March 12, 2014 - Almased vs Shakeology

There are a couple of people I know that found Almased, which is a weight loss diet program, and it is actually working for them.  So, me being me, I went and did some research.

Almased is a Synergy Diet Program that relies on an all natural drink.  The claim is that people will loose up to 15 pounds in 6 weeks, which is healthy (experts say 2 pounds per week is good).  Almased is made with all natural ingredients, Soy, Honey and Skim milk yogurt powder.   It's the Soy base that is a red flag for me.  Too much of a good thing can be pretty bad. 

Soy has been linked to a number of health benefits, including protection against certain types of cancer and it can lower cholesterol.   Soy contains a substance known as Isoflavones and while they may have health benefits a high consumption can also increase risk for certain cancers.

Isoflavones are active substances in soy based foods, are a class of Phytoestrogens - compounds that exist in plants and are similar to estrogen - once in the body these phytoestrogens behave like human estrogen.  In some tissues they can mimic the effects of estrogen and in other tissues do just the opposite.  There is concern about the long term effects on the human hormonal system.  Estrogen is a hormone that can cause breast cancer in humans and animals, resulting in concern for high intake of estrogen like compounds.

Shakeology is an all natural shake, consumed once per day, replacing a meal. 
Ingredients and Benefits of Shakeology:

Protein and Amino Acids -
Amarants, Camu-Camu, Goji Berry, Sacha Inchi, Sprouted Quinoa, Whey Protein -
Helps the body build lean muscle, heals wounds, improves skin and hair.  Supports optimal brain function and mental clarity.  Improved mood and reduced cravings.

Antioxidants ("Red Super Foods") -
Acai Berry, Acerola Cherry, Billberry, Camu-Camu, Goji Berry, Grape Seed Extract, Green Tea, Maca Root, Pomegranate -
Helps reduce oxidative damage in the body caused by free radicals.  Oxidative damage is a major cause for degenerative (aging) conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure (which can lead to stroke), dementia and arthritis.

Phytonutrients ("Green Super Foods") -
Barley Grass, Blue-Green Algae, Chia Seeds, Chlorella, Flax, Grape Seed Extract, Hydrilla, Spinach, Spirullina, Sprouted Quinoa, Wheat Grass -
Boost immunity, help fight diseases, slow down the aging process, detoxify the body, has alkalizing properties.

Adaptogens -
Ashwaganha, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Holy Basil Leaf, Maca Root, Relshi Mushroom, Schisandra, Suma Root -
Plat derived agents that help to adapt the body or protect it from stress.  Adaptogenic herbs are unique from other substances in their ability to balance endocrine hormones and the immune system

Prebiotics -
Pea Fiber, Yacon Root -
Promotes better intestinal health.  Stimulates growth of friendly bacteria for better digestion.

Digestive Enzymes -
Amylase, Bromelain from Pineapple, Cellulose, Lactase, Lipase, Papain from Papaya, Protease -
Helps the body break down foods and increases absorption of nutrients.

Now, having said all that.. If you are still with me.. Here is the cost breakdown:

The Almased program is $99.95 for 3 canisters - each canister lasts for about 1 week, which comes to approximately $4.76 per day for 21 days.  You can also buy 1 canister (1 week) for $ 34.95, which comes to $4.99 per day.   This makes Almased one of the most expensive programs available.

Shakeology comes in either one serving pouches or a bag, both are a 30 day supply, for $129.95, which comes to about $4.33 per day.   If you become a Team Beachbody member (just 2.99 per week billed quarterly), you receive a 10% discount on all products at Team Beachbody.

March 5, 2014 - What to Expect When You Start Eating Healthier

I found this article & thought it very interesting reading.   I have experienced quite a few of these side effects, BUT it really takes no time for them to fade away.  Now, I do have a LOT more energy and I feel wonderful!  I can't wait to see how I feel when I reach all my goals! :)

WHAT SYMPTOMS TO EXPECT WHEN YOU IMPROVE YOUR DIET

- By Dr. Stanley Ss. Bass, N.D.,, D.C., Ph.C

If I were asked which is the area of greatest misunderstanding and confusion in the field of nutrition?  I would definitely be forced to reply, it is the failure to properly understand and interpret the symptoms and changes which follow the beginning of a better program.

A better nutritional program is the introduction of foods of higher quality in place of lower quality ones.  The quality of a nutritional program is also improved by omitting toxic substances such as coffee, tea, chocolate, tobacco, salt, pepper, etc.

Remarkable things begin to happen to the body as well as the mind.  When the quality of the food coming into the body is of higher quality than the tissues which the body is made of, the body begins to discard the lower grade materials and tissues to make room for the superior which is uses to make the newer and healthier tissues.

What are the symptoms or signs which become evident when we first begin to omit the lower grade foods and instead introduce superior foods?  When the use of a toxic is suddenly stopped, headaches are common and a letdown occurs.  This is due to the discard by the body of toxins which are transported by the bloodstream during its many bodily rounds.  Before the noxious agents reach their final destination for elimination, the irritants register in our consciousness as pain or as a headache.  Usually, within three days the symptoms disappear and we feel stronger due to the recuperation which follows.

As one continues on the improved diet and gradually raises the quality, interesting symptoms begin to appear.  The body begins a process called “retracing.”  The cellular intelligence has a chance to get rid of old garbage and build a beautiful new house.  The accent is on elimination and the body begins to move garbage deposited in the tissues.

People may experience skin rashes or eruptions due to elimination of poisons and harmful drugs through the skin.  If they go to a doctor not familiar with this aspect of nutrition, he might diagnose it as an allergy and suggest the diet be discontinued.  They don’t understand that the body is “retracing.”  The skin is getting more alive and active. These toxins being discarded are saving you from more serious disease which will result if you keep them in your body too much longer.  Possibility: hepatitis, kidney disorders, blood disease, heart disease, arthritis, nerve degeneration, or even cancer.  Be happy you’re paying your bills now in an easy payment plan.  With some, colds may occur, or even fever.  THIS IS NATURE’S WAY OF HOUSECLEANING.  Understand that those actions are constructive, even though unpleasant at the moment.  DON’T try to stop these symptoms by the use of certain drugs.  These symptoms are part of a curing process.  These are not deficiency conditions or allergic reactions.

Symptoms, they may include: Headaches at the beginning, Fever and/or colds, Skin breakouts, bowel sluggishness, occasional diarrhea, tiredness, nervousness, irritability, negativity, etc. 

BEAR WITH IT – IT IS WELL WORTH IT!!!