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Prepping to get lean and fit with the Shakeology cleanse

precleanse

I got soft and got puffy and I didn’t like it one bit! So, I decided to try this out. While I have done my own variations in the past, I can’t say I did them 100%. In order to reverse a weekend binge or a derailment in food choices, I have found myself replacing meals with meal replacement shakes to still get good nutrition, but reduce calories.

This time around, my wife and I were really beating ourselves up with indulging a little much on a vacation and then continuing that behavior at home for another week. By the time Saturday night came around Hillary turned to me and said, “You wanna do the 3-day Shakeology cleanse?” Heck, I was game, I loved the stuff. But, in the back of my mind I was already panicking that I might get hungry, feel deprived and end up bailing on it. I had experience doing the 2-Day Fast Start shakes and that was just too much for me to tolerate (although it was effective and I felt great).

So, I agreed and we launched into it right away on Sunday. I decided to photo journey my experience.

We made it through the Shakeology Cleanse (some call it a Shakeology Fast Start) and in the end I was SUPER HAPPY with the results. We were pretty amazed how well it worked. I dropped 6-7 pounds and actually got into my lean and happy zone! Hillary lost 5 pounds. Best thing was that we did not feel deprived, although there was one afternoon where we felt a little urge for a snack. We created a fun way to tackle that and feel like we were treating ourselves!

Here’s the way we did the cleanse to keep up our momentum. We had one shake for breakfast. Then another at lunch. When we had those snack cravings mid afternoon, we made a version of Shakeology ice cream where we split one serving. That hit the spot. We had a salad for dinner (with 4oz of grilled chicken) and then later on, we split another ice cream. This was perfect and we felt great.

So often, when I hear the word “cleanse” and I think “deprivation.” This, however, was abundant, tasty, and actually felt like we were cheating the system. Boy, what a nice “go to” option when you get a little side tracked from your nutrition program.

If you’re looking to do a Shakeology Cleanse yourself but not wanting to commit to a whole bag of Shakeology, email me and I’ll sell you a “cleanse kit” for only $45!

Now, I’m ready to hit my workouts hard and submit my results!

Health Study: Top secrets for keeping weight off

Strength Training with PT

Strength Training with PT

I was excited to come across the validating health study on the top secrets for what people do to keep weight off successfully. It’s nice to know the services we offer will help you successfully maintain your weight loss!
The abstract is below, but here are the basics.

  • Exercise at home (we have so many options. Choose one that fits your style and go for it!)
  • Eat breakfast every day (I start my day with dessert! Shakeology baby! The healthiest meal of the day.)
  • Weigh in once a week (just to keep yourself honest, not to be obsesses over it… you know my thoughts on this!)
  • Watch less TV
  • Burn over 2000 calories a week through exercise
  • Exercise with a friend (we have a whole community of friends here! PLUS, you’ll have me to coach you for free!)
  • Do strength training (our programs build that in!)

Go and be a success and maintain your happy, fulfilling life!

I'm Ready!

STUDY

WEIGHT CONTROL REGISTRY REVEALS SECRETS TO LASTING WEIGHT LOSS
ACSM journal identifies common behaviors of adults who lose weight and keep it off

INDIANAPOLIS – For the millions of Americans who struggle to lose weight and keep it off, there may be help. According to a report published by the American College of Sports Medicine in the March/April issue of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal®, the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) has identified methods that thousands of individuals have used to successfully maintain weight loss.

“By studying people who have succeeded in losing weight and keeping it off, we have identified many commonalities behind successful weight loss,” said James O. Hill, Ph.D., co-founder of the NWCR.

More than 6,000 people have joined the NWCR. Nearly all (89 percent) have combined diet and exercise to achieve their successful weight loss. Most participants, 98 percent, exercise at home, and several participants, 40 percent, exercise with a friend. Walking is the most popular form of exercise among NWCR participants.

“One of the most important predictors of continued weight maintenance is sustained high levels of physical activity,” said Dr. Hill,who is also the executive director of the Anschutz Health & Wellness Center, a new health promotion and disease prevention center scheduled to open in spring 2012 at the University of Colorado. “Successful weight loss maintenance depends on sustaining the healthy lifestyle behaviors for which NWCR members are most known.”

Individuals looking to maintain weight loss should follow these seven tips, suggested by the NWCR:

  1. Be active. More than half (54 percent) of NWCR members expend more than 2,000 calories each week. This equals about 200 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise.
  2. Turn off the television. About 63 percent of NWCR members watch television for fewer than ten hours per week.
  3. Enjoy a low-calorie, low-fat diet. The average NWCR member consumes 1,380 calories per day, and less than 30 percent of these calories come from fat.
  4. Keep your diet consistent. Resisting the urge to “splurge” on holidays or weekends, NWCR members eat the same foods on a regular basis.
  5. Eat breakfast. Most NWCR members (78 percent) eat breakfast each day. This helps curb hunger and overeating later in the day.
  6. Show some restraint. NWCR members exert great control over their eating habits, and they rarely overeat.
  7. Keep track of your progress. Weighing in at least once a day and keeping track of food intake is essential for most NWCR members.

The National Weight Control Registry was founded in 1994 by Dr. Hill and Rena Wing, Ph.D., to identify individuals who maintain substantial weight loss and to determine the strategies that help these individuals succeed. All of the study participants are 18 years or older and have maintained weight loss of at least 30 lbs. for more than one year.

For ACSM’s recommendations on long-term weight loss, view the 2009 “Appropriate Physical Activity Intervention Strategies for Weight Loss and Prevention of Weight Regain for Adults” Position Stand.

The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 40,000 international, national, and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.

The Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, part of the Anschutz Medical Campus at the University of Colorado Denver, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to helping individuals make necessary and lasting changes for healthier living and disease prevention. Its innovative programs will combine four existing areas of expertise – nutrition, physical fitness, weight management and integrative medicine – to provide a comprehensive approach to help people achieve their greatest possible health.

ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal® is an official publication of the American College of Sports Medicine and is available from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins at 1-800-638-6423.

 

Be a Biggest Loser! Have your own finale!

PYF-Biggest-Loser

Be Your Own Biggest Loser

Here’s how to be your own Biggest Loser and have your own finale!

This past week has been one of winners …. American Idol, Celebrity Apprentice and of course The Biggest Loser. In case you aren’t familiar, The Biggest Loser is a television show. Overweight contestants attempt to lose the most weight to fight for a cash prize. and contestants leave home to stay at a Biggest Loser ranch and work with celebrity trainers hoping to transform their bodies, their health and their lives. Each week contestant go through a series of challenges and there’s a weigh-in at the end of the week. The goal is to lose the highest percentage of weight (or most weight) to become the Biggest Loser.

The season of The Biggest Loser lasts 20 weeks. That got me thinking. What could you accomplish with your health and fitness in that same time frame?

Here’s a few things I know that will help you celebrate your own Biggest Loser Finale in just a mere 13 weeks. Of course you’ll be pushing forward once you’re done and can compare your results with the contestants. Now, before I recommend a plan, just know, your results can be measured in many many ways.

  • Belt Loop notches (inches lost)
  • Clothing Size
  • Photos taken every 30 days
  • Amount of Energy you’re gaining
  • Confidence
  • Physical ailments subsiding
  • Better sleep
  • People commenting on your progress
  • Strength and Endurance each week

OK, here’s my recommendation for becoming your own contestant and success story!

  1. Make the decision you want to commit to a fitness and nutrition program for 13 weeks. Identify why you want to accomplish this? What will you be able to do when you are done? For example, if you are wanting to lose the beer gut, or 30 pounds, ask yourself why??
  2. Choose a workout program that fits your fitness personality, then shop at the link below
  3. Commit to following the program. Get your free account so you can check in with me every day to keep you on track and ask questions.
  4. Follow the nutrition plan and tap into my insights for more tips!

That’s it! Before you know it, 13 weeks will blow by (it’s going to any way) and you’ll be celebrating your results! Feel free to go out and buy confetti ahead of time!

Who knows? By tracking your results and taking the photos, you could be one of those people entering our Million Dollar Body game and win big cash like they do on the Biggest Loser!

Be A Biggest Loser

Superfoods shake improves the way you feel and live, that’s Shakeology!

shakeology-oprah-magazine

There are times in your life when you become addicted to an amazing recipe, have a favorite food, or anything chocolate. Yes… chocolate! I have always been a chocolate lover. The fact I can meet my addiction head on with a chocolate superfoods shake that fills me up, makes me feel good and beats my sugars cravings is amazing. Now, I’m addicted to superfoods! This product, anyway!

In 2009, our company rolled out a product called Shakeology. That is when our addiction really began!

The best thing about it… is the texture, the taste, and the amazing varieties we can mix up and absolutely fill up on! Yes, we fill up on a meal replacement and actually indulge in the splendid flavor! Still, the biggest benefit has been the way we feel because of this product.

When our CEO, Carl Daikeler, rolled out Shakeology, it was tagged as “The Healthiest Meal of the Day!” No other shake contains the world’s most powerful superfoods! We had no idea that we would feel more energetic, have better digestion, rarely get sick, feel fuller and lose weight.

As evidence … the recent article in the May 2011 Oprah Magazine about Superfoods!
We knew Shakeology was special! We knew the story behind how it was formulated! But reading this article about Darin Olien’s search for the world’s most potent ingredients was mind blowing. If you haven’t read it, then make sure you pick up a copy at the store this month! The article takes up 14 pages in Oprah’s O Magazine. Unbelievable!

What are you waiting for? Transform your health in 30 days, or you don’t pay! We offer a 30-day, bottom of the bag guarantee! Try something your body will crave and thank you for! Shakeology is not only an addiction for our taste buds, it’s an addiction for our bodies. We enjoy the fuel it gives us every day!

Get Your Shakeology Here!

Shakeology superfoods featured on Oprah.com – Many health benefits!

darinolien

Shakeology’s superfoods were recently featured on Oprah.com in an indepth article titled, “The Superfoods That Could Change the Way You Eat, Feel, and Live.” In this article, Oprah.com’s editor in chief travels to Peru to “experience a trove of life-giving superfoods that just might revolutionize your view of nutrition.” Darin Olien takes Susan through Peru and the superfoods located in that part of the world. Just a few of the amazing ingredients that go into Shakeology.

I have been benefiting from Shakeology since it was released in 2009. I have never looked back. It’s my go to breakfast and occasionally a snack! I love it! I’ve been so passionate about this product because I just feel amazing! I have also witnessed many others benefiting from weight loss, energy better digestion and more! Still, I have to admit that I am unfamiliar with all of it’s natural ingredients and the benefits of all of the superfoods it possesses. I mean, I know there are superfood supplements out there, but nothing like this. And nothing out there had such backing to scour the earth for the the most nutrient dense plants. The fact that this product tastes amazing is impressive too. I tell people, “I have dessert first!”

Over the years my wife and I have noticed weight loss (especially when I do a 3 day-cleanse) and more energy. My father has lost weight and his diabetes doctor (an endocrinologist) gave Shakeology a thumbs up. The doc was very impressed at how Dad has his blood sugars under control! My mom’s breast cancer doctor (oncologist) also gave her the green light on Shakeology and actually took her off of 4 of her supplements because the ingredients were in her morning shake! I love how this product is helping out family!

Usually, I point people to UltimateHealthShake.com to learn about Shakeology. I also send them to ShakeMenu.com for recipes. That being said, here’s another great way to learn.

Below is a video clip showing more parts of the world.

Get Your Shakeology Here!

Superbowl XLV Shakeology Blends – Make your event a healthy one!

 

Super Bowl XLV Shakeology Blends

 

GREEN & GOLD

  • 1 scoop Greenberry Shakeology
  • 1/4 cup of pineapple juice
  • 3/4 cup of orange juice
  • 2 pineapple rings
  • ice to preference

Weight Watcher Points = 3

BLACK & GOLD

Weight Watcher Points = 3

* If you don’t have Shakeology, you can get it at the link below. Other protein, meal replacement and shake powders may work with the about recipe, but we have found Shakeology to be the healthiest and best hands down.

Yes, I want Shakeology

My wife is in love with Brett Hoebel, and I’m OK with that!

Many of you husbands out there would be outraged if your wife was in love with another man. However, I am just fine with my wife, Hillary, being in love with the creator of the phenomenal workout program called Rev Abs. She sees him almost every day as she puts in the DVD and pushes play.

This is a 90 Day program using something called “Abcentrics.” It’s a training technique that works your abs from 6 different angles. The workouts are fun, challenging and get results. You are constantly firing your abs by engaging your abdominal muscles during every rep of every exercise. I guess that’s why results come so fast! Of course nutrition plays a big part of it too, so that’s why many see results in 90 Days. Good thing there’s an eating plan included with the program.

It’s fun to watch Hillary challenge herself with the moves. She is currently doing the advanced version of this program called Full Throttle. I have not tried them myself, but I can understand why the pause button gets pushed from time to time!

My experience with Rev abs was interesting. Since I have been working out for years, I thought the beginning workouts of Rev Abs would be too easy.  I was quickly humbled by the feedback from my core muscles! I did go thru the first phase or the program at a faster pace than what was outlined, and jumped right into the second phase. Loved it. After I finished, I was actually able to complete Ab Ripper X (from P90X) from start to finish and wanted more! Now that’s saying something!!

One highlight that Hillary and I have in our memory book is the fact that we got to workout live with Brett at a Beachbody event in May of 2010. The passion Brett has for helping people get healthy and fit emanated as he described the moves, their reason and how they were created. For me, I was just happy to have been familiar with the moves well enough so I could lunge low as Brett did one of his famed Brazilian swing kicks over my head.

If you’re looking for a fun, challenging and results-focused workout program, Rev Abs may be right up your alley. This is one effective trainer that gets results. Get it Here.

We instantly recognized his Brett’s silhouette on the TV show called The Biggest Loser, so we are pretty confident he will be helping those amazing contestant get amazing results like us!

Rev It High, Rev It Low. We’re Strong, Committed, and Ready To Go!

Win $25,000 by Getting Fit in a Contest called The Million Dollar Body Game

In 2007 Beachbody launched a contest called the Million Dollar Body Game. This is a game that celebrates success. This year, they are giving away $25,000 plus a boatload more of cash and prizes!

People get results every day from using many of their flagship programs like P90X, Insanity, Turbo Jam, Hip Hop Abs, Brazil Butt Lift and more. To enter the contest is usually pretty simple. You submit your before and after (or current) photo, enter your stats, and type up a form that tells about your transformation and journey to good health.

Over the past few year I have been honored to coach 6 winners in this contest! It is so rewarding to see people transform their whole lives by taking care of themselves first! Helping people achieve their results is my main reason for becoming a Team Beachbody Coach!

I also need to include that I was a winner. One of the first winners as a matter of fact! I won $1000 and was so honored to be acknowledged for all of my hard work!

Now it’s a new year and new contest! I want to coach you for free to get results and be ready to submit your story and photos for the contest.

The 2011 contest is live and it’s an innovative challenge this year with head to head contests between fitness programs. Check out this contest entry page for information and to submit your story today!

Treats are Everywhere! How do I make it through the Holidays? Help!

Holiday Eating - Avoid The CaloriesTake a look around. Better yet, don’t! You’ll see them. Treats are everywhere! You weren’t even hungry for them until you saw the peanut butter balls on the table in the lounge. “Oh, wow! Somebody brought in an assortment of holiday cookies they made over the weekend!” “Hey! We just got a care package from Aunt Marge. Homemade Fudge! Her specialty!”

Sound familiar?

I know. It’s super hard. Once some of those sweet delights hit your tongue and you savor the holiday flavor, gulp and it’s in your belly. You reach for another. I hear it’s a chemical in the brain that makes us keep craving the sugar rush, but my taste buds tell me they are in charge. Regardless, it’s a challenge to stay on track during the holidays. It’s so easy to say, “well, that’s what New Years resolutions are for, so, just one more Russian tea cake!”

Here’s a few things that have helped me get through the holidays with all the goodies around and pressure to taste at least one.

  • Avoid the lounge/lunchroom if you can. I know, it’s not social. But you worked hard and it’s only for a few weeks. Take a walk around the building, or pop in some chewing gum before you go in the break room.
  • If you must treat yourself because you know denying yourself will make the cravings escalate (hope that’s not giving you and excuse), then just have a taste or cut a little piece instead of eating the whole treat. I actually like to find alternatives to fill the sweet tooth cravings like making a thin paste with Chocolate Shakeology and drizzling it on bananas, strawberries, apples, or cherries. I also love dipping a banana into PB2 powder!
  • Fill up on water. You’ve been religiously drinking it throughout the day, right? Take an extra big gulp before walking by the treat table. Or, have a cup of green tea or holiday tea in your to go cup!
  • When someone is giving you the guilt trip of trying a small taster, just respond, “I appreciate you for offering and I’m sure they are great. I’ve been working really hard on my fitness and am on a roll toward my goal. I really want to stay on track. I am grateful for your support to reach them so I know you’ll understand if I decline this year!” Not only does this acknowledge all your hard work, but it sets a great example for the other person and will secretly impress them! OR graciously accept the treat and that you’re not hungry at the moment, but will take it home to enjoy later. Then take the treat home in a baggie and share it with the rest of the family or a friend.
  • Stress eating is huge this time of year and it is so easy to mindlessly pop in bite after bite. Be sure to get as much sleep as possible. Truly, this helps a ton! It also helps to take your Immune Boost.
  • Heading to holiday parties? Challenge yourself to over do it on raw veggies and fruit. Seriously, go for it. That stuff is always left over anyway, so get plate after plate. Skip that high fat ranch dressing dip though!!
  • Workout! For sure get in a half or full workout every day. Your body needs this as much as sleep and water!
  • Get an accountability buddy. There are loads of us on Team Beachbody. That’s how I keep myself accountable!

There are more tips, I’m sure, but ones that came to mind at the moment. Honestly, when Jan 1 hits, you will feel so empowered at making it through the holidays feeling energized, happy and free of guilt and regret. DON’T WAIT on this! Get a workout program and start today!

Happy Holidays!

We Are Obsessed with Size and Weight of our Food – So How Will We Gain Control of Our Own Size and Weight?

When is it going to stop? It looks like restaurants are competing with our fight against obesity by making it conveniently easy to ingest burgers that tip the 1000 calorie scale. And don’t go trying to convince me it’s a value because it’s an inexpensive option of a meal that can be split between many people. Some burgers out there have almost 50 grams of fat? OMG!

Vote here for your most outrageous burger.

I can see why my free fitness coaching will be something I do for a long, long time to come.
Join me to help reverse this trend and help coach others. We can make a difference in the lives of the people we know and love.