Wow! I'm not really sure how it got to be the end of July. I'll start catching you up on what has been happening here in my world.
Shortly after my last post, on a beautiful, clear, dry, warmish morning, I went for a quick 3 mile run and tore the meniscus in my left knee. I have been active my entire life and this was the first major injury I have ever had. In our house, we have had lots of practice being on the injured reserve and obviously, no one really likes it but I have to say, I am the least patient with it (anyone else think that being the MOM has anything to do with that?). I couldn't put weight on it for weeks yet the job and family responsibilities did not stop. Not being able to just get up and do whatever I wanted done, was a humbling and frustrating experience. Some things I couldn't easily do: carrying laundry to or from the basement laundry room, bringing food up from the freezer, taking things to or from my bedroom, cooking (remember one of my favorite things to do), loading and unloading the dishwasher, grocery shopping, passing out papers at school, carrying books, papers back and forth from my car, etc.
The entire experience was humbling and forced me to really take stock of all the things I am normally capable of doing. And that led me to spend time contemplating all the things I have been blessed to be able to do because of the typically strong, healthy body God has chosen to give me. I had lots of time to contemplate since I was absolutely exhausted at the end of the school day. I spent hours with my hugely swollen knee elevated and under a bag of ice being grateful for so many things I have been able to do. Basketball, track, softball, volleyball, I have done every sport I have ever wanted to try. I have walked or hiked or biked along beaches, forests, country highways, mountain ranges on two continents. Swimming at the Y, multiple great lakes, and a few oceans & seas. I was blessed to give birth to the three most amazing people I know.
Here are some things I learned these past 2 1/2 months while rehabing my knee: to be more patient (this is just not my strong point), to appreciate being able to unload the dishwasher, to appreciate going anywhere I want without hesitation, to be grateful I can walk to that very far parking space, to enjoy going grocery shopping alone, to be grateful for the ability to ride my bike or go for a walk. I learned not to take simple, everyday things for granted. I am an incredibly independent person but I realize now that I am that way because of the blessing of a healthy body.
Take a minute to contemplate some of the things you take for granted but that truly are blessings and try to appreciate each of them a little bit each day. Don't wait until you lose them even for the briefest time to be thankful for the gifts. Like the song says, "You don't know what you got til it's gone."
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
It's about health and nutrition, not weight loss
I offered to chat with a neighbor (who struggles with her weight and soreness from inflammation) about Advocare a few weeks ago. Her response "Oh I already get shakes from So and So and those are fine. All those things are the same anyway" made me literally scream out of frustration. So this post is to explain just a bit what Advocare really is and why it is so different.
Advocare is owned by a family trust and was started by a man named Charlie Ragus. He wanted people to be able to buy the best nutritional supplements possible through a knowledgeable coach who would be a caring advocate for each of their customers. Charlie Ragus assembled the top minds in the medical and scientific world to serve on the Advocare Scientific Medical Board. These experts serve on the board without being employed by Advocare so it is an independent board. The experts on this board are world renowned in their fields and our products have to be world class if these people are going to be associated with it. Learn more about the Sci-Med Board When Charlie Ragus started the company, he had 7 Guiding Principals for the company which are still being used 21 years later. Those of you who know me, will know that I was hooked when I read number one was: Honor God through our faith, family and friends.
One of the main goals of Advocare is to help people look and perform their best and in my opinion, they definitely succeed at that. That is a goal for the Olympic, professional, college, and high school athletes taking the performance products but it's also the goal for my 82 year old father who loves that the arthritic knees and shoulder feel better than they have in years. I love being able to provide a way for my family and friends to feel better. The quality of the products is so high and pure that the athletes can take them without worrying about failing a drug test. One of the US bobsledders who medaled multiple times in 2014 was tested 32 times during the Olympics and never worried about failing because he had complete confidence in his Advocare Supplements. My own athletes are nowhere near qualifying for the Olympics yet I know that the supplements they are taking are manufactured to the highest standards possible and are safe.
My daughter is in the final two weeks of the semester at college. I love that she is drinking Spark and an occasional Slam to help her get everything done. Instead of a bunch of sugar and ridiculous levels of caffeine, she is consuming a normal dose of caffeine, 21 vitamins, and amino acids. These products don't just help her stay awake but help with mental focus so that the time is more effective and at least in my mind, she is getting a little more sleep because she is able to focus more. Plus, she can help her friends get this mental focus and make a bit of spending money. Two wins for a college kid.
Dr. Oz is always promoting omega3's but then realized that many are rancid or poor quality so he arranged for an independent study to find an omega 3 supplement that he could recommend. The research company found they could confidently recommend just two out of the 24 tested. One of those was Advocare Omegaplex. Here is a link to the clip from Dr. Oz's show.
Link to Dr. Oz study results
I could go on forever but the point was just to point out a few things about the company and products we really believe in. Feeling better, having more energy and making a bit of extra money while helping friends look, feel, and perform better is a blessing for us.
Advocare is owned by a family trust and was started by a man named Charlie Ragus. He wanted people to be able to buy the best nutritional supplements possible through a knowledgeable coach who would be a caring advocate for each of their customers. Charlie Ragus assembled the top minds in the medical and scientific world to serve on the Advocare Scientific Medical Board. These experts serve on the board without being employed by Advocare so it is an independent board. The experts on this board are world renowned in their fields and our products have to be world class if these people are going to be associated with it. Learn more about the Sci-Med Board When Charlie Ragus started the company, he had 7 Guiding Principals for the company which are still being used 21 years later. Those of you who know me, will know that I was hooked when I read number one was: Honor God through our faith, family and friends.
One of the main goals of Advocare is to help people look and perform their best and in my opinion, they definitely succeed at that. That is a goal for the Olympic, professional, college, and high school athletes taking the performance products but it's also the goal for my 82 year old father who loves that the arthritic knees and shoulder feel better than they have in years. I love being able to provide a way for my family and friends to feel better. The quality of the products is so high and pure that the athletes can take them without worrying about failing a drug test. One of the US bobsledders who medaled multiple times in 2014 was tested 32 times during the Olympics and never worried about failing because he had complete confidence in his Advocare Supplements. My own athletes are nowhere near qualifying for the Olympics yet I know that the supplements they are taking are manufactured to the highest standards possible and are safe.
My daughter is in the final two weeks of the semester at college. I love that she is drinking Spark and an occasional Slam to help her get everything done. Instead of a bunch of sugar and ridiculous levels of caffeine, she is consuming a normal dose of caffeine, 21 vitamins, and amino acids. These products don't just help her stay awake but help with mental focus so that the time is more effective and at least in my mind, she is getting a little more sleep because she is able to focus more. Plus, she can help her friends get this mental focus and make a bit of spending money. Two wins for a college kid.
Dr. Oz is always promoting omega3's but then realized that many are rancid or poor quality so he arranged for an independent study to find an omega 3 supplement that he could recommend. The research company found they could confidently recommend just two out of the 24 tested. One of those was Advocare Omegaplex. Here is a link to the clip from Dr. Oz's show.
Link to Dr. Oz study results
I could go on forever but the point was just to point out a few things about the company and products we really believe in. Feeling better, having more energy and making a bit of extra money while helping friends look, feel, and perform better is a blessing for us.
Friday, April 4, 2014
The Real Reason
As I write this, my husband and I are at the end of Day 13 of 24 on the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. We are working on improving some habits that aren't as healthy as they should be. We have also refocused our workout routines. I feel better. I have more energy and I have lost over 8 pounds so far. Losing pounds and inches while gaining muscles is really motivating but that isn't the real reason I love Advocare products. I am passionate about Advocare because of a promise I made and I am doing everything I can to keep that promise. Before I get to that promise, I need to explain a couple of things.
First, my family health history is like living in a genetic minefield. A quick overview (not in any particular order) includes heart disease, arthritis, neurological issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid issues, horrendous osteoporosis, kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies.
Second, my mom was an amazing grandma. She absolutely adored her seven grandchildren. I firmly believe that this world would be a completely different place if every child was loved and believed in as much as my kids, nieces and nephew were loved by their grandma. Each of them knew they were special and cherished by her. Regardless of what they were doing, she was their biggest cheerleader. Unfortunately, she had a permanently broken arm and a multitude of other health issues that truly inhibited how much she could do with her grandchildren. So for most of their lives, Grandma was on the sidelines, not actually playing with them. After decades of suffering with unimaginable pain and various ailments, her body gave out at 78 years old.
This where the promise comes in. My youngest son couldn't even remember a time when Grandma could sit on the floor with him and play. He had fond memories of reading or watching TV with Grandma but no memories of playing with her. That made him sad. He asked me to promise to do whatever I could do to stay healthy and active so when he had kids they would have a grandma that could play with them and not just watch them play.
So at that point, I needed to figure out how to keep that promise. Growing up, my family ate healthy. My Dad subscribed to Organic Gardening in the 70's. We grew dozens of vegetables and had numerous fruit trees. We canned and froze fruits and vegetables at their peak nutritional value. We bought freezer meat right from the farmer. Every day the recommended servings of produce was consumed, in addition to multivitamins. Regular exercise was a normal part of life. My parents were strong and ate as healthy as possible and yet their health was not optimal and hadn't been in decades.
Being physically active wasn't a problem, as long as I scheduled my workouts. I love to cook and could shop for great food so eating right wasn't going to be an issue. Exercise combined with eating right hadn't been enough to insure long-term health for my parents so I knew I needed more to keep that promise. But what was that something more? I read and researched and searched for that missing component. I hoped when I found it, I would know.
And once that first 24 Day Challenge was completed, I knew my search was over. I felt amazing with an energy and vitality that was different. I had scoured the internet to find every bit of information I could find on the products and company before allowing my boys to take the supplements, so I knew what I had was different and special. Honestly, with proper exercise and diet, I know that my Advocare wellness supplements will be a big part of avoiding health issues. Unlike my parents or siblings, I am on track to make it out of my forties with no chronic health conditions.
First, my family health history is like living in a genetic minefield. A quick overview (not in any particular order) includes heart disease, arthritis, neurological issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid issues, horrendous osteoporosis, kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies.
Second, my mom was an amazing grandma. She absolutely adored her seven grandchildren. I firmly believe that this world would be a completely different place if every child was loved and believed in as much as my kids, nieces and nephew were loved by their grandma. Each of them knew they were special and cherished by her. Regardless of what they were doing, she was their biggest cheerleader. Unfortunately, she had a permanently broken arm and a multitude of other health issues that truly inhibited how much she could do with her grandchildren. So for most of their lives, Grandma was on the sidelines, not actually playing with them. After decades of suffering with unimaginable pain and various ailments, her body gave out at 78 years old.
This where the promise comes in. My youngest son couldn't even remember a time when Grandma could sit on the floor with him and play. He had fond memories of reading or watching TV with Grandma but no memories of playing with her. That made him sad. He asked me to promise to do whatever I could do to stay healthy and active so when he had kids they would have a grandma that could play with them and not just watch them play.
So at that point, I needed to figure out how to keep that promise. Growing up, my family ate healthy. My Dad subscribed to Organic Gardening in the 70's. We grew dozens of vegetables and had numerous fruit trees. We canned and froze fruits and vegetables at their peak nutritional value. We bought freezer meat right from the farmer. Every day the recommended servings of produce was consumed, in addition to multivitamins. Regular exercise was a normal part of life. My parents were strong and ate as healthy as possible and yet their health was not optimal and hadn't been in decades.
Being physically active wasn't a problem, as long as I scheduled my workouts. I love to cook and could shop for great food so eating right wasn't going to be an issue. Exercise combined with eating right hadn't been enough to insure long-term health for my parents so I knew I needed more to keep that promise. But what was that something more? I read and researched and searched for that missing component. I hoped when I found it, I would know.
And once that first 24 Day Challenge was completed, I knew my search was over. I felt amazing with an energy and vitality that was different. I had scoured the internet to find every bit of information I could find on the products and company before allowing my boys to take the supplements, so I knew what I had was different and special. Honestly, with proper exercise and diet, I know that my Advocare wellness supplements will be a big part of avoiding health issues. Unlike my parents or siblings, I am on track to make it out of my forties with no chronic health conditions.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
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:
Thursday, March 13, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, March 10, 2014
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.
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.
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