Hot off the press (New Products)

This past weekend at AdvoCare Success School 3 new amazing products were released... here there are!!!

All products can be ordered at www.sparkmyworkout.com 

Cran500

KEY BENEFITS:

• Supports bladder and urinary tract health*
• Contains plant-based antioxidants*
• Tasty chew for both men and women

IS THIS YOU?

• Anyone wanting a portable, tasty supplement with health benefits
• Someone who is concerned with health and well being

THE ISSUE:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are responsible for more than 8.1 million visits to doctors’ offices per year. Approximately 40 percent of women and 12 percent of men will experience at least one urinary tract infection during their lifetime.^†Cranberry juice has long been consumed to support bladder and urinary health, but some people may not enjoy drinking juice or they want something that’s more convenient when they are on the go.

^†Source: http://www.urologyhealth.org/

THE SOLUTION: Cran500™Cran500™ is packed with 500mg of cranberry extract per serving. The cranberry extract comes in the form of Pacran®, which has been shown to help support a healthy urinary tract.* Made from the whole cranberry, Pacran® is a patent-protected proprietary cranberry product.

Cran500™ also contains 100mg of pomegranate powder, which is known for its antioxidants and vitamin C.* Together the cranberry and pomegranate combine to make a delicious, easy-to-take chew.

Pacran® is property of Naturex. 

VO2 Prime

KEY BENEFITS:

• Helps improve stamina
• Provides nutritional support for cardiovascular health
• Supports an increase in exercise capacity

IS THIS YOU?

• Someone looking for a portable pre-workout snack
• Someone who doesn't like working out on an empty stomach
• Someone who wants to take their workout capacity to a greater level

THE ISSUE:
Whether you’re a professional athlete or just someone looking to ramp up the intensity at the gym, how you prepare affects how you feel and perform. In order to maximize your workouts, you need a quick, nutritious snack that will allow you to ramp up the intensity and outperform the competition.

THE SOLUTION: VO₂ Prime™
VO₂ Prime™ is a premier pre-workout bar with innovative ingredients that have been shown to contribute to the body’s production of nitric oxide. This convenient, 140-calorie bar gives you the fuel you need to take your workouts to the next level.

VO₂ refers to the volume of oxygen used during exercise. The maximum capacity of an individual's body to transport and use oxygen, also known as your VO₂ max, reflects your physical fitness.

One of the innovative ingredients found in VO₂ Prime™ is beetroot juice powder. This ingredient has been shown to increase the nitric oxide production in your body. With increased nitric oxide production, there has been shown to be an increased oxygen delivery to working muscles. The oxygen in muscle fuels metabolism and uses stored fat and carbohydrates for energy. In simple terms, the ingredients in VO₂ Prime™ help feed muscle to fuel you through your most intense workouts.

Key Ingredients:
Beetroot juice powder, blueberries, cranberries, soy protein

Contains: milk and soy. This product was manufactured in a facility that also processes tree nuts, peanut and egg containing ingredients.

Biocharge (DB9 exclusive line)

KEY BENEFITS:

• Promotes lean muscle mass*
• Helps accelerate recovery time*
• Caffeine-free source of energy*

IS THIS YOU?

• Someone concerned about lean muscle mass
• Someone lacking energy
• Someone finding it difficult to recover from exercise and workouts
• Someone sensitive to caffeine

THE ISSUE:
Every time you go into the gym and lift weights, you are placing an enormous amount of stress on the body. If your body is not able to fully tolerate this stress level, muscle recovery can become an issue. As you get older, recovery becomes even more crucial as your body does not bounce back quite as quickly as it used to. Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, so being able to exercise often and at a high level is important to maintaining good health.

As an athlete, you are also concerned with the rate of protein synthesis taking place in your body. Since new muscle mass can only be built when protein synthesis takes place, the faster this process progresses, the quicker you will see results. In order to make sure protein synthesis takes place, you must provide your body the right nutrients, both the building blocks to build the tissue and the energy to get the job done.

THE SOLUTION: BioCharge^®
BioCharge^® was originally designed for Baby Boomers, but the benefits of BioCharge can be felt - and seen - by athletes and those looking to increase the intensity of their workouts at the gym.

BioCharge^® is a premier pre-workout and intra-workout supplement designed to improve muscle performance and recovery through a formula of antioxidant rich botanicals combined with B vitamins and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).*

BioCharge^® contains the highest amount of BCAAs found in any of our products to combat the stress of aging and the stress you put on your body when you workout or compete.*BCAAs are the building blocks of muscle and are important for sports performance as they contribute to reducing muscle damage and soreness.* Recovery is also a key part of building and maintaining muscle mass, so taking BioCharge^® can help accelerate recovery time and allow you to maximize the benefits of your workouts.*

A 2011 study involving BioCharge^®, "A multi-nutrient supplement reduced markers of inflammation and improved physical performance in active individuals of middle to older age: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study," was conducted by William J. Kraemer, et al., and is available online athttp://www.nutritionj.com/content/10/1/90.

Key Ingredients:
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are the name given to L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine. Of these three, L-leucine is most important for the actions that the product is designed for: prevention of muscle mass loss with aging (sarcopenia), maintenance of exercise quality and intensity and faster recovery from workouts.* Given this dominance of L-leucine, the ratio of the BCAAs is formulated to 4:1:1 (leucine: isoleucine: valine).

There are a number of polyphenolic-rich botanicals present in BioCharge^®. These complex, plant-based ingredients are well known for their antioxidant properties as well as for their effects on restoring balance to gene expression that may be disturbed by oxidants or inflammation.*

To order- www.sparkmyworkout.com 

Lean turkey meatballs

Around our house we do alot with ground turkey/chicken. Turkey meatloaf, chicken burgers, asian turkey wraps, turkey chili....... and MEATBALLS!!!

What I love about this recipe is that you can change it up so many ways, depending on what you are serving the meatballs with, for instance, mix in some spinach, or some salsa, some cheese, or cut up peppers... so many options!!!

 Baked Turkey/Chicken Meatballs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 C.  onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional - adjust to your preference)
• (Frozen spinach, shredded cheese, peppers, salsa... whatever add in you would like)
• 2 tablespoons liquid amminos (soy sauce alternative)
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 2 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey/chicken
• 1/4 cup bread crumb
• 1 Large egg

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a large baking sheet by spraying with cooking spray. I actually line my baking sheet with foil and then spray with cooking spray = less clean up! 
2. In a frying pan on medium heat, heat olive oil until hot. Then add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until onion is tender (about 5-6 minutes total time).
3. Add other chosen add in to pan and combine with onion mixture. Add amminos and chicken broth and mix well to combine. Cook until most of the liquid has cooked out (evaporated). I don't have much liquid in my pan after I combine all these, but it will depend on what add ins you that use. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
4. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, bread crumbs, and egg. Add cooled onion mixture to the meat. I do all of this step with my hands, but you can use a spoon if you prefer.
5. 5. With your hands, create meatballs that are about 1 - 1 1/2 inches in diameter and place them on the baking sheet. Leave a little bit of space between each meatball. When you are done shaping your meatballs, you will probably have about 40-42 meatballs from this recipe. Don't need that many? Freeze them after baking or cut this recipe in half (but I say freeze them and then you've done the work only once and have a future meal).
6. Bake until your meatballs are cooked through with an internal temperature of 160 degrees F - which was about 20 minutes for my oven. Remove from oven and serve as desired.

Fitness Tanks by "Sew Cr8ive chic" clothing!

Lately I have been on a fitness tank craze, I love them, and finding new cute ones.

Check out

lots of fun custom apparel, for the gym and more!!!

You can purchase your own tank 

HERE

Or you can win one 

HERE 

just look for the pic above, like both fb pages, and share!!!! 

This giveaway will be for one fitness tank from Sew Cr8ive chic, in select colors, and will be shipped direct from them in your shirt selection and size. I was not compensated for this giveaway just enjoy small business promotion!!! 

 

Workout Tank Giveaway

Do you love active apparel? 

Enjoy looking good while getting fit? 

then this giveaway is for you!!!!!

A few months ago I was introduced to SO ROCK SHOP, and the awesome workout T-shirts and tanks that they sell! My husband and I have many shirts from SRS, and love them!!! So many fun designs to choose from, and they are always running great sales! I recently ordered some multi-packs of tanks and want to share one with you!!! they all came in size medium, and are stretchy, if thats not a good fit it can be used as a gift!

Want to win this shirt? 

Can be purchased for $25 HERE 

Fill out the entries below using rafflecopter for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fitness Friday

Thread Eleven Workout Gear!!!

I have been patiently waiting for my Thread Eleven workout tank to arrive, and a few days ago it came in!!! 

Thread Eleven has fun shirts for female and mom fashion available in Tees and Tanks... 

The tanks are priced at just under $25, and are very comfy!!!!

Why not have fun when your sweating!!!

Wanna order one for yourself? Check out THREAD ELEVEN 

or find THREAD ELEVEN on FACEBOOK

*This was not a sponsored post, just giving a shout out to a great small business 

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner....

(Skinless and grilled Chicken that is!)

Thank you all for participating in the Spartan Race giveaway... thanks to rafflecopter, a winner has been chosen.

Alberto Medellin

Please email me at sarahmicheletraining@gmail.com to claim your prize. You have 48 hours to contact me!

CONGRATS!!!! 

Do it on the ball!!!!

Do you want to spice up your sets????

Do them on a ball!!!!

So many exercises that you will find in your normal routine can be done on a ball. This will not only change it up a bit, to help reduce boredom in your workout, but will also cause your muscles to work in a new way, in an effort to fatigue muscles that are becoming too used to your workout and not working as hard..

After the first time switching your workouts over to the ball you may experience some DOMS the next day, but remember that my friends.. is a good thing!!!! Sore is good, pain is not!

So what should you start with on the ball? Grab some free weights and do chest flys on the ball, or sit on it to engage your core as you do curls, lay back and do some reverse crunches. 

PARTY!!!

Taking a quick break from all things fitness inspired to promote a favorite small business of mine. I was not asked to do a product review, however being a small business owner and knowing that they are the backbone of America, I love to promote the good ones when I can.... you care gonna want to check this one out... for real!!!


I just received the custom designed invites that I ordered from Little Laws Prints, and I couldn't be more pleased. They are beautifully designed, high quality prints that I am thrilled to address and send out... hmmm maybe that should be a new service offered by LLP???

She matched exactly what I was thinking as far as color, design, font, etc... and the turnaround time from ordering, to proofs, to delivery was FAST!

This is not the first time I have used LLP, she designed bix cards, notepads, tags, and more... 

You can check out Little Law Prints on FB by clicking HERE, check her out and do me a favor leave some facebook page love and tell her I sent you!!!! 

Fit Friday Update!

While this post is directed to my online coaching clients, I of course love to inspire and so hopefully others will gain from it as well... For all of my "Team Fit" clients logging on to read this today, congrats! You made it another week.. your results are paying off.. and you are winning!!! 

Since much of the East Coast is under extreme heat advisories, I thought I would give you tips on still getting a good workout in even though it feels like we live on the equator now. 

RUNNERS

I cannot say it enough, WATER, WATER, WATER.. you may also benefit from a GU packet on your runs, try to limit your runs to early in the morning, or after the sun has set. Trail running can be beneficial due to shade cover from trees. Make sure you are wearing breathable whicking fabrics to not get overheated. If you do begin to feel light headed, or break out into chills or cold bumps, stop, take a break, and walk back. Remember a post workout including protein after your run. 

BIKERS 

Much of the same for you, chug down your water, take a snack if you need some energy halfway through your course, ride in packs. Helmets are very important, however make sure you are wearing one suitable for the intense heat, that will release some of your body temp. Remember sunblock for very long rides. Follow up your run with post workout

WEIGHT LIFTERS

While much of this will most likely be done inside, remember to pack your water, possibly a pre-workout drink if you plan for an intense workout, and then an electrolyte replacement if much of your workout is being done in an outdoor obstacle course, or bootcamp style class. 

For those of you who are unable to stand the heat, don't push yourself instead trade in your run for a swim, or a workout video indoors. If you are elderly, have heart or breathing conditions, or plan to take a small child along.. adhere to the air quality warnings and stay in a well cooled center. 

Spartan Race.... giveaway for FREE Entry

Do you enjoy having fun, being active, and getting dirty?

If so, then an obstacle race may be just the thing for you, but not just any race.... the Spartan Race.

So just what is this Spartan Race you ask?

Spartan Race is on a mission to get you active, healthy, excited about change, and return to our ancient roots where running through woods, getting dirty, and facing adversity was part of everyday life. Our events are all about challenging today’s perception of normal.

Our events challenge the familiar, today’s perception of normal living and getting you out of your comfort zone! At Spartan Race, we do this everyday and it shapes everything we do.

Having experienced many different racing events, we wanted to make adventure racing more accessible to everyone, but do not be fooled by the word ‘accessible’, as our events have a challenge for everyone’s needs.

Spartan Race now introduces a level for everyone beginning with the entry level Spartan Sprint, intermediate level Super Spartan, the advanced Spartan Beast, and the ‘99.9% need not apply’ extreme level Death Race. 

Whatever your level, Spartan Race will test your strength, stamina, and sense of humor.

If you head over to the Spartan Race website, you can sign up for training workouts, in which spartan race founder Joe De Sena, and crew are traveling around the country giving free spartan workouts!!

CHECK IT OUT!!!!

Click on the link below to view all the courses all over the country this and next year and decide which one you will be a part of..

CLICK HERE FOR RACES

So are you ready for the challenge? Click below for 15% off any races....

http://bit.ly/spartanwarrior

 OR
you can enter below to WIN a FREE race entry to any 2013/2014 Race in the continental U.S.

One winner only, giveaway will end in 1 week, powered by rafflecopter

Disclaimer: The fantastic folks over at Spartan Race are offering ONE race entry free of charge, I have received no monetary compensation for this post. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Vitamins & Supplements and why you may need them

( I thought this is a great guide that most everyone can find atleast 1 that applies to them) 

24 Good Reasons why you may need vitamins and supplements

1. Poor digestion. Even when food intake is adequate, inefficient digestion can limit your body’s uptake of vitamins. Some common causes of inefficient digestion are not chewing well enough and eating too fast. Both of these result in larger than normal food particle size, too large to allow complete action of digestive enzymes. Many people with dentures are unable to chew as efficiently as those with a full set of original teeth.

2. Hot coffee, tea, and spices. Habitual drinking of liquids that are too hot and consuming an excess of irritants such as coffee, tea, pickles and spices can cause inflammation of the digestive linings, resulting in a drop in secretion of digestive fluids and poorer extraction of vitamins and minerals from food.

3. Alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and pancreas, which are vital to digestion and metabolism. It can also damage the lining of the intestinal tract and adversely affect the absorption of nutrients, leading to sub-clinical malnutrition. Regular use of alcohol increases the body’s need for B-group vitamins, particularly thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamins B12, A and C as well as the minerals zinc, magnesium and calcium. Alcohol affects availability, absorption and metabolism of nutrients.

4. Smoking. Smoking is also an irritant to the digestive tract and increases the metabolic requirements of Vitamin C, all else being equal, by at least 30 mg per cigarette over and above the requirements of a nonsmoker. Vitamin C, which is normally present in such foods as cabbage, onions, oranges and grapefruit, oxidizes rapidly once these fruits are cut, juiced, cooked or stored in direct light or near heat. Vitamin C is important to the immune function.

5. Laxatives. Overuse of laxatives can result in poor absorption of vitamins and minerals from food, by hastening the intestinal transit time. Paraffin and other mineral oils increase losses of fat-soluble vitamins A, E and K. Other laxatives used to excessively can cause large losses of minerals such as potassium, sodium and magnesium.

6. Fad diets. Discarding whole groups of foods can cause a serious lack in vitamin intake. Popular low-fat diets, if taken to an extreme, can be deficient in vitamins A, D and E. Vegetarian diets, which exclude meat and other animal sources, must be very skillfully planned to avoid Vitamin B12 deficiency, which may lead to anemia.

7. Overcooking. Lengthy cooking or reheating meat and vegetables oxidizes and destroys heat-susceptible vitamins such as the B-group, C and E. Boiling vegetables removes water-soluble vitamins, such as B-group, C and many minerals. Light steaming is preferable. Some vitamins, such as vitamin B6, can be destroyed by microwave irradiation.

8. Food processing. Freezing food containing Vitamin E can significantly reduce its levels once defrosted. Foods containing Vitamin E exposed to heat and air can turn rancid. Many common sources of Vitamin E, such as bread and oils are highly processed, so that the Vitamin E content is significantly reduced or missing, which increases storage life but can lower nutrient levels. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which defensively inhibits oxidative damage to all tissues. Other vitamin losses from food processing include vitamins B1 and C.

9. Convenience. A diet dependent on highly refined carbohydrates, such as sugar, white flour and white rice, place greater demand on additional sources of B-group vitamins to process these carbohydrates. An unbalanced diet contributes to such conditions as irritability, lethargy and sleep disorders.

10. Antibiotics. Some antibiotics, although valuable in fighting infection, also fight off friendly bacteria in the gut, which normally allows B-group vitamins to be absorbed through the intestinal walls. Such deficiencies can result in a variety of nervous conditions, and therefore it may be advisable to supplement with B-group vitamins when on a lengthy course of antibiotics.

11. Food allergies. The omission of whole food groups from the diet, as in the case of individuals allergic to gluten or lactose, can mean the loss of significant dietary sources of nutrients such as thiamine, riboflavin or calcium.

12. Crop nutrient losses. Some agricultural soils are deficient in trace elements. Decades of intensive agriculture can overwork and deplete soils, unless all the soil nutrients, including trace elements, are regularly replaced. Food crops can be depleted of nutrients due to poor soil management.

13. Accidents and illness. Burns lead to a loss of protein and essential trace nutrients. Surgery increases the need for zinc, Vitamin E and other nutrients involved in the cellular repair mechanism. The repair of broken bones will be retarded by an inadequate supply of calcium and Vitamin C and conversely enhanced by a full dietary supply. The challenge of infection places high demand on the nutritional resources of zinc, magnesium and vitamins B5, and B6.

14. Stress. Chemical, physical and emotional stress can increase the body’s requirements for vitamins B2, B5, B6 and C. Air pollution increases the requirements for Vitamin E.

15. P.M.S.. Research has demonstrated that up to 60% of women suffering from symptoms of premenstrual tension, such as headaches, irritability, bloating breast tenderness, lethargy and depression can benefit from supplementation with Vitamin B6.

16. the Teen years. Rapid growth spurts that occur in the teenage years, particularly in girls, place high demands on nutritional resources to underwrite the accelerated physical, biochemical and emotional development in this age group.

17. Pregnancy. Pregnancy creates higher than average demands for nutrients to ensure healthy growth of the baby and comfortable confinement for the mother. The nutrients that should be increased during pregnancy are the B-group, especially B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid and B12, A, D, E, and the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and phosphorous. Professional assessment of nutrient requirements during pregnancy is recommended.

18. Oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives can decrease absorption of folic acid and increase the need for Vitamin B6 and possibly Vitamin C, zinc and riboflavin.

19. Light eating. Some people eat very sparingly, even without weight reduction goals. U.S. Dietary surveys have shown that an average woman maintains her weight on 800 calories per day, at which level her diet is likely to be low in thiamine, calcium and iron.

20. Aging. The aged generally have a low intake of vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, calcium and zinc. Folic acid deficiency is often found, in conjunction with Vitamin C deficiency. Fiber intake is often low as well. Riboflavin (B2) and pyridoxine (B6) deficiencies have also been observed. Possible causes include impaired sense of taste and smell, reduced secretion of digestive enzymes, chronic disease and possibly physical impairment.

21. Lack of sunlight. Invalids, shift workers and people with minimal exposure to sunlight can suffer from insufficient amounts of Vitamin D, which is required for calcium metabolism and without which rickets and osteoporosis (bone thinning) have been observed. Ultraviolet light is the stimulus to Vitamin D formation via the skin. Often the sun is blocked by cloud, fog, smog, smoke, ordinary window glass, curtains and clothing. The maximum recommended daily supplemental intake of Vitamin D is 400 i.u.

22. Bio-individuality. Wide fluctuations in individual nutrient requirements from the official recommended average vitamin and mineral intakes are common, particularly for those in high physical demand vocations, such as athletics and manual labor, taking into account bodyweight and physical type. Protein intake influences the need for Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B1 and is linked to caloric intake.

23. Low body reserves. Although the body is able to store reserves of certain vitamins such as A and E, Canadian autopsy data has shown that up to 30% of the population has reserves of Vitamin A so low as to be judged “at risk.” Vitamin A is important to healthy skin and mucous membranes (including the sinus and lungs) and eyesight.

24. Athletics. Athletes consume much food and experience considerable stress. These factors affect their needs for B-group vitamins, Vitamin C, and iron in particular. Australian Olympic athletes and A-grade football players, for example, have shown wide-ranging vitamin deficiencies.

Source: ISSA CFT 

Baked Egg Casserole Recipe

Eggs do not just have to be for breakfast, and they are a great source of protein!! 

This receipe could really be made with whatever veggies you have on hand, or a different kind of meat, maybe chopped turkey bacon.. and could be served for any meal of the day! 

BAKED EGG CASSEROLE

YOU WILL NEED:

7 eggs

handful of spring mix or spinach leaves

1/4 C Of chopped onions

1/4 C of chopped red peper

2 chicken breast tenderloins chopped up

heaping tablespoon of reduced fat Ricotta Cheese

handful of cheddar mix 2%

dash of milk

salt and pepper

MIX THEM ALL TOGETHER

PLACE IN GREASED CASSEROLE DISH 

BAKE FOR 30 MINS ON 400

I TOPPED MINE WITH SALSA.... SO YUMMY

Thank you meghan... for your baked egg suggestion 

Paleo chocolate Chip Cookies {Clean Eating}

I have a sweet tooth, plain and simple.. it happens to hit when I am doing really well with my eating too.. 

So I recently made these and they were Oh So yummy! 

• 2 packed cups blanched almond flour 
• 1/2 cup truvia
• 1 Tsp. Baking Powder
• 1/4 Tsp. Salt
• 3 Tbs room temperature  Butter (Earth Balance, Goats Butter, Shortening or Coconut Oil will also work).
• 1 Tbs Vanilla Extract
• 2 Tbs Almond Milk
• 1C. Sugar Free Chocolate Chips

Mix all ingredients in a bowl, and then spoon onto pan, place in oven for 15 minutes on 350!

Online Coaching: Tell me more!

Have you been stuck at the same weight?

Feel like you are not seeing results?

Need more motivation?

Your current plan is getting boring?

Feel like a bit of accountability will help you out? 

Online coaching is like working with a trainer without meeting one in the gym, it will give you motivation and boundaries that will help move you closer to your goals.

We start with a phone conversation to asses where you are at, what you are doing, and where you are headed.. then develop a plan that for both nutrition and fitness, that you can follow, with workouts, meal plans, and more!

Online coaching allows you to get custom fitness, and meal plans created to fit your lifestyle and help bring you closer to your goals. These plans are individualized, customized, and personalized to meet your needs, and give you the guidance or gentle push that you may need. Together we create a plan, implement the plan, assess the plan, and the review the plan  is being used. You will fell better, look better, experience increased energy, and self esteem 

The plans will guide your diet, and your nutrition, under supervision with lots and lots of motivation and support. Your custom plan will include, calorie counter, meal ideas, workout routines, and much more. You will receive weekly emails that will include tips & tricks to transform your body and move you closer to your goals, as well as VIP discounts on other services.  Many people strive for a healthy lifestyle accountability partner.. with this plan you can get as little or as much as you need! 

Contact me to get started

happymommyjuice@live.com

So whats the deal with protein?

Everyone who knows even a little about fitness, and muscle building, myself included are usually raving about

PROTEIN

• How clean is it
• How much of it
• How often should you use it
• How do you get it
• When do you take it
• WHAT IS IT? 

So lets talk about it..... in easy to understand terms :)

Protein: An organic compound composed of carbon+hydrogen+oxygen+nitrogen

Still tracking? I've lost you?

Protein is a key element in muscle growth, its also responsible for synthesizing structural hormones like insulin and growth hormone 

The most important part of protein is the amino acid composition, these are the building blocks for healthy muscle tissue growth.

Protein is made up of 21 amino acids which are the building blocks of life. 

Here are some of the best places you can get your protein intake from:
Whey
Casein
Milk
Eggs

Beef

Cheese

Chicken
Fish
Yogurt
Cottage Cheese
Turkey   

Someone who is looking to build lean muscle mass should be working for the intake of about 1g of protein per pound of body weight, people who are trying to bulk up with mass amount of gains, should be closer to 2g of protein per pound of body weight. 

You should try to get much of your protein in raw, whole food sources, but we know this is not always possible, so most weight lifters, or athletes try to stick to a 60/40 ratio, with 60% being from raw food sources (chicken, dairy) and 40% being through supplements.

I use AdovCare's Muscle Gain, for my protein supplement, it is predigested protein so that your body can put it right to work, and is a clean form, with 25grams of protein per serving...

Click HERE to check it out 

 When using a supplement link this you would not want to take it in place of a meal, but rather in addition too!

One of the most important things to remember about protein, and how it affects your muscles, is post workout... you MUST get protein into your body within 30 mins of a heavy workout, otherwise its like you only did half the workout, you have broken down your muscle fibers, now you must repair, and refuel to build them into bigger stringer muscles!! 

Island Chicken & Veggies {Crock pot, clean eating}

Sometimes when its warm outside, you just don't always feel like cooking, but that can sometimes lead to poor nutritional choices. Letting the crock pot cook dinner for you, can not only free up some cooking time, but, healthy meals can be made that way too!

Island Chicken & Veggies in the Slow Cooker

1) Cut up whatever veggies you have in the fridge ready to be used.. peppers, onions, carrots, potatoes and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.

2) arrange raw chicken breast pieces over the cut veggies

3) add about 2 Tbsp of soy sauce (try liquid aminos if you can) an then 1 C. low sodium chicken broth, and 2C of water, along with 1 can of pineapple with the juice, or a half pineapple cut up with some juice. 

4) Cover and cook on high for about 3-4 hours. 

This meal can pair very well with Brown Rice if you are looking to get a complex carb in with your meal! 

Asian Lettuce Wraps {Clean Eating}

Asian Lettuce wraps are my go to clean eating recipe, when I need something quick on a hot day, and don't really want to start up the oven. They have great protein in them too, so they work well as a lite dinner before a workout too!

Asian Lettuce Wraps

You will need: 

1lb of ground chicken

1 head of iceburg lettuce 

liquid aminos

julienne  carrots 

cucumbers pealed and sliced 

bamboo shoots

water chestnuts 

TO DO: 

1- Cook the meat in a skillet, once cooked turn to low and add in half a can of bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts, continue to cook, add some liquid aminos or low sodium soy, stir fry. 

2- Carefully remove the lettuce leaves, so they remain intact and can be used as a shell. 

3- Pour some chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf shell, then top with a few julienne carrots, and a few cucumber slices cut in half, then a few drops of liquid aminos, and enjoy!

WELCOME!

I'm so excited that you stopped by, and I hope that you will stay a while... I will drop in on this site, to post workout tips, clean eating recipes, and healthy activities... As well as upcoming classes I will be holding, and training spots available.

Are you not local to the area? No worries, I've got you covered with online coaching, complete with custom built plans and support! So add me to your reader, subscribe via email, and put your running shoes on!!!