New Year, New Goals

The advent of a new year is cleansing, in that it's the perfect opportunity for us to make new goals, set new challenges, and live life to its fullest. It's a time to discard practices that don't enhance our lives, in favor of those that do. Call them what you will; goals, resolutions, changes; the purpose behind the name remains the same: to improve our life.

I used to be one of the naysayers, not believing in resolutions. Until 5 years ago, when I decided to quit smoking on Jan 1st, 2008, after almost 20 years as a smoker. I've never slipped, never had a puff, never even been tempted in fact. Yes, the first few weeks were hell, but it was one of the most beneficial decisions I've ever made. In retrospect, I find it hard to comprehend the fact that I used to smoke; the idea of slowly and intentionally poisoning myself seems so absurd and foreign now. Ever since, I've been a full-on believer in resolutions. Why not? They work for me.

My 2013 resolutions are all health-related, pertain to nutrition and exercise, and will require a great deal of commitment, motivation, and dedication. Why the extreme, you may be asking? It's quite simple. I've been feeling like crap for too long. I've seen my doctor, has a gazillion different tests, and there is absolutely nothing physically wrong with me, which means the feeling of crappiness is self-induced and within my ability to change!

Nutrition-wise, I am giving up gluten and restricting other grains to a rare intake of corn and rice. I am limiting dairy to organic Greek yogurt and occasional cheese, completely eliminating all processed foods and sugar, and cutting out alcohol. And I'm upping my protein shakes back to two a day. Basically, I'll be eating whole, natural foods, in their original state.

In terms of exercise, I need to step it up. Waaaay up. The sporadic running I've been doing for the past 2 years is getting old; it's time to really commit. So Dec 28th, I kicked off a new 90 day challenge, in which my goal is to take 5 minutes off my 10km PR, set 6 or 7 years ago, and reduce my body fat by 5%. To train, I have committed to a 4-run per week schedule. Cross training will be once a week, with either snowshoeing or cycling, and I'll be doing 1 Bikram yoga class a week. I'm not doing any specific strength training program, but am doing daily Crossfit workouts which run about 15 minutes each. And to keep myself motivated, I'll be racing a lot this year, in road runs, obstacle course races, road cycling, and may even tackle a triathlon.

2012 Health Activist Awards

Halfway through National Health Blog Post Month already! Today's prompt asks us to nominate a fellow blogger for a 2012 Health Activist Award. 

I've nominated some of my favorites, have you? Nominating your fave blog is super easy. Simply choose the category in which you wish to nominate, from the following options:

Advocating for Another Award – someone who advocates for the health condition of someone they love. 

Best Ensemble Cast – A group who advocates and raises awareness. 

Best in Show: Blog - Someone who exemplifies the use of blogging. 

Best in Show: Community/Forum - Someone who exemplifies the use of a community or forum. 

Best in Show: Facebook - Someone who exemplifies the use of Facebook. 

Best in Show: Twitter - Someone who exemplifies the use of Twitter. 

Best in Show: Video – Someone who exemplifies the use of video. 

Best Kept Secret –Someone in the online health community who hasn't gotten a lot of attention. 

Health Activist Hero – An inspiring, supportive, and knowledgeable Health Activist . 

Hilarious Health Activist Award - The Health Activist who makes you laugh alongside their advocacy.

Ms/Mr. Congeniality – Someone who always has a kind word, a positive note, and a virtual hug. 

Paperboy Award – The Health Activist who always delivers the latest and greatest health news and research.

Rookie of the Year – A Health Activist who came on the scene in 2012 but has inspired the entire community. 

Silver Stethoscope – A healthcare professional who utilizes social media to make the world a better place. 

Trailblazer Award – The Health Activist who is ahead of every curve and excited by new technology. 

Unsung Hero Award – The member of your community who may not know how amazing and valuable they are. 

Then head over to WEGO Health's Health Activist Awards nomination page by clicking here. It only takes a minute and anyone can nominate a blog, or as many blogs as they want!

Finding Balance

The prompt for day 7 of WEGO Health's National Health Blog Post Month is, “Be mindful. Write about what helps you stay centered in the present…"

Mindfulness has been on my mind a fair bit lately. Between having 3 kids and 3 jobs, my life is hectic, and I find that I have to force myself to stop and be present in my own life.

Those who've been reading my blog for a while, know that I promote the 90 Day Challenge. In fact, I am currently participating in my third 90 day challenge. My first two challenges focused on athletic performance, and I experienced some incredible results. My current challenge, however, is much more holistically based. Entitled, "Finding Balance," I am challenging myself to be mindful in my daily life  every day for 90 days, striving to find a healthy balance between body, mind, and soul. I am taking care of myself physically (via proper nutrition, ample exercise, and adequate rest), mentally (by reading both fiction and personal growth books, and writing daily), and spiritually (by identifying and dealing with stress, spending quality time with my children and husband, building relationships with others, and participating in daily meditation and prayer).

While this may seem redundant to those who already have a solid balance in these three realms, for me it is taking real effort. For years now, I have emphasized the importance of taking care of my physical health, but I have neglected my mental and spiritual health as a result. Finding balance is a real struggle for me, but I am up for the challenge and determined to maintain these healthy changes in my life.

Saturday Shake-Up ~ July 28th

"GO"berry Banana Smoothie

A combination of the Vi Shape nutritional shake mix and the ViSalus "GO" energy drink provides a double-dose of nutrients, energy, and wellness.

1/2 cup of frozen (unsweetened) blueberries
1/2 fresh banana
1 (2 fl. oz) bottle ViSalus GO
1/2 cup water
2 scoops Vi Shape shake mix

This smoothie is sure to wake you up and get you ready to tackle your day!

Nutritional Information 212 Cal, 1.7g fat, 36.9g carbs, 8.9g fiber, 13g protein.
Bonus: Vitamin E 50%, Thiamin 100%, Niacin 100%, Vitamin B6 100% (Based on a 2000 Calorie diet)

Miami Bound

In writing this post aboard a flight from Dallas to Miami, the 2nd flight in today's journey across North America, from the Pacific Northwest to the Caribbean waters of Florida. I'll be spending the next four days in Miami for a National Event hosted by ViSalus.

Tomorrow night over 20,000 Visalians will converge on the American Airlines Arena for an event featuring non-stop excitement. We will cheer, learn, congratulate, and party our way through the weekend.

For the next four days diabetes goes on hold for me. A strange and foreign idea, but Dylan is still at d-camp, and I am traveling alone (well, as alone as you can get with 20,000+ coworkers) for the first time in ten years. No spouse, no kids, no diabetes. Just me and a weekend of learning how to further share the world's largest and most successful health platform.

To say the feeling is odd wouldn't do it justice. No D? It's a foreign concept. Alien even.

Saturday Shake-Up ~ June 30th

Detoxing Green Smoothie
I've been experimenting with the smoothies this week, in search of a yummy detoxer, and I found it!

2 pieces of kale, stems removed
1/2 fresh banana
1/3 cup fresh pineapple
1/3 cup fresh mango
1/3 cup fresh strawberries
1 cup coconut water
2 scoops visalus shake mix
4 ice cubes

Blend until consistent in color, and enjoy. Not only is this smoothie great for detoxing, it's also loaded with Vitamin C to boost the immune system.

Nutritional Information 263 Cal, 1.6g fat, 50.4g carbs, 9.5g fibre, 15.1g protein

What Do I Take?

Ever since I started promoting the Body by Vi 90 Day Health Challenge, people are always asking me about it. And the number one question, after "what is the challenge?" is "what do I take?" 

Every 7 seconds someone in North America drinks Vi Shake!! Every 7 seconds!! Why? Because it's amazing stuff, that's why. There is a reason it's referred to as "the shake mix that tastes like a cake mix." It tastes great, it's simple, it's inexpensive, and, most importantly, it works. People of all ages, and medical histories, and from all over North America, are getting healthy with the 90 Day Challenge. Whether it's by losing weight, adding muscle mass, toning their bodies, or simply getting more balanced nutrition, they are making it happen.

The cornerstone of the body by Vi 90 Day Challenge is the Shake. What's IN the shake? Let me show you...

For more information, and to get started on your 90 Day Challenge, click here.

Saturday Shake-up ~ June 16th

Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Banana Smoothie
8oz nonfat milk
1/2 tbsp cocoa
1 tbsp smooth peanut butter
1/2 fresh banana
2 scoops ViSalus shake mix

Blend and enjoy!

Nutritional Information 332 calories, 10.3g fat, 37.5g carbs, 8.4g dietary fiber, 25.8g protein

The Bigger Picture; Reflections on the First 90 Days

Today marks the last day of my first 90 day challenge, and I wanted to take this opportunity not only to document my success, but to reflect on how much my opinion about the company itself has evolved over the course of the 3 months.

When I began my challenge in March, I was excited to try something new. I had been feeling run down, tired, and burned out, for quite some time, and I knew something had to change. My brother and his wife had recently got involved with the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge and had experienced some pretty awesome results, so I thought I'd give it a try. Starting on the most basic kit they offer, I drank one of their protein/nutritional shakes per day, instead of eating breakfast. Within a few days I could feel an increase in my energy level and a feeling like something was coming alive in my body. It's hard to describe, but it felt almost like my body was reacting at a cellular level; like parts of me that had been dormant for ages were suddenly waking up. As days passes, I felt better and better and noticed I was losing weight too! My clothes fit better and I felt incredible.

At the same time I started to notice that I could run easier. A LOT easier. I was running faster than before, over the same distance, but was less tired, both during and at the end. So I started pushing my body harder and harder to see what it could do. Halfway through the 90 days I ran a half-marathon and finished 14 minutes faster than the half I had run 10 months prior. My training hadn't changed at all, only my diet. In fact, I was careful not to change anything about my training because I wanted to see exactly how much this new nutritional program was helping me. I ran the same amount of days each week, and the same distances I had run the previous year leading up to the half marathon.

At this point I started to get really excited about this program, so I upgraded my personal kit, and I signed on to start promoting the challenge too. I've always been a big supporter of a healthy active lifestyle, so it was a natural step for me to start sharing the 90 Day Challenge with others. Through the month of May I experienced some pretty decent success. I made my initial little investment back in the first couple of weeks and at the end of the month I qualified for the company's BMW program, which means that they now pay for me monthly to drive a BMW. I can drive any model, black, silver, or green, new or used, leased or financed, and they will contribute $600 a month towards its cost.

All very exciting, yes, but I still didn't understood the true potential of this company, and their goals for the future, until recently. I didn't stop to think about why the 90 Day Challenge is the largest and fastest growing health platform in North America, or why the company is experiencing massive record setting growth when other companies are struggling to stay afloat in today's economy. I didn't see the bigger picture. I didn't understand their "why". Until now.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending a regional training event, at which numerous different individuals spoke about their success within the organization. One of the speakers was co-founder Blake Mallen, who spoke about the company's past, present, and future. At some point during his speech I experience a shift in perspective so monumental that it completely altered the way I view the entire program and my purpose within it.

For me now, the 90 Day Challenge is no longer just about weight loss, or nutrition, or athletic performance; it's about being part of a movement that can and will literally change the world as we know it. It's about helping people achieve their goals, live a long and healthy life, and be proud of who they are. It's about standing up to the fast food industry and giving them the finger; saying no thanks, we'll take it from here.

Most importantly, it is about changing society so that obesity rates start to decline for the first time ever; so certain health conditions, such as heart disease, some types of cancer, hypertension, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, start to become less and less common. Because while many of us know that diet and lifestyle are not solely responsible for any medical condition, they play a huge role in the development of so many different diseases. It is in our power to change that, and this company not only wants to help us do just that, they are giving us to the tools to make it happen.

So what will the next 90 days bring? Stay tuned, it's going to be a wild ride!

For more information about the 90 Day Challenge, click here.

Saturday Shake-Up ~ June 9th

Cafe Mocha Shake
8 oz of cold strong coffee (or 8 oz water and 2 tsp instant coffee)
2 scoops ViSalus shake mix
1 Chocolate Shape-up Health Flavor pcket
6 ice cubes

Toss everything in the blender, blend, and enjoy!

Nutritional Information 98 Calories, 1g fat, 9g carbs, 5g dietary fiber, 12g protein.

Saturday Shake-Up ~ June 2nd

Strawberry Banana Smoothie
4 fresh strawberries
1/2 fresh banana
8 oz skim milk
2 scoops ViSalus shake mix

Combine ingredients in blender, puree, and enjoy!

Nutritional Information 241 Calories, 1.9g fat, 34.5g carbs, 6.3g fiber, 25.2g protein

Diabetes, blogging, new opportunities, and a May mini-vacay

I still can't believe the month of May is over already. It really seems like April was just yesterday. There was so much going on in May that the days literally flew by for me.

Why so busy? On May 1st I decided to undertake a new project and start promoting the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge. It's something I had been considering since first trying, and falling in love with, their signature shakes in March, but a lack of time had held me back until now.

Now that the month is over, the only thing I regret is not starting sooner. Not only do I love the program, the company, and the people, I have had incredible personal success with the products. To date I have lost 8 pounds, taken 14 minutes off my half marathon race time, and feel better than I have in years! I am sleeping better, have way more energy, and feel an increased overall sense of well being. Add to that the fact that I now have a pretty decent supplementary source of income for me and my family, and it's easy to see why I am so excited to share this opportunity with others!

Oh, and the final bonus? After only a month with the company, my husband and I qualified for their BMW program, which means that ViSalus will now pay me to drive a black, silver, or green BMW. I can pick any model, new or used, buy or lease, and the company will contribute $600 per month towards the car payment.

I am so thankful for this incredible opportunity and am looking forward to growing with this cutting edge corporation!

Saturday Shake-Up ~ May 26th

Pina Colada Shake

8oz coconut water

6 lg pieces diced pineapple

2 scoops ViSalus shake mix

4 ice cubes

Combine everything in the blender, blend and enjoy!

Nutritional Info: 175 Calories, 29g carbs, 6g fiber, 1g fat, 14g protein

To find out more info about the 90 Day Challenge, check out my challenge website!

What is the Challenge?

The Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge is a challenge to make your health a priority for 90 days. You decide what your personal challenge will entail. For example, you might want to lose weight; you might want to increase muscle mass; you might want to improve athletic performance; or you might simply want to get more balanced nutrition. Whatever your personal goal, the Body by Vi Challenge will help you stay on track, be accountable, and, most importantly, reach your goal, by providing the tools you need to be successful.

How do they do this? By providing you with amazing products that are easy and fun to use, inexpensive, and effective. And if that's not enough, they are offering $25,000,000 a year in free product, prizes, and vacations. With 3000 people joining the challenge every day, the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge is the number 1 weight loss and fitness challenge in North America. 

So what do you next? Simply set a goal, select a kit, and share your progress.

I started my 90 day challenge just over 2 months ago, using the Core Kit. My goal was to improve my running speed and ensure balanced nutrition. So far I have lost 8 pounds and 3.5 inches and taken 14 minutes off my half-marathon race time. I sleep better, have more energy, and feel absolutely incredible. Those who know me, know I take my health very seriously. I would never recommend a program and product unless I was absolutely positive it would help you. And this one will change your life.

For more info, watch the short video below, then check out my website, or contact me at bloodsweatcarbs@shaw.ca.

Saturday Shake-Up ~ May 19th

Another week of amazing shakes; it's hard to pick one favorite, but I think this is it:

Blueberry Cheesecake Smoothie

6 oz nonfat milk
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1 tsp graham cracker crumbs
2 oz fat free cream cheese
2 scoops ViSalus shake mix
4 ice cubes

Combine everything into the blender, blend, and enjoy!

Nutritional Info: 269 Calories, 33g carbs, 6.4g fiber, 6g fat, 20g protein

To find out more info about the 90 Day Challenge, check out my challenge website!

Saturday Shake-Up ~ May 12th

Beginning today, I have decided to run a little weekly feature on my blog entitled "Saturday Shake-up." Each Saturday, I will post my favorite 90 Day Challenge shake recipe of the week. For info on the 90 Day Challenge itself, check out the "90 Day Challenge" tab on this blog, or visit my challenge website.

So without further ado, here is the first shake-up recipe!

Banana Avocado Smoothie

1 fresh banana

1/2 fresh avocado

8 oz nonfat milk

2 scoops ViSalus shake mix

4 ice cubes

Toss everything into the blender, blend away and enjoy!

Nutritional Info: 232 Calories, 38g carbs, 11.9g dietary fiber, 6g fat, 22g protein.