Shakeology Cleanse – The results of my modified 3 day Shakeology Cleanse. I did this right before heading out to Orlando for the 2013 Beachbody Success Club event.
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Shakeology Cleanse – Modified – My Results
April 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Shakeology Cleanse – Modified Day 2
March 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment
My modified Shakeology cleanse:
I have been having 3 Shakeology meals and snacks each day. For snacks, I’ve been having all fruit, veggies and tea. I have been doing my workouts as well. The standard 3 day Shakeology cleanse requires no workouts.
So far I am down 1 pound with an overall goal of “just” 2. My real goal is to jump start my metabolism even more and pump up the energy.
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Want Excellent Results? Then You Must Track Your Nutrition
February 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
You’ve been there before. Admit it. You had good results but not great. What is missing? Nutrition! It is the secret missing ingredient to fitness success! You need to track your nutrition to get the results. Don’t worry, especially if you are a busy professional. You can make it easy by following Luis’ tips here http://oneforcefitness.com/coaching/want-great-results-track-your-nutrition/
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Shakeology Taste Test – New Customer Approved Chocolate vs “Old” Shakeology
January 30, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Shakeology Taste Test
It’s time to put the old and new side by side and try them both out. I can hear the deep voice of Michael Buffer introducing both prize fighters…. “Let’s get ready to rummmmble!” The older “Superfood Formula” and the new “Customer Approved” Chocolate Shakeology are put to the test.
I decided to sample both for myself and blended up both formulas with the exact same ingredients. I taste tested it and had my wife do the same. She is known in our house to have the super human taste buds.
The Results of the Shakeology Taste Test
Lisa’s comments on the new Customer Approved Shakeology:
“Not sharp or bitter”
“No after taste”
“…vanilla, almond or almost orange undertones”
Lisa’s comments on the older formula:
“Bitter”
“Sharp after taste”
“Not sweet”
The votes are in and the feedback has been confirmed to coincide with the panel. Beachbody created a group of 2,500 people to give honest feedback on what they thought of the formula and how it could be improved. They came up with the new Customer Approved Chocolate Shakeology. Careful considerations went into improving it in 5 specific areas: aroma, taste, sweetness, chocolateyness and texture. Go here to read about the specifics of what criteria was used to make the changes. Want to take the Shakeology taste test for yourself? Message me here.
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INSANITY Nutrition Guide Made Easy
December 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Insanity Nutrition Guide Made Easy
You’ve decided to take on Shaun T and INSANITY. Yes, you are crazy. I mean that in a good way of course. But now what? The nutrition guide can be confusing. How many calories should you consume daily? You will be burning up way more calories than normal once you start INSANITY. Make sure you have a good plan for success. Check out The Fit Club Network’s resources to help break it down in easy to understand terms. http://www.thefitclubnetwork.com/2012/02/insanity-elite-nutrition-guide. They also have some great videos to visually show you how simple it really can be to make the recipes.
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Tempeh stir fry
November 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Flax Tempeh Stir Fry
Ingredients:
Flax tempeh
- green beans
- brown rice
- carrots
- celery
- brussels sprouts
- Braggs liquid aminos
- Any other veggies that you want to throw in
Heat up coconut and sesame oil in a pan. Start with carrots then after a few minutes add in veggies and cooked rice. Mix in over mix heat. Takes about 10-15 minutes until it’s ready to serve.
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Shakeology vs Body By Vi Review
August 21, 2012 by 4 Comments
Shakeology vs Body by Vi comparison – What shake is better?
Shakeology vs Body By Vi - There is a lot of talk and debate when comparing weight loss products these days. I’m not surprised since we as a nation have a huge problem on our hands and I mean that literally. In the United States, two-thirds the number of people are overweight or obese, two-thirds! That is a lot and it isn’t getting any better. With such a problem and everyone living a rushed lifestyle, many people are turning to any help they can get to get healthy. One such option is a meal replacement shake. It’s fast and easy and will help you lose weight right? Let’s compare a few of the more popular products available on the market today.
Shakeology vs Body By Vi – What You Get
Beachbody’s Shakeology AKA “healthiest meal of the day” comes in 24 individual packets or a bag that consists of a 30 day supply. Both are the same price. The new vegan formula that was recently introduced are an additional $7.50. Current flavor options that are available: Chocolate, Greenberry, Vegan Chocolate and Vegan Tropical Strawberry. The original chocolate formula recently was changed to reduce the fructose and to increase the fiber. More details of the changes are listed below.
Shakeology options
The four new superfoods of Shakeology:
Moringa – rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, Vitamin A, Protein, Potassium and Iron. Moringa is known to promote energy, vitality, athletic performance, and weight loss while boosting the immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial properties.
Coconut flower nectar - contains 17 amino acids plus is a natural source of B vitamins. It is also high in potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron.
Luo Han Guo – been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than a millennium. It’s known for it’s antioxidant properties and immune-supporting benefits.
Himalayan salt - an actually healthy salt. It contains more than 70 trace minerals. Salt is great for you if it’s the right type!
Both coconut flower nectar and Luo Han Guo help to create a natural sweetness in Shakeology.
Some perks promised by Shakeology are lost weight, more energy, improved digestion and regularity and lower cholesterol. It also has a certified low score of 24 on the glycemic index. That is very similar to an apple and will help regulate blood sugar and mood levels.
Body By Vi offers several different packages to choose from: The Fit, Transformation, Core, Shape or Balance Kit. The Balance Kit is the starter package and the Fit Kit is the premium pack that promises to “take your fitness to the next level”. For our comparison here, we will use the Shape Kit to compare to Shakeology.
The comparison shake is Body By Vi’s Shape kit. It includes 60 servings of Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake Mix and 10 servings of Shape-Up™ Health Flavor Mix-Ins to mix in with your shakes. It’s promoted as two shakes a day to help melt the pounds away. It also states that it provides healthy vitamins and minerals, protein and fiber.
Shakeology vs Body By Vi – The Ingredients
The ingredient list as listed on the Body By Vi (Visalus) website:
Body By Vi’s shake ingredients – Protein Blend of (Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Hydrolysate, and Whey Protein Concentrate), Digestive Resistant Maltodextrin (Fibersol™), High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Natural and Artificial Flavor, MCT Oil, Maltodextrin, Gum Acacia, Xanthan, Sodium Caseinate, Lecithin, Aminogen™, Mono & Diglycerides, DiPotassium Phosphate, Sucralose.
Let me highlight just a few of the above ingredients; sucralose. Cathy Sherman defined it like this from NaturalNews.com….”To make sucralose, chlorine is used. Chlorine, a poisonous gas, has a split personality; it can be only moderately harmful or it can be life threatening”. Read more from that article here. WOW! That is just one of the ingredients from Body By Vi’s shake.
“Worse, other research has shown that artificial sweeteners might contribute to weight gain … [when the] sweet taste is not accompanied by the calories (energy) our brain expects it to be, the complex systems our bodies have to regulate energy balance may be thrown off kilter. The result is that a diet high in artificial sweeteners may possibly, over time, cause people to seek out more calories from other sources”. – FYI Living
Body By Vi also includes soy protein isolate which has been noted by numerous respected sources to be harmful. Dr. Mercola laid it out very nicely in an article here.
Beachbody’s Shakeology -
Shakelogy Super Foods
More than 70 different ingredients from around the world are represented in Shakeology for their potency and bioavailability. Rather than list them all here, I put a link below for each.
Greenberry Shakeology ingredient list
Chocolate Shakeology ingredient list
Vegan Tropical Strawberry Shakeology ingredient list
Vegan Chocolate Shakeology ingredient list
Whey protein isolate is the main source of protein in Shakeology with the exception of the vegan flavors. The protein in the vegan flavors is made up of sprouted and bio-fermented brown rice protein.
Shakeology vs Body By Vi – Calories
Beachbody’s Shakeology varies in calories from 140 to 170 depending on the flavor and type of protein.
Body By Vi’s shake has 90 calories. Recommended twice a day for a total of 180.
Although being aware of calories is a good gauge of health, it isn’t everything. They need to be GOOD calories of pure ingredients.
Shakeology vs Body By Vi – Promotion Of Exercise
Beachbody has a complete line of home workout DVD’s (P90X, INSANITY, Brazil Butt Lift, Turbo Fire and numerous others) to coincide with Shakeology for a full exercise and nutrition package. They range from the beginner to the very advanced.
Although Body By Vi doesn’t have an exercise line of products like Beachbody, they do seem to encourage working out along with drinking the shakes daily. The do also state on their website “Simply use the products twice a day, whether you exercise or not, and you’ll be amazed at how fast you can transform your life with ViSalus.”
Exercise pieced with nutrition is a huge factor to consider when doing a Shakeology vs Body By Vi review comparison.
Shakeology vs Body By Vi – Better Business Bureau rating
Beachbody – A+ rating
Visalus – C+ rating
Shakeology vs Body By Vi – The Price
Retail price of Shakeology is $119.95 for a 30 day supply based on one shake a day with the exception of the individual (24) packets. The vegan options are an additional $7.50. Discounted options are available for club members (10% off) and coaches (25% off). Shakeology is a full meal replacement with no additional ingredients required. Free shipping is also offered when purchased on the home delivery (HD) or monthly auto ship option. (HD). There is also a 30 day money back guarantee if the customer is not satisfied.
Body By Vi’s Shape Kit contains 60 shakes for a month supply for $99. Two shakes a day are recommended. Adding additional ingredients are suggested. Additional flavor packets are available in packs of 15 for an additional $10 each. Body By Vi offers a “3 for free” offer where you can get your kit for free each month minus shipping for referring others.
If you are adding additional flavors to add in with your Body By Vi shake and having them the recommended twice a day, both products seem to be very similar in cost per day.
Shakeology vs Body By Vi – The Taste
When it comes right down to it, most people won’t care how healthy a drink is and what it does for their body unless it tastes good. That is the delicate balance. Many times, chemical ingredients or processes are needed to make it taste better. There isn’t any reason to go there (processing, chemicals) in my opinion. The healthier you eat, the more your taste buds change and get used to better foods. You can have both taste and ultimate nutrition.
The feedback on the taste of the different flavors of Shakeology can vary greatly. Greenberry seems to be the least favorite and chocolate being the most popular. But I also know some that prefer Greenberry all the way. There are many recipes and concoctions that are used to change the taste and even add calories if that is the individual’s goal. I usually make mine pretty simple with ice, water and usually a banana. It’s very filling and tastes very good. The Tropical Strawberry does have a bit more of a graininess aftertaste but it’s pretty minimal. That has to do with the vegan mix. Tropical has become my overall favorite flavor.
The Visalus shake is touted as “the shake that tastes like cake”. I honestly cannot say by personal experience what the taste is like. Most of the feedback is positive on the taste from what I’ve heard.
Shakeology vs Body By Vi – Final Thoughts
Beachbody CEO Carl Daikeler and co-founders of Shakeology Darien Olien and Isabelle Daikeler are constantly researching and getting feedback from others on how to improve the product. The chocolate formula was recently changed even though there was a risk to how others may like the change in taste. There isn’t ANY processed ingredients in Shakeology. Beachbody is willing to do whatever it takes to make Shakeology healthiest product on the market.
Body By Vi’s shake product seems to give people some nice results. One hesitation that I have is regarding the pureness of it’s ingredients and how exercise is implemented into the program. Bottom line is that being healthy and fit really comes down to eating as many foods in their most natural state and following a strict exercise routine. Be careful of processed foods in any shake, they can mess up your metabolism and actually put ON weight. It’s a long term process that includes enjoying what we eat, how we exercise, getting enough sleep and reducing our stress level. Follow that foundation and you are bound for success. As always, when deciding what product is best for you, do your research first!
Get your Shakeology here
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Is Shakeology worth it?
May 9, 2012 by 2 Comments
What is Shakeology anyway? Shakeology is a meal replacement shake that is made by Beachbody. It was created by Darin Olien and Isabelle Daikeler. You just may have heard of the home workout programs P90X or INSANITY? You must be living under a rock if you haven’t. They are being advertised on infomercials ’round the clock. Shakeology was launched a few years ago and ever since has created success story after success story.
Is Shakeology Worth It?
What is all the hype about? Is it expensive? What’s in it? These are all questions that I hear a lot from curious minds.
Is Shakeology worth it?
Shakeology is meant to be a meal replacement. What that means is that you can drink it to replace a meal. The most common meals to exchange out with Shakeology are breakfast or lunch. I usually drink it for breakfast and I really look forward to it. It fills me up and sets the tone for my day. If you are one of the breakfast skippers, then you definitely could benefit from Shakeology.
Is Shakeology worth it?
That is the main question. There are other shakes out there that are cheaper. That is the main point. Cheaper is not ever better in my opinion.
Make sure you are measuring apples to apples. Shakeology comes to $3.50 – 5.00 per serving depending on how you order it. If you are a coach you receive the 25% off discount. Club members receive 10% off. Home delivery orders receive free shipping so there are a few factors that play into the cost.
Let me ask you this. When you research a product that you want to invest in, ask yourself if you are looking at the whole picture. A less expensive option may cost you say $2-3 a serving but what you may not know is that you need 2 of them for the same result. Or maybe you are only receiving 25% of the nutritional power. Many times you end up spending MORE and waste more time in the whole process.
Shakeology comes in 3 flavors: Chocolate, greenberry and also the vegan option of Tropical Strawberry. Depending on your taste buds will determine your favorite. For specific breakdown on the ingredient list, check out my main Shakeology post.
How has Shakeology helped me?
I’ve been drinking Shakeology for about 2 years now. What I find the most noticeable is that I don’t have many cravings. I actually crave things like Shakeology, fruit, etc. I don’t really have much desire for any sweets. When I stray a bit I can’t wait to get back on track with great nutrition since I know how much better I feel. The energy increase is also a big difference. Combined that with my rigorous exercise, I am in better health than when I was 25. Losing weight is a huge reason why many people will turn to Shakeology. Since that isn’t a goal of mine I sometimes use it as a midafternoon snack for my goal of adding muscle mass. It’s great for on the go as well. If you are not prepared and hungry when out on the go, it will make your decision much easier. It’s usually a much healthier one as well. I have been able to stay at my same new weight since I lost my 25 pounds and maintain great blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. Now you can’t use your age or time as an excuse to be healthy!
Is Shakeology worth it? I say yes, of course but I suggest doing the research and looking at the pure ingredients that are in it and comparing to other products. I know that Beachbody is using the highest standards possible and beyond what is required by the food industry. They are going to remote areas of the world to find the best ingredients and working directly with the small farmers and cutting out the big box middlemen and mass production with chemicals. To me that is worth gold. Invest in yourself before you are forced to try and get your health back. It will be much more difficult if you let it go too long.
If the cost still seems to be too high, compare it to how much you are spending for lunch. Many people go out to lunch every day and spend $5-8. What they are getting for that many times is high calorie processed junk food. When you look at it as treating yourself towards better health, being sick less and feeling more energetic the choice becomes very clear. Shakeology is oh so worth it! Only you can be the judge of that. Try it for yourself.
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Slow cooker white chili
February 5, 2012 by 1 Comment
White Chicken Chili
Great healthy soup for Super Bowl parties!
Serves 10 to 12
In a modern twist on a game-day classic, cauliflower turns into the surprisingly creamy base for this white bean and chicken chili with mild poblano peppers. Serve sprinkled with sliced green onions and shredded mild cheddar or monterey jack.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 (16-ounce) bag dried 365 Everyday Value® Organic Cannellini Beans, picked through
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen 365 Everyday Value® Sweet White Corn
2 or 3 poblano peppers (or 2 green bell peppers), chopped
1 head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into small florets
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 quarts low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 cup lowfat sour cream
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
Method
Arrange chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Top with beans, corn, poblanos, cauliflower, onion, broth, cumin and chili powder. Cover and cook on low until beans are very tender and cauliflower has fallen apart, about 10 hours. Stir in sour cream and salt, ladle into bowls and serve.
Make sure you have a large enough slow cooker (6 quarts). It makes more than enough for several meals.
Nutrition
Per serving: 300 calories (50 from fat), 6g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 35mg cholesterol, 600mg sodium, 42g total carbohydrate (9g dietary fiber, 8g sugar), 22g protein
Courtesy of Whole Foods
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Protein pancakes
December 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Low carb / high protein pancakes
Protein Pancakes
My kids really REALLY wanted pancakes today & I’m out of my usual gluten free mix, so I had to come up with something from what I had on hand. I just realized I made what some might call a high protein, low carb ‘pancake’. They are grainy although if u can get past that, pretty good especially with a small amount of butter & real maple syrup.
Ingredients:
almond meal, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, sugar (I used coconut palm sugar) vanilla extract, eggs & water (I used 1/2 almond milk, 1/2 water).
Also since I doubled this recipe and it called for 6 eggs, I substituted 1 of them for chia seeds in water and another 1 for flax meal in water.
As I see them pictured here they don’t look as good as they tasted, my kids approved!
From the kitchen of Lisa Barth
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