Supplements from Headaches to a Compromise

When Advocare first found us, I was looking for workout supplements for my two teenage sons.  At the time they were three sport athletes and spent hours over the summer working out.   I am fortunate because I knew what they were using but I didn't like it.    Each time my son wanted more supplements, he and I would go to a local retail store and I would get a headache.  The sales people that waited on us annoyed me.  Mostly because in my pre-mom days I was an athlete and coach and really didn't believe this kid talking to me knew more than I did.  And I knew I didn't know much. What I did know was the supplement industry was unregulated and the quality of the product depended on the integrity of the company and people producing both the end product and its ingredients.  I couldn't find out enough information to reassure me on any supplements we found in the specialty retail or big box stores.

That summer the boys were training at a nearby facility with some extremely qualified trainers.  I was fairly confident in the owner's opinion on supplements.  I was confident because I knew, in addition to the local high school & college athletes, he was training professional athletes that were being tested for banned substances on a regular basis.  If he was going to recommend supplements, I knew those athletes had to be able to pass a drug test with them.  I also knew that my friends, whose children  were NCAA athletes, were warned against buying supplements in any of the retail establishments.  The fillers and proprietary blends in those products are not required to be on the labels.  As a result, the athlete could accidentally consume a banned substance and lose a year of eligibility.  

Let me make it clear right now that I was not thinking my high school sons were going to be tested for drugs any time soon.  However, if a substance is banned by the NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA or Olympic committee why on earth would I want my children to consume it??  I worked hard to buy and make food that was as whole as possible with as few added ingredients as possible. The boys were going to take supplements, I accepted that.  They, in turn, had to accept that those supplements were going to be the best quality that I could find. 

We learned about the products, the scientific medical board, and the company.  The hundreds of unpaid endorsers and Drew Breeze.  I went home and researched. A LOT.  I couldn't find anything I didn't like or trust about Advocare.   I did find over 80 products.  Obviously, the workout products the boys wanted were there.  But there were quality omega 3's, multi-vitamins, energy drinks based on vitamins not caffeine or sugar, and a 24 Day Challenge Bundle.  I trusted Advocare. I trusted the company and the products.  I trusted the world class doctors and scientists who put their reputations on the line to guide product development.  And so my first purchase included pre-workout & post-workout products and then a total splurge for myself a 24 Day Challenge Bundle.  That will be another post but know since that day,  I've been hooked.

Click here if you're wondering what the scientific medical board is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlNp9y7p8vg&list=PL8FEA514F5F705006

Snow Day

Yesterday we were hit with a crazy winter storm.  Heavy rain in the morning that turned to frozen precipitating stuff and then finally all snow.  It was a horrible storm that sadly claimed lives.  But in my little world it was a gift from God.  Why would a winter storm, appropriately named Vulcan, be a gift you ask.    My college girl & oldest child is home on break.  Technically spring break but that just doesn't seem right.  My husband and I both teach high school.  And my boys go to the same school where my husband teaches. And all of us were home because of the storm.  Nothing in this world makes me as happy as all five of us being together.  I had an entire, unscheduled day with all three of my kids & my husband.  Gift!

I got to sleep until 7:15 and then went to work.  Cleaning, laundry, Advocare: check.  Such a feeling of accomplishment to spend some time catching up.

Being in my kitchen with my hubby or one of the kids sitting at the counter while I cook or bake equals happiness for me.  I love cooking & baking. And I adore making a meal for my family then sitting and eating and talking and laughing together.  I am blessed because this happens in my house.  Just not very often with all five of us together.  And I do make very healthy meals frequently.  However, when God gives me a horrible winter storm and my entire family together I choose to make comfort food.  So there was nothing consumed at that table last night that would have been 24 Day Challenge friendly.  Our menu: pork roast, garlic mashed potatoes (yes home made with butter and milk), and broccoli in cheese sauce (again home made with butter, milk, and cheddar cheese).  Freshly baked shamrock cookies with green icing.  And for hubby and I some wine.  It was delightful.  It was indulgent.  It did absolutely nothing to help me reach my health and fitness goals.  The odds are highly unlikely of ever having another surprise, unscheduled family day so a culinary splurge was ok.  Dinner was great but the talking and laughing was wonderful.

Every choice we make does lead us closer or farther from our goals.   This choice definitely took me a little away from some goals but it gave us a wonderful family memory.  That's a trade I am willing to make once in a while.  And since it was a conscious choice, I refuse to feel any guilt or remorse about it.  On normal, regular days, we need to make those memories without as many culinary indulgences so we can be alive and healthy enough to make wonderful family memories for decades to come.

Getting Ready for the Challenge

It's been a tough winter.   The weather has been crazy.  My Dad has been sick.  I have been helping my sister with a pretty major project.  My youngest is trying to find enough time to learn to drive around all this snow & ice.  My middle child is a senior so looking at colleges. My oldest is away at college.   We are implementing new curriculums at work.  And my go to comfort still involves consuming calories.  So now not only am I busy but now my pants are tight and I'm annoyed.

I will feel and sleep better if I get back to my healthy habits.  I have known for years that I deal with life more effectively if I am exercising regularly.   And I love the energy I have and how clear I think when I am exercising and eating healthy in addition to taking my Advocare supplements.  I need to reclaim my health & fitness goals and the best way I have found is with the Advocare 24 Day Challenge.  I know if I commit to this and really rock it, I will be down 10-15 pounds in 3 1/2 weeks!!!  I'll lose fat, gain muscle so obviously lose inches.

My husband is joining me on this and I AM PUMPED!!  I know we'll reset our metabolisms.  We'll get back to our healthier habits.  And we are going to feel absolutely amazing.

So what is this 24 Day Challenge?  And how is it different from the other things out there?

It's two two separate phases: the cleanse phase and the max phase.  Let me explain what each is:

Cleanse Phase-- don't be afraid of this.  It's a gentle cleanse that will remove the toxins from your body while you continue to work, workout, go to your kids' events, and keep living your life. The goal is to eat really clean on this phase.  You WILL Eat food.  Lots of real, whole, yummy food.  Like every 3 hours or so.  And in a few days in you'll realize that your cravings for the "comfort" foods & beverages have faded.

Max Phase-- now that you've cleaned those toxins out and your digestive track has been cleaned up you are going to continue eating lots of good, healthy, whole food.  A bit more variety available than on the cleanse.  In addition to the food, you will be treating your body to the best nutritional supplements available.  And your body will thank you by reducing inflammation, increasing energy, and all around feeling good.

By the time I finished, I knew I was going to take these products for the rest of my life.  Mike & I are going to be starting in a couple of weeks.   Who wants to join us?  It's amazing but if for some reason you don't think it is (can't imagine that happening) there is a money back guarantee.

Check out our website:www.advocare.com/12085431
for more info or to order your own challenge.  I'll be with you every step of the way.