DESIGNER WHEY is challenging you to Get Healthy. Get Strong. And Get Results. For the next 90 days, we want you to set a few fitness goals for yourself and track them, posting your weekly results on our Facebook page. At the end of each month during the challenge, we’ll pick a few people who are on track with their goals to receive free products.

With a solid and well thought-out exercise and nutrition plan, you can achieve your fitness goals, no matter what they are. Whether you want to lose 5 or 100 lbs, to run a marathon, to lift more weight in the gym or to just have more energy, Designer Whey is with you every step of the way.

Let’s start with Goal Setting. Most everyone’s heard of S.M.A.R.T. Goals – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Using the S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting System will ensure you’re set up for success. Using the worksheet found on Facebook, write down your S.M.A.R.T. goals. Here’s an example:

Specific: I want to lose 20 pounds in 3 months and reduce my B.M.I from 33% to 24%. Replace my morning coffee with Green Tea; Eat 5 servings fruits & veggies daily; Get at least 75 grams of protein daily.

Measurable: I will write down my progress in a fitness journal everyday. I’ll evaluate my success at the end of every week so I can plan accordingly for next week.

Attainable: The goals I’ve set above are easily achievable. If anything, I will make sure I’m going over & above in my daily efforts so I am pleasantly surprised at the end of the 3 months.

Realistic: Losing 20lbs in 3months breaks down to 1.6 pounds every week. I can do this!!!!

Timely:  At the end of three months, I am going on a vacation to Hawaii with my family. That’s a REALLY nice reward when I reach my goals.

Once I achieve my short term goal, I’ll re-evaluate my goals to include a few long-term ones, like running a marathon or eliminating caffeine from my diet altogether.

Make a list of 10 things you can do right away to get on track. Here’s mine:

1)     I’m going to use a fitness journal to track my daily progress. I like fitbook – it’s the most comprehensive and user-friendly tool of its kind. It fits right in my purse or gym bag so I can take it anywhere. I also like the daily nutrition checklists. There’s even a multivitamin reminder! Research says: write down everything you eat and you can cut your intake by 500 to 1,000 calories a day. To learn more about fitbook, visit them at www.getfitbook.com

 2)     I tossed out all the junk food from my desk drawers and kitchen. I threw away Oreo’s, Diet Coke and lots of candy. I feel healthier already!

 3)     Every morning, I put 2 big bottles of water on my desk. I don’t leave at the end of the day until every drop is gone!   

 4)     I won’t eat or drink anything after 7pm except maybe a scoop of DW in 8 oz of skim milk to keep me satisfied until the morning.

 5)     I exercise BEFORE work so there’s no excuses after work (too tired, family obligations, etc).

 6)     I’ve stocked my kitchen with fresh fruits and veggies. I put fresh cut veggies in baggies so I can easily grab them every morning before work.

 7)     I won’t deprive myself of any treats, but I will eat CONSCIOUSLY, meaning no more mindless grazing in the afternoons and I will read labels.

 8)     I am going to eat 6 smaller meals everyday as opposed to 3 big meals. That way my energy will stay up all day long and I won’t cave in so easily to my cravings.

 9)     I’ve enlisted a couple of friends who also want to drop a few pounds and get healthier & stronger. We put together a workout schedule for the week that includes 3 yoga classes, 3 power walks and 2 weight-lifting sessions at the gym.

 10) Last but not least – I put pictures up at work and home of my upcoming trip to Hawaii: the resort pool, the beautiful beaches and a KILLER bikini that I’m going to buy for my trip. My motivation is always right in front of me.

 We’ll provide daily fitness & nutrition tips as well as LOTS of motivation & inspiration. Together, we can do this!

My reward

Posted in DESIGNER WHEY Healthy Minute | 4 Comments

Welcome to Designer Whey’s Protein Shakes 101. If you’re looking for a way to turn ordinary protein shakes into extraordinary, delicious and healthy shakes, you’ve come to the right place! 

By adding simple, easy to find ingredients, you can power up your protein shakes while adding fantastic flavor and lots of variety. Here are some great shake additions that will send the nutritional content of your protein shakes soaring.

Let’s start with the most basic shake addition: fruits. A good rule of thumb is to use fresh fruits that are in season. You’ll get better flavor and it’s more economical than using “off-season” fruits. Your best bet during summer months are berries.

Strawberries are probably the most common fruit added to protein shakes. Not only are they delicious, they are loaded with vitamins and minerals including B Vitamins, vitamin K, copper, and magnesium. Strawberries also contain omega fatty acids. All of this goodness is only 45 calories for about seven medium strawberries. And not only that, the fiber in 1/2 cup strawberries accounts for about 12% of your RDA per serving. The fiber helps your body absorb nutrients, inhibits the production of cholesterol in your liver, and helps stabilize your blood glucose.

Blueberries are not only low in calories, they rank the highest of any fruit for antioxidants. and one cup delivers 14% of the recommended daily dose of fiber and nearly a quarter of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

Raspberries also contain strong antioxidants such as Vitamin C. Did you know that they can help you burn fat? Raspberries are packed with fiber and manganese. Fiber helps slow the digestive process so you feel full longer. Manganese is a trace mineral that helps keep your metabolic rate high. A higher metabolic rate helps burn fat.

During winter months, frozen fruits are a great alternative to fresh. Check your local club superstore for great buys on large bags of mixed “smoothie” fruit. This is the most economical way to pack off-season fruits into your protein shakes.

 One of the most popular nutritional trends right now are Green Smoothies. Add just a handful or two of spinach to your blender to get the amazing benefits of this superfood. If you’re not crazy about veggies, adding a few strawberries will not only mask the taste of the spinach, you’ll get even more fruits & veggies in your protein shake. 

There are so many health benefits to eating spinach, it’s almost impossible to know where to start! This leafy green is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, and vitamin B6. It’s a very good source of protein, phosphorus, vitamin E, zinc, dietary fiber, and copper. Plus, it’s a good source of selenium, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids. So go for a green smoothie today…It’s an easy way to get to your recommended 5 a day of fruits and vegetables.

And speaking of Omega-3’s, if you’re not adding Flaxseed or Flax Oil to your shakes, stop everything right now and get to it! Flaxseed contains all sorts of heart healthy components, including

• Omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects.
• Lignans, which have antioxidant qualities. and
• Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types

Last but not least – if you want a creamier shake and an extra protein boost, add non-fat greek or regular yogurt. Yogurt contains calcium, B Vitamins, potassium, and magnesium. But one of the benefits we’re hearing more and more about regarding yogurt is “probiotics.” Probiotics are “friendly bacteria” that aid digestion.

Check out Designer Whey on Facebook for new shakes recipes every week. Designer Whey….helping you Get Healthy, Get Strong and Get Results.

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As many of you know I have been on tour with Famous Footwear this summer criss-crossing the country.  It has been so much fun.  One of the things I didn’t realize is that being on the road is completely different then traveling a lot.  Yes I travel ALL the time but usually I am home in between, so most of my trips are between 24 to 48 hours.  Because of such short trips and so many different airports and hotels I often feel like George Clooney in Up In The Air.  I am a pro at what to pack and how to pack it so that I get through the security in the shortest amount of time and out of the airport as soon as I land, so as you can imagine I only check a bag under dire circumstances, which hardly ever happens.  Until my Mind, Body, Sole tour, that is.  You see although the tour was only 20 cities, I would spend 2 days in each city doing all different things like Twitter workouts, hospital visits, TV appearances, radio, and store events and then of course I had travel days to get back and fourth from one place to another.  I also had all the other stuff I do already scheduled so Famous Footwear planned around my existing schedule like the Healthy Woman speaking events I do, I went to the GNC show with Designer Whey, where I met Erin Stern. I was so excited to meet her and she was so excited to meet me.  I had so much fun and my Chocolate Mint Protein shake was a huge hit, I love when people love what I love   I also had different races and Health Expos and such so I literally had to change my whole routine.  I could just pack a carry-on when I wasn’t going to be home for anywhere from 4-6 weeks at a time and most importantly my traveling food routine wasn’t going to work!  Usually I would pack enough food for my entire trip just in case my options on the road weren’t the best, I swear the TSA thinks I am completely nuts with my food bag.  On any given trip it would not be unusual for me to have a bag filled with chicken breast, hard boiled eggs, fruit, almonds and of course my 2Go Protein packs.  These days my one and only staple has been the 2Go Protein which has been a God-send for me and the new Protein bars are an answer to my prayers. Look for them on the shelves SOON.

One of my favorite accidental discoveries this summer has been my Lemonade popsicles.  You guys have to remember I am from Arizona, so as you can only imagine I love me some popsicles!  I had mixed up a new Lemonade 2Go pack in my bottle water and stuck the unfinished bottle into a hotel fridge which must have been set wrong because when I went to grab it, it was slushy, which was the bomb!  Since that time I have taken all the flavors and made little popsicles and they are fabulous!! I either make it in little Dixie cups or even a ice cube tray sometimes.  You should try it – especially if you have kids.

So I was thinking…and you guys need to let me know… maybe we should do a poll or something to get together for a race of some sort.  I’m up for almost anything from a triathlon, cycling, or running.  My idea is that we all pick a race somewhere in the States and train together through the blog here and have a huge presence at one of the races, what do you think?  Send in your ideas and let’s figure something out.

Posted in Ali Vincent | 1 Comment

Well, I wanted to get to everyone today and just touch on a few subjects. First, I came back from my 10-day long vacation and found that I had lost 2 pounds! That’s pretty good considering I didn’t do a lot of working out over those 10 days, other than some taking some walks and moving a lot of furniture. It just goes to show that so long as you stay dedicated to your diet, and do just a little bit of exercise, you can still lose weight. Now, to be fair, I would have loved to lose more than 2 pounds over those 10 days, but without access to a decent gym (yes, I’m a little spoiled!) it was difficult for me to get a proper workout. And, I didn’t take my running shoes, since I already had a full suitcase, so that didn’t help me either. But the important thing is that I stayed focused on my goals and I was able to shed a couple of pounds, which kept me going in the right direction. So for all of you that are planning late-summer vacations, feel free to keep up that diet and do a little exercise, and your summer strives towards skinniness won’t be shot down the drain.

Next, a matter of relaxing by the TV. I do it A LOT! To be completely honest, I probably watch way to much TV to be healthy, but I really enjoying keeping up with all of my favorite TV shows, even if they are re-runs during the summer. But that doesn’t mean I can’t get a good workout in. My best friend Jessi is always telling me to add a workout to my couch potato time, and I’ve finally taken her advice. I do 20 push-ups during the commercial break, which takes me 20-30 seconds. It may not sound like a lot, but with the average 30-minute TV show having 3 commercial breaks, 1 every 7-8 minutes or so, watching TV for a couple of hours will also bring in well over 100 push-ups in a night, with plenty of rest in between. The first couple of sets go by pretty easy, but once I’m at that 4th or 5th set, they get a lot harder, and that’s when you’re getting your benefits. All put together, those push-ups will work the majority of your upper-body muscles, burning calories while sitting on your bum, and if you’re watching TV at night like me, it’ll burn calories while you sleep too, using calories to rebuild the muscle tissue. How about that, losing weight while you sleep! Nobel Prize, please!

Another thing to think about is that diet. I struggle probably more than anyone with overeating, because I’ve been doing it for years. I can out-eat almost anyone (except Joey Chestnut, the world-record setting Nathan’s Hot Dog eating champion), and I’ve been known to put down an entire large meat-lovers pizza by myself, in one sitting. Now, it doesn’t take an expert to tell me that that is neither healthy nor good for my weight loss plan. However, I’ve done it, and there’s nothing that can be done about it now. But that doesn’t mean I should keep doing it! That goes with everything bad for you, like eating a bucket of ice cream or tons of cookies. That little bit of cheating on your diet will take you several steps backwards in your weight loss goals, and you’ll only feel guilt and shame afterwords. Instead, you have to find something to snack on in between meals, and your meals need to be sensibly sized and portioned in order to keep up your weight loss. In the long run you’ll be a lot happier that you had a turkey sandwich instead of a whole pizza.

Finally, just to put everyone in a positive mood and the right frame of mind, as of today I am down 30 pounds from when I started my diet and exercise plan! I’ve had my share of downfalls, pitfalls and stumbling blocks, as well as a few “I quits” in there, but overall I’ve kept at it and have continued to lose weight in the long run, and that’s the important part. I am much, much lighter than I was in January. I may not be where I wanted to be as part of my original plan, but I’m still headed in the right direction, and that’s what really matters! So, even if you didn’t lose your 20 pounds in 21 days (which was my goal over my summer break from school, which I didn’t meet), having lost weight over that time period is still a success, so take pride in that and keep going. Eventually, you’ll reach that goal, and when you do, you’ll be more proud of yourself then you thought possible. Keep it up everyone!

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For most of us, including myself, the 4th of July is a time for vacation and relaxation, a time for cold beers and grilling out.  And that’s all fine and dandy.  But what about that strict diet that you’ve been on for some time now?  Like for me, I don’t drink alcohol any more.  Now, I fully enjoy a burger or two (so long as they take longer than 30 seconds to make), but overeating during the holiday relaxation period is really easy.  Couple that with the easy excuse of “I’m on vacation” to not work out also, and you’re whole weight loss routine is completely out the window, and you’ll likely find startling results when you step on the scale the next time.  All that beer and all those burgers, brats and buns will do a number on your bum, especially if you’re not running a couple miles or swimming a few laps before your days of sun and indulgence.  So here’s my “intra-mural” advice for you: don’t over-do it! It’s perfectly fine to have a burger or two, but don’t pig out on 5 burgers and 30 hot dogs.  Also, when you’re packing all that wonderful beer into the cooler, perhaps grab a few of the beers designed to not have as many calories, like an MGD 64 or Michelob Ultra (just some suggestions, not a product endorsement).  At least that way you won’t be drinking 150-200 calories per beer, and the effects will be minimized.  Or, better yet, don’t drink at all! Volunteer to be the designated driver for everyone you can, and let them pack on the pounds while you drink Protein Waters, staying hydrated and nurished, all the while not working up a killer hangover.  Just a thought.
 
And, just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean you can’t work out! I may have left my running shoes at home while I came to visit the parents, but with all the work around the house I’ve been doing I definitely haven’t been skipping my workouts.  And even on top of that, with some of the time I’ve had off while they were at work, I walked around the neighborhood a few times, getting at least a little exercise.  It may not have been the 3 miles I ran the other day (yeah me!), but it was healthier than “I’m on vacation.” Which everyone knows is a cop-out, and that those calories still count.  So watch the food and the cookie intake, walk around the block a few times, and enjoy your 4th of July weekend.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

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1,350 Calories. 90 grams of fat, 40 of which are saturated and 3.5 of which are trans.  2,780 mg of sodium.  That’s what’s in my go-to burger at Wendy’s, the 3/4 lb Baconator.  Add the large fries, large Coke along with it, and I’m looking at probably over 2,000 calories in all.  For 1 meal.  That costs me around $10.00.  What am I thinking? Well, specifically the fact that I don’t like to make food, especially complex meals like lasagna or meatloaf (both of which I love) because I’m a terrible cook and I’m lazy in general.  But what about thawing out some burgers and firing up the grill and making my own? Well, that requires at least some planning in advance, which as a bachelor I tend to not do very well (you can ask my BFF Jessi, she’ll tell you all about it).  So instead I walk over to Wendy’s every couple of days or so, and guiltily order up a serving of heart attack with a side of obesity.  Let’s be honest people, I’m about 75 pounds overweight right now, and I personally keep the fast food industry afloat.  That’s not good.  So, I’ve stopped.  At first I said I just wasn’t going to eat beef for a while.  Well….that didn’t work because my roommate kept firing up the grill and grilling burgers.  Which was great, because he’s a way better cook/grill person than me, and his burgers taste way better than mine.  So the whole “no beef” thing didn’t pan out.  Then I said, “I’ll just eat less fast food.”  Well, when one of your meals is over 2,000 Calories then less is still not enough, especially when you want to lose weight.  So for the last couple days I’ve eaten no fast food, and less in general, and my weight loss has picked up again.  So hurray for me!

Furthermore, the whole fast food thing is expensive. Over the past month or so, I’ve spent over $382 at fast food places.  That’s disgusting! That’s almost 2 months worth of food at the grocery store for my whole apartment, which has 4 people in it! What am I thinking?!? Well, it ends today.  I’m back on my no-fast-food diet in an effort to save money and lose weight.  I’ve also stumbled upon an article that says that fast food can actually become addictive, decreasing dopamine receptors or something, so that’s probably not good either.  Regardless, the amount of science and nutritional information and financial information is all overwelmingly against fast food, and my only justification is laziness.  Well, laziness never got anyone anywhere in this life, so I’m going to stop.  Time for me to turn the page over and start a new chapter in my life.  I mean, I just turned 28, what better time?  See you all later when I rant and rave some more about how I suck at dieting.

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My name is Callie, I’m 23, and I am fluffy.

I wasn’t always fluffy. In fact, I used to be pretty skinny! I played basketball (or tried to, at least- I definitely wasn’t very good) and jogged almost every day. Then I got lazy. I noticed a very gradual increase in my weight over the years – it was never more than ten pounds a year, so I just didn’t care enough to do anything about it. Then, about a year and a half ago, I went through a very painful divorce. Some people stop eating when something traumatic happens; I do the opposite. I live in the kitchen! Food becomes my source of comfort… ohhh and I definitely comforted myself! I got all the way up to 180 pounds – definitely the heaviest I have ever been.

About a month ago, I realized how unhealthy my lifestyle is. My clothes are all tight because I’m too proud to go up to the next size in the store. Sometimes I’ll put on an outfit to go somewhere and just decide not to go because I look too fat. Yikes.

So I decided to do something about it. I’m tired of being the big girl when I’m out with friends. I want to feel confident. That doesn’t mean being rail-thin… it means looking healthy and fit.

I started a new job recently which allows me access to a free gym and personal trainer here at work, so I grudgingly decided to take advantage of that. I started working out a few weeks ago and noticed that I wasn’t gaining weight anymore – but I wasn’t losing, either. That’s when I realized that I needed to change my horrible eating habits. I was going out to eat 3-5 nights a week and ordering whatever was cheap… hello, $0.89 beefy 5-layer burrito from Taco Bell! Not so good.

So now I am on a quest to get healthy and fit! I am ready to feel confident about myself and feel great about my health. I have lost ten pounds so far and am completely motivated to lose the other 40 that need to hit the road!

As the weeks progress, I’m going to post tips that I’ve found helpful, keep track of my progress, post fun recipes, etc. I hope you’ll join me on my mission to get healthy!!

Callie

Follow Callie’s weight loss success: calliegetsskinny.blogspot.com

Posted in DESIGNER WHEY Healthy Minute | 1 Comment

This past Saturday was so much fun at the Biggest Loser casting call in my home town of Mesa, Arizona.  There were approximately 700 hopeful contestants that stood in line, some for hours waiting to get their opportunity to be on the Biggest Loser.  I remember being in that line over 2 years ago and I also remember how scared I was.  I new that regardless of the outcome I was going to start doing things differently.  I mean come on, typically over 200,000 people try out for the show each season and usually only 20 lucky contestants get chosen for each season.  That means that over 199,980 hopefuls are left to figure things out on their own.

The best way to get things changed around in the right direction is to gather knowledge, get a support team, and start where you can.  You did not gain unwanted weight overnight and you surely won’t be losing over night either.  I remember talking to a lady who came over to me at the Biggest Loser protein booth at the HiHealth store in the mall and her sharing with me how this was the 5th season she had tried out for the show.  My heart sank as she continued to share with me that she felt like this would be her last time to line up for the casting call, she felt as if the stars were aligned in her favor.  I agreed with her that this would be her last casting call and as she her eyes lit up and she asked me “really? you really believe it?”  I said “yes because no matter what happens you must choose you”.  She promised herself in front of me that no matter what the outcome of the casting selection she was going to start on her journey of a healthier lifestyle.  I shared with her some quick get started tips as well as gave her some samples of the Biggest Loser protein 2Go packs, I love them because they are easy and convenient so they prevent you from ever having an excuse that you are not prepared

I’ll will be at the LA Biggest Loser casting call encouraging those in line, signing autographs, taking pictures and handing out Biggest Loser protein samples.  So whether you are trying out for the show or just want to say hi, come on by.

See you soon,
Ali

www.alivincent.com

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I want to share about discipline in following our eating plan. When I free eat what I want, I eat way too much and extremely way too many calories. Designer Whey has a very cool diet plan. I have known about it for many months but really did not want to discipline myself to sit down, take the time and effort to use the system. I am going to make it a goal this week to really plan out my meals. The DESIGNER Protein Diet even prints out a grocery list…can we get any easier then that??? Now I even save time by not having to make a grocery list. The planning system is adaptable so I can plan my meals along with what my family likes too!

The other thing I need to do is wear my pedometer it helps me realize the lack of exercise I get and it’s exciting to see it roll over with each step, helping remind me how good life is. If you reach the 10,000 step mark, that is 5 miles a day. There have been several days that I would get about ¼ of that…no wonder I am struggling to lose this weight for as long as I have carried it! It is not rocket science on how to lose weight…the bottom line is you have to burn more calories then what you eat…there is no getting around that. There is no magic pill because I have tried them all. It is disciple and self worth that will help you become the healthiest

Check it out! Use the system.

Plan a program that works for you. The only diets that fail are those designed for everyone… we are made unique, we like different tastes, flavors and cooking styles. It just makes sense to create your own diet that works for you. We know what helps us lose weight; we all have lost hundreds of pounds. Use your knowledge. One plan says get back to the basics, fresh fruits, veggies, and good quality protein. Stay away from processed foods and sugar. Use natural sweeteners if you need them. Drink plenty of water, at the very least 64 ounces.

Can we lose weight and keep it off? YES WE CAN!

Ps. It is snowing here today…wake me up for summer.

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