Choosing to take an ACTIVE role in my fitness. The tendency was to do nothing and start falling apart. You know 2nd Law of Thermodynamics. Time is now, and it is time to BRING IT!
Pomegranates are an intriguing fruit. I probably have only had them six times in my life and yes it was always a struggle. Then I saw this video of a farmer cutting one open
I thought, "I've been doing it all wrong, I'm ready to do this!" So since we had a pomegranate from our CSA box (Community Supported Agriculture), I set out to harvest the
pomegranate fruit.
Well, the steps are shown below, it was a lot of work.
Harvesting the seeds
Run seeds through blender and mesh
It is full of vitamins and a whole food. but ...
I wanted to quit many times but I stuck through and I succeeded...I got pomegranate juice (less than a cup). Was it worth it for me? I'd have to say no. Will I do it again? probably not. (Side note: I saw additional methods that "whack" the pomegranate after opening it... yes I was ready to whack it at the end.)
Yet, the whole experience reminded me of how many people who buy a Beachbody fitness program might feel.
They, for some time have been intrigued with fitness, but have struggled with getting it to work. Then they saw an ad of one of the Beachbody products (P90, P90X, Insanity, T25, PiYo, 21-day Fix or possible Brazil Butt lift.) The add made it look easy. So program was purchased. Unfortunately, many people do not see it through to the end. While I saw
the pomegranate through to the end, it wasn't worth it to me, I am convinced of and found that those like myself that commit to any of the Beachbody programs, all the way to the end, find it a
worthwhile investment.
Have and follow a plan
This week our Focus T25 routine had Total Body Circuit ,twice, which is the hardest for me in the Alpha series. I would not have chose to do this routine twice in one week. And that is why I need a program to follow. As tough as I like to think I am, when it is up to me, I (while not always) would choose an easier way. How about you? Do you have a plan, a trainer that pushes you? How do you go beyond what you think you are able?
Here is a video (Happy Healthy Holidays!) about how to make a plan for the Holidays. So are you giving your fitness plan the best you can? Is it working? Give me your testimony, so that I can send it to the many others that would be encouraged with your efforts.
I am excited to announce
that Tony Horton's
newest program, P90, will be released in September and I wanted you
to be one of the first to know.
THIS IS NOT AN EXTREME
WORKOUT LIKE P90X, P90X2 OR P90X3!
As a matter of fact, before
any of those programs existed, Tony created a revolutionary weight loss and
body transformation program that started it all - Power 90. Now
featuring redesigned, cutting edge routines, welcome to Power 90 re-imagined
... the new P90!
Check out this video that
explains it all. Simply
click on the pic to start watching.
And check out these amazing P90 results.
Want to be one of the first
to know when P90 is available? Simply REPLY to this email and let me know. I'll keep you up-to-date on all the
latest and let you know when you can be one of the first to get P90 in your hands.
Want to be one of the first
to buy P90?
To get P90 immediately after its released, make sure you
have a FREE Team
Beachbody Membership. If you already have one, you are set! If
not, simply CLICK HERE to get set-up in minutes, plus
have access to all of the Team Beachbody products and benefits of our FREE
Membership. And its FREE!
I look forward to hearing
from you! And if you have any questions, always feel free to contact me.
To Your Health,
Jay Garbarino Independent Team Beachbody Coach
(530) 913-8522 JayBBCoach@att.net
I spoke of resolutions and resolve in my last blog post (Resolve
vs. Resolution). What about the word resignation? As we age the tendency is to give up and resign ourselves to some of the new patterns that are driven by some aches here and a little pain there. We say, "I just can't do that anymore." Am I expecting
all those in their 40's and 50's to do Insanity? No, but we need to stay active
doing something for out heart, lungs, muscles and skeletal frame work.
Resignation is a slippery slope as we age. I desire to help as
many people as possible with the "I can't" places they are experiencing.
Starting
with even minor activity can begin to reverse the trend and you will soon be
saying "I can do it!"
Men and Women of Purpose
Tammy and I have been talking a lot lately about our motivations and purposes for ourselves, our family and our customers. We are both intense individuals driven by our desires. I was not always that way. 7 years ago I was on a path to resignation with back pain, low energy and a lack of commitment to my physical well being. It took a P90X infomercial to wake me up and change my resignation to commitment and purpose. My fitness commitment was the spark to more purposeful eating and living. We are looking to join with others for mutual accountability. The link below will direct you to our recent video about our upcoming accountability groups.
PiYo is Beachbody's most recent fitness Program. It is a low-impact program that uses your own body weight to build strength. The program also includes cardio, stretching, yoga and pilates. The creator of PiYo, Chalene Johnson, says that as we age we get less flexible and PiYo can help. We will be doing PiYo in August and September after we complete a 3rd month of INSANITY. If you think you want to give it a try purchase it this month for a deep discount.
Connect with us on Facebook & Instagram
To find out more about us look on social media. Follow Tammy on Instagram for daily motivational posts and see Facebook for Tammy's weekly INSANITY tip videos.
Recovery drinks, protein shakes, and Shakeology are all intended to serve different functions, and wouldn't ideally be used interchangeably.
Recovery drinks are simple-sugar based, and have (relatively) small amounts of fast-absorbing protein (like whey), typically in a ratio between 2:1 and 5:1 of carbs:protein. The P90X Results and Recovery Formula has a 4:1 ratio. They are intended to be taken after intense workouts (within 20 minutes), when the cells of the body are expanded and primed for nutrient replenishment. The simple sugars rush in and replenish your depleted glycogen stores, and also help to carry the protein where it needs to go to begin muscle synthesis. The only time you want to take this amount of simple sugar is immediately following an exhausting workout, when your body's fat storage protocol is in temporary shutdown. One other I have tried Endurox R4 Recovery Drink Mix.
Protein shakes are typically low in carbs and fat, and are intended to add supplemental protein to your diet. While some people use them immediately following workouts, recent research shows that this may not be the ideal application. Too much protein (i.e. upwards of 20 grams, which most protein shakes have) will slow the body's absorption of the nutrients, causing you to miss the 30-45 minute replenishment window that your body has post-workout. If you want to take a shake to up your protein intake during the day, by all means do so, I would just shift it from immediately post-workout to later in the day. We purchase our Naturally sweetened Whey Protein from Vitacost (here is my Refer a Friend Link to give you $10 off your order)
Shakeology is also supplemental in nature, as it's intended to add phytonutrients (plant concentrates) to your diet to increase the amount of vital nutrients you get from fruits and veggies. It is not designed to be for post-workout, as it has a good amount of fiber and is relatively high in protein, both of which will slow absorption (just like a protein shake would). Look to Spotlighting some of the 70 ingredients in Shakeology for a more information. The Shakeology ingredients that target good digestive health are Flax seed meal, Schisandra Powder, Yacon Root and Chlorella (See Special Spot light on Chlorella ). Good information at Shakeology.com
How's your fitness going? It is going on 7 years since Tammy and I found
Beachbody. I am stronger in my late 40's then I was in my late 30's. Tammy and I started the year with a round of P90X3. It is a great starter and/or maintenance program in only 30-minutes a day. After a 1-week break we started a 60-day round of Insanity (we last did a complete 60-days back in April 2010). We are in week 2 and I can just say "Dig Deeper". Here is a little video from Tammy's Facebook page Triceps work. We are still eating a plant based diet and drinking Shakeology for our nutrition.
Resolve vs. Resolution
It's been many months since we all made New Year's resolutions. We make resolutions as a goal to be somewhere or someone different in the future. Resolve is the action that you take in the present to meet that resolution. Resolve is steps taken each day to make your goal a reality. May is here. Is it time for some "Mid Year" resolve?
When it is early in the morning or late in the day and you have no
time to work out, what do you do? How about resolving to put forth action and push play. When making healthy food
choices it will cost you extra time and money, but you will resolve
to eat healthy. When you have missed a workout or had a day of treats, this is when you tap into some of that resolve and set yourself right back on
track. Resolve, and then resolve some more, your future is worth it.
Tips To Having Resolve:
Take the step to connect with your FREE coach (Me). Yes, be accountable it can make the difference. See the Facebook connection to Tammy and I below.
Clean out the junk food - you know what foods I'm talking about. Even
baby steps are better than no steps at all.
Plan your nutrition - Tammy and I are always reminding each other that good food is our fuel. Use your Beachbody program guide. Like the step
of cleaning out the junk food you need a specific plan with you nutrition, you
need to eat consciously. A good tool to assist in getting started balancing proper foods and portions would be the
21-day fix and don't forget the benefits of Shakeology. Here ISpotlighting most of the 70 ingredients in Shakeology
Have a fitness plan - follow a Beachbody program 30, 60 or 90 days check
the days off the calendar. I am only successful when I have a plan laid out. Below is also a link for some free workout routines.
Start your workout whether it be a DVD, walking, or jogging, even if you
don't feel like it. Start out with the idea of doing just 10 minutes. The pet slogan
of, "just do it" works. If you "just do it" more likely than not, you will finish and feel great.
Many of you I think may be like me. I am not the type that makes resolutions
but someone that knows I can be a better me and need some
resolve to make that change. I encourage you to message me and we'll find you
some tools that can help you be a better you. You can't finish if you don't start. I look forward to
hearing from you.
I will end this post with a special shout-out to those that commit to bettering their health and nutrition. As Arthur, the star in the inspirational video below, says, "it is a simple but frightening message, that is, that you can do it. It's very easy to NOT do it, to say you can't. Then, you can very easily retreat back into inability, retreat back into fear, back into lack of control ..."
I know it is not easy, but you have a choice. It took this gentleman the discipline to continue even when he did not believe in himself. He continued to work hard and it was only after much failure that he even started to believe that it could happen. Never, Ever Give Up. Arthur's Inspirational Transformation!
Acai berry - (ah-sigh-ee) - What makes Acai such a special and unusual berry is that it not only has a high level of antioxidants but also has healthy fatty acids, protein and dietary fiber. Its unsaturated healthy fats have a fatty acid ratio similar to olive oil which is considered to be a contributing factor to the low incidence of heart disease in Mediterranean populations. Açaí pulp contains omega 6 and 9 fatty acids.
Acerola powder (fruit) -Acerola can be found throughout northeastern Brazil and is rich in Vitamin C and carotenoids, and one of the richest known natural sources of vitamin C.
Amaranth - Not only is Amaranth a great source of vitamins and amino acids, but it's also high in protein, fiber and helps to boost your immune system. Additionally, Amaranth has three times the calcium of milk.
Amylase. This is group of enzymes' function is to breakdown sugar and starch. Amylase digests carbohydrates units, eventually converting them into sugar. Amylase also works as an anti-inflammatory.
Apple pectin powder - Apple pectin is a water-soluble fiber, helpful in removing cholesterol out of the intestines and delaying glucose absorption.
Ashwagandha powder - An Adaptogen herb for the mind that promotes clarity. Betterments include: improving mental acuity, learning and memory while also alleviating anxiety and depression.
Astragalus powder root - This ingredient is always helpful for a family like ours with 4 small children because it is an adaptogen that strengthens the immune system increasing both energy levels and vitality. Used in China for 1000s of years, this powder helps prevent colds, upper respiratory infections and helps to lower blood sugar + blood pressure.
Bilberry powder (fruit) -An antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic agent, this fruit has shown to improve vision and symptoms associated with diabetes.
Blueberry Powder - 1st off, it takes 10lbs of fresh blueberries to get 1lb of pure blueberry powder. A good source of vitamins and dietary fiber, blueberries are believed to help reduce eyestrain and improve night vision. Blueberries are also high in the phytochemical resveratrol, which has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Camu-Camu Powder (Myrciaria dubia) - A bush, native to the South American rainforest, which grows in the black water rivers of the Amazon. Its small, purplish red fruits are a rich source of antioxidants and powerful phytochemicals that support and enhance health. Camu-Camu fruits contain more vitamin C than any other plant in the world from 30 to 60 times more than an orange. They also contain amino acids including serine, valine, and leucine; and significant levels of beta carotene, calcium, iron, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin, and thiamin. The phytochemicals in Camu-Camu are highly effective in curbing the effects of the herpes virus; in fact, on a list of plants with anti-herpetic compounds, Camu-Camu takes the highest honors as most potent. It is effective against depression, and has even been used to wean users off dangerous anti-depressive medications (under medical supervision, of course.) Alternative medical practitioners have also been using it to combat attention deficit disorder. Camu-Camu also provides immune system support, helps maintain good eyesight, reduces inflammation, supports collagen, tendons, and ligaments. Helps fend off viral infection, improves respiratory health and maintain clarity of mind during stress.
Chia Seed Meal - Coined as the Aztec running food, Chia seeds enhance stamina, endurance and help you stay hydrated. The seeds help you lose weight for 2 reasons. 1st, they are so filling that you will eat less. 2nd, they form into a gel and cleanse the old "junk" in your intestines. Lastly, they provide calcium & protein in your tissues & help regenerate body tissue. Known as the running food, it’s used as a high energy endurance food and has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It has about 3-10 times the oil concentrations of most grains and one and a half to two times the protein concentrations of other grains. Rich in omega 3, omega 6, protein, fiber and essential trace minerals. (Mexico)
Chlorella - (spotlight on Chlorella) Containing the green photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll A and B, enabling it to photosynthesize (derive energy by converting sunlight and carbon dioxide into sugar molecules for food). Chlorella is also a complete protein, meaning that it contains all the essential amino acids a person needs to survive in the correct proportions for cellular use. Under certain growing conditions, Chlorella also yields oils high in polyunsaturated fats, which are the healthy variety of lipids (also known as ‘good fats’) and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower blood cholesterol. Chlorella’s presence in the stomach and digestive tract can increase good bacteria in the intestine in order to help treat ulcers, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and diverticulosis.
Citrus bioflavonoids - Extracted from fruits, bioflavonoids are widely used in Europe to treat diseases of the blood vessels and lymph system.
Cordyceps - A type of Asian fungus (mushroom) that may have beneficial properties for bone marrow and kidneys, while it increases stamina, protects against free radicals and restores energy.
Flax Seed Meal - Flaxseeds' omega-3 fats are a good source of fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels, aid in digestion and help stabilize blood sugar levels. Also, its combination of healthy fat and high fiber content make it great for weight loss. The flax seed carries one of the biggest nutrient payloads on the planet. And while it’s not technically a grain, it has a similar vitamin and mineral profile to grains. Flax is high in B vitamins, magnesium, manganese, omega 3, fiber, and our best source of lignans which may promote fertility, reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, and possibly help prevent breast cancer. In addition, lignans may help prevent Type 2 diabetes.
Gingko powder (leaf) - The oldest living species of plant on earth, gingko has been used in Chinese medicine to stimulate the blood circulation and have a tonic effect on the brain, reducing lethargy, improving memory and giving an improved sense of well-being.
Goji Berries (Lycium powder) - These berries contain 18 amino acids and are one of the richest sources of carotenoids, phytochemicals that act as antioxidants, of all known foods. Not only does Goji berry improve eyesight, fertility and circulation but it supports your immune system and promotes a long life. Dubbed as a natural anti-aging food, goji is used to treat hepatitis B (because of the physalin produced by the berries), heart and blood pressure conditions, as a memory enhancer, a treatment for breast and cervical cancer, an anti-inflammatory, and an antifungal, antibacterial.
Grape Seed Extract - they are derivatives from whole grape seeds that have a great concentration of vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and OPCs. A polyphenol contained in grape seeds is resveratrol which may interfere with cancer cell growth and proliferation, as well as induce apoptosis, among a variety of potential chemo preventive effects. Preliminary research shows that grape seed extract may have other possible anti-disease properties, such as in laboratory models of:
Wound healing—grape seed proanthocyanidins induced vascular endothelial growth factor and accelerated healing of injured skin in mice.
Tooth decay --seed phenolics may inhibit oral sugar metabolism and retard growth of certain bacteria causing dental caries.
Osteoporosis -- grape seed extracts enhanced bone density and strength in experimental animals.
Skin cancer -- grape seed proanthocyanidins decreased tumor numbers and reduced the malignancy of papillomas.
Ultraviolet damage to skin—dietary proanthocyanidins may protect against carcinogenesis and provide supplementation for sunscreen protection.
Green tea decaffeinated extract (leaf, 50% polyphenols) - Green tea has important antioxidants and compounds. Studies reveal an impact on heart disease and cancer which are promising. The antioxidants, called catechins, scavenge for free radicals that can damage DNA.
Himalayan salt – This is
the “healthy” salt may help prevent acne and tooth decay. This raw, untouched,
unprocessed salt contains more than 70 trace minerals which help detoxify the
blood and maintain a stable pH balance in cells. And all that for less than 5%
of the recommended daily intake for someone on a low-sodium diet.
Holy basil powder - Holy basil powder contains vitamin C, carpteme, calcium and phosphorus which helps the skin stay healthy and supple by protecting it from environmental toxins. It contributes to the health of the throat chest and lungs and protects the respiratory tract and has been used as an anti-inflammatory.
Hydrilla - This plant from Asia, Europe and Africa is hailed for providing increased energy levels, improved immunity, improved digestion, reduced body fat, increased mental clarity, decreased appetite, improved joint, hair, skin and nail health, and an overall increased sense of well-being.
Iron - This ingredient helps to increase your energy levels and your ability to learn. People who consume enough iron tend to have better overall health, less muscle fatigue and more red blood cells.
Kale - Also known as borecole, is one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet. One cup of chopped kale contains 33 calories and 9% of the daily value of calcium, 206% of vitamin A, 134% of vitamin C, and a whopping 684% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Kale’s health benefits are primarily linked to the high concentration and excellent source of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and K -- and sulphur-containing phytonutrients. Carotenoids and flavonoids are the specific types of antioxidants associated with many of the anti-cancer health benefits. Kale is also rich in the eye-health promoting lutein and zeaxanthin compounds.
Lipase - This supplement helps you to lose weight because its a digestive enzyme that helps your body to break down fat.
Luo Han Guo – This is
another natural sweeter that is said to be 300 times sweeter than cane sugar
and could have a positive impact on coughs and other respiratory ailments.
And recent research has revealed that it may work as an antioxidant to
help eliminate free radicals that can cause serious health concerns.
Lycium powder – See Goji Berries.
Maca Powder - Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) is a tuberous perennial plant that grows high in the Andean Mountains at altitudes of between 11,000 and 14,000 feet. Color-wise it looks like a potato, but it is shaped like a large radish. Maca is considered by top researchers to be a true Adaptogen. Adaptogens enable the body to enhance its power of resistance and adapt to external conditions. They work with the body's natural systems to help rebuild weak immune systems, re-mineralize poorly nourished bodies, and increase energy and endurance. Scientists and doctors are now finding Maca to be one of the best natural ways to regulate and support endocrine health. This action regulates metabolism, energy levels, growth, sexual development and the sense of well being and attitude. Thankfully, Maca does not contain hormones itself. Instead it provides a unique set of nutrients that directly fuel the endocrine system and help the glands to produce vital hormones in precise dosages predetermined by one's own body. Maca Powder is even used to treat menopausal symptoms (it is now being prescribed by many health practitioners as a safe, effective alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy).
Maitake Mushroom Powder - This ingredient has been shown to regulate blood circulation, reduce blood pressure, improves insulin levels, enhance the immune system and have an anti-tumor/ anti-viral effect.
Moringa – Ingredient rich
in Vitamin C, Calcium, Vitamin A, Protein, Potassium and Iron. Moringa
has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is known to
promote energy, vitality, athletic performance, and weight loss—while
boosting the immune system and protecting against disease. There are
over 46 antioxidants and 36 anti-inflammatory compounds all naturally
occurring in the Moringa plant. That is why it is referred to as the best natural source of anti-oxidants.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) - This ingredient is a naturally occurring sulfur compound. It is known for aiding in joint health and supporting liver detoxification. A medical study done in Portland found that arthritis patients that took MSM reported less pain, stiffness and greater mobility.
Oat Protein - GMO-free oat protein was added to improve texture and mouth feel, while reducing grit. It is a nutritious protein source that is rich in essential amino acids (including leucine, isoleucine, and lysine) with excellent texture and mouth feel. Oats are inherently gluten-free, but can be cross-contaminated with small amounts of other grains that contain gluten (including wheat, barley and/or rye) during growing, handling or processing. As such, as a precaution we recommend that users consult their physicians with concerns.
Pantothenic Acid (also known as vitamin B5). This ingredient helps metabolize nutrients, produce vitamin D and stimulate the healing of wounds. Vitamin B5 is critical to the growth of red blood cells as well as sex/ stress-related hormones. This supplement has also gained a lot of press for treating a wide range of skin conditions including acne.
Pea Fiber - It provides one of the highest sources of natural soluble and insoluble dietary fibers known. It has been known to help improve cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar levels by providing steady burning energy.
Pomegranate - Contains antioxidants like polyphenol, tannins, and anthocyanins, which are effective in removing free radicals from our cells. Pomegranate has also been shown to prevent hardening of the arteries by reducing blood vessel damage, and it may even help reverse the progression of these maladies.
PROBIOTIC BLEND:
Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus thermophilus - Since most degenerative disease conditions can be linked to intestinal toxemia and our inability to properly eliminate it from the body, this is blend is useful for a healthy intestinal tract.
PROPRIETARY ENZYME BLEND:
Amylase (See above), Papain, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase, Protease, Bromelain - These enzymes aid in digestion, reduce heartburn problems, gas and bloating, may also diminish allergies.
Quinoa (sprouted) – It contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it a complete protein source, unusual among plant foods. These proteins are required by the body as building blocks for muscle. Quinoa is an excellent source of potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium (Nature’s medicine for people suffering from Migraines), iron and B vitamins. Excellent for the heart and since they are an insoluble fiber, it helps in gallstone prevention.
Reishi mushroom powder - Known as a "magic plant", this powder has long been used to help increase energy, improve digestion and sleep, strengthen resistance to disease and regulate the immune system. Reishi is used in traditional Chinese medicine, protecting the liver, as an analgesic, antiinflammatory, and anti-cancer treatments.
Rose Hips powder - Rich in vitamin C, rosehips are commonly used for reduction in asthma symptoms and allergies.
Schisandra Powder - Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is an aromatic, woody vine that is native to northern and northeastern China. Schisandra fruit is fully ripened in the fall and appears as numerous spikes of tiny, bright red berries. The berries have sweet, sour, hot, salty, and bitter tastes--hence the Chinese name for schisandra, "Wu Wei Zi" (five-flavored herb). Research has shown that Schisandra has adaptogenic properties, which means that it helps the body to fight disease and adapt to stresses from physical, mental, chemical, and environmental sources. Schisandra also has tonic (restoring tone to tissues), expectorant (promoting the clearing of lung mucus), and cough-suppressant (reducing coughing) activities. It stimulates the nervous system by increasing the speed of nervous responses, leading to quicker and stronger reflexes. Schisandra has been shown to stimulate breathing, decrease blood pressure, act as a vasodilator (causing blood vessels to dilate), improve blood circulation, improve heart function, strengthen uterine contractions, improve vision, normalize blood sugar levels, and assist in food digestion and absorption of nutrients. It can activate all major body systems. In general it works well as a stimulator for the central nervous system, increasing brain efficiency, improved reflexes, and an accelerated rate of endurance.
Spinach powder - Spinach has been used for years to help relieve anemic problems due to its high iron and chlorophyll content.
Spirulina - Type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids (a type of antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage). It contains nutrients, including B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid). Amino acids (Proteins Building Blocks) make up 62% of Spirulina. Because it is a rich source of protein and other nutrients, Spirulina has been used traditionally as a nutritional supplement. Spirulina promotes health in many ways. It powerfully protects from oxidant stress and strongly supports the immune system and a healthy inflammatory response.
Sweetened with Stevia - Native to subtropical/tropical South America and Central America, stevia sweetens whatever it is added to without adding calories. Research shows a regulating effect on the pancreas and has been used to help stabilize blood sugar levels, therefore useful to people with diabetes and hypoglycemia. It may lower elevated blood pressure, aids in digestion, reduces gas and stomach acidity. It has been shown to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Vitamin E - it is a potent anti-oxidant which protects the cells in the human body from free radical damage. Free radical damage can lead to very serious and chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin E also helps to repair the skin, keeping it glowing and healthy.
Whey Protein Isolate - Chocolate Whey, Strawberry and Greenberry flavors. Out of the many protein sources out there, whey protein is the ultimate. It has the highest value in providing branched-chain amino acids, which aid in building and retaining muscle tissue. Each scoop of Shakeology powder contains 15g of whey protein. You can bump this up by making your own recipe and adding things such as peanut butter or additional whey protein powder. Great post from Carl about Whey Protein isolate and how it is right for Shakeology. We Go Both Wheys…
Yacon Root - The Prebiotics in Shakeology are found in the Yacon root. Prebiotics are specific nutrients naturally occurring in whole grains, fruits, legumes, and certain plants. They stimulate the friendly bacteria in the digestive tract, making them either grow or become more active, thereby supporting the healthy regulation of intestinal flora, healthy elimination, and a healthy immune system. When compared to sugar in sweetness, Yacon contains low ratios of simple sugars and calories. It also has a low glycemic index. Yacon is a tasty, potato-like root vegetable found in Peru. Historically, Yacon has been used in South America to lower blood sugar in those with diabetes and improve digestion.
