Go Green!

In your smoothies that is!!! There are some great green smoothie recipes out there and these are so good for your health! I am fortunate enough to have a vita-mix blender. This is one of the household items that I use EVERY day! I just love it!!

This is a great recipe from the Vita-Mix website. All kinds of good info over there - check it out! www.vitamix.com.

Benefits of Green Smoothies:

Get more fruit in your diet
Get more greens in your diet

Did you know that greens are about 35% protein?

Improved health benefits
And they taste great!!





Ingredients:
1 cup green grapes
1/2 cup pineapple
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 ripe banana
1/2 cup water
1 cup ice

Instructions:
Place ingredients into the Vita-Mix container and secure lid. Select Variable 1. Turn machine on and quickly increase to Variable 10, then to High. Blend for 60 seconds.

I am still fighting off this nasty cold or whatever it is. Started out in my chest and throat and today it has moved to my head. I'm having trouble breathing today. No energy at all. I'm ready for this to be over!!!

Give the green smoothie a try today - don't be afraid - they are really tasty!!

Dry Skin Brushing

Marilu Henner taught me about dry skin brushing and it is one of the best things you can do for your body. If you haven't ever tried it, you must pick up a body brush today and give it a try. You will LOVE it!

You can pick up an inexpensive body brush at most drugstores or even Wal-Mart. Just make sure that it is a natural bristle brush.

This should be done before you get in the shower or start your workout. Start at your feet and use upward strokes, don't forget the bottom of your feet as well. Use long, smooth strokes. Women should avoid the breast area. Always go toward your heart. If you are going to brush your face, you need to get a softer, gentler brush.

Pay special attention to the back of your knees, the inside of your forearms, your armpits - all the areas where the lymph nodes are located. This will stimulate the lymph system and will also help to detoxify the body. The skin is the largest and most important eliminative organ in the body and is responsible for one-quarter of your body's daily detoxification.

Dry Skin Brushing is good for:

1. Removing cellulite

2. Cleansing the lymphatic system

3. Removing dead skin layers

4. Strengthening the immune system

5. Stimulating the hormone and oil-producing glands

6. Tightening the skin preventing premature aging

7. Toning the muscles

8. Stimulating circulation

9. Improving the function of the nervous system

10. Helping digestion

11. Not to mention that it just feels good and invigorating!

Check out Marilu Henner's Book - Total Health Makeover for more details on skin brushing as well as other tips for leading a healthy lifestyle! This is the book that completely changed my life! My health was suffering horribly and when I read this book, something just clicked for me. I am so thankful that I picked it up and read it!!!

This is one of my favorite Marilu Henner recipes!!!

Power Rice & Rye

Serves 6

2 cups brown rice

1 cup rye berries

3 cups water

3 cups vegetable broth

2 small carrots, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

1 cup kale, finely chopped

½ onion, chopped

1 cup green beans

½ cup water

Bragg Liquid Aminos to taste

In a large saucepan, mix brown rice, rye, water, vegetable broth, carrots, celery, kale and onion. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer 20 to 25 minutes until rice and rye are tender and have absorbed liquid. In a small saucepan, bring green beans and water to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes and drain. Combine rice and rye with green beans and season with Bragg Liquid Aminos.

I'm a Pusher too!

I found this post by Chalene Johnson, creator of Turbo Jam, Turbo Kick and Chalean Extreme. I wanted to share it with you all today. I know exactly how she feels. Brian and I went through our first bag of chocolate Shakeology in just one week because I was giving out so many samples. I LOVE this stuff! It really works!! When I find something that I love and think works, I can't stop talking about it! I want everyone to try it. I can't imagine why you wouldn't want to try it. So, I know exactly what Chalene is talking about when she says that she is a pusher!!!

Here's Chalene's post:


I'm a pretty humble person. I don't ask for favors, or special treatment. I don't name drop or expect that people should treat me like a VIP. I won't cut in line even when a friend waves me up. I play by the rules and know that everyone is important. I think it's rude when people act like they are entitled or that people should help them out because of their name, or who they are, or what they've done, their money, their status, whatever. One of my biggest pet peeves is my fellow fitness instructors who think they're "all that" and the "club" owes them something because their classes are full. Get over yourself! In my book, the grocery store CEO is just as important as the kid who bags your bread and milk.

Which is why today I an apologizing. Publically.

The truth is in a moment of weak desperation, I pulled a "J.Lo" on Wednesday. Well I didn't request white M&M;'s and all white flowers in my dressing room. Nope. Just a little help in the Shakeology department. And I know an apology with an explanation is not really an apology, but I believe my Shakeology Apology warrants a teeny tiny explanation. You see...ever since Shakeology arrived at our door step, things in my household have changed.

Now before I go further.. know this. I'm not paid to endorse Shakeology. I have no stock in the company. No one at Beachbody has ever even asked me to "try it" let alone to talk about it. I have no relationhip with Shakeology, other than we since we met, i have fallen madly in love. First I fell head over heels which peaked Bret's curiosity. Skeptical, Bret was a "believer" after two shakes. Next, my 11 year old (who refuses to eat anything green or that comes from nature), then my 9 year old, my father-in-law, my Mom, and all my exercise partners all fell under the spell of Shakeology. I admit when my bag of shakeology was full and heavy, it felt like it was last forever. I shared my bag of shakeology readily back in those early days of this month. I passed around my Shakeology like MC Hammer shared his money in those early days when record deal money was plentiful.

I'm a "pusher". When I find something that's amazing, whether it's a new push-up bra, the worlds greatest George Foreman Grill, self-tanner, whatever it is that works like a charm, I tell the world. I push it. I like things that work! I share my findings.

So, naturally I grabbed my bag of Shakeology to pack for our upcoming family vacation (8 days in Maui, Hawaii.) If felt light. Panic overcame my being. A wave of hot blood rushed into my face. I thought, "Oh my gawd! We leave in 3days. This will NEVER last and I don't have time to order more!!!" I freaked. There was only one thing to do.

I puffed my chest up and decided to see if I could pull any strings at Beachbody. I've sold 'em a couple of million videos. That should be worth a favor or two.. right?? "May I ask whose calling?" the receptionist asked. "Yes, Chalene Johnson of Turbo Jam and ChaLEAN Extreme" I announced proudly. She was unimpressed. Probably President of the Shawn T fan club. Next, I found my go-to-girl, the gal with the beautiful smile who always says, "of course! What else can I do to help", The lovely Leili in the production department. I pleaded my case. I told her how I had been to generous with my monthly supply and now I was nearly out! I begged her to ship me two bags...FedEx..priority am delivery. I didn't expect it for free or anything. I mean, come on. I'm not a mooch. "Lieli, I don't expect it for free. Just charge it to my friend Tony Horton's account (I mean come on... P90X is on tv all day everyday! He can spot me on this one... right???)

She did. It worked. Leili came through! It was mid afternoon the next day when the UPS man drove up. I sprinted to his truck, my eyes bulging, body bloated and weak. Digestion irregular and blood sugars all a skew. I was panting, shaking and foam was frothing from he corners of my mouth (I was 4 hours past my daily scheduled Shakeology). He started to dismount his truck, box in hand. "Give it to me!" I shouted as I grabbed the package from the man dressed in brown.

I apologize for my behavior. With blender whirling and smell of chocolate with a hint of wheat grass, I felt the anxious excitment that a drug addict must feel when they score another hit of heroine.

Beachbody has several protein and meal replacement shakes. I've tried and used them all. You've never seen me blog about them. I've been in the fitness profession for 20 years. I've tried every shake, vitamin and protein suppliment. You can imagine because of the huge network of intstructors and customers of my company http://www.turbokick.com, on a monthlly basis I'm sent samples of every miracle nutrient, drink, vitamin, water, protein source, and shake you can imagine. I've tried them all. You've NEVER heard me encourage people to try them. I've talked about things I find yummy or tasty with decent nutrients. But Shakeology is in a class of it's own. Period.


Unfortunately you can only get it from a coach. Some say it's expensive. I say... DO YOUR RESEARCH! It's cheap! You show me a meal with this many veggies, protein, enzymes, fruit blends, probiotics and vitamins that is this low in calorie and I'll show you something much more expensive or that doesn't have as much ! it can't be done. It's less than a cup of Starbucks. Get a clue! It's cheap. Sure it's more than what you've been paying for your normal meal replacement, but this is a total health drink. It's super cheap if you become a coach. Don't quote me here, but you get it about $30 cheaper if your'e coach with http://www.TeamBeachbody.com Now I am ineligible to be coach (because I'm a trainer with BeachBody) so I've been ordering it from my coach as customer. (Well, except for in this recent tantrum!)


BeachBody has just come out with Shakeology and it is truly amazing. Not only does it have all the great stuff I just mentioned but it tastes really really good (I have some GREAT recipes to really make it taste like a dream! Don't just mix it with water and shake it. Boring! Visit my blog later this week for my fav recipes!

It really does take great! You don't have to just take my word for it, take the word of a "very picky eater!!!", my son 12 year old son Brock. Now let me tell you about my sweet son Brock, he HATES vegetables. I understand. I hated veggies til I was an adult. For years my Mom tried and for years, I found creative ways to dispose of the green stuff on my plate without her knowing. The other day Brock and I had a very touching moment. I made him is afternoon protein shake. He gulped it down, commenting, "That was good, but it tasted different today. Did you put something different in it?" I sat down next to him and broke the news to him. "Son, you just had your daily serving of veggies!" For the first time in his 12 year life, a complete days serving of fruits and vegetables and he liked it! Now granted... I needed his shake to taste a lot like what he's used to, so I added the same stuff I always put in his protein shakes, a lil peanut butter and some fat free frozen yogurt. But it was the most nutritious meal he had probably had in his life. I felt a tear roll down my face. ( oh come on! Not really, but it makes the story). Seriously as a mom it gives such peace of mind knowing I can whip up a yummy shake hand it to my child and know he is getting so many great things his growing body needs.

Learn more... http://www.milliondollarbody.com/shakeology/

More details

WHATS IN IT

More than 70 different ingredients were chosen from around the world for their potency and bioavailability (the ability to deliver the nutrients your body needs). Here are the key nutrient groups that these ingredients deliver:*

Protein and Essential Amino Acids to help build long, lean muscles and reduce food cravings

Prebiotics and Digestive Enzymes, which aid in improving digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption

Antioxidants and Phytonutrients to help counteract free radical damage that can lead to degenerative diseases

Vitamins and Minerals your body needs to function for optimal health.

If you live in my area and would like a sample to try, please let me know. Contact me at dana@missourifitclub.com.

Order your Shakeology today at www.missourifitclub.com

You will be glad you did!!!!

Braves Q&A with Matt Diaz

2009 ATLANTA BRAVES SPRING TRAINING

Thursday, April 02, 2009
Do you want to know what Brave fell for an infomercial?

Read on about Matt Diaz and his offseason weight loss.

Q. How did you lose 30 pounds this offseason?

A. I hate to admit it, but I did an infomercial. … My wife ordered P90X. I saw her doing her leg workout, and it was similar to stuff I did in rehab. I thought that’d be a good way to ease my way back into weightlifting. After a week you realize there’s no easing into that workout.

Q. You watch videos as you work out?

A. They send you 12 videos with 12 different workouts and a dietplan. If you want it, it gives you recipes for every meal, six meals a day …. We moved our kids upstairs out of the nursery and changed the nursery into a P90X room. We got a pull-up bar and dumbbells. … I’d do a P90X workout with my wife in the morning, a baseball workout in the afternoon and go jogging with my wife in the evening while dinner was crock-potting.

Other celebrities using P90X include:
Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens,
David Akers,Philadelphia Eagles,
Sheryl Crow
Jennie Garth
Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher

You can have your own journey with P90X. I will coach you to be in the best shape of your life. Get yours today at www.missourifitclub.com

Thinking of becoming a Vegetarian???

Vegetarianism is becoming more and more mainstream. If you have thought about becoming a vegetarian, watch the following video. If you are still a meat-eater, that's okay. Try going one meal without any meat or dairy. Some great ideas are: oatmeal make it with soymilk, almond milk or water. Add in some almonds, raisins or dates and some brown sugar or even better, agave nectar. YUM!! How about lunch or dinner - veggie soup, stir fry with brown rice. It's so easy to go veggie!!



I have been eating a mostly vegetarian diet for 5 years now. Hard to believe it has been that long, but because of health reasons, it just makes me feel good!!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at dana@missourifitclub.com

Water, Water!!

I did a presentation last night at the First Presbyterian Church - Be Healthy, Be Happy! It went pretty good, however, I was shocked to find out that most people have a problem with drinking WATER!

We all know that we NEED to drink water, but why?

Water makes up almost 70% of your body.

Water lubricates your joints and other organs in your body.

Water helps to eliminate toxins from the body.

Water is a cooling system when you are overheated.

Water helps to control your appetite and cravings.

Water will help you stay regular.

You should be drinking 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of water per day. Minimum of 64 ounces and maximum of 100 oz. WHAT??? I'm not kidding. Your body needs that amount of water to function properly.

Most people are living in a state of dehydration. Most people drink several caffeinated beverages in a day. This causes more dehydration. Alcoholic beverages are also dehydrating. For every caffeine or alcohol drink you have, you should follow it up with 8 oz of water to replinish the fluid your body has lost.

The most important thing to remember is that if you are thirsty - drink some water!!

If you are one of the people that doesn't like water - try adding in some of the following:

lemon, lime, oranges, cucumber slices, strawberry.

Let me know how you like to drink your water. I prefer mine to be room temperature. Sometimes with fruit, but most of the time, just plain ol' water!!

Why join the Team Beachbody Club?

Decide. Commit. Succeed.®

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Exclusive Video Content. Our Webisodes offer detailed instructions on working out, preparing tasty, healthy recipes, and even fashion advice for your new body.

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Plus, you can win amazing rewards just for working out! Enter your workouts in WOWY® and you are automatically entered to win up to $1,000 or other cool rewards like iPods, DVD players, and cameras every day!

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Why is the Team Beachbody Club so effective? Because we promote accountability, which means you'll be ready to work out every day. But the Club also helps make exercise fun, so you'll enjoy every minute!

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Enjoy all these benefits RISK FREE for 30 days for only $2.99 a week, billed $38.87 quarterly in advance to the credit card you provide. You can cancel anytime during your first 30 days and receive a FULL refund, or you can cancel anytime thereafter to avoid future charges. Keep the Thin Kitchen recipe book just for trying!