Archive for May 2014

Home Archive for May 2014

I often get asked about 'those shakes' that I drink - so I thought I'd do a post about what Shakeology is and why I LOVE it.

So first things first - I am a LAZY person. I am in a constant battle against that fact, but it's the truth. Anything that helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle with minimal effort, I'm into. I can make a shake in less than 2 minutes in the morning, and I can take packets on the go and make it while traveling (which I do a lot of lately). I stay pretty busy, so knowing that I had at least one meal that is packed with nutrients is important to me.

When I started my challenge group in December, I was pretty skeptical about drinking Shakeology. I thought I'd get sick of it, thought I wouldn't like the taste, and didn't really see the point in drinking it. But it was part of the requirements, and I knew my coach wouldn't lead me astray, since she'd been through what I was going through. Now, I never miss a day. I actually think of Shakeology as my reward for finishing a workout every morning.

Positive side effects:

1. Increase in energy

2. My skin cleared up (probably a side effect of clean eating as well)

3. Keeps me full for 2-3 hours (due to the carb to protein ratio - it's NOT just a protein shake)

4. Improved digestion

5. Curbs cravings for sweets

What is Shakeology?

Shakeology contains over 70 ultra high-quality ingredients conveniently located in one glass, to deliver nearly all the nutrients you need to maintain a healthy diet. It's good for you, and good for everyone, because everyone's diet is deficient in some of the key nutrient groups packed into just one Shakeology serving.

Protein from whey, which is highly absorbable, gives you 8 essential amino acids that help you build muscle, lose weight, support brain function, and keep your skin and bones healthy.

Vitamins and minerals support optimum health.

Antioxidants boost the immune system and help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, blood pressure, and stroke.

Phytonutrients support immune function and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Prebiotics support digestive and immune health.

Digestive enzymes help in the digestion of foods and increase the absorption rate of those foods for optimum health.

Flavor Review

I started out with Vanilla because I thought it would be the most versatile for recipes, and I stand by that decision. Vanilla is my main flavor: I love it plain with water or almond milk, and I love making recipes with it as well. I tried the Chocolate and Strawberry recently, and I have to admit I've been cheating on Vanilla with Chocolate! I'll be honest with you, I don't love Strawberry. I know a lot of people were crazy excited when that flavor was introduced earlier this year, and they really love it. For me, it's not a favorite, but I have made a couple recipes with it that I liked.

I loved this video about Shakeology: See Why 100 Doctors Recommend Shakeology

Ways to Try Shakeology
1. Message me about trying Shakeology and I can help you find a flavor you like.

2. You can purchase a week's worth of samples from me to try out Shakeology and see if it's the right fit for you for $35.
3. You can purchase a Shakeology cleanse for $55 to jump start your weight loss program or break a plateau.
4. You can sign up for Shakeology HD (home direct) which gives your free shipping and automatically ships your Shakes to you each month. You can cancel at any time with no questions asked. There is also a 30 day money back bottom of the bag guarantee. If for any reason you do not like the shake you can return the empty bag for a full refund.

5. You can purchase Shakeology in the bag or 24 individual serving sizes, both are the same price. With individual serving sizes you can have an assortment of Greenberry and Chocolate, Chocolate and Vanilla, Tropical Strawberry and Vegan Chocolate, and Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry.

What do you get for your purchase of Shakeology HD?
Your first Shakeology order not only comes with a month's supply...
You receive a calendar of 30 different ways to make each flavor.
You receive free shipping when you sign up for Home Direct.
You not only get a shake but you get a nutrient rich meal that you do not have to worry about creating yourself!

Even if you don't think you're a 'shake' person, I'd encourage you to give Shakeology a shot. (From one skeptic to another!)

See that girl on the left? That was me, a few years ago. Not even at my heaviest, but it was the most recent picture I could find since I stopped letting anyone take photos of me after seeing it.

That girl was unhappy, self conscious, ashamed, and constantly questioning every decision she made. She desperately wanted to change her life but didn't know how. She cried almost every day, and felt inferior to everyone she met. She felt ugly, and undeserving. She was afraid of her own shadow. She didn't believe she could ever be different, and resigned herself to a life of unhappiness. I won't lie, she sort of hated herself.

And that girl on the right? That's me.

I am happy. I am an extrovert. I know I can achieve the goals I set for myself, and accomplish anything I put my mind to. I love myself. I know that other people love me. I have confidence in my skills and abilities. I'm training for a half marathon, working full time in advertising, working as an independent fitness coach, and planning a wedding. And I know I am capable of doing all of that and more. I am brave. I am a force to be reckoned with.

Confronting the past is terrifying. My fiance has never even seen pictures of me at this weight. I like to think that people who knew me then forget what I looked like. Yet, here I am making it public for people to see.

Why? Because I know that other people feel the way I felt. Like they could never change, like nothing will work for them. They feel that even if they do lose some weight and start getting healthy, they'll gain it all back.

Because that's what happened to me. I lost a bunch of weight, and then started gaining it back. Until I stopped the cycle in December. I took a leap, committed myself to a challenge group with a Beachbody coach I found through a random Pinterest recipe, and gave it everything I had. And the result? I became the girl on the right.

Maybe 'became' isn't the right word. I REVEALED the girl on the right. She was there all along. But she wouldn't be here without that coach, without that challenge group, with the tools that I was provided with. I'm not saying it was easy. It was (and IS) hard work. Every day.

If you feel like that girl on the left, if you feel like you have to do it on your own, that you can't devote time and resources to your health, I'm telling you, YOU DON'T HAVE TO FEEL THAT WAY.

I will help you. I will share with you the tools and tips I learned from my coach, and we will find a program that works for you. I will help you meal plan and understand how clean eating and Shakeology can transform the way you look at food. I will help you reach your goals. I will help you change your life. Does that sound dramatic? GOOD. It should.

If I can do it, so can you!

Are you ready to change your life?

Email me at myfithabit@gmail.com, FB message me, or signup for a free membership here.

Once upon a time, I went to dinner with Chris and my friend, Dana. We ended up at Brio Tuscan Grille and I had the most amazing grilled salmon with veggies (their Grilled Salmon Fresca). I'm not typically a huge fan of chain restaurants, but this meal haunted me (in a good way) for the next week.

In an effort to be more adventurous in the kitchen, I decided to try my hand at recreating this meal, and the results are below. I was SUPER happy with how it turned out and can't wait to make it again!

I ended up googling multiple recipes for the pesto vinaigrette and balsamic glaze, and the below recipes are clean/lower fat and sugar adaptations that were still delicious, but MUCH healthier.

There are a lot of moving parts to this meal, but it comes together pretty quickly, especially if you have someone else doing the grilling! This can easily be cut in half or doubled for company.

Grilled Salmon Fresca

Servings: 2

Ingredients

2 3-4oz salmon filets
1 bunch of asparagus
1 large sweet potato
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (I used heirloom tomatoes from Trader Joe's)
2 Tbs. crumbled low fat feta cheese
2 servings pesto vinaigrette (recipe below)
2 servings balsamic glaze (recipe below)

Start by making the pesto vinaigrette and balsamic glaze, since those can sit ready while you prep everything else.

Sweet potato: Cube and roast for 20-30 minutes at 375. WATCH it closely the last 10 minutes or so, sweet potatoes burn quickly.

Tomatoes: Cut in quarters or halves, set aside.

Salmon and Asparagus: Heat grill to 500 degrees. Wash salmon filets and pat dry, brush lightly with olive oil. Grill skin side down 5 minutes, or until the fish easily comes up from the grill, and flip. Grill another 3-5 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. While this is going on, grill the asparagus 8-10 minutes until they've reached your desired level of grilled (we like them pretty well done).

Assemble as you see fit (I'm trying to learn to 'plate' food better), top with crumbled feta, and enjoy! And tell me if you like it :)

Pesto Vinaigrette

Servings: 10

1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup Parmesan
3 Tbs. red- or white-wine vinegar
2 Tbs. lemon juice
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. lemon zest
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Blend all ingredients until smooth. This isn't really enough to put in the food processor, I used a stick blender but a normal blender will also work.

Balsamic Glaze

Servings: 2

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. dijon mustard

Bring all ingredients to a boil in a small pot, then reduce heat and simmer until thick, about 10 minutes.

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Shakeology Review and Testimonial

The Scariest Post I've Ever Written

Recipe Re-creation: Grilled Salmon Fresca