Ever feel cranky?  You wake up in the morning and EVERYTHING goes wrong?  Sometimes I feel like I cannot pull myself out of my morning slump.  I open my eyes and sluggishness takes over.  A slug has taken over my eyelids. Yuck!  I step out of bed, drag myself to the kitchen, step in the dog’s bowl of water, and discover the house is a mess.  The counters are still dirty from the night before.  There are toys on the floor and a mountain of laundry to put away.  I am in a bad mood!  Grr!

So what CAN help me out of this bad mood?  One thing that helps me is proper nutrition.  Foods can increase our energy or deplete our energy.  One of the biggest energy suckers is sugar.  There are many negative side effects to sugar, including feeding cancer cells, increasing your risk for Alzheimer’s, contributing to hormone imbalance, and gaining weight and fat.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t want ANY of those side effects.  My daughter, Britney, wanted to let you know that sugar causes sugar bugs in your teeth!  And they probably do not exist, but cavities definitely do!

Do you think food does not have an effect on your brain chemistry?  Think again.  Everything we put into our bodies becomes a living part of us.  So choose wisely.  Today!  Every day! 

Ever cruised the aisles of the grocery store and wondered if the food is good for you?  I did not used to think about all of the bad stuff in our food.  Now when I go through the grocery store, I see aisles and aisles of stuff that will not help make my body healthy: crackers, chips, candy, cereals, prepackaged foods, and frozen meals.  Many of these foods have extra ingredients that are not really food. 

There is great stuff out there!  You just have to find it!  Even in the prepackaged, frozen foods, and chips and crackers departments!  Just do your research and read ALL the ingredients and know what they mean.  It takes time to get knowledgeable about nutrition.  I have heard from two friends of mine recently about a popular brand of chips with MSG, which is not listed on the label, causing them headaches.  MSG, food dyes, and other additives are not going to help us get healthy.

So what is safe?  Designer Whey has a great healthy product, low in fat, high in healthy whey protein.   My personal favorite, French Vanilla, is sweetened with a natural sweetener called Stevia   Awesome!  I enjoy knowing that my kids get the taste of sugar without the side effects of weight gain and craziness that sugar can cause in kids.  Britney would also like to let you know too much sugar can make you wild!  Watch out for that!  We do not want any wild kids, grown-ups, or grown up children!

So, here is my soothing Cranky-Attitude Busting Smoothie: 

Strawberry Bliss

1 scoop French Vanilla Designer Whey Protein Powder
6 – 8 Strawberries
4 cubes ice
½ cup Coconut Milk, Organic Milk, or Organic Soy Milk
1 small piece ginger – less than 1 tsp
1/8 cup pistachios – Roasted and Salted is fine

Blend well and enjoy!

Posted in Christina | COMMENT ON THIS BLOG

I can’t believe it, it feels as if summer is almost over, which means NYC and Malibu Nautica Triathlons are right around the corner. It’s still never ceases to amaze me how time flies by. I’ve been in California filming my new TV show for the Live Well Network and have let the excitement and filming schedule affect my training. I know that an excuse is just that and training can be done regardless of the circumstances but I’ll tell you what I feel more exhausted after a day of filming with guests on my show than I did after a 12 hour day of training on The Biggest Loser ranch. The energy that I give and that is taken from guest often drains me completely and regardless of how early I try to go to bed the excitement of the journeys ahead of them keeps me up till all hours. I suppose I should perhaps start drinking some type of tea before bed and see if that helps.

The best part of my new show is realizing that I have started to get in a rut and I need to live bigger, go for more, and give more. I realized that I thrive when I know that my effort is making a difference, what ever that difference might be. I suppose the simplest of them would be staying consistent in training so that I don’t have to continually jump over the road blocks of starting a training program and letting my body build and be rewarded by it’s commitment. I am like everyone else though and I believe if I ever truly get it I probably won’t be here anymore!

In the meantime however I realized that not only is the summer almost over, that 2011 is almost over too. Particularly since 2012 brings a whole new concern of mine…… IronMan! I know, I know I’m suppose to live in the moment but I need to explain to you why it is that I MUST do the IronMan in 2012.

I first fell in love with the triathlon as the result  of an experience I had at an event I was at called “Do Something Healthy” shortly after I won. I was at the event as their keynote speaker but as I sat in the audience waiting to go on stage the emcee was showing a documentary he had been working on. He had recently completed the Kona triathlon and documented his experience.

As I sat there and watched the way he was able to capture such raw emotion and articulate the process, I knew that I had to experience it for myself. I had been at the time in such a surreal time of my life and processing every new moment took all that I had. I could not believe the life I was living and creating and had the honor of experiencing. I was being flown all over the country to be on one television show or another meeting people that I only knew from watching myself on tv and having them share with me how they watched my journey and cheered me on. I was on the cover of numerous magazines and in many different shoots. I had been interviewed on countless radio shows. My life was anything but typical from the life I left when I went to the Biggest Loser. At the time I was so connected to the entire experience but I also wondered what might happen when I felt less connected and as time went by, would I be able to continue to draw from an experience which was bound to be years away before I even realized it?

I knew as I sat there watching that although I will never be able to experience the trials and triumphs from the time in my life when I was on the Biggest Loser ever again. I might be able to experience a different journey in the same way, I felt as if he was taking the words right out of my mouth as he explained his journey during the Iron Man. I knew I had to do it.

In the time following and since when I would do different interviews I would recall this experience and of course they would ask when I was planning on doing an Iron Man, in a panic the first time the question was asked I said in 2012 if I’m not pregnant. Back in 2008/2009 that seemed so far away, I had no idea where exactly my life was heading and I thought for sure I would be pregnant. Well as it turns out 2012 wasn’t so far away after all and I am not about to go get pregnant because I’m scared of the commitment training for Iron Man takes.

The truth is I want to do an Iron Man more now then the day I sat in that audience watching the documentary on it. The truth is also that I am just as scared as I was when I first stood in line on August 11, 2007 for the Biggest Loser. I need to make sure that I am consistent so that I can continue to live the life I dream of, that means fueling my body to have energy, resting appropriately, and be open to support that this new journey is going to need. What big things to you want to do that you are scared of? Are you fueling your body? Resting? Accepting support? I hope so because I know you’ll need it just like me

xo,
Ali

Posted in Ali Vincent | COMMENT ON THIS BLOG

Biggest Loser fans who tuned in to Season 11 will remember Jay Jacobs as the “teflon” contestant. He persisted and never gave up his committment to weight loss, securing a coveted spot in the “Final Four”. If you don’t yet know Jay, here’s a little bit about him:

LBS LOST: 181 on the show, 216 from his highest weight a year ago.

GOAL: To inspire and motivate people to discover their personal potential to live life beyond their wildest dreams!

ABOUT: The only man left standing in the Final 4 of NBC’s hit show Biggest Loser Season 11. Known as the man with “nine lives”, Jay tattooed on his forearm the BIGGEST lesson he learned on the Ranch…WHAT YOU’RE FOR STRENGTHENS YOU [what he didn't tattoo on his arm was the other part of the quote... what you're against weakens you]

Never could I have imagined just a year ago weighing in at 435 pounds that I would be where I am today. Being a contestant on Season 11 of NBC’s The Biggest Loser definitely gave me the “fast pass” to get my life on track, my weight under control, and my head in the best place it has been in decades! And most amazing, myself, my wife, my daughter, and my son are now collectively 395 pounds lighter than our highest weights and we’re ecstatic about that!

We all know that the key to survival on the show is to keep a higher percentage of weight loss than the other contestants each week, but that weight is never compared between fat, water, and muscle. That being the case it was never a great idea to focus on building muscle during my time on The Ranch. Home for good now I’m continuing to exercise to lose more body fat, but I’m also focusing on becoming stronger and building upper body muscle mass which I’ve never had in my entire life. One because it’s important to do for my overall health, but also because I’ll look much stronger and more vital because once you pass 50 that’s just good advice on many fronts.

When I left for California last year, my son Matthew was an ideal weight for his height at about 170 pounds at 6’2” but had no real muscle mass. Myself, and my daughter Jennifer’s journey motivated him to take his body to the next level, and with the help of a personal trainer Matthew put on 25 pounds of muscle during the duration of our season. With the help of Designer Whey Protein, I’m looking forward to training with Matthew to build up my muscle mass with weight lifting and using Designer Whey Protein to enhance my results. Lean protein consumption is the key to repairing and building your bodies muscles on your training days and your rest days. Matthew used Designer Whey’s ‘Protein Blitz’ line while I was on The Ranch to assist in his progress while building lean muscle and I can’t wait to do the same! Because on the Ranch I learned… WHAT YOU’RE FOR STRENGTHENS YOU… and let’s face it, nothing strengthens you like building muscle!

If you’d like to keep up with our families ongoing health & wellness journey, post Biggest Loser, we share what’s working for us at…

Jay: http://www.facebook.com/JayLynnJacobs 

Jen: http://www.facebook.com/JRushJacobs

Matthew: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matthew-Jacobs/147266798684723 

Kim: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1120222600

Posted in The Biggest Loser | COMMENT ON THIS BLOG

What comes to mind when you think of oats?  Oatmeal?  Granola Bars?  Oat Cakes?  Ottie from Garfield?  These are the things that come to mind when I think of oats.  Another thing that comes to mind is Homemade Oat and Designer Whey Protein bars.  I go back and forth when it comes to oats.  Eat them, don’t eat them?  They are packed with fiber and protein and have a fairly low glycemic index rating of 32, low on the grains carbohydrate scale. 

I’m supposed to be on a gluten free diet and oats have a bit of gluten in them.  Then my husband, Jason, found a gluten-free bag of oats for me.  Twallah! Which is twinkle and whallah combined.  Thank you urban dictionary!  So, now, I eat them!  Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum!

Here’s a recipe my kids seem to like.  It helps ME get out the door, but it also helps MY KIDS get out the door.  I keep trying more and more recipes until I find the ones they like.  They recently got tired of chocolate chips, so I’ve scratched those for a while.

You’re going to need a food processor.  I know, I know, you probably don’t have one.  But it comes in handy for SO MANY recipes!  You have to have one.  You can pick one up at your nearest “mart” store for fairly affordable.  I got mine at my nearest “mart” store for under $40.

I make a yummy cauliflower salad in it with olives and blended cauliflower.  I HATE eating cauliflower or broccoli in large chunks.  So much chewing!  A food processor does some of the work for you!  I use my blender for my fruits and vegetables, mostly vegetables, for the same reason.  It’s still nice to crunch on a juicy apple, especially when you take most crackers and chips out of the diet equation of life.

Onto the recipe!

Apple Cinnamon Oat Protein Bars

3 apples – sliced, process in food processor until applesauce-like.  (Raw apples are low glycemic, applesauce is not.  Apple juice is not.  Hence, raw apples.  Best for you!  It makes a difference to your body!)
3 cups rolled oats
1 tbsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
4 scoops Designer Whey French Vanilla Protein Powder
1 egg (or 2 egg whites)
Stevia to taste – I use a dropper and drop about 2 to 4 full droppers into the mix
2 tbsp Organic Coconut Oil (or Canola Oil if you don’t have Coconut Oil)

 Directions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees
2. Process Apples in Food Processor – puree
3. In bowl combine all ingredients
4. Grease a 9 x 12 pan with non-stick spray
5. Pour in pan
6. Spread evenly
7. Bake 15 to 20 minutes
8. Enjoy!

Posted in Christina | 2 Comments

‘Twas the week of recovery and all through my body, not a muscle was twitching, not even my patoddy (eat your heart out Dr. Seuss!)…  and yah, well, that’s a load, but I did enjoy the lightened workouts!

Recovery is a good thing.  It gave me an opportunity to let my calves unwind a bit and to have a mental breather.  Most of my workouts were shortened to about 20 minutes and the intensity was dialed way down…  like 1-900-sir-jogs-a lot and kick them nasty thoughts!  Anyone?  What- you didn’t know this was a musical blog?

This week was also good in the diet department.  I upped my intake of protein by almost 50% and I learned a few things about when I should take my supplements.  You see, there is a window of maximization for absorption immediately after you work out.  I was a bit late in gobbling up my DW shakes after I worked out and realized that I wasn’t being very efficient with this aspect of my training.  So, now I have half a shake before I go out for the energy boost and a shake and a half within 20 minutes after to help with recovery.  I definitely noticed less muscle fatigue and soreness.  I prefer the DW chocolate shakes- they’re a great size to pound down real quick.  I also have access to some freaking delicious bars that we just released.  I’m really not trying to plug this for work- I have a couple a day and they taste like a candy bar.  Hook up the chocolate caramel flavor- 10 grams of protein and only 170 calories! And did I mention they are scrumdiddiliumptious (I’m not sure that Webster has my back on that one, but you get the point- they are good).

The other interesting part about my week was that by the end of it I had such a mental shift in perspective.  I was about 90% pain-free and found myself enjoying the workouts more.  It was a far cry from the way I felt during previous weeks. 

Now, this wouldn’t be an authentic jogger-blogger post without a little meat between the bread slices, ok?  I do want to share something my wife told me as we were chatting about this subject over lunch.  She feels like when she is constantly “nagging” me to do things around the house for her that she sees the burden of letting her down on me.  She says I “wear it-“ in my posture, on my face and in my eyes.  She admitted that sometimes she wouldn’t bother me about things because she knows I’m trying (or she was too fed up).  The coolest part is that in letting me up for air she noticed a change in my attitude.  She said I was more apt to help out around the house because she was giving me space.  I suppose it was easier to do some dishes and fold some laundry because I wasn’t being beat down by her continual “reminding.”  It’s as if my performance as a husband increased even though I wasn’t cutting it in prior weeks. 

Although it seems a bit opposite of conventional logic, giving those we love space to repair, to heal, to gain perspective…  can ultimately achieve that which we were pushing for in the first place.  Pounding my body into the ground week after week will actually allow me a better chance to succeed if I can pair it with some time off (or a lightened load)…  muscles and relationships, it seems, can become strengthened with a little less intensity from time to time.

Thanks for reading party people- I do enjoy sharing with you.  If you’ve got something nice to say (we all know what NOT to do if you don’t), then hit me up on our wall.  I would love to hear from you.

[The FDA, NWO, NASCAR or any other acronym you can think of have not approved the above statements.  They are the sole opinions and ramblings of your resident jogger-blogger…  and oh yeah, “patoddy” is seussian for buttocks…  not really, but that’s what I meant.]

Posted in David Ewing | 1 Comment

Is it possible to live without addiction? As I make my way through a now 8 month life change… I had ascertained myself to accepting the fact that I  will be haunted by this demon called ‘food addiction’  forever and the daily struggle to make the right choices will forever be a challenge. Is it possible that someday I will be free of my affliction?… and if so how can I get there sooner?

The truth is clear that it doesn’t matter what your addiction is… It’s still an addiction and food used in the wrong way can be an addiction. When we use food to take away feelings such as sadness and boredom or because we are  tired, upset, lonely or stressed, sometimes the food becomes the ‘cure’ but as we know that kind of of cure can lead to more problems in the long run such as poor health and weight gain.     
 
A better choice may be in learning new ways to manage day to day stressors. Just learning to manage stress seems to be key in moving forward toward living a more healthy and positive lifestyle. Here are some helpful tips and sound advice that I have gathered and that I use as tools to stay focused on my journey. I hope you will find them helpful too:

* get enough sleep every night
* drink plenty of water
* plan, shop for and cook healthy meals in advance
* incorporate some form of exercise each day
* join a support group  (in person or online)
* enjoy a new or old hobby
* take time each day to relax and just breath! Finding inner peace is key
* journal about your feelings
* set small achievable goals
* celebrate every victory big or small!

This last month I took my very first Spin Cycle class! It’s funny how looking back I had given myself a million reasons in the past why a Spin class couldn’t be for me..from being too big to ride the bike to thinking my knees would give out after the first 5 min…I thought that Spin classes were only for people who were already in great shape! What I discovered was that I wasn’t too big to ride the bike, my knees never hurt or gave out and everyone in class was so supportive of me and explained that they were on their own journeys too! I don’t want to forget to mention that it was with the encouragement of the Spin class instructor that I took my first class…and my sister, Melanie, happens to be that instructor! Thank you Melanie!…it was just the boost I needed!

While I am looking forward to and longing for the day that this grey cloud (my weight ) is gone… I rejoice , find sanity and sanctuary in knowing I am not alone …. and neither are you. Reach out and you’ll find open hearts all over the world ready to embrace you and your journey! 
 
I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Courtney Crozier ( BL11) in May. Since BL11 has wrapped she has joined forces with Wholly Guacamole http://eatwholly.com and Diets in Review and is kicking off summer with an exciting challenge filled with lots of support, great prizes and endless inspiring motivation as only Courtney can deliver! I’m in… If you want to join too go to  http://www.dietsinreview.com/videos/courtneys-summer-challenge-week-4/
 
So there it is! My July DesignerWhey/Biggest Loser Protein Blog…. filled with questions, answers, motivation and inspiration…. now it’s all you!!.. get to it and own the Summer of 2011! 
 
P.S. keep your Biggest Loser Protein 2Go handy! A Refreshing way to keep hydrated on hot summer days!
 
See you back here in August!
Stephenie

Posted in Stephanie | COMMENT ON THIS BLOG

Hey Everyone!

Well it’s been a crazy couple of weeks, but we’re (finally) settling in nicely. I’m so glad that summer is here in full swing.

So, my inspiration for this post came from my recent trip to the local market, where I saw a bag of fresh key limes. Immediately my mouth began to water as I imagined a cool, creamy key lime pie (which is one of my all-time favorite dessert flavors).  However, at six weeks post-partum, I just received the “okay” to start exercising and finally working towards my goal of fitting into my pre-pregnancy jeans. Obviously making (and eating) key lime pie isn’t exactly a step in the right direction!  However, I recently stumbled on a recipe for Lemon-Buttermilk ice pops and thought “What if I can tweak this a little to taste more like the key lime pie I’ve been craving and make it a little (or a lot) more healthy?”

Now I know what you’re thinking, Buttermilk? In an ice pop? Weird. But stick with me here. I’m not one of those people who enjoy a nice cold glass of buttermilk. In fact, it has always tasted a little like spoiled milk to me (but I love to cook with it!). So when I ran across this recipe I was intrigued. Well, after a few adjustments (including some good ol’ French Vanilla Designer Whey), it’s now one of my (and my daughters’) favorite summer time treats!  Buttermilk provides a creaminess and tang that balances the key lime flavor perfectly, without adding a heavy amount of fat and calories. It just works! These ice pops are not only super delicious and refreshing, but a cinch to whip up. I also feel confident letting my girls make this with only minimal help (and mess!). Not to mention I love having a homemade dessert in the house that is healthy, too.

Somehow I have a feeling that “Key Lime Ice Pops” will be enjoyed in our house a lot this summer… hopefully in yours, too!

Till next time!

- Andrea

Key Lime Ice Pops (Adapted from Whipped)
2/3 cup Stevia-in-the-Raw
5 TBSP fresh key lime juice
2 TBSP key lime zest
Pinch of salt
1 scoop Designer Whey French Vanilla Protein Powder
1 2/3 cup low-fat buttermilk

Whisk Stevia, lime juice, lime zest, salt and protein powder in 4-cup measuring cup until sugar dissolves. Whisk in buttermilk.

Divide mixture among ice pop molds and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours and up to 5 days.  (Yields 6-8 ice pops, depending on mold)

Total nutritionals for entire recipe: 278 Calories; 32g Protein, 0g Fiber, 6g Fat, 25g Carbs, 22g Sugar.

Per popsicle (Yield 6): 46 Calories, 5.3g Protein, 0g Fiber, 4.16g Carbs, 3.6g Sugar.

Posted in Andrea M. | 3 Comments

Week 3 is over! Boo-to-the-yah people.  I had quite a week, with an impressive high and a bummer of a low.  I’m excited to tell you all about it- what I learned from it and maybe there’ll be a nugget or two in there for you as well.

So, let’s keep this positive to start…  I got myself a little thing called a runner’s high.  I used to get them during weekly training runs- and could even solicit this phenomenon on command every time I raced.  I would call it a euphoric state where everything physically, emotionally and spiritually is in synch.  The pain from running is numbed, endorphins are tapped and you feel like you could go forever. 

Well, Tuesday I was doing some light interval work at a grassy park near the beach and it just hit me.  It began as an ice-cold prick down the back of my neck- then my stride lengthened and my chest heaved in rhythm.  I started sweating really hard too as my body began to push itself through the workout. My calves have (and still are, thank-you-very-much!) killing me.  I knew that changing up my running surface to something a little more soft like turf would make sense…  just look out for ankle-twisting gopher holes!  That, coupled with the cool ocean breeze was invigorating… I hadn’t tapped the adrenaline reservoir in years… at least not from running.  I will be sure to make at least one of my sessions this week at the same park- running with expectation for similar results.

Now for my low… don’t worry, I will spare you the details…  but I yaked…  puked, vomited, upchucked, barfed, chundered, regurgitated, spewed (we love you Garth), threw up, heaved and tossed my cookies (I think there was a boot in there somewhere)…  all at the same time! I was praying to the porcelain god, I tell you what!  What? I didn’t give any graphic details- it’s your imagination, people.  Well, without saying much more- I was messed up.  I had just completed a Thursday workout and was feeling sick coming down the home stretch.  What happened was I’d eaten much to close to my work out.  Let this be a lesson to you all…  running after you’ve just eaten is bad- your body no likey. 

It’s amazing to me how in just one short week I experienced such a dramatic shift.  One day I felt like I was flying and the next I was just trying to make it back to the office!  Yes, this is the part where I relate my time out on the road to life.  I can’t help it people, life is far too short to waste breath telling you about my pukefest, my barf-o-rama, my– sorry, you get the point. I want to make substantial connections to what I do in my everyday life with my life’s purpose.  I want my time here to be meaningful- to have value and be of substance worth sharing.

What I realized this week is that there are circumstances that are out of my control.  They may be successful in bringing me down and/or building me up.  Like my dad used to tell me, though- don’t go around with a control panel on your chest giving people and situations full access to push your buttons.  I am not as interested in the potential the situation has on me, but in the potential in me to overcome this situation!  I think it’s futile to obsess and worry about what may be…  it’s not a matter of if, but when because this life ain’t perfect, folks.  Energy, time and a commitment spent toward a productive will-do/am-doing attitude are a far better investment. 

As I begin my fourth week, I will be ready for the ups and downs in my training regiment and as I discussed in Week 1, I will remember the good times when I’m fighting the bad ones.  Ice those calves and have a great week- leave me some comments (did I miss any chunky synonyms?) and I will see you next time. Thanks for sharing in this with me.

Posted in David Ewing | 1 Comment

You want me to eat what?  Yeah, I want you to eat Kale.  I want you to mix up Designer Whey protein powder with some berries and water or almond milk, and guzzle down the goodness!  Why?  Because it likes you!  You might not like it, but it’s sooooo good for you, you won’t even believe it!  It has more antioxidants than blueberries!  More antioxidants than broccoli!  When you blend kale up in your protein smoothie, you can barely taste it…barely…if at all.

The first time I saw Kale I was like, “What am I going to do with this monstrosity of a vegetable?”  Do I cook it?  Do I steam it?  I’m supposed to eat a lot of raw vegetables.  So, I thought, hey!  I’ll blend it! Make sure you buy organic.  Non-organic Kale is high on the toxin lists for vegetables!  Actually, most greens should be bought organic if possible.

My Morning Routine:  Drag myself out of bed, listen to my children argue over who is going to play the Wii first, take my vitamins, and build my monster protein powder vegetable smoothie!  I’ll throw in celery, apples, kale, protein powder, coconut oil, stevia, peaches, and the kitchen sink!  Then on Tuesdays and Thursdays I’m off with the kids to my walking group.  As we head out the door I weave through laundry, toys, and Wii remotes.  Yeah, I’m not the cleanest Mom in the world, but I’m working on being my best!

They scooter along with me as I freak out that they’re going to cross the streets carefully with me and all the cars are going to pay attention.  Thank goodness for my quick morning protein smoothie!  It’s a great start to my often hectic morning.  It really is.  I feel energized and ready to take on the world!

Other days I’m training a client or two, getting in my workout at the gym, where I take advantage of the child care and get in some writing.  Love my gym!  Trying to combat stress in my life is nutrition first these days!  I used to push it hard core with Amateur Kickboxing Fighting, but unhealthy eating habits and life stress was adding up.  Because I was fueling my body with candy and cheese and trying to work out two to three hours, four days a week, along with a lot of life stress, I passed out in September of 2010.  In October of 2010 I was diagnosed by my Wellness Doctor with adrenal fatigue.  I am doing a lot better now, but I am still learning how to lower stress and eat six meals a day.  I still love Kickboxing for fun, but have taken up a lower stress lifestyle in exercise, relationships, and nutrition.  Now instead of that Donut and 800 calorie Frappuccino, I opt for my gluten free organic brownie and an assortment of spicy and minty teas!

I’ve learned the importance of a quality protein powder to aide me in eating six small meals a day.  It’s not always a perfect eating day, but protein powders and protein bars give me the fuel I need in combination with my fruits, vegetables, beans, raw nuts, and whole grains, to fuel my body, fuel my health, and fuel my life!

I would like to encourage you to try Kale, and try to make one small change today in exercise or nutrition to change your life, one step at a time.  You can do it!  Why?  Because you’re worth it!  You deserve to be healthy!  And your body will thank you for it!

Kale Smoothie Recipe

2 cups Kale Leaves – packed

1 cup organic berries (Your pick: Organic Strawberries, Organic Blueberries, Organic Blackberries, Organic Raspberries)

1 cup water or almond milk

1 serving Protein Powder

1 tbsp peanut butter (or a handful of raw nuts, almonds, you could use 1 tbsp coconut oil: find online or at a health food store)

10 drops stevia (a healthy sugar alternative)

Blend and Enjoy!

Posted in Christina, DESIGNER WHEY Healthy Minute | Comments Off

I can’t believe it’s already June! First of all it still feels like winter most days in Spokane, WA. I was looking forward to summers that weren’t so hot but give me a break I’ve never turned on my heater in the month of June in my life. From what I can tell I moved to Washington just in time for a record breaking winter and now a record breaking summer if you want to call it summer.

I guess the good news is I have had the opportunity to see plenty of warmer days with all of my traveling. I recently went to the Biggest Loser campus to check out the new digs as well as interview all the contestant for the upcoming season 12. Every season they redo the set/house we live in during our journeys on campus. In the past the have made changes but as far as the kitchen they just changed the color of the tiles through stick on tiles. This season however the kitchen GORGEOUS! They redid the entire thing the range and ovens our in the middle of the dining area, they have a huge cutting board counter top as well as tons of beautiful spices on display, I can’t wait for you guys to see it.

The ranch was amazing as usual and the contestants couldn’t be better. Of course I am not able to share what I know about the contestants yet but I can share about the trainers since we all know who they are going to be this season.

I must admit when I first heard that Anna Kournikova was going to be a trainer I was like WHAT?! She’s a tennis player and known for her PDA with her then boyfriend and now husband Enrique Iglesias, what does she know about training people? However after I met her and was able to ask her a few questions she quickly won me over and I have a feeling she is going to do the same with the millions of Biggest Loser fans. She is 100% committed to make sure that the contestants of season 12 change their lifestyles into healthy ones so that they can continue to live them. What I love most about her is that she is overly into admitting that she doesn’t have all the answers and actively into using all her resources to get them.

Then you have Dolvett Quince who is just yummy in so many ways, not as yummy however as the brand NEW barely on the shelves DESIGNER WHEY bars! I mean for crying out loud I feel as if I’m eating a Reese’s Sticks but it’s the peanut butter protein bar with 10g protein for only 160 calories. I think that my prayers have been answered. Now back to Dolvett he is a season trainer that has been helping the people of Atlanta get their groove back for years and although I may not be as impressed as thirteen year old girls he was Justin Bieber’s trainer

And then of course the main man on campus Mr. Harper and he is better than ever!

I can’t wait for all of you to meet the new season of the Biggest Loser and go out right now to try the new protein bars ….you are going to die with how good they are!

Until next time,

Ali xo

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