Healthy Bodies: Big & Small

Energy Boosting Mango-Matcha Green Tea Smoothie



All the smoothies I drink give me lots of energy and keep me full for hours. This smoothie is even more energizing!  The key 'super energizing' ingredient is the Shaklee Energizing Match Green Tea!

Ingredients:

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Mango Smoothee Mix* (if you can find another protein mix that has a mango flavor you could sub with that or use vanilla and add in fresh or frozen mangos. Keep in mind that would change the nutrition facts.)

1 packet Shaklee Energizing Matcha Green Tea**

1 cup water

3-5 ice cubes

Directions:  Mix the tea into the water, then pour into the blender (I found it mixes best when the tea is mixed with water prior to just adding it in powder form into the blender).  Then, add the protein mix (and mango if you are using fresh or frozen) and the ice cubes.  Blend until fully blended.

Nutrition Facts: Cals. 175  Fat 3g Carbs. 18g Fiber 4g Protein 16g










Vitamin D - Super Important in the Midwest during the Winter Months!

The reason Vitamin D is so important is because it aids our bodies in absorbing calcium and phosphorus.  Our bodies need both minerals in order to have strong healthy bones.  It is also an important device our bodies use to assist in cell to cell interchange in the entire body and plays a role in supporting the immune system.  
Vitamin D is a unique vitamin because our bodies can produce it when it is exposed to sunlight.  Anyone who has lived in the midwest knows how little sunlight we get during the cold months.  And, even if we get a sunny day, since the sun is so far away it is not as potent as it is during warmer months.  For many of us, even during the warmer months we find ourselves low in Vitamin D because of the use of sunscreen to protect against skin cancer and premature aging.  Being deficient in Vitamin D has many negatives.  Why do we need Vitamin D besides the previous reasons?  As long as our bodies have an adequate amount there are numerous health benefits.  Here is a list of just seven:
  1. Helps keep the brain functioning properly (especially during later years in life).
  2. Is a key role player in maintaining a healthy body weight.
  3. Reduces the occurrence and severity of asthma symptoms.
  4. Lowers the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
  5. Significantly lowers the risk of getting cancer.
  6. Reduces the likelihood of having a heart attack.
  7. It is the bodies main protector against radiation.  With all the cell phones and devices out there that cause little bits of radiation, I’d like as much protection from it as possible.
So, what do we do if we live in an area of the country that doesn’t have loads of sunlight year round or if we bathe ourselves in sunblock?  Take high quality Vitamin D everyday.  How much is needed?  According to the Vitamin Council adults need 5,000 IU (children and infants 1,000 IU).  On the other hand, the Endocrine Society suggests only 1,500-2,000 IU a day for adults (400-1,000 IU for children and infants).  While the Food and Nutrition Board states only 600 IU for adults, but the elderly need 800 IU (infants 400 IU and children 600 IU).  With the varying amounts suggested it is not easy to decipher how much to take.  But rest assured that they all agree that 10,000 IU daily is the limit, and strongly suggest not going over that amount.  As you can see the answer is not clear as to how much to take.  I’m not a Dr, I just like doing a lot of research on health and nutrition.  I’d suggest if you feel you may be deficient in Vitamin D, it would be a good idea to get a blood test from your Dr to see how much you should be taking.  If you are one of those people that would rather run 10 miles then go to the Dr. I’d have to say again that it’s not good being deficient in Vitamin D either.  So, take steps to maintain a healthy amount of Vitamin D for your health and well being this winter.



As always make sure if you are going to use a supplement, please make sure it is truly what you are paying for.  I only trust Shaklee because I know what is in the bottle, no fillers or sugary additives.  Plus, the dosage is accurate, unlike most other brands.  I’d hate for you to waste your money on a toxic pill that is not going to benefit you because the dosage is not accurate.  If you don’t know which brand to trust, do your research.  If you don’t have time to research, you can always check out Shaklee here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/





Almond Joy Smoothie



1 cup unsweetened almond milk

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothee Mix* or Shaklee Vitalizing Protein Vanilla Smoothie Mix**

1 tbsp Cocoa powder

2 tbsp sliced almonds

2 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes

1 tsp coconut extract

4-5 ice cubes

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Makes 1 serving.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 300   Fat 10.5g   Carbs. 33g   Protein 26g   Fiber 10g




***Nutrition facts may vary if you use a different ingredients.









Detoxing if done properly can greatly aid the body in removing toxins from the body.  The catch is, not starving the body.  Because if you starve your body then it will hold on to most of the toxins along with the extra fat you are trying to rid your body of.  The detoxes where the detoxer just drink water, broth and/or juice are not beneficial.  Those are the negative kind that few people can do and who would want to anyways.  Not me!  A mini-cleanse on the other hand is a fantastic idea for most people.  The kind of mini-cleanse that I’m referring to is the type where you eat a normal amount of calories.  The detoxer / mini-cleanser eats every 3-4 hours to keep the body full so it releases the toxins while keeping the metabolism running at top speed.  This allows the detoxer to lose fat and toxins, instead of holding on to it them.

The other difference is the same as what happens with a diet.  The dieter may lose weight but it is muscle and fat while the toxins are still hanging out in the body.  And, as soon as the dieter starts eating normal amounts of food they gain the weight back and sometimes even more weight.  Thus creating the roller coaster of dieting.  Detoxing with the starvation type does the same thing to the body, yes there is a chance some of the toxins are removed from the body.  But, once the detoxer starts eating normal again their body will hold onto the toxins and fat, because it doesn’t know if it will get food again or if it will be starved.  To get the most benefits of a mini-cleanse / detox the detoxer needs to eat often, so the body doesn’t get confused and try to hold on to any unwanted fat and toxins.



Mini-cleanses are great to cut sugar cravings and reduce bloating.

The mini-cleanse / detox that I have found works best for me, because I CAN’T starve my body is the Shaklee 5 Day Mini-Cleanse.  It is even safe for diabetics and nursing moms, I don’t know of any other detox that can say that.  For the 5 Day Mini-Cleanse / detox the detoxer eats and drinks the following along with the supplements needed to rid the body of the toxins or the 5 days, then gradually adds other foods back into the diet for best results. This 5 day Mini-Cleanse is a great way to speed up the metabolism just before starting a new healthier eating plan.



I just finished a 5 Day Mini-Cleanse losing 3.8 lbs and reducing bloating, here are my before pictures.




And, here are my after pictures!




Breakfast: Shaklee 180 Smoothee or Vitalizing Protein Smoothie w/ or w/out ½ cup fruit, Detoxifying Energizing Tea, Alfalfa Complex and Liver DTX


AM Snack: Shaklee 180 Snack Bar or other approved snack.

Lunch: Shaklee 180 Smoothee or Vitalizing Protein Smoothie w/ or w/out ½ cup fruit, Raw veggies.

PM Snack: Shaklee 180 Snack Bar or other approved snack.

Dinner: Salad, Shaklee 180 Smoothee or Vitalizing Protein Smoothie w/ or w/out ½ cup fruit, Alfalfa Complex, Liver DTX and Herb-Lax. (The last smoothie of the day can be drank later as a type of dessert instead of with the dinner salad.)



Lemon water, cucumber water, plan water, unsweetened sparkling water or herbal teas like chamomile to drink.  Must drink ½ your body weight or a minimum of 62 oz. of water a day!

On the mini-cleanse you eat 1200-1300 calories  if under 175, 1500-1600 calories if over 175, add 500 calories if nursing and add an extra 300 calories if you’re not interested in shedding excess fat during the reset, just doing it as a cleanse.  For those that weigh more than 175 pounds or are nursing need an extra snack to get the added calories.

Certain fruits are best eaten on the detox and others are best to stay away from. Approved fruits are apples, strawberries, grapefruit, watermelon, bananas, grapes, tomatoes, avocados, pineapple and lemons.  The same goes for veggies, only raw veggies that are not high in carbs.  For salad dressings the creamy kind are not allowed, only vinaigrettes or fresh salsa are okay.  Black beans, chickpeas and other beans are okay to add in to the salad or snacks for extra protein and fiber, but no sugary baked beans.  The idea is to remove all sugars and processed foods to get rid of the cravings.  It is best to not over train the body while on a detox / mini-cleanse because the body is already working hard to get rid of the fat and toxins.

To get the items needed for the mini-cleanse start here:




OR







Coconut Cream Pie Smoothie



1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothee Mix* or Vitalized Immunity Vanilla Smoothie Mix**

¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

¼ tsp coconut extract

Ice (4-5 cubes)

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 310   Fat 16g   Carbs. 24g   Protein 18g   Fiber 9g
***Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk.











Mango-Orange Dreamsicle Smoothie


1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut, rice, soy or cow’s milk)

2 tbsp Shaklee Performance Orange (or cup orange juice instead)**

1 scoop Shaklee 180 Mango Smoothee mix*

1 scoop Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothee mix*

Ice (about 4-5 cubes)

Directions: Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 276   Fat 6g   Carbs. 36.5g   Protein 17g   Fiber 7g

Or the second option, which has more carbs and is great for the days that you are very active and / or are doing an intense workout!

Dreamsicle Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut, rice, soy or cow’s milk)

3 tbsp Shaklee Performance Orange (or cup orange juice instead)**

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothee mix*

Ice (about 4-5 cubes)

Directions: Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals 309   Fat 6g   Carbs. 49g   Protein 17g   Fiber 7g


**Get the Shaklee Performance (it comes in 2 different flavors here:http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyfoundations/sports/product-_p_shaklee-performancep


***Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk or orange juice instead of performance.












Building the Bodies Immune System - Interferon




Scientists and medical communities have identified interferon as being crucial to healthy immune function.”*
“NutriFeron is an exclusive, patented formula, which provides a proprietary blend of four plant extracts designed to naturally increase levels of interferon and provide immune support at the cellular level.”*
“NutriFeron is the only dietary supplement in the U.S. created by the discoverer of interferon, world-renowned immunologist, Dr. Yashuhiko Kojima, designed to naturally increase the production of interferon in the body.”*
Understanding interferons - they are the bodies leading shield towards viral infections.  The interferons start to work against viruses before the bodies immune system has a chance to realize there is an attack on it.  Interferons have the ability to fight off bacterial and parasitic infections.  They also can restrict cell division and encourage cell differentiation.  All these things are beneficial to the bodies immune system.  Which is in turn super beneficial this time of year, when the cold and flu viruses are in full swing.  Even if your body is usually able to fight off most viruses that it comes in contact with; you will notice that you feel more sluggish for a few days because your body is trying to fight it off.  And, with all the stress that is added to everyone with the holidays it is even harder to fight infections.  So, helping your body to combat germs it comes in contact with, by giving it extra interferons through NutriFeron, will do you and your family’s health a favor.
There are no ways of getting interferons through food.  Your body makes them when it needs them, or like I mentioned earlier you can assist your body during the colder months by taking NutriFeron from Shaklee.  If you would like to get NutriFeron, you can order it at:
I hope you and your family health and happiness this holiday season!
*this information is from Shaklee.com







Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie



1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut, soy, rice or cow’s milk)

1 scoop Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothee mix* or Shaklee Vitalizing Protein Smoothie mix**

1 scoop Shaklee 180 Strawberry Smoothee mix*

½ cup strawberries (frozen or fresh)

½ cup cream cheese (I use light organic kind)

Ice (4-5 cubes)

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 342   Fat 9g   Carbs. 32.5g   Protein 31g   Fiber 8.5g




***Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk or cream cheese.









Chocolate Covered  Cherry Smoothie



1 cup milk (I use unsweetened almond, but you can use cow’s, coconut, rice or soy instead.)

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Chocolate Smoothee mix* or Shaklee Chocolate Vitalizing Protein Smoothie mix**
½ cup cherries, pitted (frozen or fresh)

Ice (4-5 cubes)

Directions: combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.



***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 259   Fat 6g   Carbs. 32g   Protein 18g   Fiber 8.5g


***Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk.









Apple Pie Smoothie




2 scoops Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothee mix* or Vitalizing Smoothie Vanilla Mix**


½ apple peeled, cored, slice and warmed (you can boil to to soften it or just microwave it for about 45 seconds, or you can use ½ cup unsweetened applesauce.)


4-5 dashes cinnamon


2 dashes nutmeg


2 dashes cloves


1 cup milk (I use unsweetened almond, but you can use cow’s, coconut, rice or soy instead.)


ice (4-5 cubes)


Directions:  Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

*Get the 180 Smoothee Mix here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180meals/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-energizing-smootheesp

**Get the Vitalizing Smoothie Mix here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyfoundations/protein/product-_p_vitalizing-proteinp


***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 252   Fat 6g   Carbs. 31g   Protein 18g   Fiber 8g
***Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk or applesauce instead of half an apple.








“Andes” Chocolate-Mint Smoothie



2 scoops Shaklee 180 Chocolate Smothee mix* or Shaklee Vitalized Protein chocolate Smoothee mix**

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut, rice, soy or cow’s instead)

¼ tsp mint extract

Ice (4-5 cubes)

Directions: combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 210   Fat 6g   Carbs. 20g   Protein 17g   Fiber 7g




**You can get the Shaklee Vitalizing Protein Chocolate Smoothie Mix here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyfoundations/protein/product-_p_vitalizing-proteinp



***Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk.







Gingerbread Cookie Smoothie



1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut, soy, rice or cow’s milk instead)

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothee mix* or Shaklee Vitalizing Protein Vanilla Smoothie mix**

3 - 4 dashes cinnamon

2 dashes nutmeg

2 dashes cloves

½ tsp ginger

Ice (4-5 cubes)

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Makes 1 serving.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 210   Fat 6g   Carbs. 20g   Protein 17g   Fiber 7g




***Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk.







Lifting Your Immune System


I know I've talked about ways of increasing your immune system through taking a Pre and Probiotic, and they will certainly do that.  They will also help keep everything in your digestive system moving along properly, riding your body of unwanted waste.  In other words, they help keep you regular, which is super important.


However, there are other ways of also improving your immune system.  Of course nothing beats eating whole organic produce, especially those high in vitamin C.  Unfortunately, most people don’t consume the recommended daily amount on a regular basis.  And, most produce travels a long way to get to the grocery stores, especially in the cold weather. Which in turn causes the fruits and vegetables to lose even more of their vitamin and nutritional values.  I know it’s so sad, poor little fruits and veggies.  It's best to buy organic local produce but that is not always an option, depending on budgets and the time of year. However, the good news is that there are simple and delicious ways to get around that.

One way is by taking Vitalized Immunity from Shaklee.  It’s like eating 16 oranges in one little tab that you drop in 6-8oz. of water and let it fizz and dissolve into the water.  Like those emergen-C things, only these aren’t filled with junk and a bunch of sugar.  The Vitalized Immunity tablets are naturally sweetened, which makes them taste like a yummy orange flavored drink.  You can get it here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthysolutions/immunity/product-_p_vitalized-immunityp



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Another way would be to consume foods high in vitamin C as much as possible.  The foods highest in this vitamin are: Bell Peppers, Guavas, Dark Leafy Greens (like Kale), Kiwi, Broccoli, Strawberries, Oranges, Tomatoes (cooked, increases absorption), Peas (fresh are best), Papaya.  All these foods give you 100 g of Vitamin C per cup (The bell peppers you’d need 10 strips).


Of course, Vitamin C is a vitamin that you can not overdose with by consuming too much of it.  Because our bodies release it quickly through our urine.  So, even if you eat lots of foods rich in vitamin C on a daily basis, and take a Vit-C daily, you can always supplement with the Vitalized Immunity if you so choose.










The Easiest 5 Day Mini-Cleanse / Detox


I have done Shaklee's 5 day mini cleanse  / detox a few times and every time I feel amazing on it!  The first time I did it I lost about 5 pounds.  The second time I did it i lost another 4 pounds, even though I didn't have any weight to really loose.  I did the detox because I feel it is important to cleanse our bodies of all the junk that it gets clogged up with, plus this detox gives me a ton of energy.  You are able to eat unlimited raw veggies, have 3 delicious smoothies that are as filling as a meal, plus 2 snacks.  Yes! You get to eat food on this cleanse!  I eat just as many calories on this detox as I usually do when I'm not detoxing.  About 1200-1300 calories per day, if you weight more than 175 lbs you would up that to 1400-1600 calories per day. 

If you are interested in doing the 5 day min-cleanse you can get all the items you will need from Shaklee below.


Liver DTX Complex: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthysolutions/liver/product-_p_liver-dtx-complexp

HerbLax: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthysolutions/digestive/product-_p_herb-lax_p_

Smoothee Mix (any flavor): http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180meals/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-energizing-smootheesp

Snack Bars (any flavor): http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180snacks/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-snack-barp

Energizing Tea (either flavor or both): http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180energizingtea/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-energizing-teap

You will need to also get organic lemons for water & lots of veggies.

(A great tip while detoxing / cleansing if you don't think you will be able to pass the temptation of other foods in the house, put them either in a box and super tape it up, so it would take more than 5 minutes to get into it {in the garage, basement or attic} or in the freezer so you'd have to thaw it before you could eat it.  Hopefully, these tips will help, but if not then give it away or toss it.  But, anyone can do this easy detox for 5 days!)







Pregnancy to One Year, How to Keep Mom and Baby Healthy!

This video is a bit long, just over an hour, but it is full of great information from how to control blood sugars and healthy weight gain, to caring for your baby and creating a toxic free home.  Plus, how to increase milk supple and loose the baby weight the healthy way.





You can purchase any of the items talked about in the video here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com
And, of course if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at jberinger.myshaklee@gmail.com







Naturally Healthy Bodies - Pro and Prebiotics

The cold season has shown it’s ugly face and hopefully so far you have made it without catching any bugs.  If you haven’t been so lucky, hopefully this will keep you from catching another one.  It’s super important to increase our immune systems this time of year and the best way to do that is by supplements.


Because, 70% of the cells in our immune system are found in our gut, according to John Hopkins Medical Center and numerous other doctors and medical sources.  The easiest way to improve our immune system is by a taking a pre and probiotic.  You need both to get the full benefits they each offer.


More importantly, you and your family, should be using a high quality one.  Otherwise, you are wasting your hard earned money on nothing.  I use Shaklee’s Opliflora Pre & Probiotics, because they are designed to be digested in your gut, which is where they need to be in order to work their magic.  You can find them here http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthysolutions/digestive/product-_p_optiflora_p_.  I am not telling you that you need to only use Shaklee’s, however theirs is the only kind I fully trust.  Because they do over 263 quality tests and the have the only speciality coating to make sure that it gets to your gut, unlike all the other kinds I’ve tried.


If you choose to go to a local health food store, just be aware that not everything in there is what it says it is.  Most people think that because it’s from a health foods store its a higher quality, but that simply isn’t true.  The FDA does not monitor vitamins and supplements like they do food.  And, let’s face it even food is lacking in monitoring now a days.  On the other hand, Shaklee tests every ingredient in their products for over 350 contaminates to guarantee that they are the utmost quality.


So, in addition to our already healthy diet and vitamins, I suggest to start taking a pre and probiotic.  Bonus: they also help keep you regular!








Mindworks...WORKS!


If you are a Stay-at-Home-Mom, or a mom, or just a parent for that matter, work PT or FT, a student, have brain fog, or are getting older by the minute...wait that's everyone!  Well we all could use a daily dose of Mindworks from Shaklee!  It's my best friend and should be yours.  There are tons of amazing testimonials.  
Check it out on my Facebook page!  And, for every bottle of Mindworks that is sold a portion of the proceeds goes to brain research, and that's something anyone can be proud of.  Plus there is this awesome brain training software your get free called CogniFit.  To try it yourself click here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthysolutions/brain/product-_p_mindworks_p_







Super Healthy Children's Regimen


I started my son, Xander, on the Shaklee Meal replacement shakes, with a serving of fruit and a crushed Shaklee Incredivite when he was about 17-18 months old.  He is now just over 2 years old and I still give him a meal replacement shake with a serving of fruit and a crushed Incredivite.  I have added a crushed Vita-C the last 4 months to help maintain his immune system.



To Make the shake:
  • 1 cup Almond milk (you can use any milk, but we only buy Almond milk)
  • 1 serving of fruit exp: 1 banana, or 1/2-3/4 cup berries or cut up melon (Xander's favs are banana w/ chocolate or strawberry w/ vanilla, or watermelon w/ vanilla.)
  • 1/8 cup Meal Replacement Shake Mix (chocolate or vanilla; you can sub the 180 smoothie mix.)
  • 1 Crushed Incredivite
  • 1 Crushed Vita-C
 

Xander loves helping make his shakes.  I pour in the milk, crush the vitamins and add those.  He helps add the scoop of shake mix and the fruit. (He likes sampling the bananas.) 


And, one of his favorite parts is pressing the buttons!




He loves these so much he can't wait to drink it up right out of the blender! (I always supervise, of course.)





He has only had one cold in his life and I believe that the main reason is from his healthy diet of lots of fruits and veggies, healthy lean proteins (exp: hummus) and healthy fats (exp: nuts and avocado).  With exercise and lots of water (not sugary soda or juices with sugary syrup).  I also only use 100% natural cleaning products in my home, and I believe that it has made a difference with his development.  Because there have been numerous tests down proving that the harsh chemicals in mainstream cleaners have an affect on a young child's mental development.

If you are interested in getting any of the items above you can find them below.





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