Score this SuperBowl with Kid-Friendly Recipes with Cabot Cheese {Recipes}

To-Do Thursdays:

This Sunday is like the big daddy of Sundays with the SuperBowl in New Orleans! So for the next few days I've got food and football on the brain. 

A great recipe that the kids can do themselves!

Can you say, "CHEAT DAY?" 

Actually, you don't have to with Cabot. 

Recently, I got a special opportunity to chow down on some tasty lowfat cheese (we're talking like 50% - 75% reduced fat) from CABOT while learning some great lowfat, kid-friendly recipes including the ones included here, Cheddar Mice and Lowfat Mac n Cheese! 

Who doesn't like mac n cheese? Here's a delicious lowfat recipe!

While at the event I learned some great tidbits from a chef at Central Market (so you know she's got great tips), so I thought I'd share. 

Looking for a crusty brown topping like on mac n cheese? Spray a little cooking spray on the top before you put in the oven and you'll good nice and crispy!

Putting things in muffin tins is all the rage...make your clean up and portions easier to control with an ice cream scoop! 

While these recipes are simple, they are great ways to make your diet tastier without the fat (or the work) with Cabot Cheese. Looking for more Super Cheesy SuperBowl Recipes, check out these recipes from Cabot! 

Score this SuperBowl with CABOTs Pin It to Win It Contest! 

10 winners randomly selected. Each will win $75 Cabot Gift Box and 1 of the winners will also win an additional $75 Gift Box to gift to a friend. 50 pinners will receive a Cabot coupon for FREE cheese.

ENTER HERE

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Burn Your Spanx: Done in a Day, Mini-Mommy Tuck Gets You to Life in 24 Hours

Want-it Wednesdays: 

The last 30 days I’ve done A LOT of exercise and diet to try to shed some serious weightage. Unfortunately, no matter how much you workout and eat the right things, it doesn’t go back or come off. A little of me, a little of the kids and a little of pregnancy does a little number on your body. That’s where the term “mommy makeover” or "mommy tuck" comes into the picture and I don’t mean a little red lipstick and a haircut, but a plastic surgery procedure that includes a breast lift and tummy tuck.

For most moms, these procedures aren’t practical because of costs and/or recovery time. But when I was researching the newest trends in facial treatments for last week's post, I came across Rejuve Med Spa. In addition to photofacials, Fraxel and Botox, they also listed Tummy Tuck and Mini-TummyTucks as services. While I was familiar with a Tummy Tuck, the idea of a Mini-Tummy Tuck" intrigued me. (And maybe a little hair removal, too.)

Could you use a little Mini-Mommy Tuck? No downtown and reasonable cheap.

This inquiring mind wanted to know more.

And if this place is good enough for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders as their “official med spa,” it was good enough for this Dallas Mom Blogger (who like the cheerleaders, is based actually in Arlington, not Dallas, but I deter.)

My Visit:

My visit to the med spa was nice from the first moment I arrived and the sound of the entrance chime gave me a warm feeling like I was at someone’s house. It was comfortable beginning to my experience. 

I checked in with the receptionist and she walked me to the waiting room area that resembled a nice living room environment with a TV, couches and a K-cup machine to help yourself to (and so I did.) With my mug in hand, I completed my paperwork on a laptop and quickly I was ushered to my consultation.

My consult was thorough and included explanations of everything I wanted to know including photos and a Q&A session. Of course, she was beautiful and young, but very educated about the procedures and made me feel at ease. Even when it was time to flop out my cellulite, she made me feel comfortable. 

What is LaserLipo?

Rejuve Med-Spa’s LaserLipo and Body Sculpting treatment is a FDA-approved advanced medical procedure that destroys and removes fat.  This minimally invasive fat removal procedure utilizes a CoolLipo laser to liquefy and eliminate areas of unwanted fat and tighten the skin of the area being treated. Popular areas for fat removal and skin tightening include the abdomen, arms, bra rolls, back, buttocks, chest (male), flanks (love handles), hips, neck chin & jowls, thighs and waist. 

Wow Factors:

• Lose inches permanently in one visit
• Extremely affordable (around $1500 an area, but differs with specials)
• Local anesthesia (Tumescent) used with the CoolLipo Laser
• The treatment is done at Rejuve and is performed solely by their team of board certified surgeons.

How it Works:

First, the area being treated is numbed by a local anesthetic (Tumescent). Next, the surgeon makes a very tiny incision and inserts a small probe (cannula) containing the laser fiber beneath the skin and photo-acoustically destroys the fat cells while simultaneously promoting the production of collagen which results in tightening of the skin from the inside out (an effect not seen with standard liposuction). Finally, the liquefied fat is suctioned out through the same incision using a small suctioning cannula. A bandage is applied to the small incision and the treated area is wrapped with a compression garment. You’re awake during the procedure and considered not painful and does not leave any unsightly scars.

Since this procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you’re able to walk out after the treatment and perform light activities and return to work/daily life in one-to-two days depending on the area being treated.

For real.

While it can’t get rid of the loose skin, there is something to say for a procedure that is reasonably priced and can let you get back to business after a weekend!

While I was there I also had to talk laser hair removal. In the past, I’d actually tried hair removal; it was painful and actually burned my skin, so I had written that off completely. But when she told me it wouldn’t hurt and she would test a spot so I could feel it, I took her up on it. I threw out my underarm and said let’s have it. I clenched up my hiney and waited for the deep pain to set in.

Pause. Pause. Pause.

No pain and done in no time. Like lunch break time – in and out and I could have my underarms, bikini area and face done with time to grab something to eat or pick up the kids. That’s amazing.

What’s really amazing is that they were offering a  special for “buy one area, get two areas free.” I couldn’t resist – especially if that meant I wouldn’t feel like Chewbacca anymore and "shave off" some time to boot (pun intended.)

I may not come out a DCC, but I was made a cheerleader out of this place.

Rejuve Med Spa

The Arbors at Preston, 18220A

(Frankfurt & Preston)

Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75252

972.265.1590

hiddenbeauty@rejuvemedspa.com

rejuvemedspa.com

Yoga Pose: Passing Wind

Try-it Tuesday: 

This week’s challenge to make a BETTER ME was to try a hot yoga at a place I’ve been meaning to attend for way too long. I was so excited to get to finally go…And as I’ll share here, it was oneof the best (and embarrassing) experiences ever. Read on to find out why.

I’ve done yoga in a lot of places for a many years…Don’t be fooled though. I’m not any good at it; I just can’t call myself a beginner anymore (but maybe a beginner II.) Since I was exploring fun ways to lose weight, itwas time to finally take a "hot" yoga class. Lucky for me, they were also running an unlimited yoga for $25 introductory offer, so I signed up. 

The next day, I was so blooming excited; I put on my best yoga outfit and showed up for my 8:45 AM class (6 AM was too early to try something new.) When I arrived I was greeted by my a woman who was friendly and made me feel at ease about my *first time.* It seemed so yoga-riffic!

The room itself was also very warm, apparently more than 9 5degrees warm. The floor was made of cork and felt soft, yet firm on the soles of my bare feet. The interior was simple with clean lines, fixtures and minimal décor. Yet, different than other studios, there were no mirrors. No music and no instructor at the front of the room. 

Oh, this was going to be different.

But I was already in this saddle, so I had to ride it out, no matter what.

The hour and half we spent practicing was amazing. While I had no one in the front to look at for demonstration or a mirror to try to copy the other students in the room, I was able to listen to the instructor on what to do with my body and how. I had to rely, listen and trust myself and my breathing to do each pose. It was kinda magical…(or maybe I was starting to hallucinate?) Either way, it was great.  

Did I mention by doing this you lose up to 600 calories an hour?  (Photo courtesy www.theyogaproject.net.)

But then after about 25 minutes of upward-downward dog, warrior 1 & 2 - it happened.

My bliss suddenly turned to embarrassment when I totally ripped one in the quiet classroom with no music and I knew no one. Well, not really ripped one, as passed one, as I would come to find out in my future research.

Lucky me. 

Thankfully, no one in the classroom snickered, so I was able to finish the class. While totally red-faced, I was able to blame it on the heat, so I could escape without making an issue.

Refuge.

When I got home, I went straight to one of my best friends, Google, for answers.

I couldn’t believe what I found!

First, I certainly wasn’t the only woman who ever did the Passed Wind “pose” in class. It actually seemed quite common, especially for women whohave had children. This passing of air happens because of the the loosening of the pelvic floor that happens during pregnancy and childbirth. I even found astory of a pharmacist who would see swarms of women come into his drugstore before a yoga class and consume large amounts of anti-this and-that in hopes to try to keep the “vart” (as AuntYoga described it) from happening.

While this made me feel better at home, I still had to faceup to the challenge: returning to the class that I was so excited and embarrassed to attend again.  

I’ll be happy to report I haven’t had any more embarrassing issueshappen since the first one, but perhaps it looks like I was able to conquer “Passing Wind” for now. I've returned around four times now, upgraded my yoga mat and purchased my first yogitoes. 

Never heard of a yogitoes? I hadn't either, but you better learn. For this class, you're gonna need it. It helps to contain the euphoria and the other pose I'm trying to avoid: the falling on my face.  

The Yoga Project

2745 N Collins St #109, Arlington, TX 76001

817.548.0080

www.theyogaproject.net
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This post also appears on Star-Telegram's Mom2MomDFW Blog.

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Want to look more stylish in your workout gear? 

Move over pilates, pole dancing builds a hard core

Get your ticket to ride with FLYWHEEL

A Little Box of Skin Miracles?

Me Mondays:

Like most women, when it comes to your skin, you don’t take care of it until it’s already too late. Then of course, you feel like you are barraged with tons of expensive products and complicated routines to try to hold on to your 16-year-old skin. Last week I shared 5 practical tips for taking care of your skin that don’t have to cost a lot. However, this week it was time I felt it was time to admit to something.

A few weeks ago I couldn’t sleep, so I turned on the TV to see what was on. Of course, all I could find was every kind of infomercial possible. While I was looking through the channel guide I somehow got sucked into one of them.  After about 10 minutes of watching it through the little window, I finally succumbed to watch: 

As you can see, there wasn’t anything terribly exciting or compelling about the video, but I still found myself ready to call and order. Perhaps it was because I already like Philosophy’s products, perhaps it was because it was a really good deal for what would retail as twice as much if I purchased them separately at Sephora, or perhaps it was because it was 4 am in the morning and I was convinced I could take 10 years off my skin. Maybe it’s because they said they would give me back my money if it didn’t like it.

With this big of a promise as well as the results that could happen in less than 12 weeks, I’ve been pretty happy with the results. While not dramatic enough to warrant a BEFORE and AFTER photo as good as the ones they show on the site, I can tell you this: The steps are easy to do both morning and night.

The cleanser is already an award-winning favorite from tons of places. It smells great and makes my face feel soft, but not greasy. While it says it can be used to clean eye makeup, I still use my drugstore kind to assist in the cleanup, but it does the job. I wish that it was either in a pump or an upright bottle so I can squeeze it easily to moderate the amount.

I’m really picky about my moisturizers so I love that this one isn’t heavy or feels thick on my skin although I prefer a gel or serum to a cream. I also like that it has a nice scent, but isn’t too overbearing, just clean.

The best part though is what they refer to as the TREAT – the anti-aging retinoid pads. This “miracle worker” features Philosophy’s own high-performance retinoid called HPR to deliver all of the skin benefits of a retinoid, with less potential for irritation. Bottom line: it reduces skin discoloration, restores a healthy-looking glow, and improves the look of wrinkles and pores. With my pores, my dull skin and all my discoloration, I was all about this HPR that you mix yourself. When it comes in the cute little box, you actually pour the potion over what looks like a container of “Stridex pads.” Each night you just wipe it over your face. No irritation and this nice layer of moisture.

Are you ready to buy your own box of miracles? You can buy it online too --- and you get two free gifts too (my favorite part!)

[Putting on my best TV voice]: With your purchase you also get the All-Over Brightener and Dark Spot Corrector as well as a Sunscreen. I'm using the Brightener religiously and hope, while they really can't get rid of freckles, all the special gifts that pregnancy did to my face can be remedied. If this stuff works the way others have claimed it has, then I'm buying this in bulk. 

So far so good at one week. I haven’t had breakouts, reactions and it seems like things are looking a lot brighter. Hopefully, soon I’ll see some miraculous work!

Looking for other ways to take care of your skin? Check these posts out, too:

D-I-Y Scrubs and Facials

Take Care of My Skin Right for Four Weeks

Do you have a skin product you think I should try? Let me know! 

Diets Don't Work For You? Then Think About Your Thyroid

Sharing Sundays:

When I was pregnant with my son, I was lucky enough to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes (joke, well kinda, actually.) 

For several months I had to learn how to eat a low glycemic diet as well as prick my figure several times a day and take medication to get track my blood sugar to make sure both the baby and I were healthy. While at the time it seemed like the meanest thing that could happen to a pregnant lady with a craving for strawberry cupcakes, it actually did me a world of good. So much so that when I found out was pregnant with my second, I immediately made sure I ate healthily and tracked my blood sugar from day one.

Thankfully by eating a low glycemic diet, I didn’t have gestational diabetes again and I was probably healthier than I had been in a long time (I only gained 12 pounds with that pregnancy.)

While eating a low glycemic diet has long been the solution for those with diabetes, it’s now become the solution to how to break through obesity as well as boosting your metabolism by understating how to balance your thyroid. Unfortunately, it’s not just a quick diet that you can do for a week or two; it is a life change for real long-term health and weight control. Just get ready for 300+ pages...

The Thyroid Solution Diet is written by Ridha Arem, M.D., an endocrinologist, clinical professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and director of the Texas Thyroid Institute in Houston. He served as chief of endocrinology and metabolism at Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston, so he does have all the cred to understand how the body and your thyroid should work together. By combining the best elements of the Mediterranean Diet and low in high-glycemic index foods, he gives you everything you need to know including:

• Over 50 recipes and meal plans
• A comprehensive list of favorite foods that make the diet unique
• Detailed exercise programs with 100 step-by-step photos
• Personalized advice for a total lifestyle revolution
• The 15 common causes of metabolic problems that lead to weight gain
• The hidden factors and toxins in your environment that lead to weigh gain, and how to eliminate them
• Techniques to control cravings
• Mind-body relaxation methods for counteracting environmental stresses
• Compared to some of the other “diets” I’ve done, this one is not easy to follow on a first-round, but much more inclusive on both diet, exercise and how (and why) it all works together.

This book is less a diet and more a way of living. So if you're one of those who say diets don't work for you...then don't diet - just do this. 

The Thyroid Solution Diet

Ridha Arem

Ballantine Books

Buy from Amazon for around $15

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

To-Do: Iphone Dieting, Gluten-Free Baking and Soup Fairies for the NTFB

To-Do Thursday: 

This weekend I was hoping to enjoy the weather...however, since today is supposed to be sensational and then starting tonight it all goes to crap again, I've decided to enjoy the weather today!

And...I've decided to surprise my kids and take them somewhere they will love. Interested in our journey? Then follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see where we end up!

However, if you can't enjoy the weather either or are looking for something else to do in DFW, let me make some suggestions (for this weekend or to get your tickets NOW!) 

This Weekend:

Go Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free with Best-Selling Author, Jan. 26

Does your child have Celiac Disease or do you have a family history of diabetes or looking to lose weight? Baking instructor and best-selling author Peter Reinhart offers a new take on gluten-free baking for four nights at local Central Market locations. 

Schedule for the Future: 

Book Your Enchanted Fairies Calendar 2014 Personal Fairy Session NOW

Every little boy and girl (and their mother) dreams about to be a princess or a warrior and now it is possible with Enchanted Fairies studios and the 2014 Enchanted Fairies Calendar and a donation to the North Texas Food Bank.

Buy Your Tickets:

Enjoy Super Soups with Empty Bowls 2013, Dallas and Fort Worth!

One of my favorite annual charity events in Dallas and Fort Worth is Empty Bowls! The unique event is a fantastic fundraiser for each area’s food banks, North Texas Food Bank in Dallas and Tarrant Area Food Bank in Fort Worth. With admission, patrons are invited enjoy any of the soups, breads and desserts provided by several of your favorite local restaurants and go home with a hand crafted bowl created by an area artisan. 

A part of my "Empty Bowls" collection from over the years! Don't miss this one!

In Your Downtime: 

Dieting? 5 Food Apps to Satisfy Your Craving Without the Calories

Are you on a diet like everyone else is this month? Since I’m all about SHREDDING the weight, I’m craving everything I’m NOT supposed to be eating like pizza, cake balls and Chinese food. So in efforts to satisfy my urges without caving, here’s this fabulous list of fun food apps made for kids, but will keep you (and your waistline) happy.

I See Your Epidermis! Newest Trends in Med Spa Treatments for the Face

Want-it Wednesdays:

In Dallas where there’s just as many med spas as there are Starbucks and McDonalds (want proof, look here), I’ll take a look at the newest options for making you look like a million bucks (or at least take a few years off your face.)

I had no idea that most of these existed!  After researching all these procedures, I needed a graph to remember what each one was, what it did and to what. 

So to break it down even easier, I’ve got it down to the basics, starting out with the easiest and minor procedures until the more intensive. 

DISCLAIMER: This list is what I was able to research; it's not by any means a complete list and none of the information here is medically approved as I've researched using each of the individaul websites, blind interviews over the phone with local med spas, and general knowledge.

First, before you consider going head first into making a BETTER YOU, remember, you are already beautiful just the way you’re made. However, I’ll admit, I think there are some things that were created to make you shine just a little brighter! Just remember there are some limits. REALLY. LIMITS PEOPLE!

Source: thinknice.com via Tonya on Pinterest

Looking to get rid of some dark pigment on your skin, minor acne scars and just brighten up your complexion?  First, let’s talk about microdermabrasion treatments, dermaplaning and chemical peels.  (No needles here.)

IPL Photofacials:

Did you ever sunbathe on the trampoline or use Crisco oil to suntan like I did? Well that’s where photofacials come in to the picture. For those of us with sun damage, sun spots and rosacea, a program of photofacials give your skin an overhaul by using Intense Pulsed Light in a series of 4-6 sessions.

Results: Depends on each person and how you treat your skin.

Microdermabrasion:

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment that repairs the skin by reducing the appearance of acne scars, cleaning clogged pores, and smoothing skin while helping to fight signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Normally its recommended to have around five treatments at least a week apart. THINK: A big scrub down on your face.

Results: Can last around 2-3 months

Dermaplaning:

Sometimes Dermaplaning is a gentle, superficial exfoliation process that removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, and as an added bonus, it also removes the fine facial hair often referred to as “peach fuzz”. This is a safe and effective technique that leaves your skin with a smooth fresh look.

Results: Around 3-4 weeks (the hair cycle)

Chemical peels:

While they may tingle a little upon application, peels can produce even more dramatic improvement in skin texture, tone, skin tightness and wrinkles. It improves sun damage and brown spots as well.

Results: From immediate to 5-10 days after application and can last according to how you treat your skin.

Are crow’s feet tracking all over your face? Then let’s look at Injectables. (Yep, I said Injectable.)

Botox:

Oh, reliable and what I considered to be the gateway medical treatment for many women. Botox is used to temporarily smoothen moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles. Also, Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of severe underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis)!

Results: Can last up to five months.

Dysport:

Botox now has a competitor…maybe that’s why “sport” is in the name?” Anyhow, similar to Botox, Prescription Dysport®is an injection used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults under 65 years old.

Results: Lasts around 90 days.

Xeomin:

Xeomin, just like Botox and Dysport, is used for the treatment of wrinkles, lines, and the aging face. Xeomin is a highly purified, naturally occurring protein which has the ability to very precisely relax the muscles to which it is applied. This reduces muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines to form between the brows.

Results: Lasts around 90 days.

Need some more help to give your face more volume and create smoother skin while getting rid of those wrinkles for now? Then let’s move on to injectable gels.

Juvederm:

Juvederm™ injectable gel is the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has been FDA approved and is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color. This smooth consistency gel aids in restoring your skin’s volume and smoothens facial wrinkles and folds. It helps get rid of “smile lines” and “parentheses.”

Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.

Restylane:

Using a clear gel formulation of hyaluronic acid, this family of cosmetic dermal fillers (there’s more where this comes from) adds volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds.)

Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.

Belotero:

This one was so new I actually got info on it today from one of the only places in town that performs the procedure. Belotero is a soft, dermal filler, comprised of hyaluronic acid-based cohesive gel made to assist in the correction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.

*RADIESSE:

This “volumizing filler” is an injectable gel that works by immediately restoring facial volume to smooth out the signs of aging found in the smile lines, marionette lines, corners of the mouth, pre-jowl and chin wrinkles.  By acting like scaffolding under the skin, providing structure and stimulating your own natural collagen to grow, Radiesse is a long-term solution to consider.  

Results: Lasts around 12 months.

*While this one seems a little different than the others, it’s still an injectable and I couldn’t find anything that competes with this result time.

Are you scared to have instant results and everyone will know that you had work done? Then definitely look into aptly named Sculptra. However, if you are looking for a longer lasting solution for more intense aging and wrinkling solution, there are many options like ARTEFILL and AquaDerma.

Then there was more! Yep, there’s more and more, but I have to admit, I’m not a doctor so after a while, I just felt like it was SO over my head! Don't consider any of these as recommendations for what you should have done; consider this a starter - a list of what's out there and to learn more with someone with a license!

The last thing I must say, which should go without saying is TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR and know all the facts before making any choices about your skin! There are certainly downfalls to anything you do to your body or your skin, so make sure you know before you go under the needle, laser or light! 

Move over Pilates, Pole Dancing Builds a HARD CORE!

Try-It Tuesdays: 

I'm all about trying to get off the weight, but I'm sure you'll agree the idea of being on a treadmill day after day makes it hard to get motivated enough to get your hiney moving beyond all the other things you have to do every day. So in my pursuit of creating a BETTER ME in 2013, I decided to jump off the normal exercise routine and look at some unique options for working off the inches while keeping my interest peaked. 

Oh, mama, did I. 

This week's Try-It Tuesday brought me to pole dancing. *blush*

Yes, I did folks, I walked right on in to that class and rocked that pole...actually, that pole rocked me in ways I didn't even expect! 

I wasn't sure actually what to expect, so in hindsight I probably should have done a few shots before going, but in the name of blogging I was committed to finding out how this could make me fit and not just feel fabulous. 

Once again, a Groupon caught my eye and I decided to buy a package for POLEITICIANS. Close to home in Arlington (with other locations in Richardson and Rockwall), I threw on my leggings and tank top and womaned up to whatever I was asked to TRY to do. 

After circling the parking lot for 20 minutes, I found myself in a small room with six poles, a group of ladies (including 3 newbies + myself) and a powerful professional pole teacher, all ready for Level 1. We didn't waste anytime getting into working our bodies; only five-minutes into the class for the warm-up, I could feel my poor core and thighs just shaking. 

Man, move over pilates, pole dancing is where it is at to work that core!

I was able to continue to the actually routine portion of the class to learn how to do the Martini and a Rockstar...

Oh, my again I thought again after seeing Rashinda demonstrate the moves. There's NO way I can do that. Between pointing my toes all the time (think ballerina), holding out my arms appropriately and then swinging my legs close to the pole, but not around the pole, I wasn't even going to be able to complete my first class much less graduate to Level 2 in a few weeks. 

Well I'm glad to report, I did. Maybe not very well and let's just say, if you paid to come see me at BabyDolls, you'd ask for your money back, but I felt like a Rockstar (which was good since that was supposed to be performing.) 

Now, I'm sure you are looking for that photo of me mid pole, but let's just say: 

Hell, no. It ain't happenin'...at least not at this point. 

This photo is one of the instructors showing how to do the pose properly, but I promise if I can actually make it to the last class, I will be happy to take a photo since my body, especially my abs, will look amazing. Now I know why people contunue to do this workout and lose mega pounds like 10-100 lbs. 

Now if that's not enough reason to take to the pole, then consider it for your next girlfriend get together. And make sure you have socks, shorts and a little pole wax! Not only do you get an out-of-this-world workout, you do feel like a stronger, more confident and sexier you. 

Can't beat that, right? 

Let's Shake It Up: Advocare Shake vs. Vi-Shape Shake

Me Mondays: 

It’s hard to think that by drinking a shake you could better your health, but for decades with products like Slimfast, Advocare and Vi-Shake, you can now drink your meal while lose weight. Additional, some of these companies also allow you to make money while changing your lifestyle. Since this month I’ve really concentrated on losing some much needed weight, I decided to take a look at the two shakes I’ve had a chance to sample, AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shake and ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake to see which one was better.

But before going any further, I am adding the disclaimer: I am receiving no financial gain for this post and do not sell either of these products. However, if you choose to purchase either of these brands, I am supplying two friends’ links, so you can easily purchase your meal replacement shake choice!

BUY AdvoCare Meal:  Replacement Shake     BUY ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake

Taste:

Plano-based AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shake is available in three flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Berry. The basic recipe calls for water and then if you like, you can add fruit, ice, etc.

Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake Mix is available in Sweet Cream flavor. By adding milk, Almond milk or water, you can add your own ingredients to create a special recipe.  You can also get ViSalus Health Flavor Mix Ins like chocolate, banana and strawberry are also an option for a quick variation or base.

I enjoyed both of these shakes’ flavors, especially the Almond Joy Vi-shake recipe I found (along with the more than 100 other recipes.) While I didn’t try it with the Advocare chocolate base, I’m sure it would work similarly to the Vi-Shake recipe. The Advocare shake, as directed, and the Vi-Shake blend I concocted (the basic recipe with Almond Milk and a provided Chocolate Mix in) tasted like a Carnation Instant Breakfast and didn’t seem like I was skipping out or having a “diet” shake.

Nutrition:

While both shakes taste good, we are talking meal replacement shakes that most people drink in efforts to LOSE or manage weight. So let’s get straight to the point.

Advocare Chocolate Flavor	Vi-Shape Shake
Total Calories: 220 Total Fat: 3 g Total Cholesterol: 40 mg Total Sodium: 80 mg Total Carbohydrates: 24g Total Dietary Fiber: 6 g Total Sugars: 12g Total Protein: 24g	Total Calories: 90 Total Fat: 1 g Total Cholesterol: 15 mg Total Sodium: 75 mg Total Carbohydrates: 7g Total Dietary Fiber: 5 g Total Sugars: <1 g Total Protein: 12 g

In addition to the list of minerals and vitamins each of the meal replacement shakes contains, Advocare utilizes a combination of whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate and an amino acid blend while Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake comprises a blend of Tri-sorb protein, non-GMO soy protein, fibersol, pre-biotics and aminogen.

Now before looking at the list to see the obvious, consider what exactly we are comparing. For instance, ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake may seem like it has fewer calories, less fat, cholesterol, sodium, sugars and carbohydrates, the label is only for the basic cream flavor (smells like birthday cake) recipe using water. Unfortunately, I’ve rarely heard of people (including myself), using water, but rather milk as well as mix-ins like fruit, extracts, etc. So actually, you need to add these additional products like milk (which adds additional carbs, sugars and protein) to the mix as well as any other flavors. So make sure you are looking at apples to apples before making your meal replacement option!  

Cost:

AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shakes are $39.95 for 14 individual pouches so each shake is approximately $2.85.

Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake is $59 for a 30-serving supply sack or $49 if you choose to get join their auto-ship program, so each Vi-Shape is $1.63. (However, if you are adding other items to the shake, the bottom like cost is more than $1.63.) Additionally, if you refer 3 customers to buy the Vi-shake mix via your link, you get yours free the next month.

So what’s the best option? I’ll admit, it’s a hard to look at just taste, nutrition and cost to make the best choice. I know I couldn’t based on these facts. Both made me full, tasted good and provided my daily vitamins and minerals. I loved the fact that with the Advocare I could dump water, ice and the envelope into the blender and I had a delicious breakfast rather than to put together a special recipe with mixins and milk from Vi-Shake. However, late at night when I craved something bad, the Vi-Shakes are what I craved to fight off the bad things I wanted to eat, but shouldn't.

So unfortunately, like many diet and nutrition programs, you have to make the best choice for your and your body. I've seen and heard many success stories for both products and I know I’ve tried both programs and certainly will continue with both challenges to see what works best for me.

          BUY AdvoCare Meal:  Replacement Shake     BUY ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake

Have you tried Advocare or the Vi-Shake? I want to know which one you prefer! Leave me a comment here!