Shakeology continues to evolve, and as it does, more and more lives will be impacted from it’s great many health benefits.  I am just touched by some of the stories I’ve read and heard, first hand, from people that have experienced a change in their total wellness.

Well, to top that, Carl and his buddies wanted to seek feedback from a population of experts, that many of turn to when our health takes a turn for the worst – our Doctors.  Here is a great video that shares THEIR personal experience with Shakeology and how they feel it’s a stand up product and recommend it to their patients – and NO, they are not being paid to endorse it, strictly voluntary.

Want further validation, take the ingredients list to YOUR doctor and have them see it for themselves.  Or, better yet, walk into your next appointment with a sample, so they can experience it first hand, and give you their honest impression.  I can help you with those sample packets.

But, trusting the 30-day bottom of the bag guarantee, maybe you just experience it yourself.  If you’d like to get on board and try out Shakeology, send me an email: taryn@choose2befit.com or visit: http://shake4wellness.com and check it out for yourself.

Your partner in health & fitness.

I’ve had so many great questions, as of late, about Shakeology®, so I figured I’d post them here to hopefully help others that may have the same inquires.  This is Part 2, so be sure to check out the original post – Shakeology ® – Frequently Asked Questions….ANSWERED.

Q:  (Part 1) If I have one Shakeology a day, as suggested for my meal replacement, do I need to continue to take my multi-vitamin?

A:  It depends.  If you are fairly active, meaning doing a high intensity program such as P90X, Insanity or ChaLEAN Extreme, your body is using up far more vitamins and nutrients, than a daily serving found in Shakeology.  So, in that case, you should continue with your daily Activit or multi-vitamin, although strongly suggested to take it at the same time you enjoy your Shakeology.  If you are doing a lower impact fitness regime, Shakeology should suffice with your daily vitamin  intake.  If you have further questions, always a good idea to consult your physician.

Q:  (Part 2) If I take Activit (or any daily multi) each day, when is the best time to take that?  Before or after Shakeology?

A:  During.  It’s strongly recommended to take your multi-vitamin with you Shakeology, as the digestive enzymes found in Shakeology, will aid your body in absorbing all of those nutrients, quicker, than if taken alone.  (NOTE: never a good idea to take a multi-vitamin on an empty stomach).

Q:  Can I really get free shipping?

A:  YES!  Free shipping is available on all Home Direct (HD) orders for any of the Shakeology package options (Bulk bag or Individual Take N’ Go packets).  In addition to free shipping, on your first HD order, Beachbody will include 2 Free Shakeology Workouts – The 30 and The 50) and one more FREE gift!  BONUS!!

Q:  I heard I could save some money by being a Coach.  What if I’m interested in saving the money, but not necessarily being a Coach?

A:  No problem.  There are many Shakeology addicts (and I say that as a GOOD thing), that chose to become Coaches, strictly for the discount (25% discount).  Now, I’d be lying if I said they didn’t spread the word a bit here and there and make a few extra bucks themselves, by sharing their experience with Shakeology.  But, you certainly don’t have to be a “Coach” to be a “Coach” and get the discount.  Here’s how you could save $15/month as a Coach:

Direct Customer Price: $119.95*

Coach Price (25% discount): $89.96*

(Home Direct Orders = Free Shipping)

Initial Savings: $29.99

Monthly Coach fee: ($14.95)

Overall SAVINGS: $15.04

(*excludes tax, as applicable per state)

So aside from the initial Coach set up fee of $39.95 (which could be waived if they were to purchase a Shakeology Starter Kit), you are still money ahead each month, with a savings of $15.04 per month.

Not to mention, as your friends/family start seeing a difference in your overall health, you will likely share what has aided in your new journey (just like you’d share a great new movie you saw, or restaurant you ate at) and can, in turn, earn a 25% commission by having your family/friends purchase Shakeology from YOU.  That’s close to $30 off one retail order!!

Q:  What if I want to sample it.  Does Beachbody offer that?

A:  Beachbody does not offer samples, although if you check with your Coach, they may offer a sample for you.  Personally, I offer all my customers and those interested in trying it, a 4-day Trial offer.  Click HERE to learn more and get your own.

Q:  How can I find out more about the ingredients and what’s in it?

A:  Go to my Shakeology website and it will offer you all the ingredients, recipes (for both flavors) and testimonials to provide you with the confidence to try it yourself.

Q:  What if I don’t like it?

A:  It’s rare that people don’t LOVE it, but if it doesn’t agree with you or you simply don’t care for it– NO PROBLEM!!  Beachbody offers a 30-Day Bottom of the bag money back guarantee.  Which basically means, return it for a full refund (minus shipping, if you ordered one time only).  100% risk free!

Although Shakeology aids in weight loss, lowering cholesterol/blood pressure, digestive issues, etc., there are some that it may not agree with!  As with any new nutritional product, if you have prior health issues, please consult with your physician.

Interested in kick starting your new fitness journey?  Need to get rid of that excess bloat?  Or just “clean” up your insights?  Try the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse.

Your partner in health & fitness.

Shakeology is a meal replacement shake designed to be enjoyed every day, one meal a day. But for this cleanse, it will be used three times a day for three days. (Click here to learn more about Shakeology).

The Shakeology Cleanse is meant to jump start you in your fitness, break a plateau or shred pounds fast & effectively in a healthy way. The key is caloric efficiency; getting the most nutrients possible out of the fewest number of calories.

This can help you become healthier from the inside out. Internal health is the foundation to external beauty.

People are getting fantastic results ~ Lose weight, feel great!

The basics are as follows:

3 SHAKEOLOGY Shakes a day (blended with water and ice)
2 Cups of Green Tea a Day (Triple Leaf Detox Tea is good choice)
1 piece of fruit a day (Apple, pear, orange, banana, mango, etc)
1 salad for dinner (lettuce, veggies, lean protein)
– 4 oz lean protein in salad (WHITE poultry or fish)
– Only Low Fat Dressings.

NO: Dairy (no almond, soy, or rice milk) or extra sugars. If it’s not on the list, don’t eat it!

Sample Menu (Repeat all three days):

1 cup of green tea

BREAKFAST:
Shakeology – 1 scoop, blended with ice & 8-10 oz of water
Optional: ½ cup of fruit (only for the super conditioned – not the weight challenged)

SNACK:
1 piece of fruit

LUNCH:
Shakeology – 1 scoop, blended with ice & 8-10 oz of water

1 cup of green tea

SNACK:
Shakeology – 1 scoop, blended with ice & 8-10 oz of water
(This snack can be before or after dinner)

DINNER:
Salad 
– Lettuce/veggies
– 4 oz lean protein (WHITE fish or poultry)
– Light Dressing

________________________________________________

Information about Shakeology:
– Shakeology Breakthrough (video) &  Website ~ Click here
– Save 25% by becoming a Coach! Get started here ~ www.choose2befit.com

Contact me if you have any questions and/or if you want to get started!

Taryn Perry

Independent Beachbody Coach

taryn@choose2befit.com

Unlike other “cleanses” and “fasts” they tend to strip the body of vital nutrients leaving opportunity to completely sabotage your body’s metabolism and energy, causing one to “bonk” and/or have massive fatigue.  Shakeology is packed with over 70 vital vitamins and nutrients that will keep your energy charged and immune system strong, all while providing a three day jump-start to looking and feeling better.  This is not a lifestyle option, as it’s too restrictive in calorie consumption, but after the 3-Day cleanse, you can incorporate Shakeology into your nutrition by substituting one full meal a day with it. ENJOY!

I got the bulk of this recipe from my new favorite magazine – Oxygen Magazine - from their Collection Issue: Glutes.  I did switch it up slightly, so I’ll pat myself on the back for a job well done. ((pat pat))

Ok, with much anticipation, here is the most delicious and HEALTHY recipe for those that love French Toast, like me, but don’t want the added fat and calories from how it’s usually made.

Makes 1 serving – Ready in 10 Minutes

½ cup of liquid egg whites

1 tbsp of skim milk

Dash of cinnamon

Dash of nutmeg

¼ tsp of vanilla extract

½ tbsp of coconut oil (for non-stick purposes only)

2 slices of whole grain/whole wheat bread

Fresh Berries

Optional Additions:

2 tbsp of Fage 0% Plain Yogurt

1 tbsp Agave Nectar

Sprinkle of walnuts

1. Whisk together the liquid egg whites, skim milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract.  Over medium heat, place non-stick skillet with coconut oil to warm.
2. Dip bread into mixture and place in skilley for 2 to 4 minutes on each side, or until slightly brown.
3. Top with berries, non-fat Fage Plain Yogurt, walnuts and Agave Nectar (last 3 ingredients are optional).

Serve and INDULGE with no guilt!

Your partner in health & fitness!

Knowing the four basics listed below will help you to have successful results. Don’t just know them… DO THEM!

By: David Gluhareff

Resistance training
Cardiovascular training
Nutrition/supplements
Rest/recuperation

Resistance Training Exercises

These are anaerobic (without oxygen) exercises that help build muscle. Resistance training can be performed with free-weights, rubber bands, plate-loaded machines, weight stack machines, or by using your own body for resistance such as a push-up or walking lunge. The muscle your body builds will aid in continuous fat burning twenty-four hours per day.

You can work multiple muscles at once by doing exercises such as bench presses (works pecs, front shoulders, forearms, and some triceps), squats (works quadriceps, hamstrings, buns, and inner/outer thighs), and dead lifts (works traps, rhomboids, forearms, low back, buns, inner/outer thighs, quads, hams, and some calves). By doing compound movements such as these your body will work more muscles at once which will really stoke the fat-burning furnace.

Keep variety in your resistance training always! Never keep doing the same exercises week after week. You will only bore your body and progress will be stagnant. Resistance training not only helps burn fat, it helps keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at normal levels, helps strengthen bones, and also helps relieve stress. Always study and learn different exercises, which use different equipment.

Most importantly learn proper form to prevent injuring yourself when performing an exercise. To be on the safe side always look like a chicken when performing an exercise. Keep your chest forward, butt back, and lower back in. Always stretch each muscle after you work it. This will increase your flexibility and decrease post workout muscle soreness.

Cardiovascular Training Exercises

These are aerobic (with oxygen) exercises. These train the most important muscle in the body, the HEART. Aerobic or cardiovascular training, helps burn fat, keep blood pressure and cholesterol in normal ranges, relieve stress, strengthen heart, lungs, and the rest of the cardiovascular system, and also promotes perspiration to help your body sweat out any excess water it does not need.

Examples of aerobic activities are: walking, biking, roller blading, rowing, using elliptical machines, stair stepping, Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, basketball, jogging, hiking, and aerobics classes at fitness facilities. Always remember to do a light warm-up for five to ten minutes before really getting into the exercise, and remember to do a five to ten minute cool-down after you do the exercise. Do not forget to stretch the muscles you worked after exercising.

Nutrition and Supplementation

When you workout you expend energy, which eats up your body’s nutrients. You need to replenish those nutrients as soon as you workout. Within forty-five minutes after a workout consisting of weight training and cardiovascular training you need to eat a meal.

This meal should be a small serving (one handful) of simple sugars (banana, grapes, 12-16 oz. sports drink, or post workout carb drink), a medium serving (two handfuls) of complex carbs (brown or wild rice, sweet or red potatoes, veggie pasta, whole grain bread, or oatmeal), and a large serving (three handfuls) of proteins (lean red meat, deer meat, chicken breasts, turkey breasts, buffalo, egg whites, whey protein powder, soy protein powder, cottage cheese, or tuna) and of two tablespoons of a monounsaturated fat (extra virgin olive oil or canola oil).

That meal was just post workout, which should make you a little full. Your whole day should consist of five to six small meals that should never make you full, but keep your metabolism in high gear. Each small meal, except post workout, should contain a small serving (one handful) complex carbs (brown or wild rice, sweet or red potatoes, veggie pasta, whole grain bread, or oatmeal), a medium serving (two handfuls) of proteins (lean red meat, deer meat, chicken breasts, turkey breasts, buffalo, egg whites, whey protein powder, soy protein powder, cottage cheese, or tuna), and a medium serving (two handfuls) of green vegetables.

With every meal and throughout the day always drink water. Even with all this healthy food your body will not get certain nutrients or enough of them. This is where supplements come in. Taking a daily multi-vitamin/mineral supplement will help give your body important vitamins and minerals it may be missing. Sometimes you may not be able to cook or prepare all of your food on time. This is where meal replacement bars and powders can come into your daily diet routine.

Rest and Recuperation

You can workout hard and eat right for ten years, but never see lean muscle appear or see your body take shape if you do not get enough rest and recuperation. By rest I mean you need to get at least nine hours of sleep at night or eight at night and an hour nap after your workout. Sleep is important because this is when your body is producing its greatest amount of growth hormone which aids in repair and growth of your body.

You can have the best workout of your life and get no growth from it if you go out and party all night and get no sleep. By recuperation I mean not over-training. Do not as a beginner do a total body workout everyday with the weights. If you do you will not ever progress. Your muscles will constantly get beaten up every day and never have time to recuperate and repair themselves. As a beginner give yourself at least a day to two days rest between resistance training exercises. If you are still sore two days later, then do not work that area until the soreness has passed.

Your partner in health & fitness.

Shakeology® – The Breakthrough

Why you need Shakeology® – NOW!

Shakeology can help you:

• Lose weight
• Reduce cravings
• Increase energy and stamina
• Promote healthy digestion and regularity
• Lower cholesterol¹

Tastes delicious, too.

The Healthiest Meal of the Day

Get your Shakeology®:

• The Shakeology Convenience Pack contains 24 single-serving packets you can take anywhere.

  

  
  

• Choose the 30-day supply in a bag to keep in your kitchen.

  

  
  

• NEW 4 PACK TRIAL*!
  (2 Chocolate & 2 Greenberry)

  

  
  

  
  

  Shakeology 4-Pack Trial Offer

  With Free TBB Account $15.99 No Account TBB Account $19.99

  

   

  FREE gifts when you sign up for Home Direct, the monthly autoship program

  
  

  • FREE shipping every month†
  • 2 FREE Workout DVDs in your first shipment†
  • FREE Shakeology Shaker Cup in your second shipment

   

  30-Day Money Back Guarantee
  If you don’t start to see and feel the benefits of Shakeology within the first month of using it, or if you’re not 100% satisfied for any reason, just return it within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price, less s&h—guaranteed. That’s our promise to you.

  
  

  
  

  
  

There really are two things that need to happen:

1) Rid yourself of the fatty layer that is covering your abdominal muscles; and

2) Tightening and toning your abdominal muscles.

Easy enough, eh?  And NO, I’m not going to tell you to do 1000 crunches to get abs like Gwen, Fergie or Britney.

With that being said, here are the Top Seven Tips to a Tighter and Stronger Midsection:

1.  STRENGTH TRAINING. Work your midsection with specific core strength training exercises, at least, 3 times a week.  Challenging them will build strength and lean muscle.

2. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT. Ditch the sodium laden and processed foods, refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup – IMMEDIATELY.

The fat stores created by excess sugar intake most often accumulate around your waist, covering up your abdominal muscles. Cut these items from your diet and replace them with real whole foods such as lean meats, vegetables, whole grains (lots of fiber!!), nuts and fruits.

3. CARDIO INTERVALS. Not only is 45 minutes on the treadmill or Elliptical incredibly boring, but it doesn’t challenge your fitness, like your body needs, in order to burn more fat.

Break up your cardio training with High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), think INSANITY™, for your cardio workouts. HIIT training uses intense bursts of cardio to fire up your heart rate and metabolism. Great way to blast the blubber.

4. RESISTANCE. Crunches are boring and old school.  Not to mention your core adapts to them quickly and they become ineffective.  Add a little flavor to your abdominal exercises by incorporating some weight or resistance.  Use a dumb bell, medicine ball or resistance band to create a harder workout for your core.  This is how you’ll bring to build that definition.

5. DON’T BE A SUCKER. Never waste your time or money on:

1. Packaged health food that come with weight loss claims. It’s likely packaged with chemical fillers that will hinder the loss of belly fat. (See Tip #2).

1. Goofy abdominal exercise products as sold on late night infomercials – all you really need is your own body weight, an exercise ball and dumbbells or a medicine ball.
2. So-called weight loss supplements. The magic pill for flat abs doesn’t exist, so you’d be wasting your health and money on a bogus product.

6. TARGET YOUR LOWER ABS. It’s easy to neglect the lower abs, but they are an important part of the equation. Incorporate the V-Up or Hip Raise into your exercise routine:

V-Up Starting Position: Sit on the edge of an exercise bench; lean back to a 45 degree angle. Extend your legs out until they are level with the floor.

Movement: Exhale and bring your legs and upper body close together (envision a “V” shape), while contracting your abdominals. Inhale as you slowly release your legs, returning them to the starting position.

Hip Raise Starting Position: Lay with back flat on the mat or floor, place hands beneath lower back for support, legs straight in the air with feet flexed.  Your body should look like a 90 degree angle.

Movement: With no momentum, slowly lift your hips off the mat, using your lower abdominal muscles.  Inhale as you bring your hips back down to the mat.  Accelerate the move by taking your shoulders off the mat as well to work your entire abdominals.

7. CHALLENGE YOUR CORE OFTEN. Don’t limit your abdominal exercise to the gym, incorporate core strengthening during daily life and throughout each workout.  Work on your core even while you sit at your desk.  Sit up straight, shoulders back and chest up, pull your belly button into your spine and contract and flex your core.  Breath as you would normally, then release after 30 seconds.  Continue this several times throughout the day.  Great way to get through a long boring meeting!

A strong core is the foundation for flat, tight abs.

However, keep in mind that your results will be seriously hindered if you do the same exercise routine over and over. Your abs need a progressive challenge in order to transform. This means new exercises, different resistance and increased challenge.

Your partner in HEALTH & FITNESS!

Thin Mint Treat
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology®
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 cup ice (or to taste)
Blend till frothy and enjoy!

Nutrition Info:
152 calories
17 grams protein
17.5 grams carbohydrate
3 grams fiber
1 gram fat

—

Fall Egg Nog or “Shake Nog”
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology®
1 cup low-fat eggnog
1/2 cup cold water
1/4 tsp pumpkin spice
1 cup ice (or to taste)
optional: 1/2 tsp fresh whipped cream (if you’re really festive!)
Blend till frothy and enjoy!

Nutrition Info (w/out Whipped Cream):
321 calories
23 grams protein
47 grams carbohydrate
3 grams fiber
5 gram fat

—

Pumpkin Pie
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology®
1 cup rice, soy, almond, or low-fat milk (plain or vanilla)
1/2 cup canned pumpkin, unsweetened
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Ice (optional)
You can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon and nutmeg or add more pumpkin for a thicker shake.

Nutritional Information (with low-fat milk):
Calories: 284
Protein: 27 g
Fiber: 7 g
Carbs: 40 g
Fat Total: 3.5 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g

—

Cranberry Relish Surprise
1 scoop greenberry Shakeology®
2 cups cold cranberry juice
7 segments mandarin orange
1/4 cup cold water
1/2 cup ice (or to taste)
optional: orange zest twist for garnish
Blend till frothy and enjoy!

Nutrition Info:
315 calories
17 grams protein
51 grams carbohydrate
4 grams fiber
1 gram fat

—

Chocolate Almond Butter:
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology®
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 Tbsp. almond butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups ice

Nutritional Information:
405 calories
14 gram fat
27 gram carbs
46 gram protein
7 gram fiber

You can always check out more recipes and information on Shakeology®, click here.

Naturally, we progressed into talking about eating, when and what to eat and how the P90X® Results & Recovery Formula could do a body good, especially as a compliment to the P90X® workout.  In Malika’s case, she’s doing the Doubles version – definitely NEED that P90X® Results and Recovery Drink!!

Check out our 2 part interview (only because we got cut off mid-way).

Shakegology Q & A – Part 1

Shakegology Q & A – Part 2

Hope you enjoy and if you’d like to try your very own sample of either Greenberry or Chocolate Shakeology® or the P90X Results & Recovery Formula, please don’t hesitate to send me a message.

To your health & fitness!

Who doesn’t want more energy?

I’m afraid people feel like they need to settle with the lack of energy, because they are killing themselves with a workout.  NOT TRUE!!!  Take care of your body, as you need that energy to successful burn the unwanted fat and build that much needed muscle.  Why?  Because MUSCLE BURNS FAT!!  Sound familiar?

So, are you finding that you are bonking mid-day?  Having a hard time getting up in the morning after a workout the evening before?  Chances are, it’s due to your diet and lack of nutrients.

Not only is your diet a key variable in any successful workout regime, but also the proper supplementation.  We can get an abundant of your energy stimulation from the foods we eat, but chances are – are you really eating the right things?

For those of you that I’ve advised with particular Beachbody at home workout systems or helped guide with proper nutrition*, you know that I will always default to the nutrition guide that came with your workout system, whether it be P90X®, ChaLEAN Extreme®, Insanity™ or Slim in 6®.  These nutrition guides were developed specifically for these programs, so do yourself a favor – and FOLLOW, USE AND ENJOY THEM!!!  The recipes are good and fairly easy, even I can make them!

If you don’t follow a specific workout regime or a nutrition plan, then this could very well be your problem.  If my experience, as a self-professed gym rat, prior to P90X, Insanity and all my new Beachbody favorites, I was at an all time low in the energy department, and I DIDN’T HAVE KIDS AT THE TIME!  Now I have kids and I have MORE energy than I ever have.  Why?  I eat appropriately, according to my workout regime and I have a workout regime that keeps changing.

As many of you may know, I’m in the midst of training for my 2^nd marathon, all while doing the newest Insanity™ workout system.  Well, if Insanity isn’t enough, trying to keep up with my energy to get training runs in each week, I have to be very careful and very particular about what I eat, so I don’t bonk.

Yeah, yeah, many of you are shaking your head saying “Shoot, if you workout that much, you can eat what you want”!  In my case, and the bulk of American’s, not so much.  If I were to eat what I wanted, I surely wouldn’t have the appropriate protein/fat/carbohydrate ratio to properly refuel before and after each workout.   So I need a balance.  That’s where my diet is key here.  This should go for everyone and anyone that is looking for results, good energy and success with their selected workout plan.

Now, as I say diet is the key to most any results, whether it be weight loss or muscle gain, so is proper supplementation.  Do you take a multi-vitamin?  Do you take a Joint Support supplement?  What about your daily nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, etc., etc.?  These are all essential compliments to your diet, in order to sustain good energy to keep you going through the day.

Many know that I’m a big fan of Beachbody’s latest supplement creation, Shakeology®, and won’t go a day without consuming it as either a meal replacement or as a snack.  It’s A) DELICIOUS (check out the recipes) and B)  provides you with over 70 vital vitamins, nutrients, minerals, phytonutrients, prebiotics and a list of other words and terms we would otherwise NEVER use in our vocabulary.  But these are what provide your body with the fuel to keep and stay energized throughout the day, as it fulfills what the body lacks, as we work hard through our fitness program and just day-to-day life.

So, to make a long post even longer, the moral to the story here is proper diet and supplementation (as it’s next to impossible – although not entirely – to get it all from diet) is essential to deliver results and sustain proper energy to avoid that mid-day BONK!

As always, if I can help guide you in a direction towards good health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

To your health & fitness!

* I am not a certified nutritionist or dietitian.  If ever in doubt or have questions about your health and diet, please consult your doctor or a licensed professional.  My advice is based off personal experience and self education and research.  I am also not a certified Personal Trainer…..yet.