Shakeology Fatigue

SHAKEOLOGY FATIGUE

8 Weeks ago, I started back. I had no expectations, no idea how I would feel about it, an open mind – I was focused on a plan, in a system, Goal: do what is required.
This what I learned:

Here is why I previously quit drinking the “super” shake Shakeology.  

Yes, I did quit drinking it for more than a year, probably close to 2 years.

Before this goes any further this is not some bait and switch headline. I did quit with a tornado if feelings and fatigue, only to have started using it again as of 2 months ago – Let me explain.

As always, I am going to be BRUTUALLY upfront and honest. I am aware that writing this, my words can be taken apart, out of context and used not for its purpose or my good will intentions. But who am I not to live in risk. lol

I Quit Because of Fatigue

I call it Shakeology Fatigue Syndrome. I used Shakeology for many years, 365 days a year, I feel with that level of usage I can call it just that.
In no particular order this was my fatigue:

  • Taste fatigue: I have been drinking it for year and was just tired of the taste. The more you add to the shake to make it taste different the more it is no longer Shakeology. The same flavors day in, day out, had me craving a change. Altering the shake too much, I felt, stripped away its essence.
  • Usage Fatigue: I was tired of using it as a snack, 160 calories were not enough for a meal, and I did not like using it with other food to complete a meal.
  • Marketing Fatigue: I was tired of seeing shaker cups, of drink this, it’s a must, it’s the solution to your health. I grew to have promotional pains that I can only describe as the incessant marketing chants and “must-drink” mantras grew tiresome.
  • Work Fatigue: I was tired of it being the main part of most offers that Beachbody/Body would put together with fitness programs and nutrition plans. It got to a point where customers, coaches/partners, and potential customers felt if they did not purchase it they could not be in my community or work with me. Which was UNTRUE. I was tired of hearing “it did not work for me” I felt the expectations  and the gap between of what it is and does were too big.
  • Cupboard Fatigue: I will be the ONLY person to admit this. My personal stash had ballooned to over 10 boxes, leading to a Shakeology surplus in my pantry. I was at the point that I was donating them to my local firehouse because I was tired of seeing them stacked up in my and other coaches cupboards. Shakeology hoarding!
  • Customer/Team Fatigue: I was exhausted talking about it, asking if they were on it, building their business with it at the same time being met with resistance from their fatigue. It turned into a what I would call a community conundrum, self-imposed of course, but continually integrating it into discussions with my team and community felt like a chore when faced with collective fatigue. I was not alone.
  • Corporate Marketing Fatigue: The hard presses exhausted me. “Eat more dessert” made me stressed and angry. Cute sayings to disguise what is healthy is not who I am, I could not get behind that slogan and it fatigued me to find new ways to market the superfood. IT’S A SHAKE not an ingredient, its in the name. The thought of putting shakes into pudding, cupcakes, cookies, pancakes etc. exhausted me.

 

I did not quit because of cost fatigue. Other than at the cost of what I mentioned above. Anything I have ever felt contributed to my health, was simple, convenient, and helped with my health, performance or well-being is never a “cost” issue to me. I value being healthy before “things.” I think we can all agree if you value something you pay for it. Starbucks would not exist if not. I mean who pays those drink prices for coffee? Those that value the feeling, experience, taste, and brand. – I believe in investing in my health. It’s about value, which is subjective, much like those willing to splurge on a premium Starbucks experience.

But where there is fatigue their ability to find energy easier. I with my extra boxes in my cupboard decided I would begin to drink it again, on MY terms. Not how was remarketed as a dessert, or only 5 days a week, or a meal replacement but as a performance/health enhancer for my post workouts. I added it to the protein shake I needed after my workout.

The protein I was drinking [Dolce Whey has 20g protein] I add Shakeology to for an extra 16g of protein [36 g total] that also added 17g grams of carbs [replacement glycogen, muscle repair and energy] and 7g of sugar for energy and helpful absorption. That’s the basics. Add in all the other Shakeology stuff, digestive enzymes, phytonutrients, super foods and more that made my post workout shake bullet proof for me.

What it also did for me rid me of my Shakeology Fatigue Syndrome. It helped me find a place for it to work for me. To fit into my life, needs and health on my terms, not a forced or marketed way.

I am not going to sit here and tell you Shakeology has changed my life, everyone needs it, you should be drinking it and if you don’t you have no chance of being healthy or working with me when it comes to your health journey. That’s not me, never has and never will be.

But I will say a few things.

  1. If you are an ex- user. I have empathy. If you once drank and stopped using Shakeology, I feel you, I get it. Your reasons are valid as were mine. This is coming from the guy that has been involved with the company for over 20 years.
  2. Shakeology is not “IT” – IT IS “One Ingredient Among Many” Health is a complex recipe, your recipe is unique and requires personalization. Shakeology can be just one potential ingredient. Health is a recipe, recipes are made of ingredients, those ingredients make meals you enjoy. Some people like more of a certain ingredient then other ingredients or not like certain ingredients in their meals.
  3. I do believe Shakeology is loaded with opportunity for anyone. Using it is about finding how it fits into your recipe not how you have to make a recipe using it.
  4. Shakeology challenges “result” expectations. To use it effectively realistic expectations must be in place. This isn’t a quick-fix solution but of an invisible solution; that reveals its value in consistent use over time. Shakeology is not the type of supplement like caffeine, you don’t feel the “surge” but it adds to your health over time. Nor is it the reason you lose weight, gain muscle or fuels you with monstrous energy. Its consistent use is why you are can become healthier. Being healthy is dynamic. As you become healthier the things I mentioned begin to happen.
    If you have not drank
  5. Enjoying the taste once again. Comes from being absent, but also from changing my taste buds from eating healthier over the last 8 weeks. There are many things that I did not eat before that I enjoy the taste now. Eat like crap, healthier food is going to taste like crap. Adding in looking forward to my after workout shake for results. Refueling became something I looked forward to, cold high protein peanut butter, banana taste that had me pumped and rested after a workout. Experiencing those visual aspects heightened the anticipation and {re}enhanced the flavors I grew to dislike.
  6. If you have not drank Shakeology or did drink and stopped, you might be fatigued or just hate it. You might also be in a place that reframing and using it in a way that fits your health path is all you need to do. Whether you’re tired of it or despise it, there’s room for reconsideration and adaptation. Reading this is an open invitation to reconsider or consider.
  7. I don’t want to hear a word about cost, everything costs something. It’s up to you to determine value. I will say this about health in general. Its costs just as much to be unhealthy as it does to be healthy. To be healthy, you are going to have to shift your spending, off, sugar, processed foods, pizza, alcohol, weed, buying things that depreciate in value, cool things you don’t need- can we agree you NEED your health? No one wants me to look at their credit or debit card statements lol. To be healthier, you have to be willing to reduce spending on unhealthy things to have it available to spend on your health.

I take a bunch of supplements, some might call me a supplement enthusiast for various reasons: performance, muscle gain, gut health, longevity, vitality, Shakeology is just one I use personally and to pair up with those it’s a good fit in their current health quest. Possibly it fits as a component in your health plan.

Please ask away any questions, If I can help you in your health, suggest, advise, get in you in a program, plan or system that helps you progress your health while not feeling overwhelmed or stressed or help you find how and where Shakeology can be an ingredient, not the solution, in your health then ask away.

I can say I am no longer fatigued. The returned energy is not from corporate agendas, marketing, slogans, or pricing. It was a process, on my own timeline, and my own experiences.

Drink it, or don’t – that choice is yours. Nor does it matter how you use it. I strongly suggest you use it in a way that positive, helpful and successful for you.  My mission is to inspire a healthier lifestyle because silence in the face of struggle is no longer acceptable.

Just get healthier I am tired of watching people I care about, and strangers suffer in silence with their health.

Thoughts anyone? Let’s talk about it all, Let’s initiate a dialogue which means you can agree and disagree with me in return I ask for the same respect given to me. We both might help, inspire or motivate each other and those reading/watching with their health.

THINK Bigger

EAT Better

MOVE More

Fudgy Avocado Brownies

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? This month in the Performance Pit, we’re focusing on nutrition and how we can make healthy choices. Even taking traditional food recipes and transforming ingredients into recipes you’d never imagine. This brownie recipe has a secret ingredient-avocado!!

By adding healthy fat like avocado, it makes the taste of chocolate pop and ultra rich. No one will ever guess that these Fudgy Avocado Brownies are healthy

Ingredients

  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 medium ripe avocado, mashed
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ cup gluten-free flour
  • ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with aluminum foil. Lightly coat with spray and set aside.
  2. Combine avocado, oil, egg, maple syrup, and extract in a medium bowl; mix well. Set aside.
  3. Combine the cocoa powder, salt, and flour in a medium bowl; mix well.
  4. Add the cocoa powder mixture to the avocado mixture; mix well. Add chocolate chips; mix until blended.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan; spread to make even. Bake for 33 to 36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool for an hour before removing from the pan. Cut into sixteen squares.

This recipe makes 16 servings.

Portion Fix Containers: 1 Yellow, 1 tsp.

2B Mindset Plate It: Enjoy this as an occasional treat. Be sure to track!

Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup unsweetened organic soy milk
  • ½ cup dry rolled oats
  • 2 scoops Vanilla Whey (or Vanilla Plant-Based Vegan) Shakeology
  • 1 small apple, chopped, divided use
  • 2 tsp. chia seeds
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • FOR CRUMBLE
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped pecans, unsalted
  • 1 Tbsp. dry rolled oats
  • 2 tsp. almond flour
  • 1 tsp. coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp. extra-virgin organic coconut oil
  • ½ tsp. ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. To make overnight oats, combine soy milk, oats, Shakeology, ½ apple, chia seeds, and extract in a medium bowl; mix well. Evenly divide oat mixture between 2 jars (or sealable containers). Seal jars; refrigerate overnight.
  2. To make the crumble, combine pecans, oats, almond flour, sugar, oil, and cinnamon in a small bowl; mix well.
  3. After refrigeration, top each jar evenly with crumble and remaining ½ apple. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

10 Foods to Start Eating Today

10-Foods-to-Start-Eating-Today

When it comes to foods you should eat to Supercharge your day, there are ten that I keep in my diet every day. These foods not only fuel your body but can help with gut health as well.

1. Chia seeds

Chia seeds were eaten by the ancient Aztec warriors who called it the “running food” because it fueled them for long conquests. It’s high in fiber, omega-3’s and protein. Throw it in your oatmeal, smoothies or yogurt.

2. Kale

Kale, like many green foods, are alkalizing and filled with fiber. Leafy green vegetables are also a great source of calcium. Kale is especially high in Vitamin K, which benefits bone health.

3. Pumpkin seeds

Sometimes called pepitas, pumpkin seeds are a great vegetarian source of omega 3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are anti-inflammatory and so important to our diet and our brain health.

4. Walnuts

Walnuts are another great vegan source of omega 3 fatty acids. The skin contains powerful phenol (plant chemicals) and the nut itself contains a good dose of Vitamin E in the gamma-tocopherol form, which provides protection from heart problems.

5. Quinoa

Quinoa is a gluten-free whole grain with the highest protein content in the grain family. Therefore, this makes quinoa a great friend of the vegetarian and vegan. It can be used as a whole grain or ground into a flour.

6. Oats

One cup of oatmeal contains about 4 grams of fiber and has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. The high amount of fiber can help stabilize blood sugar levels, therefore, making oatmeal a much better choice in the morning than bread, bagels or boxed cereal.

7. Hempseeds

Hempseeds are rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc and potassium. They are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids and contain all 10 amino acids, making them a rare plant-based food that contains complete protein.

8. Blueberries

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants, which kill off free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause DNA damage in other cells and are the seeds to diseases like cancer. Cancer research is looking into foods such as blueberries to help fight off free radical damage.

9. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of healthy carbohydrates containing loads of antioxidants like beta-carotene. They also contain high levels of Vitamin A that contributes to cell growth and health vision. Roasting them with a bit of cinnamon can quench sweet cravings for a person who is weaning himself or herself off of processed sugar.

10. Black beans

Black beans are a great source of iron and molybdenum, which helps the body utilize iron. Beans, in general, are a great source of protein for vegetarians and especially vegans.

Turkey Pot Pie

Turkey Pot Pie

Thanksgiving always comes with left overs!  This is a great recipe to use all that left over turkey!

Ingredients

  • 6 tsp. olive oil, divided use
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms (approx. 4 oz.)
  • 2 Tbsp. whole-wheat flour
  •  cups reduced fat (2%) milk
  • 1 cup low-sodium organic chicken broth
  • ½ tsp. sea salt or Himalayan salt
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup frozen green peas
  • ¾ cup cubed cooked sweet potatoes
  •  cups cubed cooked light/dark turkey meat, no skin, approx. 12 oz.
  • 6 sheets phyllo dough (each approx. 12 x 17-inches), thawed, covered in a slightly damp towel

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
  2. Heat 2 tsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add onion and carrots; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
  4. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until mushrooms are soft and most of the liquid has evaporated.
  5. Add 1 tsp. oil; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
  6. Add flour; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until flour and oil form a paste.
  7. Slowly add milk, broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  8. Add peas, sweet potatoes, and chicken (or turkey); cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes.

  9. Place chicken mixture in a 2½-quart baking dish. Set aside.
  10. Place phyllo on work surface. Keeping the original stack covered, remove one sheet at a time and quickly brush with remaining 3 tsp. oil. Cut oiled stack of phyllo into quarters. Place phyllo loosely on top of chicken mixture; covering evenly.
  11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until chicken (or turkey) mixture is bubbling and phyllo dough is golden brown.

Glazed Yams with Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Glazed Yams With Cinnamon And Nutmeg

I don’t know about you but yams are one of my favorite side dishes for the holidays! This one is off the charts with flavor too.

Ingredients

  • 2½ lbs. medium yams, peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
  • 1 tsp. sea salt, divided use
  • 2 tsp. grated orange peel
  • 2 Tbsp. 100% orange juice
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp. raw honey (or maple syrup)
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
  • Instructions
  • Preheat oven to 350° F.

Arrange yams in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Season evenly with ¼ tsp. salt. Set aside.

Combine orange peel, orange juice, lemon juice, butter, and honey in a small bowl; whisk to blend.

Pour orange juice mixture over yams; toss to coat.

Sprinkle evenly with remaining ¾ tsp. salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Bake yams, stirring occasionally, for 50 to 60 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Pumpkin Pie With Whole Wheat Crust

Pumpkin Pie With Whole Wheat Crust

This healthier pumpkin pie recipe includes pumpkin puree, evaporated nonfat milk, maple syrup (or raw honey) for sweetness, and a whole-wheat crust. It will wow all your guests over the holiday!

Ingredients for Pie Crust

  • 1 (15 oz. can) pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup maple syrup (or raw honey)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ⅔ cup evaporated nonfat milk

Ingredients for Pie

  • 1 cup quick-cooking old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup whole-wheat flour
  • ¼ cup ground raw almonds
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or raw honey)
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 3 Tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 Tbsp water

Instructions for Pie Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 425° F.
  2. Combine oats, flour, almonds, maple syrup, and salt in a medium mixing bowl; mix well.
  3. Add oil to oat mixture; mix well.  If needed, add water to hold mixture together.
  4. Press into 9-inch pie pan.  Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until light brown.

Instructions for Pie

  1.  Reduce oven temperature to 350° F.
  2. Combine pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup in a medium bowl; mix well.
  3. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and milk until just blended.
  4. Pour pumpkin mixture into prepared pie crust.  Bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese

Mac and Cheese is a staple at Thanksgiving for many! Try this healthy but tasty alternate

Instructions

  • 1 lb. dry whole-wheat macaroni
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium red bell peppers, chopped
  • 3 cups cubed butternut squash
  • 1¾ cups low-sodium organic chicken broth
  • 1 cup low-fat (1%) milk
  • 2 Tbsp. low-fat (1%) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere (or Swiss) cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • Finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish; optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
  2. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add onion and bell peppers; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Set aside.
  5. Combine squash, broth, and milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; gently boil for 22 to 25 minutes, or until squash is tender.
  6. Place squash mixture in a blender or food processor; cover with lid and kitchen towel. Blend until smooth.
  7. Combine squash mixture, macaroni, onion mixture, yogurt, and cheeses. Season with salt and pepper if desired; mix well.
  8. Place macaroni mixture in a 13 x 9-inch ceramic or glass baking dish that has been coated with spray. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling.
  9. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Blue Cheese, Pear, And Spinach Mason Jar Salad

Blue Cheese, Pear, And Spinach Mason Jar Salad

This salad is a great mixture of sweet and savory flavors that wow your taste buds right away!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt or Himalayan salt, divided use
  • 2 medium pears, cored, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sherry wine vinegar
  • 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
  • 3 Tbsp. toasted pecan pieces
  • 8 cups baby spinach
  • 2 Tbsp. crumbled blue cheese (or feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Combine water and 1/4 tsp. salt in a medium bowl; mix to dissolve salt.
  2. Submerge pear slices in water. Let sit for 5 minutes; drain water. Set aside.
  3. While pear is sitting, combine vinegar, oil, remaining 1/4 tsp. salt, and pepper in a small bowl; whisk to blend.
  4. Evenly layer pears, pomegranate, pecans, spinach, and blue cheese on top of dressing in jars.
  5. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Shake before serving.

Mustard Chicken and Spinach Salad in a Mason Jar

Mustard Chicken And Spinach Salad In A Mason Jar

This chicken and spinach salad is topped with walnuts and sweet grapes. And, since it’s in a Mason jar it can go anywhere.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup red wine vinegar
  • 4 tsp. olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. country-style Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped tarragon
  • 1 cup thinly sliced celery
  • 8 oz. cooked chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 cups red grapes
  • 4 cups raw spinach
  • ¼ cup raw walnut halves

 

Instructions

  1. Combine vinegar, oil, mustard, and tarragon in a small bowl; whisk to blend. Evenly divide dressing between 4 half-pint Mason jars. Set aside.
  2. Evenly layer celery, chicken, grapes, spinach, and walnuts on top of dressing in jars.
  3. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Shake before serving.