My Isagenix Story...so far!

16 days ago I started my 30 day Isagenix Cleanse, but really I started on this journey a couple of months ago!

Derek and I have been interested in Isagenix for a while and have done a lot of research.  Not only did I not want to consume something that I didn't think was "healthy", I did not want to promote a product that I couldn't and didn't believe in. So after 3 months of reading literature, watching videos and asking questions I decided to try the cleanse.

I know I promote Clean Eating, and I will continue to do so, but I also knew that I needed something to help kick me off my plateau as well as give my body the cleanse it needed from toxins, preservatives, pesticides and all the other awful things that easily contaminate our bodies from just day to day living!  Now I had never done a cleanse before and even after all my research I was a bit concerned I wouldn't be taking in enough calories to keep up with my day to day life.  I had no need to worry.  Isagenix can be modified to fit your lifestyle!  I actually enjoy my two shakes, 3 snacks and Clean dinner every day.  My bloating is gone as is the indigestion that comes with it!  With the loss of the bloating comes the renewed energy.  No more lethargic feeling - only energy!

I have told this story to a few and will retell it now.  My mother, who lives in BC,  is in the hospital trying to beat the effects of radiation and chemotherapy that have ravaged her body.  She is fighting for her life every day.  Not only is this in itself a stressful situation but when my brother called and said that I needed to get there ASAP as things weren't looking good, well you can only imagine my stress.   I was one week into my cleanse and didn't want to "give up" just because life was getting hard.  I packed up all my shakes, snacks, apples etc. and flew to BC. ( I cannot retell this story without again thanking Christie Leslie - I will always be greatful ).   During my 5 days of flying, hotels, and hospital visits I managed to keep to the cleanse about 90% of the time - I enjoyed one wonderful evening of dinner and wine with my brother, Michael!  But really the point is...it actually made my life easier to have something to focus on, accomplish; as well as not heading to the nearest fast food joint or snack machine when I was hungry or just needed to eat to make myself "feel better", when in the end we all know we feel like CRAP after we have eaten that way.  The protein, vitamins, minerals "and all the other good natural stuff" in the products kept me going, gave me energy and helped keep my from becoming too overwhelmed.  Did I have desperate moments .. of course..it is a desperate situation, but I can only say that for me at the time it was what I needed.  Mom is still fighting and if anyone will win..she will!

So now I am home continuing with the cleanse and have reached my half way mark.  I have lost 9.5 lbs and 10 inches.  I have kept the muscles in my arms and have reduced the belly fat...that stubborn part of me that was so hard to lose no matter how strong my core is.. and let me tell you it is strong!
Well I just thought I would update you on my Isagenix story as I will be incorporating Isagenix ( as a Sales Associate ) into my business as a Personal Trainer and soon to be YogaFit / YogaCore Instructor.
I will update you again when I have completed my cleanse and let you know the final results.  If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me anytime.

All my best to all of you in Health and Happiness
Kareen

http://www.isagenix.com/ca/en/home.dhtml

Protein Pancakes for Breakfast

I just love breakfast!  Good thing too as it is the most important meal of the day.

How we start our day with what we choose to eat and fuel our bodies with, will guide us through the rest of our day and I guarantee that you will continue to make proper choices if you start off on the right foot!

Here is a great Recipe from Tone it Up for Protein Pancakes...remember you should be eating protein at every meal.

Protein Pancakes!  Low carb, low fat & delicious! (This recipe is part of the Tone It Up Nutrition System!)  They are easy to make and all you need is about 5 minutes! Protein Pancake Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup egg whites
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (organic rice protein or whey)
• 1/2 banana (mashed)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbs flaxseed
• Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries after the above ingredients are mixed together.

Pour into a pan that has been sprayed with olive oil cooking spray- heat on medium.  Cook one side until you see the little bubbles... just like cooking any pancake! Flip over (careful!) and cook on the other side until the middle is done. Top with two sliced strawberries ( I like to heat up my fruit in the pan - it comes out soft, juicy and syrupy )and optional powdered stevia. ENJOY your protein pancakes!  :)  If you need more carbohydrates, you may add 1-tbs agave or organic maple syrup on top.

The Eat Clean Diet.

I just love Tosca Reno and her Eat Clean Diet philosophy's. 

"When we eat a nutrient dense, well prepared diet loaded with clean, whole foods minimally processed and well sourced our chances for health increase greatly.  Eating Clean is that lifestyle."

Check out the following link and watch the video

http://networkedblogs.com/nnHyo?a=share&ref=nf

Happy Hump Day to you all - let's hope you are all starting out your day with a Clean Breakfast!  If not here's a great recipe that I use often to help get you started.

 

Apple-Walnut Oatmeal

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YIELD: 1 serving
PREPARATION TIME: 5 minutesCOOKING TIME: Prepare oats according to package instructions.

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Details

Breakfast doesn’t have to be difficult! The combination of cinnamon, apples and walnuts will be a new family favorite!

Ingredients

• ½ cup / 120 ml uncooked oats
• 1 medium apple, chopped
• 1 tsp / 5 ml cinnamon
• 1-2 Tbsp / 15 – 30 ml water
• 1 Tbsp / 15 ml chopped walnuts

Preparation

1. Prepare your oatmeal according to package instructions.
2. Place chopped apple in a bowl. Add cinnamon and lightly toss to coat.
3. Add the 1-2 Tbsp of water along with the chopped apple to a saucepan on medium heat.
4. Cook until the apple is softened.
5. Mix oatmeal, softened apple and walnuts in a bowl.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Value for One Serving:

Calories: 299
Calories from Fat: 74.7
Total Fat: 8.3 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Total Carbs: 27.9 g
Fiber: 10.1 g
Protein: 6.7 g
Sodium: 0 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog.

I am excited to share ideas, tips and information about exercise, health, diet and most importantly happiness!

Please feel free to message me any time with questions, feedback or ideas.

I will be starting my first Isagenix cleanse on Monday and will post how I think it is working as the weeks go by.

Thanks for stopping by and come back often to find some interesting tips and ideas.

Wishing you all the best in Health and Happiness,
Kareen