Just another multi-vitamin ?!?

"Just another multivitamin..." that was my thought when I first heard about XFactor. I had taken "high quality" multi vitamins from health food stores for YEARS and had seen NOTHING but yellow pee and felt no different or saw any physical changes😐like I do now!! It wasn't until I read about New Zealand Black Currants and the benefits of Aloe that I became intrigued and wanted to try it out. I noticed changes very quickly; more energy, better sleep, longer, thicker hair and healthy nails AND NO YELLOW PEE!

Here are some fun facts about XFactor:
🌿 It is the worlds ONLY methylated multivitamin formulated with aloe!
🌿When you add aloe to any other vitamin or mineral, you increase the absorption rate of those vitamins and minerals by 400%! That aloe in XFactor also aids absorption of sometimes hard to absorb minerals and vitamins like B12, calcium, and vitamin D.
🌿Aloe is HUGE for absorption & digestion!! Because of this you'll actually feel a difference!
🌿Xfactor is a powerful immunity booster because it contains New Zealand black currant, which is one of the most natural & best sources of iron on earth!
🌿The best high quality ingredients and patented blends making this little turbocharged multivitamin very different and very powerful antioxidant!
🌿There is even a chewable for kids❤
🌿It's vegetarian friendly!

3 10-Minute Workouts for When You Can’t Get to the Gym

If it seems like there’s always something getting in the way of your next visit to the gym, that’s probably because there is—it’s called life!

We’ve got your back for those days when you just can’t blow off family, friends, or commitments in favor of a visit to the gym.

Do these 10-minute workouts instead. Each workout consists of a three-minute circuit you can repeat three times. PS, transitions and messing with your stopwatch, or smartphone timer, will eat up that extra minute.

Ready? Go!

The Office Workout

Probably best for those with a private office.

• 30 seconds: Drop to a plank position on the floor—or if you’re just starting out, place your hands on something elevated like the edge of your desk. Lift one leg at a time, drawing each knee in toward your chest. Work up to doing this at a jog.
• 60 seconds: Stay where you are and crank out some push-ups; you should be able to squeeze in 10 to 12 slow, controlled reps. No need to bend your knees; the higher you place your hands, the easier the exercise will be.
• 30 seconds: Lie down (you may want to keep a fluffy towel or yoga mat on hand for this) and do 30 seconds of bicycle crunches. Bring your right elbow to your left knee and vice versa.
• 60 seconds: Stand up and finish off the circuit with lunges, using the desk as support if you need it. Take a big step forward with one leg and bend both knees, dropping your hips straight down between your feet. Your front knee shouldn’t push forward any further than an imaginary line leading straight up from the big toe of that foot. If it does, stop and realign—this exercise takes some practice.

The Playground Workout

• 30 seconds: Shuffle-step sideways around the perimeter of the playground; switch directions after 15 seconds. If there are kids around, you might just find yourself sucked into a fun game of follow the leader!
• 45 seconds: Squats. Squat down as if you were sitting in a chair, keeping your knees lined up over your toes, hips pushing back behind you. If this is too easy, crank out the squats quickly or add a jump as you power up and out of each squat.
• 30 seconds: Jog over to the monkey bars but, instead of lifting your knees up in front of you, kick your heels up behind you, like you’re trying to kick yourself in the backside with every step. (Also called butt kicks.)
• 45 seconds: Monkey bars. Swing yourself hand-over-hand from one end of the monkey bars to the other, just like the kids do. Go on it’s fun! It’s also a great back workout.
• 30 seconds: Crank out some jumping jacks or, if you want to avoid that sort of high impact, choose one of the previous two cardio exercises to round out the circuit.

Now go back and do it again!

The Home Workout

• 30 seconds: Get your heart pumping by jogging up and down the stairs—watch your step!
• 60 seconds: Burpees time. Lean down and place your hands down to the floor, then kick your feet back into a push-up position. Now jump your feet back in and stand up to complete the first rep. Try to get in fifteen good burpees. If you need to rest, hang out in plank position.
• 30 seconds: Step aerobics instructors call this an “up-up-down-down.” Step your right foot onto the bottom step of the stairs. Then your left foot. Then step down on right. Then your left. Go as fast as you safely can. Switch your leading foot about halfway through.
• 60 seconds: Side lunges. Face the stairs, legs slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Bend your right knee. Keep you left leg straight as you squat down and to the side; make sure your right knee tracks over your right big toe. Press with your right leg to stand up, then repeat on the other side. Repeat as quickly as you can to maintain clean form and happy knees.

Why Your Belly Fat Isn't Budging

Belly fat. It’s super stubborn.

For many people—women especially—even after losing weight and toning muscles in other places, their belly remains. It’s frustrating and discouraging.

While genetics play a role in how people store fatty tissue,¹ there are a few common factors that might just be helping your belly fat hang on—despite your best efforts.

Stress

Women who experience high levels of stress tend to have a rounder abdominal region.² When you’re stressed, your body secretes cortisol—known to many as the stress hormone. The more cortisol, the more fat stored in the belly.

You likely have stressors, such as work or school, that you can’t eliminate. For these, there are a few things you can do to reduce your levels of corresponding stress. Contemplative practices such as yoga and meditation can be helpful in stress reduction.³ And, of course, regular exercise, even if it’s not vigorous, can also help lower your stress level and release natural fat-reducing components in the body.⁴

Sleep

We need sleep to rest, recover, and rejuvenate. And yet, most of us would admit that we don’t get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can impact your metabolism in multiple ways.⁵

First, when we don’t get enough sleep, we lower our energy expenditure and burn fewer calories. Second, lack of sleep correlates with increased appetite. And third, if we don’t get enough sleep it can cause changes in our glucose metabolism. ⁵

Think about that for a minute. Without enough sleep, we’re likely to eat more, move less, and our blood sugar regulation is altered. Suddenly, the correlation between lack of sleep and stubborn belly fat is pretty clear.

So how do we get more sleep?

One way is to turn off screens an hour before bedtime. Let your mind and body unwind from the day. If you have to be doing something productive during this time, use it to prepare for the morning. Make your lunch or lay out your clothes. These small steps can help you relax by simply knowing you won’t have to worry about them in the morning.

Exercise

Daily exercise, just like getting enough sleep and reducing stress, is something we all know we should be doing.

But most Americans aren’t getting enough exercise. In fact, a recent survey released by the National Center for Health Statistics shows that nearly 80 percent aren’t meeting the recommended guidelines for daily exercise^6,8—including 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly and moderate or high-intensity strength training of all muscle groups at least twice a week.⁷  Regular aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities provide a myriad of benefits. Among them is combating stubborn belly fat. Even without diet changes, a daily exercise regime can result in a substantial reduction in belly fat.⁷

You are not alone in your struggle to lose belly fat.

The good news is that scientists are learning more every day about why abdominal fat is so hard to lose and how we can fight it. Getting more sleep, reducing your stress level, and getting the right amount of daily exercise may not seem like big changes. Until you implement them. After a while, you may find your belly fat is not so stubborn after all.

References
¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8856394
² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16353426
³ http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.661.4507&rep=rep1&type=pdf
⁴ http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332200890447?np=y
⁵ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1991337/
⁶ https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/exercise.htm
⁷ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15166299
⁸ https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyrelease/earlyrelease201605.pdf

Plexus 96® Peanut Butter and Jelly Protein Shake

It’s 15 minutes until the school bus arrives, and you’re still packing the kiddos lunches. This peanut butter and jelly protein shake tastes just like the childhood classics you’re adding to their lunch pails—without the added sugar and carbs. Peanut butter adds healthy fat and extra protein to this grown-up PB&J; while the strawberries offer antioxidants, dietary fiber, and a ton of vitamin C!1 Plexus 96® vanilla whey protein powder is gluten free and 100 percent vegetarian—choose a gluten free peanut butter for a gluten free treat.

Plexus 96® Peanut Butter and Jelly Protein Shake

Serves 1

Prep time: 4 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute

Ingredients
1 packet Plexus 96® Vanilla
8 ounces almond milk (substitute for preferred milk type)
1 frozen banana
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter or peanut butter powder
½ cup strawberries
4 ice cubes

Directions
Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth.

References
1 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271285.php

5 Tips to Combat Bloating

Ah, bloating…

The slightly puffy look. The tighter fitting jeans. The belly bulge you’ve been working so hard to get rid of.
And, let’s not forget the discomfort and general “gross” feeling. Who doesn’t love that?
Answer: no one loves that. No one even likes it.
Depending on its intensity and regularity, bloating can be an occasional nuisance or a too-frequent visitor that has long overstayed its welcome. And, can affect just about anyone at any time.
Fortunately, you don’t just have to suck it up when it comes to bloating (even if you are sucking it in). There are a few things you can try that might ease your bloating woes and get you back to looking and feeling like your fabulous, healthy self. Here are some of our favorite tips:

Exercise

You probably hear a lot about exercise in your quest for healthy living, and there’s a reason for that: regular exercise makes a big difference.
Sure, exercise can help you tone your muscles, increase your energy, and slim down. It can also do things for your digestive system—like stimulate your metabolism, promote health gut microflora, and keep your bowels functioning optimally.^1-4 Cardio exercises can also activate sweat glands, which then expel fluids, rather than retain them. When you’re taking care of your digestive system, bloating becomes a lot less likely.

Don’t overeat

Eating too much won’t just leave you feeling unwell; it also leaves you looking a little, well, bloated. Eating large meals, especially those full of starches and sodium, will leave your belly bulging.⁵ Combat overeating by paying attention to your portions, eating slowly, and stopping when you’re no longer hungry. You can also try eating six small meals a day, rather than three large ones, to help resist the urge to overeat.

Watch what you eat

Just as important as how much you eat, is what you’re eating. Foods that are more difficult to digest leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. These foods tend to create gas in your intestine, which creates that “full” look and feel. Other foods may promote fluid retention, which also leads to bloating.⁶
Many Americans consume more than double the recommended daily amount of sodium, which can cause you to appear bloated.^7,8 You can combat the effects of sodium by increasing your potassium intake.⁹ Good sources of potassium include bananas, melons, avocado, white beans, and spinach.
Starches, including bread, rice, and pasta, also create bloating, because they’re difficult for the stomach to digest. ⁶ Instead, add more lean proteins like chicken breast or salmon.

Get plenty of fluids

Low hydration can lead to fluid retention, which creates bloating. Additionally, water keeps your digestive system moving, meaning you’ll be flushing (pun intended) waste out of your system more regularly.¹⁰
Water is obviously always a good choice for hydrating, but coffee (which acts as a diuretic)¹¹ and herbal teas (especially peppermint) can be good as well. Along with supplements specifically created for weight management.^* Steer clear of soda though: those bubbles create air bubbles in your stomach, promoting bloating.

Fight gas

Gas is a common cause of bloating. Cutting back on foods that create gas—or at the very least, eating them more slowly—might help with your bloating problems. Certain herbs including peppermint, chamomile, and garlic, and probiotics like yogurt and kefir can also help fight gas.¹²
It may take some time to figure out what solution works best for you and your body. You might want to try a supplement specifically formulated to ease gas and bloating.^*
Bloating can be embarrassing, discouraging, and downright annoying. Follow these tips to look better and feel better by beating the bloat, once and for all!

References
¹ http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2014/04/29/gutjnl-2013-306541
² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24670791
³ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24670791
⁴ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18256465
⁵ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3631758/The-7-deadly-digestion-sins-bad-chewing-overeating-nutritionists-reveal-tips-prevent-bloating-stop-overeating.html
⁶ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3388350/
⁷ https://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2009/r090326.htm
⁸ http://www.livestrong.com/article/431684-does-sodium-make-you-look-bloated/
⁹ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/salt-and-sodium/sodium-health-risks-and-disease/
¹⁰ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/
¹¹ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/11/coffee-laxative-effect-makes-you-poop_n_7546170.html

Tips for Fitting in Six Meals a Day

When it comes to dieting, most people agree that less is more. Fewer calories. Fewer grams of fat. And, fewer sugary treats.

There is, however, one dieting philosophy that presents a notable exception to this rule: more meals. Yes, many people claim that eating more frequently can actually help you drop those pesky pounds.
The reasoning behind this is that eating six small meals a day—as opposed to the traditional three big meals a day—will help you better manage hunger and fight cravings while maintaining your energy levels and keeping your metabolism active.

Makes sense, right?

Of course, in order for this method to be effective in your weight loss plan, you have to do it right. How can you make sure you don’t eat too much during your meals? What foods should you eat, and when? How are you going to find the time to eat six meals a day? Lucky for you, we’ve got some tips that will help as you figure out how adding more meals to your day can actually help you lose weight.

Set a schedule that works for you.

Set specific meal times that are evenly spaced and that work for your day. Don’t rearrange your life to fit in your meals; rearrange your meals to fit in your life!
In general, try to eat a meal when you first wake up, mid-morning, at lunchtime, mid-afternoon, at dinnertime, and between dinner and bed. If you need help remembering to eat, set an alarm or a reminder on your phone. For a low-tech solution, a well-placed sticky note (or two) will do just fine.

Focus on the calories.

Before you start eating six meals a day, take a minute to think about your calorie intake. What is it at currently, and what does it need to be at for you to lose weight? Knowing this number will be important when it comes to planning your meals, as you’ll want to try to space your calories evenly among your meals.
You’ll also want to get familiar with the calorie amounts in your favorite foods. True, there are some things you’ll just have to give up altogether, since they have too many calories to fit into your small meals. But chances are, you’ll be able to keep eating some of your favorite foods, as long as you adjust the portion size.

Meal plan.

Just like you would plan your three meals a day, plan your six. It makes life much easier if you don’t get caught without a plan at mealtime (that’s when you’ll be most likely to grab an unhealthy option, or to overeat!).
As you plan your meals, take into account all the nutrients your body needs to function best. That means a good amount of protein, fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, grains, fiber, and healthy fats.
And consider functionality. Your favorite low-calorie soup may make for a tasty treat, but probably isn’t the most optimal on-the-go meal.

Don’t leave out your supplements.

If you’re taking supplements to help with your weight management goals—here are some of our favorites!—keep taking them as you eat your six meals.* Couple them with any of your six meals or plan to take in-between if that’s what the product label indicates. Always follow serving sizes or other instructions as indicated on the product label.

Pre-prep your portions.

Overeating can be the downfall of the six-meals-a-day plan. The key to success with this plan is sticking to small meals. Of course, that can be hard to do if you’re eating foods right out of the package. Instead, portion your foods out beforehand. Use plastic baggies or plastic food storage containers to keep portions separate, and you’ll enjoy the “grab and go” convenience of having your meals ready when you are.

Get creative with your meals.

As you try to fit in six meals a day, you might find it helpful to get a little creative with what you consider a “meal.” When you’re controlling your calories and eating more often, what is typically considered a “light snack” is usually indicative of how much you’ll be eating.

A small plate of vegetables and hummus, for example, might be one of your meals. A few cups of lightly salted popcorn with a handful of peanuts might be another. These things can be eaten in the car, at your desk, or on the couch with a magazine. When you start to think about what your meals might consist of, you’ll realize that you can more easily fit them into your day.

Weight loss doesn’t have to be about depriving yourself of any and all food-related joy. You only have to know when to eat, what to eat, and how much to eat. Eating six small meals a day could help you reach your weight loss goals, without feeling hungry.

Sure, less is usually more, but this is one case where more (meals) could actually lead to less (weight)! Good luck, and good health!

Stop the Candida Cycle

The key and most common cause of Leaky Gut is Candida. Candida is a yeast-fungal organism that grows roots like a plant.

These roots grow into and through your intestinal tract looking for food.

These roots break through the intestinal lining and cause the leaky gut!!

Probio5 and BioCleanse are my Wonder Twins that got my Gut healthy again! I've experienced so many positive health benefits since using these two! 

From Gut to Brain:  The Inflammation Connection

Cutting Calories: It's easier than you think !!

The formula appears fairly simple. Find a balanced diet. Follow it. Exercise regularly. Lose weight. As most can attest, the equation to successfully cutting calories can be challenging.
How do you find time to consistently monitor—and cut—calories between work, family, and other obligations?

There are only 24 hours in a day. Sometimes the day, a cheat meal, a long night at the office, or a sick child can get the best of you. So what do you do?

Sneak in additional ways to cut calories.

There are plenty of sneaky ways to cut hundreds of calories without interrupting your day-to-day routine. Did you know that you can burn up to 200 calories in 30 minutes while vacuuming?¹ Hello clean house. Hello healthier you!

Couple these crafty ideas with a weight management products like Plexus TriPlex™ and a healthy, happier you may be closer than you think.^*

How about trying some of these crafty ways to cut calories?

References
¹ http://www.today.com/health/burn-1-200-calories-doing-these-7-household-chores-1D80345905

17 Facts That'll Remind You Why You Love Your Heart

There are many ways to show love and admiration for your significant other or family members on Valentine’s Day.

In our opinion, few tokens of affection compare to conversation hearts and the subtle ways they invite your special someone to “Be Mine.” But if you’re into it, rose petals and heart-shaped Reese’s can be well received.

Sixty two percent of Americans say they celebrate the holiday – shelling out on average $74 (women) to $150 (men). ¹ The days leading up to Feb. 14 are filled with shopping, floral arrangements, and reservations. Hopefully none are at the last minute!

Valentine’s Day, although all about love, is not for the faint of heart.

Consider the most recognizable symbol of this day of all days. The heart. When you look closer, you will find facts and figures that dwarf Valentine’s Day purchases.

Minute-after-minute, hour-after-hour your heart works tirelessly to pump blood throughout your body. What have you done lately to show your heart appreciation?

When you stop and consider its task, your heart truly is amazing. Maybe Valentine’s Day should be a day to celebrate your heart in addition to the one who holds your heart.

As Feb. 14, quickly approaches, consider these 17 facts to love about your heart.

References
¹ http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day/interactives/valentines-day-by-the-numbers

The Surprising Reason You Can't Lose Weight (That No One Is Talking About)

What if I told you that your body has toxins and bacteria that build up over time as a result of prescription medications, antibiotic use, over the counter meds and bad food/drink choices. That these bacteria and toxins FEED off of sugars and carbs and make you feel tired and sluggish. So even if you do lose weight with some extreme measures by restricting your calories, more than likely you’ll gain it back again because you’re still craving starchy and sugar-laden foods just like before!! WHY IS THAT???

It’s a gut issue!!! It’s an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria that is literally demanding that you continue to feed it!! It’s also the reason why my belief in Plexus is so strong--finally a wellness theory based on science, not a moral issue of willpower or deprivation.

What if I could help you?? What if focusing on your GUT HEALTH and fixing the issue, instead of temporarily covering it up, got you to being healthier and happier?? Let’s talk about it and turn that “what if” into “look what we are doing”  

You are sooo worth it!!

Celebrity Sighting !!!

Y'all know who this is right???

ALI VINCENT from the BIGGEST LOSER!!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻...

Look her up on fb! You guys, SO many out there truly have no idea what Plexus is yet!!!! We are becoming a household name!!!! More & more are jumping on board with the health & happiness company!

Here's what Ali had to say:
"For years I have struggled with gut health issues. No matter what I did, they never got resolved. Many of you know that I am in WA right now and have been since Sept, when I got a call that my sister's husband wasn't expected to make it through the night. A lot of the contributing factors with his health issues were because of gut issues. As a result I knew I needed to get my gut issues resolved.
I have been doing a lot of research and I had no idea that poor gut health could affect so many things. I'm excited to have found some awesome products that focus on getting healthy from the inside out. And even better, they are natural, plant based and clinically proven with no artificial or unhealthy ingredients. I'm ready to feel better, have more energy and truly be healthy!!"

Ali has joined us in our Plexus journey ... contact me if you want to come along !!

facebook:  http://facebook.com/InThePink411
email:  InThePink411@PearlCSI.ca
website:  http://InThePink411.com

Independant, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study

All of the scams and fraud that the FDA has to go after every single year dealing with fake or misleading weight-loss products is CRAZZZZY!!!!

I'm so glad that I belong to a company who has hired a whole team of people to make sure that Plexus is on the up and up and we follow the FDA and FTC guidelines! Plexus also has clinical studies to substantiate claims that are made! #Triplex #Block

Here are a couple things you need to look for and do before choosing a product

1. Make sure they have peer reviewed medical studies. (Plexus has clinical studies!)
2. Ask your doctor about it first.  So many people in the medical industry are Plexus ambassadors ... doctors, nurses, dentists, chiropractors, pharmacists, etc.)   She said "In the past few years the FDA found over 100 weight loss products that have been illegally marketed as diet supplements which contained an ingredient found in a medicine that was associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke ... and that doctors say pulmonary hypertension is a risk factor if you have taken one of these diet supplements"

Plexus IS NOT a quick fix, and I think sometimes that's why people say "it doesn't work". First of all...most of these people are not consistent, they don't drink enough water, and they don't give it at least a full 60 days to see any sort of result. It takes at least 60 days for the body to get used to something new you're taking and for most people to see results on products that are legit because quick fixes NEVER WORK!

We ARE NOT a diet supplement company!

We ARE a Health and Wellness company! So stop looking at all of those quick fixes and frauds, and give me a shout! I'm here when you're ready!

Our TriPlex Combo is the BOMB and it DOES work!!! I'd like to prove it to you! And if I'm wrong and it doesn't work for you, guess what?, you get your money back!!! That's why we have a 60 day moneyback guarantee! Plexus is that serious about their products!!

We should chat

Here is what's on my mind........watch the short video below and make a list and give yourself ONE point for each item below that refers to you:

💥I need more #energy
💥I'm tired all the #time
💥I struggle with #cravings
💥I'm always #hungry
💥I wish I had energy to #workout
💥I have trouble falling asleep at night
💥I have tried every #diet there is
💥I always feel #bloated
💥I am not regular (once or more per day)
💥I have crazy #moodswings
💥I get #sick often
💥I struggle to #love my body
💥I have given up on weight loss
💥I want to be a more #active person
💥I need extra money to help with bills
💥I don't want to fail ANOTHER #diet 
💥I have a passionless #career 
💥I hate #Mondays
💥I don't feel #challenged or #rewarded at my career
💥I don't #drink enough #water daily 
💥I'm curious about #Plexus but too shy to ask

TriPlex Video Link

Add up your points. If you have 3 or more, we should #chat! 
If you do what you've always done...you'll get what you've always got! 
You are NOT alone! Many people have experienced AT LEAST five of the things on this list! I'll be honest...before Plexus I could check off at least 10 of these! But, since I started Plexus 3 years ago, my #health & life is completely different!

Are you ready for a #positive change in your life???

PM me for a #confidential, no obligation chat! 💗

facebook:  http://facebook.com/InThePik411

email:  InThePink411@PearlCSI.ca

website:  http://InThePink411.com