Spring Cleaning: Eliminating Sugar

I am determined to do some SPRING CLEANING!!!  This cleaning is not just for my house, but also for my body.  I am ready to do a SUGAR ELIMINATION CHALLENGE!!!  

Ok, back up!  If you know me, you know that I will not be totally be eliminating sugar.  I'm crazy, but I'm not totally insane.  Why not a total elimination?  When I tell myself that I can't have something, I want it more and more and more and more and. . . . you get the point.  So instead of eliminating sugar totally, I am going to limit myself to one treat a week.  I will plan for these treats, so that I can make intelligent choices.  I am calling these a "treat" not a "cheat."  Cheating has a negative connotation, whereas treats are more positive.

The purpose of this challenge:

• Provide information on how to differentiate between processed and natural sugars
• Show the destructive effects that sugar has on your body
• Break your sugar addiction

You can choose to what level you want to participate in this sugar elimination challenge.  Maybe you want to go full force and cut out all sugars, maybe you want to eliminate only processed sugars, or maybe you just need some more information about sugar.  Well, stay tuned!  I will be blogging about sugar all week.  

1. During the next few days be super observant of sugar in your foods.  Read the labels: look for "added" sugars.  Look at food labels and remember that sugar naturally occurs in fruits, vegetables and dairy, which are good for you.  For example, a can of tomatoes has about 5 grams of sugar, but if you look at the ingredients, no sugar has been added.  These sugars are ok to eat.    
2. Sugar is addictive and you may experience some withdrawals.  Especially if you are eliminating caffeine.  Some of the side effects of a sugar detox may include headaches, irritability, and fatigue.  This usually only lasts for the first few days, so don't give up.  Drink lots of water, I have found that adding fresh squeezed lemon juice to my water helps to speed along this process.
   
3. What about natural sugars like honey, sucanat, and molasses?  This is 100% up to you and it depends on what your goals are.  I like to put about 1-2 tsp of maple syrup on my pumpkin pancakes.  If you are used to putting sugar or creamer in your coffee or tea, honey might be a better option.   This is about making a change.  Small changes might work best for you, so start by using natural sweeteners.  However, if you do better with all or nothing- cut out even these natural sweeteners.
4. DON'T QUIT!!!  If you slip up, don't give up!  Just jump back in and don't look back!

Spring Break 2014

Just for fun, I decided to do a Spring Break giveaway.  I will be doing a contest on my Facebook page Clean Eating and Fitness: A Journey.  All you have to do is comment on the post about what you did for exercise that day.  You can comment as many times as you want and for each comment your name will be entered into the pot.  Next Sunday, March 30, I will draw out the winner.

The prize will be a Shakeology Shaker Cup, and single serving packets of Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry Shakeology.

25 minute workout you can do ANYWHERE

Let's face it, there are days when there doesn't seem to be enough time to get to the gym.  That's why I came up with a workout that you can do anytime and anywhere.  AND it's only 25 minutes long!!!

I based this program on some of the workouts from P90X3 and T25 and  from my favorite instructor at the gym, Monica.  This is a progressive workout.  Progressive workouts start with an easier exercise and build up to a harder exercise.  By using your own body weight, you will be building strength and endurance.

With this exercise you will start off with hard (level 7), then harder (8), and progress to hardest (9).  Think of a level 1 as sitting on your couch and a level 10 as running for your life. You will do each exercise for 30 seconds:  for example jog for 30 second at level 7, butt kicks for 30 seconds at a level 8 and high knees for 30 seconds at a level 9.

So grab your timer and work at your own pace!  If you aren't able to progress to levels 8 or 9 yet, that's ok.  Do as many reps as you can at the higher levels and then drop back down. 

1. Jog, butt kicks, high knees (elapsed time=1:30) 
2. squat, squat jumps, frog jumps (3:00)
3. low plank, up/down, chin/forehead (4:30)
4. push ups, hand tap, one footed (right then left foot) (6:30)
5. burpee, 180, tuck jump (8:00)
6. jumping jack, star jack, air jacks (9:30)
7. mountain climbers one foot (switch feet after 30 seconds), knee to opposite shoulder, Everest (11:30)
8. high plank with hip dips, Hindu push up, triceps push ups (13:00)
9. skaters, touch the floor, plyo (14:30)
10. alternating lunge back, add knee, add kick (16:00)

• Do these on the left side and then repeat on the right side

1. prisoner sumo squat plus knee, add side crunch, add hop (19:00)
2. side lunge, side lunge knee, side lunge knee and jump (22:00) 
3. super girl squat, airplane arms, fly arms (25:00)

There you have it.  An awesome workout in 25 minutes flat!

Creamy Turkey Soup/Gravy

Turkey is not just for Thanksgiving.  I love to cook a whole turkey or a turkey roast about once a month.  I cook it at 325 degrees in my roaster oven.  All I do is sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper over it.   We will eat it for dinner one night and then I'll usually make soup with it the next night.  I freeze the rest of the leftovers.

I concocted this recipe as a way to secretly get my family to eat vegetables.  I have found that if I blend the cooked vegetables up and make them into a thick broth, my family will gobble it up.  If I leave them as chopped pieces, they will pick out what they think they don't like.

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken broth
2 cups chopped, cooked turkey
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
1 chopped onion
1 TBSP minced garlic

Directions:
Cook veggies in 2 cups chicken broth until tender.  Blend until smooth and add all ingredients together in crockpot.  Allow to simmer until ready to serve.

My husband and kids used it as a gravy over leftover mashed potatoes.  I'm not a big potato fan, so I had brown rice.  It was super delicious and everyone LOVED it!!!  They had no idea that it was FULL of vegetables.

Positive Thinking

What does positive thinking have to do with all of this?  In my experience, positive thinking has been the most difficult aspect of my own journey and of the other members of my challenge groups.  Why is this?  There always seems to be something that holds us back.  Whether it is something from our past or a habit that we don't want to give up.  There is always something eating away at us. Maybe you have issues from your past.  Maybe you are in a bad relationship.  Maybe you just love junk food.  All of these things have become road blocks.  Things that are holding you back from accomplishing your goals.

You need to heal your spirit and mind before you can heal your body.  One of my friends recently told me that she wasn't ready to start with this process until after she had dealt with her past first.  She had a very difficult year last year and she finally went to a counselor.  It wasn't easy, but she is in a really good place now.  She is eating right and exercising again and I have noticed not only that she is slimmer, but also much happier.

Be aware of the way that you talk about yourself and others.  Refrain from gossiping, criticizing, and being negative.  Remember that constructive criticism is still criticism.   If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.  This is not just with others, but also with yourself.  Be kind to yourself!

NO NEGATIVE THOUGHTS!!!  Every time you start to have a negative thought about yourself, replace it with a positive thought.  Right now think of 3 of your best qualities.  Be prepared to replace your negative thoughts with these positive ones.  

Running: My Story

I began running in college.  My BFF and roommate, Kim, was, and still is, a runner.  I ran a few times with her, but I really didn't like it.   I was the typical college freshman who ended up gaining 15 pounds that first year and a half.  I didn't really feel very good about myself.  I didn't date very much, I felt fat and alone.

When I returned back for the spring semester of my sophomore year, I was determined to lose the weight.  I no longer lived with Kim, but because of her influence I decided that I would start to run.  I started out by setting a goal to run from one light pole to the next and then take a walk break.  I ran down the same road every day because it was flat and had a good shoulder.  Each time I ran I set a goal to run a little bit farther and walk a little bit less.  I was able to lose the weight that I had gained and I also gained confidence.

It wasn't until after the birth of my daughter that I really started to learn about running.  My friend, Tara, convinced me to run my first half marathon.  The only other race I had ever done was a 5K and I about died.  She had already done several marathons and half marathons and she can be very persuasive, so she talked me into doing it (we have nicknamed her Ju-wanna, because every conversation with her starts with "Do you wanna...).  We ended up having so much fun training and running together.

After the half marathon, she tried to talk me into doing a full marathon and my response was NEVER!!!  Well, Never say Never!  Here I am getting ready to train for my 5th marathon.

I love to run.  I love to be outdoors.  I even love to run alone sometimes.  It is my therapy.  I like listening to music and being alone in my head.   I do tend to be an angry runner though.  I don't know why, but I have flipped off and swore at a few people driving cars.  I'm just crazy like that.

I have had a lot of people tell me that they hate running.  Unless they have a medical issue that prevents them from running, I tell them that it's because they are doing it wrong.  Harsh, right.  Think about it.  Let's say that you wake up one morning and you think- "Hey I'm going to run today.  That lady down the road runs all the time and if she can do it so can I."  So you lace up your old tennis shoes, throw on some shorts and a t-shirt and you head out the door.

About 3 houses down you feel pretty good, so you try to run as fast as you can.  In about 2 minutes you have a side ache, sore muscles, your feet hurt and you can't breathe.  Why???  First of all, you don't have the right shoes  Second, you didn't warm up.  Third, you haven't run in how long?

In this scenario you are only setting yourself up for failure.

Here are some tips for success:

1.  The most important thing to do before you start to run is buy a good pair of shoes.  Plan on these shoes costing you at least $100.  My favorite running shoe right now is the Adidas Boost.  It cost $150, but it is supposed to last for 1500 miles.  Most running shoes only last 500 miles.  It is like running on a little cloud.  Well, compared to my heels.

Go to a RUNNING STORE, this is a must.  They will record you running on a treadmill to see if you have a neutral, over, or under-pronation of your foot while running.  This will help them decide which type of shoe to have you try on.

The goal of a running shoe is not to notice you are wearing a shoe, if possible.  For instance, when I put on any of the Brooks brand shoe, I feel pressure in my arch.  I don't feel that with Adidas, Pearl Izumi, or Asics.

When I go running shoe shopping, I try on about 10 pairs.  I run with them on the treadmill, walk around the store and compare them with a different shoe on each foot.  It is quite the process, but you will not regret getting the right shoe.

2.  I like to walk or jog slowly for about 5-10 minutes before I start to run.  Especially if I just got out of bed and threw on my running gear.  If it's your first time exercising in quite some time, warm up for even longer.  After you warm up, do some stretches.

3.  Take it slow.  Pick a goal like I did with the light poles.  Or you can set a timer so that you run for 30 seconds and walk for a minute.  Do this for the next 2 or 3 runs and then increase the running time and decrease the walking time.  There are some really great beginner running books that explain how to advance from a non-runner to a runner in a few months.  Here's an example of the  "Couch Potato to 5K" program.

Start to Finish - Step One: Purchase the right shoe

1. Get EXPERT advice.   Buy your first pair of running shoes from a SPECIALTY RUNNING STORE.  Sure, you might be able to find cheaper shoes online, but you will need expert advice if it's your first pair of running shoes or if you haven't purchased a new pair in a while.  After you know exactly what works for you, you can do some bargain shopping the next time.
2. The SALESPERSON is your new buddy.  Plan on spending a bit of time at the running store.  If the salesperson is good as his or her job, you will be asked questions: what type of running you do, how often you run, where you typically run, if you're training for a race, and what type of surfaces you will be running on (asphalt, trail, sidewalk, track, treadmill).
3. YOUR FOOT.  The salesperson will look at the shape and arch of your foot to figure out what type of foot you have.  They will determine if you have flat, high-arched, or neutral feet.  This is important because it will help to narrow down what type of shoe you should try on.  
   
4. MEASURE YOUR FOOT.  The salesperson should measure your foot. My feet actually got smaller after I had children.  Also as you age your arch may fall causing a change in your shoe size.
5. GO A 1/2 TO A FULL SIZE BIGGER.  I always buy my running shoes a 1/2 size larger than my regular shoe size.  Your feet will swell when you run and you need plenty of room in the toebox. I still tend to end up with blisters and black toenails, especially when I do a lot of downhill running, but going up in size helps to minimize these problems.
6. GET A RUNNING ANALYSIS.  The salesperson will do a running analysis for you. Your foot strike will be recorded while you run, usually on on treadmill.  This will determine your running style: underpronate (foot rolls outward), overpronate (foot rolls inward) or supinate (foot rolls outward).  

7. THE SHOES.  Based on the shape of your feet and your running style, the salesperson will determine what type of shoe is best for your foot.  

8. 
   GO FOR A TEST DRIVE BEFORE YOU BUY.  Run in the running shoes that the salesperson recommends for you at the store. I usually forget to dress for a short run when I go and I regret it everytime.  I end up running in my levis, but I still do it. You won't be able to really know how they feel when you run unless you RUN in the shoes. You will need to test for fit, function, and comfort before making your final decision.
9. BREAK YOUR NEW SHOES IN.  Most running shoes will let return the shoes after 1-2 weeks. If not, buy them somewhere that will.  Return them if you develop blisters or foot pain after running in them for a few weeks.
10. 
    REPLACE YOUR SHOES AS RECOMMENDED.  Most running shoes only last about 300-500 miles, so keep track of your mileage and replace them as recommended.  If not, you may end up with feet or leg pain or other complications.

Start to Finish - Step 2: Gear up!

It has taken me several years to acquire all of my running gear and there is always something else that I want.

Here are some of my must haves:

Shoes: I have already blogged about how to pick the best running shoe for you.  Shoes are the most expensive item you will purchase as a runner.  I like to have at least 3 pairs that I rotate through.  1 for speedwork (these are lighter), 1 for long runs (more cushioned), 1 for the other runs (usually a pair that is on the brink of being worn out).

Socks:  Socks are just as important as running shoes.  Make sure that you purchase RUNNING SOCKS.  There are tons of different brands to choose from.  Right now, my favorite is WrightBrothers, but I also wear SmartWool  too.  I'm pickier when I am running long distances.  Find something that is anti-chaffing and anti-blister.  I would suggest buying 1 pair of a few brands to see what you like best.  They are usually about $10-15 per pair, but not having blisters is so worth it.

Tops:  The goal with all clothing is comfort, breath-ability,  and anti-chaffing.  I'm a little bit less picky with my tops though.  I prefer tanktops, but I will sometimes wear a comfy t-shirt.  I like to layer, layer, layer in the winter.  That way I can strip them off when I get warm and tie it around my waist.

Wear a thin synthetic wicking layer next to your skin

if <50 degrees wear a tight weave layer on top

if <30 degrees I will add a long-sleeve top

Capri length pants:  These are not a must.  I usually wear these when it's about 50-60 degrees outside.  Since I live in Idaho, it is usually either hot (so I wear shorts) or cold (so I wear pants).  Most of my capri length running pants I also use for classes at the gym.  

Pants:  I have everything from thin tights to insulated pants.  My favorite pair are the ugliest, but they have pockets and keep me warm when the temp is under 30.  If you are going to be running in the cold weather, plan ahead and buy pants when they go on sale in the late winter and early spring.

  

Shorts:  I have a 2 pairs of running shorts that are about 8 years old.  I love them both so much.  I actually just worn one of them to run Pocatello's 1/2 marathon last year and I had worn them when I ran my first 1/2.  I have bought about 6 other pairs since then, but I keep going back to the old ones.  I know that I won't end up chaffing and that they won't crawl up where they aren't supposed to.  If you buy a good brand- I like Brooks, Nike, Pearl Izumi brands- and you take good care of them, they will last you a long time.

Hats, headbands, gloves or mittens:  My ears, fingers and toes are usually the coldest on runs.  I have several different options.  Just remember to always dress like it's about 10 degrees cooler than the thermometer says .  You might be a little bit cold at first, but you will warm up quickly.  I often end up with gloves and headbands stuffed in my waist band!  Since I have short hair, I like to wear a cap in the summer to keep my hair and sweat out of my eyes.

Sports bra:  get a high quality bra.  Lots of reasons here:  the girls deserve respect, you DO NOT want chafing, comfort, support!

Jackets:  I have a few jackets, but I prefer to just layer my tops.  Waterproof and windproof are good for inclement weather.  I actually like running in the snow.  The rain, not so much.  

GPS watch (or app on smartphone):   I love my Garmin!  I have been running with one for so long, that I go a little bit nuts without it.  I also have used the MapMyRun app on my IPhone and it's pretty good too.  I quit using it because I got sweat in my old phone and they are expensive to replace!!!  I use it to keep track of my pace and make sure that I'm hitting my goals.  There are lots of options to pick from.  I recommend that you wait until you have ran for at least 6 months, or even better a year, before you worry about pace.  

Ipod:  I have to have music or listen to a book when I run.

Fuel Belt:  These are great for carrying water, Gu, keys, snacks, cell phone, etc. for long runs.  However, I don't recommend wearing one in a race.

Mascara:  I wear waterproof mascara in the summer because it keeps sweat out of my eyes!

Body Glide is the BOMB!!!  I will NEVER run a marathon without it.  It's the best stuff for preventing chafing-EVER.  I put it along my bra line, under my arm pits, between my thighs.

Start to Finish Step 3: Set goal!

Your Goal:  Sign up for a race!

If you are reading this, then you obviously have a little bit of an interest in running.  You might be feeling a bit scared, maybe intimated, overwhelmed, and insecure.  Banish those thoughts.  You got this!!!

Take a few minutes and search local races in your area.  I suggest that you find a 5K that will be in about 6-8 weeks from today.   Many towns have "Fun Runs" that are really laid back.  It's a great way to meet people and make running buddies.

This first race is going to be 100% for fun.  I know what you're thinking- FUN RUN is an oxymoron, right?!?!  This is where you will need to change your mind set.  Set yourself up for success, not failure.  Set out to have fun.  Plus, if you have never done a race before, you will for sure be setting your 1st PR (personal record) at this run .

Now- sign up for your 5K!!!  Right now!   Don't wait until you have started running.  This run will be your goal.  It's what you will be working on for the next 6-8 weeks.  The Law Day Fun Run is on May 3, so this is what will be the Start to Finish Running Group's goal.

Start to Finish Step 4: Make Plan

For the Start to Finish Running Group, we will be following the Couch Potato to 5K program.  It is a 9 week program, but we only have 7 weeks so I will have to make some adjustments.  

A 5K is 3.1 miles.  In this program we will be gradually working up to this distance.  We will be focusing on time, not distance.  Each workout session will take about 20-30 minutes, three times a week.  I like to run 3 to 4 days a week because then I can use the other 2 or 3 days to go to classes at the gym and/or do strength training.     

MAKE PLAN:  Decide what 3 days a week you are going to run and stick to it.  I schedule my workouts just like I do an appointment.  If someone asks me to do something during this time I say NO.  This is the one thing that I do only for me, so it is sacred.  It really is for my family's well being too that I get my daily workout in, because . . .

Let your family and friends know what your goal and plan is.  Tell them that you will be unavailable at the time that you have designated to exercise.   Let them know how important this is to you.

Be a good example. The other day as my husband and I were getting ready to leave for Kettlebell class at the gym, my husband asked my 14 year old son if he cared that we were going.  He said no, that he was glad that we were fit.  Our children see that we value our health and also their health too.  

Start to Finish Running Group Step 5: Get to Work

For the next 7 weeks we will be building on the time and/or distance that you can run without stopping.  We will not be focusing on speed.  All you will need is your running shoes (check out my blog about purchasing the correct Running Shoes), workout clothes, and a stop watch (see post on running gear).

Just remember to start slow!!!  Too many people hate running because they start out too fast.  I even like to have a day that I just run without worrying about time or pace.  These types of runs are some of the most enjoyable.

There are several training plans out there.  If you don't like mine, please feel free to follow a program that works the best for you and your needs.  I like the Couch Potato to 5K approach.  If you are fit from other forms of exercise, you may want to follow it.  Since we are doing a 7 week program, you may have to adapt make some changes or move your goal back 2 weeks.

Another idea is to follow a run/walk method.  I used this method when I ran over 26 miles at the Las Vegas Ragnar and for training for the Pocatello Marathon. 

 Jeff Galloway explanation of the Run/Walk/Run method.

Jeff Galloway's 5K training program

  

This is the Schedule that I developed using these 2 programs.  If you can't run the entire time, don't worry- you will eventually get there.

Week 1:  March 17
Workout 1

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 60 seconds
• walk for 90 seconds
• repeat 8 times (total of 20 minutes)

Workout 2

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 60 seconds
• walk for 90 seconds
• repeat 8 times (total of 20 minutes)

Workout 3

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly
• run at a comfortable pace for 90 seconds
• walk 2 min
• repeat 6 times

Week 2:  March 24

Workout 1

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly
• run at a comfortable pace for 90 seconds
• walk 2 min
• repeat 6 times

Workout 2

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 90 seconds
• walk for 60 seconds
• run for 3 min
• walk for 2 min
• repeat 3 times (total of 20 minutes)

Workout 3

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 90 seconds
• walk for 60 seconds
• run for 3 min
• walk for 2 min
• repeat 3 times (total of 20 minutes)

Week 3:  March 31

Workout 1

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 4 min
• walk for 2 min
• run for 4 min
• walk for 60 seconds
• repeat 2 times (total of 20 minutes)

Workout 2

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 4 min
• walk for 2 min
• run for 4 min
• walk for 60 seconds
• repeat 2 times (total of 20 minutes)

Workout 3

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 5 min
• walk for 90 seconds
• repeat 3 times

Week 4:  April 7

workout 1

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 5 min
• walk for 90 seconds
• repeat 4 times

Workout 2

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 5 min
• walk for 90 seconds
• repeat 5 times

Workout 3

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 5 min
• walk for 90 seconds
• repeat 5 times

Week 5:  April 14

Workout 1

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 5 min
• walk for 1 min
• repeat 4 times

Workout 2

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 5 min
• walk for 1 min
• repeat 4 times

Workout 3

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 5 min
• walk for 1 min
• repeat 5 times

Week 6:  April 21

Workout 1

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 5 min
• walk for 1 min
• repeat 5 times

Workout 2

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 5 min
• walk for 1 min
• repeat 5 times

Workout 3

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 5 min
• walk for 1 min
• repeat 6 times

Week 7:  April 28

Workout 1

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 5 min
• walk for 1 min
• repeat 6 times

Workout 2

• Warm up for 5 minutes by walking briskly.
• run at a comfortable pace for 5 min
• walk for 1 min
• repeat 6 times

Workout 3: May 3, Run/walk 5K

Shakeology recipes

This is the easiest post that I have ever written!!!  

Or rather copied and pasted.

Just click on the calendar to see a larger view 

or print it out.

Chocolate

Vanilla

Green Berry

Strawberry

Why I chose Shakeology

I wanted to clear up any questions that people may have about Shakeology and share my reasons for drinking it.  It has changed my life!  For even more info check out my Beachbody Coach page

1.  My why.
This is the video that started it all for me.

When I watched my friend, Kimberly Wynn's story I felt like she was talking about me (except for the appendectomy and adhesion part).  I had been struggling with gastrointestinal issues for YEARS.  After much debate, I finally decided to try out Shakeology.  I decided to jump in head first and sign up as a coach.  I told my husband that if I didn't make enough as a coach in 3 months then I would quit.  It paid off in one month!!!  Now, my husband is also drinking it and we both have more energy, feel better, perform better and, in my opinion, look better.

2. What sets Shakeolgy apart from other shakes is that it's a meal replacement
Shakeology  is an entire MEAL REPLACEMENT.  That is, if you were to go through the salad bar 5 times.  I love this video: Tony Horton "checks out" Shakeology.  Okay, the lady is a little bit scary, but I love Tony!  He is a nut!!!  Seriously, there is no way that I can get all of those superfoods into my daily diet.  I love fruit and I tolerate vegetables, but sometimes I get tired of trying to figure out how to get them all into my daily meal plan.  I often drink Shakeology to replace my lunch or dinner. I count it toward one of my servings of vegetables for the day and I feel pretty darn good about that.

3. It's perfect for on the go!
I had someone ask me if Jamba Juice was a good snack when you are out running errands.  I would say-no!  Check out not only the difference in cost, but also sugars, carbs and calories.  This one is a no-brainer.  I carry a packet of Shakeology in my purse at all times for emergencies.  I never know when a few errands will turn into the whole afternoon.  I can just dump the packet into my water bottle and I have a nutritious, convenient snack.




4.  It is cost effective when compared to buying each of these ingredients separately!

Most of the ingredients in Shakeology you can't even find in a regular grocery store.  You would have to go to a specialty food store for them.  The difference in the cost is crazy too.  Plus it's hard to always find everything in season or fresh, not to mention organic. I am super busy, but I also want to get the best bang for my buck.  That's what Shakeology is.  I found it to be the greatest value in nutrition.  This video shows how the developers of Shakeology have traveled the world to find the ingredients.
Shakeolgy: Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition

5.  It is not a protein powder.

Shakeology does have about 16 grams of protein per serving, but it is not just a protein powder.  I used protein powders for years.  I never really felt like they were benefiting my health in any way.  Actually, when I quit them I instantly felt so much better.  I'm sure that it helped that I started Shakeology soon after I finished my last bag of protein powder, but the difference was very noticeable.



6.  I have more energy and less cravings.
Within 10 days of starting to drink a daily serving of Shakeology, I no longer had the "drag-butts" at 3 pm.  I was able to quit drinking pop and never look back.  I still have a sweet tooth, but it has decreased drastically.  I also lost a few pounds quickly after starting it, without changing anything else.

Another great video is 3 Reasons to Drink Shakeology.  Do it for your health, for your happiness and for your family.