Vanilla Chia Pudding

Chia seeds, what are chia seeds? Well chia seeds are native to South America and have been a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries. Today, they draw the interest of many people for their health benefits and uses in cooking. It turns out the South American staple is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants.

Let's go over some of the benefits of Chia Seeds...



Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Chia seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds' lipid profile is composed of 60 percent omega-3s, making them one of the richest plant-based sources of these fatty acids, specifically, of alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. The omega-3s in chia seeds can help reduce inflammation, enhance cognitive performance and reduce high cholesterol.

Fiber
Fiber is associated with reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol and regulating bowel function. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, with a whopping 10 grams in only 2 tablespoons. That is one-third of the daily recommended intake of fiber per day.

Antioxidants
Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer. The high antioxidant profile also helps them have a long shelf life. They last almost two years without refrigeration.

Minerals
Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 18 percent of the DRI for calcium, 35 percent for phosphorus, 24 percent for magnesium and about 50 percent for manganese. These nutrients help you prevent hypertension and maintain a healthy weight, and are important for energy metabolism and a part of DNA synthesis.

Satiety
Satiety is the feeling of being full and satisfied, which helps lower food cravings between meals. The combination of protein, fiber and the gelling action of chia seeds when mixed with liquids all contribute to their satiating effects.

Blood Sugar Regulation
Chia seeds can play an important role in regulating insulin levels. They can reduce insulin resistance and decrease abnormally high levels of insulin in the blood.

Dyslipidemia
A study published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" showed that chia seeds as a dietary fat source can lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels while increasing HDL or "good" cholesterol. The study also found that when substituting chia seeds for other fat sources, such as corn oil, the ALA was able to prevent high triglyceride levels and reduce central obesity.

Can Be Digested Whole
Unlike flaxseeds, which are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and minerals, chia seeds do not need to be ground in order to obtain their nutrient or egg- replacement benefits. 

Egg Replacer
The outer layer of chia seeds swells when mixed with liquids to form a gel. This can used in place of eggs to lower cholesterol and increase the nutrient content of foods and baked goods. To make the egg replacement, mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for 15 minutes.

Gluten-Free
Chia seeds contain no gluten or grains. Therefore, all of the nutritional benefits of chia seeds can be obtained on a gluten-free diet.

So what better way to have chia seeds then in yummy vanilla pudding, chia seeds can also be put into about anything because they have no taste, I have added them to salads, eggs and more.Okay lets move onto the yummy recipe.


Vanilla Chia Pudding has a bright vanilla flavor with a texture resembling a tapioca or rice pudding. Chia seeds are simply mixed into your favorite milk and left overnight to gel, the process couldn't be any simpler. This pudding is healthy enough for a morning breakfast, a snack or after dinner dessert. Serve with fresh berries and add pure maple syrup or honey for taste but personally I don't add any other sweetner because my almond milk is already sweetened. Note: Chia seeds are available in the health food section of the grocery store (or in specialty health food stores). Hope you enjoy it as much as me and my family do!

 

Vanilla Chia Pudding

About 3 servings
1 1/2 cups almond milk or milk of your choice (I use vanilla almond milk)
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey (optional)

Just add all ingredients in a container, I use a large mason jar and mix altogether, make sure you mix really well and place in refrigerator for a few hours all the way up to over night, over night is best (I make mine at night and have some in the morning). 


Please feel free to share your thoughts on this recipe!

 

 

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IT'S HERE! Rich and creamy Vanilla Shakeology

"YES!" There's a NEW Shakeology in town and this one's going to send your taste buds into a blissful state of jubilation. Not only does our NEW Vanilla Shakeology taste good, it IS good. So very good—in so many incredibly good ways.

Vanilla Shakeology is GOOD FOR YOUR BODY. While this rich and creamy shake tastes like the world's most delectable dessert, it's actually your daily dose of dense nutrition. Packed with more than 70 super-healthy ingredients from around the world, Shakeology is the healthiest shake on the planet (and that goes for all of our five amazing flavors).


Replacing one meal a day with Shakeology can help you:*

• Lose weight
• Reduce junk food cravings
• Increase your energy
• Improve your digestion and regularity

Vanilla Shakeology is GOOD FOR YOUR TASTE BUDS.
One of the best things about this new flavor is that because vanilla is a neutral base, you can customize recipes to make your shakes taste like anything you want. You can have a "Vanilla Latte" for breakfast one day, a "PB & J" for lunch the next, or a "Tiramisu" when you're craving dessert. You can NEVER go wrong with just vanilla.



So where do Shakeology's prized vanilla beans come from?
They come from a place where the soil is rich, the air is pure, and the water is untainted. They come from where natural resources available for growing vanilla beans are absolutely perfect. They come from the lush jungles of Madagascar, a remote island perched off the eastern edge of South Africa. And under this tropical rainforest's vast canopy, indigenous Malagasy farmers meticulously hand-pollinate each vanilla orchid by hand—then hand-harvest, blanch, sweat, sun-dry, and condition the beans (over a six-month period!) to release their incredible essence and aromas. So pretty much, these beans come from paradise.



Vanilla Shakeology is GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.
Through the purchase of these particular beans, we're helping invest in a wide variety of training for the rural Malagasy vanilla farmers. Not only are they learning optimal and sustainable growing and harvesting practices to help lower their costs, increase yields, and standardize their processes, they're also learning how to build a better infrastructure for their volatile vanilla bean industry. We're doing everything we can to help put an end to the prolific "slash-and-burn" agricultural harvesting that causes deforestation and soil erosion, putting unique crops (like vanilla), as well as natural resources, at risk.




Vanilla Shakeology is GOOD FOR MADAGASCAR'S LOCAL ECONOMY.
In addition to all the training these farmers will be receiving through our purchase of these beans, we're also helping to invest in the building and ongoing maintenance of new schools in this developing nation. These schools are being built with renewable resources and are currently enhancing the education of more than 3,000 local children.



Vanilla Shakeology is GOOD FOR KEEPING CHEMICALS OUT OF YOUR FOOD.
Vanilla comes in many forms, not all of which are pure. There are a lot of knockoffs out there that are labeled as vanilla, but aren't 100% pure vanilla because other elements have been added. Unfortunately, the food industry's dirty little secret is that most "natural vanilla" flavors use chemical additives and "vanilla-like" fillers which substantially cheapen the product, yet these companies are passing it off as the "real" thing.
BUT NOT US—OUR VANILLA IS 100% PURE!



How do we know Shakeology's vanilla is pure?
We've partnered with a highly reputable vanilla source that certifies complete traceability, from bean to bag. You see, Madagascar's current vanilla supply chain in this impoverished nation lacks standards and quality control. And sadly, once the cured vanilla beans leave Madagascar for flavor extraction elsewhere, far too many companies are taking less-than-ethical shortcuts to bring their "vanilla-like" products to market. So unless vanilla says it's 100% pure—it's not.



Simply put, Vanilla Shakeology is just . . . GOOD!
Sure, it took us a while to hunt down an untainted, flavorful, and ethically sourced vanilla bean that would meet Shakeology's standards. But we did it. And we're so incredibly proud of our incredibly delicious and ridiculously healthy Vanilla Shakeology—and we think you'll love it as much as we do.



But don't take our word for how amazing this stuff is; trust the words of some of our biggest fans:

"I loved it! I thought it was amazing! I was sad when the whole shake was gone!"

"Very nice addition to the Shakeology lineup!"

"Amazing! Is this really healthy? Hands down one of the best tasting shakes I've ever had.
Homerun, Beachbody!"

"I have always been more of a vanilla girl than chocolate, and for me this tasted like heaven in a glass."

As always, you can get FREE shipping on Vanilla when you order on Home Direct—AND for a limited time only (until July 7th, 2013) you can also get FREE shipping on a ONE-TIME order of Vanilla as well. So try it now! Order Yours Here.

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Shakeology Peppermint Sorbet

Satisfy your chocolate and mint craving with this frozen treat.



Total Time: 1 hr., 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:
• 2 scoops Chocolate Shakeology
• 1 cup skim milk or coconut milk
• 4 to 5 drops peppermint extract
• 6 to 8 ice cubes

Preparation:
1 Place all ingredients in blender and blend until mixture is very thick.
2. Pour into container and freeze for 1 hour.

Enjoy!

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10 Popular Diet Tips to Ignore

By Kara Wahlgren

If you've ever tried to lose a few pounds, you've probably been inundated with diet tips. But take them all with a grain of salt—some advice may sound legit but can actually derail your diet. Here are 10 tips you don't want to follow.

BAD ADVICE: Choose fat-free or sugar-free foods
BETTER ADVICE: Don't believe the hype. "They usually use fat and sodium to replace sugar, and sugar to replace fat—or chemicals to replace both," says Denis Faye, Beachbody's nutrition expert. And Rania Batayneh, MPH, a nutritionist and author of the upcoming book, The 1:1:1 Diet, adds, "Removing fat from a food makes it less satiating, so you ultimately may end up eating more." Stick with the original versions, and watch your portions or better yet, eat more unprocessed foods.

BAD ADVICE: No cheating ever!
BETTER ADVICE: Relax your diet rules, and you'll be more likely to stick it out long-term. "If 80% of your diet is tight, then 20% can be a party," Faye says. "It keeps you from getting stressed—and stress is a huge obstacle in weight loss." Just plan your splurges ahead of time so you're not giving in to every temptation that crosses your plate.

BAD ADVICE: Stop snacking.
BETTER ADVICE: Choose snacks that offer a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats—like apples with peanut butter, or carrots with hummus. "A healthy snack can help maintain steady blood sugar levels, which keeps your appetite in check and your energy stable," Batayneh says. Skipping a snack can cause your blood sugar to dip, leaving you moody and famished—and more likely to overeat at mealtime.

BAD ADVICE: Don't eat fruit—it's full of sugar.

BETTER ADVICE: Let fruit satisfy your sweet tooth. "Yes, fresh produce is full of sugar and carbs," Faye says. "But sugar itself is not the enemy. Fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals; it's also rich in fiber, which slows the absorption of sugar. I've never met a human being who got fat because of bananas." When you're craving sugar, there's no debate that a handful of grapes is healthier than a hot fudge sundae.

BAD ADVICE: If it's organic, it's good for you.
BETTER ADVICE: According to the USDA, organic food is produced without antibiotics, growth hormones, conventional pesticides, and synthetic ingredients.1 The problem is that many people assume organic foods are all low in calories, too, which isn't necessarily true. Don't get us wrong—we'd rather eat food that doesn't resemble a science experiment. But, Faye cautions, "You need to use common sense. If it's bad for you with conventional ingredients, it's still bad for you when it's organic." A cookie is a cookie, no matter how all-natural it is.

BAD ADVICE: Calories in, calories out—it doesn't matter what you eat.

BETTER ADVICE: What you're eating matters. Compare a 100-calorie candy bar to 100 calories of avocado—the latter is packed with nutrients and has healthy fats and fiber to keep you full. Or compare 50 calories of spinach (about seven cups) to 50 calories of ice cream (about two tablespoons). To feel full when you're cutting calories, look for foods loaded with water and fiber, like veggies or broth-based soups. Plus, "Hormones have a huge impact on our health. Junk food can trigger bad hormonal responses that, over time, can lead to all kinds of problems, including weight gain," Faye says. Occasionally, someone will pop up in the news claiming they lost a ton of weight while eating nothing but Subway®, Starbucks®, or Snickers® bars—but don't put too much stock in those success stories. "When you go that route, you're not educating yourself," Faye says. "It's like the teach-a-man-to-fish adage. If you give someone a gimmicky diet, they might lose weight for now; but provide them with knowledge, and they can be healthy for life."

BAD ADVICE: Try XYZ Extreme Diet—it works for everyone!
BETTER ADVICE: Find a plan that works for you. Gender, age, genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle can all play a role in weight loss—so even if a fad diet has worked for others, that doesn't mean you'll get the same results. "There's no single diet that works for everyone; our biochemical needs are different," Faye says. Talk to a dietitian or nutrition consultant to find a long-term eating strategy that is tailor-fit to you.

BAD ADVICE: When in doubt, order the salad.
BETTER ADVICE: Choose your greens wisely. Leafy greens and vegetables may be virtuous, but not if they're slathered in creamy dressing and topped with bacon, candied nuts, croutons, deli meats, or cheese. "Fatty fixings can add hundreds of calories to your meal, and sometimes contain more calories than that juicy burger!" Batayneh says. Salad can be a healthy choice, but order dressing on the side and limit the add-ons.

BAD ADVICE: Don't exercise—it'll only make you hungrier.

BETTER ADVICE: Get moving—an hour-long workout isn't going to make you suck down calories like Michael Phelps. "Exercise isn't just for losing weight—it improves your cardiovascular health and strengthens your bones," Faye says. You might feel hungrier while recovering from a grueling workout, but that doesn't mean you're going to pack on pounds. "As long as you're eating clean, your body is amazing at self-regulating," Faye adds. "It should crave the calories you need to fuel your workouts, not to get fat."

BAD ADVICE: Treat yourself for a job well done!
BETTER ADVICE: Rethink your reward system. After an intense workout, you may feel like you've earned a cocktail or cupcake. But splurging after every workout can quickly undo all your hard work. If you've been good all week, go ahead and grab a guilt-free beer on Friday. But, Faye says, "Don't let every workout become a Pavlovian thing where you need to eat cake afterwards." After all, the best reward for a killer workout is getting one step closer to the body you want.

article: http://www.teambeachbody.com/about/newsletters/-/nli/274#232814182

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10 Reasons Why Women Need to Lift Weights

By Whitney Provost

Many women believe that the only way to lose weight is to do cardiovascular (aerobic exercise). So they jog or take aerobics classes five times a week. Eventually, though, they notice that while their bodies are a little smaller, there are still a lot of flabby and jiggly bits. Sound familiar? Aerobic exercise is important for good health, but it's only half of the equation. Keep reading for the other half. For optimal fitness, longevity, and a lean body, weight training is essential. If you avoid pumping iron because you're afraid of getting "bulky," then you're missing out on one of the best fat-burning methods around. When you're weight training, you shouldn't rely exclusively on the scale to gauge your progress. You can use a body fat tester or a tape measure to track how many inches you're losing. The size of your body will shrink as you shed fat and build muscle, but your weight may not change as dramatically as you expect. Besides, what's more important, the number on the scale or how you look in your skinny jeans? If you're still not convinced that you need to lift weights, here are 10 reasons why you should reconsider.  

1. Burn more fat Researchers at Tufts University found that when overweight women lifted heavy weights twice a week, they lost an average of 14.6 pounds of fat and gained 1.4 pounds of muscle. The control group, women who dieted but didn't lift weights, lost only 9.2 pounds of fat and gained no muscle. When you do an intense weight-training program such as ChaLEAN Extreme®, your metabolism stays elevated and you continue to burn fat for several hours afterward. During regular cardio exercise, you stop burning fat shortly after the workout.
2. Change your body shape You may think your genes determine how you look. That's not necessarily true. Weight training can slim you down, create new curves, and help avoid the "middle-age spread." Just look at the amazing body transformations of the women who've completed P90X®. Dropping only 3 percent of your body fat could translate into a total loss of 3 inches off your hips and thighs. And no, you won't bulk up—women don't have enough muscle-building hormones to gain a lot of mass like men do. If you keep your diet clean and create a calorie deficit, you'll burn fat.  
3. Boost your metabolism The less muscle you have, the slower your metabolism will be. As women age, they lose muscle at increasing rates, especially after the age of 40. When you diet without doing resistance training, up to 25 percent of the weight loss may be muscle loss. Weight training while dieting can help you preserve and even rebuild muscle fibers. The more lean mass you have, the higher your metabolism will be and the more calories you'll burn all day long.  
4. Get stronger and more confident Lifting weights increases functional fitness, which makes everyday tasks such as carrying children, lifting grocery bags, and picking up heavy suitcases much easier. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular weight training can make you 50 percent stronger in 6 months. Being strong is also empowering. Not only does it improve your physical activities, it builds emotional strength by boosting self-esteem and confidence.
5. Build strong bones It's been well documented that women need to do weight-bearing exercise to build and maintain bone mass, and prevent osteoporosis. Just as muscles get stronger and bigger with use, so do bones when they're made to bear weight. Stronger bones and increased muscle mass also lead to better flexibility and balance, which is especially important for women as they age.
6. Fight depression You've probably heard that cardio and low-impact exercises such as yoga help alleviate depression, and weight lifting has the same effect. The endorphins that are released during aerobic activities are also present during resistance training. Many women find that regular strength training, in conjunction with psychological treatment, helps lessen their depression symptoms substantially.  
7. Improve sports fitness You don't have to be an athlete to get the sports benefit of weight training. Improved muscle mass and strength will help you in all physical activities, whether it's bicycling with the family, swimming, golfing, or skiing . . . whatever sport you enjoy.  
8. Reduce injuries and arthritis Weight lifting improves joint stability and builds stronger ligaments and tendons. Training safely and with proper form can help decrease the likelihood of injuries in your daily life. It can also improve physical function in people with arthritis. A study conducted at the University of Wales in Bangor, United Kingdom, found that mildly disabled participants who lifted weights for 12 weeks increased the frequency and intensity at which they could work, with less pain and increased range of movement.
9. Heart health More than 480,000 women die from cardiovascular disease each year, making it the number-one killer of women over the age of 25. Most people don't realize that pumping iron can also keep your heart pumping. Lifting weights increases your "good" (HDL) cholesterol and decreases your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol. It also lowers your blood pressure. The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that people who do 30 minutes of weight lifting each week have a 23 percent reduced risk of developing heart disease compared to those who don't lift weights.  
10. Defend against diabetes In addition to keeping your ticker strong, weight training can improve glucose utilization (the way your body processes sugar) by as much as 23 percent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 weeks of strength training can improve glucose metabolism in a way that is comparable to taking diabetes medication. The more lean mass you have, the more efficient your body is at removing glucose from the blood, which can reduce complications from diabetes or even help prevent type 2 diabetes in the first place.

Article: http://www.teambeachbody.com/get-fit/fitness-tip/-/ftip/171525854/

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Green Smoothie

I was out of my Shakeology for like a week because my husband decided to use it more then usual, so I ran out of it sooner then I usually do! So I had to come up with some replacement until my Shakeology came in the mail! I have heard about green smoothies before but never really made one because I always thought it would just taste leafy BUT I was so wrong! I thought I would give it a try, I searched online for some green smoothie recipes and came across a recipe that was a post workout/breakfast and/or meal replacement, so I gave it a try but changed it to what I had in my frig and loved it! I didn't know green smoothies could be so good, and its very filling. Feel free to play around with the ingredients to alter it the way YOU think you might like it.
Here you go, I hope you enjoyed it like I did!




Chocolate Peanut Butter Green Smoothie

- 2 Small Bananas
- 1 scoop of Shakeology or you could use 2 Tablespoons of cocoa powder or raw cacao powder.
- 1 Tablespoon of any butter of your choice. (Almond or Peanut Butter, I used Chocolate-Coconut Peanut Butter from Wild Friends, which is so yummy.)
- 2 Cups of spinach if your using Shakeology, if your not using shakeology use 3 cups of Spinach or greens (kale) of your choice!
- 8 or more ounces of almond milk or milk of your choice.
- Ice

Place all ingredients into blender placing greens and ice last, blend and enjoy! This green smoothie is so filling, it would be considered a meal replacement IF you use Shakeology BUT if you don't have Shakeology its still filling enough to use a meal replacement. I like this for a post workout/breakfast, hope you enjoy it as much as I have!!

Please feel free to share your thoughts on this, I would love to hear it!

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David Lost 97 lbs With The Ultimate Reset!!

WOW! Get ready to be inspired, David lost 97lbs with the Ultimate Reset and Shakeology!! Amazing, take a look at his story...

I have been heavy throughout my whole life and have lived in solitude, escaping to my games, which got very lonely at times. I have been on food stamps for at least 2 years because I have been unemployed and was forced to live out of my car while I was in Oregon because I had no money. I interviewed for several jobs but once they saw me I was pretty much told that the position was filled…no one would hire me in the condition I was in. I had pretty much given up hope on life. I was destined for certain death if I did not make some type of change. It was time to do or die.

My mom had recommended I try the Ultimate Reset because of all the testimonials she was hearing from all the people who were using it. She offered to have me come and stay for 21 days and monitor everything. I reluctantly agreed.

I’m not going to lie, I was really hesitant to try the program because I saw some of the foods on nutrition plan and knew most of them were not my favorites. My meals prior to the Ultimate Reset consisted of fast food pizza, Angus 1/3 pounds burgers with fries and a large soft drink and that was pretty much a revolving door for me. But the Ultimate Reset foods were delicious! I didn't expect that. I was going to bed early and actually getting a good night’s rest. It taught me the proper way to prepare my meals and that I could eat smaller portions and not be hungry. Seeing the weight drop off has motivated me to make this a way of life.
I began the reset at 736 pounds and lost a total of 40 pounds in the entire 21 days. While I was hesitant in the beginning about the whole thing, I stuck by the menu plan the entire 21 days. I actually have continued the program and now lost a total of 93 lbs! I experienced things on the reset that I never expected to see in my life: more energy and waking up and realizing that I had a good night sleep. Can’t remember the last time I had either one of these two things. The Ultimate Reset was a great start to my new future & even though I know I have a long way to go, it's given me hope of a normal life. Once I get down to what I believe is a good weight for my height, I will set out to help young kids who are in the same predicament that I was in and I think my testimonial will be a great start for all of them.

Can you relate to this post at all? If you want to learn more about how the Ultimate Reset and how it could help you regain back your health, click here: Ultimate Reset.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me!

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