What Motivates You?

 

Whether it's losing weight, looking great, or living a healthier lifestyle; all of these things are attainable with the right motivation. Some of us have to dig down deep to find that driving force that's inside, while others have a vision and make it happen at the drop of a hat. All in all once your mind is set, there should be nothing holding you back... 

Setting Goals

From the time that you start until the point of maintaining, set goals that are totally realistic and attainable. I find creating a calendar of your daily routines helps to keep you on track and make following a plan easier. Whether it's a calendar hanging in your kitchen or one of those apps on your mobile device, schedule in times that you workout, eat your meals and snacks, work and sleep. This way you'll be less likely to make excuses.  

Support System

Talk to those who are closest to you, either friends or family... You know the ones that are always positive when you're goal driven.  Not only can they help by supporting you on your journey, but you may also motivate others to take action and get into the groove of living healthy as well. Having a partner can not only help you focus better, but they can also push you closer to your goal even quicker. At the same time, stay away from those naysayers that bring you down or speak negatively when your trying to accomplish something. Remember you want to stay positive at all costs so you may want to clean house on your friends list.

 

Healthy Eating Plan

Pick a healthy eating plan that is easy to follow and cost effective. Isagenix contains high quality whey protein that can help you feel fuller longer, reduce cravings, build more muscle, burn more calories and help you age gracefully. If you do 2 shakes a day all you need to add is a 400 - 600 calorie meal and 2 snacks that are 120 calories each. Isagenix has different pack options to suit your needs, whether it's releasing pounds and inches, building muscle or maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Staying Positive

To keep the momentum going, try to stay positive. Here are some easy tips that you can incorporate into your everyday routine:

1. Find positive quotes and happy stories that you can share on your social media sites and always stay uplifting even on those days that you're not. 
2. Put positive notes to yourself on the bathroom mirror, refrigerator, computer, or even somewhere in your vehicle.
3. Create a vision board with all your goals and aspirations.
4. Read articles or listen to podcasts on Healthy Living.
5. Laugh!!! If you're not laughing at least once a day find jokes, or watch a movie, comedian or TV show that you know will crack you up.

Schedule Your Workouts

First and foremost find a routine that best suits you, whether it's low impact aerobics or a weight regimen at the gym. Depending on your work schedule, planning time to get some exercise can be difficult, but if you're determined enough you can fit it in no matter what shift you're on. It is recommended to work out as soon as you wake in the morning, but if your work schedule is early in the am this can be a challenge, so get to it as soon as your finished work and then get on with the rest of your day/night. If for any reason you miss a day to workout, replace it with one of your rest days. Remember the more excuses you make the less likely you will be to get it done.

How To Stay Healthy Working Overnights

Overnights are not for everyone, and most people wouldn't choose to work this shift, but when I was offered a full-time position, I couldn't refuse. Going into this I wanted to be sure that I could still maintain my healthy lifestyle, so I did as much research as I could and this is what I came up with...

Catching Some ZZZ's

The First thing to take care of on overnights is your sleep. The most important trick to sleeping during the day is complete darkness. Even the smallest amount of light can cause you to wake up, making it harder to get the rest that you need. Try to set your schedule to sleep the same amount of time that you would at night. Sleep is the most important part of recovery. If you don't nip this in the bud now, it could impact your metabolism and create a hormonal condition that will cause your fat cells to be resistant to shrinking. To help on those days that you're waking too early it is recommended that you take a 20 - 30 minute nap and on your days off a 90 minute nap can be the equivalent of getting eight hours of sleep.

Meal planning 101

The Graveyard shift can destroy a person's diet if they're not careful. Eating schedules are a mess because you're no longer sharing meals with friends or loved ones. Plan to eat the same way you would working day shift. Have your breakfast 1 hour after waking, and lunch 4 - 5 hours after that. I prefer my larger meal for lunch (before leaving for work), this way I only have to worry about my snack and shake during my shift. Don't forget small healthy snacks are very important between meals. They can help maintain energy levels and lesson the need for larger meals throughout the evening. Spread out your meals and snacks so that you're less likely to overeat.  One snack should be a couple hours after breakfast and another one after lunch. Try to not snack after your last meal if you wish to maintain or release weight. 

Watch Out For Caffeine

I'm going to admit that this was my biggest mistake... I thought that I needed caffeine to keep me going throughout the night, however this is false. You will only receive a short amount of energy before you crash, which can then lead to more caffeine or even worse snacking. There were studies done that showed caffeine can stay in your system for at least 6 hours, depending on how much you drink. The more caffeine you ingest the harder it will be to get to sleep when bedtime rolls around. This can cause sleep deprivation which can also lead to weight gain. Over doing it can result in an increased heart rate, gastrointestinal irritation, muscle twitching and insomnia. If you feel like you're lacking energy, walk around and get your circulation going, or do a few jumping jacks to get your motor running again.

Don't Forget Your H2O

Did you know that water can give you energy, but if you don't drink enough it can cause dehydration which can lead to headaches and even make you sleepy? Remember the old saying to drink 8 cups of water a day? Well  actually women need at least 91 ounces and men need 125. The easiest way to maintain this would be to purchase a water bottle, know it's measures and count how many times you refill throughout your day/night.

Workout Schedule

Not only can exercise help build strength and control weight but it also gives you energy. To insure proper rest while working overnights it is recommended that you workout before your shift instead of after. If your workout schedule will not allow for a time before work, it is suggested to do a routine that won't exert you as much, such as going for a walk or yoga.

Salad Dressings Made From Scratch



Basic Vinaigrette

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons vinegar (white, cider or wine)

pinch of salt

pinch of fresh-ground black pepper
 

 

 

Italian Vinaigrette

basic vinaigrette (use red wine vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

 

 

Mustard Dressing

Italian Vinaigrette
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1-3 teaspoons agave nectar (to taste)
Recommend with coleslaw.

Creamy Vinaigrette Dressing

Basic vinaigrette
2-3 tablespoons greek yogurt

Parmesan Pepper Dressing

Creamy vinaigrette dressing
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Lemon Dressing

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
Recommend with spinach salad

 Balsamic Vinaigrette

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 pinch Italian seasoning
Recommend with escarole, curly endive, and dandelion greens.

 

 

Lighter Bacon Dressing

Basic Vinaigrette (cider)
1 tablespoon crumbled bacon
1/2 tablespoon finely minced onion
1/4 teaspoon prepared mustard
1-3 teaspoons coconut sugar
Recommend with escarole, curly endive, and dandelion greens.

Directions:

To mix ingredients it's best to find a container and shake it up, or whisk in a mixing bowl. Also let your mixture stand for at least 30 minutes to allow dried herbs to blend and rehydrate, then shake or whisk again. Play with your ingredients and try flavored oils, vinegars, and seasonings. You can make your salad dressing suit any meal.

 

Where You Want To Be...

"If I only knew then what I know now."

All my life I had been in denial about good and bad, healthy and toxic. I wanted to believe that companies in the food industry have our best interests at heart, but they obviously don't. Just look at all the processed foods being served on every street corner and then there's the genetically modified fruits, vegetables and meat that we have to choose from at our local grocery stores. It's no wonder we have far more unhealthy and obese people in the world today. To top things off we have products that claim to help you lose weight, when in actuality they are only doing more harm than good. Did you know that just one can of diet soda a day is linked to 34% higher risk of metabolic syndrome? Symptoms include; belly fat and high cholesterol and can also put you at risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. A university of Texas study showed two cans of diet soda a day increases the chance of your waistline increasing by 70%. Aside from the way the chemicals in diet soda confuse the body the affect is also mental. If you think you're getting no calories from that can of diet soda you may be more prone to indulge more frequently in that double burger, large fries, and ice-cream. 

Cleanse For Life

I won't get into all the technical jargon about the importance of cleansing, but I will say that most other cleanses deplete your body of protein which burns muscle as well as fat. During our 9 or 30 Day Cleanse we always recommend starting with 2 shake days and at least 5 shake days in between cleanse days. This way you will still be getting the high quality protein that you will need to maintain and build muscle. What does cleansing do for your body? Among other things, you will burn overall body fat AND visceral fat which is harmful to your internal organs. Visceral fat can be the reason for not releasing that last 10 - 20 lbs. Cleansing also helps with healthy aging, boosts your mood and helps to recycle old tired cells faster.

Free At Last!

Reaching My Goal

After my first 30 Day Cleanse I felt amazing! I now have a healthy glow that even some of my oldest friends have commented on, but what they don't see is the increased energy and improved concentration that I've discovered from using Isagenix. I can finally sleep through the night and wake up before my alarm, rested and energized. As I maintain this new lifestyle, I realize that not only do I feel and look healthier, but I also don't crave those unhealthy choices I used to make. I love the changes that I've seen in the past couple of years and plan to live like this for the rest of my life. Honestly I can't see myself being that chunky girl ever again! My health is #1 and will remain that way for the rest of my life.  

Shake It Up



Now that you are on a path to a healthier lifestyle it's time to make some changes in the way that you eat. This really isn't a hard task.... Just pick a meal plan and find recipes that really intrigue you (e.g. a healthy chilli or stir-fry). Also don't forget to mix it up a bit by having something different every night and never live on salad alone. Try brown basmati, quinoa or spaghetti squash instead. Another thing to remember is that you won't be adding salt, or butter to any of your food, so you might want to stock up on some lemons to give flavour to your favourite meals.

Shake Days

While on the 30 Day Cleansing & Fat Burning System you will have two shakes a day which total 240 calories each. You will also have a snack in the morning and afternoon which are no more than 120 calories each. For meal time you can either do supper or lunch but just remember the meal should only be 400 - 600 calories.

Snack Suggestions

1 apple

1 1/2 cup berries

17 nuts

1 1/2 hardboiled eggs

1 PKG Weigh Thins

2 IsaDelight Plus

1 SlimCake

  

Some helpful tips when going grocery shopping... DO NOT GO ON AN EMPTY STOMACH! This would be just pure torture for anyone starting off.  Also stay away from that goodie isle. Pop and chips are not apart of your 30 Day Cleanse so you don't need to be going there. 



30 Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System

How It Works

Cleansing is one of the safest, healthiest ways to lose weight. This isn't a diet where your measuring or counting your calories. With our products you get long term results because you're releasing toxins and impurities that have built up in your body over time and you're replacing them with the vitamins and nutrients your body needs. Not to mention that it's all natural, non GMO.

Some side affects of doing the 30-Day cleanse are:

● increased energy
● improved concentration
● better muscle tone
● balanced digestion
● Reduction in craving unhealthy foods 

30 Day Cleansing Program

Isagenix is an effective, safe, natural and easy to follow cleansing program that fits into anyone's daily routine. When you start your 30 Day system we suggest doing two pre-cleanse days by replacing 2 meals with the Isalean Shakes and a 400 - 600 calorie meal. This method will ensure that your body is ready for your cleanse day. During your Shake Days and Cleanse Days you will also be taking Natural Accelerators, Ionix Supreme and Isaflush. Within your 30 Day program you will be doing 4 Deep Cleanse Days so pick one day a week that best suits you.

What Comes in Your Pack

With ever 30 Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System you will receive one months worth of product and a guide/DVD to walk you through the program step-by-step .

● 1 Ionix® Supreme

● 2 Cleanse for Life™

● 4 IsaLean® Shake

● 1 Natural Accelerator™

● 1 Snacks!™

● 1 IsaFlush!®

● 4 individual Want More Energy?® Sticks

Your Health & Wellness Coach

Your coach can be the leading factor in your success. We give all the support that you'll need to reach your goals. Whether it's by phone, text or email we can always be reached. Our team is growing strong and once you've joined you will become a part of our private group where you can also ask questions from others who have been on the same journey you are about to embark on.

Isagenix has a 30 Day No-Risk Money Back Guarantee!

Achieving Your Goals

Have you ever set a goal but didn't achieve it? We all know that Rome wasn't built in a day, so why did you give up? Through all my failures I couldn't throw in the towel and I'm so thankful I didn't!

It was now coming on two years since starting my quest for the ultimate weight loss/healthy lifestyle miracle and I was feeling humiliated and embarrassed. I no longer wanted to go out to special events and the beach was a challenge, even though it was my favourite spot during the summer months. I couldn't believe when I had to bump up my wardrobe once again because I no longer fit in the clothes I had purchased the year before. I was truly feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. My reason for finding a new lifestyle was not just for vanity sake though, I was also fighting with pain from a car accident I had over 20yrs ago. Both my chiropractor and massage therapist agreed that if I were to release some weight I would be able to alleviate the stress that it was putting on my body.

Then out of the blue one day, chatting with a friend online he asked "So is any of this stuff working for you?" How does one answer this question? I didn't want to admit defeat, so I said that I was doing pretty good and that I would soon reach my goal. I'm not sure if he believed me. Maybe he sensed something in my response, then he asked if I would want to do a 30 Day Cleanse with him. At first I made up excuses saying that I was trying something else but then a couple of days later I relented. "Let's do this!" That evening we placed our order and I officially became an Isagenix associate.

Within 4 days my parcel came via UPS... At the time I was in a neck brace from that car accident 20 years prior but that didn't stop me. The first week I stayed true to the course and was able to release 7lbs. I was ecstatic! The next week I could tell that my clothes were getting loose and I felt more comfortable wearing outfits that otherwise looked and felt too tight in all the wrong places. This was it! My body was finally starting to agree with me. Obviously I was holding on to all this extra weight because of the toxins in my system and not surprising with all the processed foods that I had eaten in my lifetime. Within that first 30 days I had gotten rid of 17lbs and felt amazing... Now I was hooked. To this day I maintain doing the shakes and bars but still kick it up a bit with another 30 or 9 Day Cleanse 3-4 times a year. This is truly the healthy lifestyle that I had always been searching for. It's been almost 2 years and I still haven't gained back any of the weight I released. Going from 167lbs to 120lbs was beyond my goal.

Who's That Girl?

"Who's that Girl?" That's what I kept asking myself when I saw pictures at family functions or just stood in front of a full length mirror. I've always had challenges with my weight but usually only 10 - 15lbs, not the 47lbs that you see here. That's when I started asking myself, "Is this my new normal? I know that my 20's are long gone but does that mean I'm doomed to be Chunky in my 40's?" This is when I started my search for the ultimate products/program for weight loss and let me tell you there are a lot to choose from out there.

Going into the first one with good intentions... I followed all the guidelines, thinking positive all the while, only to find out this isn't working. I contacted one of the leaders in the program to ask what I was doing wrong and how I could change things. Her answer was that I'm obviously not following the program correctly. That I'm either eating too many calories or not enough. Okay... I'll give it another try, so I kept track of my calories on one of those apps you can get for your phone. That's when the rollercoaster ride began. One week I lost 2lbs, but the next week I found it. This went on for some time, after spending a lot of money on products that didn't work. I couldn't understand how all these other people were showing amazing results and I wasn't. Believe me, I cut out everything and was working out for 2hrs a day 4 days a week. What should or could I do next? I can't give up now!

On to the next solution... or so I thought. This time I was counting points. It's funny because I would go to these meetings where everyone would gather round and talk about saving their points for the weekend so that they could have a couple of beers or a glass of wine. Um excuse me but I don't think beer or wine should be on your list when you're trying to lose weight. Never mind some of the twinkies and cakes that you were allowed. Needless to say, this only lasted 2 months and then I was out of there.

No more wasting time... This one had to work because two of my relatives were able to drop over 20lbs in a month and a half. Hmmm, I'm willing to do something like that. You would figure 6 weeks isn't too long to suffer, but let me tell you it is! The trick to this one was putting drops of liquid under your tongue and only eating 600 calories a day. How does someone not eat... AT ALL? This is not healthy I don't care what anyone says. You should not be depriving your body of nutrients that you can get from a proper diet. Besides it wasn't just weight that I wanted to get rid of, I also wanted a healthier lifestyle. Sure I dropped quite a few pounds, but my skin, hair and nails felt the repercussions from this act. I could have done this same method again to lose the remainder of the weight, but there was no way. I didn't feel any better and it scared me to think what kind of side affects might appear after I had reached my goal. Once I was back to my everyday life, the weight started creeping back. On a positive note at least now I know this is not the lifestyle change I was looking for... So my search continued looking for something healthy, sustainable and easy for the long term.