I want to try Shakeology, but it's too expensive and what if I don't like it?

I drink Shakeology EVERY DAY, without fail because I know that the ingredients in this product provide my body with the nutrition that it needs.  This is the easiest way to have a clean, nutritious and delicious meal.  And as a pharmacist, I’m skeptical about ANY supplement, especially a meal replacement supplement or protein supplement.   And I had my questions about Shakeology before I committed to drinking it daily.  I did my research!  This product is all-natural, made in the USA and includes over 70 healthy ingredients (vitamins, minerals, protein, superfoods, antioxidants) providing more nutrition than anyone could eat in a day. 

I began drinking Shakeology January 2014 and have only missed 2 days since beginning (I know the exact days that I missed due to traveling to drive the Tail of the Dragon).  That’s how amazing this product has been for me!  I DO NOT miss a day and I actually crave Shakeology.  Then I began teaching myself about clean eating and discovered the physical changes that resulted from clean eating and Shakeology.  I’ve lost 25 pounds since my journey with clean eating, exercise and Shakeology began in January 2014.   This is my perfect combination:  Clean Eating, Exercise and Shakeology.  And of course a supportive, encouraging Beachbody Coach!

I actually began my coaching journey only to have a discount on Shakeology.  Oh my, how things have changed!!  As a Beachbody coach I have clean eating groups and accountability groups for nutrition and exercise support.  So this is the perfect format to teach about Shakeology from a pharmacist’s perspective AND to let you try Shakeology without a huge investment.

Here is what Shakeology has done for me:

1.  Decreased my craving for sweet foods.  And this is the perfect way to satisfy that craving for chocolate.

2.  It has given me more energy!  That’s enough of a reason right there to drink it every day!

3.  It is a breakfast that I don’t have to think about.  I had a bad habit of skipping breakfast and rushing to work.  Now, I drink a COMPLETE meal for breakfast.  And I don’t have to plan anything – I have a shake every morning.

4.  It keeps me feeling full for about 3 hours.

5.  It has helped me stick to my goals of losing weight.  I feel satisfied when I drink this for breakfast and do not crave junk during the day.

6.  My complexion has improved since beginning Shakeology.

7.  I am saving money every month because I’m no longer buying breakfast foods for my husband and I (he drinks it every day too!).

What will this 7 day clean eating and Shakeology group do for you?

Our private group will begin on April 13 .  As a pharmacist, I have specialized training in supplements, and I will teach you about ingredients in Shakeology and ACTUAL benefits of these ingredients.   You will have 6 days of Shakeology flavors to try.   I will also provide a clean eating 7 day meal plan to help you start your clean eating journey. 

What do you need to do?

First, you will need to go to my site to sign up for a FREE Team Beachbody account to assign me as your coach.  Click this link to sign up sign up to have me as your FREE Coach

  

Then you will need to order the new Shakeology super sampler pack from my site. order the Shakeology Super Sampler

Once your order has been placed through my link above, you will have access into my private online group.  And starting on April 6, I will open the group and provide a clean eating meal plan with recipes, tips on making changes to your nutrition, lists of healthy food choices and snack ideas.  AND of course, we will share Shakeology recipes! 

All you have to do is commit to drinking Shakeology for 1 week and being willing to learn about clean eating.  It’s that simple!   What do you have to lose?  The Shakeology super  sampler pack is $29.95 plus shipping – WELL worth it! 

I dare you to see what kind of changes you can make in 7 days to your nutrition!  You will have me for full support throughout the 7 days.  Message me through facebook, email me (kristingator@gmail.com) or call me if you are local :-)
You can also fill out the form below and I will be in touch.

Benefits of Avocados

Benefits of Avocados

I still haven't had the nerve to eat an avocado - I've only tasted a dressing that I made from avocado.  Now, I'm trying to talk myself into trying this super healthy food.  So I'm researching some of the benefits, in the hopes that I will be able to try them.

Here are just a few of the wonderful benefits of avocados.

1. They are incredibly nutritious.  The most abundant nutrients  are vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, potassium, Vitamin B5/B6, vitamin E.

2. Can help curb your appetite.

3. Are high in monounsaturated fats (oleic acid).  These fats help to reduce inflammation and can lower your risk for heart disease.

4.  Loaded with fiber, which can help with weight loss and will reduce blood sugar spikes.

5. Omega-9 fatty acids improve skin tone and help to repair damaged skin cells

6. Contain a compound called beta-sitosterol that may help to improve cholesterol – raise HDL (good cholesterol), lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower triglycerides.

7. The good fat in avocados can help you absorb “fat soluble” nutrients from other foods, such as vitamins A, D, E & K and some antioxidants.   This allows for better absorption of nutrients from the foods we eat with avocados.

Are you eating these hidden sugars?

We may not be drinking sweetened beverages or eating sweets BUT hidden sugars can add up quickly.  Reading nutrition labels is a must to ensure that we do our best to decrease our ADDED sugar intake each day.  

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) of ADDED sugar per day for women and no more than 9 teaspoons of ADDED sugar per day for men.

Some of the most common sources for hidden sugars are foods that we eat regularly.

Barbecue sauce - some sauces can have as much as 28 grams of added sugar per serving!  There are homemade versions with less sugar that are easy to make.

Tomato sauce - some can have as much as 10 grams of added sugars.  If you must buy jarred sauces, read the nutrition labels and search for the lowest sugar content.  Making your own tomato sauce with tomatoes, garlic and herbs is a great way to ensure you are not eating added sugars.

Ketchup - just avoid it!

Yogurt - we have to read labels on yogurt.  Low fat versions have a higher sugar content from the lactose.  Full fat versions are a better option.  Try to avoid fruit flavored yogurt.  Purchase plain yogurt and add your own fruits.

Non-dairy milks - always purchase the unsweetened almond milk, etc.

Breakfast bars and packaged breakfast foods - some can have up to 25 grams (6 tsp) of added sugars in one bar.  

Store bought dressings and sauces can have large amounts of added sugars.  Try to make your own clean dressing at home or read labels and find the healthiest packaged versions.

Why are we so concerned about added sugars?  Of course eating excess sugars can increase risk of heart disease and diabetes. Excess sugars can increase weight - so why wouldn't you cut them out.  And sugar is involved in a viscous cycle of cravings, sugar crashes and hormone effects.