A Healthy Gut and a Happy Metabolism with Plexus Slim

What’s better than falling in love with a health product tailor-made just for you? Finding one that loves you back!

That’s why so many people have a strong affection for Plexus Slim®. It’s a delicious, low-calorie supplement, packed with the essentials to encourage a healthy gut and metabolism. And…that’s simply the beginning!^*

GOTTA LOVE A HEALTHY GUT^*

There’s a reason why a Google search for “How important is having a healthy gut?” yields 978,000 results. The term “healthy gut,” is no mere buzz term. The reason the subject is so popular is the increasing awareness of the importance of balance in the gastrointestinal system. Harmony in the gut can lead to better immune health and overall health.

We conducted a recent highly advanced, in vitro study to further investigate Slim’s ability to mimic the human gastrointestinal system. The discovery—that Slim’s powerful microbiome activating formula produced incredible results!

Slim supports healthy gut function by showing love to your gut microbes.^◊*

Many gut microbes (despite the perhaps less-loveable name), work to promote positive gut health.  Bacteria can often receive a “bad wrap,” but good microbiota bacteria inside our gut is vital in processes such as digestion, producing essential vitamins, and regulating the immune system.

Over time, dietary and environmental influences and alterations have caused gut microbiota to become (not surprisingly) unbalanced. To remedy these shifts, our bodies benefit from the love of microbiome activating supplements, like Slim, that help to restore balance to the gut.^*

RESTORING BALANCE WITH A LITTLE TLC

There are several aspects of Slim that help support healthy gut balance, including the powerful microbiome activating formula that was shown to increase Lactobacillus by 365 times and Bifidobacterium by 290 times. These microbes that contribute to your overall health work in tandem with Slim’s clinically studied XOSprebiotic.^◊*

The results are beneficial indeed, but Slim offers even more TLC when it comes to encouraging positive immune and digestive health.

GETTING TO THE HEART OF YOUR METABOLISM

In addition to providing support for optimal gut health, Slim also contains a microbiome activating formula that can have a positive effect on metabolism. In the in vitro study, it was shown to increase Butyrate by up to 58 percent and Propionate by up to 29 percent. Both are short-chain fatty acids that help to regulate your metabolism.^◊*

In addition, chlorogenic acid (from Slim’s green coffee bean extract) can support healthy glucose metabolism.^*

A TASTE YOU’LL ADORE

In addition to the numerous health benefits of Slim, the mere 5 calories per serving, combined with no artificial colors or flavors is sure to capture your affection. And, who can argue with the delicious raspberry-lemon-watermelon taste?

Finally! A health product that returns your fondness by showing you love in 30-single serve packets ready to help you on your journey to health and happiness.

♢ The results of an in vitro human gut simulator study suggest that Slim’s formula may have several beneficial effects. Further research, including research conducted in humans, is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

References

https://www.bcm.edu/departments/molecular-virology-and-microbiology/research/the-human-microbiome-project

https://plexusslim.com/

Clean Eating Recipe- Spaghetti Squash Turkey Taco Boats

We've been eating and living very clean over here at our house.  No gluten, no sugar, no dairy, no red meat, no caffeine, no alcohol, no fruit, no toxins. This recipe tastes like you're cheating but you're not!  I got three thumbs up!  Give it a try!  I bet even your picky eaters will like it!  We subbed red bell peppers for green, used almond cheese and added a little chopped olive to ours too.

 

 

 

How to have a truly healthy kitchen

 

What does your fridge look like? How about your pantry? Let’s get real. Is it full of healthy foods or food that you wouldn’t want to admit you’ve been eating? Or maybe you’re like me and your fridge is nearly empty! It’s time to go shopping.

Transitioning to a real food diet can be hard. If it were easy, there would be fewer health problems and a significantly lower rate of obesity in America

STEP BY STEP
Step 1: Clean Out Your Pantry - Get rid of junky junk-foods. (Yes that means the pop tarts, cereals with more than 5g of sugar and cookies.)
Step 2: Clean Out Your Fridge - Toss out of date and junky-junk foods. (Yes, this means the yoplait yogurt, the velveeta cheese slices and the lunch meat with preservatives)
Step 3: Clean Out Your Freezer - Toss stuff you can’t recognize, stuff with a
paragraph of ingredients, and all the junky-junk. (popsicles with food coloring are the top offender)
Step 4: Clean out your spice rack - Get rid of spice blends that contain monosodium
glutamate (MSG), food colorings, sugar, and anything with the words hydrogenated.
Step 5: Print out the Dirty Dozen Shopping List
Step 6: Brush up your label reading skills
Step 7: Prepare your strategy: Think about healthy meals look like and what you feel
comfortable preparing. Try not to dream plan, be realistic!
Step 8: Prepare a menu plan and grocery list or have someone else do that work
(make sure to plan for your spices)
Step 9: Go Shopping! Avoid the middle aisles, at least skip the cookie, candy, chips, ice
cream, and canned soups aisles.
Congratulations! You’ve made it through the first nine steps!

Download the Dirty Dozen Shopping List here!

** Download 6-Guide-to-Buying-Organic-1

(adapted from from thatorganicmom.com)

 

Enjoying Guilt Free Holiday Meals

 

Holidays are all about celebrating good times with family and friends. And, of course—enjoying the delicious, rich, decadent holiday foods—who doesn’t love a good chocolate mousse? With co-workers bringing treats to the office, neighbors dropping off plates of goodies, and sugary treats on display everywhere you shop—there’s no doubt, staying away can be a bit of a toughie. Believe it or not—by following a few simple tips, you can revel in all your favorite foods—without worrying about your waistline!

Going shopping? Eat before you go! You’ll less likely get hungry during your store-to-store shopping. Even if you’re planning on it being a quick trip—make sure to bring along a healthy snack like an energy bar, dried fruit or nuts to hold you over.

Don’t skip breakfast. There’s a reason why it’s the most important meal of the day! Try having a protein-packed gluten-free bowl or your overnight oats! In a hurry? Blend up your favorite Plexus 96® shake before scurrying out the door.

Downsize your plate. The average holiday dinner packs a whopping 3,000 calories.1 Whether you’re at home or at a fete, opt for the smallest plate. A small plate tricks your brain and makes your portion size seem larger. So, aim small—you can always go back for seconds.

Eat the healthiest foods first. Instead of heading straight for the Jell-O casserole or the oh-so buttery garlic bread—grab a bowl of soup, or load your plate with a serving or two of vegetables and salad! Vegetables are high in fiber, low in calories, and help you feel full—making it a win/win for weight maintenance.

Keep tabs on your alcohol consumption. The average alcoholic beverage contains 125 calories and up, depending on the mixer. Try skipping the high-sugar juice mixers all together and consider alternating your alcoholic beverage with sparkling or seltzer water instead.

Share the wealth. When friends pop in with plates full of sugar cookies, keep as many as your family can eat in one day and re-gift the rest to neighbors or colleagues.

Healthy Holiday Fare. at Home Generations of family holiday recipes are the best. It’s easy to keep family food traditions alive by serving healthier versions of your beloved standbys. Here are some ways to help your family stay healthy while still enjoying your favorite festive foods.

Go a little nutty. Nuts are known to be the healthiest kind of calories, especially for children. They’re packed with fiber, and healthy fats to help keep your appetite in check. Keep a bowl of pistachios, chestnuts and walnuts out to snack on—they’re perfect when watching your favorite holiday movie.

Embrace the fruit and veggie platter. Keep snack cravings to a minimum by keeping fresh fruits and vegetables on hand. Serve carrot, and celery sticks with hummus instead of calorie-rich dips.

Start with soup. Try creamy pumpkin soup made with cashew milk, coconut cream, vegetable broth, and unsweetened pumpkin puree spiced with nutmeg, and cloves. Don’t forget to ditch the heavy cream!

Go for greens. A roasted chickpea and kale salad packs a punch. Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber and kale is nutrient-dense. Toss chickpeas roasted with olive oil, paprika and cayenne with kale and top with a tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil dressing. And, wah-lah a beautiful, colorful plate awaits.

Let sweet potatoes shine. Roast the sweet potatoes—drizzle with olive oil, maple syrup, and coconut cream. Top with corn flakes instead of onions for a gluten-free treat high in fiber and vitamin A.

Dress up the dressing. You can eliminate a lot of calories by simply cutting down on the amount of bread in your stuffing. Add veggies like garlic, onions, celery or leeks, and fruit such as apples or cranberries. Punch it up with pecans or hazelnuts. For gluten-free dressing, substitute gluten-free corn bread instead of bread croutons.

Heart-healthy sides. Roast a variety of vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, onions, diced pumpkin, beets and carrots—then toss with balsamic vinegar, toasted walnuts, and kalamata olives.

Green bean casserole makeover. And when we say makeover, we mean makeover. For a super yummy, gluten-free low-calorie dish—cook the green beans with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and onions in vegetable broth and white wine. Then, add coconut cream, thicken with chickpea flour, top with corn flakes for a bit of a crunch then bake!

Swap the mashed potatoes. Instead, try steaming cauliflower florets and mash with vegetable broth, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, and olive oil. Top with fresh sage, thyme and chives.

Lo-cal nog. Did you know, Eggnog has about 11 grams of saturated fat and about 343 calories per cup? For a healthier version, blend 2 cups of soymilk with 3 ripe bananas, ¼ teaspoon rum extract, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, then top with a sprinkle of nutmeg. And wah-lah! Your scrumptious holiday beverage awaits! For a real kick, add a splash of dark rum. Keep in mind—when celebrating the holidays, and enjoying the festivities—don’t forget to keep up with your exercise regimen! By keeping your activity level up and incorporating healthy foods into your holiday menu—you’ll be able to indulge in your favorite foods without fear of wreaking havoc on your health.

Creating a Stress-Free Holiday

The holidays are among us – a time of year that’s known for its busy nature that can lead to quite the load of stress.  After all, you likely have several invitations to gatherings collecting on your counter, a long list of people you need to send holiday cards to, and the daunting task of braving the shopping mall crowds to find the gifts for your loved ones.  All of this, on top of your normal every day life.  It can be overwhelming to say the least.

I wanted to share with you some of my personal favorite ways to navigate this busy, stressful time of year and make this season a lot more enjoyable, less stressful and a time you will remember with fond memories.

These secret weapons of mine include…

Put forth great effort to be present.  It can be difficult, I understand.  It’s almost a reflex to pick up our phones and scroll through Facebook or our email when we have a free moment – do you do the same?  One way I like to dodge this is to leave my electronics in another room.  Don’t even allow yourself the temptation to pick up your phone and disengage from communicating with your gathered love ones.  When I’m feeling particularly scatter-brained, what really helps ground me is focusing on my senses.  What do I smell?  What do I hear?  What do I feel?  Stopping and thinking through what’s going on around you at that very moment really brings you into the present moment unlike anything else.  It’s a wonderful tool to use to dial in and be present – and is a great tool to use year-round, not just during the holidays!

Give up those expectations.  A lot of the stress we put on ourselves this season lies in the notion that we expect things to be perfect.  That’d be lovely, of course – but putting your entire extended family in one house is bound to have something go awry.  Therefore, dropping the expectations of perfection will allow you to be prepared for when something may spring up.  There is joy to be found in each situation, so even when things don’t go exactly as planned – spend your energy finding gratitude in your circumstances and enjoying as much of your time as you possibly can.  Tis the season!

Find time to move.  It’s incredibly important to keep movement in your schedule, no matter how busy you may feel.  Even if it’s just a brisk walk after lunch or dinner – make it a habit to bundle up in your favorite scarf and winter coat to go for a walk alone to clear your mind, or with someone you enjoy being around.  Be sure that you are getting your time outside in nature, breathing in fresh air, while burning off some calories and keeping your heart rate up. 

What are your favorite ways to get some movement in during the cold months?  When I'm not walking my dogs in the neighborhood, my favorite way to get some exercise is to do some Zumba in my living room!!!

As we head into the new year, and you begin to think about making resolutions, please consider signing up for my free "30 days to a New You" email or joining my 21 Day Hormone Reset Group which will begin on January 9th.  Join my email list for the free 30 day program and more information on my Hormone Reset Group.  Hope to see you there!

 

Easy as Pie! Sweet Potato Pie Shake Recipe

Appetizers, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, cornbread, and now dessert?! Your fork and tummy go through a lot on Thanksgiving. And, as much as you want to save room for one bite of dessert—sometimes it just doesn’t happen. However, when it comes to this holiday—we can all probably agree on one thing…leftovers!

Who needs pie anyways when you have tons of sweet potatoes leftover waiting for you in the fridge? Use them up with this Plexus 96^® sweet potato pie shake recipe! With 15 grams of high-quality whey protein—you get the healthy nutrients you need without any of the guilt!

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PLEXUS 96^® SWEET POTATO PIE PROTEIN SHAKE

Serves 1
Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients
1 packet of Plexus 96^® Vanilla
8 ounces vanilla almond milk (substitute for preferred milk type)
½ cup cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (or leftover steamed sweet potatoes)
1 medium frozen, sliced banana
1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ tablespoon maple syrup
Pinch salt
Dash nutmeg

Directions

Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth.

Not just for thanksgiving: 7 Ways to be Grateful Everyday

 

Gratitude. It’s one of the most powerful emotions of our lives. Feeling grateful helps us in all areas of our life: physically, mentally, and even financially. Gratitude can help you make friends, enhances empathy, and boosts self-esteem.

Gratitude is all about noticing the good things. A grateful attitude means being aware of life's messes and nevertheless appreciating all the things that work, that are beautiful, and that bring you joy.

If you're not used to noticing the good things in life, however small, it might take some time to get into the right mindset. Here are some ways to help cultivate gratitude in your life.

Thank you isn’t enough

Saying "thank you" or "thanks"—especially when someone does something is only the beginning. And, frankly, just good manners.

Pick one characteristic or train about the people you spend time with and share with them how much you appreciate that attribute. Maybe it's the way they smile, something witty they said, or that they’re always on time. Whether it’s one of your kiddos or the CEO of your company, everyone should know you appreciate what they bring to your life.

Gratitude also tends to be contagious. Maybe the recipients of your gratitude will share their joy and appreciation with others.

Seal it with a kiss

Write—and deliver!—a letter to someone you’ve never properly thanked. Not for a gift or a favor, but for just being them. For all the things they bring to your life. For all the ways in which they’ve inspired you.

Smile…a lot

Nothing says gratitude like a kind smile. A smile—even from a stranger—lets someone know they’re valued.

Pay it forward

Think about something in your life for which you’re grateful. Share that action with others.

Let's say a teacher made a really positive impact on your life when you were in middle school. Pay it forward by taking time out of your life to mentor a foster care youth. Or, pick something even more simple. Did your hubby or wife do the laundry while you were sick in bed with a cold? When you’re feeling better, give them a special break and do something nice for them. Dishes, perhaps?

Nope, not today

Commit to one day a week on which you won’t complain about anything. At all. Start a complaint bank. If you catch yourself complaining, drop in $1 (or $100!). At the end of one year, donate it.

Spend time with people

Enjoy the people in your life—no matter how major or minor a role they play. Whether it's engaging in a short conversation with the checker at your local grocery store, a heartfelt conversation with a family member, or hugging your bestie.

Share what you have

Doing this makes the things in our lives even more special. What do you have a lot of in your life? Do you enjoy an abundance of beautiful clothes and shoes? Donate the items you no longer wear to a battered women's shelter. Are you fortunate in having a loving family? Invite an elderly neighbor over for tea.

When you stop to look around, you’ll recognize so many things in your life to share—whether it’s unique skills, unneeded possessions, or a bit of wisdom gained from life experience.

Gratitude has a powerful effect on your own life and the lives of others around you. Turn thankfulness into a daily habit—you won’t regret it!