3 Day Refresh

 

As I approach my one year anniversary of my weight loss journey, I am very excited to take my photos, talk about how my life has changed and show off a bit! I figured this is the perfect time to take on the 3 Day Refresh!!! Drop a few more pounds and inches before my big photo shoot! Who wouldn't want to drop a few pounds before a big event, or to kickstart weight loss or to kick some bad habits - whatever the case may be this is a great place to start - let tackle this challenge together! But first - what exactly is it???

What is the 3-Day Refresh?

The 3-Day Refresh is 3-day program of specially formulated shakes, healthy snacks, and delicious, easy-to-prepare meals that have been scientifically designed to help you lose weight and break the cycle of bad eating while dramatically improving the way you feel.

How is it different than other cleanses?

Unlike juice fasts or liquid cleanses that are high in sugar and low in protein (which can leave you feeling weak and sluggish), the 3-Day Refresh is scientifically designed to help support your metabolism while nourishing your vital organs. Plus, you actually get to eat delicious, real food during this program.

Why would I want to Refresh?

•  You need a clean break from a period of unhealthy eating.
• You used to eat pretty well but have recently fallen off the wagon and need some help getting back on.
• You want to jump-start healthy eating habits for a new workout program.
• You want to quickly lose a few pounds for an upcoming event.
• You’ve never been a healthy eater, but are ready to kick-start better nutrition for the first time.
• You want your clothes to fit better.
• You want more energy.
• You love food and want to be satisfied while you lose weight and get healthier.
• You’ve tried liquid fasts or other fad diets and they simply don’t work.

What’s included?

• 3 packets of Shakeology®—your choice of 6 flavors (we recommend Chocolate Vegan or Tropical Strawberry   Vegan during the Refresh as plant proteins are often easier for the body to digest)
• 6 packets of Vanilla Fresh (high-protein shake)
• 3 packets of Fiber Sweep (digestive drink)  
• 1 Program Guide

What can I eat and drink during the Refresh?

• FILTERED WATER: In addition to the water you use in your shakes and teas, we recommend you drink   at least half your body weight in ounces of filtered water each day. 
• BREAKFAST: A superfood-packed Shakeology shake, plus one fruit option
•  MORNING TEA: 1 cup of unsweetened herbal or green tea
•  LATE MORNING: Fiber Sweep, a digestive health drink
• LUNCH: Vanilla Fresh shake, plus 1 option from the Fruit List, 1 option from the Vegetable List, and 1 option from the Healthy Fats list
• AFTERNOON SNACK: 1 option from Vegetable List, and 1 option from the Healthy Fats list
• AFTERNOON TEA: 1 cup of unsweetened herbal tea (caffeine-free)
• DINNER: Vanilla Fresh shake, 1 option from the Dinner Recipes, and 1 cup of organic vegetable  broth (optional)
• EVENING TEA: 1 cup of unsweetened herbal tea (caffeine-free)

What to expect when Refreshing?

• The 3-Day Refresh is a low-calorie program (about 900 calories a day) but because the shakes and food   selections are high in protein and fiber they help keep you satiated throughout the day.
•  Because this program is packed with fiber, if you don’t already have a diet that’s high in fruits, veggies, and   whole grains, it’s a good idea to prepare for the 3-Day Refresh by eating a large salad and/or a few servings   of fresh veggies throughout the week leading up to it.
•  If you get a little gas or bloating, this is a sign that you need to up your fiber levels in general. Fiber promotes   satiety, balances blood sugar, promotes cardiovascular health, and keeps your digestive tract functioning.
• If gas is an issue, we’ve highlighted the “low gas-producing” options in the veggie list and dinner recipes in   the menu guide.
• We recommend mild to moderate exercise during the 3-Day Refresh because this program will be more   effective when your body can focus on cleansing.

Join me for the 3 Day Refresh and Clean Eating Challenge!

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Gym Membership vs. Beachbody

Gym Membership vs.

Beachbody Programs

 

When I was in my teens and early twenties, I did what most people did - waited until the New Year's deals on gym memberships, joined the gym - went faithfully for a month, then as time went on I went less and less... Gym memberships, especially this time of year are surely tempting, or so you think! Let's break it all down, because ya'll know, I am all about saving a buck!

 

 

 

Gym Membership Costs:

• LA Fitness: $9.95 per Week, $517.40 per YEAR!!
• Fitness Works: $29 per month, $348 per YEAR!!
• Gold’s Gym: $29.99 per month (2 yr contract), $359.88 per YEAR!!
• 24 Hour Fitness: $36.99 per month, $443.88 per YEAR!! OR one year contact for full price of $299.99
• Bally Total Fitness: 2 yr contract- $479 upfront, OR $14.99 bi-weekly, $389.74 per YEAR!!

Take that price and add - gas to and from, cost of a fitness class, gym bag, personal trainer, pricey drinks sold at the gym, child care at the gym and for me the biggest price of going to the gym is MY TIME!

In the past when I used the gym, I really only took a spinning class and maybe used the occasional weights. I was unsure about how to properly train my body, I didn't learn anything about clean eating and I really didn't get results.

Beachbody:

Beachbody programs (you are only spending a ONE TIME fee): 

21 Day Fix: Retail - $60.00, Beachbody Club member - $54.00 (Two sets of weights needed)

 

Focus T25: Retail - $119.85, Beachbody Club member - $107.87 (Equipment included!)
Brazil Butt Lift: Retail - $59.85, Beachbody Club member - $53.87 (Equipment included!)
ChaLean Extreme: Retail - $89.85, Beachbody Club member - $80.87 (Equipment included!)

You can also get a bigger discount when you pair these programs with a challenge pack (which combines a program with a month supply of Shakeology). Plus I can help you get an ADDITIONAL discount off Beachbody products by becoming a preferred customer (25% off)! I can share with you how to do that!!

 

Pros of Beachbody v. Gym:

• One time cost for program that is yours forever rather than a monthly fee (Which can add up over time)
• Free personal coaches to help you stay motivated, accountable and a great resource
• No time restrictions on when you can workout
• You can workout in whatever clothes you want, you know me - I workout in my boxers
• No drive time (Especially great in less than desirable weather)
• No getting kids in and out of the car
• More likely to stick to your workout (even while on vacation, traveling, during times of stress).
• Can be done in the privacy of your own home.
• No excuses for not working out
• An online community that you can ask questions to

When I think about when I started my weight loss journey, I did consider joining a gym. But then I thought about the logistics of the gym with two little girls. Putting them in the car, driving there, getting them out, dropping them off at a gym daycare (assuming it wasn't over full and that they would take a newborn), working out - 20 minutes of cardio, 20 minutes of weights - pick the girls up, they would probably be hungry, stop and pick up lunch, spend money, in the car, drive home, out of the car... and pray I was home before Kate's nap time.. phew that was exhausting, and what about days Aubrey had school, and what about if the girls were sick, what if the weather was bad??? Plus I hate to drive... it clearly wasn't going to work... All of that would've taken an hour and a half on a good day..

So I took a leap of faith and decided to try something at home... I learned about clean eating (something a gym couldn't teach me about), I learned about portion control (gym couldn't teach me that either) and I got an amazing workout in 25 minutes from start to finish.. I can't imagine that I would've gotten those same results at the gym and I can't imagine that I would've stuck to that routine of going to the gym.

If you like the social aspect of the gym, you can tailor your workout for you. You may choose to workout with a Beachbody program, but get a gym membership for the ability to use their pools or play basketball. For those who have time constraints, a home workout program seems to be the better choice because it can worked into one’s own schedule. Individuals need to find what works best for them and their needs. If saving time and money are a primary concern, starting Beachbody programs may be a better option.

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Body by Vi vs Shakeology

 

When I talk to people about "meal replacement" shakes it seems like everyone is drinking them for different reasons - some to get more protein, some to cut calories, curb cravings, or because they want a quick and easy meal. When I was researching shakes before I started my own journey, I did my own homework and considered Body by Vi so here it is.. the costs, the ingredients, pros/cons and why I personally drink one of these two shakes!

Let's start with nutrition - because this is the most important part... face it, you are what you eat!

 

 Tropical Shakeology -Vegan   

 

Chocolate Shakeology

 

 

 

 

The differences seem pretty obvious to me, but let me break it down!

1. Calories

• At first you might think the winner would be Visalus because it has 90 calories for 2 scoops and with Shakeology having 160calories for one scoop  WRONG!!! 90 calories is far too low to be considered a meal replacement. One might ask, “how many visalus shakes do I need to drink for weight loss results?” Visalus distributors suggest you replace 2 meals a day with shakes and eat 1 REAL meal. WHAT??? Your body needs calories for fuel. Calories are not the enemy. If you are not providing your body with the proper calorie intake it will send your body into starvation mode. This causes you to store fat you consume instead of burning it off. This will cause your body to burn muscle which will in turn slow your metabolism instead of speeding it up most people hope. As a result, your body will store MORE fat long term. Also, 90 cals of anything is not going to “keep you full for 3-4 hrs” In reality, the fiber in the shake is what makes you feel full.

2. Sugar

• Shakeology has 6g of sugar which is all natural coming from different plant sources. Body By Vi has less than 1g of sugar which is great, BUT to make the “shake that tastes like cake” they replace the sugar with artificial sweeteners, and if you are like me - you avoid artificial sweeteners like the plague!

Vi shakes contain SUCRALOSE: a very harmful chemical sweetener.
Side Effects from Sucralose:

• Gastrointestinal problems
• Seizures, dizziness and migraines
• Blurred vision
• Allergic reactions
• Blood sugar increases and weight gain

Shakeology uses non-GMO Stevia which is a zero calorie plant based sweetener. Fructose is a simple sugar that occurs naturally in foods. It gives fruits their sweet taste. Your body treats this type of sugar differently than traditional sugars and artificial sweeteners.

3. Protein

• Shakeology’s original whey formula has 17g of protein in 1 scoop. It is made from whey protein isolate and it is a grade 7. It comes from untouched (by chemicals) farms. It also contains sprouted brown rice protein, AND pea protein.
• Shakeology’s VEGAN formula has 15g protein in 1 scoop (with an additional 3g from the brown rice and sacha inchi) and is made from sprouted fermented brown rice protein and pea protein.
• Visalus has only 12g of protein in 2 scoops! That’s super low, AND it contains SOY protein which may seem “healthy” but there is extensive research that states otherwise.
• Body By Vi shakes contains Soy Protein Isolate. Many people don’t see anything wrong with this but here are some facts about soy that you may want to look at.
• What’s the PROBLEM with SOY????(Not just GM soy ALL SOY)

• 91-95% of soy grown in the US is genetically modified (GM).
• Soy has been linked to increased allergies
• Disturbingly, the only published human feeding study on GM foods ever conducted verified that the gene inserted into GM soy transfers into the DNA of our gut bacteria and continues to function. This means that years after you stop eating GM soy, you may still have a potentially allergenic protein continuously being produced in your intestines. Even more frightening is the potential for GM soy to cause infertility in future generations, which has been evidenced by recent Russian research.
• Soy contains hemagglutinin. Hemagglutinin is a clot-promoting substance that causes your red blood cells to clump together. These clumped cells are unable to properly absorb and distribute oxygen to your tissues.
• Soy contains goitrogens.Goitrogens are substances that block the synthesis of thyroid hormones and interfere with iodine metabolism, thereby interfering with your thyroid function.
• Soy has toxic levels of aluminum and manganese-Soybeans are processed (by acid washing) in aluminum tanks, which can leach high levels of aluminum into the final soy product.

Those 2 ingredients (Sucralose and Soy) are RED FLAGS to anyone considering the Vi shake.

What’s in Shakeology?

• Shakeology contains ALL NATURAL ingredients including super-foods, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, phytonutrients, digestive enzymes, vitamins and minerals that come from the earth and there is evidence to prove it. They also work synergistically to make sure you are getting the proper amounts and absorbing the nutrients.
• Body By Vi contains chemical sweeteners, synthetic(means they are not from real food they are man made in a lab) ingredients such as dicalcium phosphate and fillers such as Maltodextrin, which is most likely made from corn and 85% of corn in the US is genetically modified.  It also contains ZINC OXIDE…REALLY?? That is a diaper rash/sun burn cream and is not meant to be ingested...

 

4. COST 

• Visalus kits range from $49 for the maintenance kit(if you are looking to maintain weight) up to $299 for the Fit Kit, which states that you can “build muscle”. REALLY??? Last time I checked you don’t just build muscle by drinking a shake and eating some snacks, nor do you build muscle by drastically cutting your calories. You actually have to workout to build muscle.
• If you want to want to lose weight, Visalus recommends the Shape Kit. The shape kit is $99 for 2 bags of the shake mix  and 10 shape up mix-ins(to change the flavor if you get tired of “cake”). The shape up mix-ins contain artificial ingredients as well. Visalus recommends that you drink 2 shakes a day to lose weight. 2 Problems with that: 1) That means you will run out of one bag of mix in 15 days, so the 2 bags will only last you 1 month instead of two, resulting in you having to buy MORE product sooner than expected.  2) 90 cals + 90 cals=180. That, is very low in calories for 2 meals, and you will have to make up at least 1020 calories between your 1 meal and 2-3 snacks. If you don’t get the additional calories in daily, your calorie intake will be much lower than the minimum calorie intake recommended for the day(for women) of 1200 CALORIES which leads to many health problems.

How Much is Shakeology?

• Shakeology is $129.95 customer price for a 30 day supply (suggested 1 serving/day) and $97.46 for a coach. That being said, with  the coaching fees paid, you are paying $113/month for Shakeology Home Direct(HD). Around 3.77$/day, which is a great deal for a quick, nutritious superfood meal!

5. TASTE

What are the Visalus flavors?

• Visalus claims it tastes like “cake”. That is the only flavor. I do not have personal experience with the taste because I refuse to put all those harmful ingredients into my body.You can buy Shape up flavor packs at $12.50(if you’re not on auto-ship) a pop and load the shake with more artificial ingredients.

What flavors of Shakeology are there?

I have tried ALL flavors of Shakeology and do have favorites, but my favorite thing is the variety! Strawberry smoothie one day to a thick chocolate salted caramel milkshake the next.

Honestly, my biggest issues besides the artificial ingredients with the Body by Vi shakes is that the

they advertise "The Body by Vi Challenge is the leading platform for weight loss and fitness results" and I have done research and I see nothing that leads me to believe these shakes will help you reach fitness goals... All I see is calorie deprivation and artificial ingredients, and what happens when you stop drinking them? You will gain weight!

Beachbody as a company truly has the customers’ best interest (their health) in mind. They do their research and make sure you are consuming only the highest quality product with NO EXCEPTIONS!! They promote healthy lifestyles, not just a “magic” shake. We have the support, the fitness programs, the Shakes and the lifestyle change so we give you all the tools to completely change your life permanently.

Beachbody VS Weight Watchers

I get this question all the time - "what is the difference between Weight Watchers and Team Beachbody?" With the new year quickly approaching, I am sure you are thinking about your New Year's Resolution and if you are like the over 50% of Americans, you are going to resolve to lose weight in the new year... but here is the question, how will I do it? I have used both programs and I am weighing in!!!


Weight Watchers is a great program with a wonderful track record but think about it - what happens when you stop counting points? Weight Watchers does not teach the consumer the biggest role of healthy eating which is "not all calories are created equal". Basically you can eat any garbage you want as long as it fits within your daily point system. When I did Weight Watchers, yes of course they encouraged I eat healthy foods, but I could stay within my points eating fast food. Also, Weight Watchers does not have any fitness aspect to their program. Being healthy and of normal weight is great but if you are still winded going up the stairs, you really aren't fit!










Beachbody is the only program on the market that combines nutrition, fitness and daily support. Daily coaching with an amazing coach network, first class in home work out programs and clean eating plus Shakeology. Beachbody also has a fabulous  Club membership that has so much to offer
with cutting edge technology they surpass the Weight Watchers program in technology, effectiveness, and cost!

 

 

Here are some of the benefits of club membership:

Team Beachbody – 10% discount on fitness programs, gear, and supplements
Weight Watchers- Doesn’t offer

Team Beachbody – Full access to Beachbody TV, including exclusive Trainer Tips, Healthy Eating Tips, Style Tips, and Lifestyle Tips
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t offer

Team Beachbody – VIP access to our celebrity Trainers. Watch their videos, ask them questions, and read their motivational articles
Weight Watchers- Doesn’t offer

Team Beachbody – Personalized meal plans and delicious recipes that make it easy to lose weight
Weight Watchers – Does Offer a meal planning tool

Team Beachbody – Your own personal blog to journal your progress and share your ideas and opinions
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t offer

Team Beachbody – Access to fitness articles and tips to help you maximize your workouts.
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t offer

Team Beachbody – Access to nutrition articles and tips to make healthy eating simple and satisfying
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t Offer

Team Beachbody – Access to new recipes and the recipe archives
Weight Watchers – Does have recipes

Team Beachbody – Your own personal Coach to link you to all the support, tools, and motivation you need to reach your goals
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t Have

Team Beachbody – Access to Facebook Accountability Group Pages from your Team Beachbody Coach
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t have

Team Beachbody – Your personal Message Center to get and receive messages, workout invitations, and Buddy requests
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t have

Team Beachbody – Helpful fitness tools to get the most out of every workout.
Weight Watchers – Doesn’t have

Team Beachbody – is only $39 every 3 months with no sign up fee which averages out to $2.99 a week.
Weight Watchers – costs $29.95 for the sign up fee, $53.85 for 3 months which is $83.80 just to start! Even if they let you sign up free you will still have to pay the $53.85 for your first 3 months

So if you are considering getting into shape and Weight Watchers is where you are leaning, remember to consider the features, the price, and the success rate of both Weight Watchers and Beachbody.  If you choose Beachbody, remember that I am here for you and  I will personally guide you with any choices you make or questions you may have.  I am a Coach, and your success is my ultimate goal.  I am not in this business strictly for the money.  I am passionate about heath, fitness and motivating others to see the same results I have seen using Beachbody programs.  However, if after you compare, you still choose Weight Watchers, that’s great too!  The fact is, you are choosing a method that you believe will give you the most success.  You weighed the facts and you made your decision, and I can only wish you the best of luck.  Weight Watchers is a great program; I have seen its successes in those around me. 

Weight Watchers may have Jennifer Hudson and Jessica Simpson, but Beachbody  has had Sheryl Crow, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Usher, Jenny Garth, Poppy Montgomery, Emmet Smith, Ray Lewis,  Donovan McNabb, Kelly Slater, Pink, Joe Fatone, Jason Scheff, Blake Shelton,  Taylor Lautner, Paul Ryan, Rob Gronkowski…and more REAL PEOPLE than you can count, including myself!!! If you feel like you are ready to commit with Beachbody and want information about my upcoming challenge group please fill out an application here!