Shakeology: Week 3

This week I had the opportunity to really put Shakeology to the test and see if it could live up to its claims.

This week I started designing the largest recycling facility in the United States for work.  This required a few very late work nights which resulted in about 3-4 hours of sleep per night.  Now usually when I got this little sleep, my immune system would tank and I would end up waking with a sore throat or flu like symtoms.  Then it was a dominoe effect after that.  Lack of sleep for me equaled getting sick…skip workouts because of being sick…eat poorly because Im not encourged to eat healthy since I wasnt working out…feel worse from eating poorly.  It was a vicious cycle. 

To my surprise and delight, after working until 1am on Monday night, the alarm went off at 5:15am and I woke up feeling great!  I was able to complete the P90X – Plyometrics workout with intensity and still had energy for the rest of the day.  This continued through the week.  Each night, getting very little sleep, but waking up with enough energy to BRING IT during my workouts.

So what is the secret? Experts say a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help you ward off infections like colds and flu. That’s because these super foods contain immune-boosting antioxidants.  What are antioxidants? They are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals. Many experts believe this damage plays a part in a number of chronic diseases, including hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), cancer, and arthritis. Free radicals can also interfere with your immune system. So fighting off damage with antioxidants helps keep your immune system strong, making you better able to ward off colds, flu, and other infections.  And in my case, help me stick to my workouts since Im not sick.  Below is a list of the super-fruit antioxidant blend in Shakeology.

Acerola powder (fruit) also known as Acerola Cherry is an excellent antioxidant and actually has more Vitamin C than other fruits
Camu-Camu powder (fruit) acts as an anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant.
Pomegranate powder (fruit) is outstanding source of Vitamin C, and is a good source of Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), potassium and polyphenols-tannins and flavonoids. They are also good source for fiber.
Bilberry powder (fruit) is powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Blueberry powder (fruit) may help improve glucose metabolism through the activity of chlorogenic acid and acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It’s also believed to help with short-term memory loss.
Some of the benefits of Lycium (Goji) powder (berry) are:
~~Strengthens the immune system
~~Maintains healthy blood pressure and blood sugar
~~Increases longevity and protects from premature aging
~~Helps prevent cancer and aids remission
~~Protects the liver
~~Builds strong blood and promotes cardiovascular health
~~Supports eye health and improves vision
~~Strengthens muscles and bones
Açai powder (berry) helps increase in energy level, improved digestion, increased mental clarity, helps detox the body and strengthens immune system.
Açai also helps fight free radicals that cause aging and contains high levels of fiber.
Cordyceps enhances and strengthens the immune system, improves physical performance, improves anti-aging and fatigue reducing effects, improves respiratory function.
Maitake powder contains Vitamins B2, D2 and Niacin. It also contains magnesium, potassium and calcium.
Reishi powder has been shown to be helpful with heart health, including normal cholesterol, blood pressure, and circulatory system support.
Citrus bioflavonoids contain antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic properties.
Rose Hips powder (fruit) is a natural way of fighting off many diseases and ailments., Also a great source of Vitamin C.
Schisandra powder (berry) helps cleanse, reduce fatigue and increase body energy.
Suma powder (root) stimulates muscle growth, controls appetite by regulating blood sugar levels, boosts energy, balances hormones and enhances the overall functioning of body systems.
Ginkgo powder (leaf) improves the blood flow to the brain as well as throughout the entire body. It also helps neutralize free radicals.

Try buying all these at your local supermarket…good luck!

I give complete credit to Shakeology for keeping my immune system strong this week, enabling me to continue my fitness journey and be as successful as possible.  I hope you can give your body that same opportunity.