Would you spend almost 2 years on a scam?

I have had quite a few people tell me, "Shakeology is a scam," or "I know you drink those shakes, but I'm not into weight loss shakes," or "sorry, but I like to eat REAL food."

That is fine if you aren't into drinking shakes and you'd rather chew everything you eat.  I just figured I should share why it is I drink Shakeology, because my reasons have changed in the past year and a half....Yes, I've been drinking my shakes EVERY day since March of 2014.

When I first purchased Shakeology, it was a shot in the dark because I was hoping it would help with weight loss.  I heard that it helped you feel full and helped curb junk food cravings and THAT was what I wanted.   And it worked.  Adding it to my fitness routine helped me lose 20 pounds.

But why do I keep drinking Shakeology?

Drinking Shakeology makes me feel better.  I know I am getting something healthy each day.  I know that it IS actually made from real foods that help me (and, yes, I do eat food that requires chewing for breakfast, dinner and at least 2 snacks per day).  And I no longer take a multi-vitamin because I know I am getting what I need in my shake.

My cholesterol has gone down from 223 to 166.  I don't want to be on cholesterol medication like my mom and my husband.  Since I started drinking my shakes, my cholesterol has gone down and it doesn't look like I will have to be in that boat.

I'm no longer shedding like the dog!  My husband made a comment the other day about how he used to find my hair everywhere, but hasn't in a long time.  I used to have to clear out the drain in the shower daily.  I seriously thought that I would be bald before the age of 45.  I'm sure it was some kind of vitamin or mineral deficiency, but my multivitamin didn't help and I wasn't able to pin point it....but it isn't happening like it was anymore since my shakes.

It tastes great!  And I have plenty of recipes to keep it different when I want a change.

It's an EASY lunch.  I can bring it to meetings, in the car, to football games, recess duty....

So, if "this Shakeology thing" was a scam, would I be drinking it every day for almost two years?  I would hope not.

If it isn't for you, that is okay, but that doesn't mean it is a scam or "just another weight loss shake."  If you are able to get all of the vitamins and minerals and probiotics and nutrients that you need every day without drinking Shakeology, then that is GREAT!  But I can't.  So, that is why I drink it.  Everyday.

**Update***  August 2017....and, yes....I still drink my shake EVERY day.  Yup.  It's been almost 3 1/2 years.

Fitness, Nutrition & Holidays

For the past year and I half, I have been working out 5-6 days/week and eating healthier EVERY DAY.  Okay....so, some days aren't as healthy as others, but I said healthiER.  That means that I am making better choices than I did 2, 3, 4 years ago.

What does this mean throughout the holiday season?  Does it mean that I don't get to partake in the Italian cookies and the apple pie?  Ummm....NO.  It just means that maybe I won't overindulge like I have done in the past....and if I do?  So what!  It is one day and life moves on!

How do we get through the holidays without gaining an extra 10 pounds and throwing all of the hard work that we do away?

1)  Keep up with your workouts!  If you don't have a regular fitness routine, let's talk!

2)  Be consistent with your nutrition.  We all have days that go against the norm, but just make sure that those overindulgent days really are just that....against the norm.  I make sure that I have my Shake EVERY day.  No. Matter. What.  At least, then, I know that I had ONE healthy meal per day EVERY day.

3)  Drink lots of water.  Not only does it help fill the gaps of eating when you aren't really hungry, but it is important to stay hydrated.  This is my BIGGEST weakness...but I'm working on it!

I know that I've talked to a lot of people lately who have told me that they would really love to improve their fitness and nutrition, but they are just too busy and it is just too hard during the holiday season.

I get it.

The thing is....we're ALWAYS busy!  If it isn't the holidays, it's kids' activities or the busy season at work, or something is going on with the family, or....  you know the list.  It isn't about waiting for when we are "less busy," it's about making you a priority.  If you can just find 25 minutes per day to fit in fitness, that is 25 minutes more than you were doing last week!  I've got plans to make, papers to grade, report cards to write, a husband, two teenage boys a guinea pig and a dog....but I also make my workout a priority each day.

Would it be hard to start a fitness and nutrition routine during the holidays?  OF COURSE!  But guess what?  It's hard no matter when you start.  The key is to have support during those times when you want to quit.  That is the purpose of my groups.  We are all in it together.

Okay, my point here is that the holidays don't need to be a time when you are afraid of food.  If you can create a healthy lifestyle, you really can enjoy the holidays guilt free.