Sunday, August 5, 2012

Change is coming

I am completing my 4th week of ChaLEAN Extreme and finding myself excited and kind of nervous about my 30 day results. I've already hit my goal weight and I know the results I WANT to see and I know that it takes time to get there. But every day I'm making the choice to exercise and eat right. Well we all know life gets in the way sometimes. I had surgery this week and couldn't give 100% to my workouts and even the nutrition part of it has been a struggle. Okay, this is the moment where a lot of people give up! They dont see the immediate results like they want, change is uncomfortable at first, they are sore and tired and you find it so easy to go back to your old habits. This is the moment that defines you! Are you going to push forward and take control of your mind or give up and never have the results you want?


I want to remind everyone that every day you make the decision to get up PUSH PLAY and put your health as a priority is a day closer to your goals! You do not see results over night. It took years for you to get where you are right now and it will take time to sculpt it back to the body you want. You need to ask yourself: Are you feeling stronger? Do you walk taller?

Sometimes the changes that will happen first are the ones on the inside. You have to win the battle in your mind in order to make yourself get up and workout on the days when your body is telling you not to. Just remember you are investing in your health and your future and even though it may seem tough at first I promise it will get easier and easier if you just keep at it!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Closer look at Shakeology - What is MSM?

I want to take the time to explain some of the ingredients in Shakeology. But instead of overwhelming you with the entire list I'm going to take one ingredient a day. How does that sound?!?!

Tonight I was doing some research and the ingredient I wanted to talk about is MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), which is a very LONG word but what is it exactly?

MSM is a chemical found in plants, animals, and humans. It can also be made in a laboratory. People use it as a medicine.

MSM is used for chronic pain, osteoarthritis, joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, bursitis, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, musculoskeletal pain, muscle cramps, scleroderma, scar tissue, stretch marks, hair loss, wrinkles, protection against sun/wind burn, eye inflammation, oral hygiene, periodontal disease, wounds, cuts, and abrasions/accelerated wound healing. It is either taken by mouth or applied to the skin for these uses. You may have heard about MSM because of the book The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain. There isn’t much published scientific research to support its use.

MSM is also used for relief of allergies, chronic constipation, “sour stomach,” ulcers, a bowel disease called diverticulosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mood elevation, obesity, poor circulation, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It is also used for type 2 diabetes, liver problems, Alzheimer’s disease, lung disorders including emphysema and pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune disorders (systemic lupus erythematous), HIV infection and AIDS, and cancer (breast cancer and colon cancer).

Other uses of MSM include eye inflammation, mucous membrane inflammation, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, leg cramps, migraine, headaches, hangover, parasitic infections of the intestinal and urogenital tracts including Trichomonas vaginalis and Giardia, yeast infections, insect bites, radiation poisoning, and to boost the immune system.

MSM is also used to control snoring. In fact, directions for making MSM nose drops for snoring have been published, but there’s no evidence that MSM has any effect on snoring.

For me, ever since I've been drinking Shakeology my joints do not ache and I have not had a bought of bursitis. My daughter, who has chronic lung disease and asthma, has been drinking it and has not had a problem and now I can see how Shakeology is helping with that! She had 4 cases of pneumonia last year so the fact that she has been staying so healthy is HUGE!

Come back tomorrow to learn about another AMAZING ingredient in Shakeology!


Information provided by: WebMD

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Why I'm a Beachbody Coach

So I've had this on my heart the past week and wanted to talk about WHY I became a Beachbody coach. Obviously, the first initial motivator when I started P90X was because I was tired of being overweight and unhappy with my appearance. As I went through the first 4 weeks I realized that I was not this weak, undisciplined woman that I thought I was. The biggest part of changing anything in your life starts with your mind. I had to refresh my mind and the way I was thinking about My Health and My Life.

That lead me to the bible to see what is said about our health.


Our Responsibility to Care for our Body:

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given
to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,  for God bought you with a high price. So you
must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)

This is when it hit me! I need to be healthy not just for myself and my children but for God! 

The following week I found out my foot was fractured and was told I couldn't workout for a minimum of 12 weeks. I know that was the devil trying to steal my joy and get me off track. I won't lie it was not easy but I know that is just a short period of time compared to the big picture. So I decided to sign up as a coach and continue to help others in their health & fitness journey.

Now I want to make something clear. I do not work out because I think I need to get that 6-pack to look good or be accepted in society. I do it because I want to be healthy first and foremost so I can live a long life and be around for my children and grandchildren one day. Secondly, I want to be healthy enough to help in the nursery at church and get on the floor and play with the babies/toddlers. I want to be able to walk the streets distributing flyers about our upcoming Vacation Bible School. (Click HERE if you want to know more about that) I want to be able to stand and worship my Heavenly Father and life my hands in praise! I also know by having a transformation story I will be able to share my story with others and encourage them to do the same. Now I do not cram my religion down anyones throat but if you ask me, "How can you do such an intense program like P90X? How are you able to do 360 ab exercises in 12 minutes?" Or when others say they cannot continue because this new journey is too difficult for them. I will tell you this:


AND SO CAN YOU!!!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Beachbody Challenge

I'm finally getting to the point where I can start working out. I still have foot pain in the fracture site but I'm told it will take several months to get over that. SO...my plan is to start ChaLEAN Extreme on July 9th!!! I am so excited to get back to my workouts and finish my transformation! I'm already down 30lbs already since January and so close to my goal! If you want to join me we can start a Beachbody Challenge Group and motivate each other along the way! Who's ready to get in the BEST shape of their life?!?!?!



Saturday, May 5, 2012

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.

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!