Shameless Plug

Last year I started selling Arbonne. While I have been up and down and side to side with weight, working out, eating right, etc...The one thing I know I can always count on, is my Arbonne nutritional products to help me out -- now whether I use them or not is my own fault, but when I do - watch out!

Here's where I personally find these products to be helpful!

1) Shakes - I love the taste of these shakes. Currently only available in Vanilla & Chocolate, but you can make your own flavors too using the Vanilla (ie Strawberry, Banana, Blueberry, etc). They are not only so yummy, but SO easy. I personally love the ready to go shakes you can buy because I can just grab one and head to work (easy breakfast). On the days that I have more time, I will create a concoction of yumminess - usually Chocolate mix, peanut butter, and banana (right, I know!). These things fill me up and keep me fueled until the next meal OR sometimes if it is a long day, or I know I'll be doing lots of active things, I'll use one of these for a snack. These are especially great for mom's on the go -- ie: us sports moms!

I know there are lots of shake options out there, and I am not going to knock any of the other options, I AM however, going to show you the differences between them all so that you can make your own educated decisions. Check out our shakes and other protein options!

There are three things I like about the Arbonne shake:
1. It's vegan & gluten free
2. It has a higher protein content than most of the other shake options
3. It has no cholesterol count (for me in particular this is a great feature)

2) 7 Day Cleanse -  I have only used this once, but the one time I did it, I lost over 5lbs in 7 days (and let's be honest, I cheated; I had ice cream, mac & cheese, etc). This is a cleanser that gently eliminates toxins and supports internal antioxidant activity, and gastrointestinal and liver health. Best part it's a cleanser that let's you eat during it too!

No, I wasn't on the toilet all the time (it's not one of those cleanses). The goal is to eat clean while doing this, and release all the yuck in your system. I did use this before my brothers wedding because a) I knew I'd be putting lots of toxins in my body during vacation and b) I wanted to feel "fresh" and "lighter".

I do not suggest this as a weight loss option, however, I will say that you could easily loose those last 5lbs we all have (ok some of us have 25lbs, this isn't for that -- but a good way to get you started toward that goal) that seems to linger around (especially right before vacation). Learn more about the 7 Day Body Cleanse.

3) Prepare & Endure - I have not used this, but I have heard great things about it -- and will probably be grabbing it within the next month or so. Here's what it does: Maintain endurance and energy. Prepare & Endure delivers carbohydrates, D-ribose and L-carnitine to support energy and help prevent the “crash” when you don’t have the fuel you need. Key amino acids support nitric oxide production to help deliver oxygen to muscles and maintain healthy blood flow for optimum performance. To give you all a similar product - it's like Beachbody E&E.

4) Fit Chews - These are amazing! They are the little boost of "sweet" you need when a craving strikes. Fit Chews help control cravings while keeping energy levels sustained. The best part is these come in chocolate, caramel, lemon, and seasonal flavors (right now Coco Cabana) - so you can hit all your cravings. I try to keep some of these at work, in the car, always in the house! Recommended usage is up to 8 per day, in any flavor combination...EIGHT! That's allowing yourself 8 sweets a day... what!? Crazy I tell you... see for yourself.

5) Fizz Sticks - I know we all want a coffee or Red Bull come 2-3p at work. How about instead of either of those that will inevitably give you a crash in a couple hours again, or keep you up ALL night at that point (depending on your body)...when you start to feel the afternoon sleepies, grab a fizz stick and create a refreshing bubbly drink! It will temporarily help promote alertness and enhance cognitive performance, help promote endurance and enhance motor performance, and help reduce fatigue! But for the time frame you need it to and in the right dosage. The all new "pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is".

OK, so my shameless plug is done. However, I did want to share what I have used and what has been helpful for others that may be looking along their journey for something new. Arbonne also provides skin care, hair care, make up and much more...of which I also use! If you have questions just let me know. I don't sell a product I don't myself use and love.





~beYOUtiful~

Melissa
Current: ??
This weeks goal: double work out sessions

4th of July and Bathing Suits

It's 4th of July weekend and everyone is going to BBQs, the beach, camp, etc... it's what we do. With that, many people are posting about having (or not having) their "bathing suit" body or their "beach" body. If you recall, my last blog I talked about being happy in my skin. While I am still working on that... I came across some awesome things this past week and wanted to share with you all - and they helped me put things into perspective for myself!

First is the infamous "bikini body" issue...this graphic puts it perfectly -- EVERYONE has a bikini body! Now, this is where people are going to be like - "ew, no that's not true. some girls shouldn't wear bikinis"... well you my friend are the problem. Who are you to say what someone can and cannot wear? Who are you to say what is and isn't attractive? Who says what is or isn't a "society approved bikini body" anyways? Just because you don't like it means it's wrong? They say that those who speak badly of others do it because they are not happy with themselves... 

Here's the solution to your issue with "big girls" wearing a bikini -- don't look. I wish I had the confidence to prance around in a two piece that some of these woman do. Or maybe if you can't help looking you should give that girl props. It's hard enough being a big girl in today's world. That girls has balls, big ones. Maybe you can even learn a little something about confidence from her. 

Oh, and the "society approved bikini bodies" -- let's just note that back when Marilyn Monroe ruled the sex appeal industry...women WANTED to gain weight for bikini season! Being a size 12 was the "norm" and sexy. So I'm bringing sexy back...ladies rock out with your bad selves and your size whatever bodies! 

Now don't get me wrong...everyone's body type is different and some people can't be a size 12 nor can some people be a size 2, and I'm not downing either end of the spectrum. I'm saying that everyone can have a bikini body -- it's just about being comfortable in your skin and NOT letting those around you bring your confidence down -- own your body and your bikinis (all women, all shapes, all sizes)!!

PS: Could you imagine having to have been the "skinny" girl in this bathing suit ad and people looking at you like "ew she's gross" -- oh wait.

On that note...I have 2 two piece bathing suits in my drawer, if you see me rocking one this summer, smile for me, it means I found my confidence. 

That's my rant this week...now I want EVERYONE to have a great holiday weekend and be safe. I will be enjoying the weekend with my love and the kids. We have lots planned: the parade with family, fireworks, spending time with friends on the lake, a graduation party, and whatever else comes our way! 

As always... remember what the 4th of July is really about -- our independence...and also to celebrate those that have fought for us and who continue to fight for us to have our freedom. Thank you. 

~beYOUtiful~

Melissa
7/3/15: 199lbs
(outta the 200's again...whoot whoot)