There is NOTHING better a hearty, healthy home cooked chili, on a crisp fall or winter day.  Agree?

This recipe has been in my family for years and has yet to be messed with, other than swapping out the meat between ground beef or ground turkey.  Too each their own, but regardless, so simple to make and is even better on Day 2.

Get a big ol’ pot out and get ready for some salvating glands as you cook it:

Serves roughly 6-8 people or 4 with LOTS of leftovers (again, DELICIOUS on day 2 and cold).

2 packages of lean (grass fed) ground beef or turkey 

1 medium onion

1 1/2 package of mushrooms

2-3 cloves of garlic

2 150z cans of kidney beans (low sodium)

1 large can of stewed tomatoes

1 Family Size of Tomato Soup (not the pre-made kind)

1 tbsp of chili powder

1 tbsp of crushed red pepper (or more if you like it spicy)

Salt and pepper to taste

Brown the meat, onions and garlic in a large sauce pan, over medium heat.  Add mushrooms once meat starts to brown.  Add one can of kidney beans with juice and one can of drained kidney beans.  Stir well.  Add can of tomatoes, tomato soup and stir well. Finally, add chili powder, crushed red pepper and salt/pepper.  Stir ocassionally and let simmer for approximatey 45 minutes to an hour to allow all flavors to marinade.

Serve with sour cream (or greek yogurt), fresh chopped green onions and shredded cheese.

Enjoy!!

Your partner in health & fitness.

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 3-DAY Jump Start:

Shakeology is a meal replacement shake designed to be enjoyed every day, one meal a day. But for this cleanse, aka 3-day jump start, it will be used three times a day for three days. (Click here to learn more about Shakeology).

The Shakeology 3-Day Jump Start is meant to fire up your fitness, break a plateau or shred pounds fast & effectively in a healthy way. The key is caloric efficiency; getting the most nutrients possible out of the fewest number of calories.

This can help you become healthier from the inside out. Internal health is the foundation to external beauty.

People are getting fantastic results ~ Lose weight, feel great!

Here’s what Amanda said: “In 3 days, I shed 3.6 lbs and feel awesome!”

Here’s my experience: “In the 3 days, I shed 5 lbs and had the BEST sleep over!”

Want more Shakeology testimonials, click here!

________________________________________________

Want some options to try the 3-Day Jump Start:

Choose How Many

3-Day Jump Start $50.00 5-Day Supply $25.00 10-Day Supply $45.00

Send me Additional Information

How to sign up for Team Beachbody Club ~10% How to become a reseller/coach~25% Send Information on both

Contact me if you have any questions and/or if you want to get started!

Your partner in health & fitness!

Unlike other “cleanses” and “fasts” they tend to strip the body of vital nutrients leaving opportunity to completely sabotage your body’s metabolism and energy, causing one to “bonk” and/or have massive fatigue.  Shakeology is packed with over 70 vital vitamins and nutrients that will keep your energy charged and immune system strong, all while providing a three day jump-start to looking and feeling better.  This is not a lifestyle option, as it’s too restrictive in calorie consumption, but after the 3-Day cleanse, you can incorporate Shakeology into your nutrition by substituting one full meal a day with it. ENJOY!

Well if you are here, you’ve likely heard me rave about Shakeology and the health benefits associated with it, right??  Chances are, you are pretty sure it will work for you and is good stuff, but you may be that “try-before-you-buy” type.  Sound on par?

Good news!  I’ve created a Shakeology Sample Pack trial offer that will allow you that chance to give it a test run and see if it’s right for you!

Want to see why I love Shakeology?  Check out the level of research that went into creating the ‘healthiest meal of the day’:

Shakeology® – The Breakthrough

Why you need Shakeology® – NOW!

Shakeology can help you:

• Lose weight
• Reduce cravings
• Increase energy and stamina
• Promote healthy digestion and regularity
• Lower cholesterol¹

Tastes delicious, too.

How Shakeology works

• Ingredients derived from whole-food sources deliver the daily vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your body needs to curb cravings, allowing it to shed stored fat.
• 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.
• Fiber, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes help your body gently eliminate toxins more efficiently and promote better absorption of nutrients.*

What’s in Shakeology?

• Protein and essential amino acids help build muscles and reduce food cravings.

• Prebiotics and digestive enzymes aid in improving digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption.

• Antioxidants and phytonutrients help counteract free radical damage that can lead to degenerative diseases.

• A daily dose of vitamins and minerals provides your body what it needs to function for optimal health.

The Healthiest Meal of the Day – Even the Doctor’s Agree!

You are hooked now, right??  So what’s next??  First things first, so we can be sure we stay connected.

***  If you already have a Beachbody account then you already have an assigned Coach!  Before clicking on the BUY NOW option below, be sure to check with your assigned Coach to see if they will offer up samples to you!  I do this exclusively for my own Customers and any new Customers (or newly switched Customers).

If you’ve never heard from them, switching coaches is relatively common and super easy. Just send an email to coachrelations@teambeachbody.com and request a change in Coach to me, Taryn Perry (and be sure to include  my Coach ID No. 11120).  If you CC that email to me at taryn@choose2befit..com, I can then follow up  with Coach Relations.

Don’t have an account? You can create a FREE one here: Free SuperGym Membership Account.

Ok, now that we got that settled, let’s move on.

NEW 4 PACK TRIAL*!

NOW ONLY: $19.99

What you get in the 4-Pack Trial:

• 2 packets each of Chocolate and Greenberry,
• A pamphlet on the health benefits
• 30-day recipe Calendar
• My personal contact information, if you ever have questions or concerns.

Want to immediately reap the amazing health benefits of Shakeology, skip the trial pack and know you have 30-days to give a full supply a try.  If you don’t like the flavor, you can sent it back for the other or a full refund!  Pretty sweet eh??

Choose how to purchase Shakeology:

• Click HERE or visit: www.shake4wellness.com
• The Shakeology Convenience Pack contains 24 single-serving packets you can take anywhere, or
• Choose the 30-day supply in a bag to keep in your kitchen.
• Regardless, be sure to choose home direct auto-shipping and receive free shipping for life PLUS:

2 FREE Workout DVDs in your first shipment†

Now, what do you choose?

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.

I’ve been asked this question in more ways than one, and after talking through it with each person, I decided to make a post about it – well and through great suggestion from a good friend.

Who doesn’t want more energy?

I’m afraid people feel like they need to settle with the lack of energy, because they are killing themselves with a workout.  NOT TRUE!!!  Take care of your body, as you need that energy to successful burn the unwanted fat and build that much needed muscle.  Why?  Because MUSCLE BURNS FAT!!  Sound familiar?

So, are you finding that you are bonking mid-day?  Having a hard time getting up in the morning after a workout the evening before?  Chances are, it’s due to your diet and lack of nutrients.

Not only is your diet a key variable in any successful workout regime, but also the proper supplementation.  We can get an abundant of your energy stimulation from the foods we eat, but chances are – are you really eating the right things?

For those of you that I’ve advised with particular Beachbody at home workout systems or helped guide with proper nutrition*, you know that I will always default to the nutrition guide that came with your workout system, whether it be P90X®, ChaLEAN Extreme®, Insanity™ or Slim in 6®.  These nutrition guides were developed specifically for these programs, so do yourself a favor – and FOLLOW, USE AND ENJOY THEM!!!  The recipes are good and fairly easy, even I can make them!

If you don’t follow a specific workout regime or a nutrition plan, then this could very well be your problem.  If my experience, as a self-professed gym rat, prior to P90X, Insanity and all my new Beachbody favorites, I was at an all time low in the energy department, and I DIDN’T HAVE KIDS AT THE TIME!  Now I have kids and I have MORE energy than I ever have.  Why?  I eat appropriately, according to my workout regime and I have a workout regime that keeps changing.

As many of you may know, I’m in the midst of training for my 2^nd marathon, all while doing the newest Insanity™ workout system.  Well, if Insanity isn’t enough, trying to keep up with my energy to get training runs in each week, I have to be very careful and very particular about what I eat, so I don’t bonk.

Yeah, yeah, many of you are shaking your head saying “Shoot, if you workout that much, you can eat what you want”!  In my case, and the bulk of American’s, not so much.  If I were to eat what I wanted, I surely wouldn’t have the appropriate protein/fat/carbohydrate ratio to properly refuel before and after each workout.   So I need a balance.  That’s where my diet is key here.  This should go for everyone and anyone that is looking for results, good energy and success with their selected workout plan.

Now, as I say diet is the key to most any results, whether it be weight loss or muscle gain, so is proper supplementation.  Do you take a multi-vitamin?  Do you take a Joint Support supplement?  What about your daily nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, etc., etc.?  These are all essential compliments to your diet, in order to sustain good energy to keep you going through the day.

Many know that I’m a big fan of Beachbody’s latest supplement creation, Shakeology®, and won’t go a day without consuming it as either a meal replacement or as a snack.  It’s A) DELICIOUS (check out the recipes) and B)  provides you with over 70 vital vitamins, nutrients, minerals, phytonutrients, prebiotics and a list of other words and terms we would otherwise NEVER use in our vocabulary.  But these are what provide your body with the fuel to keep and stay energized throughout the day, as it fulfills what the body lacks, as we work hard through our fitness program and just day-to-day life.

So, to make a long post even longer, the moral to the story here is proper diet and supplementation (as it’s next to impossible – although not entirely – to get it all from diet) is essential to deliver results and sustain proper energy to avoid that mid-day BONK!

As always, if I can help guide you in a direction towards good health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

To your health & fitness!

* I am not a certified nutritionist or dietitian.  If ever in doubt or have questions about your health and diet, please consult your doctor or a licensed professional.  My advice is based off personal experience and self education and research.  I am also not a certified Personal Trainer…..yet.

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