habits and overall wellness, that these are personal experiences and not any medical or scientific statements.

You have nothing to lose by trying Shakeology! 30 day, money back guarantee! Tropical is 100% vegan & dairy free! All flavors are gluten free and low glycemic!
See what doctors have to about Shakeology! Click HERE.

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!

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!

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!

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!

Excuses

I have been full of excuses this week, which is why that is today's topic. When I reached my 30 days on P90x & Shakeology and took those progress pictures I was so excited! I thought to myself, "There is no way, no how, I am ever going back to that person I was." Then a few days later I find out I have a stress fracture on my foot and put in a soft cast for a minimum of 6 weeks. Talk about bursting my bubble. I think alot of why I didn't get checked before was because I knew I had something wrong and I didn't want to stop my work outs. Well that did me no good. I may actually end up needing surgery because I decided to push through the pain and not take my health seriously. That is where I started making excuses. BIG mistake!

So I get this cast on and I'm still so fired up about my nutrition because of my wonderful upline Coach encouraging me to continue eating clean, drinking Shakeology and doing minimal workouts as approved by my doctor. Basically I am not suppose to do any weight bearing exercise. It has only been 2 weeks and already after one week I give in to my emotions and fall off the nutrition wagon. I have gained a few pounds back and my waist line is increasing. My second excuse was, "Well I'm not going to get the results I would be getting if I could continue P90x so why not give in to the easy fast food options. I won't see results anyways." BIG mistake!

Then I hear the doorbell this morning and what was sitting at my door....

My order of Chocolate Shakeology!

This is the healthiest meal of the day that I get to enjoy in the form of a delicious shake. This is when it hit me. I am fueling my body with the most nutritious natural ingredients around the world for one meal a day, then why am I sabbatoging my goals by eating junk the rest of the time?!?!?

Nutrition is 80% of your battle!!! If I can get my nutrition in order then the other 20% is my fitness. I have a minimum of 4 weeks in this cast to research, plan, and perfect my nutrition. Instead of focusing on what I cannot do while I'm recovering I'm going to focus on what I can do....Nutrition!!!

No one said this was going to be easy. In fact I loved looking at this as a challenge but when you are changing habits you have formed over years it will take time to break some of those habits. You may even stumble and fall down. What is the most important step in all of this...is that you dust yourself off, get back up, and get back on track!

Do not let your excuses keep your from your goals! Everyone has a busy life and things that will come up from time to time but you are the only one that can turn your goals into a reality!

So this is my word of encouragement to you. Don't beat yourself up for what you have been doing. Instead, make the decision to change today! If you are wanting to make changes to live healthier, look leaner and add years to your life..then I would love to help you along that journey. You can sign up here to get your FREE Team Beachbody membership and I will be your coach!

If you would like to join our Challenge Group starting next Monday, April 2nd please email me TODAY and we can talk more. VanessaWest@beachbodycoach.com

Nutrition + Exercise + Peer Support = SUCCESS!!!

Grief..why we must deal with it.

I've been focusing on health and nutrition topics but I want to take a moment to discuss something more personal. Did you realize that your emotional state can affect your health? If you are dealing with negative emotions this can lead to stress, depression, anxiety or many other issues. If you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle you cannot neglect your emotional needs as well as your physical needs.

I've been struggling with emotions the past few days. I wasn't really sure why but then I realized tonight at my Healing Journey Class that I was indeed grieving several things. Now I will not get into all of them but there is one topic I wanted to touch on.

People that know me know my daughter, Arianna. She is 5-years old and such a blessing!

Well Arianna was born with 5 congenital heart defects and a genetic condition called, DiGeorge Syndrome (also known as 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome)

She had open heart surgery at 5-months old and will require another heart surgery in the future. She has endured numerous tests, procedures, 2 surgeries (heart related), therapy sessions, doctors appointments and much more. She is my Hero!

As I was sitting in my healing journey class tonight and the topic was on grief and how important it is to allow yourself to truly grieve and then invite God to heal these wounded areas of your heart.

I realized that I am always grieving when it comes to Arianna's health. There will be times I hear about a friends child starting kindergarden and I just want to cry because my daughter has a compromised immune system and after only 6 weeks of preschool I had to take her out of school. I may hear someone complain about having to take off work because their child is sick and I just get so upset because they can fight off an illness with some rest and TLC, where almost every time Arianna gets a respiratory illness she is on oxygen and it tends to turn into pneumonia. I wish we could deal with the simple things in life but everything is always so complicated when it comes to my daughter.

Now that being said I am extremely grateful that God choose me to be her mother. Having a child with a chronic medical condition has been eye opening. I do not take anything for granted and cherish every day I have with my kids.

I'm now learning that I not only have to allow myself to grief the lose of a healthy child but I have to give all these painful feelings up to Him. No one can heal my wounds but God.

Maybe you don't have a child with a medical condition but you are holding onto something that is disrupting the peace in your life. I encourage you to seek God and give Him the hurtful things of your life. I'm still learning how to do this. I can honestly say if it wasn't for the Healing Journey Class that I've been taking the past 26 week I would not be able to sit here and write this blog right now. I felt ashamed of my feelings and what I might say offend someone. But not anymore because God is healing my wounds. I know out of my hurts I want to help others. I am not perfect and may stumble from time to time but I know as long as I get back up and keep pressing forward in the life that God has planned for me then I will have the blessings of the Lord poured out in my life.