What are the Challenge Packs?

Pick from 21 different Challenge Packs!  Get your health and fitness started now with one of these.  They all come with Shakeology in your choice of flavors.  Get more information at www.mandieduke.info

Shakeology: What is MACA ROOT

In this newly-launched blog, we will be featuring regular, detailed spotlights on the ingredients that qualify Shakeology^® as the Healthiest Meal of the Day^®. By now, hopefully you are "in the know" about this incredible, nutrient-dense shake comprised of some of the most amazing, healthy, and potent superfoods on the planet. But which one led Shakeology co-creator Darin Olien and his team to altitudes of 13,000 feet in the Andes region of Junin, Peru, in search of the only crop that can grow and flourish up there? Well, in our first "Ingredient Spotlight," we'll be getting to the "root" of that issue . . . maca root, that is!

Maca has been used in indigenous South American societies as a source of nourishment and healing for thousands of years. Its other known names include:Lepidium meyenii, maca-maca, maino, ayak chichira, and ayak willku. A distant relative of radishes and turnips, maca grows in a variety of colors ranging from purple to golden. For this crop, there is only one season or yield per year. Each variety offers its own strengths: cream-colored means sweeter, while darker variations generally provide a better boost of energy. Maca has a strong, pungent aroma and is traditionally grown at altitudes of approximately 8,000 to 14,500 feet. For Shakeology, we use a blend of these roots, grown and sourced by local Andean farmers in a sustainable manner, which helps not only the land to thrive but the farmers, their families, and the communities in the process!

(Fun fact: The Spaniards valued maca so much, they made it a form of currency. So, when Peru was a Spanish colony, you could pay your taxes with it!)

BENEFITS & SCIENCE

Maca is widely known to promote endurance, strength, stamina, and potency. In fact, ancient Peruvian women would give maca to their men before they went off to battle. It contains high amounts of protein and has been known to energize the central nervous system. For centuries, maca root has been used to combat stress and fatigue, increase stamina, and yes, even boost libido! Maca is a nutrient-dense whole food packed with vitamins, plant sterols, dietary fiber, essential fatty acids, minerals (including calcium, magnesium, and iron), as well as 19 of the 22 essential amino acids. An adaptogen herb, it also may help support a healthy immune system. (Studies have identified four alkaloids present in maca known to nourish the endocrine system.) Ah . . . and let's not forget the extra-special benefit that is attributed to maca; it's an aphrodisiac! The root is sometimes referred to as "Nature's Viagra^®." Lest you doubt the credibility of the aphrodisiac claim, it is in fact rooted in science. Maca root naturally contains high amounts of p-methoxybenzyl isothiacyanate, which studies show does have a positive effect on the libido. But hey, we're just citing the known science . . . You be the judge!

HOW OUR MACA IS "PROCESSED"

We're very proud to say there is very little "processing" at all. Because maca grows best at high altitudes, it's easy for it to be organic. There are few pests that naturally occur at such high altitudes. Once harvested by the local farmers, the maca roots are dried, pulverized by hand into a powder, and go into the final product just like that. There are very few steps from field to finished product, and that's the way we like it. This ensures the natural nutrient profiles stay in place, keeping it as potent as it can be. Whatever it takes for Shakeology, Darin and team will climb the highest mountain to ensure that you get the best quality ingredients available.

THE BOTTOM LINE: DOLLARS AND (COMMON) SENSE

So let's break it down in terms of cost to you. A bag of maca powder at a nutrition store alone would cost you between $15 and $30. And it's highly unlikely you'll be privy to the knowledge of how that bag of maca was sourced, at what altitude it was grown, or how potent it is. If you were to separately attempt to purchase Shakeology's 70+ healthy ingredients from whole food sources from around the world (including anti-oxidants, phytonutrients, adaptogen herbs, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, vitamins, and minerals) and match the benefits and nutritional content of Shakeology, you would easily spend over $300 every month—that's two and half times the cost of Shakeology!

To see photos and learn more about how the maca for Shakeology is sourced, check out Shakeology: Book Two, now available to download atShakeology.com.

There are at least 67 published studies on maca root that have been conducted over the past 12 years, ranging from effects on mice to randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies on humans. Here are a few highlights:

• A review of major studies by Gonzalez at the Universidad Peruana in Lima, Peru, cites: "Evidence from experimental studies indicates effects of maca on nutrition, fertility, memory, and mood. Randomized clinical trials have shown that maca has favorable effects on energy and mood, may decrease anxiety and improve sexual desire. Maca has also been shown to improve sperm production, sperm motility, and semen volume." Read more here.
• You can also follow the links below to read more results of published double-blind studies on maca's effect on improving sexual function and menopausal symptoms:
  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20691074
  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21840656

"Maca . . . Pure energy source. Grown in nature and delivered in Shakeology."—Darin Olien

All trademarks, products, and service names are the property of their respective owners.

Posted in Nancy Marcello , "Ingredient Spotlight: Maca Root" Shakeology Blog

Shakeology Sunshine Bars

Shakeology Sunshine Bars
Chocolate, honey, and bananas blend together to create this delicious snack.
Total Time: 3 hrs., 10 min. Prep Time: 10 min. Yield: 10 bars Ingredients:
• 2 scoops Chocolate Shakeology
• 3 scoops egg white powder
• 2 cups oats
• ½ cup almond milk
• 4 Tbsp. honey
• 4 Tbsp. almond butter
• 2 bananas, mashed
• 2 Tbsp. wheat germ
• 2 Tbsp. flaxseed
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

 Preparation: 1. Mix all dry ingredients together. 2. Add almond milk, honey, and bananas and mix well with a spatula or your hands. 3. After it's well mixed, put mixture in an 8" x 8" pan. Cover with plastic wrap and press down to flatten into pan. Refrigerate for 3 hours. 4. Remove from fridge, cut into 10 squares.

 Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 277 Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 3mg Sodium: 120g Carbohydrate: 40g Fiber: 6g Sugar Total: 12g Protein: 18g

Shakeology® Is Low-Glycemic: What That Means and Why It Matters to You!

What's the Glycemic Index? Simply put, the glycemic index is a way to measure how carbohydrates react in your blood. When you eat carbs, your blood sugar level rises anywhere from a little to a lot. The GI (Glycemic Index) uses a scale of 0 to 100, with higher numbers given to foods that cause the most rapid rise in blood sugar.

What do high-GI foods do to my body? They cause the body to produce higher levels of insulin, but sometimes too much. This gives you an energy burst known as a "sugar rush." It feels good at first, but then your blood sugar drops rapidly and you "crash." Eating low-GI foods is a smart way to avoid this, because they stabilize your blood sugar levels instead of spiking them.

What kind of high-GI foods to steer away from and why:

Foods with a high GI (above 70) include white bread, pretzels, potatoes, and most processed foods. Eating these foods triggers a rapid rise in blood sugar and insulin levels, which:

• Encourages the body to store fat
• Creates a cycle of hunger pangs and feeling unsatisfied
• Causes an energy crash that leaves you irritated or tired
• Can lead to high blood pressure, fluid retention and diabetes

In contrast, foods with a low GI (under 55)—like broccoli, oatmeal, peanuts, and Shakeology—help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, which:

• Increases levels of glycogen, a hormone that causes body fat to be burned
• Helps satisfy feelings of hunger
• Helps balance moods
• Reduces the risk of heart disease, helps control diabetes, and positively affects the aging process

So you see, eating low-GI foods like Shakeology is good for you! Shakeology's GI rating of 24 is much lower than most fruits and some vegetables. Low-GI foods help keep your sugar levels in check while supplying nutrition that satisfies, energizes, and helps promote good health!

A must Watch for the Ultimate Reset!

This really sums up why I decided to do this.

Why Reset?
Our environment has become more and more toxic. Our bodies absorb pollution and harmful chemicals all our lives, along with the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. These toxins can get stored in our bodies, clogging our cells and slowing down their natural functions.
It's not enough just to work out and eat right. At Beachbody®, we realized we had to take a break from the everyday and find a way to get those toxins out of our bodies. Along with getting in shape on the outside, we had to start getting healthy on the inside.* We decided it was time for a Reset.
What is the Beachbody Ultimate ResetTM?
The Beachbody Ultimate Reset is a complete, three-phase, 21-day program that provides everything you need to:

• Phase 1: Reclaim your body's natural balance.*
  
• Phase 2: Release the harmful materials you may be storing within you.*
  
• Phase 3: Restore your system to its maximum health.*
  What are the benefits of the Beachbody Ultimate Reset?
  In just 21 days, the Ultimate Reset can help you gently restore your body to its original factory settings," to help you:
  

• Have more energy and greater focus*
  
• Experience better digestion and a more positive mood*
  
• Enable your body to function more efficiently*
  
• Lose weight*
  
• Improve your overall health*
  What the Beachbody Ultimate ResetTM is NOT:
  

• A starvation diet. (You'll eat three filling, healthy meals every day.)
  
• An abrupt cleanse that's hard on the body. (The supplements work together
  gradually to gently shift your body's internal settings.)*
  
• A laxative-based, colon-focused cleanse, which fails to truly detoxify the whole
  body. (You won't be running to the bathroom every hour!)
  What's included in the Beachbody Ultimate Reset?
  Six Essential Supplements:
  The Ultimate Reset Nutritionals are uniquely formulated to help restore your body to optimal health.
  

• Alkalinize – Helps maintain alkalinity.*
  
• Oxygenize – Helps provide supplemental oxygen to the body.*
  
• Mineralize – Adds natural minerals needed by the body.*
  
• Detox – Helps remove toxins and waste in the colon.*
  
• Revitalize – Helps revitalize flora in the digestive tract.*
  
• Optimize – Promotes healthy metabolism and effective body functions.*
  

Program and Nutrition Guide

• Detailed step-by-step instructions on your 21-day Reset journey.
  
• Plus a 3-week eating plan with recipes, cooking tips, shopping lists, and more.
  Two DVDs:
  

• Reset Your Health! Includes a complete program overview, instructions for getting started, and Success Stories to help motivate you.
  
• Cooking Class! Provides an overview of the foods recommended in your Reset, including sample meal-preparation videos.
  Support Tools
  

• Unparalleled support from your Team Beachbody® Coach, fellow Reset participants, and Challenge Groups.
  
• Access to exclusive UltimateReset.com content.
  
• Day-by-day online support:
  o Food preparation videos for each day's meals o Daily cleanse tips, recipes, and shopping lists o Personal experiences from fellow participants
  
• Mobile-enabled Web site content
  How is the Beachbody Ultimate Reset different from other cleanse programs?
  

• The Ultimate Reset isn't a crash diet or a synthetic meal replacement.
  
• It's an integrated, whole-body reset solution—a step-by-step program that lets
  you have real food, provides specially formulated supplements, and teaches you
  conscious living techniques that work to detoxify and restore your body.
  
• You'll not only help return your metabolism to optimal function, but you'll learn
  conscious self-care behaviors that can help you maintain better health, even after your Reset.* 
  
  
  

The Shakeology® Peanut Butter Cups

May we just say, these little things are genius! And even better, you can make them 100% vegan by using the all new Chocolate Vegan Shakeology^®.

Not only will you get all the benefits from Shakeology, such as vitamins and superfoods, but you'll also get the benefits of coconut oil (our new favorite ingredient around Beachbody^® HQ)! Coconut oil is the newest wonder-food known to be great for hair care, skincare, weight loss, digestion, immunity, healing, and more. Key takeaway: It keeps things flowin' and keeps your body, skin, and hair moisturized! What's better than that?

So add one tsp. of coconut oil to your morning shake if you want daily benefits, or pop these delicious treats when you're in the mood for a healthy dessert! Enjoy.

Inside Out Shakeology Peanut Butter Cups (makes 2 servings)

2 tsp. Chocolate Vegan Shakeology
2 Tbsp. Chocolate PB2^®
2 tsp. unrefined coconut oil
2 Tbsp. water
2 mini foil cupcake holders

Directions: In a microwavable dish, melt coconut oil. Stir the PB2 into the coconut oil and set aside. In another small dish, place Chocolate Vegan Shakeology and gradually add water to get the Shakeology into a thick, pudding-like consistency. Now, take the foil liners and put a tiny amount of the PB2/coconut oil mixture on the bottom of the foils. Next, add a layer of the Shakeology. Finally, top off with another layer of the PB2/coconut mixture. Pop in the freezer for at least 30 minutes and enjoy!

PB2 is a registered trademark of Georgia Belle Plantation, Inc.

Posted in Heather MacDonald, Shakeology^® Recipes. "The Shakeology^® Peanut Butter Cups