Shakeology doesn't compare!

I've been slacking on this blog/website, I know! Today I was going to write about the results I've been seeing so far with Turbo Fire - like my awesome increased flexibility. I will touch on that later, though, because there is something that's been "bugging me" if you will.

I've had many people ask me about Shakeology and how it "compares" to other "meal replacement shakes" on the market. Some have even asked how it compares to protein shakes in health food stores. The truth is - it doesn't. It's not even remotely the same! Beachbody OFFERS a meal replacement shake or protein shake that is more at the "level" of the other shakes on the market. Shakeology just isn't one of them! Some people may say I'm biased because I'm a Beachbody Coach, but the truth is I'm a Beachbody Coach BECAUSE of Shakeology. The more I learn about health and nutrition, the more I appreciate a product made of WHOLE FOODS and super foods. I don't have to take pain medication for Fibromyalgia anymore and my husband recovered quickly from a hard regiment of chemotherapy - because of the ingredients in Shakeology. It wasn't because it's a meal replacement shake or protein shake - it's because it's full of Super Foods!  I've been seeing some competing companies saying their shakes have gotten people off medications, and that might be true because those people probably weren't following ANY health or fitness regiment prior to using their product. The fact that they're using SOMETHING rather than NOTHING has helped to some degree. It is NOT because of the ingredients, though. Some of the shakes on the market don't even have a sufficient amount of vitamins/nutrients! If you're not looking to lose weight - their product isn't for you! It doesn't contain nutrients that will sustain you for lifelong nutrition.  If you're looking to lose weight AND improve health - OR just achieve better fitness and improve health - Shakeology is the way to go! Everybody has different needs, and Shakeology can encompass many of them!

"This patent-pending daily nutritional shake helps your body gently eliminate toxins more efficiently while allowing for better absorption of the essential nutrients you need. A proprietary blend of digestive enzymes and prebiotics helps your body progressively eliminate the toxins that build up over time from eating today's highly processed foods.

At the same time, whole-food ingredients deliver the essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to curb cravings, allowing your body to shed stored fat while the more than 20 different antioxidants and phytonutrients help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and stroke." Excerpt directly from my Shakeology site.

"The healthiest meal of the day" truly does sum it up precisely! If you're truly looking for a comparison you have to look beyond price per serving and whatever other comparisons they try to give. Ask them this:

• "What whole foods does it contain?" (If none, it doesn't compare AT ALL. It is in a totally different "category" of shakes.)


• "Does it contain prebiotics?"


• "Are the ingredients all natural?"


• "Does it contain ingredients that are antioxidants?"


• "Does it contain ingredients that are phytonutrients?"


• "Does it contain amino acids?"


• "What type of protein do they use?" (Most only offer one or two options - including soy, which we minimize or avoid in this home, and some only offer whey and no vegan version is available.)


• "Do they contain more than 23 vitamins and minerals?"

If any of the other answers are "no" then it's simply not the same! So you have to remember to compare REAL FACTS not "pretty comparison charts." It is a premium whole foods shake - it's not MEANT to be a simple meal replacement shake or a protein shake! If it was, Beachbody wouldn't offer those 2 products as well! So let's be realistic in the comparisons!

Reasons I would be "skeptical" of meal replacement shakes on the market today:

1. We have 3 special needs kids, and better nutrition reaps major improvement. Many "shakes" don't have that kind of nutrition or those kind of ingredients! Again, though, they claim they do, and that one personally upsets me! I've seen shakes on the market that contain questionable ingredients like the artificial sweetener sucralose (I will touch more on this subject in detail later, but for layman's terms let's call it "chlorinated sugar.") Artificial ingredients are known to INCREASE problems in children on the Autism spectrum and Sensory Processing Disorder (We have one child on the Autism spectrum and 2 with Sensory Processing Disorder). Here is one article on the subject. And this article is REALLY interesting in regards to not just artificial sweeteners, but MSGs as well! Very informative! I saw somebody once promote a product with sucralose as being good for "extra nutrition" during pregnancy. I'm non-confrontational (though I do obviously share my knowledge, views, opinions, etc. on my personal venues), so I prayed that such poor advice was disregarded! The rest of the product didn't even contain enough "nutrition" that would be good for pregnancy regardless! It's so sad what people will say/do for a quick buck. :( I strive to always give an honest opinion or advice regardless of how it affects me financially! I wish everybody had that kind of integrity!


2. They promise results without exercising. If somebody says "lose weight without exercising," I RUN THE OTHER WAY! It's not that I believe it can't happen - it's that I believe IT'S NOT HEALTHY. You NEED physical fitness. God didn't design us to sit around sipping on shakes, taking pills, etc. and doing nothing. We were designed to honor Him in mind, spirit, AND BODY. That means we need to take care of our body! Trying to bypass something that should be a way of life to care for the temple He gave you is NOT what He had in mind! 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."  and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."


3. They promise "cures." I openly share how Shakeology has gotten me off my pain medications for Fibromylagia and helped my husband recover from a hard regiment of chemotherapy, and I TRULY believe in the ingredients, the super foods, etc., though I do not promise it will cure you of any ailment. Why? I'm NOT ALLOWED to make those claims - and neither are they! I can share personal stories, but I cannot say "you should try this because it will cure your high blood pressure, you stomach ailments, etc." I can show you proven science and share testimonies, but a statement just like that is dangerous! See FDA Health Claims information HERE. We see it all the time, though! Again, this is where integrity comes into play! Unfortunately, though, in a tough economy business have become more "cut-throat" and people will do whatever they can to get customers and clients, gain a sale, etc. I've even seen people who offer products with "chlorinated sugar" say they can help your Fibromyalgia. WOW! Sucralose triggers both my migraines AND my Fibro flare-ups. Again, it doesn't mean it won't do so for everyone, BUT claiming it can HELP your Fibromyalgia is not only contradictory to the FDA Health Claims policies it's also inaccurate and misleading and could TRULY affect someone negatively! I've seen companies that use natural ingredients also make similar claims - and again, it doesn't matter what the ingredients are - you cannot claim it offers a "cure!"


4. Reps/consultants/retailers, etc. are PUSHY about it. Do you really want to work with someone who is pushy about getting you to buy their product - or someone who is genuinely interested in your health, open about all ingredients and information, and truly interested in finding the best fit for you? I choose the latter. If it's the former, again, I will high-tail it the other way regardless of what product they're offering me! (For me, this goes for ANY products - health related or not!) There are so many options out there it can be SO overwhelming, so do your research, and look for a caring response. If they push, push, push and don't seem to be "listening" go somewhere else (or find someone else)!

One of my friends, Debi, and a fellow Beachbody Coach, has started studies at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She wrote such a WONDERFUL post on the benefits of Shakeology - particularly the ingredients - and I couldn't say it any better myself! In fact, it made me appreciate it that much more! Visit her post HERE, and read for yourself the fantastic, extensive ingredient list and benefits OF EACH ONE! It's amazing! I have had rather pushy people try to convince me their product is "better," where I'll have to totally disagree and say "it just doesn't compare!" As the wonderful Beachbody CEO said "It's like comparing apples and tang!"

Want to connect?

As you can probably see - this website 1Fit2Serve is dedicated to health and fitness information as well as sharing what I offer as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach. Maybe you've read my About Me and would like to connect BEYOND the health and fitness aspect! I have set apart this website as a way to share health and fitness tips and advice as well as my personal journey (and my husband's even) with health and fitness while battling a chronic pain disorder (and in my husband's case complications from his chemotherapy treatment for cancer). I started this at a time in my life when God was calling me to do something more; something more than sitting around in pain all day and watching my family wishing I could do more. I haven't left that path, and I still feel it is a vital calling for me that I will continue to pursue and offer support, encouragement, tips, and honesty in my own journey! Our health is SO important that I feel blessed and honored to be able to support and motivate others to improve their health!

I feel like God has called me to something MORE, though - beyond this - not instead of it, but as well as it! I believe I have shared before that I do have a personal blog as well, which really is personal. It's basically the nitty, gritty everyday happenings in my rather "unique" life! I never found a need to integrate a personal blog with this website aside from my personal health and fitness journey, which of course, reflects bits and pieces of me personally: I felt like everyone is here for a purpose, though, and that purpose is the health and fitness aspect. So I will always keep a personal blog as well!

Now I have expanded even more on my Pea of Sweetness website.

Pea of Sweetness really does have a more personal touch because I blog about business, life, homeschooling, and have also recently started encompassing reviews and giveaways! I really feel like this is an extension of me! So if you really feel that by visiting this website you would like to connect beyond the health and fitness aspect I invite you to visit Pea of Sweetness as well as my Pea of Sweetness Facebook Page! Pea of Sweetness even gets some copy and pastes from my personal blog as well - but not too much that it would really lose interest of those that are more for "general" personal blogs rather than "in-depth, emotional type" personal blogs. I would absolutely LOVE to have you visit me on Pea of Sweetness because my calling is extended into healthier living beyond what we think of in the health and fitness category. I mean healthier living as in taking care of ourselves in other ways - using more natural personal care and household products, spiritual health, etc. I hope to see you there as well! :)

Meal Planning

So we moved a few months ago and still aren't completely settled. It takes a long time to unpack when you lose a lot of space (we lost 800 sq ft of space) and when you have 3 kids. One wants to help, one wants nothing to do with helping, and the other THINKS he's helping when really he's just making a mess. haha Being still somewhat unsettled made me realize my meal planning has gone out the window. Grocery shopping has become more difficult and more expensive. When I don't have a plan I tend to just buy whatever I think we may use, which costs a lot and results in a lot of extras in the pantry that I can't use until I get more ingredients to make something else, etc. It has caused a lot of frustration! Like, anything, it's been a learning experience! I love learning experiences because then I can share them with others as well! What have I learned? ALWAYS have your meals planned and make a grocery list based on those meals (and those meals alone to avoid temptations to get things you will regret getting later!). Yes, even when you're stressed out with traveling, moving, whatever it may be - it may seem the time it takes for meal planning isn't worth it, but NOT planning only adds to the stress - and hurts your budget! You are much more likely to dine out when your meals aren't planned, and that adds up quickly!

So where do you start? Anywhere! If you're a great "planner" coming up with meal plans and a grocery list based on those plans can definitely be done by yourself! Make sure you know the full recipes for each meal and base your shopping list on the ingredients needed for each. I personally try to use a variety of recipes that use similar ingredients, but the main part of the meal is different - such as a different entree but similar sides or a different meat in the entree but similar prep style. If you have kids, though, they may not mind having the same thing over and over again - and we actually do that a lot here! haha Now there are so many options out there for meal planning. Some cost a small monthly fee, some are free - and you have to find what works for you. I have found the meal planners that are connected to fitness sites are less likely to have kid-friendly options, so if you're a parent this can be extremely frustrating and a little more time-consuming because you're basically taking those meal plans and then adding more to the recipes or even additional meals for your kids. For more family friendly I found one I like called Food on the Table. They also offer meals based on what coupons are current at your grocery store! It's a great family friendly option! Another that I haven't personally tried yet but will be looking into (after now recognizing my dilemma of falling off the "meal planning boat") is eMeals, which is recommended by Dave Ramsey. We plan on fully diving in to his financial guidance this year, so it definitely makes it appealing for me to look into it! If you already use it I would LOVE to hear your opinion! :)

Maybe you use something else - if so I'd love to hear about it! Whatever you use, remember to use it consistently!

Feedback

So, as the new year progresses I am still determined to bring you more content, update my pages, etc. with content being my #1 priority. My pages just make it easier to see what I have to offer as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach, but you can always access that information by going straight to my Beachbody Coach website. So, as I'm brainstorming to bring consistent content it crossed my mind that I'd like to know what YOU would like? What kind of content would you like to see? More of my personal journey (which I'll share anyway, but I mean MORE of it), vlogs (video blogs), pictures, fitness related educational post, nutrition related educational posts, etc.?? I'd like to know! Please leave a comment and let me know what YOU would like to see! :)

New Performance Product!

I am so excited because Beachbody now has a new Pre-workout formula! I know, I know I need to update my pages on my site as well! I'll be working on that! But I wanted to give a spotlight to this because it's new AND because I really am excited about it!! Why am I so excited? Well, if you've checked out most of my website (or you personally know me) you know that I have Fibromyalgia with Chronic Fatigue - a chronic pain disorder with, yes, chronic fatigue. I've have been feeling great since starting Shakeology just over a year ago! In fact, I was able to stop taking all of the pain medications for it BECAUSE of it! In persistent education - and recommendation of a friend who also has Fibromyaliga - I also added a D-Ribose supplement daily. SO - I am SUPER excited that the new Pre-workout formula has D-Ribose along with other natural energy boosters like B vitamins! Read more about the benefits and what D-Ribose is Here And who doesn't need a good boost before a workout - that isn't loaded with junk? I know I can always benefit from one! Get all the info on Team Beachbody! I think this is a perfect compliment to the nutritional supplements offered by Beachbody, and I'm excited to try it myself!

More Info:
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E&E Energy and Endurance™ will help you:*

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Essential B vitamins to promote a strong metabolism to provide energy so you can burn fat.*
Stevia for natural, zero-calorie sweetness.
E&E Energy and Endurance contains:

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Routine

Routine really is important in SO many ways. It's important not just in health and fitness but life in general! If you have kids you are probably reminded of it every day!

So what role does routine play in your life as it pertains to health and fitness? Let's start with nutrition and eating habits! Most people know the importance of quality and quantity when it comes to nutrition. What are you eating and how much? But what about WHEN? Do you know the significance of WHEN? Our metabolism functions better when there is a routine. I, personally, set a meal schedule on my phone to remind me! I can't tell you how many times busy people say they forget to eat! Not only are you depriving your body of necessary fuel, but you're also causing your metabolism to be sluggish! Did you know you should eat every 2-3 hours? Yes! 2-3 hours. Call the meals in between breakfast, lunch, and dinner "snacks" if you'd like, but call them something and make sure you eat them! I know you're busy, and I have so many people tell me they absolutely can't eat every 2-3 hours. My question is - why not? I Homeschool and have 3 kids under age 6, and I schedule all meals (5 meals total) right into our daily schedule every day! It takes 10 minutes to look over your schedule and find a place to schedule a 5-10 min meal break in! Maybe it's some fruits or veggies, a handful of walnuts, or a protein bar - it doesn't have to be elaborate, but you have to make it count! You'll notice you'll have increased energy, better focus, and if you've been struggling with losing a few pounds you'll notice it comes off easier! So take some time to make a meal schedule!

Here is my meal schedule (as an example - do what works for YOUR schedule!)
Meal 1: 8:30am
Meal 2: 10:30am
Meal 3: 12:30pm
Meal 4: 3:30pm
Meal 5: 6:00pm

As with anything there are "off days" like tomorrow our youngest son has a Dr appt at 8:30am, so we will have to eat (and wake up) sooner. I still keep it as my guideline, though, because most days it works for us! So if you don't have a current meal schedule I encourage you to take some time to make one this week - and please share! :-)

So what about a fitness routine? Maybe you prefer to workout before work, before the kids wake up, in the middle of the day, after the kids go to bed, etc. You will hear many people comment on advantages and disadvantages of working out at certain times. THAT is a different topic. I would rather know I've made a schedule I can stick to rather than trying to squeeze my workouts into a perfect box of a time frame that just doesn't work for me! But the one thing I encourage you to do is get it on the calendar! If you're doing one of Beachbody's awesome programs you can log into your Team Beachbody Account and they can be pre-scheduled in the WOWY Online Super Gym! Voila! Your schedule is all laid out! Even if a pre-schedule isn't available or perhaps you're doing a different program or routine you can still schedule your workouts in advance to the calendar on your Team Beachbody Account! (If you don't have one you can set one up for free from my page - or just ask me how! No matter how you choose to make your fitness schedule just make it! It's easier to commit when it is there! Don't just let it be a "task" on your to-do list - "workout today." NO! Give EACH workout a day & time scheduled right into your daily calendar!

Do you see where I'm going with the keeping a daily calendar thing? Why? Because it is good for your life all around! Get your meals on track, get your workouts scheduled in, and know what is happening when so you can commit to that schedule! If you know you work from 9-5 every week day that is in your calendar and doesn't change! Commit to your physical wellness like that and you'll be glad you did! Be blessed!

P90X2 Pre-sale

Wow, this is BIG NEWS! P90X2 is now available for pre-order. It went on pre-order yesterday (Sept 1st) and is ONLY available through your Coach for pre-order until Sept 6th! This is just another advantage of ordering through a Coach! Plus you will also get TWO free DVD workouts and FREE SHIPPING!! How awesome is that!? You're not charged until it ships - just in time for the holidays! We, personally, ordered the Ultimate Kit! Another advantage of pre-ordering is you can win weekly prizes from supplements, Shakeology, fitness equipment, apparel, etc. all the way up to the Grand Prize of Tony Horton himself delivering your P90X2 to your door! To get your pre-order today go to P90X2 Pre-order

For more info here is the FAQs:

P90X2™ FAQ
Q. What happens if I don't pre-order?
A. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee you'll be able to get a copy of P90X2 before 2012 if you don't pre-order now.

Q. How is P90X2 different from P90X®?
A. Consider P90X2 the next wave in applied science for body transformation. Like P90X®, it's a complete 90-day program, but with all-new, cutting-edge workouts grounded in the most modern thinking in sports science. It takes the principles of the P90X® concept and cranks up the intensity with exercises that demand every ounce of your balance, agility, core strength, and athleticism.

Q. When will P90X2 be available?
A. December, 2011. (Note: a Spanish language version will be available in January 2012.)

Q. What's included in P90X2?
A. P90X2 Base Kit:
• 12 workouts on 13 DVDs or 4 Blu-ray discs
• Fitness Guide
• Nutrition Guide
• 90-day Workout Calendar

P90X2 Deluxe Kit:
• Includes everything in the P90X2 Base Kit, plus:
• 2 Bonus Advanced P90X2 Workouts
• 1 Foam Roller
• 1 55cm Premium Stability Ball
• 2 8-lb Medicine Balls

P90X2 Ultimate Kit:
• Includes everything in the P90X2 Base Kit, plus:
• 2 Bonus Advanced P90X2 Workouts
• 1 Pro-Grade Foam Roller
• 1 55cm Premium Stability Ball
• 2 8-lb Medicine Balls

Q. Is there a Coach / Team Beachbody® exclusive offer for P90X2?
A. Yes, you get two FREE DVD workouts: P90X One on One: 4 Legs, and P90X One on One: Upper Body Balance when you order from me, your Coach

Q. How do I order P90X2?
A. Go to P90X2 Pre-order

Q. What types of exercises are in the program?
A. Phase One focuses on your foundation. It includes X2 Core, which works the core using instability; X2 Balance & Power, which incorporates strength and explosive movements; and more.
Phase Two focuses on strength with workouts like Plyocide, combining explosive movements with mind and coordination drills; Chest, Back & Balance, the mega pump of P90X Chest & Back with the addition of unstable platforms.
Phase Three focuses on performance. It includes P.A.P. Lower and P.A.P. Upper, two separate workouts using a cutting-edge training technique used by some of the fittest athletes on the planet. These are a series of repeated movements or "complexes" that will absolutely destroy you.

Q. What equipment do I need?
A. All you need to do P90X2 is a couple of dumbbells or resistance bands, a place to do pull-ups, and about an hour a day. A pro grade stability ball, two 8-lb. medicine balls, and a foam roller are strongly recommended, too.

Q. What if I want a less strenuous program?
A. If you decide you aren't ready to tackle P90X2 yet but still want to get in great shape fast, we recommend starting with a less extreme program, such as 10-Minute Trainer® or Power 90®. Beachbody® offers a wide variety of incredible fitness programs for all levels and goals, so you're sure to find the one that's right for you.

Q. I subscribed to P90X® ONE on ONE Volume 3. How do I place my order?
A. You can call customer service at 1 (800) 470-7870. Tell the service representative that you purchased ONE on ONE Volume 3 and you'll be given further details.

Q. When will my credit card be charged?
A. As soon as the product ships, your credit card will be charged.

Q. What do I get get if I pre-order through you, my Coach?
A. Two FREE bonus workouts you can use to get in tip-top shape for the New
Year. They will also receive FREE shipping and handling (up to a $40 value), as well as an automatic sweepstakes entry to win exclusive prizes and a shot
to be featured in a future P90X2™ infomercial!