So, what is Shakeology really supposed to do for you?? While each person's body is unique and different, we have come up with some short summaries of effects that anyone taking Shakeology on a regular basis should experience.
Antioxidants: Shakeology contains some of the most potent antioxidants: flavonoids and phytonutrients such as spinach, blue green algae, carrot powder, strawberry powder, and vitamins E and C. These help to prevent free radicals from oxidizing and destroying cells. The ingredients in our antioxidant blend such as pomegranate, acai berry, camu-camu, goji, and blueberry also have powerful antioxidant effects to support your immune system and help protect your body from normal inflammatory response.
Energy: Shakeology contains a range of B vitamins and trace minerals, like zinc and magnesium, from whole food sources that regulate metabolism and increase energy. Shakeology also contains maca root, an adaptogen herb known to promote endurance and stamina. Check out our Ingredient Spotlight on maca root to learn more.
Digestion: The Shakeology non-dairy prebiotic and probiotic blend contains fiber and different enzymes like amylase, papain, cellulose, and lactase, which all support digestion. These ingredients aid in breaking down food molecules into smaller molecules that can be properly digested, so all of the nutrients can be absorbed into your system.
Mood: One scoop of Shakeology provides 100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B12. B12 is often linked with good mood maintenance; B vitamins are also essential for the production and proper functioning of neurotransmitters like dopamine, crucial to the experience of pleasure. Shakeology also contains cacao, which is very high in phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA acts as a neuromodulator to enhance one's mood.
Detoxification: Many of the ingredients in Shakeology (spirulina, chlorella, flaxseed, barley grass, spinach) contain powerful detoxification compounds such as chlorophyll and alpha-linolenic acid. These ingredients may help rid the body of environmental toxins such as smog, heavy metals, herbicides, cleaning products, and pesticides. They also aid in liver detoxification. Shakeology also includes kamut grass, an ingredient coined "nature's most powerful detoxifier." This grass has been known to cleanse the body and detoxify the cells to restore health and vitality. Immunity. The antioxidants, bioflavanoids, and flavanoids in Shakeology work to support immunity. Some of these ingredients include ashwaganda, acerola cherry, rose hips, and goji berries. The goji berries in Shakeology are one of the richest sources of antioxidants; not only does goji berry promote eye, reproductive, and circulatory health, but it also supports your immune system and promotes longevity!
Satiety/cravings: The protein, chromium, and nutrient-dense calories from superfoods in Shakeology work to help decrease your appetite. Chromium is important because it helps maintain blood-sugar levels, which reduces sugar cravings and promotes fat metabolism. Plus, protein-rich meals are a great way to keep you feeling full, longer!
Complete nutrition: Each Shakeology ingredient plays an important role in feeding your body on a cellular level, but it is important to remember that the synergy of the 70+ ingredients working together is what truly fuels your body to keep you looking and feeling your best.
So there you have it! That's a snapshot of all the wonderful things Shakeology does for your body. We could literally write a book on these potent ingredients, but sometimes a cheat sheet is just what the doctor ordered. If you commit some of the aspects of this article to memory, then the next time someone asks you, "What does Shakeology do for your body?" you'll be able to provide them with more specialized information than, "It's the Healthiest Meal of the Day! It helps you lose weight, curb cravings, lower cholesterol, and increase energy." This is all true, but at the end of the day, Shakeology is SO much more than that!
For more information on Shakeology - you can visit their website
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Melaleuca….Are they really a green company? I beg to differ….Clearly Toxic!!!!
A while ago (OK, actually about 18 months ago) I was on a journey to find a job I could do from home. A friend mentioned she had something I might like and to make a long story short, I was introduced to Melaleuca. I thought hmmm, I can buy safe products for my family and also make a business out of this.
I was told they don't use harsh chemicals and their products are green and natural. They've got it all - over 350 products ranging from cleaning supplies to personal care products and vitamins. You are basically switching stores and buying your necessities from Melaleuca - which by the way are supposed to be much higher quality, and cheaper - than what you get at Walmart. Plus they are safer for the environment and your health.
The first thing I didn’t like about this company was that I had to sign up to purchase 35 product points a month, which seemed a lot for my family. Oh yeah, and if you didn’t order, you had to have a back up order on file and they would automatically send you that and charge your card.
Well I decided to give it a try, and found we did like the products.
I tried building a business, and at first found a few people to enroll as customers. One of the big things Melaleuca pushes is there is "no selling, no inventory, no large investment" so a lot of people seemed interested. That was until they had to call into a phone presentation to find out what the business actually was. A lot of people felt it was a scam.
I soon found out that it was more work than it was worth, as the average amount you make from "introducing someone to the company" was only $2.45. In order to make any sort of residual income, you need to get hundreds, if not thousands of people enrolled.
Now, one of the friends I told about the Melaleuca green products got back tome with some interesting info. She had been doing some research into the ingredients in the products and found that Melaleuca wasn't so green after all.
One of the personal products she was looking at was the Koala pals for her sons and the Renew Body wash for herself.
Some of the ingredients:
PEG 80 Sorbitan Laurate, is not safe to use on injured or damaged skin. There is also a strong evidence of being a human skin toxicant and is a primary skin irritant. Not good for everyday use, only limited use.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, is a skin sensitizer – an agent that can induce allergic reaction in the skin or lungs. Again not safe for everyday use, only safe for limited use.
Fragrance, is a known human immune system toxicant. Also has a score of 8 for high hazard.
Other toxic ingredients included in these products were - Benzyl Alcohol (a solvent), Butylphenyl Methylpropional (a synthetic scent ingredient associated with allergies and contact dermatitis), and Amylcinnamyl Alcohol (known human immune system toxicant/allergen).
After hearing this, I went and checked a product I absolutely LOVE - Sol-U-Mel. To my surprise, the first ingredient in Sol-U-Mel is SD Alcohol 40B - which is a mixture of ethanol with a denaturing agent. For those that don't know, ethanol is considered broadly toxic and linked to birth defects following excessive oral ingestion. Now most people won't drink Sol-U-Mel, however Melaleuca is proud to say they don't need to put safety caps on their products as they are safe. I don't think Sol-U-Mel is all that safe now!!
I could go on and on about the ingredients on these products but how can a “wellness” company sell products like these? This company is definitely not a green company. They claim that Johnson’s baby wash is harmful and toxic. Well most of the ingredients in Johnson’s is also in their koala pals and Renew body wash. A lot of their labels don't even list the ingredients included in a product! That to me is a red flag right there.
If you are using any of the Melaleuca products, I urge you to read the labels and do your homework. Seriously grab this list of chemicals. Then look at the products in your home like your deodorant, shampoo, mouthwash, baby lotion, hand creams, household cleaners and make up. See if they contain any one or more of these products.
Sorry Melaleuca, unfortunately I will be cancelling my Melaleuca membership and looking for something truly safe for my family.
I was told they don't use harsh chemicals and their products are green and natural. They've got it all - over 350 products ranging from cleaning supplies to personal care products and vitamins. You are basically switching stores and buying your necessities from Melaleuca - which by the way are supposed to be much higher quality, and cheaper - than what you get at Walmart. Plus they are safer for the environment and your health.
The first thing I didn’t like about this company was that I had to sign up to purchase 35 product points a month, which seemed a lot for my family. Oh yeah, and if you didn’t order, you had to have a back up order on file and they would automatically send you that and charge your card.
Well I decided to give it a try, and found we did like the products.
I tried building a business, and at first found a few people to enroll as customers. One of the big things Melaleuca pushes is there is "no selling, no inventory, no large investment" so a lot of people seemed interested. That was until they had to call into a phone presentation to find out what the business actually was. A lot of people felt it was a scam.
I soon found out that it was more work than it was worth, as the average amount you make from "introducing someone to the company" was only $2.45. In order to make any sort of residual income, you need to get hundreds, if not thousands of people enrolled.
Now, one of the friends I told about the Melaleuca green products got back tome with some interesting info. She had been doing some research into the ingredients in the products and found that Melaleuca wasn't so green after all.
One of the personal products she was looking at was the Koala pals for her sons and the Renew Body wash for herself.
Some of the ingredients:
PEG 80 Sorbitan Laurate, is not safe to use on injured or damaged skin. There is also a strong evidence of being a human skin toxicant and is a primary skin irritant. Not good for everyday use, only limited use.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, is a skin sensitizer – an agent that can induce allergic reaction in the skin or lungs. Again not safe for everyday use, only safe for limited use.
Fragrance, is a known human immune system toxicant. Also has a score of 8 for high hazard.
Other toxic ingredients included in these products were - Benzyl Alcohol (a solvent), Butylphenyl Methylpropional (a synthetic scent ingredient associated with allergies and contact dermatitis), and Amylcinnamyl Alcohol (known human immune system toxicant/allergen).
After hearing this, I went and checked a product I absolutely LOVE - Sol-U-Mel. To my surprise, the first ingredient in Sol-U-Mel is SD Alcohol 40B - which is a mixture of ethanol with a denaturing agent. For those that don't know, ethanol is considered broadly toxic and linked to birth defects following excessive oral ingestion. Now most people won't drink Sol-U-Mel, however Melaleuca is proud to say they don't need to put safety caps on their products as they are safe. I don't think Sol-U-Mel is all that safe now!!
I could go on and on about the ingredients on these products but how can a “wellness” company sell products like these? This company is definitely not a green company. They claim that Johnson’s baby wash is harmful and toxic. Well most of the ingredients in Johnson’s is also in their koala pals and Renew body wash. A lot of their labels don't even list the ingredients included in a product! That to me is a red flag right there.
If you are using any of the Melaleuca products, I urge you to read the labels and do your homework. Seriously grab this list of chemicals. Then look at the products in your home like your deodorant, shampoo, mouthwash, baby lotion, hand creams, household cleaners and make up. See if they contain any one or more of these products.
Sorry Melaleuca, unfortunately I will be cancelling my Melaleuca membership and looking for something truly safe for my family.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Beauty Starts on the Inside
It's no secret a healthy diet and active lifestyle does wonders for your appearance. Not only does eating clean help you keep the weight off, but it also enriches your beauty. When you take care of yourself your health radiates from the inside out!
Good nutrition naturally nurtures healthy, glowing skin to help keep it free of acne. That's why many skin-nurturing beauty products on the market have ingredients like citrus, acai berries, camu-camu and other potent superfoods in them; these ingredients are as good for you insides as they are for your exterior.
Good nutrition also can do wonders for strengthening your hair from heating products you may use every day and it also supports healthy growth and texture. Finally, when you're eating right you may also notice your nails become stronger, grow faster and maybe don't crack and break as often.
This is all thanks to good nutrition! So what should you be eating to enrich your hair, skin and nails? Here are a few ingredients that are great for all of the above. You can find these ingredients in many foods at your local grocery store and you can find all of them in Shakeology.
Biotin: Helps promote the health of hair, skin, and nails.
Bromelain: Helps support damaged tissue especially after a burn.
Chlorella: Phytonutrient that helps support healthy skin.
Citric Acid: Helps provide antioxidant protection for the skin.
Folic Acid: A deficiency may cause gray hair.
Cocoa: Antioxidant support for healthy skin.
Gingko: Antioxidant support for skin and promotes healthy circulation.
Goji Berry: High in antioxidants which help minimize damage from free radicals that injure cells and can damage DNA.
Grape Seed Extract: Used to protect collagen and elastin in skin (anti-aging).
Green tea: Comes from the Camellia Sinensis tea plant, which is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants and that detoxify cell-damaging free radicals in the body.
Magnesium: Can help cells repair faster.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): Helps reduce signs of aging, skin disorders, and gray hair.
Papain: Taken from the fruit of the papaya tree. It is used to help promote healing for a variety of skin conditions.
Schisandra: Helps to prevent aging.
Vitamin A: Is often used to help skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, wounds, burns, and sunburn.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Used for treating acne, maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails. It also has anti-aging properties.
Vitamin B6: Beneficial for acne and various other skin conditions.
Vitamin C: Powerful antioxidant that can be used to help repair and firm the skin.
Vitamin E: Can help to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is a primary component of your skin and may help prevent scarring from wounds and acne.
Vitamin K: Helps promote healing and helpful for mild bruising and swelling.
Wheat Grass: Rich in phytonutrients that may help to prevent gray hair.
To learn more about Shakeology visit myshakeology.com/CoachBonny
Good nutrition naturally nurtures healthy, glowing skin to help keep it free of acne. That's why many skin-nurturing beauty products on the market have ingredients like citrus, acai berries, camu-camu and other potent superfoods in them; these ingredients are as good for you insides as they are for your exterior.
Good nutrition also can do wonders for strengthening your hair from heating products you may use every day and it also supports healthy growth and texture. Finally, when you're eating right you may also notice your nails become stronger, grow faster and maybe don't crack and break as often.
This is all thanks to good nutrition! So what should you be eating to enrich your hair, skin and nails? Here are a few ingredients that are great for all of the above. You can find these ingredients in many foods at your local grocery store and you can find all of them in Shakeology.
Biotin: Helps promote the health of hair, skin, and nails.
Bromelain: Helps support damaged tissue especially after a burn.
Chlorella: Phytonutrient that helps support healthy skin.
Citric Acid: Helps provide antioxidant protection for the skin.
Folic Acid: A deficiency may cause gray hair.
Cocoa: Antioxidant support for healthy skin.
Gingko: Antioxidant support for skin and promotes healthy circulation.
Goji Berry: High in antioxidants which help minimize damage from free radicals that injure cells and can damage DNA.
Grape Seed Extract: Used to protect collagen and elastin in skin (anti-aging).
Green tea: Comes from the Camellia Sinensis tea plant, which is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants and that detoxify cell-damaging free radicals in the body.
Magnesium: Can help cells repair faster.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): Helps reduce signs of aging, skin disorders, and gray hair.
Papain: Taken from the fruit of the papaya tree. It is used to help promote healing for a variety of skin conditions.
Schisandra: Helps to prevent aging.
Vitamin A: Is often used to help skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, wounds, burns, and sunburn.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Used for treating acne, maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails. It also has anti-aging properties.
Vitamin B6: Beneficial for acne and various other skin conditions.
Vitamin C: Powerful antioxidant that can be used to help repair and firm the skin.
Vitamin E: Can help to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is a primary component of your skin and may help prevent scarring from wounds and acne.
Vitamin K: Helps promote healing and helpful for mild bruising and swelling.
Wheat Grass: Rich in phytonutrients that may help to prevent gray hair.
To learn more about Shakeology visit myshakeology.com/CoachBonny
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Back on the Bandwagon - Part 3
Now in addition to my Shakeology (which my hubby also loves by the way), I've committed myself to trying Beachbody's Insanity workout program. I talked to friends who have done it - and yes it is intense, but I am determined. Plus my hubby is going to be doing it with me!!
Tonight was our first experience with Insanity. They were right - it is insane - I felt like I was going to die!! But I did my best (as did hubby) and here were my results (no laughing please) ...
I honestly didn't think I was THAT out of shape. I know it can only get better from here ... so wish me luck and I'll keep you posted on how things go
Tonight was our first experience with Insanity. They were right - it is insane - I felt like I was going to die!! But I did my best (as did hubby) and here were my results (no laughing please) ...
I honestly didn't think I was THAT out of shape. I know it can only get better from here ... so wish me luck and I'll keep you posted on how things go
Back on the Bandwagon - Part 2
Back when I started my weight loss journey, I was anxious to try Shakeology - I had heard so many good things about it.
Now unfortunately Beachbody doesn't offer "samples" of their shakes - unless you can find a coach who is willing to ship one of the individual packets to you. You can buy these individual packets on eBay, however, be prepared to pay an arm and leg for one packet. So to try it, you just have to bite the bullet and buy either a bag or a box of individual packets.
It is a bit pricey ($120 retail) but if you sign up as a coach (distributor) you can purchase it for 25% off. But even at that price it's still rather pricey.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to paying money for something that is a superior product, however, I don't want to have to force myself to drink the shakes just for the benefits if I don't like the taste. I think most people would agree with me on that point.
When I started to look into Shakeology, I had heard all the stories about how "magical" it was, and I have to say that did peak my interest. I like that it has all the vitamins and minerals included (I hate to take a bunch of supplements) and love that they have a chocolate flavor option. So, off to Ebay I went - and found someone who had the single packages for sale for a reasonable price - YAY, I could finally try it!!
While waiting for my "samples" to arrive, I signed up on the TeamBeachbody website - read through the forums, etc. and got a bit anxious when I read that people hated the "new chocolate taste". Apparently Beachbody had changed their formula and the awesome chocolate flavor was no longer (sad face) - the new "superfood" formula was crap compared to the old formula. The old formula tasted very much like a chocolate milkshake whereas most people who tried both the old and new formulas did not like the new formula. General consensus is that the new formula tastes horrible and has a bad aftertaste.
Well, since I hadn't tried the first one, I thought what the heck ... I'll give it a go. I admit it did have a bit of an aftertaste, however, mixing it with chocolate milk and honey seemed to mask that aftertaste somewhat ... it wasn't horrible by any means.
In reality, I'm just trying to lose the rest of the weight I need to lose, eat healthier and Shakeology seemed to be perfect for me.
When researching Shakeology I had heard that the vegan Strawberry was much better than the "new chocolate", so back to Ebay I went. I was able to find someone who would ship it to me for a reasonable price and once I tried it, I absolutely LOVED it!!
Now unfortunately Beachbody doesn't offer "samples" of their shakes - unless you can find a coach who is willing to ship one of the individual packets to you. You can buy these individual packets on eBay, however, be prepared to pay an arm and leg for one packet. So to try it, you just have to bite the bullet and buy either a bag or a box of individual packets.
It is a bit pricey ($120 retail) but if you sign up as a coach (distributor) you can purchase it for 25% off. But even at that price it's still rather pricey.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to paying money for something that is a superior product, however, I don't want to have to force myself to drink the shakes just for the benefits if I don't like the taste. I think most people would agree with me on that point.
When I started to look into Shakeology, I had heard all the stories about how "magical" it was, and I have to say that did peak my interest. I like that it has all the vitamins and minerals included (I hate to take a bunch of supplements) and love that they have a chocolate flavor option. So, off to Ebay I went - and found someone who had the single packages for sale for a reasonable price - YAY, I could finally try it!!
While waiting for my "samples" to arrive, I signed up on the TeamBeachbody website - read through the forums, etc. and got a bit anxious when I read that people hated the "new chocolate taste". Apparently Beachbody had changed their formula and the awesome chocolate flavor was no longer (sad face) - the new "superfood" formula was crap compared to the old formula. The old formula tasted very much like a chocolate milkshake whereas most people who tried both the old and new formulas did not like the new formula. General consensus is that the new formula tastes horrible and has a bad aftertaste.
Well, since I hadn't tried the first one, I thought what the heck ... I'll give it a go. I admit it did have a bit of an aftertaste, however, mixing it with chocolate milk and honey seemed to mask that aftertaste somewhat ... it wasn't horrible by any means.
In reality, I'm just trying to lose the rest of the weight I need to lose, eat healthier and Shakeology seemed to be perfect for me.
When researching Shakeology I had heard that the vegan Strawberry was much better than the "new chocolate", so back to Ebay I went. I was able to find someone who would ship it to me for a reasonable price and once I tried it, I absolutely LOVED it!!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Back on the Bandwagon - Part 1
Some of you may know about my weight loss journey. For those that don't here's the story ... I've found that as I have been getting older, I'm truly having a much tougher time losing weight. So in October 2012 I resolved to begin changing by my body image.
This is probably a good time to mention that I'm 5'3" and when I decided that I would seriously try to lose some weight, I weighed 155 lbs - not really a big deal but I knew I needed to lose a few pounds. Plus I was hating the way my tummy and thighs looked ... YUCK!
Anyone who knows me, knows I love my Coke and it wasn't uncommon for me to drink 3-4 cans of Coke a day if not more. So, the first thing I did was cut out any pop/soda from my diet, and I admit, this first step was hard. I was determined and as I struggled I replaced my daily Coke habit with green tea.
For Christmas 2011 my hubby bought me a Keurig coffee maker ... which is funny because I don't drink coffee. But one good thing about the Keurig is you can buy a reusable filter basket that allows you to make your own K-cups with whatever you want. Since the Keurig is so fast at brewing, I can have my green tea (either warm or iced) in less than 1 minute. Awesome!!! That's one thing I always hated about having to use a kettle for tea - took too damn long to boil the water. The Keurig was a perfect solution!!
About a month after cutting out Coke and replacing it with green tea, I decided to weigh myself ... and to my surprise I had lost 15 pounds ... Wow!! Now I really didn't think I looked much different, but in mid-May 2012 we headed down to Orlando for our annual May getaway and friends that had just seen us in October asked if I had lost weight. Awesome!!!!
Heading home from our vacation, I wasn't sure what to expect when I stepped on the scale. We do like to eat well and tend to enjoy a few adult beverages when we are on vacation, and this trip was no exception, however, one thing I did not do was drink any pop/soda whatsoever during our trip (that was truly a test of my willpower by the way). Once again I was surprised ... I had not gained any weight at all ... now, I didn't lose any weight either, but I didn't gain any so it was totally a win in my books!!
Since that time, I have been actively trying to lose the last 15 lbs by exercising more regularly (usually walking a couple times of week) and continued with my green tea. Unfortunately I'm finding that I seem to be craving junk food later in the evening - which is really something I need to curb. It's definitely not helping my weight loss.
Then came Winter and our walks stopped (no I'm not walking when it's -40 below) and then the Holiday season and unfortunately, mostly due to laziness on my part and my junk food cravings, I've put back on 5 pounds. UGH!!
It's now Spring again ... warm enough to start our walks again ... and I'm more determined than ever to lose those 20 pounds.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Are You Using Toxic Chemicals in Your Home?
In November 2011, I was introduced to an opportunity that changed my life. I loved the company's mission of being eco green. I loved the idea of it being safe for my family including my pets. I loved the idea of house cleaning supplies without the caustic chemicals and products that were highly concentrated, giving me more for my hard earned money.
Ask yourself this ...
~ Why is there such an epidemic of ADHD in our children?
~ Why are there so many cancers?
~ Why are birth defects, brain, kidney & liver disease such national issues?
~ Sinus & asthma problems have become major health issues
~ Why are so called "old age diseases" now attacking our children?
What's going on? What's the cause of these health issues?
Here's a list of the top 12 toxic ingredients you'll find in your home
~ Propylene Glycol / Butylene Glycol / Ethylene Glycol
~ Sodium Hydroxide
~ Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)
~ DEA / MEA / TEA
~ PEG - Polyethylene Glycol
~ DMDM / UREA
~ Mineral Oil
~ Triclosan
~ Parabens
~ Isopropyl Alcohol
~ FD&C Color Pigments
~ Fragrance
Seriously grab this list of chemicals. Then look at the products in your home like your deodorant, shampoo, mouthwash, baby lotion, hand creams, household cleaners and make up. See if they contain any one of these products.
Ask yourself this ...
~ Why is there such an epidemic of ADHD in our children?
~ Why are there so many cancers?
~ Why are birth defects, brain, kidney & liver disease such national issues?
~ Sinus & asthma problems have become major health issues
~ Why are so called "old age diseases" now attacking our children?
What's going on? What's the cause of these health issues?
Here's a list of the top 12 toxic ingredients you'll find in your home
~ Propylene Glycol / Butylene Glycol / Ethylene Glycol
~ Sodium Hydroxide
~ Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)
~ DEA / MEA / TEA
~ PEG - Polyethylene Glycol
~ DMDM / UREA
~ Mineral Oil
~ Triclosan
~ Parabens
~ Isopropyl Alcohol
~ FD&C Color Pigments
~ Fragrance
Seriously grab this list of chemicals. Then look at the products in your home like your deodorant, shampoo, mouthwash, baby lotion, hand creams, household cleaners and make up. See if they contain any one of these products.
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