Shakeology: Healthiest Meal of the Day

Shakeology: Healthiest Meal of the Day

I have absolutely fallen in love with Shakeology.  What it has done for my body was more than I ever expected it would.  There are so many pros to drinking this shake that are not found in other shake systems.

Shakeology =$4 a day. -less than most medications and vitamins (with no side effects).

Most protein drinks have hidden metals, additives and sugars.  Shakeology proudly lists all of the healthy, all natural ingredients on the bag.

Shakeology is made in a lab (in the U.S.), not in a factory.  Every bag is tested.

No other shake on the market can compare to Shakeology's 100% natural ingredients and superfoods.

Shakeology has phytonutrients that help your body fight and prevent disease.

Shakeology relieves stress, the leading cause of chronic disease.

The top three causes of death in the US are obesity, diabetes and heart disease.  All of which are preventable.  In relieving stress to prevent disease, Shakeology can help lower these numbers.

Shakeolgy has digestive enzymes and probiotics.  These improve absorption in the digestive tract and colon.

Shakeology can bring relieve symptoms of IBS.

By day 4 or 5 of Shakeology you feel more energetic.  Like a good nights sleep.

Shakeology has adaptogens that boost the immune system helping white blood cells work stronger.

Shakeology's antioxidants help to reduce inflammation and oxidation damage.

The proteins and amino acids in Shakeology build lean muscle, reduce cravings, support brain function, clarity and mood.

Shakeology will help you feel better, improve your health, increase energy and reduce cravings.

It would take 5 plates of salad, $400+ per month in supplements and additional protein to equal the nutrients in Shakeology.

There is nothing artificial, controversial, in Shakeology.  It is pure, clean eating.  The ingredients are imported from foreign countries for purity.

Chris Powell & Dr. Oz talk Metabolism & Weight Loss

Chris Powell & Dr. Oz talk weight loss!

We all know and love "America's Doctor" Dr Oz, and I have recently fallen in love with Chris Powell on his show "Extreme Makeover Weight Loss".  Seriously, I am in tears every time I watch the show, it is such an inspiration!  Chris was a guest on the Dr. Oz show talking about weight loss and metabolism and these are the notes and tips that I thought were most important.


Chris Powell's Metabolism Power Plate:

High carb=boost muscle
Low car=burn fat

Eat every 3 hours!  Not all meals should be your normal full size meals.  Have small, healthy snacks prepared and easily accessible.   


Thyroid Gland
Carbs increase the rate of the thyroid hormones.  Good carbs lead to healthy and happy thyroid.  Good carbs include a beans (low-sodium), sweet potatoes, a rainbow of fruits.

With all of the low-carb and no carb fad diets going around people have become confused on what is really a safe amount of carbs to be cutting.  Cutting carbs 100% will lower thyroid function by 50%.


Build Metabolic Muscle
Weight lifting or resistance training!!! SQUATS are so important, you are working the largest and strongest muscle.


My favorite of all of Chris' tips about metabolism....

"Metabolism is NOT genetic!"
 "Genetics loads the gun, lifestyles pull the trigger."

  

Oven Baked Onion Rings (Dr. Oz)

Oven Baked Onion Rings
(Dr. Oz)

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 c. fiber cereal
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1/4 tsp. oldbay spice (optional)

Slice onion into rings.  Finely chop the fiber cereal mixed with the spices.  Dip onion in egg and then in cereal mixture.

Bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes.

1 serving=150 calories

PB & Banana Quesadila by Dr. OZ

PB & Banana Quesadila 
by Dr. OZ

Ingredients:

• mini 100% whole wheat tortilla
• 1 tbs reduced fat peanut butter
• 1/4 c. banana, sliced
• pinch of cinnamon

Spread PB on tortilla and add banana slices.  Fold over. Enjoy!

Dr. OZ says this healthy snack will kick start metabolism and help raise blood sugar, boosting energy.

Pizza Popcorn by Dr. OZ

Pizza Popcorn 
by Dr. OZ

Ingredients:

• 3oz. popcorn kernels
• 1 tbs grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika, oregano, salt and chives

Pop in brown paper bag in microwave.  No oil!  After the popcorn is popped add toppings and shake.  

Makes 8 cups with less than 200 calories!

Clean Chicken, Potato and Veggie Bake

Clean Chicken, Potato and Veggie Bake


Ingredients:

• 2 skinless chicken breasts, chopped
• 1 lb. red potatoes, chopped
• asparagus or other desired veggie
• 1/3 c. fresh basil
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 1/2 tbs. olive oil (I like coconut oil)
• 1 tsp. rosemary

Combine all ingredients in to a non-stick baking dish.  Sprinkle with rosemary.  Bake for 40-45 minutes turning every 15 minutes.

Makes 4 servings. 

Nutritional information:
285 calories
7.2 g. fat
22.4 g. carbs
32 g. protein

Grilled Banana Sandwich (Dr. OZ)

Grilled Banana Sandwich 
(Dr. OZ)

Ingredients:

• 2 pieces whole wheat bread (I use Ezekiel bread!)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tbs. brown sugar
• cinnamon to taste
• 1 sliced banana 
• powdered sugar to taste

 I like to use a panini maker or George Coleman grill but you can use a regular frying pan if necessary.

Heat your pan (or grill).  Make french toast with brown sugar on the eggy side.  Place banana slices in pan.  Flip toast and sprinkle more brown sugar (to cut down on sugar I only use brown sugar on one side of each slice of bread).

When french toast is done, remove from pan and add bananas to the bread like a sandwich.  If desired add cinnamon and powdered sugar to inside of sandwich on top of bananas.

Breakfast Pizza

Breakfast Pizza

Oven at 400 degrees

Ingredients:

• Boboli original Italian pizza crust (or pre-cooked cauliflower pizza crust)
• Roasted garlic tomato sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Baby spinach
• Artichoke hearts
• egg

Cut pizza crust into 4 even pieces.  Add a light layer of sauce, cheese and baby spinach.  Form a boarder with the artichoke hearts.  Crack egg within the boarder of the artichoke hearts.  

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake for 15 minutes or until egg is cooked as desired.
 

Shrimp Stir Fry

Shrimp Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 5 oz. shrimp, peeled & de-veined (substitute chicken if desired)
• 1/4 tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 c. low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/4 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp. rice vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. purple onion, chopped
• 1/2 c. broccoli florets
• 1/4 c. canned water chestnuts (optional)
• 1 c. snow peas
• 1/2 c. halved mushrooms
• 1/4 c. red bell peppers
• 1/2 c. cooked brown rice

Rise and drain shrimp.  Heat soy sauce, rice vinegar and broth.  Add garlic, ginger and cook till tender.  Add vegetables.  When vegetables are half way cooked add the shrimp (or chicken) and cook until the shrimp is pink (or chicken cooked through).

Serve over the brown rice.

Turkey Meat Loaf

Turkey Meat Loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb. lean ground turkey
• 1/2 c. chopped onion
• 2 tbs. minced garlic
• 1/2 c. chopped green pepper
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 2 egg whites (slightly beaten)
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 c. chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
• 1/2 c. quick cooking oats

Topping---1/3 c. low carb ketchup, 1 tbs. mustard, 2 tbs. splenda brown sugar

 
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Saute onions, peppers till brown and add garlic.  Continue to saute for 5 minutes.  Let cool.  Mix all ingredients including saute mixture.  

Shape to a loaf and place on a non-stick backing dish.

Spread topping on loaf.

Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes.  Cool for 20 minutes.

Makes 4-6 servings.

Nutritional Info. (approx):
230 calories
85 g. total fat
100.6 mg potassium
7.3 g. total carbs
1.1 g. fiber
1.1 g. sugar
25 g. protein

Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1/3 c. canned pumpkin
• 1/2 c. oats
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 
• Splenda to taste (optional)
• 2 tbs. sugar free syrup (optional)

I find if the mixture is too thick add water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Cook as you would any other pancake, flipping when pancake begins to bubble.

Makes 1 serving.       

3-Bean Turkey Chili

3-Bean Turkey Chili

Nutrition Facts:

Makes 12 servings
1 serving = 196 calories, 1g fat, 20g carbs, 24g protein

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. extra lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1 tbsp. garlic powder
• 2-4oz. cans of diced green chilies
• 1-15oz. can Organic Tri-Bean Blend (drained)
• 1-15oz. can Organic Black Beans (drained)
• 2-14.5oz. cans Organic Diced Tomatoes (do not drain)
• 1 tbsp. Xylitol Brown Sugar Blend
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tbsp. white vinegar
• 3 tbsp. yellow mustard
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. dried or fresh cilantro
• 2 tsp. adobo sauce (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot add onions and meat, sprinkled with garlic powder and cook until no longer pink (drain-optional).
2. Next add the green chilies, beans, tomatoes, xylitol and spices (except cilantro) and stir until combined.
3. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Finally, add cilantrol.  Sever hot.
5. If desired, spinkle veggie shreds or a light cheese on top.

Arkansas 80-Florida 69

Arkansas upsets No.2 Florida 80-69

The Arkansas Razorbacks have pulled off the upset they have been waiting for to fire up their season.

The Hogs were able to upset the Florida Gators Tuesday evening in Bud Walton Arena in front of a loud and anxious crowd.  Florida was ranked second in the nation.  

Mike Anderson's Hogs introduced Billy Donovan's Gators to the Fastest 40 Minutes in Basketball when they held a convincing lead over the Gators the entire game.  The final score showed a margin of 11 points but the Razorbacks never trailed and were up on the Gators by as many as 27.  That is half a point more than Florida's 26.5 average in wins over previous SEC opponents.  

Former Hog coach John Pelphrey and currently an assistant coach at Florida stressed to his Gators to not allow Arkansas to score from outside the arch in the first half.  It wasn't enough.  The Razorbacks came out on fire scoring from the outside arch 7 times with a game opening 3 from Marshawn Powell.  The others courtesy of BJ Young (2), Michael Qualls, Mardracus Wade(2) and Jacorey Williams.

After the game Coach Anderson thanked the fans for their support and said "I'd give 2 game balls tonight.  One to the fans and one for the bench".  The students were prepared to rush the court but were maintained by security personal and campus law enforcement leaving the team to come to them to celebrate.

This was Arkansas' biggest upset in 14 years when they rolled over the number 2 ranked team Auburn 104-88 February 24, 1999. All of Hog Nation is hoping will be what the Hogs need to grab their first win on the road Saturday against the Vanderbilt Commodores. 

Shannon and Football Coach Bielema talk about National Signing Day.

Quick little T.V. appearance with James!

Apple Pie Oats

Apple Pie Oats

Ingredients:
(makes 4 servings)
1 tsp. butter (optional-I substitute coconut oil for butter when I cook)
1 c. steel cut oats
3 c. boiling water
1/2-3/4 c. organic milk (I use almond milk or Silk)
Salt to taste (optional) 
1 tsp. cinnamon (or to taste)
1/2 an apple

Melt butter in a large saucepan.  Add oats and lightly toast.  Add boiling water and reduce to a simmer.  Simmer for 25 minutes without stirring.  

Add milk to the oats.  Stir and cook for an additional 10 minutes.  Remove from heat.

Dice the apple in to small pieces and add to oats.  Sprinkle cinnamon (and salt if desired) on top and ENJOY!

I've found that the oats re-heat better if you add a little bit of milk when re-heating.  No more than 1/4 c. at max.

This is also a great addition to quick everyday oatmeal.

Cheesy Apples from Dr. Oz

Cheesy Apple Sandwiches 

 Ingredients:
apple
3 tbs. low-fat ricotta cheese 
10 almonds
 lemon juice

Core apple and slice in 4 pieces horizontally and spread a light layer of ricotta cheese on the bottom 3 of the pieces of apple.  Chop the almonds finely and sprinkle over the ricotta cheese.  Squeeze lemon juice on top of the ricotta and almonds.  

*Dr. Oz tip: Lemon juice slows down the absorption of sugar.  

I like to slice my apples like normal and spread the ricotta/almond mixture over half the apple slice and then squeeze the lemon over all of them.  Makes it a little easier to eat than in sandwich form.

Dream. Succeed. Inspire.

This man to me is the epitome of succeeding in your dreams and inspiring others to do the same. Mr. Ray Lewis has had an amazing football career and has a story like no other. He has overcome great obstacles that could have slowed him down or discouraged him. He kept moving forward and continued to SUCCEED!  His story as depicted by the NFL Network in their documentary "A Football Life-Ray Lewis" is below.  This is an amazing look into why I believe Ray is such an inspiration.  (Starting at the 30 minute mark is my favorite part!)

With my journalistic background I have a list of people that I DREAM of one day having the honor to interview. Ray is most definitely in my Top 5. His story is one of such INSPIRATION and I would love to hear him tell it first hand.

We all have someone we look to for INSPIRATION. Someone who has been SUCCESSFUL in making their DREAMS their reality. Since becoming a member of the Beachbody family I have had the honor of joining a family filled with inspiring people. People including Beachbody CEO Carl Daikeler and health and fitness guru Chalene Johnson, my personal coach, friend and mentor the fabulous +Kati Heifner as well as her friend and mentor +Lindsay Matway. 

All of these people have INSPIRED me to SUCCEED in my DREAMS. We all have people who INSPIRE us and who we would benefit from hearing their stories of SUCCESS!  Who is your INSPIRATION? What are your DREAMS? What will you do to be SUCCESSFUL?

I CHALLENGE YOU to take the time to write out your dreams.  Make a list or a dreamboard, whatever it takes for you to visualize your dreams.  Then I want you to write down what it will take for you to make your dreams your reality.  Be detailed and don't be afraid to be intimidated by your dreams.  If they scare you that is great!  "If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough!"  Now once you have these lists go out and get your DREAMS!  Do whatever it takes, don't give up.  Obstacles will come, but they will make you appreciate your dreams that much more.  GOOD LUCK!  I want to hear all about your success stories and don't forget to share your story with other to INSPIRE them to reach their DREAMS!


***Good Luck in the SuperBowl Mr. Lewis and ENJOY your retirement!***


xoxo, 
Ash