Archive for September 2015

Be The Change You Want To See In The World!

Sunday, September 27, 2015


I didn't start my coaching business with a great amount of SKILL or KNOWLEDGE for that matter.

I literally had NO CLUE what I was doing when I signed up. I had never read a business book. I have no background in marketing or business. I’m not a personal trainer or a nutritional expert either.

What I did have, however, was a huge willingness to LEARN alongside some pretty big goals. I saw an opportunity to turn my life experiences into learning opportunities for others. In return, it helped me make sense of all the trials & failures.

My favorite quote has always been, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I knew my life could was meant to have a PURPOSE & I know that I could INSPIRE others by sharing what I've learned.


Right now, over 1/3 of the U.S. population is obese. The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the U.S. was $147 billion in 2008. I can’t even imagine what those numbers look like now.

Some PREVENTABLE obesity-related conditions include:
•Depression
•Disability
•Sexual problems
•Shame and guilt
•Social isolation
•Lower work achievement
•High triglycerides & low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
•Type 2 diabetes
•High blood pressure
•Metabolic syndrome
•Heart disease
•Stroke
•Cancer, including cancer of the uterus, cervix, endometrium, ovaries, breast, colon, rectum, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney & prostate
•Breathing disorders, including sleep apnea
•Gallbladder disease
•Gynecological problems, such as infertility and irregular periods
•Erectile dysfunction & sexual health issues
•Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
•Osteoarthritis
+ MORE!


It’s not just about obesity though. Regardless of shape, size, whatever – the way nutrition & exercise is viewed in this country needs to be reevaluated. Healthy food is boring? Healthy food tastes bad? No one has time to exercise?

The sad truth is that we don’t even really know what “real food” tastes like because we are so used to the artificial version.

Maybe it’s just me, but for as long as I can remember my doctor has always stressed how important it is to get 30 minutes of exercise daily & to eat real food. THAT is what I am trying to enforce & help people do. It IS possible, it IS achievable & you CAN make time for it.

I am so SO grateful for this crazy journey I'm on, I have learned so much in the process & I continue to learn something new every day. I love interacting with new people, I love helping people & I love knowing that my life has MEANING & PURPOSE.
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How To Meal Prep: 10 Tips!


 
 
“Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Let’s be honest though, how many times have you finished work and thought, “I’m too tired to cook and there’s nothing in the fridge. I just I’ll hit the drive-thru”? By planning and prepping, you will help to prevent that from happening. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed how much time and money you might save.

 

How To Meal Prep: 10 Tips!

1. Make a Plan!

Make a list of your favorite healthy foods, choose simple recipes that can be made quickly or in bulk, and decide what you’ll eat for every snack and meal. This step will get easier and faster the more you do it. Save your plan for a future week. Once you have a few meal prep menus in your collection, you can alternate them to keep things interesting.

2. Stick to Your Grocery List!

Do not let junk food sneak into your shopping cart, keeping it out of the house means not having to use your willpower to avoid it. You can make an impulse purchase but, only if you can find a way to fit it into your eating plan for the week. Keep your list simple and use recipes with similar ingredients so nothing goes to waste. By sticking to your list and by minimizing the impulse buys, you’ll help save yourself some money.

3. Don’t Forget About Shakeology!

This is important because it’s your daily dose of dense nutrition! Especially if you feel like you’re short on fruits and veggies or short on time, this is one healthy snack taken care of!

4. Keep Snacks Simple!

When you’re cooking everything for the week at once, it’s important to keep things simple. Save time by choosing snacks that don’t require a lot of time to put together. Fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and pre-cut veggies with prepared hummus are great choices.

5. Cook Foods All at Once!

Roasting vegetables, sweet potatoes, and even chicken breasts all at once will save you time, and cut down on your utility bill.

6. Look for Shortcuts!

Buy pre-cut veggies and fruits, cooked lentils, or rotisserie chicken. Tuna is an easy no-cook protein you can add to salads or snacks.

7. Get on the Mason Jar Salad Bandwagon!

Mason jar salads are pretty, but they’re also very practical. They cost about a dollar a piece, are microwave safe (don’t forget to remove the lid), and can be used for so many different types of meals. Their vertical shape makes them especially nice for storing salads. Since the dressing is at the bottom of the jar, and the greens are at the top, nothing gets soggy! Here are some simple tips for making your own Mason jar salad to get you started.

8. Mix Things Up!

It can be tempting to just eat the same meals every day, but you’ll eventually get bored. To avoid this, try to give yourself at least two lunch options and two dinner options. This can be as simple as choosing different proteins for your salads each day, or eating chicken with vegetables three nights of the week and fish or tofu with vegetables the other two. Once you get the hang of it you can get more creative with your recipes.

9. Invest in Food Storage Containers!

A small investment in food containers of various sizes to suit your needs will make a world of difference. It’s a good idea to choose one container type and buy several that stack and store neatly. If you choose plastic containers, make sure they are BPA-free, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe. Zip lock bags work great for snacks and don’t forget about those Mason jars! If you decide to go all-in on the meal prep lifestyle, you might want to think about getting an insulated bag to carry your meals everywhere you go. Keep this stored at eye level so you are more apt to stay on track.

10. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize!

All of this meal prep is for a purpose: to help you reach your health and fitness goals. When clean eating is as simple as reaching into the fridge for your lunch or dinner, you’ll be less tempted to stop for fast food or order takeout. Whether you do your meal prep for the week all ahead of time or just a few days at a time, doing so will help you stick to your meal plan and give you even more time to get that workout in!
 
 
 
You can always join an online accountability group for help and support as you make these new changes to your family's eating. Having the support, encouragement, and resources for new healthy recipes and options will help you see tremendous success with making this new lifestyle habit and routine! For details and to secure your spot, apply HERE!
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Why Does Shakeology Cost So Much?




Why Does Shakeology Cost So Much?

Now here’s a question that I get asked A LOT!
I find that it’s because most people don’t understand what Shakeology really is. That being said, let me give you some background information on my story.
 
It is not simply a “protein shake” or some magic “weight loss shake.”  It’s a superfood health shake designed to be used as a meal replacement.
 
My Shakeology story is a very reluctant one. When I was first introduced to it I thought the girl talking to me was insane. You know when you’re learning about something and it sounds so incredible that it must be too good to be true? That’s how I felt. There was just one problem though… it tastes like a smoothie? Now maybe I am the only weirdo who feels this way but I am not a fan of smoothies whatsoever. They don’t taste very good to me and I could never understand the point of drinking food versus just eating it. On top of that, why would I buy Shakeology then… why would I need a $4 superfood drink? After doing 3 months of research, I decided to bite the bullet. If I liked it and found it helpful, great…if I absolutely hated it, there was a 30 day money back guarantee. What did I have to lose?
 
I am young, but I do have health issues I wish I didn’t have. To name a few, I am a functional hypoglycemic and I have struggled with irritable bowel syndrome since I was 15. This is something that I have found to be a huge benefit for me and these health conditions.
 
Shakeology scored a 24 on the glycemic index scale by the Glycemic Index Laboratories, which is perfect for controlling my blood sugar.
Shakeology also contains digestive enzymes and probiotics; one of these being Bacillus Coagulans. Bacillus Coagulans is the only strain that can pass all the way through the digestive process, survive your stomach acids and reach your intestines where they can be effective. Studies show that this probiotic may help to rectify problems associated with IBS and other digestion issues. Because of Shakeology I hardly ever have to take my medication for it.
 
Aside from this, Shakeology has also helped me curb my sugar cravings. Unfortunately for me, I fall under the large percent of people who have a “sweet tooth.” I love chocolate and I love chocolate chip cookies; I may even be one of Chips Ahoy’s biggest fans. You know that nice innocent looking blue package of Chips Ahoy? They were my go-to when I was stressed. The same way that some people smoke or drink when they are stress, these cookies are what I used as my stress reliever. After a week of drinking Shakeology, I didn’t crave them at all. People having chocolate around me didn’t bother me one bit. I now turn to exercise as my stress reliever; what a great swap, right?
 
The bottom line for my story is that I would rather spend $3 (discounted coach price) on a nutritious health shake than on an unhealthy drink at Starbucks every day.
 
Now back to addressing the original topic: Why is Shakeology so expensive?
The simple answer is that it’s because of what’s in it.
 
It’s packed full of over 70 exotic superfoods cast around from all over the globe which are known to promote health and wellness. When purchased separately, these superfoods are crazy expensive! Getting them all in one drink instead of buying them separately is a huge money saver. Just to give you an idea of how much it costs to buy each of these superfoods separately, I did some more research and put together a collage of just a few of the 70+ superfoods as a visual to help.
 
 
 
Click here to read a list of benefits that these superfoods have to offer!
As someone who is known as a “penny pincher,” I’ve found that buying stuff that’s cheap usually isn’t the best strategy. What is the best strategy is finding the best value for your money. I fully acknowledge that Shakeology seems expensive upfront, but to me it gives me the biggest bang for my buck. Who buys 1/3 of their groceries for the whole month in one day? Most people don’t go to the grocery store to buy 30 meals at once; therefore if you do that, of course it’s going to seem expensive.
Knowledge is power and for me, it took learning about Shakeology and trying it for myself to convince me. This is also why so many of my challengers continue on with it after they hit their weight loss goals and even sign up as discount coaches to enjoy 25% off their Shakeology each month!

 
 
 
Browse my online Shakeology website:


Shakeology FAQs:


To purchase Shakeology:
CLICK HERE

How to get a 25% Discount on Shakeology?

1) Sign up as a "Preferred Customer/Discount Coach" for free by clicking HERE
2) Add a "Challenge Pack"


*Starting Month 2, you will receive a 25% discount on your Shakeology and anything else you order through TeamBeachbody.com *
 




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Ingredients in Shakeology & Their Natural Remedies



Ingredients In Shakeology and Their
 Natural Remedies
 
Ever wonder what's really in Shakeology that makes it such a powerhouse? Below I have listed some of the superfoods found in Shakeology along with some of their natural remedies and some of the health conditions that they help with!


Astragalus:
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Respiratory infections
  • Nervous system condition
  • It boosts your immune system
  • Protects against heart disease
  • Improves overall weakness
  • Lowers blood sugar

 

Sacha Inchi:
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • A.D.D.
  • Depression
  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis

 

Maca Root:
  • Prolonged endurance and energy
  • Increased libido
  • Balanced hormones

 

Chia Seed:
  • Gives you the ability to go on long journeys on very little food yet, maintain your strength

 

Ashwaganda:
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Improving memory
  • Improving male sexual performance

 

Wheat Grass:
  • Increases red blood cell count
  • Purifies and cleanses the blood
  • Improves blood disorders
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Boosts immune system
  • Reduces fatigue/increases energy
  • Suppressed appetite
  • Regulates blood sugar levels
  • Its antioxidants repair damaged cells
  • Very beneficial for cancer patients

Goji Berries:
  • Protects the liver
  • Increase eyesight
  • Improve sexual function and fertility
  • Strengthen the legs
  • Boost immune function
  • Improve blood circulation
  • Improves longevity

 

Yacon Root:
  • Anti-cancer properties
  • Anti-diabetic properties
  • Relieves gastro and lipid problems
  • Reduces cholesterol
  • Regulates glucose levels
  • Prevents colon cancer

 

Reishi Mushroom:
  • Cancer, especially leukemia
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Used to help prevent the flu
  • HIV/AIDS
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Diabetes
  • Hepatitis
  • Radiation poisoning
  • Candida infections

 

Quinoa Seed:
  • Brain food
  • Bone builder
  • Internal cleanser/detoxifier
  • Dieters dream
  • Protein powerhouse

 

Chlorella Spirulina, Hydrilla, Barley Grass, Kamut Grass, Oat Grass:

(Phytonutrients)
  • Prevents disease
  • Repairs damaged cells
  • Fights heart disease

 

Acerola, Camu Camu, Acai, Maitake, Rosehips:

(Antioxidants)
  • Reduces free radicals
  • Fights off disease

 

Ginko Powder, Cordyceps, Schisandra:

(Proprietary Adaptogens)
  • Helps your body deal with stress

 

Flax Seed, Apples Fiber, Pea Fiber:

(Pre/Pro Biotics)
  • Restores balance in your digestive tract

 

Additional digestive enzymes: Amaranth, Grape Seed, Green Tea

 

 

 

PLUS, ALL your daily vitamins!

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:
  • Lose weight
  • Stop your cravings
  • Increase your energy
  • Restore your health and balance
  • Maximize your potential

 

Does NOT contain any:
  • Artificial stimulants
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Artificial colors
  • Artificial flavors
  • Soy
  • Processed foods
  • Chemicals
  • Caffeine
  • Gluten
  • Dairy

 

 

 

Results from a 90 Day Study of Shakeology:
  • Reduced total cholesterol by 30%
  • Lowered BAD cholesterol by 38%
  • Reduced cardiovascular risk factors by 24%
  • An average of 9.3 pounds, with the highest weight loss coming in at 24 pounds
  • Reduced blood sugar (HbA1c) by an average of 5% while some reduced their numbers by up to 19%
  • Reduced risk factors for degenerative disease by an average of 45%
  • 93% feel healthier since drinking it
  • 91% say it helps improve their regularity
  • 86% reported increased energy levels
  • 81% feel it helped reduce their junk food cravings




Browse my online Shakeology website:


Shakeology FAQs:


To purchase Shakeology:
CLICK HERE

How to get a 25% Discount on Shakeology?

1) Sign up as a "Preferred Customer/Discount Coach" for free by clicking HERE
2) Add a "Challenge Pack"

*Starting Month 2, you will receive a 25% discount on your Shakeology and anything else you order through TeamBeachbody.com *
 



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Reasons Why You Should Eat Organic!

Saturday, September 26, 2015


 

 

WHAT IS ORGANIC?
“Organic food production methods promote biodiversity, the biological cycling of nutrients, and plant and animal health. Certified organic farmers may not use toxic synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilizers, and unnecessary hormones or antibiotics. Instead, they use practices that restore, maintain, and enhance soil and ecosystem health. GMOs, artificial ingredients, or trans fats may not be used.”
 
Eating organic supports human health through the avoidance of pesticides and maximizing nutrients! Did you know that eating an organic diet for just ONE week can reduce pesticide exposure by 96%?
 
  

Reasons Why You Should Eat Organic!
 

 
 
It protects the environment!
Science is showing that eating organic is critical for maintaining the ecosystem services needed for long-term agricultural production.
 
 
No pesticides!
Pesticides have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, asthma, autism, diabetes, depression, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, poor lung function and more. Not only do pesticides affect the health of humans, pesticides also have negative effects on the environment and on the critical pollinators. Synthetic pesticides account for one out of the three known endocrine disruptors. Studies have suggested that these chemicals may set the stage for ADHD, autism, obesity, and cancer before a child is even born.
 
 
Reduce your exposure to high fructose corn syrup!
If you are eating something that contains high fructose corn syrup there is a 90% chance that you are consuming GMOs.
 
 
No agricultural antibiotics and growth hormone exposure!
Studies continue showing that the use of antibiotics in agriculture contributes to resistance so much so that the World Health Organization has declared this a global epidemic.
 
 
Better taste with more intense flavor!
Studies propose that organic fruits and vegetables frequently have higher levels of flavor-enhancing nutrients, combined with lower concentrations of water and sugars. This typically results in a more intense and complex flavor.
 
Higher level of antioxidants!
When compared to conventional crops, organic crops have up to 69% higher levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation. This is important because free radicals may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
 
 
Reduce your intake of unnecessary hormones and antibiotics!
Studies show that most conventional livestock farmers use a mixture of growth hormones, drugs, feed supplements, and high-grain diets to drive their animals to grow quicker, get larger, and produce more milk and eggs each day. In reality, animals on conventional farms are frequently pushed so hard that they experience serious health problems and reproductive problems, leading to heavy antibiotic use. The National Organic Program (NOP) rule forbids the use of essentially all synthetic animal drugs, producing healthier meat, eggs, milk and other dairy products.
 
Benefit from your bread!
Studies show that only 27% of the ingredients found in conventional breads have any nutritional benefit. When you eat organic bread it contains almost twice as much nutrient-rich, whole food ingredients as “natural” breads and three times as much as conventional breads.
 
Help save the bees!
Many crops depend on the bee population for survival but with all these pesticides and chemicals being used, our bee population is declining,
 
Improve water quality!
Ever think of how much the use of pesticides runs off into our water systems? The use of pesticides is decreasing the quality of our water because of this! The Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico is the most graphic example of the massive damage caused when farm chemicals flowing off of millions of acres collect in the mighty Mississippi.
 
Climate change!
The carbon sequestration in soil would decrease energy use and less greenhouse gas would be released as a result of going organic.
 
 
Get more out of your grains!
Grains make up the majority of calories consumed worldwide making them one of the most important sources of nutrients. However, most of the grains we see are refined grains. During the refining process nearly 75% of the nutrients found in grains are lost. Studies have shown that eating organic whole grains can help boost your intake of health-promoting antioxidants, such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and tocopherols.
 
Humans aren’t the only ones to benefit from organic!
Organic extends to positive impacts for: birds, insects, amphibians, mammals and plants – all of which are critical to the environment.
 
Improve soil health!
Organic crops are grown in healthy, biologically active soils which often take longer to grow than crops on conventional farms. The plants nurtured by soil on organic farms produce crops that often contain higher levels of important antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Hundreds of studies conducted over the last 50 years have determined that organic management practices, including crop rotation, considerably increase soil quality, restore nitrogen and organic components, and seize carbon to help fight global warming.
 
Avoid unknown Genetically Engineered food risks!
Most our genetically engineered (GE) foods were approved over 15 years ago during a time when the government was belligerently promoting biotechnology. At the time they had thought that GE foods were “substantially equivalent” to conventional foods. However, we have since discovered that even minor changes in the genetic makeup of food can lead to unforeseen human health risks. Organic farmers are not allowed to plant GE seeds nor can they use GE crop inputs.
 
No insecticides!
Recent studies confirm that exposures to common insecticides during pregnancy can reduce a child’s IQ 4% to 7% by the age of 9.
 
No artificial colors!
The three most widely used dyes, Red 40, Red 3, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, are contaminated with known carcinogens, aka cancer causing agents, yet, they are still in the food supply! Artificial food dyes are made from petroleum (yes, the crude oil product) and approved for use by the FDA to enhance the color of processed foods. They add absolutely no value to the food we eat and have even been shown to cause an increase in hyperactivity in children as well as a negative impact on their ability to learn.
 
No artificial flavors!
Artificial flavors are what are making you hate healthy food. Artificial flavors are entirely human made, not derived from the true source. We have been living in a world where artificial flavor is the norm, resulting in the vast majority of us sadly not knowing what the real flavor actually tastes like. Artificial flavors are directly linked with ADD, asthma and worsening asthma, causing headaches, and affecting your thyroid. Many companies will add them to make the product taste better so you get that “pop” or that “dazzle” when you consume it.
 
No artificial sweeteners!
There are hundreds of studies that show that artificial sweeteners actually stimulate the appetite because it raises the insulin levels but yet, there are no calories to go with it. Therefore, you have all this extra insulin running around your body which stimulate your appetite and increase your carbohydrate cravings. Artificial Sweeteners have also been proven to increase fat storage, so if you’re thinking your cheating the system with the Splenda and NutraSweet, you’re actually making it harder on yourself.
 
No preservatives!
A preservative is a substance that is added to foods to prevent decomposition by microbial growth or by undesirable chemical changes. Studies show that artificial preservatives used in many processed foods can increase the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases and metabolic disorders.
 
No synthetic fertilizers!
Synthetic fertilizers are commonly known for being fast-acting and for coming in a variety of forms. They can be taken up by the plant almost immediately and are water-soluble, meaning they can leach out into our waterways. Organic fertilizers provide benefits to plants and soil by stimulating beneficial soil microorganisms and improve the structure of the soil. It takes a little longer to get results, but the reward is a green that lasts.
 
No irradiation!
Irradiation damages food by breaking up molecules and creating free radicals. It creates an environmental hazard and science has not proved that a long-term diet of irradiated foods is safe for human health. The USDA, who controls the use of the “organic” label on foods, works with FDA to promote food irradiation where it is appropriate. Foods which have been irradiated, no matter how they are grown or produced, cannot be labeled as USDA certified organic.
 
No genetically modified organisms!
The sad truth is that 60-70% of the processed foods in US stores contain GMOs. The safety for human consumption of GMOs has not been assured and studies confirm that GMO crops have potential for introducing toxins and allergens not only into our food but also our environment.
 
Organic meat is grass fed in free range!
A substantial share of the livestock raised on conventional farms live in congested, stressful conditions that eat away at animal health, increasing drug dependency, and taking away any chance of carrying out normal behaviors. Conversely, the National Organic Program (NOP) rule states that organically raised animals must have access to the outdoors, including pasture, and sufficient space to behave naturally.
 
Get more from your milk!
Organic milk can contain up to twice the amount of omega 3 fatty acids when compared to conventional milk.
 
Preserve for future generations!
Today 50% of all food consumed worldwide derives from four plant species and three animal species. A handful of multi-national corporations own and control over half of the world’s seed market. Small organic farms often preserve valuable and rare seed varieties for future generations to enjoy.
 
It contains more minerals!



 

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