Our Shaklee Bonus Car

When we added Shaklee to our lifestyle, I had no idea where this was going to take us.  I've been able to continue being a stay at home mom while helping others have more energy, get off medications and improve their athletic performance.  And by teaching at least one person to do what I do...we earned our Shaklee Bonus Car!  I find it refreshing that Shaklee spends their advertising dollars for families to receive bonus cars instead of spending millions of dollars on Super Bowl commercials.  Are you wondering if achieving a bonus car is even 'real' for your family?  Give me a call or shoot me a message and I'll help you start evaluating if Shaklee is a good fit for you.  I dare you to dream a little.....   .....and a BIG Thank You to all of our loyal Shaklee users.  We are thrilled you are getting the results you are looking for and using the products to improve your life!

It was an awesome feeling to give Keith an opportunity to choose any car he'd like.  

He chose a fun, date night car!

Top 10 Reasons for Why I Choose Shaklee

10.  Shaklee conducts over 100,000 tests annually to ensure the safety and efficacy of our products.

9.  Each and every lot of Shaklee Products is 100% tested to ensure and guarantee that each and every ingredient that is part of our label claims is present in the appropriate amounts.

8.  Shaklee tests for up to 350 chemical contaminants, including pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, solvent residues; just to name a few.

7.  Each product is formulated with nutritional ingredients that have been extensively studied to confirm safety and efficacy.  Our products do not follow "fads", but incorporate scientific and/or epidemiologic evidence of need and benefit.  

6.  Shaklee is climate neutral certified.  They completely off set all the carbon dioxide emissions and leave a zero effect foot print on the Earth.  Plus, they are leaders for protecting every cell in our bodies with the products our scientists create and protecting this wonderful world our Creator gave to us.

5.  Shaklee has an unwavering commitment to avoid the use of artificial flavors, sweeteners, and added preservatives.

4.  Shaklee devleoped many of the standards and protocols for manufacturing that are now referred to as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

3.  Ongoing proof of our product performance is demonstrated by:

-Over 100 scientific publications, 90-plus in peer-reviewed journals

-The Landmark Study, the only study of its kind, which showed that people who took Shaklee supplements over a period of 20 years had markedly better health than both the single multi-vitamin and non-supplement users

-Shaklee products powering athletes to win 125 medals

-Shaklee products fueling world explorers, 7 of Time-Life's "Greatest Adventures of All Time," and NASA Shuttle astronauts with a special re-hydration product (called Astro-Ade).

2.  Shaklee Businesses Build Generational Wealth-that's right, a Shaklee business can be willed to the next generation.

1.  I can stay home with my kids while bringing an extra stream of income into the household.

It is also cool to see how excited our kids get and how quickly they understand that this is a family business where we all work together.

~Naturally Mom

Enjoying the Outdoors, Breathing Easily, and no more Snoring!

Spring is here!  And coming right around the corner is pollen.  We have been hearing reports that the pollen counts are going to be exceptionally high this year......and so we hope Keith's story comes a blessing to you or a loved one.

My story started when I was around 4 years old.  My Mom took me outside and we played in the grass.  The next morning when I woke my eyes were sealed shut.  And the process of finding relief began.  I had allergy shots, tried different meds; you name it.  And hear me out, they offered some relief for which I am grateful.

  

Fast forward a few years and my wife was introduced to Shaklee.  We learned that people have been finding wonderful relief after starting a Shaklee program and changing their lifestyle habits.  I was listening because while Claritin and Zyrtec would take the edge off; I was still miserable.  I didn't want to go outside for a walk with my family during allergy season because my head would ache, my eyes would feel tired and itchy, and I'd snore that night.

We had changed our eating habits and I added the Shaklee 'basics' of a box and 2 cans to start building healthy new cells during the winter.  Then, when spring approached and I was starting to feel miserable, Laura gave me a gentle shove toward the allergy relief program.  Of course, I was skeptical especially when I'm allergic to one of the products!  I hesitantly followed the program and I can now enjoy walks with my family, mow grass without having to feel miserable later (I still do shower immediately afterwards!)  Plus, I no longer snore.  Thank you Shaklee!

Here is a link from WebMD for every day allergy relief.

Here I am two years later and I can enjoy hayrides and outside activities with my kids!

Naturally,
Dad

Secrets to a Healthy Heart

Secrets to A Healthy Heart

FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH MONTH

Be Good to Your Heart       

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, every 26 seconds, someone living in the United States suffers a heart attack, and every minute one person will die from a heart attack. But, there is good news - we know more and more about how to prevent heart disease. It is well within your power to reduce your risk for heart disease because it's all about diet and lifestyle! Here’s a top 10 list of tips from Dr. Jamie McManus MD, FAAFP, Chair, Medical Affairs and Education to help you promote a strong and healthy heart.

1. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
One of the best weapons for fighting off heart disease is eating a healthful diet. So forgo the hamburger and French fries and fuel up on whole grains and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Lose weight, especially belly fat
Excess belly fat has been linked to high cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. Losing just 5% - 10% of your body weight can make a big difference in reducing heart disease risk.

3. Boost your vitamin D intake

 http://naturallymomandad.blogspot.com/2013/02/vitamin-dare-you-getting-enough.html

Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones, but recent research suggests it may also play a role in heart health. If you’re like most Americans and not getting enough from your diet or sun exposure, supplements can be a great option.

4. Consume more fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish help reduce risk factors for heart disease, including high triglycerides and high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends consuming two servings of fish per week. Consider fish oil supplements, especially if you don’t eat fish.

5. Consider CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance vital for energy production especially in the heart. As an antioxidant it also helps promote healthy arteries. While your body does make CoQ10, factors such as aging, poor diet and the use of statin drugs for cholesterol lowering may increase the body’s need for CoQ10.

6. Move more – aim for 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days of the week
Regular physical activity promotes a healthy heart. It helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol, helps control weight, reduces anxiety, and improves blood circulation.

7. If you are a smoker, get help to stop today!
Cigarette smoke can damage your heart and blood vessels as well as increase your risk for many cancers. When it comes to heart disease prevention, any amount of smoking is bad.

8. Don’t forget regular health screenings
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar are all risk factors for heart disease. Talk to your doctor today about these important health screenings.

9. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation
Moderate alcohol intake may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Moderate drinking is defined as one drink a day for a woman and two drinks a day for a man.

10. Take time to de-stress
Over time, chronic stress can wreak havoc on our bodies - slowing digestion, weakening immune function and increasing the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. So take time to de-stress your life. Think about what you truly must get done, set priorities, and learn to say “no.”

Special #1: For new Shaklee customers!  Who do you know who struggles with heart health?  (Ends Feb. 28, 2014)

Special #2: Listen to the link below on the Secrets to a Healthy Heart:  Hear Mike Coogan's story about how he was the first male in 5 generations to know his grandchildren.

http://www.betterhealthin31days.com/laurasteineman/vp/SecretsToAHealthyHeart-BarbaraLagoni-02042013

And then get free heart health tools :)  :)

During the month of February (offer ends 2/28/14) when you:

Purchase a Lean and Healthy Kit: you get a free Vita-D3

Purchase a Shaklee 180 Turnaround Kit: you get a free Omega guard (60 softgels)

Purchase a Shaklee 180 Turnaround Kit and Vitalizer: you get a free Co-Q Heart

Purchase a Shaklee 180 Turnaround Kit, Vitalizer, and Vivix: you get a free cholesterol reduction complex

*Remember to start building the foundation with Vitalizer and a protein drink a day and then add additional support for the best results!  ...when building a house, you start with the foundation, not with the windows!  :)  :)

To your healthy heart!!

~Naturally Mom and Dad

Tracking Your Own Success

In order to meet your fitness / lifestyle goals, you have to “know yourself”. Know what you will struggle with, what will help you get through the struggles, what areas you can improve on, what your goals are, and you need to know what foods and exercises work for you!

MANY people start a fitness/weight loss program. Whether they succeed or not sometimes can be due to planning and accountability.

The difference between success and failure is knowing oneself. It’s knowing when times get tough, you know what to do to push through, how you should eat to make lifestyle changes, know what exercises will change your bodies and know what motivates you to keep going – PERSISTENCE!

If you are having trouble reaching your goals, here are some simple steps to ensure you reach success:

1. Keep a Food Log – one of the most effective strategies to weight loss success. At the end of every week, check to see if you were successful and then look back to see what was working and what wasn't working and make the needed changes.

2. Measure Each Week – have someone measure you, or do it yourself. Take your thigh, chest, arm, waist and hip measurements. Just because the scale doesn't move, doesn't mean you aren't losing fat or inches. Try to do at the same time, same day, same measurement tool and track your results along with the food journal to see if you are moving closer to your goal or further away.

3. Track your workouts – write down how much you did, how much time you invested, how many reps and sets if using weights, how long it took you and how much rest you took. You should be increasing intensity and begin increasing weights when comfortable. Push yourself. You should be getting stronger and recovering quicker.

How many times are we discouraged because we don’t see results? Are you using these tracking tools? Chances are you may be skipping a workout, or not using enough intensity OR you aren’t meeting your diet requirements. See where you can improve and where you fell short on your program.

YOUR WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS IS UP TO YOU – YOU HAVE THE KEYS TO SUCCESS BUT YOU MUST EXECUTE

If you messed up, no worries, move on. Your next meal still counts so make it a great decision.

As always we love to hear from our readers so comment below answering:

What has helped you succeed?

To Your Health, 

Naturally Mom and Dad

Workout Shoe Health

How to Pick the Right Shoe for your piggies!!!

If you’re like me, the tendency when shopping for workout shoes (or any shoe for that matter!!) is to first go by the look – the color, design, etc! But how my feet feel in those shoes are what matters most. So what’s the secret to finding the right shoe?
Shop for workout shoes late in the day because that’s when your feet are the largest! Be sure there is a half inch of space in front of your longest toe. You should also be able to easily wiggle your toes. Compare the shoes with your bare feet. If each shoe isn’t noticeably wider and longer than your foot, try a half-size bigger shoe.
And the best of both worlds is when you find the right-fitting shoes that look great too!

We LOVE to hear from our readers!!!  Share in the comments where you go to get your athletic shoes.

Naturally, 

Mom and Dad

Top 3 Energizing Tips!!!

We all want more energy, right?  Here are my TOP 3 favorite tips from thebettermom.com.  Read through these tips and if you like them, share our blog with your family friends.  And of course, the best conversation happens in the comment section.  Please comment about what you do for more ENERGY!!

1. Make Real-Life Friendships a Priority

Even if you’re an introvert like me, friendships are a necessity. Make them a priority. Ask your friend over for lunch. Say “yes” to the park playdate. Call or text your friend to see how she’s doing if you haven’t heard from her in a while.

Now, I must be quick to say that, if you’re a social butterfly, you might be burning yourself out by having too much social interaction. You might need to cut back and set some boundaries on how many social engagements or ministry opportunities so that you have more margin in your day.

Find a healthy balance that works for you. But whatever that healthy balance is, I promise you that it does not consist of you hiding away in your home as a hermit!

2. Get Up Early

I dare you to try getting up 15 to 30 minutes before the rest of your family for 3-4 weeks and just see if it makes a difference. If you’re anything like me, you’ll end up having a lot more energy and productivity by getting a head start on your day.

3. Take Care of Yourself

It’s not selfish to take care of yourself; it’s necessary for your sanity and health — and it will likely benefit your family and marriage, too! You see, if you don't eat well, exercise, and get enough rest you’re not going to have very much energy. And that’s going to directly impact your mothering and marriage.  Nutrition is so important!

In addition, take a little time to shower and make yourself presentable everyday. I know that sweats are comfy, but I promise that you’ll feel better if you take just a little time to look good for your family.

Enjoy these tips?  Check out our Women's Wellness Webinar on Replay for more practical ways to be the best ENERGIZED you!!

Take me to more energy tips NOW!! :)

Lots of love,

Naturally Mom and Dad

Holy Sweet Stains!!

There are hair pulling moments as parents.  And, about a month ago, I came home one evening from running errands to a medium sized purple stain on the carpet.  Keith tells me the boys spilled a berry berry smoothie on our plush beige carpet.  In my brain, I was yelling at the top of my lungs.  (Do you ever have the feeling, if I have one more mess???)  I took a deep breath and said, I will deal with it tomorrow.  I am beat.

So, I'm sure you are seeing the purple stain along with the green streak and smudges.  Yes, the saga continues!!  The next morning, MIC (Mom in charge), the boys found green paint and had a fun loving time! We have 'beautiful' paintings hanging on the fridge along with our perfect looking carpet becoming less and less perfect by the minute.  I paused to wonder how many times the widow who sold the house to us had to clean stains from the carpet.  I am guessing, not too many times....

I pulled out my Shaklee, Get Clean cleaners and started scrubbing!  Thank goodness I could use cleaners in the playroom that are nontoxic and I can feel rest assured the space would be safe when the boys would play in the room.  Now take a look at the dark spot of green.  That was one HUGE blob of green paint.

See my foot (I'm wearing gold flats.)  Right above my foot was where the green blob WAS!!!  So our carpets look as good as new.  And, hopefully we've learned our lesson:  WATCH the boys better when they have berry berry smoothies and get rid of the paint!!

(I used a Shaklee mixture!)

(Okay, so we'll still let them do painting projects.  Noah and Eli are lucky they are cute!)

Enjoying drinks in the kitchen!

Ironically, on the night I typed this blog, my friend Kara had a hair pulling 'mom' moment!  She said her kids were lucky they have Shaklee scour off!!!

~Naturally Mom and Dad
(P.S. Keith was glad I did the scrubbing!)