Another Peachy Recipe!

I thought I would continue celebrating National Peach Month with another recipe. If peaches aren't your thing, I apologize. To peach their own. ;)

Today's recipe is for Peaches and Creme Shakeology! I love that there are so many ways to vary up the daily shake! You don't have to have just plain old vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, greenberry, or the vegan flavors. Variety is so much fun!

Peaches and  Creme Shakeology

1 serving Vanilla Shakeology
1 cup frozen sliced peaches
2/3 cup water
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Mix in a blender with ice (more or less to suit consistency preference). You can also add any of the new Shakeology boost powders for added benefits (Focused Energy, Power Greens, Digestive Health). Enjoy!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Click here for more Shakeology recipes! Be infused! God bless you!

Fresh Fire!

Happy new year! It's 2015! Time for the cliche "new year, new you" stuff, right? Nah, I'm not even going to go there! I'm not going to encourage the "new year's resolutions" stuff at all. Over the years, I have come to find that it's almost counterproductive and self-defeating. It's especially true if you tend to battle with "all or nothing" tendencies as I often have.

Don't get me wrong. It's good to set goals and resolve to do/be your best. However, I think sometimes we have a tendency to fall short and then beat ourselves up too much after leaping into something too fast (especially if we don't have a well thought out plan of execution). We set ourselves up for failure by having such high hopes and then feel terrible once we realize that we've bitten off more than we can chew.

It doesn't have to be that way. Regardless if it's a new year, or just a new day, you can start fresh whenever you choose; even if you feel like you've blown it already! I have started over more times (and in more ways) than I can even begin to list! I have often attempted to achieve the same objectives (such as weight-loss) multiple times over the years. I have had successes and failures with that goal more times than I could ever count. All I know is that at any time, I can choose to start again; and if I do it through God's strength and not my own, it definitely WORKS and LASTS as long as I keep my focus on Him.

That is my long-term goal; in weight-loss and in everything. I want to be infused with all the good things of the Lord. My life will be better and I will be able to fulfill anything and everything that He wants me to do if I'm abiding in Him and He's living in me. I don't have to rely on my own willpower to try to accomplish all that resolution type stuff. I will just keep failing myself. God is the only one that is unfailing. I have to depend on Him for my success.

I am going to start a little bit at a time; making better and different choices as much as possible and listening to God's guidance in the process. I mean this regarding all aspects of my life, but I am particularly focusing on my weight-loss again because it has become very urgent that I do something about it. I am ashamed to say that I am likely at my all-time highest weight and it is not healthy or wise for me to be where I am at. I am going to focus on incorporating a workout routine into my life again (in case you're considering it as well, 3 Day Refresh, 21 Day Fix, and Insanity Max 30 are the featured promotions/programs for January). Even if I have to start with small increments of time and lower impact activities, I'll do what I can and work my way up. I'm also going to be making a
conscious effort to improve my nutritional habits/choices. Prayer is and will continue to be the key to motivation and success...and I am going to utilize it! I want the "fresh fire" that a dear sister of mine in the Lord has mentioned that she feels is going to happen in 2015. I've been sensing it too and I want to be a part of it!

How about you? Are you like me? Are you finding that there is something in your life that you need to change? Whether it's weight-loss, breaking an addiction, finding your purpose, or whatever else, God has the answers. Seek Him! He will bring answers as well as that FRESH FIRE! Additionally, let's team up! Contact me or leave a comment regarding what I can pray for you about/help you with. We will journey this road together no matter what it is!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! If there's one thing that we should be sure to resolve to do, it's seek the Lord; this year, next year, and every year....and all 365 days of each one! We are humans and we fail, but no matter what, HE doesn't fail US! Keep searching and seeking! God bless you!

Almond Paradise

Be honest. When you read the title, you thought of "Amish Paradise" by Weird Al, didn't you....or was it just me?! If you're like, "ohmigosh, yes!" that's great, because then I won't feel like such a dope lol. If not, then I guess I'm really losing it because that's what registered in my brain when I saw the title for this Shakeology recipe. I don't know if it was because I was tired or if I just caught the "A" and the "paradise" and it just made me do a double take or what. Who knows lol?! Anyways, I just had to laugh at myself a little bit because that's what I thought of when I first caught sight of the title. Just thought I'd share that blooper with you! ;)

Anyways, here is the recipe itself! It features the vegan tropical strawberry flavor (which I mentioned last week is now better than ever!).

Almond Paradise 

1 serving vegan tropical strawberry Shakeology
1 cup almond milk
1 tsp. all-natural almond butter

Mix all ingredients in a blender with desired amount of ice to suit your consistency preference. Enjoy!


Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you are having a great weekend! Ok...just for fun, here's the Weird Al video lol. You are welcome lol! Hey, "I don't care who ya are...that's funny right there!" (especially if you grew up around a lot of Amish like I did). Amish are cool people (and I mean no disrespect by posting this; it's all in good humor). 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!

Healthy Pina Coladas!

The new year is fast approaching! That means it's time to make those "resolutions" to be healthy, right? That also means that you're grudgingly going to "diet" and complain about not getting to eat your favorite things anymore while munching lettuce leaves and eventually giving up after you give into a food craving. Well, it doesn't have to be that way! Not only can you reduce your cravings, lose weight, and gain energy, but you don't have to feel starved (and you can still find ways to eat what you love). How? With Shakeology! In just ONE delicious shake a day, you will get all the nutrition you need, feel satisfied, and enjoy every minute of it!  If you've read my story, you know it's true! 

Here's a treat for you; a pina colada! It's a delicious treat that is actually good for you! Who says you can't have your shake and drink it too? ;) 

Pina Colada Shakeology

1 serving Vanilla Shakeology

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup 100% pineapple juice

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix ingredients in a blender with ice (more or less to suit your consistency preference). 

That recipe is from my Shakeology site. However, my own version goes a little something like this: 

Melissa's Chocolatey Pina Colada

1 serving Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup vanilla almond milk

1/2 cup fresh pineapple

Shredded coconut (probably 1/3 cup? Whatever the serving size is on the package).

Mix ingredients in a blender with ice (more or less to suit your consistency preference). This is one of my favorites! It's so good (and VERY filling. You might have to adjust the ingredients to your liking).  

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you are having a good weekend! Be infused! God bless you!

Good Thanksgiving Foods

Thanksgiving is coming up. That means family get-togethers and lots of food! That also means the temptation to overeat and gain some extra pounds. No one wants that.

According to this article, our Thanksgiving foods aren't all that bad. Many of our Thanksgiving favorites are pretty good for us! The main course, turkey, is almost always a good choice. I say "almost" because baking your turkey is always a lower calorie option rather than deep frying your turkey. Either way, though, you're going to be getting a lot of nutrients and protein. Protein is always good! :)

Potatoes aren't always a bad thing either. You just have to be careful not to have TOO much butter and extras with it. Limit your portions and you'll be fine. The same thing with almost any other dish. Pumpkin pie, for example, has a lot of good nutrition in it too, but take it easy on the Cool Whip.

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Enjoy your Thanksgiving celebrations! It truly is a blessing to be able to reflect on all you have in the presence of your family while getting to enjoy an abundance of food. There are so many that don't even have a fraction of it! Be infused! God bless you!

Would Dr. Oz Recommend Shakeology?

Do any of you watch Dr. Oz? I've caught his show a few times. I think it's a fun and informative show. However, I think some of his advice just isn't realistic for a lot of people out there. I remember seeing one show where he was talking about different foods that prevent different diseases and reduce your risks for health issues. He said that women should have half a cup of red onions every day to prevent ovarian cancer. I don't know about you, but even if I had the time or desire to chop up onions every day, I don't think I would WANT to eat onions every day!

When we hear advice like that, it can sometimes be overwhelming. If you think about all the different foods and things you would have to eat in order to have your best shot at preventing disease and staying healthy, you would be buying TONS of food and preparing it constantly each day! Who has the time or money for that?!

That's why I'm so glad there's an easier way! With Shakeology, I can have all the things that Dr. Oz, or Katie Couric, promotes on their shows without having to spend a lot of time and money in order to get it! Just watch the video below and see how you can get $40 worth of nutrition into one glass (but pay $4 instead!). Four bucks or forty bucks...which would you rather pay? I think that's an easy answer! Just $4 a day for great health? You can't afford not to! Ditch that value meal at McD's and have a shake that tastes like a guilty pleasure but is oh-so-good for you! :)

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! Enjoy this short video below! I think you'll be surprised at just how much is crammed into Shakeology and all you would have to eat each day to get the same benefits! I hope Dr. Oz tries Shakeology someday! I don't know how he couldn't recommend this! I definitely think he would if he knew about it! Other doctors have (I've even shown it to a couple doctors I have seen and they said it was very healthy for me when I showed them the nutritional information). Be infused! God bless you!

Optimum Health is Waiting!

Every day, I look forward to drinking Shakeology. It not only tastes good, but it's superior nutrition. It's such good fuel for my body! I especially love to drink it right after my workout because what better way to recover from a tough workout than by putting such great nutrition into your body to rebuild?!

Watch this short video, featuring Tony Horton, as he mixes up some Shakeology. It's so simple! Shakeology, ice, water (or my preference, almond milk), etc. and blend to perfection! It's so delicious!

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! If you haven't already tried Shakeology, what are you waiting for?! Optimum health is waiting! As I mentioned last week, it's never been easier to sample the best tasting stuff on earth! Order a sample pack and see for yourself! Be infused! God bless you!

Quality Fuel

Calories. We hear about them all the time. Though, do most of us even know much about what they really are? This article explains some basic concepts about calories; including the fact that a calorie is "a unit of heat energy." That heat energy is "what really fuels our body just the same way that gasoline is what fuels your car's energy."

Like a car, you are going to be at your peak performance when you are putting the best fuel possible into yourself. Also, you function better with a full tank rather than running on empty all the time. Quantity AND quality matters!! Therefore, consider the food calories that are going into your body. Keep things balanced. Don't overeat, but don't under-eat either. Spread out your calories throughout the day into three decent meals and a couple snacks. Make sure the foods you choose have calories that are worthwhile. Your body can do a lot more with food calories and nutrients from fruits and veggies than it can from a pop tart!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I know it's hard to eat well ALL the time, but do the best you can to fuel yourself as best as possible! At the very least, drink Shakeology each day to ensure that you are getting more of what you should and craving less of what you shouldn't! Your body is a hard-working machine; treat it accordingly! Remember, you are what you eat! Work hard for your body and it will work hard for you! Be infused! God bless you!

Are You Smarter Than Katie Couric?

I'm just going to come out and say it: I am NOT a fan of Katie Couric. Never really have been. I won't begin to list the numerous reasons why, but for starters, she always acts like she's that easily amused girl who is the sidekick of some infomercial guy. She always has that giddy and corny smile and acts like everything she's hearing from whomever she's talking to is something that is a brand new idea that no one has ever heard of before.

It comes as no surprise to me that her talk show is such an eye-roller to me. I am greatly annoyed by it. I was sitting on the couch with my laptop a while back and my Dad (who is obviously in control of the remote) was watching her show that day. She had a doctor on there giving a bunch of tips on how to deal with all sorts of health and wellness issues. You can check out the link if you want. It's all good ideas, but most of it is common sense and nothing new (unless you're Katie and have never heard it before). The video below shows more of what the doctor was talking about. The whole time I was watching it, I was laughing at how awestruck Katie was at his advice. I was also shaking my head at how much effort (and money) it would take to be able to get all of those foods, nutrients, vitamins, and supplements that the doctor said would help you. All I could say was, "Oh, Katie, if you only knew!" She should just have someone from Team Beachbody on there to say, "Or, you could just drink Shakeology every day." Seriously, why hassle with all the nonsense that they are promoting in this video?! If you check out Shakeology and read about the ingredients, you'll find that a lot of what they're promoting is already in ONE glass a day of Shakeology! Heck yeah! MUCH better, cost friendlier, and DEFINITELY much tastier!

I'll give Katie a break here; she really is trying and she doesn't know any better. If she did, she would be just as pumped up over Shakeology like the rest of us who already know it rocks! So, in THIS particular case, Katie isn't being willingly ignorant. She just needs someone to tell her about Shakeology and then she'll totally be on board (I would think). In the meantime, though, every one of you who is drinking Shakeology can have the satisfaction of knowing that you are doing something really SMART for yourself; and that you're smarter than the famous Katie Couric. ;) I'm not trying to be mean-spirited or anything; just a little humorous and blunt honest.

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! Remember, nutrition and wellness doesn't have to be complicated. Simplify your lives and make a smart and easy decision! Drink Shakeology! :) Be infused! God bless you!

Grandma's Way

Today marks a year that my Grandma has been gone. So, a part of me really doesn't feel like blogging today. However, when I do think about today (as well as this being "Shakeology Saturday") it kind of makes me laugh because I think about how Grandma always used to get after us kids to eat our fruits and vegetables. When she cooked her magnificent meals, she always made sure she hit most of the food groups. She also used to ask me what "vegetable" I had with my meal whenever I would tell her about the things I cooked for my family lol. Grandma always wanted to make sure everyone was eating well!

I can't remember if I ever shared with my Grandma about Shakeology. Though, if I had, I would have kidded with her that I was FINALLY getting the fruits and veggies that I needed for the day. More than likely, she would have made a comment that my generation is so weird and has things so easy. Grandma always worked tirelessly to prep and serve all her food. She probably would have scoffed at Shakeology because she wouldn't want to believe that it could be healthy AND filling. She always wanted to make sure we were full lol. No doubt, she would have been like "what's that?" if I were holding my Shakeology cup. I am smiling just thinking about how she would probably say her piece and shake her head.

Grandma's way was always the best way; no matter what new and improved things there were out there. All of us kids knew that (and still do). Yes, my generation is busy, spoiled, and has no time to mess with doing things "Grandma's way". I'm grateful for Shakeology lol. Though, when I have time, I always try to cook and do things the way she would have (though it NEVER tastes the same). I miss her so much!!

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! If you would like to read the post that I wrote last year (which includes the bit that I shared at her funeral) you can click here. It's full of memories and stories of her and how special she was. She taught me so much; and more than just about food. Her faith and her heart continues on in each nd every one of us that knew and loved her. We remember and miss her terribly and Grandma's ways and lessons still carry on! We'll never do everything as well as she did, but we sure will try! Perfectionism was also Grandma's way lol. ;) May we all keep striving to be and do our best! Be infused! God bless you!

Mini Breakfast Frittatas!

Here's a quick and easy thing to make (and freeze for later!). These mini breakfast frittatas look like a GREAT way to start the day! It's a smart idea for getting some protein and veggies first thing in the morning! Yum!!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you have a great weekend! Be infused! God bless you!!

Eating Right...Did You Just Roll Your Eyes?!

I know that everyone has heard the "eat right" lecture before. So, I'm sure you might be rolling your eyes right now (even I do that sometimes lol). Eating healthy can be difficult in the kind of society that we live in where we are so busy that drive-thrus are more convenient than self-preparation. Yet, everyone knows that in order to lose weight, proper nutrition is the biggest factor. Even if you exercise, it's not going to equate to very good results if you're still eating junk and too many calories! That's why it's important to eat what Dr. Phil calls "high-response cost, high-yield nutrition" foods. Obviously, those include a lot of fruits and veggies and things that aren't heavily processed. For a seven day sample menu, click here! There is also a fourteen day meal plan. Also, be sure to check out his other book: The Ultimate Weight Solution Food Guide.

Are you groaning yet lol?! Yeah, it takes more effort than we are willing to give sometimes! However, there is at least one way we can be assured that we get what we need at least for one meal of the day (and that will help reduce our cravings and appetite for junk food too). Yep, you knew I was going to say it, Shakeology! I'm not kidding, people! I'm not trying to be a broken record, but I wouldn't promote something that didn't work! Whenever I'm drinking it every day, I notice a BIG difference in myself and have amazing success! Not only am I getting my protein, nutrients, antioxidants, pro-biotics, and digestive enzymes, but all the benefits that goes along with it! I'm regular, sick less often, and even my allergies don't seem to bother me! I don't have crazy sugar cravings or a raging appetite either which results in better portion control as well. My hair, skin, and nails also look better too! The benefits are endless! I love it! It's the smartest and easiest way to get what you need without having to go to a lot of trouble! Shouldn't your life be a little easier?!!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I know that eating well can be a challenge, but you CAN learn to choose well! You can do it! You'll feel so much better about yourself and transform your health from the inside out! You're worth it and God is with you every step of the way! I'm here to support you too! Be infused! God bless you!

 

Stealthy Nutrition!

Not everyone likes their fruits and veggies (or eats ENOUGH of them). Of course, Shakeology is an EXCELLENT way to help you get what you need, but there are also some other ways to learn to eat good food (especially for kids and even adult picky eaters).

Many of you have probably already heard of this book. It's called Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food. Granted, you want your kids to learn how to eat good food without having to be "sneaky" about it. However, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do until they get to that point!! In this book, you'll find a month's worth of meals that kids will love (like a new and healthier version of macaroni and cheese). It certainly is a good way to get kids to eat healthier foods while still getting to eat their favorite things!

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! Here's to hoping we can all learn to eat better and infuse our bodies with good nutrition!! 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!

Focus + Change = Transformation!

Changes; I've been making a LOT of them lately. I can't begin to list them all, but there have been lots of shifts in my life; both big and small. For the most part, it has all occurred due to a deliberate change of focus. I've been bettering my life physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Physically, my fitness and nutrition has improved since drinking Shakeology consistently and doing the Focus T25 workouts. Mentally and emotionally, I have been purposely thinking and acting in a positive manner and concentrating on the good things of God's Word. I've been feeding my spirit with God's messages (which has also included listening to Christian music again) to fuel me and reshape my heart and mind; which has led to the better spiritual condition I've been in. I've also been actively searching for a new "church home" (I haven't been plugged into a church for quite a while).

As I reflect over the past couple months, I see how I've been transforming so much! More and more, I feel like I am becoming the person I am meant to be. These past three years have been the craziest and hardest three years of my life. It has been all the more difficult because I allowed my faith to dwindle and have gotten away from the kind of person that I used to be. Now, I feel like I'm truly rebuilding and beginning again. I have refocused on what's most important: God and Kingdom work!

Kingdom work. That's the thing that's been standing out in my mind and heart the most recently. I've thought about it all the more since visiting the church that my parents attend. They have had testimonies (particularly from the youth) where they state their name and that they're a "Kingdom worker." Every time I have heard one of those testimonies, it inspires and fires me up inside to be the kind of servant that we are all called to be (and the kind I always used to be). I am truly blessed by the kind of huge heart this church has for loving and serving others! There is such a sweet spirit of servanthood, ministry, and outreach to both the local and global community! Tonight, for example, they are having a community block party! What a great opportunity to serve and have fellowship with the community! I am going to take the kids!

I couldn't end this blog without talking a bit about the message at church today which was all about axing the excess in our lives. It fit just perfectly with all the changes I'm making in my life right now. It serves as an encouragement and affirmation from God that I am headed in the right direction. Pastor Sprinkle talked about focus and cutting out the excess in our lives that distract us from God. Whether it's having too much emphasis on our stuff, our activities, entertainment, or whatever else, we need to take a moment to shift our attention back to where it needs to be. That's something that I've learned in my workouts too as I've been doing Focus T25. Never before have I been so concentrated and focused on what I was doing. When you remember just how intentional you have to be in what you do, you get so much more out of it! I have been applying that not just in my workouts, but in all those areas of my life that I mentioned. I am AMAZED at just how more content, happy, and purpose filled I feel now! Focus + change = transformation!! It's awesome!

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! If you have been wanting change in any area of your life, you CAN achieve it if you really focus on it! Cut out distractions, commit to making changes (even small ones, which can ultimately result in big ones!) and really concentrate on what you're doing! Eliminate all the excessive things in your life that need to be cut out so you can devote more time to the most important things. Think about the limits and boundaries you need to have and redirect your time and energy to the things that matter most! As you can see, I have been pouring a lot of time and energy into Infusion 413 because I have a passion for helping people and sharing things from my life/heart that I feel God will use to minister to others. That is why I use my writing talent to blog, post statuses to encourage, and want to interact with people so they know that their coach cares about them! "My name is Melissa and I'm a Kingdom worker!" How about you? 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!

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!!