As I’ve always known, Shakeology is a great product and have a far better respect for it, after listening to Carl’s wife, Isabelle, co-creator of Shakeology, speak to the integrity behind the product and it’s birth.

Shakeology continues to evolve, and as it does, more and more lives will be impacted from it’s great many health benefits.  I am just touched by some of the stories I’ve read and heard, first hand, from people that have experienced a change in their total wellness.

Well, to top that, Carl and his buddies wanted to seek feedback from a population of experts, that many of turn to when our health takes a turn for the worst – our Doctors.  Here is a great video that shares THEIR personal experience with Shakeology and how they feel it’s a stand up product and recommend it to their patients – and NO, they are not being paid to endorse it, strictly voluntary.

Want further validation, take the ingredients list to YOUR doctor and have them see it for themselves.  Or, better yet, walk into your next appointment with a sample, so they can experience it first hand, and give you their honest impression.  I can help you with those sample packets.

But, trusting the 30-day bottom of the bag guarantee, maybe you just experience it yourself.  If you’d like to get on board and try out Shakeology, send me an email: taryn@choose2befit.com or visit: http://shake4wellness.com and check it out for yourself.

Your partner in health & fitness.

*This was recently discussed in last week’s “3-Day Shakeology Explained”, webinar, and since so many missed it or had questions, I wanted to post this written explanation by Steve Edwards, one of the masterminds behind this amazing cleanse.  For more information or to view my experience, visit my website and check out My Blog.

I like to call the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse a “performance cleanse.” This is because it was designed to be done with a workout program. Let’s take a look at how this differs from other cleanses, how to tailor it to your needs, and what to expect if you or your customers decide to try it.

First of all, it’s not a true cleanse. It’s a calorie-restricted and nutrient-dense diet plan. Traditional cleanses contain very few calories and nutrients. Compared to the much more popular Master Cleanse, it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Traditional cleansing diets are done to rid your system of toxins and bring it into homeostasis. They also contain a spiritual aspect. This process can take a long time, which is why you may have seen coworkers walking around the office in a zombie-like state for weeks on end—swilling a strange concoction of lemons and maple syrup.

The Shakeology cleanse is nothing like that. Depending on how you decide to do it, you’ll be eating frequently and consuming between 800 and 1,200 calories per day, and it could be even more should you feel the need. The point of this cleanse is not calorie restriction, per se—it’s nutrient efficiency. The aim is to get the most nutrients possible into the fewest number of calories. The goal is to put all of these calories to use as a part of your exercise program, to rid your body of undigested foods and toxins, and to bring your hydration levels into homeostasis. The result you’re after is not weight loss—though it will likely occur—but for your body to be running more efficiently. This should make you feel lighter and more energetic, even though you’re doing an exercise program.

How It Works
Your eating structure doesn’t change. You still eat every few hours while you’re awake. Each meal should have a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. And while you’re not eating as much food as you’d normally eat, your calorie-to-nutrient ratio is extremely high. This means that you shouldn’t restrict the actual nutrients you’re getting by too much, so activity can continue as normal.

We recommend you try to keep your shakes to just Shakeology. Adding fruits of any kind, or seeds (for fat and fiber), or the Shakeology Fiber supplement, can and should be done as you see fit.

Ditto for your one solid meal—a salad. As we all know from any salad bar, the definition of salad can be varied. The goal of the salad in the plan is to keep your calories coming from natural sources (no artificial ingredients should be added, including artificial salad dressing). Aside from that, you can add ingredients as necessary. Keep your meat intake to four ounces or less, but add veggies, seeds, nuts, fruits, and legumes in quantities to satiate you.

The goal of the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse is to optimize your performance. You want to eat enough to fuel your day AND your workout. The foods you’re eating are so high in fiber and nutrients that it’s virtually impossible to overeat. You’ll be consuming so much fiber, along with enzymes and digestive aids, that your body’s ability to flush excess foods quickly will be at its peak.

What to Drink
Water, of course, is recommended in quantity. This is vital to any cleanse, because one of your goals is to bring your hydration into homeostasis. When your electrolytes are out of balance—the main problem we have is salt—you often retain water outside of your cells. This situation, which we refer to as retaining water, is cured by drinking more water. As the excess salts are diffused, your body begins to hydrate your cells (using sodium as it should be used) and flush the water held outside the cells. So, oddly enough, you drink water to eliminate water retention.

Sodas, alcohols, juices, etc., should be eliminated entirely during a cleanse. Coffee and tea, which are diuretics, should be minimized at the very least and eliminated if possible. Again, performance is the key, so if you need a cup of Joe as a pick-me-up, go ahead. Just use only as needed, and don’t use additives. Eliminating sugar and chemicals is vital. However, do not use energy drinks or soda for this purpose, including the ones with artificial sweeteners. Coffee drinkers may find that switching to black tea during a cleanse will give you the energy you’re looking for with less upset. Coffee’s acidic nature can heighten the effects in a negative way during your cleanse.

Why You Won’t Lose Weight
I should say why you might not lose weight, but I wanted to get your attention. Most people will lose some weight during a cleanse, but that is not the goal. Those with a lot of undigested gunk in their systems will lose weight as it’s flushed out. Those of you who are properly hydrated and already eat well are less likely to lose. For those of you who need to lose weight, take heart: you are setting up your system to use nutrients more efficiently and improving your ability to lose weight through structured diet and exercise. So while you may not lose much on the cleanse, you’ll be more prepared to lose weight later.

Another reason why we don’t always lose weight on cleanses is due to a stress hormone called cortisol. Restricting calories is stressful to the body, and it reacts by releasing cortisol. Cortisol is performance-enhancing in the short term, but if you somehow keep your body stressed for long periods, it creates havoc in your system and can cause you to doggedly hang onto weight in a type of survival mode. We don’t want this to occur, which is one reason the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse is short. It’s important not to remain in a highly calorie-deficient state for long periods of time, especially when you are trying to exercise hard.

View the entire Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse regimen here >>

If you want to get going on the 3-Day cleanse yourself, check out my website and kick start your metabolism.  *Free shipping on all Home Direct (HD) orders!!!

Your partner in health & fitness.

Shakeology FAQ’s – Part 2!

I’ve had so many great questions, as of late, about Shakeology®, so I figured I’d post them here to hopefully help others that may have the same inquires.  This is Part 2, so be sure to check out the original post – Shakeology ® – Frequently Asked Questions….ANSWERED.

Q:  (Part 1) If I have one Shakeology a day, as suggested for my meal replacement, do I need to continue to take my multi-vitamin?

A:  It depends.  If you are fairly active, meaning doing a high intensity program such as P90X, Insanity or ChaLEAN Extreme, your body is using up far more vitamins and nutrients, than a daily serving found in Shakeology.  So, in that case, you should continue with your daily Activit or multi-vitamin, although strongly suggested to take it at the same time you enjoy your Shakeology.  If you are doing a lower impact fitness regime, Shakeology should suffice with your daily vitamin  intake.  If you have further questions, always a good idea to consult your physician.

Q:  (Part 2) If I take Activit (or any daily multi) each day, when is the best time to take that?  Before or after Shakeology?

A:  During.  It’s strongly recommended to take your multi-vitamin with you Shakeology, as the digestive enzymes found in Shakeology, will aid your body in absorbing all of those nutrients, quicker, than if taken alone.  (NOTE: never a good idea to take a multi-vitamin on an empty stomach).

Q:  Can I really get free shipping?

A:  YES!  Free shipping is available on all Home Direct (HD) orders for any of the Shakeology package options (Bulk bag or Individual Take N’ Go packets).  In addition to free shipping, on your first HD order, Beachbody will include 2 Free Shakeology Workouts – The 30 and The 50) and one more FREE gift!  BONUS!!

Q:  I heard I could save some money by being a Coach.  What if I’m interested in saving the money, but not necessarily being a Coach?

A:  No problem.  There are many Shakeology addicts (and I say that as a GOOD thing), that chose to become Coaches, strictly for the discount (25% discount).  Now, I’d be lying if I said they didn’t spread the word a bit here and there and make a few extra bucks themselves, by sharing their experience with Shakeology.  But, you certainly don’t have to be a “Coach” to be a “Coach” and get the discount.  Here’s how you could save $15/month as a Coach:

Direct Customer Price: $119.95*

Coach Price (25% discount): $89.96*

(Home Direct Orders = Free Shipping)

Initial Savings: $29.99

Monthly Coach fee: ($14.95)

Overall SAVINGS: $15.04

(*excludes tax, as applicable per state)

So aside from the initial Coach set up fee of $39.95 (which could be waived if they were to purchase a Shakeology Starter Kit), you are still money ahead each month, with a savings of $15.04 per month.

Not to mention, as your friends/family start seeing a difference in your overall health, you will likely share what has aided in your new journey (just like you’d share a great new movie you saw, or restaurant you ate at) and can, in turn, earn a 25% commission by having your family/friends purchase Shakeology from YOU.  That’s close to $30 off one retail order!!

Q:  What if I want to sample it.  Does Beachbody offer that?

A:  Beachbody does not offer samples, although if you check with your Coach, they may offer a sample for you.  Personally, I offer all my customers and those interested in trying it, a 4-day Trial offer.  Click HERE to learn more and get your own.

Q:  How can I find out more about the ingredients and what’s in it?

A:  Go to my Shakeology website and it will offer you all the ingredients, recipes (for both flavors) and testimonials to provide you with the confidence to try it yourself.

Q:  What if I don’t like it?

A:  It’s rare that people don’t LOVE it, but if it doesn’t agree with you or you simply don’t care for it– NO PROBLEM!!  Beachbody offers a 30-Day Bottom of the bag money back guarantee.  Which basically means, return it for a full refund (minus shipping, if you ordered one time only).  100% risk free!

Although Shakeology aids in weight loss, lowering cholesterol/blood pressure, digestive issues, etc., there are some that it may not agree with!  As with any new nutritional product, if you have prior health issues, please consult with your physician.

Interested in kick starting your new fitness journey?  Need to get rid of that excess bloat?  Or just “clean” up your insights?  Try the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse.

Your partner in health & fitness.

Get into the spirit—and your skinny jeans—with these delicious Holiday Shakeology® ® recipes:

Thin Mint Treat
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology®
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 cup ice (or to taste)
Blend till frothy and enjoy!

Nutrition Info:
152 calories
17 grams protein
17.5 grams carbohydrate
3 grams fiber
1 gram fat

—

Fall Egg Nog or “Shake Nog”
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology®
1 cup low-fat eggnog
1/2 cup cold water
1/4 tsp pumpkin spice
1 cup ice (or to taste)
optional: 1/2 tsp fresh whipped cream (if you’re really festive!)
Blend till frothy and enjoy!

Nutrition Info (w/out Whipped Cream):
321 calories
23 grams protein
47 grams carbohydrate
3 grams fiber
5 gram fat

—

Pumpkin Pie
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology®
1 cup rice, soy, almond, or low-fat milk (plain or vanilla)
1/2 cup canned pumpkin, unsweetened
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Ice (optional)
You can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon and nutmeg or add more pumpkin for a thicker shake.

Nutritional Information (with low-fat milk):
Calories: 284
Protein: 27 g
Fiber: 7 g
Carbs: 40 g
Fat Total: 3.5 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g

—

Cranberry Relish Surprise
1 scoop greenberry Shakeology®
2 cups cold cranberry juice
7 segments mandarin orange
1/4 cup cold water
1/2 cup ice (or to taste)
optional: orange zest twist for garnish
Blend till frothy and enjoy!

Nutrition Info:
315 calories
17 grams protein
51 grams carbohydrate
4 grams fiber
1 gram fat

—

Chocolate Almond Butter:
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology®
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 Tbsp. almond butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups ice

Nutritional Information:
405 calories
14 gram fat
27 gram carbs
46 gram protein
7 gram fiber

You can always check out more recipes and information on Shakeology®, click here.

When will Shakeology be available for sale in Canada?

As of May 7, 2009, we are able to ship Shakeology orders to Canada.

Should I continue to take Activit® or other multivitamins along with Shakeology?

Because of the way Shakeology is formulated, one shake pretty much covers your body’s normal daily requirement for vitamins and minerals. However, if you’re following a recommended exercise routine, your body is likely using up those nutrients at a faster rate. For example, if you’re doing P90X® or ChaLEAN Extreme®, hard-charging routines that burn more calories along with vitamins and minerals, you may need some additional supplementation—like Activit. Due to the digestive enzymes in Shakeology, taking Activit at the same time you drink Shakeology will help your body to better absorb all the nutrients.

Can I take Shakeology and P90X Peak Health Formula?

If you are using P90X Peak Health Formula, then only 1 serving/scoop of Shakeology is recommended per day. If you are taking any other supplements in addition to Shakeology and P90X Peak Health Formula, then watch your total intake to ensure you do not exceed Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for copper, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for Copper is 10mg/day, for Magnesium 350 mg/day, for Manganese 11 mg/day, and for Zinc 40mg/day.

I already have some Meal Replacement Shake. Should I throw it out and switch to Shakeology?

You don’t have to throw it out. Meal Replacement Shake is a high-quality protein shake. Shakeology offers a wide array of nutrients on top of protein. Because Meal Replacement Shake has higher sugar content and less fiber, a good time to use it is around the time you are exercising (Results and Recovery is also good for this purpose). Shakeology is a better option for a meal that’s at least 2 hours before a workout or 1 hour afterwards.

Can I take this and the Results and Recovery Formula?

Yes, but not together! Results and Recovery Formula should only be taken during or after exercise when you’ve been exhausting your body’s blood sugar. At any other time, Shakeology would be your preferred option.

Should I still take an omega supplement?

While the flax seed and Chia seeds in Shakeology provide some omega-3 fatty acids, it is still recommended you take the Core Omega-3™ supplement to meet your daily requirement.

How about Core Cal/Mag?

The recommended daily allowance of calcium is 1,200 mg for women and 1,500 mg/day for post-menopausal women. Shakeology provides 500 mg of calcium, so it is recommended to supplement with Core Cal-Mag™ to meet the daily recommended allowance. Due to the digestive enzymes in Shakeology, taking Core Cal-Mag at the same time you drink Shakeology will help your body to better absorb the nutrients.

Does this mean I won’t have to eat veggies anymore?

Unfortunately, no. Fresh fruits and vegetables will always be important for a healthy, balanced diet. Shakeology can help you fill in the nutritional gaps that occur when you’re too busy to eat the right balance of fruits and veggies. Plus, it’s much easier to tuck Shakeology into a purse or backpack than a head of lettuce!

Is it OK to drink more than one shake per day? Or to replace more than one meal per day?

Yes, but it is not recommended to replace more than 2 meals per day.

There is no food coloring. How is one mix green and the other brown?

The ingredients (herbal powders, grass powders, vegetable powders, Spirulina, Chlorella, plus some of the fruit and berry powders) make the color green. The base of chocolate blend is also green, but the chocolate and cocoa powders turn the color “chocolate.”

Why does the Chocolate flavor have more protein?

The serving size for Chocolate is 8 grams higher than for Greenberry. The extra ingredients added for the chocolate blend (mostly chocolate powder and cocoa powder) add an additional 2 grams of protein to the serving size.

With what kind of protein is it made?

The primary source of protein is from whey, which comes from milk. Whey is one of the most bioavailable protein sources. Translation: it rapidly gets to work on repairing your muscles, and the amino acids are easily absorbed and used by your body.

Are the milk sources of protein antibiotic-free?

Yes, the whey protein used in Shakeology is free of antibiotics.

Is it a good source of fiber?

At 3 grams per 140 calories, Shakeology is a balanced source of fiber. More importantly, its fiber sources are varied, coming from apple pectin, flax, Chia meal, and Yacon. Yacon also happens to be one of the best prebiotic sources known to man.

Can I drink this right before a workout?

Shakeology would be a better option than a full meal prior to working out. However, if it’s immediately before a workout, you’d be better served by something with more sugar and less fiber for rapid absorption, such as the Results and Recovery Formula or Meal Replacement Shake.

Can I drink this right after a workout?

Again, it’s better than many other options available but less perfect than something designed primarily for this purpose, such as the Results and Recovery Formula.

Does it contain caffeine?

Shakeology contains no caffeine. It does contain green tea extract, but the caffeine has been removed.

Is Shakeology vegetarian?

Yes. In fact, the only non-vegan ingredient is whey protein, which comes from milk.

Are all of the ingredients organic?

With the complexity of sourcing over 70 ingredients from all over the world, it was not possible to certify all the ingredients as organic. However, they have been carefully selected and processed under strict controls to retain the highest density of nutrients possible.

Shakeology mentions “whole-food ingredients”—what does this mean? How can it be possible when it’s ground to a powder?

Shakeology uses several whole-food sources of nutrients rather than using only synthetic extracts or isolates (like some multivitamin pills). The benefit of whole-food-derived ingredients is that the nutrients are preserved as close to their natural state as possible and are therefore delivered to your body in the most holistic way possible. Your body will better absorb and more efficiently use the nutrients from whole-food sources. The process of converting a food from its natural state to a powder, if done incorrectly, can destroy the nutrients in that food. With Shakeology, we ensure the highest levels of nutrients are preserved through strict temperature-controlled drying and processing.

Can I mix this in with food I’m cooking/baking?

Cooking or heating Shakeology would destroy many of the nutrients in Shakeology and upset the nutrient balance. It’s highly recommended that you drink it at room temperature or cooler.

Is it safe for people with diabetes?

Because needs vary for each person with diabetes, it is recommended you check with your doctor first. However, since Shakeology is a low-caloric meal replacement with a lower glycemic index than most meals, it should be acceptable for most people with diabetes.

Can I give it to my kids? Is it safe for kids?

Because the needs of every child may vary, please check with your pediatrician. However, since Shakeology is a healthy drink with low sugar and a wide variety of nutrients, it is a much healthier option than many other drinks or snacks on the market and should be appropriate for most children over the age of 6. You may want to start out with a smaller serving size until you are sure of the child’s tolerance. It is not recommended to be given as a meal replacement for children younger than six years old without first checking with your pediatrician.

What about pregnant women and nursing mothers?

Shakeology should only be taken by pregnant women and nursing mothers under the direction of their physicians.

Is it safe for people with gluten allergies or celiac disease? It says gluten-free on the package, but the label lists wheatgrass and kamut grass as ingredients.

After extensive testing, Shakeology has been found to be 100 percent gluten-free. As such, Shakeology should be an appropriate snack or meal for people suffering from gluten allergies or celiac disease. However, since individual allergies and conditions vary, it is recommended to test a small dose first before proceeding with a full serving.

Does Shakeology interfere with any medication?

While Shakeology has been tested as safe for most people, you should always consult with your physician if you are on any medication (especially heart medication, since Shakeology contains Vitamin K1) or if you have any other unique health conditions.

Still want more? Join the Shakeology Forum now!

Get more information on Shakeology® and recipes at www.shakeology.com

To order, visit click above on “Products” and click any “shop now” link and you will be set up to go.

As always, I’m the biggest skeptic when it comes to new products, a growing fascination with any one thing, whether it be fashion, fitness or social groups. So, of course, although I’m probably Beachbody’s #1 fan at this point, I held a little hesitation towards their newest product; Shakeology® – The Healthiest Meal of the Day®.

I mean, how can one measly shake be chalked full the proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutritents, prebiotics and digestive enzymes, one needs per day to be healthy? I don’t think I even knew what ½ of those terms really meant, let alone consumed them on a regular basis. Aren’t we suppose to get that from “real” food? Of course we are, but like many, it’s rare that I can stomach enough of the nutritional value in one day to achieve this (10 some cups of raw food), let alone find the time and expense to prepare it. But, I know it’s an essential part of eating and living healthy.

So as a Beachbody® Coach, I knew that this looming product dubbed to be the “healthiest meal of the day” was moments from being launched. What was all the buzz about?? We were about to find out at the 2^nd Annual Dream Extreme Beachbody® Coaches Summit (check out the gallery photos). They basically laid out the red carpet for the launch of this product, and rightly so. After experiencing it for my very first time, I could see the reason behind Carl Daikeler’s, CEO to Beachbody®, excitement. He, and many others, had worked DAMN hard on concocting the perfect ingredients to allow for this to be, truly, the healthiest meal of the day.

Carl has many things in common with us Coaches, the first obvious one being that we are all passionate about fitness and helping others get healthy, and, second, that most of us care not to eat our vegetables, let alone the amount required to get a fraction of what Shakeology® offers, for our daily nutritional value. After many long hours and trips to various countries to capture the finest ingredients, he was finally ready to allow his trusted front line, sample it before it was released to the rest of the Team Beachbody® community and general public.

It was phenomenal. There are two flavors to Shakeology: Greenberry and Chocolate. Both are packed with a punch that will instantly give you the gratification of a full meal and immediate spike in natural energy. Many of us turn to coffee to get our energy, buy by starting the day off with a blended shake, has given me enough energy to keep up with my two busy kids.

Ok, much hype and edification to Shakeology®, so here’s the scoop on it:

How does it work??

A daily 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.

What is in it?

More than 70 different ingredients 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

TESTIMONIALS (Independent Study 90-day study, where participants replaced one meal a day with Shakeology®)*

Here’s what they said:

• “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 have more energy, less cravings, more endurance, and feel more youthful.”
• “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!”

*Results may vary.

Source: Shakeology®

So, still always a skeptic, I did my homework and have been really pleased with the results I’ve experienced from replacing my breakfast with either the Greenberry or Chocolate flavor Shakeology®. My husband and I have them both, and as he’s more partial to Chocoloate, I love them both! Throw in a ½ a banana and scoop of peanut butter, and tastes more like a guilty pleasure! Check out all the recipes other customers and coaches have share: Shakeology® Recipes. I’ve personally recognized more energy, endurance for my marathon training, faster nail and hair growth, reduced cravings and more clarity in my days.

See for yourself what all the hype is about. Visit www.shakeology.com to read the testimonials and science behind this breakthrough meal replacement. Also, feel free to email me or check it out on my website: www.choose2befit.com.

Taryn Perry

taryn@choose2befit.com