Banana Split Vegan Protein Shake

I've been neglecting my blog and it feels great to be back! I have overindulged and my tummy shows it. Tomorrow I am going to a kickboxing class where they may have to carry me to my car when its over but I am getting back on track!

My weakness that has helped me sink deep into the depths of despair of bad nutrition...ice cream. I am pretty sure the DQ down the street is going be financially distressed with my decision and for that I am sorry. They work hard and I am sure there are many who will pick up my slack. A recent trip to New England was a chance to try many mom and pop ice cream shops with homemade dairy deliciousness and I must say they have mastered it. But now it's time for me to get myself in check again and Arbonne makes it so easy. Thank goodness!

The Banana Split Vegan Protein Shake
1 scoop Chocolate Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix
1 scoop Vanilla Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or coconut milk)
1 scoop Arbonne Essentials Daily Fiber Boost (ONLY 1 scoop a day!)
1 banana
1/2 cup fresh organic strawberries (frozen if strawberries are not in season)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Optional: 1/4 cubed pineapple
Ice (depends on how icy you like it...I use 5-7 cubes)
Add frozen spinach...my newest trick. : )
Add water to achieve desired texture
Blend.

What a great way to talk me off the proverbial ledge during ice cream season!
Enjoy. Without guilt. You are getting 20 grams of vegan protein. No whey or soy...vegan protein. It's easily digestible. Arbonne protein powder is vegan certified. It is gluten, soy and dairy free and free of artificial color, flavors and sweeteners.

Have questions? Want to learn more about Arbonne's health and wellness products? I am here for you. There is an incredible business opportunity awaiting you along with premium products with best in class ingredients that sell themselves. Contact me. amyw@myarbonne.com

The products will change your health and your skin. 

The opportunity will change your life.

Please Pass the Strawberries

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Strawberry season is here...April-July. The most popular of all the berries (in the US anyway), these ruby-colored gems are a nutritional powerhouse too. One cup of strawberries contains over 13% of the RDA of dietary fiber, yet only 43 calories (low on the Glycemic Index). The dietary fiber in strawberries helps to keep digestion regular and blood sugar stable, as well as lowers blood pressure and curbs overeating.

Strawberries are high in antioxidants and a great source of vitamin C (136% RDA!) and manganese (great for bones!). These berries provide anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and cardiovascular benefits.
As if tasting delicious wasn't enough, please pass the strawberries!!!

How do you like your strawberries? Freshly picked, of course.
This berry is so versatile and it plays well with other berries too. Put them on a spinach salad, make a vinaigrette, smoothie, homemade strawberry jam or a strawberry salsa. Or how about vegan-certified, dairy free chocolate dipped strawberries? My personal favorite.

Let your kids participate in the prep of a fruit salad or a parfait. They will love it!

Make good choices for your health. Invest in your best asset...you.

Chunky Monkey Vegan Protein Shake

The delicious taste of peanut
butter without the
calories and fat.

Oh yeah. Who doesn't love a little chocolate, peanut butter and banana? Add in some walnuts and avocado...what? I am not kidding. Here is my vegan version and it is fabulous, if I do say so myself! The peanut butter I add this time is not full on fat-riddled peanut butter either. One of my friends turned me on to this wonderful product called PB2. It is peanut butter powder...gluten free, all natural and 2 tablespoons make your shake sing. I buy mine at amazon.com.


Chunky Monkey Vegan Protein Shake
2 scoops Chocolate Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or coconut milk)
1 scoop Arbonne Essentials Daily Fiber Boost (ONLY 1 scoop a day!)
2 Tbsp PB2 powdered peanut butter
1 banana
1/2 avocado
1/4 cup walnuts
Ice (depends on how icy you like it...I use 5-7 cubes)
Add water to achieve desired texture
Blend.

Enjoy. Without guilt.
This protein shake has 20 grams of vegan protein! It is gluten, soy and dairy free and free of artificial color, flavors and sweeteners. It also has a complete amino acid profile. Think it won't fill you up? I challenge you to try it. 4 hours baby!!

The walnuts are a good source of copper and manganese. The avocado adds healthy fat and the banana is rich in potassium.


Why Arbonne Protein Powder? It is Vegan Certified...vegan protein!! No whey! No soy! No allergens, bloating or gas. It does have a complete amino acid profile and will keep you feeling full longer. No cholesterol or trans fats either. And, it is delicious.

Have questions? Want to learn more about Arbonne's health and wellness products? I am here for you. There is an incredible business opportunity awaiting you along with premium products with best in class ingredients that sell themselves. Contact me. amyw@myarbonne.com

The products will change your health and your skin. 

The opportunity will change your life.

Why Vegan Protein

My last post went into detail why vegan protein is better for you than whey or soy (remember "say 'no whey!' to whey!"). Now I want to tell you more about the vegan protein found in the Arbonne protein powder and why it does exactly what it says it does (like all of the Arbonne products I have tried! And I have tried almost all of them!).

Vegan, plant-based protein. It is a beautiful thing. I have been reading some truly disgusting things about meat and dairy protein lately that make me take a big gulp of my Arbonne protein shake and say "aaahhh". Remember that protein is not held in reserve in our body (like fat and carbs) so we need to continuously feed our body protein. Arbonne's blend of cranberry, pea and brown rice is the most easily digested, 100% hypoallergenic protein blend. Rice and yellow pea protein rival dairy and egg protein but without allergens! Because Arbonne's vegan protein blend it is so digestible, it decreases the gas and bloating and is absorbed and used to create muscle, promote healing, etc.

Let's break it down...Arbonne's vegan protein blend is cranberry, pea and brown rice. Why?
First, the cranberry. Cranberry is the only plant protein that contains 25% complete protein including all of the essential amino acids. Next, the pea protein is going to facilitate calcium absorption and help smooth out the chalky texture of the rice protein. What is amazing about yellow pea protein is that it can make you feel full faster at your next meal. The rice protein is easily digestible. Within four hours, 86% of rice protein will be digested compared to only 57% of soy. Rice has a total absorption rate of approximately 98% so it is a very efficient protein. 

The Amino Acid Score is a method for evaluating the relative nutritional quality of different protein sources based on the digestibility and usability. Arbonne protein has an Amino Acid Score of 100 which is high quality. Arbonne gives you vegan protein with a complete amino acid profile. 

Vegan Certified. Gluten free. Soy free. Dairy free. No artificial anything.

So those are the facts. Now all you have to do is taste it. Arbonne protein powder comes in chocolate and vanilla. I have recipes to add fruits and veggies to pack your shakes full of nutrients right here in this blog. If you have a favorite recipe, I would love to hear about it so I can share it with everyone too.

What's in your Protein Shake?

First, a simple reminder of what protein is doing for your body.
Do you remember learning in school that proteins are the building blocks of life? Protein is in every cell of our body and our body needs protein to continuously repair cells and make new ones. Made up of chains of amino acids, proteins are literally creating new life in our bodies! Unlike fat and carbohydrates, your body does not store extra protein (thank goodness, right?) so you need to keep replacing it because it has no where to draw from when it needs more. Boring science section over.

As a mom of three young children, I know life gets busy. I don't have the time nor do I always feel like eating a plate full of food in the morning. What you need is a convenient way to replace a meal when you cannot give your body what it really needs and deserves.

Enter the protein shake. Super convenient (fits in my cupholder). Full of nutrients. Full of protein. But wait! What kind of protein is in your protein shake? I will wait while you go check your container.

What's that? Whey? Soy? Hmmmm. We need to talk.
There are different ingredients available to manufacturers and you need to educate yourself on what you put in your body.

Let's talk about soy protein. Soy is an allergen but what's worse...soy contains phytoestrogens that can lead to estrogen dominance which leads to fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, increased risk for chronic disease and feminization of men. If you are trying to build muscle you are going to want to choose a different protein because soy has low incorporation levels. Besides if it leads to feminization of men, that kind of defeats the purpose, right guys?  I found a great blog post that will help muddy the waters around soy even more. I agree with the post. Until we know more, it is best to minimize your intake.

Now for whey. I have so much to say about whey and my conclusion is "Say 'no whey!' to whey!".
Whey is a derivative of milk so those allergic to milk are likely to be allergic to whey. The same goes for lactose which is milk sugar. If you are lactose intolerant (according to Wikipedia more than 75% of us are), you lack the necessary enzymes to digest milk sugar. Whey can cause gas, bloating, constipation (and even acne!) and is a major contributor to intestinal toxemia (undigested food particles in the intestine, which leads to growth of bacteria). Toxemia can lead to Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Crohn's.

So now what?
Enter vegan protein. Arbonne's Protein Powder. Pure, safe, beneficial. The highest quality of the best ingredients. Arbonne protein powder packs 20 grams of vegan protein made up of cranberry, pea and brown rice protein. It has a complete amino acid profile that rivals animal protein. With 13 carbohydrates and 20 essential vitamins and minerals, it has no choesterol and no trans fats and no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors. Arbonne protein powder is formulated without gluten, dairy free, and soy free!

This is a lot of info to take in so my next blog will go into more detail about the vegan protein. Until then, lift those Arbonne protein shakes and cheers!

Want to know more about Arbonne? Contact me. amyw@myarbonne.com
watson.myarbonne.com

Chocolate Mint Protein Shake

Oh yeah! It's Girl Scout Cookie time and yes, I have been known to down a few rolls of Thin Mints in my day. I am feeling good this year. I did not purchase the Thin Mints! Yay for me!! Instead of inhaling those yummy little sugar bombs, I am drinking in my vegan protein that tastes like chocolatey-mint goodness. You are going to want to try this one.

Chocolate Mint Protein Shake

2 scoops Chocolate Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or coconut milk or flax milk)
1 scoop Arbonne Essentials Daily Fiber Boost (ONLY 1 scoop a day!)
1/4 tsp natural mint extract
Ice (depends on how icy you like it...I use 5-7 cubes)
Add water to achieve desired texture
Optional: Add avocado to add healthy fat and creaminess.
Enjoy. Without guilt. It is gluten, soy and dairy free and free of artificial color, flavors and sweeteners.

Why Arbonne Protein Powder? It is Vegan Certified...vegan protein!! No whey! No soy! No allergens, bloating or gas. It does have a complete amino acid profile and will keep you feeling full longer. No cholesterol or trans fats either. And, it is delicious.

Have questions? Want to learn more about Arbonne's health and wellness products? I am here for you. There is an incredible business opportunity awaiting you along with premium products with best in class ingredients that sell themselves. Contact me. amyw@myarbonne.com

The products will change your health and your skin. 

The opportunity will change your life.

Vegan Valentine's Treat

I am so excited to share this latest recipe with you that I cannot add enough exclamation points to the end of this sentence to accurately convey my level of excitement! I am a huge fan of chocolate. And strawberries. Put them together and it is pure bliss. Now I can do that and be doing my body a huge favor by giving it vegan protein simultaneously. Seriously, does it get any better than that?

I have also tested this recipe on non-vegan, gluten-indulging, sugar-ingesting people who have not seen the light yet (wink). They said it was "delicious!" and "has a nice mild chocolate flavor." They were not just saying this either because I was staring them down requiring their honest opinion. 

Without further ado, here is the recipe that is going to make your Valentine's Day:

Vegan Chocolate Dipping Sauce
2 Tbsp Chocolate Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix
2 Tbsp coconut oil
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa
Melt coconut oil in a sauce pan. Add protein shake mix and cocoa and stir.

I use a spoon to pour over strawberries and set the chocolate covered strawberries on wax paper. Refrigerate the strawberries to keep.

Want to learn more or have a recipe to share using Arbonne's protein shake powder? Contact me.

If you want to start on a path to feeling better, eating clean and detoxing your body, and losing weight, I can help you.

Arbonne is also a fantastic business opportunity and I am always looking for new business partners.

The Truth About Toxins

So it is February 1st and I have lost 13 pounds so far on the Arbonne 30 Days to Feeling Fit program. (WOOHOO!) I am feeling great and I love the products because they are so convenient when I just can't prepare a meal of whole organic food for myself. Life happens. Plans change and you cannot always eat a perfectly prepared meal. That is where the Arbonne Protein Powder comes in. This powder, along with all of the products in the Fit Essentials line, is formulated without gluten. Besides being gluten free, the Fit Essentials line is also free of soy and dairy as well as artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors. It has no trans fats and no cholesterol and the entire line is Vegan Certified.

What these products are not free of is nutrition and taste. Each protein shake serving packs 20 grams of vegan protein and 13g carbohydrates with 20 essential vitamins and minerals. It has a complete amino acid profile that rivals animal protein. The flavors are so tasty...your choice of chocolate or vanilla.  You can add fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts...the sky is the limit! I have posted many recipes to keep it exciting. You can even make homemade protein bars (and my kids think they are brownies!).

So what does this have to do with toxins?
These products are essential to a lifestyle of eating clean. By eating organic, removing processed food from your diet and creating an alkaline environment in your body, you are reprogramming your body to efficiently remove toxins. Alternately, when you ingest toxins, your body creates a layer of fat around the toxins to protect your organs. By eliminating the toxins, the fat seems to melt away. Have you ever lost weight only to experience a plateau? It is likely that you hadn't removed the toxins and their associated layer of fat.

So raise your glass to a clean, nutritious lifestyle!

Make Mine a Maitake

Now I know why the Japanese word  "maitake" means "dancing mushroom". I literally dance for joy when I find these delicious, nutritious, life-giving fungi in the store! I am not the only one. It has been said that in ancient times, people literally danced for joy when they found maitake mushrooms because they were worth their weight in silver. I learned about maitake mushrooms from a local farmer here in Temecula, CA, Crows Pass Farm, and I have been putting these shrooms in my protein shakes every chance I get since learning about them.

Maitake is classified as an adaptogen. Adaptogens help your body to fight back against those toxins, stressors and other "bad guys" out in the world that are attacking us daily. It fights back by helping to regulate our digestion and circulation allowing us to maintain normal cell function and the ability to flush out toxins. Other research indicates these woodsy, mild-tasting fungi help to maintain blood pressure, boost the immune system and control blood sugar...all of which lead to increased energy.

What excites me is that there are even studies that show the maitake mushroom contains phytonutrients that help to fight cancer and some cases of diabetes. This mushroom has been consumed for over 3,000 years in China and Japan for it's healing properties. I think they might be on to something.

If you cannot find fresh, organic Maitake mushrooms, you can purchase Organic Maitake Mushroom Powder on the internet. It can easily be added into your Arbonne Protein Shake or homemade protein bars too! As you detox and eat clean, you will find that food is your best tool for health.

Work smart, dream big!
I would love to hear from you.

Pomegranate Kale Protein Shake

As I read the title of this post I can't help but think, "I have come a long way, baby!" Pomegranate and kale are two foods I did not even knowingly taste until my adult life. Now they are a regular part of my diet and I cannot wait to share with you my latest shake recipe!

I am always telling you how I love Arbonne Protein Shake powder because it packs 20 grams of vegan protein with a complete amino acid profile rivaling animal protein. Did you know a recent study has shown that eating yellow pea protein helps you feel full faster at your next meal? And don't forget to add your Fiber Boost because those little icky toxins in your body just cling to the fiber like their long lost mommy and leaving you slimmer and lighter and thus, happy!! 

Pomegranate Kale Protein Shake
2 scoops Vanilla Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or coconut milk or flax milk)
1 scoop Arbonne Essentials Daily Fiber Boost (ONLY 1 scoop a day!)
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup organic kale
1 banana
Ice (depends on how icy you like it...I use 5-7 cubes)
Add water to achieve desired texture
Blend!
Enjoy. Without guilt. It is gluten, soy and dairy free and free of artificial color, flavors and sweeteners.

Want to learn more? Contact me. I would love to help you feel better, have more energy and lose weight naturally with Arbonne.

Vanilla Chai Tea Protein Shake

On my last day of a perfectly beautiful week visiting Ireland, I want to take a moment to share an easy protein shake recipe with you. I started the 30 days to Feeling Fit program on January 2nd and we left for Dublin on the 13th. You might think that is crazy because trying to change your nutritional ways while on holiday is neither fun nor possible.
With Arbonne, it is possible. I have enjoyed staying on my plan while traveling. I am in control, feeling great and able to make my own choices. Convenience. It is a beautiful thing! Individual serving packets of protein powder, fizz sticks, protein bars and detox tea are all here with me. I have still enjoyed the tastes of Ireland but on my own terms and I have never felt like I had to give up control.
Here is a simple protein shake recipe for travelers and you can use your shake cup. No blender required! It's 20 grams of vegan protein and free of gluten, soy, and whey. It also has NO artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors.

Vanilla Chai Tea
2 scoops of Arbonne Vanilla Protein Powder + 1 scoop of Arbonne Fiber Boost
1 cup brewed decaf Chai Tea (let it cool or add ice now)
Add water
Shake!
Pour over or add ice.
Enjoy!
Learn more about my story at www.watson.myarbonne.com

Location:Kildare Street,Dublin,Ireland

Shake it up

Happy New Year!
Each new year brings a clean slate and a fresh beginning. Have you set New Years resolutions?
I am excited to announce that I, along with six of my clients, have started the 30 Days to Feeling Fit program! This program developed by Arbonne is about adopting a healthier lifestyle and supports the 5 Key Areas of Fitness:
1. Eat Clean
2. Increase Nutrient Intake
3. Eliminate Allergenic and Addictive Foods
4. Balance Blood Sugar
5. Support Elimination Organs

These five areas are supported by Arbonne's nutritional line, Fit Essentials, that is Vegan Certified and free of gluten, soy, dairy and artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. There is a kit, support and a contest. If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact me.

You may be reading this thinking, "That sounds great but life is busy. I cannot possibly make these changes work." I understand because I thought the same thing but in fact, Arbonne has made real nutrition convenient and tasty. If you have read any of my previous blog entries, it is likely you have come across a recipe using the Arbonne protein powder. It is delicious and versatile but most of all, convenient. You can really enjoy your Arbonne protein shake anywhere. I got my Arbonne Protein Shaker Cup a couple of days ago and I wanted to share it with you. It makes mixing your protein shakes at home or on-the-go so easy! It includes a stainless steel wire whisk ball to make smooth, great-tasting shakes. BPA Free, dishwasher safe and recyclable. Holds 14 fl. oz. Only $7! Want one? Contact me!!

Strawberry Mint Cucumber Protein Shake

Happy New Year!!! Whether your New Year's resolutions include eating healthier, losing weight or you are looking for ways to add vegan protein and better ingredients into your body, I have a refreshing recipe for you. I just enjoyed this protein shake and it was delish! It is like a spa in a smoothie.

Bonus: If you are on the Arbonne 30 Days to Feeling Fit program, this shake meets the program requirements. Oh happy day!

Strawberry Mint Cucumber Protein Shake
2 scoops Vanilla Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or coconut milk)
1 scoop Arbonne Essentials Daily Fiber Boost (ONLY 1 scoop a day!)
1/2 cup fresh organic strawberries (frozen if strawberries are not in season)
1/2 cup organic cucumber
2 leaves fresh organic mint
Ice (depends on how icy you like it...I use 5-7 cubes)
Add water to achieve desired texture
Blend!
(I also added some Maitaki Mushrooms because of the health benefits. More on those in another blog entry.)
Enjoy. Without guilt. You are getting 20 grams of vegan protein. No whey or soy...vegan protein. It's easily digestible. Arbonne protein powder is vegan certified. It is gluten, soy and dairy free and free of artificial color, flavors and sweeteners.

Want to learn more? Contact me. I would love to help you feel better, have more energy and lose weight naturally with Arbonne.
I am always looking for business partners too!