How to Have Fuller Health AND a Fuller Wallet!

We all go through tough financial times where we are searching for things to pare down on (or cut out completely) in order to save money. We all have bills to pay and mouths to feed, so there's a lot of things that get nixed from the budget in order to make it.

There have been lots of times I have "nixed" Shakeology in order to save money. I reasoned that it was something that I didn't LIKE to go without, but COULD do without for a while. Every time I did, however, I realized just how hard it really was to be without my "magic flower". I felt tired, hungry, craved junk all the time, and stayed overweight and constipated a lot (yuck!). Not only that, I also realized just how much money I was SAVING with Shakeology because I was spending MORE money without it! It's hard to put an exact figure on it, but let's attempt to crunch some numbers, shall we? For me, it averages to about $3.00 a day; non-coaches, $4.00 a day. I will go with the non-coach amount for this breakdown of costs:

Shakeology: approx. $4.00/day = $120.00/month. This has given me improved health and immunity, more energy, decreased/eliminated cravings, stabilized appetite, regularity, and better/clearer skin. I have also blogged in the past about Shakeology and the glycemic index. There have been people who have reported reversed diabetes, or that other medical issues (like high cholesterol) has been minimized or eliminated. Google for testimonials and see for yourself; or check the Team Beachbody message boards! I can't imagine how much money those people now save in medication/insulin alone! That's a HUGE trade off and makes Shakeology MORE than worth it!

Ok. Now for what it costs me when I "do without" Shakeology: I end up buying Activia or DanActive to try and get some pro-biotics (which aren't nearly as good or high quality as Shakeology). That's about $6.00 or so for a week's supply. Times that by 4 weeks, and you have $24.00 a month. Add that to a bottle of multi-vitamins (which, again, isn't as complete or high quality as Shakeology) and you probably have another $20.00 per month (if not more) in vitamins. So, $44.00 a month so far. Now, add in a possible doctor visit for illness since I get sick more often when off of Shakeology. That's at least a $30.00 copay (if not more; especially if you don't have insurance!). $74.00 total now. That's not counting the medicine you you pay for; whether prescription or over-the-counter remedies for illness, constipation, etc. Let's just be lenient here and say you spend $50.00 a month in this area. We are now at $124.00 which is more than that $120/month for Shakeology...and that's just the low-ball GUESS! All of those figures are just a very rough estimate; and that doesn't even factor in all the junk food, eating out, and other miscellaneous things that one likely spends money on because of never feeling satisfied and having food cravings that are out of control.

What do you spend on soda, chips, cookies, ice cream, etc. in a month? All those things are stuff that you can (and SHOULD) cut out of your food budget; saving you money AND your health! When you're on Shakeology, you won't even want that stuff anyways! Oh, and here's another one: cigarettes and alcohol. Talk about a money/health sucker! Cut THAT out! If you're smoking a pack a day, that's probably five bucks a day right there that you could be saving (which would MORE than cover the cost of a bag of Shakeology). Same thing with excessive alcohol consumption; that's a big drain on your health and wallet! Don't drink like a fish; unless it's some good old H2O!

Have I made my point? Crunch your own numbers and see what kind of benefits you could be getting and how much money you'll be saving (even MORE so if you become a coach! You'll even MAKE MONEY!!). As I once said before, when it comes to your life, health, and saving money, you can't afford NOT to buy Shakeology! Don't you think that it's MORE than worth a try by now?! If I can make it work (and if this other single Mom and her really awesome tips can make it work) so can you! In fact, if you need HELP making it work for you, just let me know and I will do what I can to help you come up with a plan! It's doable; trust me! :)

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope that crunching some numbers has given you a picture of what you'd be dealing with on either side of the coin. If you have any other questions, just ask! Here's to hoping that you'll decide that better health and a fuller wallet is something you can live with! Be infused! God bless you!

What Can Shakeology Do for You?

"What is Shakeology?" is a question I hear a LOT. "What does it do?" is the other one. Whenever I hear these questions, my first thought is to share my personal Shakeology story and all it's done for me. I am only one of the MANY people out there that can testify to the fact that this stuff not only delivers what it promises, but it also TASTES good and does more than what you would ever expect! Ask ANYONE who has tried it or better yet, take Master Yoda's advice and decide there is no "try" and just DO IT for yourself!

I know I probably sound like a broken record, but I wouldn't keep talking about it if it weren't true. Anyone that knows me can vouch for the fact that when I'm passionate about something that WORKS, I share it! Why wouldn't I want others to experience all these great benefits too?! If ever there were a health and weight-loss secret, THIS is it!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Watch the short video below and let me know if you have any further questions! Be infused! God bless you!

The Health and Weight-Loss Secret

It's been almost a month now since I've been on Shakeology again. Since my own personal reboot, I have noticed some positive changes in myself! I have lost several pounds and have been happily experiencing the rejuvenating effects of my "magic flower". My chronic fatigue, aches and pains, allergies, and digestive issues are continually fading as my body welcomes the complete nutrition of Shakeology and my energy and endurance levels increase. My sometimes overwhelming urges to eat (including food cravings and sweet tooth) are also disappearing once again. I feel stabilized, self-controlled, and able to just enjoy food when I'm actually hungry rather than just eating whenever I feel like it due to random desires to eat. Words just can't express the difference that I feel in myself; mentally, emotionally, and physically. Shakeololgy is just too easy! If there ever was a a health and weight-loss secret (or secret weapon) THIS is it! Of course, this is one secret that is meant to be shared! I'm not tight lipped about it lol!

As if that weren't enough, getting back into the workout groove is helping a lot as well! I have just finished my third week of Les Mills Combat (which is still on sale until the end of the month). I'm building strength, endurance, and becoming more fit; and LOVING IT! With prayer, the nutrition in Shakeology, and the aid of some Results and Recovery Formula, I'm persevering through these intense workouts! All glory to God because through Him, I'm accomplishing what I need to do! Believe me, there are MANY days where I just want to skip working out or mixing up Shakeology because I don't "feel like it". Then, I just pray and ask for the wisdom and strength to make the right choices and "stay with the fight" (and He provides it)!

Personal success makes me all the more driven to keep pressing onward toward the prize of a healthier life. It also further motivates me to share it with others! By now, most people have heard me talk about Team Beachbody programs and Shakeology so much that they are probably sick of it. Understandable. It's hard not to sound like a broken record, but I don't know anyone who can shut up about something that they're truly passionate about!! When you find something that works, you can't help but spread the word and hope to help someone else that wants to accomplish that same goal! THAT is why I do what I do; for me, and for YOU! I continue to do the programs, drink Shakeology, and be a Team Beachbody coach because I wouldn't stand behind someone or something that I didn't believe in or have personal experience with. Just like my faith in Christ, I want to keep putting all of this out there for people to see so that their lives can be just as blessed! Reaching my goals (and encouraging/helping others to reach theirs) is the ultimate satisfaction; more than any commission I earn. It's PRICELESS! Anyone who knows me knows my heart and that I yearn to be supportive and motivate others to success!


Grace and peace to you, my friends! I really hope that anyone who reads this will know that anything is possible through Christ! What He does in me (and what can be done through Him) can happen for you too! I would LOVE to be your coach and help you experience your own success story! Join Infusion 413! It's FREE! Click here and sign up at the top of this page and we'll work together on making a plan for success! I can't wait to have you on my team! Also, don't forget that if you refer someone else to the team (and they join) you'll be entered into my $25.00 Team Beachbody e-gift card drawing! You'll also get entries if you make a Shakeology purchase. Remember, you have a few options for purchasing Shakeology (and getting it at a discounted price if you become a coach). Please read this post for more information on the drawing (you only have until the end of the month to enter! That's just a few days away!). Contact me if you ever have any questions! Be infused! God bless you!

The Ripple Effect

The ripple effect. It's when something small turns into something HUGE! Sometimes it's intentional. Other times, it's a complete surprise. Whatever the case, the result is a tremendous impact that can't be undone!

That's what I think of when I watch the video below. I am incredibly touched and inspired by stories where one guy who decides to transform his own life ends up transforming so many others! It definitely motivates me to want to persevere in my own journey and renews my passion to help others.

Stories like his is what inspires me to do what I do. He's right. It's not about the money. It's about changing lives. Being a coach can definitely payoff financially, but that's not why many of us do it (trust me, if it were about the money, I would have given up a long time ago because I have yet to reach my full potential in that regard lol). I keep doing this because it matters to me to keep taking steps to better health. I press on because I want to help others do the same thing so that my community, my state, and my country can be happier, healthier, and more fit. We have the power to do it! We CAN be healthier, and we do that the right way through nutrition and fitness (Obamacare isn't going to save you, people). Save yourself and your health before you have to even visit a doctor!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope that this video inspires you like it does me. Then, I hope it will move you to comment or contact me with any questions you may have regarding how you can be on your way to living your own success story! I'm here for you! Be infused! God bless you!

I'm All Shook Up!

I'm all shook up! I just can't take it anymore! It's been a while since I've had Shakeology, and it's AWFUL! My time and money has been focused so much on furnishing my new house (and making sure my bills are covered) that I have put off buying Shakeology for myself. Week after week has gone by, and I still haven't placed my order. Business has been starting to pick up for me, but it's far from steady yet. Plus, there's Christmas and all sorts of other things in which my funds have to go to. 

Yet, through all of this, I am reminded of one of my own blog entries from a while back. In it, I explained that when it comes to affordability, you really can't afford NOT to buy Shakeology. I need to take my own advice because without it, my health is really messed up! I need my magic flower! It keeps me looking and feeling young and full of energy. It banishes my food cravings, turns off my appetite, helps me with my weight-loss, keeps me regular, and supercharges my immune system (which is so important at this time of year). Never have I needed it more than now because I have been extremely exhausted; never rested enough. I've also been battling the never-ending cold which RARELY happens when I am on Shakeology. It's like a super shield from sickness (I'm not exaggerating!). It's really is THAT good! You've read my story, right? I've shared it all before! 

Thankfully, my cold is nearly gone. Though, it would have only lasted a couple days (if at all) if I had Shakeology in my system. I was fortunate enough (this time) not to have to go to the doctor for it. It's a good thing too, because I can't afford an office visit! So, you know what, this chick is going to have to get her shake back lol! I'm TIRED of feeling tired! I'm tired of my pain level being so high (yeah, it always reduced my aches and pains a LOT!). To feel alive and functional is priceless! Shakeology is worth every penny! One delicious shake a day. SO EASY!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! If you haven't tried Shakeology to see what a difference it can make for you, remember that you CAN buy a sample pack to try before you buy a bag. Also, remember that it's GUARANTEED when you do buy a bag of it! Send it back (even if the bag is empty) if you don't like it and you'll get a refund! The customer service is EXCELLENT and there's no hassle (I can vouch for this!). You have nothing to lose! Oh, and today is the last day to buy a challenge pack (workout program plus Shakeology) and get $20 off a future purchase; plus, Team Beachbody donates $20 to Feeding America. You also only have until December 2nd to capitalize on the Black Friday deals! Click on any of my links for more details! Be infused! God bless you! 

How Do You Break a Plateau?

When it comes to losing weight, we all hit that dreaded point where we plateau. We stay stagnant for a while and don't seem to be making any progress. Why is that? How can you break that plateau and start losing again?

In this article, you can read more about breaking plateaus. A few of the tips include taking some periods of rest as well as varying your exercise routine. Our bodies get wise to the patterns we start forming and it adapts accordingly. Therefore, it starts to become less effective when it is no longer feeling challenged. That means, you have to change it up! Work harder; but also remember to give your body recovery times too!

Another thing to do is to change your diet. Make sure you're getting a variety. Your body can get too used to the same foods too. Be diligent about getting enough protein (like in eggs) and eat foods (like almonds, avocados) that have monounsaturated fats which can help you BURN fat. :) And, of course, don't forget Shakeology! It has protein, antioxidants, and tons of others nutrients to help you lose weight, suppress your appetite, and stay healthy!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you're all doing well and that these blogs are helping you on your fitness and wellness journey! I'm here for you! Be infused! God bless you!

How to Prevent and Fight Seasonal Illnesses

I don't know about where you live, but here in my town we've seen our first snow! It didn't stick around much, but it's definitely a sign that colder temperatures and winter weather is coming!

That also means that seasonal illnesses are likely on their way too! That's always a bummer! Who has time to be sick?! Certainly not me! However, I'm afraid I MIGHT be coming down with something. Ugh! I really don't have time for this! It makes me seriously regret that I haven't ordered my Shakeology. I had been so consistent with it (and was feeling WONDERFUL and healthy). Unfortunately, I put it off because I have been focusing on things I needed for my new house. I need my magic flower back!! :(

Until then, I will just have to do what I can to battle what I've got. I've been drinking orange juice, having a Dannon pro-biotic drink shot every day, and just had some chicken soup tonight. Plus, I've been googling for tips on how to fight whatever I've got. Hopefully, it's just a mild cold. I found this article and it has several good tips in there for how to take care of yourself. I'm sure some of it you'll already know, but there might be some things you didn't know. It says to blow your nose "the right way". Meaning, one nostril at a time because you can blow too hard and back up your sinuses and give yourself an earache. Check it out!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I am hoping to get to bed earlier tonight and get the rest I need. Hopefully, I won't feel awful tomorrow! Here's to hoping all of you stay healthy and well! Drink your Shakeology! Trust me, it's the best preventative medicine there is!

The Magic Flower

Some say that there is no "fountain of youth". There is no way to stay young and healthy forever. It's true. Aging and deterioration is a natural part of life. But what if there was a way to slow it down and maximize your health? What if you really could feel healthier, more energetic, and younger...would you want to? Of course you would! 

That's why I am such an advocate of Shakeology. You have heard me share my story before. It's as true now as it ever was. In fact, maybe even more so because I actually haven't bought a fresh supply in a while. I have been putting all my time and money into my new house that I put off getting Shakeology like I should. I'll tell you what, I can definitely tell a difference!! My pain level has been very high and my energy level has been very low. Keeping up with everything has been such a chore! It's been much more tiring than usual. It's a horrible feeling because once you get used to feeling alert, strong, and full of vigor, it's a big downer when you feel weak and like you've gotten the life sucked out of you! I feel like mother Gothel from "Tangled" who always needed her magic flower fix in order to be young, beautiful, and full of life again lol! If there ever was a REAL magic flower or fountain of youth, Shakeology is DEFINITELY it! 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you are having a great weekend! Sorry that this blog is late, but despite my pain and fatigue, I have still been working hard at getting my house ready! I'm worn out and exhausted and wishing that I hadn't decided to skimp on my Shakeology supply. I'm definitely going to have to fix that! I encourage you to try it (if you haven't already) or to go back to it if you stopped. Your body will thank you for it! Be infused! God bless you! 

A Glass Full a Day Keeps the Doctor FAR Away!

You've heard me talk about Shakeology plenty. You've read about my own personal success and are hopefully seeing just how worthwhile it is! However, maybe you're still not convinced. Maybe, a doctor's recommendation is what it would take for you. If so, watch the video below to see what real doctors are saying about Shakeology and the benefits it provides. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, I wonder what a whole glass full of goodness truly does?!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you're having a great weekend! I sure am!! Be infused! God bless you!

Putting One Foot in Front of the Other

One of the biggest questions everyone has when they decide to commit to a healthier lifestyle is, "How do I get started?" Often times, it seems overwhelming because you sometimes feel like you have to change everything at once.

The best way to start changing your life is to take it one step at a time. Think about your ultimate goal, and then break it down into smaller ones. Think about the things you want to change and then make a step-by-step game plan. Evaluate your habits and identify patterns. Figure out what is and isn't working for you.

Make simple changes and work your way up! Take the broad goal of "eat better" and start with "today, I am going to choose a salad instead of a burger" or "I will drink water instead of soda." Then, see if you can turn it into a "streak". See how long you can drink water instead of soda each day! Clean out your fridge and cupboards and stock them with good things for your body. There's all sorts of things you can start doing little by little; adding them to your life gradually. Even with exercise, you don't have to start out by working out an hour a day seven days a week. How about just five or ten minutes today; even if it's just a walk? Just get moving SOMEHOW for a least a few minutes each day and work your way up!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! As you begin to make more and more choices, you will notice how much better you look and feel inside and out. Keep it up and be patient with yourself!! You can do it!! Just put one foot in front of the other (remember the old Winter Warlock lol!). Just step forward and start moving! Also, remember that I'm here to help you too! Sign up for a FREE Team Beachbody account and be a part of Infusion 413 so I can be your official coach and help you do whatever you need to do to reach your goals! Be infused! God bless you!

The Best Decision of Your Life!

Every day, we make hundreds of decisions; from the simple to the complex. We are constantly making choices that are going to shape our day and ultimately our lives. Therefore, it's important to make the best choices possible so that we can live the highest quality of life possible.

One of the most common and frequent choices that we make each day is what we're going to eat for each meal. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and of course there are probably snacks thrown in) we have the option to fuel our body with things that will help or hinder the functioning of our internal system. These days, I don't think many people think too much about what we're putting into ourselves. As a result, we are often slowed down and not living up to our potential.

The choice to be at optimum health is the most important choice we will ever make! If our health is poor, then our quality of life (and the duration in which we get to live it) is shortened. I don't know about you, but I want to LIVE! I don't want to just "get by", exist, and feel mediocre. I want to be the best I can be; not just for me, but for my kids, family, friends, and to be able to serve others. My life has purpose and if I am to live to fulfill what God has planned for my life, I have to take care of myself if I'm going to have anything to offer the world.

In the video below, Carl Daikeler (CEO of Beachbody), explains why Shakeology is the best choice you'll ever make. Yeah, there's other nutrition drinks out there. Sure, you could spend all day eating fruits, vegetables, and swallowing vitamins all day. However, do you really have TIME for that? How about making a simple and easy choice. Drink Shakeology! Not only do you get your protein, vitamins, antioxidants, and all your fruits and veggies, but you get the pro-biotics and digestive enzymes that your system needs to keep you healthy, fight illness, and keep you regular. Then, there's that added benefit of feeling satisfied (instead of crazy hungry all the time) and not craving sugar and fatty foods all the time. Oh yeah, and the weight-loss is the biggest bonus. Did I mention that all those anti-oxidants make your hair, skin, and nails look good too? You're talking to a girl that usually has dry skin, circles under her eyes, allergies, and mild pimple breakouts. All of that is virtually non-existent when I'm consistently drinking Shakeology. My body is looking good inside AND out! Drinking this every day is the best thing I could do for myself; and I'm worth it! You are too!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! If you've been pondering whether or not to take a chance and try Shakeology for yourself, I encourage you to just do it! It's guaranteed and it's the best choice you will ever make for your life! Be infused! God bless you!

How to Make Your Life a Lot Easier

I don't know about you, but I think life should be easier! Though, you've probably been told at some point (as I have) that most things in life AREN'T easy. There's no "easy" button; well, unless you buy one at Staples lol! If you want anything worthwhile, you'll probably have to work for it. In order have success in your work, personal, and family life, you have to invest in it. You have to do whatever it takes to make it work; which means taking the appropriate action in order to make it happen. Idleness doesn't yield much. Eventually, the parts of your life that you're not putting any effort into will break down.

I'm sure all of this is not new news or rocket science. Yet, it seems like we live in a society where more and more people are trying to get more even if they're doing less. We're always looking for easier ways of doing things (or having things done for us) without having to put the blood, sweat, and tears into it. Though, as Dr. Phil would say, "How's that working for ya?"

Fitness and nutrition is one of those areas of our lives that is becoming increasingly harder to focus on. We are so busy (or just plain disinterested) in investing in it. However, we still want and wish we had the results that come with having an active lifestyle and a healthy diet. So, what if I told you that for once, there IS a better and easier way to fix that part of your life? What if you could get all the nutrition you know you need to be getting in something as simple as a drink? What if you could workout for a minimum amount of time each day but still get stunning results? What if it were that simple? Well, for once, IT IS!!

If you hate fruits and veggies, or just don't have the time and money to mess with all that fresh food hassle, then you'll be happy to know that you can get all that you need without having to go to all that effort! FINALLY, a rare loophole in life! You CAN get all the stuff that pesky food pyramid says you're supposed to have the EASY way! Seriously, NO EFFORT required and MAXIMUM BENEFITS! I should know because that's what I'M DOING! I do not have the time and money to buy and prepare a bunch of fresh fruits and veggies all the time (and not in the quantities a person is supposed to have on a daily basis). I prefer the easy way; drinking them (and no, we're not talking about juicing...which is also a chore and a bore!). I just drink one delicious shake a day and I'm DONE! My body does the rest! All those pro-biotics, protein, nutrients, antioxidants, and fruit/veggies that are crammed into one shake is all I need to be healthy, regular, energetic, and LOSE WEIGHT too! Sometimes, I just drink that shake and smile saying "this is just too easy...I cannot believe it's this simple!" The number on the scale (and on the tape measure) always says "believe it!" My body is telling me "thank you" for all that proper fuel by rewarding me with the results I've been wanting! Maybe there IS an "easy" button after all!

Well, there's your "easy" button for your inside! Now, how about one for the outside? I'm taking care of that one by pressing another button: the "play" button on my DVD player! My body is looking a lot better and feeling stronger these days because I have a great exercise routine! Twenty-five minutes a day, five days a week. Boom! DONE! Heck, if I only had 10 minutes a day, I could get it done in just that amount of time too! Fitness simplified! Working out doesn't have to take forever! You don't have to be like those people on "The Biggest Loser" who workout all day every day in order to lose weight! You really can have great results without making your whole life revolve around it! After all, we all have other parts of our lives that require our time too, right? So, why not make this one part of your life easier?!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope that in taking just a few minutes out of your busy life to read this, you've learned how you can make the health and fitness part of your life just a little bit simpler! A fit and healthy "you" is a HAPPY "you"! Invest in yourself! You're worth it! You'll be at your best and ready to invest in everyone and everything else around you! The rest of your life will be that much better when you're in peak condition to give to it! Be infused! God bless you!

From the Inside Out

Last Tuesday, I talked about the first of Dr. Phil's 7 keys to weight-loss freedom: right thinking. This week, it's all about feelings (which often go hand in hand with our thoughts).

It's really important to get our thoughts and feelings sorted out if we are going to have success in our weight-loss battle. If you think and feel negatively about yourself, you will sabotage any chance you have at success. That's why I have also talked about Joyce Meyer's book Battlefield of the Mind; as well as The Lord's Table. It's CRITICAL to get your mind and heart in sync if you want to achieve victory! I can't even begin to tell you how much these books have helped sort me out and put things into perspective!

Many of us are probably aware of the fact that we are emotional eaters (at least at times). If you would like to take the emotional eating test, click here! For me, I have had lots of emotional reasons to eat. Sometimes, it was for no real reason at all other than boredom or "just because". Other times, it was because I was sad and depressed (or even in "good moods" too). It really wasn't hard to find an excuse to eat. It wasn't until I really started becoming consciously aware of my thoughts and feelings that I realized that I was eating rather mindlessly. If left unchecked, that kind of behavior becomes so automatic and you end up packing on the pounds before you know it!

Dr. Phil always says that it's not "what you eat, but WHY you eat." We have to examine our thoughts and feelings and the ways that we are connecting them with food. Then, we've got to separate them from each other. If we can do that, and deal with our thoughts and emotions effectively, we won't use food as a tool to manage our internal struggles.

Grace and peace to you, my friends! May you be mindful and aware of what's going on inside your mind and heart! Journal those things, pray, talk with a friend for accountability, and even get professional counseling to deal with any tough issues you might uncover inside yourself. You are on your way to better health; from the inside out! Be infused! God bless you!!

Experience Your Own Success Story!

I love Shakeology Saturdays because I always look forward to talking about something that has helped me so much! You might remember from reading my Shakeology story that I lost around EIGHT POUNDS when I tried it for the first time. Once again, I am happy to report that in this past month, Shakeology and Focus T25 has resulted in a SEVEN POUND LOSS! Praise God! My body fat is down by 1.5% and I have lost inches as well (and the program isn't even finished yet!).

I'm feeling healthier and stronger all the time as I work hard to get to my goal weight! I feel more confident than ever that I will succeed and get to where I need to be! Every ounce of progress that I make is an encouragement! I always feel accomplished when I finish a workout and when I deny my food cravings (if I even get them at all). Shakeology eliminates the insane sweet tooth that I used to have and I just eat less in general because I don't have a raging appetite or desire to eat constantly! Additionally, in the cases where I do feel that I want something that isn't the best choice, I feel like God is helping me to refocus and resist. I feel more disciplined, self-controlled, and stabilized. God is transforming me from the inside out in so many ways!

Are you ready to experience your own success story? What are you waiting for?! Don't let the cost factor scare you! Find a way to make yourself a priority and do whatever it takes to better yourself (consider becoming a Team Beachbody coach and receive an employee discount as well as extra income from helping others when they buy these life changing products!). Remember, YOU'RE WORTH IT and so are the people in your life who will benefit from a better and healthier you!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope that my experiences will be an encouragement to you. Be inspired and realize that YOU can achieve your goals too! Please, watch the video below and know that with Shakeology, a little exercise (and prayer), you can and WILL get there too! Be infused!! God bless you!

You Can't Afford NOT to!

"I can't afford that" is the statement I get most often when people consider purchasing Shakeology. To most, $4.00 a shake ($3.00 a shake when you become a coach) seems like a lot. However, if you REALLY crunch the numbers, it is MORE than affordable!

I remember when I first tried Shakeology. I really loved it and wanted to get more because it did so much for me (and still does). Though, cost has sometimes been a factor for me as well. So, I tried to reason that I could still get everything that was in Shakeology if I just ate enough fruits and veggies, bought some vitamins, etc. However, what you don't realize is that to get the same benefits in Shakeology, you would pay SO MUCH MORE! Watch the video below to see a humorous and informative take on just what's in Shakeology and what you would need to buy in order to get everything you get in a one month's supply!

I hope you will consider Shakeology and all it can do for your health! In the big picture of things, you are spending a lot less than what you think (less doctor visits, less junk food bought when your cravings decrease, less food consumed in general, etc.). $4.00 on a healthy shake is $4.00 you're NOT spending at McDonald's, the vending machine at work, or some other meal that will never give you what Shakeology can! Think about it and crunch the numbers for yourself based on where your food budget is currently going! You'll probably be surprised and realize that you CAN afford Shakeology (and that you'll actually be saving money!). When it comes to better health, you can't afford NOT to have Shakeology! Go ahead! Try it! Send back an empty bag if you don't like it and get a refund (less s&h). You're pretty much trying it for FREE, so why not?!!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Be infused! God bless you!!

My Shakeology Story

Over the years, I have tried a lot of different nutrition and weight-loss products. I'm sure many of you have done the same. You see an infomercial or some kind of ad that pushes some "miracle" product. You hear all this hype about a new diet pill, fitness drink, powder, etc. and you decide to try it. Though, if you're like me, you don't stick with the product for long for one reason or another. A lot of times, it's because it doesn't do what it promises or it loses its effectiveness. Other times, we just get tired of it and can't stick with it for various reasons; like if it doesn't taste good.

All of these reasons are why I didn't feel like trying Shakeology when I first heard about it three years ago. My own Team Beachbody coach, Dana, sent me a sample. She kept telling me how great it was and asked if I had tried it yet. I kept putting it off and told her I would get around to it eventually and let her know. All the while, it was sitting on top of my refrigerator and I didn't give it much thought. I found it hard to believe that a fitness drink could be as awesome as she, or the company, was promising. I was also convinced that it would probably taste chalky and that I would have to choke it down. Yet, I knew I would have to get it over with at some point so my coach would quit bugging me about it. Plus, it's the least I could do since she took the time to send me a sample. So, I got out a glass and poured some milk and the chocolate Shakeology into it (this is how little I cared). I mixed it by hand with a spoon and braced myself for what was to come next. To my great shock, it tasted really good! Even without using a blender, it had dissolved well and it wasn't gritty or chalky. I remember thinking it tasted like brownie batter. Needless to say, I finished it in no time and wished I had tried it sooner! I told Dana that I liked it and definitely wanted to get more! 

I remember that during my first month of drinking Shakeology, I lost 8 pounds or more. That was a big deal to me! Even better than that was the fact that this drink was doing what it promised (and then some!). Not only was I getting impeccable taste and nutrition, but it was living up to its hype! My craving for sweets was drastically minimized and virtually eliminated. I didn't yearn for junk food and sugars (and started getting more repulsed by them). I also became more "regular" and felt less and less sluggish and had more energy. Another pleasant surprise was that for some reason, my allergies bothered me less and less and my skin looked better too! 

Over the past three years, I have been off and on of Shakeology (depending on what I could afford at the time). Ideally, I like to stay on it because I notice a big difference when I'm not taking it. I have also observed that I don't get sick very often either; or if I do, it's very minor and short lived. It truly is something that I would rather not live without! It has helped me in so many ways! It's MORE than worth the $4.00 a day! After all, Ben Franklin said that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." If you don't like doctors and hospitals, this will definitely aid you in staying away from them. ;) 

So, what's your Shakeology story? How has it worked for you? Haven't tried it yet? What are you waiting for?! It's GUARANTEED!! If you don't like it, send it back (even if the bag is EMPTY!) and you'll get your money back (less s&h). No hassle! The customer service is GREAT (and you're not calling some foreign country haggling with someone you can't understand!). Go ahead, try it and be amazed at what it does for you! 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Thank you for reading my story. Watch the short video below and hear a few more as well as more information about Shakeology! Then, click on my link to buy your own! Be infused! God bless you! :)

Smooth Move!

It's food Friday!! Yum!! But, wait a minute, "healthy" food isn't supposed to taste good! Right? WRONG!! :) You can STILL enjoy food AND get the nutrients that you need at the same time! Seriously! You can usually find lower-calorie/healthier versions of almost any entree that you love! Healthy food is just as tasty!

How's this for a smooth move towards health?! Click here to view a collection of smoothie recipes that are are good and good for you! :) Also, don't forget, if you want the grand-daddy of all shakes and smoothies, it doesn't get any better than Shakeology (and you can always add extra fruit to it for even more taste and nutrition!). You can find recipes for Shakeology on Team Beachbody, or you can create your own! More than likely, I will also post some from time to time as well!

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! Good food and better health is at your fingertips (don't you just love the information age?!). Search Google, recipe sites, and even Pinterest for great meal ideas! Also, if you have any good recipes to share, feel free to comment! I would love to share some of your food concoctions on my blog! :) Team participation! Don't be shy! Be infused!! God bless you!

Don't Be Shy! Modify!!

When thinking about the "tip" that I wanted to talk about for the first "tips and tools" Tuesday, I already had something at the forefront of my mind. It may not seem like a big deal, but if you really thing about it, it is! Maybe it's because I tend to be an "all or nothing" black/white type of person, so this is something I have to remind myself of often. That thing is "modification." 

Modification can be an uncomfortable concept because modifying means you're changing something. Change isn't always something that most enjoy, but with the right mindset, it can be a great thing! For me, however, I don't always like that word when it comes to my workouts or my nutrition. Doing different workout moves, adjusting recipes, or anything that isn't "exactly" like what the program says or what someone else is doing tends to bother me! I can't begin to tell you how many times I used to get frustrated with a workout because I couldn't do it like the people in the video. Sometimes, it was because I hadn't learned the moves yet. Other times, it was because I hadn't built up the endurance to keep up or I physically couldn't/shouldn't do what they were doing. In my mind, I had to do everything "right" or I didn't want to do it at all! I figured that messing up or doing it a different way would be a wasted effort and I wouldn't be able to get the results I wanted. This isn't true! 

I have learned over the years that, like one of my teachers used to say, "you've got to adjust and adapt." Everyone is an individual, so modification is NECESSARY to personalize things for yourself! It took me a long time to discover what works for me because everyone tells you what machine you should buy or what workout program to do or what foods to eat. All of these are helpful things that should be taken into consideration, but then adjusted to fit your needs so that you can adapt accordingly. I had to find out the hard way that machines and gadgets are NOT my style. I had an ab rocker, ab roller, elliptical, gazelle, and all sorts of stuff like that before I realized that I am not an equipment person. I get bored and annoyed; working out becomes a chore! Then, I would eventually give up! However, once I figured out that I really liked Team Beachbody DVD workout programs, I had a LOT more success! Great trainers, who create motivating and structured routines that keep you moving along, are what keep me from dreading and avoiding working out! 

Never feel bad if a workout program isn't for you, or if you HAVE to modify some moves. Tailor everything to your needs and what your body can do. Try your hardest and push yourself to do more, but don't go beyond what you KNOW you should. For me, that's keeping an eye on my back, neck, and feet. If there are "jumping" moves, I do the modifications. Sometimes, it still nags at me in the back of my mind and I get upset that I can't do what they're doing. But, I remind myself that my best IS good enough and that as long as I'm giving my all with what I've got (and keeping my heart rate up, which is the main idea) I'm going to do well! Even now, I'm doing Focus T25 and I have to modify a lot of the moves, but I'm having GREAT success anyways because I'm making everything count that I CAN do!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Be encouraged! :) Whatever you're trying to accomplish, you CAN do it! Do your best and allow God to keep infusing you with the strength to make it through it! Contact me for help in choosing what program will be best for YOU and your needs! God bless you!

Infused to Overcome Anything!

Getting started. That's usually the hardest part of any process. Taking the first step is usually a mixture of emotions. There's excitement as well as fear. You wonder what you're getting into; you wonder about the unknowns and about what you'll face on the journey as you make your way to the end goal. It can be very intimidating! 

That's how I felt back in 2007 when I told the Lord that I wanted to be serious about losing weight and getting healthy. I don't think I remember a time where I actually felt that I was at a normal weight (though, what woman does?!). All I remember is that by 2007, I was WAY OVER what I should be and I wanted to give it to God. When I did, I lost over 40 pounds! 

Now, here I am again. I still have never reached my initial goal of 150 pounds (even though I've come close). I have been up and down over the years in various weight ranges due to loss of focus and discipline (and excuses). However, I'm not giving up and I know I WILL get there! He's always there to help me and I succeed when I rely on Him!

In 2010, I became an Independent Team Beachbody Coach because the workout programs and Shakeology had really helped me and I wanted to help others too. I am SO GLAD I decided to become a coach because not only am I helping others, I am helping myself too. There's more accountability for yourself when you commit to helping others be accountable too. Additionally, there are the perks of getting a coach discount on the products and earning extra income as I get fit! There really is no downside (and ANYONE can do it...no matter your fitness level!). 

That's what brings me to this new blog. I have a regular blog, but I also wanted to start a blog that was specific to health and fitness. My goal is to share a little something every day to motivate, inspire, as well as promote the kind of products that will help people reach their goals! 

Today, it's "Media Monday" where I will post some kind of media; whether it's a heart pumping workout song, a video of some sort, or article of some kind. For the opening entry of this new blog, I feel the perfect thing to share is this song from Mandisa called "Overcomer". I actually heard it for the first time just last night (and in a moment where I had been personally feeling down). It was such an encouragement to me, and I hope it is for you too! It reminded me that no matter what, God gives us what we need to get through anything! It also brought me back to the verse that has always been the inspiration for my journey (and the meaning behind the name of this blog/business). Philippians 4:13 says we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. In the Amplified version of the Bible, it uses the words "empower" and "infuse". For me, that's a powerful encouragement and thinking about being filled and infused with the strength of the Almighty God is just mind-blowing to me! Of COURSE I can do anything if I have the strength of God Himself inside of me!! Think about it!! 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Thank you for reading this blog! If you're already on my team, GREAT! If not, please sign up for a FREE account so I can be your coach and help you reach your goals! Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have and/or leave your comments! Be infused!! God bless you!