Goal:  To weigh 165 lbs. which will add up to a total weight loss of 80 lbs.  Continue to make healthy eating choices daily and encourage others to do the same.

Bio: Married for 12 years to Christina Pelletier (Designer Whey Blogger). Father of three beautiful children with a fourth child expected to arrive July 2012. Graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA with a BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in teaching. Currently, teaching inner city youth in Sacramento, CA at a local continuation high school. I started and coach an after school fitness/boxing program at the school. Teach students a healthy lifestyle through fitness and nutritional health. Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education and considering pursuing a Doctorate degree in Education. Fitness activities I like to do: boxing, running, and swimming.  I am 37 years old.

The journey to fitness and health starts at different times and weights for everyone. No one plans on becoming obese but daily we make compromising food choices which we know will add up over the years. Current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics reveal that nearly 24% of American adults are obese. Children emulate their adult parents/guardians and CDC discloses 17% of children are obese in the United States. Sadly, I am part of the adult statistic of obese adults. Three years ago I weighed 245 lbs. which is an unfortunate weight when you are vertically challenged standing only 5’8”. When you start to resemble one of the Oompa Loompas in the Charlie Chocolate Factory it is time to make a change. 

My wife and I joined an MMA/Boxing gym which literally knocked some of the pounds off of my body. I learned at the age of 37 years old I could not eat the things I use to at the age of 17. Besides increasing my fitness, I started to change my eating habits. Lowering my caloric intake and eating more low-calorie snacks throughout the day. I have learned that the most important meal each day is breakfast. Each morning I drink a couple glasses of water, my coffee, and grab a nutritional breakfast. The mornings I find my three kids clamoring for my attention, ignoring my parental direction, and preventing me from crafting my morning fuel, forces me to go to my alternate breakfast plan. This former fat guy never leaves the house without some morning nutrition so I will grab one of the Designer Whey protein bars which are made in three delicious flavors.   Each bar has about 160 calories which contains about 10 grams of protein. The bar will hold off my hunger for the next few hours before I get to my next healthy snack attack. 

Currently, I weigh 205 lbs. and have dropped from a size 44 waistline to a size 36 waistline. I never want to go back to being 245 lbs. and asking my wife, “Do I look fat in these jeans?” When I am not dodging my wife punching me in the boxing gym, which is a great way to let the wife blow off some steam and save on marital counseling service invoices, I am combating my weight loss through healthy nutritional choices. Join me on my journey to a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) which for an Oompa Loompa my size I need to get down to 165 lbs. Stay tuned as I keep giving you some golden nuggets of fitness/health wisdom on my way down to skinny town.

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“Let food be thy medicine, and let thy medicine be thy food.” Hippocrates

Doctors and nutrition experts all agree – eating healthy foods, known as “super foods” can help you live a healthier life, even warding off diseases and lowering your cholesterol.

It’s comforting to know that adding some super foods to your daily diet can put you on the fast track toward better health. Imagine having enough energy to sail through even the most hectic of days.  Who wouldn’t want to be in a better mood, enjoy a better night’s sleep and even have an increased libido? Maybe the best part about eating super foods is that you don’t need a prescription. They’re available at your local supermarket. When possible, try to eat organic, the way Mother Nature intended.  

Here are some of our favorite super foods you need to start enjoying today: 

Whey Protein - helps build and maintain lean muscles. Also helps muscles recover faster after exercise

Blueberries – high in immune-boosting antioxidants

Yogurt – contains probiotics to aid digestion

Pumpkin – a rich source of dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, minerals,  & vitamins A, C, & E

Spinach – an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamins  C, E, B2 & B6, and potassium. It’s a very good source of protein, zinc, and copper. Plus, it’s a good source of selenium, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids

Flax Seed or Flax Oil – contains heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids & fiber

Broccoli – contains dozens of nutrients including calcium to support strong bones

Oats – fiber & protein pack a 1-2 nutritional punch

Oranges – an excellent source of vitamin C.  One orange (130 grams) supplies nearly 100 percent of the recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin C

Salmon – a delicious way to get your protein & Omega-3 fatty acids, which helps boost brain power

Tea (green or black) – rich in antioxidants to help protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals

Tomatoes contain high level of lycopene - an anti-oxidant that helps prevent cancerous cell growth

Walnuts – these tasty nuts, which are great for snacking, help lower LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol)

Beans – a rich source of protein & fiber (and a great meat substitute for vegetarians!)

The easiest way to start reaping the benefit of super foods is to treat yourself to a healthy Designer Whey shake every morning. Toss in a handful of frozen organic blueberries, a ½ cup of non-fat or low-fat yogurt & some flax oil. Check out some of our shake recipes that include spinach and pumpkin! They’re delicious…we promise! And you’ll love the way you feel. Here’s to a healthy 2012!

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We fitness fanatics here at Designer Whey absolutely love the holidays. We also love getting a fresh start in the New Year and getting back into shape. Let’s face it. It’s easy to go overboard during the holidays with lots of eating, drinking, and being a little too merry!

If you’re ready to take on 2012, we’ll help get you back on track to make this your best year yet. Ready? Let’s get started.

First and most importantly, decide what your fitness goals are. Your fitness goals need to be clearly defined, specific, realistic and measurable. Once you get clear on what you need to accomplish, it’ll be easy for you to put together your plan of attack.

What does a specific, realistic and measurable goal look like? Here’s an example. Instead of saying “I want to lose weight” say, “I’m going to lose 20 pounds by April 30”. Here’s another example of a specific, realistic and measurable goal: “Next November, I will run the New York Marathon under 5 hours”. You get the picture.                                                                                                                         

Now that you have a clearly defined goal, you need to put your plan into place. If you’re not sure what you need to do to achieve your fitness goals – here’s a hint: exercise is part of the part of the battle, but the most critical part of getting fit is your diet. That’s right.  Eating a balanced, healthy, protein-rich diet is the most important part of losing weight and keeping it off.

Which diet is best for you?
Finding and sticking to a diet that’s best for you can be complicated. The clutter of information on the topic can be confusing & overwhelming. Some nutrition experts recommends eating 5-6 small meals each day, while others say eating in-between meals only adds unnecessary calories.

No matter what meal plan you find works best for you, there’s one thing that can’t be denied: eating a protein-rich diet will help you build lean muscle. And more lean muscle means better fat burning.  

For those of you looking to slim down, you’ll get the most out of your diet & exercise regimen by adding DESIGNER WHEY protein powder to your daily lifestyle. Whey protein is scientifically proven to reduce appetite and increase your metabolism because it’s the most calorically efficient way to give your active body the protein it needs.

The bottom line is to burn more calories than you take in. Know your BMR and plan accordingly. Oh, and keeping a food journal doesn’t hurt!

Let’s Get Moving!
Getting back into your exercise routine after the holidays can be tough, even for the most disciplined gym rats. Here are a few tips to help you get back on track:

1) Don’t go overboard! Start back with a reasonable workout that won’t strain or overwork your muscles. Injury and excessive muscle fatigue will only deter you from sticking with your plan. Start off with a gentle yoga class or brisk walk every morning.  As your body adjusts, increase the intensity and lengths of your work out.

2) Hire a personal trainer to get you going and keep you motivated

3)  Find a new & challenging form of exercise that gets you excited.  If the same gym routine or run seems boring to you, why not mix it up a bit? Try a hot yoga or pilates class, give Zumba on your Wii a try, or kick some butt in a boxing class.

Take it from Manny Pacquiao’s nutrition trainer:

“Let 2012 be your year to get fit. Obesity is the main cause of heart problems, arthritis, stroke and other diseases. Get on and stick with a good fitness program and eat right. Make sure your diet is high in protein and low in sugar and saturated fats and you’ll be on your way to looking and feeling your best.” – Alex Ariza

Join our resolution to get fit and stay fit. Visit Designer Whey on Facebook every day in January for life-changing nutrition and fitness tips!

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Grazing Tips for Christmas and New Year’s…or…Food and More Food All Around Me!

1. Eat six small meals a day.

When confronted with a potluck, a holiday meal, or a work party our tendency is to go for the gusto and pig out!  Sound familiar?  Instead try to stick to a small meal even at these times.  For me, these small meals are about three hundred calories each.  Web search for “online calorie calculator” to help determine how many calories to consume to maintain your current weight, or lose weight.

2. Make an extra plate for later.

Want to go back for seconds?  Aunt Martha’s banana-cream-puff pie only come around once a year?  I know the feeling.  I had the most delicious chili rellenos at my Women’s Study Group Potluck.  They were to die for, or to live for another day for, and eat in the morning for breakfast!  The thought dawned on me, “I could make an extra plate for later!”  Next time I will try this.  Leave a comment if you try this, or have tried this, and let me know how it works!  Knowing I can have some more stuffing later entices me to exercise self-control, without stuffing myself until I feel ill.  Know the feeling?  Stuffed Christina is not on the holiday wish list this year.

To keep the caloric intake down, I decided to scrape most of the cheese off and eat mostly the chili portion, which worked out quite fine and kept my calorie intake for the meal lower.  Part of the problem with potlucks is you really do not know how many calories are in each dish.  Note to self: “decision” is the key word here.  It is your decision what to put on your plate and how much.  Most importantly do not kid yourself into thinking the calories do not count or just continuing to dive in.  The extra calories have to go somewhere.

3. Skip any and all caloric drinks!

Need a quick Soda fix?  Then take a sip and go back to water!  Do you have any idea how much sugar is in one can of soda? There are ten packets of sugar in one can of soda!  Juice, sparkling cider, wine, beer, tequila, etcetera, they all turn to sugar in your body.  Want to avoid the four pounds that most people gain each holiday season?  Then kick the cola habit and go with water.  Add a little lemon.  Add a little Designer Whey Protein packet and get ten grams of protein and a tasty treat without added sugar or low quality sugar substitutes.

4. Drink plenty of water.

Our bodies are made up of 75% water when we are born and down to as low as 45% water if we are obese.  Average range of water for men is 60% and 55% for women.  Lean muscle mass holds more water than fat.  Whether you want to lose weight or gain weight (Yes, some people have a gaining weight problem.  Shocking!  I know) you need water to survive and it will help fill up your tummy during those feasts of fat and frolicking French fries at the drive through on your long trip to Aunt Mildred and Uncle Frank’s house.  So skip the fries, ask for a protein style wrap (hamburger wrapped in lettuce), and ask for an extra-large water!  Your body will thank you for it.  I know mine will. :)  Better yet…

5. Pack healthy snacks for long road trips.

My husband, Jason, thought of bringing sliced cucumbers and boiled eggs on our trip to Grandma and Grandpa’s house this year.  What a great idea!  Thanks honey!

6. Take a few bites of a sinfully delicious desert or entrée to get the taste but not all the calories.

I have heard it said more than once that the first couple of bites are the best.  Your taste buds are primed for variety and flavor and they soak up those first few nibbles.  Close your eyes.  Feel the texture on your tongue.  Sense all the different flavors in the bite.  Then, throw the rest away!  This takes willpower, but it is worth the effort, and your bottom line will thank you for it!

Have a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year!  And happy thoughtful healthy eating!

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I love the little packets of fifty calorie ProteinToGo that taste like lemonade.  My seven year old daughter sometimes feels hungry after we get done eating.  I like having an option for her after fruit and vegetables, if she is STILL hungry.  And, I love the Lemonade ProteinToGo too! 

I thought it would be kind of milky tasting lemonade, since they use whey protein which is derived from cow’s milk.  To my taste bud pleasure, they taste just like a big glass of ice cold lemonade. Also, there is no sugar and ten grams of protein!  To Go Lemonade is a perfect little treat in between meals or on the side to get in some much needed protein.

The other thing is, sometimes I do not want to add protein powder to my smoothies.  Sometimes I just want a nice tall glass of slushy fruit.  Different strokes for different folks, or as I like to call it, different shakes for different breaks!

So the next time you need a serving of protein and do not feel like digging a hole in your backyard to host your own luau with genuine roasted pig or whatever other protein foods you enjoy, try a little lemonade instead!  Or the other flavors: Tropical Orange and Mixed Berry.  My kids love all three!

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Designer Whey^® would like to thank all of our loyal fans and show our appreciation with another protein bar giveaway! 100 lucky fans will win one of our delicious protein bars! Test your knowledge by taking the following quiz:

Think you know everything about your favorite Designer Whey^® protein products? Which of these statements is false:

1. Designer Whey’s delicious bars pack a 10 gram protein punch.
2. Designer Whey^® protein powders have only 3 grams of fat and sugar per serving.
3. Designer Whey’s satisfying bars have only 170 calories or less.
4. Our deliciously-healthy powders give you 18 grams of protein at only 100 calories per serving.

Need a hint? Get the scoop on our delicious protein bars here: www.designerwhey.com/designer-whey/products-bars.htm

And on our protein powders here: www.designerwhey.com/designer-whey/products-powders-original.htm

The first 100 respondents to email the correct answer to winner@designerwhey.com will win one of our delicious protein bars! Good luck!

HOW TO PLAY:

Simply email the number of the FALSE statement to winner@designerwhey.com by  Friday, December 2, 2011 at 3pm PST / 6pm EST. The first 100 correct responses will automatically win a Designer Whey^® protein bar. Be sure to include your name and mailing address with your answer. We will announce the 100 winners on our Designer Whey^® Facebook page on Monday, December 5th. If selected, your bar will automatically be shipped to you via USPS. Contest eligible to U.S. addresses only. One prize per household. Must be 18 or older by December 2, 2011 to enter. Giveaway void where prohibited by law, and is subject to federal, state and local regulations.

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Fall heralds the beginning of the baking season.  Pumpkins, corn-on-the-cob and squash of all shapes and sizes fill the produce department of your neighborhood grocer. Crisp, cool evenings and sun-filled days seem to beg for the warmth and homey-ness of spice scented goodies. I love Fall!

With Halloween right around the corner and the “baking bug” firmly taking root, I thought it might be time to set myself (and my family) up for success. After all, in only a few short days buckets of candy will be lurking around the house and holiday baked goods are short to follow. If I stand ANY chance of talking the kids out of their sugary treats (not for me  J ), then I need to have an acceptable substitute on hand.

 I love pumpkin bars, but they can be high in calories and fat. So I decided it was time to put a healthy spin on things. The result is a bar that is both cakey and moist. Perfectly spiced and full of pumpkin flavor, these bars work equally well as a coffee companion, after school snack or satisfying dessert. And with only a handful of ingredients, they’re easy to make too!

I hope your family enjoys them as much as mine did!

Andrea’s Fall-Spiced Pumpkin Bars

1 scoop Designer Whey Natural Protein Powder
1/2 c canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/4 c agave syrup (or honey)
1/4 c stevia-in-the-raw (or Splenda)
1/2 c egg substitute
1 c almond meal
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (I used Trader Joe’s)
1/2 tsp baking soda

Pre-heat oven to 350*. Spray an 8×8 pan with cooking spray and set aside. Combine pumpkin, agave, stevia and eggs in bowl of mixer and whisk until smooth.(Hand mixer is fine) In a separate bowl combine almond meal, protein powder, sea salt, pumpkin pie spice and baking soda. Stir together with a fork. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix together at medium speed for one minute. Pour mixture into prepped 8×8 pan. (Mixture will be fairly thin) Bake at 350* for 20-25 mins, or until it begins to pull away from sides and center is set. (toothpick is clean) Do not overbake! Cut into 12 squares.

*This recipe doubles really well!

Nutritional Information:

Per Serving (1 square): 73 Calories, 5g Protein, 4g Fiber, 5g Fat, 3g Carbs, 2g Sugar

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The thing I love most about Designer Whey Protein Powder is that in a pinch for protein I add it to a meal and get some extra protein into our diet for the day.  With three kids it is not convenient to make chicken and oatmeal for breakfast.  Ha! Ha! Ha!  Chicken and oatmeal!  That would be weird!  But putting some protein powder into the oatmeal is so convenient. 

I just jazzed up our breakfast the other day, realizing we had been a little slim on protein sources as of late.  I was rushing away in the kitchen making a big vat of oatmeal, stevia, strawberries, and blackberries and realized, duh!  I can just add in a scoop or two of protein powder.  I used the Designer Whey Vanilla Almond flavor.  It was highly received by my kids.  I was truly surprised by their fervor, because I could not find the Organic Cane Sugar to give it that “Extra-Kid-Kick!” that tends to help them be yummified.  Even without sugar, they were quite happy with their healthy breakfast and I felt satisfied that I had gotten in some extra protein into their diet.

If only chicken and oatmeal were possible?  Thankfully, Designer Whey Protein Powder works great added into so many meals and snacks.

1. Smoothies
2. Oatmeal
3. Pancakes
4. Muffins
5. Waffles
6. Cereal – as a milk replacement – I used to do this very regularly when I was training for a Sprint Triathlon after my first daughter was born.  It is so quick and easy!

In a pinch, I love that I can mix the various Designer Whey Protein Powders with water and go.  No prep required.  I am so about getting delicious and done!

Happy “In a Pinch” Eating To You Today!

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Ever wonder what tips fitness trainers give to thier clients? We did. So we asked a few personal trainers what advice they give to clients. Here’s what they had to say:

1. Snack Smarter

Planning out your snacks for the day is a smart way to prevent eating junk food.  Keep your desk drawer at work stocked with healthy snacks like almonds. Once or twice a week cut up vegetables like carrots & celery so you always have them on hand. Enjoy them with a savory low fat dip. Snacks like string cheese or yogurt pack a protein punch and will help curb your hunger.  Don’t wait until you’re famished to snack.  You’ll be easily tempted to devour a donut or candy bar for a quick sugar fix.

Eating small, frequent meals and snacks promotes weight management by keeping your metabolism running. Whey protein is one of nature’s secret appetite controllers. So next time you hear your stomach rumble between meals, treat yourself to a Designer Whey protein bar!

2. Don’t get caught up in Fad Diets

We all know what happens after dieting – the weight, and then some, comes right back. Avoid fad diets, diet pills and any quick-fix scheme that sounds too good to be true. Eat healthy, tasty food every day and it won’t feel like you’re dieting at all.

Every meal should consist of lean protein (fish & poultry are great choices, lentils are perfect for vegetarians), add a healthy carb—the whole-grain and unprocessed kind. Sweet potatoes are also a great side dish. They’re loaded with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Most important of all, eat your veggies. Veggies should make up ½ to ¾ of your plate.  

3. Consult a Personal Trainer for Best Results
Even if you’re on a tight budget, working out with a personal trainer just once can make a world of difference. Book a one-hour session and get a workout plan that suits your fitness goals. Don’t forget to take lots of notes!

4. Refuel Your Muscles with Protein
Research has shown that post-workout muscle building is maximized when whey protein is consumed within 20 minutes post-workout. To get the best possible results, drink a DESIGNER WHEY post-workout or add a Protein 2GO pack to your water bottle immediately after your workout.

5. Mix up your workout routine
Weight training, cardio and flexibility training – such as yoga or stretching – should all be part of your weekly workout regimen.  Weight training will give your sculted muscles, cardio will help you burn fat & calories, and yoga or stretching will help prevent injury and keep your muscles long and lean.

6. Never skip breakfast
People who think they’re saving calories or don’t have time for breakfast are making a huge mistake. Eating a healthy breakfast sets your metabolism for the day and will help stabilize your blood sugar. Start your day with scrambled egg whites with veggies, and a piece of whole-grain toast. A protein smoothie packed with fruit and even spinach (See Green Protein Machine Recipe) is a great alternative if you’re pressed for time.

7. Set Goals
Challenge yourself by setting fitness goals that will keep you motivated. Remember – goals must be realistic and measurable & attainable.

8. Don’t Drink Your Calories
If you’re really trying to make progress in the weightloss department, don’t sabotage yourself with high calorie, sugar-laden beverages. What’s the #1 worst way to wreck your diet? Alcohol. Full of empty calories, it can really dampen your progress affecting muscle growth and recovery. When you do drink, try lower calorie drinks like light beers and wine spritzers. And remember to drink in moderation.

Skip sugary sports recovery drinks and “vitamin” waters. You’d be better off eating a snickers bar.

9. Partner up with a Workout Buddy
Need extra motivation? Find a fitness buddy who will keep you accountable to get yoru workouts in. Fitness partners make great company if you’re running, hiking and power walking. And weight lifting is so much easier and effetive with a buddy to help you through those tough sets.

10. Challenge Yourself: Sign up for a 5K, Half or Full Marathon
One of the best ways to keep your fitness on track is to sign up for a run. What could be more rewarding and exciting than crossing the finish line? The hot body you got from all that training! And here’s the cherry on top: sign up to run for a charity. There’s nothing better than giving back while getting in shape.

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Happy cooking!  Have fun with your food!  That’s the most important part!  If it is not fun it gets to be doldrums and then who wants to eat the same thing all the time every day?  Not me!  I come up with different creations or look online for new recipes.  Simple is the best I have found. 

This week I took yummy super-ripe tomatoes and a jar of organic tomato sauce and combined them in the crockpot.  I also added the pasta right into it, which I learned was a mistake, because then I had mushy pasta.  But you could cook the pasta sauce and then add the pasta in when you get home from work.  You could also add in chopped celery, onions, mushrooms and any other vegetables you enjoy!  I learned this from my Aunt Karen who makes a great Spaghetti Sauce from scratch!  Kudos Aunt Karen!

Another creation I came up with was Mung Bean soup.  Mung Beans are low in potassium and with my Adrenal Fatigue recovery it is important for me to eat foods low in potassium.  I picked these Mung Beans up at our local grocery market that has a TON of healthy foods.  You can also find them online.  Beans are a great vegetarian source of protein…and!…cook fast in the crock pot. 

Anything we can do to make life more enjoyable is the way to go in my book!  So…I added green beans, onions, carrots, and celery with some organic chicken bouillon, the Mung Beans, and some water.  Delicious!  Then I had the idea to freeze the soup in separate containers.  Twallah!  A grab and go meal on hand whenever I need to take something with me for the day.  Lately…that has been most days!

Designer Whey is also a great grab and go protein powder.  I have sent my kids to school with the Pomegranate 2GO protein drinks, although, I did make the drinks up for the kids BEFORE school.  I was not sure how pouring the packets at school would go?  But they are a quick way to get some added protein into your day without any hassle. 

Happy Healthy Eating!

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