Shakeology (Plus ShakeO Recipes)

Shakeology !!!

A SPECIAL TREAT OF A TON OF RECIPES FOR YOU AT THE VERY BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

I with all my heart believe in Shakeology!!! Not only do I drink it EVERYDAY, I watch it change lives on a daily basis and see the results with my own eyes. For me personally Shakeology gave me the energy I needed to push through those workouts I needed to complete to lose the weight I was trying to lose. It also filled me as I used it as a meal replacement at that time. Now I drink Shakeology for the health benefits it contains and I serve it to my family for the same reasons. I LOVE SHAKEOLOGY !!!!!!!!!!!

I have done my best to do as much research as possible on Shakeology to be able to lay it all out on the table for you, but please feel free to do your own research as well.

Shakeology is your Healthiest Meal of Your Day!!!

Shakeology is a meal or snack replacement shake from Beachbody that has over 70 ingredients in it. That would take up to 7 trips to the salad bar to eat the same amount of nutrients that are inside every Shakeology shake. Shakeology is made from the finest whole-food sources that are available. The ingredients include Camu-Camu, Goji berry, Acai berry, Acerola cherry, bilberry, Barley grass, blue-green algae, Chia seeds, and wheat grass to name few. With Shakeology you take the guess work out of nutrition.

Shakeology can help you: Lose Weight, Feel Energized, Increase Metabolism, Improve Digestion and Regularity and Lower Cholesterol

Can you get ALL that is in Shakeology when you compare it to other meal replacement shakes? No! I have compared numerous supplement & meal replacements shake (most of which are full of added sugars & additives- and none compare to all of the nutrients that are provided in one glass of Shakeology, the Healthiest Meal of the Day. Simplify your nutrition!

Shakeology is clinically proven to help !!!!

What Shakeology does:

In an independent 90-day study, participants replaced one meal a day with Shakeology and exercised regularly.

Here’s what they told us:

• “I felt full and didn’t struggle with hunger.” 
• “I felt a better sustained energy throughout the day.” 
• “I have tons of energy. I feel so healthy!” 
• “I replaced all my vitamin supplements. I felt healthy and energized.” 
• “I was able to think more clearly and stay focused.” 
• “I have more energy, less cravings, more endurance, and feel more youthful.” 
• “Shakeology reduced my appetite and increased my energy so that I could accomplish more things throughout the day.” 
• “I have tried a lot of protein shakes and meal-replacement-type drinks, and Shakeology is the best tasting of them all. I mix it with a bit of soy milk and ice, and it tastes like an ice cream shake!”

Here’s what the doctor who ran the study observed about the participants:

• They reduced oxidative stress, a risk factor for degenerative diseases, by as much as 90%. 
• They lowered their total cholesterol levels by an average of 30% and their “bad” cholesterol levels by an average of 38%. 
• They reduced their cardiovascular risk factors by an average of 24%

Is Shakeology safe for pregnant women?

Absolutely! It is beyond safe. It is beneficial. However, I am not a doctor and do not suggest starting anything without consulting your doctor first.

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What is in Shakeology?

Even if you searched all over the world, you probably wouldn’t be able to find all of the 70-plus, ultra-high-quality ingredients we’ve included in Shakeology. Not only do you get a wide range of essential nutrients, from the fruits and vegetables you should be eating more of every day, you’ll also get the benefits of important foods from all around the world—foods that the latest scientific research has shown to be highly advantageous to your well-being.

More than 70 different ingredients were chosen from around the world for their potency and bioavailability (the ability to deliver the nutrients your body needs). Here are the key nutrient groups that these ingredients deliver:

• Protein and Essential Amino Acids to help build long, lean muscles and reduce food cravings 
• Prebiotics and Digestive Enzymes, which aid in improving digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption 
• Antioxidants and Phytonutrients to help counteract free radical damage that can lead to degenerative diseases 
• Vitamins and Minerals your body needs to function for optimal health

Protein and Essential Amino Acids:

Help build and repair muscles  Reduce hunger and food cravings  Help keep blood sugar steady  Support brain function to help promote alert thinking and reduce anxiety  Promote healthy skin, hair & nails Prebiotics & Digestive Enzymes: Aid digestion  Help boost the immune system  Increase absorption of nutrients  Help keep you “regular”

Shakeology includes whey protein isolate, an easily absorbable source of high-quality protein that’s ideal for building and maintaining lean muscle mass. It also helps keep your blood sugar steady, reducing hunger and junk food cravings. Essential amino acids, found in protein, help the body repair muscle tissue and heal wounds; support the brain to promote calmness and alertness; and reduce hunger pangs. The whey protein in Shakeology provides a highly bioavailable source of essential amino acids.

Shakeology contains many ingredients that are beneficial to the digestive system. Prebiotics, natural components of certain plants, help support the “friendly” bacteria in your digestive tract. They may also help with the absorption of minerals such as calcium. Digestive enzymes, from plant sources such as pineapples and papayas, help your body break down food into its individual components, making the nutrients easier to absorb. Cooking can destroy food’s natural digestive enzymes, so there’s a good chance that you don’t get enough of them in your diet.

Many of Shakeology’s fruit and vegetable sources have been chosen for their high concentration of healthy natural substances known as phytonutrients, including flavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanin's, and catechins. These substances have antioxidant properties, meaning they help get rid of molecules known as free radicals, which damage cells and may be a key component of the aging process. In laboratory tests, phytonutrients have shown promise in helping prevent a wide variety of degenerative conditions. What’s more, studies suggest that the natural mix of phytochemicals you get from whole-plant sources is more effective than taking them individually as nutritional supplements.

23 vitamins and minerals:

• Get a wide range of essential nutrients 
• Get your necessary vitamins every day 
• Make up for dietary deficiencies

Most of us don’t get the complete range of essential vitamins and minerals in our daily diets. Some important vitamins, such as vitamin C and the B vitamins, are water-soluble, meaning they’re flushed out of your body after a short time and need to be replenished regularly. Others, like vitamin E, can be difficult to get enough of in food. Shakeology provides all these nutrients in an easy-to-take, easily absorbable form, so you never have to worry.

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Shakeology Benefits:
The benefits of Shakeology are almost endless. Every time someone asks me, “what is Shakeology,” the first thing I think of is that, "it is the healthiest meal of the day". In more sophisticated terms, "it is the most nutritionally dense meal replacement shake on the market, 100% natural, and there is nothing else like it.” As I do call it a “Meal Replacement Shake” I do not believe that this is its only purpose. When I first went into this I used it as a meal replacement shake but I have learned that Shakeology is so much more. Most meal replacement shakes are far from nutritious for you and made up of toxic ingredients that are far from natural. That being said, Shakeology has successfully helped people lose weight (in a healthy way), lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease, and much much more! And still can do this by being used as a "meal replacement" shake.

 

Shakeology is Good for the Heart!

It is a well-known fact that cardiovascular disease is largely preventable, and by substituting one meal a day with Shakeology is a great way to avoid consuming foods that are high in fat, calories, and sugar. The antioxidants in Shakeology boost the immune system and help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and strokes. In addition to that Shakeology contains a high amount of phytonutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely acknowledged that inflammation is the leading cause of heart attacks and high blood pressure so why not combat it with Shakeology!

Low on the Glycemic Index

Shakeology uses an all-natural sweetner called Stevia to sweeten its flavor safely and naturally. Unlike other meal replacement shakes that load their shake with artificial sweeteners or sugar, Shakeology is extremely low on the glycemic index which comes as a huge surprise to most people once they taste it. Not only does it taste phenomenal, it is also great for you!   

Digestion and Detoxification

When it comes to digestion and detoxification of the body not much compares to Shakeology. The ingredients in Shakeology work in perfect harmony to maintain a balance of healthy, natural bacteria in the intestinal tract. This is extremely beneficial to those that have irritable bowel syndrome or irregular bowel movements. Shakeology also does a great job at gently eliminating toxins from the body. This allows the body to properly absorb the essential vitamins and nutrients that Shakeology delivers.

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.

Weight Loss

If you are looking to lose weight, then Shakeology is definitely a supplement for you. By supplementing one meal per day with delicious Shakeology you are not only controlling you caloric intake for that meal, but you are properly feeding your body, which will cut down on cravings and help control your urge to snack. Many Shakeology consumers have reported significant weight loss from the shakes alone. Combine the shakes with one of Beachbody’s amazing fitness products and results are even more drastic! Shakeology is also an affordable supplement costing less than most VERY UNHEALTHY fast food options.

*** I am READY to try SHAKEOLOGY now ***

So you think Shakeology is expensive? 

Shakeology’s cost is the one thing some people have concerns with. At first glance I did as well (and I avoided purchasing it for MONTHS,) but once I began drinking it, I realized the cost of consuming Shakeology actually saved me money.

Daily Cost

The cost of Shakeology breaks down to approximately $4 per day, assuming that you are consuming one shake in place of a normal meal. Given today’s food prices it is nearly impossible to eat a satisfying, nutritious meal for less than $5. Even the unhealthy fast food that is loaded with fat cost significantly more!

Still think Shakeology is expensive?

If you just look at the Shakeology nutrition facts you will get that answer. Shakeology is packed with nutritious, whole-food ingredients that delivers essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins that your body needs to overcome the unhealthy cravings , and allow your body to shed the stored fat. If you can’t afford to be healthy then you DEFINITELY can’t afford to be unhealthy. Shakeology features more than 20 different phytonutrients and antioxidants. The ingredients in Shakeology are also known to reduce free radical damage, which lowers the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.

How about now?

If you still are convinced of the true value of Shakeology, then read my more testimonial at the bottom of this post. If anything, you should give it a try for 30 days and see how it changes your body! You have nothing to lose! If you don’t feel or see the results, Beachbody has a “bottom of the bag” guarantee, meaning even if you get to the end of the bag within 30 days and don’t like what you see, SEND IT BACK! But, I have a good feeling you won’t!

The State of Disease in America

Choose how to purchase Shakeology

• The Shakeology Convenience Pack contains 24 single-serving packets you can take anywhere.
• Choose the 30-day supply in a bag to keep in your kitchen.

*** I always recommend that you sign up for Home Direct shipping !!! Why??? Because you recieve a discount on the shipping each month and it eases your mind from a possibility of running out before your next shipment comes. FREE gifts when you sign up for Home Direct, the monthly autoship program!!! And you can cancel you Home Direct shipping at anytime!!!

• FREE shipping every month†
• 2 FREE Workout DVDs in your first shipment†
• FREE Shakeology Shaker Cup in your second shipment

30-Day Money Back Guarantee

If you don’t start to see and feel the benefits of Shakeology within the first month of using it, or if you’re not 100% satisfied for any reason, just return it within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price, less s&h—guaranteed. That’s our promise to you.

*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.

†Free monthly shipping offer applies only when you select basic ship method (outside the continental U.S., a surcharge will apply). Free DVDs and free monthly shipping offer on Shakeology requires a minimum commitment of 2 shipments on monthly Home Direct.

The contents on this Site are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health provider with any questions you may have regarding your unique needs and medical condition.

Why is Shakeology so much more expensive than Herbalife? Aren’t all these shakes basically the same?

Short Answer

No. Shakeology and Herbalife have next to nothing in common. Literally not one of the top 30 plus ingredients is the same. Shakeology isn’t about weight loss or protein, though it delivers both. It’s about NUTRITION.

Medium Answer

Don’t take my word for it.

Long Answer

Industrial farming’s impact on our food supply is like the Fed’s impact on our money supply; there’s a lot more of it, but it’s worth a lot less. In a discussion of the declining nutritional content of industrially farmed foods, Dr. Mark Richards observed:

“The mass production of agriculture in this country has done a great thing in that it feeds 300 million people. The downside is that they do that through fertilizing the soil. Nutrients that were originally in the soil and got absorbed into the food are no longer there. A typical apple today has about 25 percent of the nutrient value of an apple from about 25-30 years ago. This means that we really do need to get our nutrients from other places.”

But we need to be very careful where we get them. Herbalife is one of the largest supplement companies in the world, the #2 competitor in a $61 billion industry capitalizing on weight loss products perpetuating the cycles that drew people to them in the first place. This happens because dieters measure products’ benefits by the numbers in the Nutrition Facts, which actually tell very little of the story. But in the interest of thoroughness and transparency, let’s start there.

Looking at the Nutrition Facts alone, there doesn’t appear to be a huge difference between Herbalife and Shakeology. They’re pretty close on calories, fat, carbs, fiber, and sugar, though Shakeology has almost twice as much protein and a substantially higher vitamin and mineral density across the board.

Phytonutrients are the thousands of compounds that comprise a plant’s immune system. They protect plants from disease by detoxifying and repairing damaged cells, which has had major treatment implications for several of the leading causes of human death, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Consuming plant foods confers phytonutrients’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to humans, boosting immunity and slowing or even reversing signs of aging and degenerative disease.

Unfortunately, as we discussed in the beginning, supplementing is a must because industrial farming has stripped many of these essential phytonutrients away. Shakeology is chock full of them, but the Herbalife Formula 1 Healthy Meal… not so much. Let’s take a look.

Yikes. That doesn’t sound like a very herbal, life-sustaining “Healthy Meal” to me. The premise of Herbalife’s products is that increased protein intake aids weight loss, which is true, but not all proteins are created equal, especially when you mix them with a bunch of sugars, questionable chemicals, and artificial additives. On that note, let’s compare with Vanilla Shakeology.

If your eyes glaze over when you see a long list of ingredients, you’re not alone.

So let’s break them down in order, one by one:

Herbalife vs. Shakeology

1. Soy Protein Isolate vs. Whey Protein Isolate

Soy is one of the cheapest, most harmful foods you can ingest, especially if you’re a man. It’s well documented that soy impairs the function of the endochrine, reproductive, and digestive systems.  It also contributes to the growth of cancer cells, likely because 90 to 95 percent of soybeans grown in the U.S. are genetically modified. The soy used in protein isolates is also unfermented, which has beenlinked to digestive distress, immune system breakdown, PMS, endometriosis, malnutrition, reproductive problems, allergies, ADD, and higher risk of heart disease and cancer.

Soy protein also doesn’t boost new muscle fiber synthesis after a workout like whey. Whey protein isolate is milk protein separated from the fat and lactose. It’s a complete protein, which means that it contains all nine amino acids essential to humans. Whey contributes to lower cholesterol and blood pressure and fuels muscle development, which in turn supports the thyroid, metabolism, and amino acid absorption. The vegan Shakeology formula is soy-free as well, deriving its protein primarily from brown rice and peas.

2. Fructose vs. Pea Protein

Four of the first five Herbalife ingredients are either sugars or empty carbs that your body turns straight to sugar. Fructose occurs naturally in fruits, and small amounts may help your body process glucose. But modern diets include way too much, and sugar the liver is unable to process turns straight to triglycerides that elevate the risk of heart disease. Fructose not only fails to appropriately suppress hunger cues, but actually contributes to overeating by triggering the hypothalamus to signal for more food.

Peas are rich in amino acids like lysine, which helps lower cholesterol and convert fatty acids into energy, and glutamine, which aids muscle recovery and the development of lean muscle mass. They’re free of soy, lactose, and gluten, which makes for a highly soluble, digestible protein. Pea protein also slows the production of ghrelin in the stomach, which keeps you fuller longer.

3. Cellulose Powder vs. Pea Fiber

Cellulose is a fake fiber wood by-product indigestible by humans, commonly used as a food additive to make substances thicker and creamier than they otherwise would be.

Peas, on the other hand, are especially dense in natural fiber, which controls the pace of digestion and the movement of carbs through the body, promoting stable blood sugar levels. Peas are also a good source of omega-3 and rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

4. Corn Bran vs. Maca Root

Corn bran is a common fibrous filler. The problem with corn is that 88 percent of the U.S. corn crop contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which not only are nutritionally inferior, but also contribute to allergies, organ toxicity, and numerous other health problems.

Maca root is an energy enhancer and mood stabilizer that regulates hormones and digestion. It’s full of phytonutrients, amino acids, vitamins, fatty acids, and adaptogens that help our bodies fight disease. Peruvian Indians cultivated it for thousands of years before its modern discovery as a libido, focus, and fertility booster.

5. Artificial French Vanilla Flavor vs. Chia

Artificial flavors are made up of any number of undisclosed synthetic chemicals; artificial vanilla in particular often contains ingredients from petroleum or paper mill waste. Vanilla Shakeology took several years longer to develop than chocolate because that’s how long it took to find a vanilla source that met Beachbody’s quality standards.

Chia is an incredible food. Dense in fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, it’s also a complete protein, which means that it contains all the amino acids essential to humans in easily digestible form. Chia gel creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down,suppressing calorie and sugar absorption. It holds 9-12 times its weight in water, prolonging hydration and endurance because the food’s energy releases so gradually.

6. Guar Gum vs. Flax

Guar gum is a fiber often used as a laxative and thickening agent, which may suppress the appetite by expanding the intestine.

Flax is a powerful source of fiber, omega-3s, and more lignans than almost any other food on earth; lignans are powerful antioxidants that protect against cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

7. Potassium Chloride vs. Yacon Root

This might be the scariest ingredient on the list. Potassium chloride is used not only in fertilizers and batteries, but also in lethal injections and abortions, the final drug administered in each procedure to stop the individual’s heart. Mmm, Healthy Meal!

Yacon root is a source of prebiotics that improve gut flora, gastrointestinal fermentation, and digestion. It contains a natural sugar called fructooligosaccharide, which can lower levels of triglycerides, bad cholesterol, and therefore also the risk of heart disease.

8. Calcium Caseinate vs. Acerola Cherry

Calcium caseinate is a protein powder extracted from milk that slows digestion, increases sensations of fullness, and aids dispersion of the product in water. It’s rich in an amino acid called glutamine, which aids muscle recovery and rebuilding.

One tiny acerola cherry has 65 times more Vitamin C than an orange, which might explain why I haven’t gotten sick since introducing Shakeology to my routine. Vitamin C fends off cancer and heart disease, and Shakeology contains 300% of the daily value. Acerola cherries are the second richest food source of Vitamin C on earth, topped only by camu-camu, which happens to be the next ingredient on the list.

9. Casein vs. Camu-Camu

Casein is a slow-digesting milk protein known to increase satiety and muscle mass. It’s also known to stimulate the growth of cancer cells, unlike whey, which may actually reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers.

Camu-camu is not only the most potent source of Vitamin C in the world, but also a rich antioxidant full of fiber and protein. Its antiviral and antidepressant properties also help control and and reduce outbreaks of herpes simplex, shingles, and mononucleosis, and its phytochemicals lower cholesterol and blood pressure while neutralizing free radicals.

10. Calcium Phosphate vs. Pomegranate

Bones and teeth are made primarily of calcium phosphate. Organic phosphates occurring in natural protein sources are essential to humans, but the inorganic laboratory phosphates used as food additives aren’t chemically bound to the fats and carbs of natural sources. The body therefore absorbs way more phosphate than it needs, contributing to heart disease, rapid progression of kidney disease, weak bones, and even premature death.

Pomegranate is one of the most concentrated sources of antioxidants and phytonutrients on earth, known for suppressing various cancers, reversing even advanced atherosclerosis, and enhancing skin texture. It elevates the expression of nitric oxide in the body, which reduces blood pressure, coronary plaque build-up, inflammation, and the proliferation of cancer cells.

11. Rice Fiber vs. Astragalus Root

Brown rice is an excellent source of fiber and selenium that mitigate the risk of colon cancer by minimizing the amount of time cancer-causing cells spend in contact with the colon. Brown rice alsodetoxifies the liver and helps protect against cancer and heart disease. The problem is that Herbalife doesn’t specify whether they use white or brown rice; white rice is cheaper, containers far fewer nutrients, and also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Astragalus is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory adaptogen that boosts the immune system and cardiovascular function. It also helps lower cholesterol and flush excess fluid from the body, and it may even relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies.

12. Soy Lecithin vs. Bilberry

Soy Lecithin is one of the most common emulsifiers (water and oil mixers) used in processed food today. The big problem with it is the source of the soy itself, which, as we learned in #1, is almost certainly genetically modified, unfermented, and affirmately anti-nutritive.

Bilberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants called anthocyanosides, which prevent and reverse cell damage by flushing free radicals from the system. Its antioxidant properties also help fend off long-term diseases like cancer, macular degeneration, and heart conditions.

13. Canola Oil vs. Blueberry

Canola is a cheap oil manufactured by mixing rapeseeds (no, that’s not a typo) and a toxic solvent called hexane under high heat, a process that releases a significant volume of harmful trans fats into the final product. Canola is similar to soy in that 90 percent of the world’s crop is genetically modified, though it’s not quite as anti-nutritive.

Blueberries are a high-quality source of Vitamin C, fiber, and manganese, which boosts bone development and helps convert stored fats and carbohydrates into energy. They’re also full of antioxidants that roll back cancer, urinary tract infections, and heart disease while supporting brain and eye health.

14. Carrageenan vs. Goji Berry

Carrageenan is a seaweed extract thickening and stabilizing agent that’s found its way into almost every creamy liquid on the shelves. It’s also a carcinogen injected into lab rats to produce inflammatory symptoms and sprayed onto frozen aircraft as a de-icing agent. When ingested by humans, it triggers all sorts of digestive discomfort and disease.

Goji berries are unique among fruits in that they contain all nine essential amino acids, more protein and antioxidant carotenoids than any other fruit, 15 times more iron than spinach, and high concentrations of a number of other nutrients, including Vitamin C and calcium. In addition to immunity-boosting antioxidants, goji is a rich source anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal compounds that ward off degenerative disease.

15. Medium Chain Triglycerides vs. Spinach

MCTs are dietary fats with about half as many carbon links as the Long Chain Triglycerides hiding in most processed foods, meaning that they’re more efficiently converted into energy. The rapid absorption makes them a popular choice among athletes to enhance endurance, performance, and thermogenesis. They’ve also been shown to suppress appetite and support immunity and cardiovascular health.

Dense in iron and protein, spinach is also among the best sources of dietary potassium, which supports muscle recovery, and dietary magnesium, which supports metabolism, muscle and nerve function, healthy digestion, and immunity. It boasts a variety of health benefits, from preventing cancer and asthma to managing diabetes and blood pressure.

Bottom Line

Feel free to continue this investigation if you need more evidence, but as for me and my house, we will drink Shakeology. Yes, it’s more expensive – a 30-serving bag of Shakeology retails for $129.95, while a 30-serving jar of Formula 1 retails for $34.99 – but you get what you pay for. $4 per day is less than half of what the average American spends on a lunch outing and several dollars less than an individual’s average daily out-of-pocket medical expense over the course of the year.

If you were to purchase each Shakeology ingredient as a separate supplement, you’d spend nearly $800. Herbalife boasts a lower price tag and a claim that “ingredients used in our products are also found in many foods,” but that’s exactly the problem. If I want to spend $1 a day consuming toxic waste, I can find plenty of that at the grocery store. I can’t, however, travel the world every day or every month collecting the superfoods that the makers of Shakeology source from exotic places I’ll probably never go.

If you’re looking for a lower-cost weight loss supplement, you can do a lot better than Herbalife. They’re called vegetables, and if you need some ideas to work more of them into your diet, I can help.

What's In It Wednesdays ???

Adaptogen Herbs: Alrighty!!! Since so many people want to label Shakeology as a “protein shake” and I truly in my heart do not see it as that… I wanted to start a new tradition here on this page called WHAT”S IN IT WEDNESDAY!!!!  Shakeology is truly a complete meal replacement shake filled of SUPERFOODS. Yes, it has protein…. but it’s that PLUS everything else that makes it so remarkable so I am hoping we can all learn together.

One thing Shakeology has is Adaptogen Herbs!!! Scientifically…. the astragalus, ashwagandha, cordyceps, ginko leaf, tulsi (holy basil leaf), macra root, maitake mushroom, reishi mushroom and schisandra!!! I am also going to go into these ingredients more as well on Wednesdays in the future as we go, but for today I want to share with you the basic idea of these adaptogen herbs.

Adaptogen Herbs are one of the most important groups of herbs to take in the 21st century. Adaptogens not only increase the resistance to the adverse effects of long-term stress yet the majority are also a tonic, immune-stimulating and increase general sense of well-being.

Adaptogenic herbs may be used as the treatment or as part of the treatment for the following: Stress, exposure to stressors such as high altitude, intensive training etc, chronic illness, debility, convalescence, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and to increase physical and mental performance

Adaptogen Herbs are known to increase physical and mental stamina and performance, protect against the effects of radiation, reduce the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, reduce the incidence of infection, increase resistance to chemical carcinogens.

Because of their effects on the body's capacity to deal with stress, coupled with their tonic activity, these herbs can be used in a huge number of conditions and situations. The particular adaptogens we use in each formulation will depend largely on the other actions attributed to each of these herbs as well as their energetics.

So now that the science behind these herbs has now been discussed…. in my everyday language….. It is these same Adaptogen Herbs working together along side all the other ingredients put into Shakeology making my body run the smoothest as possible. I like to think of this particular group of herbs as my Superwoman Herbs because it is this group that increases my emotional, physical, and mental performance as I am out trying to conquer this thing I call LIFE !!!! It is this group of herbs, that keeps me together, helps my anxiety and gives me my super powers to kick some daily butt!!!!!

*** Astragalus (Part of the Adaptogen Herbs): Alrighty, here we go again with What’s in it Wednesday!!! Remember last week we talked about those Adaptogen Herbs as a group making our bodies basically feel like little super power people? Well this week I was going to start breaking down that group of Adaptogen Herbs as we know that’s a group of herbs, but what specifically right?

SOOOOO :)   In my words and from my own experience! Before I started drinking Shakeology I would faithfully every year around Spring Break time frame would get a cold and eventually every year this cold turned into pneumonia. This usually left me out of work for at least a week trying to recover and of course the medical bills piling up again from the x-rays, doctor appointments, and medicine I would have to pay. Easily each and every year this would cost me about $1000 a year going through this. Not to mention just quality time lost with my family or lack of productivity out of myself.

However, since drinking Shakeology, I have not had one round of pneumonia. Actually, I haven’t even been really sick besides I believe a runny nose once. My family, my children also do not get sick. I from my own personal experience totally contribute this to drinking Shakeology faithfully every day for this change in my own body. Now it seems I may have learned one of the key ingredients in helping me to change this unfortunate expensive pattern to a much more desirable one. To MY new way of life!!!! A happy and healthy one!!!!

Here is what I learned. One of them is the Astragalus. This is basically a root within those herbs and is a large genus of about 3,000 species of herbs and small shrubs, belonging to the legume family Fabaceae and the subfamily Faboideae. The dried root is used medicinally. Astragalus roots are sold as long pieces, which have a tough, fibrous skin with a lighter interior. Some products are produced by frying the roots with honey, although the untreated root itself has a sweet, licorice-like taste.

The Astragalus has a history of use as a herbal medicine used in systems of traditional Chinese medicine and Persian medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine it has been used to reinforce qi and strengthen the superficial resistance, and promote the discharge of pus and the growth of new tissue. It is used in China principally as a tonic and for treatment of diabetes and nephritis. It is an important component of Fu-Zheng therapy in China, where the goal is to restore immune system function. There is extensive Chinese literature on the drug.

Biotechnology firms are working on deriving a telomerase activator from Astragalus. The chemical constituent cycloastragenol (also called TAT2) is being studied to help combat HIV, as well as infections associated with chronic diseases or aging. There is some preliminary evidence to suggest that astragalus, either alone or in combination with other herbs, may have potential benefits for the immune system, heart, and liver, and as an adjunctive therapy for cancer. The most common use of astragalus root in herbal medicine in the US is as an immunostimulant to counteract the immune suppression associated with cancer therapy.

Research of the herb is often focused on the function of cycloastragenol in the aging process of immune cells, and its effects on the cell’s response to viral infections. It appears to increase the production of telomerase, an enzyme that mediates the replacement of short bits of DNA known as telomeres, which play a key role in cell replication, including in cancer processes.

Other uses include the Astragalus often is recommended for the prevention of the common cold.

Extracts of Astragalus are marketed as life-prolonging extracts for human use. A proprietary extract of the dried root has been associated with a significant age-reversal effect in the immune system, in that it led to declines in the percentage of senescent cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells after six to twelve months of use.

So, pretty sure I will never quit drinking Shakeology! Shakeology is WAY more than just some protein shake or weight loss shake out there on the market!!! It more than pays for itself in the long run!!!

SHAKEOLOGY CLEANSE !!!
What makes the Shakeology Cleanse stand apart from the others is that the Shakeology cleanse is not a true "cleanse". The Shakeology Cleanse is a calorie restricted, nutrient rich cleanse. You won't be a zombie or feel like you are starving your body of vital nutrients, because you aren't! 

The main point of the Shakeology Cleanse is not calorie restriction but nutrient richness. The aim is to get the most nutrients into your body with the fewest calories consumed. 

These calories are to fuel your workouts and rid the body of toxins and hydration into homeostasis. The result with this cleanse to have your body run more efficiently and the weight loss is just an added benefit that most experience (you can lose anywhere from 3lbs to 10lbs in just 3 days!!).

The Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse is a "performance" cleanse. It is designed to be done along with a workout or fitness program. It's best to schedule during your recovery weeks if you are doing an intense program like P90X or INSANITY. It is also a GREAT way to jump-start ANY fitness routine and weight loss by doing the cleanse the week before you begin and getting your body healthy.

Reasons you may not lose weight:

First, most people WILL lose some weight but weight loss is not the goal of the Shakeology 

Cleanse. People with a lot of junk in their systems tend to lose the most weight from this cleanse. 

Second, restricting calories can be stressful. Stress in the body releases the hormone cortisol and inhibits you from losing weight. This is the reason why you don't do the Shakeology Cleanse no longer than 3 days.If you've been eating clean then there are less toxins and food left in your system to be rid of. While you may not lose much weight while doing the cleanse, your body will be ready to lose once you have finished and continue your fitness program.

The Benefits of the Shakeology 3-Day-Cleanse:

• Rid your body of fat
• Detoxify your body
• Jump start your weight loss and fitness routine
• Body rejuvenation

                 

Frequently Asked Questions:

***How many calories per day?
800 - 1,100 per day
***How often can I do the Shakeology Cleanse?
Ideally you should do it once per quarter (every 3 months)
When you start a new workout program
When you feel you need help breaking through a weight-loss plateau
***Should I/Can I still do my workout during the Cleanse?
Depends on the individual
You will have less energy, so consider doing it during your 'recovery' week
Don't do it in the middle of P90X or INSANITY
***Can I do a 1-day or 2-day Cleanse?
Yes, some people see results in 1 or 2 days!
It is NOT recommended doing the Cleanse for longer than 3 days!
***Should I/Can I take other Beachbody supplements during the Cleanse?
Not the Beachbody Results and Recovery drink, it has too much sugar
All other Beachbody supplements are fine but not necessary 

                           YES, I am ready to order MY SHAKEOLOGY

   

               

             

             

             

             

             

You will need: To make 8 Peanut Butter Cups

4 tablespoons of coconut oil

8 tablespoons of Chocolate Shakeology

4 tablespoons of all natural peanut butter

Take 2 tablespoons of the coconut oil and place in microwave for 30 seconds

 or until liquidfied.

Stir in 4 tablespoons of the Chocolate Shakeology

Divide evenly between the 8 spots in mini muffin tin pan

Place in freezer for 5 minutes

Take out and place 1 teaspoon of peanut butter on each chocolate disk, spread evenly

Melt remaining coconut oil and stir in remaining Chocolate Shakeology

Pour on top of peanut butter layer

Freeze for at least 30 minutes, ENJOY !!!!!!!!!!