Sunday, June 29, 2014

Do you drink energy drinks? If so, read this!

A few questions to get started... Do you drink energy drinks? If not, I bet you know AT LEAST one person that does. How about Shakeology, do you drink Shakeology or know someone that does? I bet your answers are very different for these two questions. I know for me personally, I see on a daily basis either someone buying an energy drink or supplement in the store or posting a picture of them online with the caption "what gets me through the day". Shakeology on the other hand, some people may have heard of it (most probably haven't) but I doubt you know many, if any, that drink it every day or even know what it is. Well we are going to go over some risks and benefits as well as cost for both and then you can be the judge! 



Energy drinks contain a higher percentage of caffeine as compared to other caffeine sources like tea and coffee. They even contain more caffeine than most other soft drinks. Heavy intake of caffeine is scientifically proven to be very harmful to the human body, leading to many short-term as well as long-term side effects. Some of the side effects of energy drinks secondary to caffeine are: Insomnia, high blood pressure, Osteoporosis, infertility, heart diseases, ulcers, irritability  nervousness, increased urination, irregular heartbeats or even "just" an upset stomach. 


For parents that allow their teens and adolescents to drink "liquid caffeine", you need to know that these could pose a serious  health risk! Kids who are most at risk are those who regularly consume energy drinks or gulp down a large amount in a short span of time. Children also might have trouble falling asleep or experience tremors, anxiety, agitation, heart palpitations, nausea or vomiting and even more serious, rapid heart rate or seizures. Now I don't know about you but I do not want to risk my children's health or anyone I know for that matter for something that might "give them energy". 
 


Now on the flip side of this is Shakeology. I hear all the time, I would love to try or drink Shakeology but I just can't afford it, it's too expensive, I don't know if it's safe, and the list goes ON and ON. Well did you know that Shakeology is a CLINICALLY PROVEN daily dose of dense nutrition? It contains more than 70 super foods, is low in sugar, is not genetically modified, and has NO artificial flavorings, fillers, dyes, etc. It also has more than five plates of veggies all in just one shake. Did I mention it also replaces your daily multi-vitamin, gives you energy (because it's correcting your vitamin deficiencies) and it also helps curve your junk food cravings! Now this sounds like something I would want for myself, my children, and anyone I know because it is doing good for my body and not harm!

I've also heard, well I'm already drinking a protein shake daily, to which my response is why, are you protein deficit? You don't need to drink a "protein" shake daily and Shakeology certainly is NOT a protein shake. However, it does have protein in it that comes from natural sources such as Chia, Quinoa, Flax, Amaranth, and Pea.   


As far as price goes, your normal energy drink can cost anywhere from $3.00-$6.00 per drink. So, you're actually paying to cause your body harm, ekkkk, that's scary to think about!!! OR you could pay $3.00-$4.00 for Shakeology a day and you're putting so many superfoods into your body, you feel better and look better too ;) 

I leave you with the two charts below and then you be the judge. Which would you prefer?! For me, I want to be around to see my children grow up, I want to be around to see my grandchildren and great grandchildren and keep my body as healthy as I can by preventing diseases and added health concerns.  

I couldn't believe the amount of sugar in each drink!!! 


Shakeology



Friday, June 27, 2014

Shakeology: What is it and why should I drink it every day?!


So I hear all the time from friends, family, or random strangers "What is Shakeology all about"?! Well Let me just tell you short and sweet, THE BEST THING E.V.E.R!


Seriously though, lets go through what is Shakeology and why you should drink it every day!!



How Shakeology gets you healthy from the inside out:

  • Fiber and probiotics help you "get regular" so you eliminate toxins built up in your digestive system.
  • Proprietary blend of prebiotics and probiotics help create a healthy intestinal tract which aids digestion.
  • A healthier digestive system makes it easier to absorb key nutrients.
  • Digestive enzymes also help your body to increase the absorption of nutrients.

How Shakeology short-circuits your urge to snack:
  • Protein-rich nutrient-dense formula helps you feel full and reduces the tendency to "cheat" throughout the day.
  • Helps you curb junk food cravings while helping you crave healthier choices
  • You're feeding your body the nutrients it needs, so it feels more satisfied.
  • So delicious, it tastes like you're cheating!


It's the simple recipe for success:
  • You won't feel deprived, because every delicious shake tastes like a sinful treat.
  • The proteins and healthy fats will help you feel fuller longer, so you're less likely to snack.
  • Superfoods help your body reduce cravings for junk food.
  • Increased energy means your workouts feel easier.

Why Drink Shakeology Every Day? 
  • Lose weight
  •  – especially if you replace a meal with Shakeology every day.
  • Reduce junk food cravings
  •  – drink it in the morning to enjoy this benefit throughout the day
  • Increase your energy and feel healthier.
  • Improve your digestion and regularity.


What more can you do with a little extra daily energy?
  • Power through your day, and cross more off your to-do list.
  • Get your fitness program off to a great new start.
  • Help your body's internal processes work more efficiently.
  • Enjoy life . . . and get more out of every single moment! 

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE INFO, WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW! Shakeology is clinically proven and is 
honestly my most FAVORITE meal of the day!! 




Muffins and more muffins!

Good morning friends! If you're anything like me I LOVE muffins, ESP pumpkin and banana walnut muffins! My girls love to help with these too, filling the pan with the liners and helping me scoop the batter and of course their favorite part is licking the bowl after :)  I love the yummy smell it leaves in my home while baking too!!

Here is a healthy opportunity for both plus an apple cinnamon oatmeal that sounds amazing!!




So the base recipe is: 
1 cup whole wheat flour 
1 tsp baking soda 
1/2 cup applesauce (sweetened) 
3/4 cup honey
1 tbsp vanilla 
2 egg whites

Preheat Oven to 350 C
Mix Liquid Ingredients together
Slowly add dry Ingredients
Fill muffin liners 3/4 full
bake 15-20 minutes

Makes 8 muffins
... I usually double or triple it because, well, I love muffins. 

Banana Walnut
Add 1-2 bananas
1/4 cup chopped walnuts 

Pumpkin Spice 
2 heaping tbsp Pumpkin Puree
1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
I saved some of the seeds to put on top of the muffins. Also, use as much or as little spice as you like, this is just roughly what I used. 

Apple Oatmeal Cinnamon 
1 chopped apple
1/4 cup oatmeal 
2 tbsp applesauce
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Again, I kept some oatmeal aside to sprinkle on top as well as a few thin slices of apple to make it look nice. 

Fun Facts about muffins: Want to triple the recipe to try them all, but know you won't eat them all before mould does the job for you? FREEZE THEM! Perfect for packing a lunch in the morning, by snack time you're good to go.
Dollorama has super cute cupcake liners, check it out next time you're there. 

Pair one of these super healthy muffins with your favourite tea and you've got a light breakfast or midmorning snack that you won't have to feel guilty about. I've got some Tazo Passion Tea here, which is also amazing chilled with lemonade, but I'll tell you about that some other time! 

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Hawaiian Baked Chicken Recipe - YUM!




Hawaiian Baked Chicken Recipe 
Ingredients:
    For the Marinade
  • 4 chicken breast halves
  • 1 can (20-oz) pineapple chunks, juice reserved
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika
  • For the Pineapple Topping
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 can (20-oz.) pineapple chunks
Instructions:
  • ~ Lightly pound chicken just enough to even it out; do not pound it thin.
  • ~ In a large plastic ziploc bag, combine chicken breasts, pineapple juice, minced     garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and paprika.
  • ~ Seal bag and place in fridge for 3 to 4 hours.
    • Preheat oven to 400. Lightly grease a baking pan with cooking spray.
  • ~ Remove chicken from bag and shake off any excess; discard marinade mixture.
  • ~ Transfer chicken to prepared baking pan; set aside.
  • ~ In a frying pan, melt butter over medium-high heat.
  • ~ Add mustard, honey, and pineapple chunks; stirring occasionally, cook for 2  minutes, or until bubbly and fragrant.
  • ~ Remove from heat.
  • ~ Spoon pineapple mixture over chicken.
  • ~ Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until chicken is tender.
  • ~ Remove from oven.
  • ~ Serve.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Drop it like a Squat :p



Well today in my challenge group the assignment was to do a wall squat challenge and see how long you could hold it for and then post your time. I like to jump in and do the challenges with my challengers instead of being the robot behind the computer screen so I decided to have my daughter RECORD mine for me :)


This is the unedited video that didn't make Facebook so I hope you enjoy :) If you notice a slight funny during the video, make sure to post below for a special shout out! Enjoy :p




Welcome to Team Smashing PHITNESS

I am so excited to move my business to the next level, blogging! I have never been a "techy" person, and I know what you may be thinking umm Ash... blogging isn't "techy", but if you know me, it is haha!

So WELCOME to Team Smashing PHITNESS!!! I am so excited that our team is growing which means we are helping more people and that's what it's all about!!! Don't get me wrong, I am LOVING the journey that I am on personally and my transformation; I am the smallest I've been in NINE years, I am still improving, but I am committed to Shakeology (my FAVORITE meal of the day!!!), eating clean, exercising (currently doing Chalene Johnson's new program PiYo which is AMAZING!!) and I love that we as a team are inspiring more people everyday to start their journey!!! If you would like more info or to start your journey please feel free to comment below or email me! I would LOVE to help you get started! YOU are WORTH it and YOU CAN DO THIS!! Philippians 4:13 <3