The Cost of Shakeology

When I first considered trying Shakeology, I was concerned about the price. How could I justify spending $130 per month on this shake? I am on a tight budget and I tend to over analyze; but in this economy, I have too. I took a look at what I was spending during the week for lunches.

Monday - Zaxby’s - $8.76

Tuesday – Subway - $7.63

Wednesday – Bilo Deli - $14.22

Thursday – Hibachi - $11.41

Friday – Chick Fil A - $7.73

In a total of 1 work week I spent $49.75 (This didn’t include what I was spending on coffee and vending machines.)

Multiply this by 4 weeks and I was spending $199 per month on eating out. Then I looked up the nutritional value of what I was eating, and realized why I wasn’t losing any weight. It is hard to maintain a healthy diet when you are eating out. Most of these foods are processed for convenience and full of sodium.

I was also taking diet pills every month, trying to curb my appetite. So I saved another $20 a month that I had been wasting, because they were not working. I had spent as much as $60 per bottle trying to find one that worked. If I did lose a few pounds, I would gain them right back.

I decided to try Shakeology for a month, and see if I was able to cut out the fast food. If so I wouldn’t be spending any more than normal, in fact, if I stuck with it, I would be saving money.

I have been drinking Shakelogy for 4 months now, and have not eaten out during the work week, nor do I want too. I make my shake for lunch, and it holds me over. I eat breakfast at home; have a healthy snack for mid-morning Shakeology for lunch and another healthy snack in the afternoon. I have lost weight, but the best part is I do not crave sweets, and I have been able to truly commit to eating healthy. My husband saw my results and now, he too has Shakeology for lunch. Together we were spending over $400 a month just in eating out!

Normally with the change in the season’s I get a cold, this year I have not been sick. My digestive system works like clockwork. During certain times of the month, I would crave chocolate, but not now. I have increased energy, sleep like a log at night and wake up just feeling good. I have also noticed my hair & nails are growing.

So for me, I have not only saved money with Shakeology, I am encouraged about the way I feel and the benefits I am seeing as far as my health are concerned.

To learn more about the benefits and ingredients of Shakeology click on the link http://myshakeology.com/coachtammyhicks http://myshakeology.com/coachtammyhicks

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle - Preplan Your Meals

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, you must be a planner.

Not having your meals pre-planned is the number one diet failure. This will cause you to eat out, eat junk and then guilt yourself into failure. NO! NO! NO! Plan your meals a week in advance. Pre cook on your day off, cook enough the night before to take for lunch the following day. Eating artificial, processed, enriched, high fructose syrup, hydrogenated, filled and on and on foods will kill your chances for having a flat stomach and toned form. Make sure you read your labels, research the terms and stay away from the diet killers. If it is packaged or boxed, it can't be good.

Create your own recipes and track your calories!

When you know what you are putting into your body, it makes you more aware of what is actually clean. When I create a new recipe, I start by writing down each ingredient and track the calories, calories from fat, carbs, sugar, protein, sodium and saturated fat for each ingredient. If the serving is 1/2 cup and you are using 1 cup, double your totals. Next, I total each category and divide it by the serving size. This gives you a record of your intake, and helps you look for ways you can make the meal healthier!

Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

1 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 cup Egg Beaters

2 Scoops Whey Protein

1 tsp cinnamon ( may add, blueberries, strawberries, bananas)

1/2 cup Almond Milk

1/2 cup 1% cottage cheese

2 tbsp of Stevia or raw honey

Combine all ingredients in a blender, mix and pour over the griddle. Great for a post workout meal on a high intensity fitness program. Yields 8 4" pancakes. Double ingredients for 16.

3 Pancake Serving: 370 Calories, 33 fat calories, 42 carbs, 6 sugars, 45 grams protein, 0 sat fat.

I use Pure Maple Syrup. Raw Honey is great option, or you may top it with Greek Yogurt and fruit.