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.

Has Clean Eating made you GASSY?

I'm not sure if it's because I am a very forthcoming person or because I'm an RN (I spent 9 years working for Gastroentrologists) or because I just know a lot of gassy people, but it seems like whenever I talk to someone about clean eating we end up talking about gas and bloating.  

What causes gas and bloating?  There are many foods, clean and processed that may contribute to an increase in gas and bloating when you are changing your diet.  Salt, sweets and sugar alcohols all can cause gas and bloating and should be avoided.  But what about all of these "clean" foods that I have been encouraging you to eat?  Should they be avoided too?  Not necessarily.  These foods are nutritious and nutrient dense and offer up variety to your diet.  

SALT

Frozen dinners and processed foods such as canned soups and vegetables, bottled salad dressings, condiments and sauces are all high in salt. Salt attracts water, causing water retention and bloating.

Sugar Alcohols
Sugar alcohols are difficult for your body to digest, which can lead to gas and bloating.  Sugar alcohols include mannitol, maltitol and sorbitol. Be weary of foods that are labeled low sugar or sugar-free, because they often contain these sugar alcohols. 

Sweets 

Fructose in granulated sugar, honey, high-fructose corn syrup, and agave syrup and chocolate tend to cause more gas and bloating in many individuals.

Starchy foods 
Starchy carbohydrates attract water at a higher rate than protein does. If you’re bloated after eating starchy carbs such as pasta, cereal, rice or other grains, consider cutting back on the serving size.  One serving of starchy carbs is the size of your palm.  

Vegetables

We all know that vegetables can also cause gas and bloating.  When you start to add in more of these nutrient dense foods, your body may revolt.  Add these foods slowly into your diet, especially broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard, turnip and mustard greens, kale, and onions.  

Legumes
Beans, beans the magical fruit, the more you eat, the more you . . . !  Legumes include all types of beans, lentils and peas.  

Fiber Supplements & Added Fibers 

Inulin (found in Fibersure) and Psyllium (found in fiber supplements such as Metamucil, Konsyl).   Fiber can be great for people that suffer from constipation, but in some people all they do is cause bloating and excess gas. 

Dairy

Some people may be sensitive or intolerant to lactose products, such as milks, cheeses and yogurt.

Non-food causes of gas

Swallowing air can cause you gas and bloating.  There are some behaviors that may cause you to take in more air such as using a straw, chewing gum, having carbonated drinks, talking while eating, and eating too quickly. 

What can you do to decrease gas and bloating

1. Drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water each day.  Water helps to flush out salt and keeps you GI tract moving
2. Cooked vegetables tend to cause less gas than raw vegetables.  The cooking process helps to break down some of the fiber so your body won't have to work as hard to digest it. 
3. Ease into adding legumes and vegetables into your diet if you are experience gas and bloating
4. Drink herbal teas that contain ginger, peppermint or fennel 
5. Avoid combining food that tend to cause gas with foods that are high in fat. 
6. Exercise daily.  Exercise will aid in the function of your digestive system and the production of gas. Activities such as walking may help to move gas through your system, decreasing bloating
7. Set your fork down between each bite, don't rush eating.  
8. Don't talk while you are eating.
9. Keep a food Journal.  By writing down everything that you eat and drink and then noting whether or not you feel discomfort afterward, may help you to see a pattern of which foods you are more sensitive to. 
10. Cut out carbonated drinks.
11. Don't drink with a straw or chew gum
12. Cut out all dairy for a few weeks to determine if you have a lactose sensitivity or intolerance.

Some supplements may also help: 

• Beano, if taken right before eating gassy foods, may help in the digestion of vegetables, legumes and grains.
• Probiotics, which contain “good” bacteria, may prevent or reduce gas because they assist in providing a healthy balance in your digestive system.

Other foods that may prevent gas

• Raw honey
• Peppermint
• Cinnamon
• Pineapple