Pregnant and Plexus

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Where's my #preggo moms at??? I know I have a ton!
This info is A M A Z I N G!
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Why might Plexus be a great supplement to take while pregnant???

Let's take a look!

1) Blood Sugar- Keeping blood sugar in check gets tricky during pregnancy and many women who aren't normally diabetic can still develop gestational diabetes, so good management of blood sugar levels becomes extra important while pregnant and Slim, with its impressively natural list of ingredients that help balance insulin levels, is tremendous for that!!

2) Energy- Pregnancy zaps energy, and most women don't feel comfortable drinking coffee or energy drinks to try and help with that because the caffeine, artificial colors, and artificial sweeteners are not good for baby. The ingredients in the three TriPlex products provide a safe, natural (and much-needed) boost of daytime energy for mommies-to-be, AND they assist with more restful sleep at night.

3) Constipation- During pregnancy, constipation can be terrible! ProBio5 and BioCleanse help eliminate it gently, and contain much safer ingredients than OTC or prescription laxatives.

4) Gut health- Now more than ever, it is urgent that modern women gain a better understanding of how their own gut health affects their bodies during pregnancy and affects their babies for a lifetime. There is long-lasting impact of passing on yeast/fungus/candida to your baby at birth.

And as for mama, did you know a woman is much more likely to have a yeast/fungus/candida overgrowth once she becomes pregnant? Many women get their first yeast infection of their life once they became pregnant. This is due to hormonal shifts happening in the body that make it easier for yeast to thrive. Even something like heartburn, which is also much more likely to happen to a woman when she's pregnant, can be the result of fungus overgrowth.

Baby’s first exposure to bacteria (good or bad) happens when he/she is traveling through the birth canal. If mama's gut is healthy, this exposure to the vaginal flora is such a beneficial thing for baby! In instances where mom ends up having to receive antibiotics for beta strep during delivery, or needs a C-section, baby's first exposure to beneficial bacteria is severely hindered. Further helping or hindering baby's developing microbiome is whether or not mom chooses to breastfeed. If/when this isn't an option, baby is losing still more opportunity to diversify a healthy microbiome by receiving mother's milk! When a mama chooses to heal and fortify her gut with ProBio5 during pregnancy and delivery, and while nursing, she is helping reduce overall fungus/Candida in hers and baby's system, helping keep the microbiome populated with probiotics, and taking an active stand against a cacophony of health issues for baby in the future! (Including, but not limited to: allergies, autoimmune symptoms, autism, asthma, and so much more!)

5) Nutrient Absorption- Poor gut health leads to gut permeability (aka: "leaky" gut") which, among many other problems, makes it more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. Nutrient absorption is critical during pregnancy as the nutrients mom consumes are supporting her health as well as baby's growth and development. ProBio5 destroys harmful organisms in the gut and helps populate it with good bacteria, healing the GI tract, and vastly improving nutrient absorption. And the XFactor vitamin (with its powerful, patented blend of aloe) has been shown to increase nutrient absorption by over 400%!

**Many have asked me if Plexus is safe to use while pregnant. Our "Fab Four" (Slim, ProBio5, BioCleanse, and XFactor) is a DREAM COMBO for pregnant and nursing mommies. With Dr's approval Slim, ProBio5, BioCleanse, XFactor, and MegaX during pregnancyis a must! (I encourage you to show the labels to your doctor)
Disclaimer:

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.

#PlexusPregnancy (click here for further info)

Is Being an Entrepreneur Right for You?

The start of a new year gets many people thinking about the things they want to achieve in the coming months. Whether it’s something small, like finally filling those empty picture frames (guilty!), or something bigger, like dropping those extra pounds (also guilty!), goals and aspirations give us a chance to look at where we are and where we want to go.

One common theme in new year’s resolutions is money: making more, saving more, and using it to really fulfill your dreams.

As people begin to think about ways to help grow their income and change their life, they often contemplate entrepreneurship. Having your own business is a great way to earn additional income while having flexible hours and working conditions that work for your life.

Being an entrepreneur isn’t for everyone. But, it might be for you! Here are three big questions to ask yourself as you decide if entrepreneurship might be a good path for you to take this year.

How much time do I have?

New businesses, even small ones, take time to establish and grow. Organization, marketing, and training can be taxing and time-consuming, not to mention the time spent providing your goods or services to your customers.

Before you jump into a new business, be honest with yourself about the amount of time you have to devote to it. Will this be your full-time job and your family’s livelihood? Or is this a small venture meant to give you some extra spending money? Knowing how much time you have to commit to your business is important before you start. If you don’t have the time to make your business successful, you may want to reconsider.

Some businesses, of course, can be easier than others. If you are establishing a relationship marketing business, for example, a good amount of the work is already done for you. Sales infrastructure, product pricing, packaging, and marketing materials are ready from day one. Extensive training from corporate level leaders and other successful entrepreneurs, will also make starting a whole lot simpler.

What will my investment look like?

Chances are, your business is going to require a substantial investment before it’s profitable. You’ll put in a good amount of time and money setting up your brand, your processes, and your clientele. Make sure you’re able and willing to make these investments. The truth is, if you work hard and smart, your investments can pay off—big time. But you should still make sure that your lifestyle won’t be affected negatively by the effort and resources required to start a business.

Once again, a relationship marketing approach is your friend here. If you’re with the right company, your start-up costs may be low. You won’t have to keep inventory or worry about shipping; you won’t have employees or a payroll to manage. Instead, your small investment will allow you to start a flexible, in-home business that can work with your life.

How big do I want this to be?

One of the best things about owning your own business is that you’re completely in charge of your own destiny.

Based on your level of effort, you get to decide how much you want to earn, how much you want to grow, and how much you want to succeed. The fact is, not all businesses are going to grow to be huge, and that’s okay. If all you’re looking for is a way to develop a talent, share a gift, make a small supplemental income, or grow your savings, you can make that happen.

Of course, if you don’t want to stop there, you don’t have to. With hard work and…well, more hard work…you can make your business extremely successful.

In a relationship marketing business, you already have the built-in support of a larger company. Growth is easier to manage and it can work entirely in your favor. Many entrepreneurs in the relationship marketing space have the opportunity to earn additional income which then allows them to invest more in their business and promote further growth. If a big business is your dream, don’t count out a relationship marketing business—keeping in mind that your success depends on your skills and the personal effort you put into your business.

Asking yourself these questions will help to provide insight as to whether being an entrepreneur is right for you, your family, and your lifestyle.

As you consider all options, including relationship marketing companies, you’ll hopefully find a business opportunity that allows you to thrive, grow, and succeed, making your goals for this year—and every year—become incredible realities.

*Plexus makes no guarantees on income, as such representations may be misleading. Your success depends on your effort, commitment, skill and leadership abilities, and how effectively you exercise those qualities. For information regarding the earnings that Plexus Ambassadors can make under the Plexus Compensation Plan, please see the Plexus Annual Income Disclosure Statement.

Gluten Free Blueberry Vanilla Protein Pancakes with Very Berry Syrup

It’s morning. You’re enjoying your first Pink Drink when get a hankering for a delightfully, sweet breakfast treat. Kick off the day and satisfy your hungry tummy with these protein-packed, flavorful, berry-delicious pancakes!

Who would’ve thought something so decadent could be a good source of protein? We’re adding 15 grams of high-quality whey protein to normal gluten free pancake mix with Plexus 96® Vanilla. And, our creamy, vanilla-flavored protein powder is gluten free, 100 percent vegetarian and Non-GMO.
Oh! And, who can resist our Very Berry Syrup? Top your pancakes with made-from-scratch syrup featuring a stick of Plexus Slim®. If you’re looking for all the sweet without the calories of sugar, consider one of these natural sugar substitutes.

Gluten Free Blueberry Vanilla Protein Pancakes with Very Berry Syrup

Ingredients

Pancakes

• 1 cup gluten free pancake mix
• 1 package Plexus 96® vanilla
• 6 ounces fat free Greek yogurt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup extract (optional)
• ½ to 1 cup fruit/berries as preferred

Very Berry Syrup

• 1 packet Plexus Slim®
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cups diced strawberries
• ½ cup sugar or honey
• 1 cup water + 2 tablespoons water, divided

Directions

1. Add all pancake ingredients to a blender. Blend on high. Cook on a griddle.
2. Combine 2 tablespoons water and cornstarch in a small dish. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup water, sugar, and diced strawberries to a boil. Stir occasionally.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add water and cornstarch mixture and blend well.
5. As the sauce thickens, the strawberries will partially dissolve. Turn off heat. Allow to cool before serving.

Plexus 96® Banana Nut Protein Shake

Elvis’ peanut butter and banana sandwiches have nothing on this creamy delight. This protein-rich shake starts with 15 grams of high-quality whey protein from Plexus 96^® Vanilla, and then tops it off with peanut butter, almonds and Greek yogurt. Your taste buds will reminisce about the familiar flavors of banana nut bread, while your healthy side contemplates the more than 20 vitamins and minerals in the protein packet alone.

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Plexus 96® Banana Nut Protein Shake

Serves 1
Prep time: 4 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute

Ingredients
1 packet Plexus® Vanilla
8 ounces almond milk (substitute for preferred milk type)
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon peanut butter or peanut butter powder
10 almonds
1 frozen banana, sliced
4-6 ice cubes

Directions
Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth.

11 Foods That Promote Heart Health

Your heart. The organ of love. And life. Your heart works tirelessly to pump blood throughout your body. And, it needs a little TLC.
Caring for your heart starts with a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and stress management.¹ We’ve compiled a list of top heart healthy foods to help you eat your way to cardiovascular health.

1. Fish high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Salmon, tuna, sardines, and other oily fish are all high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Eating two 3.5 ounce servings of fish high in Omega-3s per week can have a positive impact on your heart health.² The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week.³
You can also take a plant-based Omega supplement like Plexus MegaX^®. MegaX contains a full spectrum of Omega-3 fatty acids derived from AHIFLOWER® Oil—an effective and sustainable source of omega-3 PUFA.⁴ Oh! And no fishy aftertaste!

2. Nuts

A single serving of nuts can contain unsaturated fats, omega-3s, vitamin E, and fiber.⁵ Nuts can be a high-calorie snack so read the labels and keep in mind portion control.

3. Whole Grains

Foods rich in whole grains, cereal fiber and bran—like whole-grain bread and pasta, brown rice, barley and quinoa—are good sources of fiber and other nutrients that play a role in heart health.⁶ Substitute these for refined grains like white, refined flour/bread and egg noodles.

4. Red Wine

If you choose to partake, the moderate consumption of red wine can have heart-healthy benefits.⁷

5. Dark Chocolate

Chocolate containing over 70 percent cocoa is a good source of the antioxidant flavanol—known for its ability to improve heart health.⁸

6. Beans

Beans, beans, the magical fruit. They’re chockfull of soluble fiber helping you feel full longer and have been known to help in lowering cholesterol levels.⁸

7. Citrus Fruit

Oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are high in the flavonoid, hesperidin and its heart healthy glory.⁹

8. Tomatoes

High in antioxidants, vitamin C, lycopene, folate, and more, tomatoes include several nutrients that have been shown to lower your LDL cholesterol and your blood pressure.¹⁰

9. Berries

Berries are high in polyphenols, super-healthy antioxidants, and fiber. All of which have been shown to improve heart health. Eating a full serving of berries—especially blueberries and strawberries—once a week can have a positive impact on your heart.¹¹

10. Oatmeal

Both steel-cut and old-fashioned oats offer heart health benefits.¹²

11. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids which can help to lower your LDL cholesterol while increasing your HDL cholesterol.¹³ The foods you choose can have a significant impact on your cardiovascular health. Show your heart some love with a heart-healthy diet.

References

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/healthy_living.htm
² http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/omega-3/art-20045614
³ http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/HealthyDietGoals/Fish-and-Omega-3-Fatty-Acids_UCM_303248_Article.jsp#.WJoLpRCBL30
⁴ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23417895
⁵ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/nuts/art-20046635
⁶ http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2013/06/26/ajcn.113.067629.abstract
⁷ http://www.bmj.com/content/310/6988/1165
⁸ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26026398
⁹ http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/93/1/73.short
¹⁰ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12587984
¹¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3068482/
¹² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25267241
¹³ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26148918

10 Techniques for Stress Management

So, you’ve have a bad day.

Your boss challenged you with a seemingly impossible goal. Your kids forgot to tell you about their science fair—tomorrow. Your hubby left his socks on the floor. Again.

Stress is a normal part of life for even the happiest person. It’s a totally normal physiological response to tough situations. To keep stress from becoming our default state of mind, we need time and techniques to recover from stressors and stressful events.

Learning to manage and relieve stress can be a life-long process. We’re making stress management a priority with these ten stress management strategies to help you live with less stress.

1. Determine why you’re stressed
Sure, there’s lots of ways to manage stress. But, wouldn’t it be more helpful if you could avoid some of the stress altogether?

When you start to feel your temperature rise and your heart race, ask yourself honestly: What’s the root cause of this reaction?

Is it temporary, like an imminent deadline? Or are you taking on responsibilities that someone else could—and maybe should—handle? Once you understand what’s causing the stress in your life, you’ll be better equipped to manage it.

2. Consider your coping strategies
How do you relax?

Coping strategies that are healthy will rejuvenate and leave you better prepared to manage the next stressor. Unhealthy coping strategies—like smoking or overindulging in alcohol—offer temporary reprieve but don’t actually help in the long run. Eliminate your unhealthy coping strategies and replace them with healthier options!

3. Breathe intentionally
We breathe without thinking all the time—literally. When we take the time to slow down and focus on breathing deeply and easily, we increase the oxygen levels in our blood and encourage physical relaxation.¹

The best parts about using breathing to reduce stress? You can do it anywhere. And, it’s free!

4. Practice mindfulness
Meditation and other mindfulness practices can help you mentally re-center and refresh. Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques can be helpful in lowering stress.²

5. Move it
Physical activity produces endorphin’s—chemicals in the brain that lead to feelings of euphoria. It’s difficult to experience the negative side effects of stress while also feeling euphoric.³ If you’re new to exercise—or maybe picking it up after some time off—keep it simple.

6. Sleep tight
The amount of sleep you get can affect your stress levels. The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.⁴ The impact of sleep is so profound that even a single night of poor sleep can cause increased stress.⁵

7. Smile
Seems too simple, right?

Yes, we smile when we’re feeling good. But, did you know that works the other way around too? Smiling can actually make you feel good. Smiling triggers the release of endorphin’s, serotonin, and dopamine in your brain which can lift your mood.⁶

8. Embrace the no
Many of us have a hard time saying no. After all, being the person everyone can rely on is a good thing, right? Not if everyone relies on us for every small detail all the time. Set limits—at work and at home—and stand by them.

9. Eat healthy
Food fuels our bodies and our minds. When we’re stressed, it can be tempting to indulge in unhealthy comfort food—did someone say ice cream? When your brain lacks good, quality nutrients, it can affect everything from cognition and mood to stress levels.⁷

10. Supplement
Eating a diet rich in all the nutrients we need to fuel our brains and bodies can be a full-time job. A dietary supplement, such as Plexus MegaX^®, can help fill in the gaps in our diet. MegaX contains a full spectrum of Omega-3 fatty acids and can help with stress management.^*

It’s probably not realistic to think you’ll live a stress-free life. It’s super important to remember that even small actions can make a big difference. What’s your favorite rejuvenating activity?

References

¹ http://www.nmha.org/conditions/coping-stress-checklist
² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15256293
³ https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st
⁴ http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need
⁵ http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/sleep.aspx
⁶ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201206/there-s-magic-in-your-smile).
⁷ http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Plexus 96® Blueberry Vanilla Protein Shake

The blueberry muffin at the coffee shop. Skip it! Instead, opt for this healthy, creamy, and delicious blueberry vanilla protein shake. Blueberries are full of antioxidants⁴ and Plexus 96® Vanilla has more than 20 vitamins and minerals. Fifteen grams of high-quality whey protein will leave you feeling full, helping you to avoid high-calorie meals and snacks hours later.* Perfect as an on-the-go breakfast (or snack), this blueberry vanilla protein shake is sweet and tart with a delightful richness from the vanilla.

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Plexus 96® Blueberry Vanilla Protein Shake

Serves 1
Prep time: 4 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute
Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 packet Plexus 96® Vanilla
8 ounces almond milk (substitute for preferred milk type)
½ cup vanilla flavored Greek yogurt
½ cup blueberries
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
4-6 ice cubes
Directions
Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth.
References
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10995120



*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Eat the Rainbow: Relationship Between Food Color and Nutrition

What’s the relationship between food color and nutrition?
Chefs and food stylists alike harness the vibrant rainbow that runs through flowers, fruits and vegetables to create food that doubles as art.
All that visual excitement can mask the correlation between food color and nutrition. That relationship goes much further than common ideas about carrots making you see better or spinach giving you Popeye-like strength.
To a large degree, the way a vegetable looks indicates the type of nutrients it harbors. We have an opportunity to enrich our bodies by enjoying a veritable painter’s palette. And, if we take care to prepare them in a way that maximizes their nutritional value, the sky is the limit!

Greens

Green vegetables tend to be rich in vitamins A, C, K and folate, as well as iron and calcium.¹ Vitamin A plays an important health role in helping us with good vision. In addition, vitamin A is important for growth, development, and immune function.

Oranges

Obviously, the most commonly known benefit of carrots is ocular health. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. But the bright orange root also infuses significant levels of B-vitamins and vitamin K.³

Reds

Tomatoes, watermelon, and even pink grapefruit, all have a common nutritional thread: their pigment is comprised of lycopene. This powerful antioxidant has a long list of health benefits.^{4, 5} Other reds such as strawberries, raspberries, and red grapes also provide valuable antioxidants that contribute to heart health.^{6, 7}

Purples and Blues

Blueberries, grapes, raisins and eggplant enjoy a common nutritional benefit. They all carry the antioxidant anthocyanins, which helps to protect us from cell damage. And, a diet rich in blueberries may promote cardiovascular health and help your memory.^{7, 8, 9}

Whites

Onions, parsnips, shallots, turnips, cauliflower, potatoes and others are an integral part of our diet. This group provides significant amounts of fiber, magnesium, and potassium—particularly important because experts have concluded that only two to three percent of Americans consume sufficient potassium levels. Studies point to potassium helping control high blood pressure and bone health in adults.¹⁰

Cooking the rainbow

Some cooking methods are better than others in terms of retaining nutrition. Here are a few general rules that can help you maximize the nutritional impact of your food.

• Raw Benefits: In terms of preparing greens for the dinner table, it’s easy to enjoy their maximum benefit. Kale has been trending to more and more dinner tables in recent years. It’s an excellent dark leafy green packed with nutrition and makes a terrific salad base. Spinach also delivers a powerful punch of vitamin A and easily supplants lettuce in dinner salads and on children’s sandwiches. One thing about kale, spinach and others like mustard greens that eludes many health enthusiasts is that you can grow them in your windowsill year-round. There’s nothing better than freshly harvested food

• Steam vs Boil: Stews may seem like a good way to bring a bunch of vegetables together. But, realistically, much of the nutritional value seeps into the broth and will end up in the drain—or the dog’s bowl. Steaming vegetables helps soften them while retaining far more nutrients than boiling and stews.

• Microwaves Rule: Believe it or not, microwaving vegetables ranks among the best ways to cook them. Veggies like zucchini and carrots do particularly well with small amounts of water.

Mother Nature has a way of bringing everything together. She paints the sky with real rainbows and runs that same color motif through our foods. The message is clear that to be healthy and harmonious creatures we should embrace the rainbow.

References
¹ https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/gfnd/gfhnrc/docs/news-2013/dark-green-leafy-vegetables/
² http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/vitamin-do-5262.html
³ https://authoritynutrition.com/foods/carrots/
⁴ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3850026/
⁵ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12587984
⁶ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14582991
⁷ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3274736/
⁸ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7576162
⁹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16989312
¹⁰ http://advances.nutrition.org/content/4/3/318S.full

WAR AGAINST CANCER .... or WAR AGAINST SUGAR ?!?

"IF we want to WIN THE WAR ON CANCER- WE need to start here!

This amount of sugar will shut down white blood cell production, destroy beneficial gut flora, increase risk of heart disease, raise blood pressure (by causing inflammation and depleting magnesium), deplete other nutrients like B vitamins, feed cancer cells, raise cholesterol, and so much more.

We are finally realizing the connection between cancer and the over consumption of refined sugars. No sugar is ideal, but more than 20 grams of added sugar daily for children, 32 grams for women, and 40 grams for men is too much for the body to process. This shake is almost three times that for women.

And no, it's not an occasional splurge. If your gut can handle this amount of sugar without getting sick, then it indicates that you regularly consume too much sugar. Because this much refined sugar would destroy a large amount of beneficial gut flora, the die-off would cause diarrhea and/or stomach discomfort in those with adequate healthy flora. But for those who regularly consume refined sugars, there would not be enough beneficial gut flora present to cause die-off, thus indicating that sugar consumption is a regular part of one's diet.

AND many people are overweight simply because they are drinking way too much sugar in the form of specialty coffees and shakes like these!"