Types of Whey Protein and Why It's Good for Weight Loss

Have you ever looked up the dictionary definition of the word “nutrition?” No worries, we did it for you.

nu·tri·tion

n(y)o͞oˈtriSH(ə)n/

noun

1. the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.

What does this “process” look like for a lot of Canadians? Heading to a drive-thru? Unwrapping a candy bar? Guzzling a soda (don’t worry, it’s diet)? The ways in which we’ve chosen to nourish ourselves have gone far beyond what is “necessary for health and growth,” and veered into the territory of “what tastes the best and is convenient...and maybe has caffeine since I’m dragging.”

Maybe that’s why so many Canadians—and, well, people in general—are overweight. Unhealthy habits have been on the rise for the past few decades, so much so that nearly 30% of the world’s population is considered overweight.1

Look, we get it. Sometimes there’s just so much going on—from your career to your housework, to your family time, to your “me” time—that the extra steps it would take to really nourish your body with real, whole foods just aren’t realistic. And packaged food is everywhere: it’s convenient, it’s cheap, and it’s tasty...because it’s packed with sugar, salt, and fat.

If you’re really committed to high nutrition standards (applause!) then you might have tried other ways of making your nourishment more convenient, specifically protein bars and/or shakes. But if you read the ingredients, you’ll realize that many of these products are actually flawed themselves. They might be missing key nutrients. They might have a high sugar content. They might contain artificial colours and synthetic sweeteners. Oh, and then there’s the fact that they taste like blended chalk, and are about as satisfying.

All of that is the bad news. The good news is that there’s a better whey. No, that’s not a typo (though it is a pun). Whey is a protein source that is getting a lot of buzz in the health world, and for good reason. As a product that is high in protein but low in fat, Whey can be an important tool for helping people reach their health and fitness goals. Let’s take a closer look at some of Whey’s most impressive benefits, along with a great source of whey you’ll have to taste to believe.

What Whey can help with

We’ve all got health, happiness, and fitness goals that we’d love to achieve. That’s why we should all be best friends with whey. Here are just some things Whey can help with.

Losing weight. (We would say losing whey-t, but there are already enough whey jokes in this article, don’t you think?) So here’s the deal.

Whey protein may be especially effective for weight loss^ because it’s considered a lean protein: that is, its protein content is high while its fat content is low. So you can consume a good amount of whey protein without also consuming a lot of fat.2

All of that to say, if you’re looking to drop a few pounds, adding protein to your diet is a great way to do it, and Whey might be the best option for keeping fat intake low.

Decreasing appetite. Whey protein also does a good job of helping you feel full,3 so you eat less. This is another reason why Whey can help with weight loss^, so if overeating has been your downfall, whey just might be your answer. Additionally, whey actually helps you feel full more quickly than other types of protein do, so whey, specifically, is a good option for improving satiety.4

Supporting muscle. Ready to get really pumped about whey? Well, not only does Whey have all those great weight loss^ benefits mentioned above, but it can also help you maintain muscle.

Of course, just upping your whey intake alone isn’t enough to support muscle, but when combined with resistance training, whey protein can help muscle better than weight lifting alone.5

Why is that? Well, the amino acids in whey protein are important for muscle support. Among these is leucine, a branched-chain amino acid that stimulates protein synthesis and helps support muscle.6

And because of whey’s low-fat content, you can maintain that muscle without packing on the pounds. It’s for anyone that wants to improve their body fat percentage.

Achieving well-balanced nutrition. Protein is one of the building blocks of good nutrition. In fact, for your average 2,000 calorie diet of a sedentary person, the recommended daily amount of protein is 40-60 g. (For reference, a cup of diced chicken breast has a little over 40 g of protein, and a cup of tofu has about 20 g.) Of course, this need can vary widely based on your age, weight, lifestyle, and health and fitness goals.

Whey protein is a particularly effective source of protein because it contains all the essential amino acids the body needs, along with muscle-supporting amino acids like leucine (see above).7 So if you’re looking to up your protein intake, whey is one of your best options.

The best way to whey

Looking for any meal replacement can get really complicated, and can involve a lot of trial and error (remember the liquid chalk?). Well, at Plexus®, we’re all about taking complicated out of the equation and giving you better ways to find health and happiness. And that’s why we’re so excited about Plexus LeanTM Whey.

Lean Whey takes everything we’ve always loved about meal replacement options—the convenience and the benefits—and takes it all to the next level. Alongside our delicious Chocolate Mocha Vegetarian Lean option, Lean Whey is the answer to tasty, convenient, clean nutrition.

Plexus Lean Whey contains 15 g of rBGH-free whey protein, giving you all the great benefits of whey protein we’ve already discussed. But Lean Whey gives you a lot more-24 forms of vitamins and minerals, including methylated folate (5-MTHF). In other words, where other meal replacements leave nutritional gaps, Lean Whey fills them all in.

It also fills you up! Not only does the whey protein do its job in helping you feel satisfied, but Lean Whey also contains fiber, which helps you feel full, even though you’re consuming fewer calories. With only 2.8 g of added sugar, Lean Whey gives you satisfying nutrition while helping you lose weight.^

You might try Lean Whey for the nutritional benefit, but you’ll keep coming back to it for the taste. It’s available in two incredible flavours—Milk Chocolate and Creamy Vanilla—that seriously channel their inner dessert. No grit allowed.

Let’s review: nutrition, weight loss^, a satisfying serving, convenience, and a delicious taste. Oh, and all the great benefits of whey protein. We’re pretty sure this is the best meal replacement or healthy snack out there. Just sayin’.

Now that you know your way around whey, the only thing left is to try it for yourself. Try out Lean Whey and discover real nutrition, real benefits, real health, and real happiness. And if you’re ready to think outside the shake, we’ve got a lot of different, delicious recipes that use Lean to add a little protein boost to your day. You know what they say: there’s more than one way to whey—so check out our InThePink411 Blog Healthy Recipies page for delicious, unconventional recipes that will take the power of protein beyond the shaker.

References/Sources:

1. http://www.healthdata.org/news-release/nearly-one-third-world%E2%80%99s-population-obese-or-overweight-new-data-show
2. http://blog.nkdnutrition.com/what-is-lean-whey-protein/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27809945
4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-protein-for-weight-loss#section3
5. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20110315/whey-protein-may-help-build-muscles
6. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whey-protein-101#muscle-mass-and-strength
7. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whey-protein-101#protein-and-bcaa

Disclaimers:

^As part of an energy-reduced diet

6 Ways to Lose Weight With a Slow Metabolism

If you’ve ever tried to lose weight (guilty), ever attended a biology class (#nerdsrule), or ever Googled “how long do I have to jog to burn off seven donuts?” (don’t ask), then you’ve probably heard the word “metabolism” before.

But how much do you really know about your metabolism? Do you know what it actually is, where it is, and how it works? And even more important: do you know how to make it work for you? While you may not be able to get your metabolism to a point where it can make your donut binge disappear overnight, there are actually a few things you can do to rev up your metabolism, which could help with problems weight maintenance.

But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. First, let’s take a step back and nail down some of the basics of the metabolism. Don’t worry, it won’t take as long as biology class.

Metabolism crash course: what, where, when, and why.

Before we can start to manipulate the metabolism, we need to understand it. Here’s the lowdown:

What: Your metabolism isn’t actually a “thing” inside your body; rather, it’s a process that happens inside your body. Basically, it’s the process by which your body converts food and drink into energy that your body can use.1

Extra credit: Ever heard of your glucose metabolism? This refers to the way your body converts certain sugars (specifically glucose) into energy.

Where: Metabolism is happening inside every cell in your body. Some parts of your body require more energy to run than others, but everything requires some amount of energy.2

When: Metabolism sustains life. That means that it’s running all the time, even when you’re resting. In fact, the rate at which your metabolism runs while you’re resting—aka your “basal metabolic rate—” accounts for anywhere from 60-80 percent of your daily energy burn.3

Why: Because we’re guessing you want your heart to keep pumping. Every organ in your body needs your metabolism in order to function properly. Your metabolism is responsible for everything from breathing to regulating hormones.4 It’s why your body doesn’t shut down while you sleep, or even while you’re watching reality TV.

Not all metabolisms are created equal.

Although all bodies need a working metabolism to stay alive, not everyone’s metabolism works in the same way or at the same rate. Your basal metabolic rate—the energy your body expends even while resting—is dependent on several factors, including:

• Age: Your driving speed isn’t the only thing that slows down as you get older. Your metabolism does, too. One theory suggests that because muscle mass decreases as we age, and muscles require more energy to function, the metabolism doesn’t have to work as hard to keep everything running smoothly.5
• Gender: Sorry ladies, but the average woman’s basal metabolic rate is likely to be noticeably lower than the average man’s.6
• Body size: Generally speaking, a larger body will have a slower metabolic rate than a smaller body. The underlying reason behind this is still unknown.7

While you may not have control over any of the above factors, there are some things you do have control over that might affect your metabolism. Like most things in the health world, they can basically be boiled down to two things: diet and exercise.

• Diet: Quantity and quality are important when it comes to diet and your metabolism. If you consume too many calories, your resting metabolism won’t be able to burn them off, and if you don’t work them off in another way (see: exercise) they could be stored as fat. But eating right is just as important as eating the right amounts. Some types of foods, like proteins and whole grains, require more work to convert to energy, so your metabolism has to work harder, effectively burning more calories. Junk foods, on the other hand, are digested more easily, so your metabolism doesn’t have to work as hard to process them. Ultimately, this leads to a lower amount of burned calories.8
• Exercise: Muscle cells are one of the most demanding sources of energy in your body. In other words, working your muscles will require your metabolism to work a little harder to keep up. Exercise is considered one of the best ways to give your metabolism an extra kick.9

A long-term focus on diet and exercise is going to be your best bet when it comes to keeping your metabolism active. That said, it never hurts to have a few tricks up your sleeve for giving your metabolism a little extra boost.

6 additional ways to boost your metabolism

1. Green tea. It’s not easy being green, but it sure is healthy. When it comes to healthy drinks, green tea maintains a place of honor. It contains polyphenols and antioxidants, both of which have their own impressive set of health benefits. But when it comes to the metabolism, green tea’s caffeine and catechins really shine.10Caffeine, everyone’s favorite wake up call, is known for energizing the metabolism as well,11 and because of the L-theanine in green tea, green tea’s caffeine content doesn’t leave you feeling jittery like other caffeinated drinks do.12Catechins are a type of antioxidant that occur naturally in green tea (more so than in any other drink), and they’re the real metabolism-boosting powerhouse of this tea. They increase the body’s ability to burn fat and expend energy, both important functions of the metabolism. In this way, catechins are often linked not only to metabolic health, but also to weight loss.13(By the way, if green isn’t your color, we happen to know of a certain pink drink that contains ingredients that also support weight loss and a healthy glucose metabolism. Just sayin’.)*
2. Stay hydrated. Keeping yourself hydrated is a good idea for many (many) reasons, like maintaining digestive health, heart health, joint health, overall energy, and skin health and appearance. As if you needed another reason to down more H2O, staying hydrated is also associated with increased lipolysis (a fancy word for “fat breakdown”) and weight loss.14The flip side of this is also true: if you’re dehydrated, your metabolism is probably slowing down. One study found that if you lost a certain percentage of your body’s water weight (most likely due to sweat), your metabolic rate would also decline.15We know, we know. You’ve had the “drink more water” message drilled into you before. But if you’re still struggling to drink enough, here are some quick tips:

• Keep a bottle of water with you at all times.
• Set timers throughout the day to remind you to drink up.
• If you take medication or vitamins, drink a full glass of water with them.
• Drink eight ounces before and after every meal.
• Pair drinking a glass of water with another common activity, like opening the refrigerator or using the bathroom.

3. Yerba Mate. Yerba Mate is actually a plant, but the tea made from that plant is often also referred to as Yerba Mate. It’s a common drink in certain parts of South America, but its popularity is expanding as more and more people discover its health benefits.Yerba Mate naturally contains caffeine, which, as we’ve already discussed, can boost your metabolism. And, similar to green tea, Yerba Mate doesn’t cause the energy spikes and crashes that coffee often does. Plus, it contains several different essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, and more.
   Because of its effect on the metabolism, Yerba Mate may possibly be linked to weight management.16 Some people are wary of consuming excessive amounts of Yerba Mate, because of the caffeine content and because it’s largely unresearched. But if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to coffee, this might be just the ticket, mate.

4. Capsaicin. If you’re ready to turn up the heat on your metabolism, you’re going to want to make sure capsaicin is part of your plan. Capsaicin (pronounced cap-say-sin, you’re welcome) is the compound in peppers that give them their heat. Long thought to have pain-relieving properties, capsaicin has an immediate burning effect on anything it comes in contact with17 (which, by the way, is why you should wear food-safe gloves when cooking with spicy peppers. Just trust us.).Capsaicin also has an interesting effect on your metabolism. Known as a “thermogenic” chemical, it may temporarily raise your metabolic rate. One reason for this is the heat itself. Eating spicy food can cause your body temperature to rise, which then automatically puts your body to work cooling itself down. This requires energy—thus, a boost in metabolism.18
   In addition to its impact on the metabolism, capsaicin may help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite and/or creating feelings of fullness.19 In other words, if you can handle the heat, it might keep you out of the kitchen.

5. Accelerator+. If you’re finding it hard to get your daily dose of healthy teas, water, and spicy peppers, you can consider adding a supplement to your routine. Plexus Accelerator+TM contains Yerba Mate and caffeine from green tea, so you’re getting a two-for-one deal on your metabolic boost. Adding this to your healthy diet and regular exercise will help increase your body’s metabolic rate and help your body burn fat more efficiently. It’s fast, it’s simple, and it just might make all the difference in managing your weight.*Want one more way to rev up your metabolism? Say “pretty please!”
   Okay, since you asked so nicely…
   (BONUS!) 6. MetaBurnTM. This one is too good to keep to ourselves. This is a revolutionary fat-burning product that zeroes in on your body’s most stubborn fat—you know, the kind that hangs around on your belly, hips, and thighs. Its unique blend of exotic botanicals and extracts work to help keep your metabolism in high gear, helping you lose fat, weight, and/or inches. Plus, MetaBurn includes ingredients that are specifically there to help support mood and even give you a little energy boost, so losing weight^ doesn’t have to make you feel cranky and sluggish anymore. It’s a convenient, healthy way to keep your metabolism doing its job, so you can get the weight loss^ results you’ve been waiting for.*

Revving up your metabolism will only be one piece of your weight management puzzle, but taking these steps to give your metabolism a boost might be a great start. Try these little changes, keep living healthy, and get ready to feel the burn.

References/Sources:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/metabolism/art-20046508
2. https://www.vox.com/2016/5/18/11685254/metabolism-definition-booster-weight-loss
3. https://www.vox.com/2016/5/18/11685254/metabolism-definition-booster-weight-loss
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/metabolism/art-20046508
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8361073
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC329930/
7. https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/principles-of-physiology/metabolism-and-thermoregulation/a/metabolic-rate
8. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/junk-food-and-metabolism#section2
9. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/how-to-boost-your-metabolism
10. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea#section3
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7369170
12. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/is-it-time-to-replace-your-coffee-with-matcha/2016/08/10/da5dd9b0-5f0a-11e6-8e45-477372e89d78_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.917ff82c98d7
13. https://www.livestrong.com/article/23345-green-tea-benefits-metabolism/
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4901052/
15. https://healthcare.utah.edu/publicaffairs/news/archive/2003/news_74.php
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3315195/
17. https://draxe.com/capsaicin/
18. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/cayenne-pepper-for-weight-loss#research
19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10743483

Disclaimers:

*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.

^When combined with a reduced calorie weight loss diet plan.

Your Plexus® Schedule: The Ultimate Guide on Taking Plexus® Products

You committed to health and happiness. You placed your Plexus® order. You stalked the mailman. The order arrived! You tear open the box, and now you’ve got a lovely stash of health and happiness products sitting there on your counter, just waiting to change your life.

And then the questions come.

“Can I take this right now?”
“Can I take this before bed?”
“Do I have to take this with food?”
“What do I mix this in?”
“I love this stuff! Can I take more right away?”

We know that it’s always a little bit overwhelming to get started on a new supplement or dietary routine (which is why you should always talk to your doctor before doing so). And of course, you should always follow suggested use guidelines from the product labels.

But if you’d like just a little more help navigating your new health and happiness regimen, you’re in the right place. We’re going to take an up-close, in-depth look at how and when to take your Plexus products to make sure they’re giving you the results you’re looking for.

Because as good as they look on your counter, they won’t do you any good just sitting there.

Meet the fam: your intro to Plexus products

First, let’s get to know each of our Plexus products, including directions on how to take them. (In alphabetical order; we don’t play favourites in this family.) If you’re already totally familiar with all our products, you can skip to the next section, you smarty-pants, you!

Plexus Bio Cleanse™
Benefits: Contains magnesium that helps you manage those days when you feel unbalanced and uncomfortable.
How and when to take Bio Cleanse: Take 2 capsules with 250 mL of water 3 times daily between meals.

Plexus Block™
Benefits: Helps support healthy glucose metabolism and the body’s ability to metabolize the beneficial nutrients your body needs.
How and when to take Block: Take 2 capsules with water immediately before meals containing sugar or carbohydrates. Use Block no more than two times per day.

Plexus Ease™ Capsules
Benefits: Designed to soothe away discomfort due to an active lifestyle.
How and when to take Ease Capsules: Take 1 to 3 capsules per day as needed. Take with food.

Plexus Edge™
Benefits: Helps to temporarily improve mental alertness, mental focus and increased energy levels.
How and when to take Edge: Take 1 capsule at breakfast or lunch.

Plexus Lean™ Vegetarian
Benefits: 100% vegetarian meal replacement that delivers nutrition, weight loss^ benefits, and energy. 20 g of protein from pea, rice, and ancient grains. 24 bioavailable vitamins and minerals. Helps control hunger with high protein and fiber. Delicious chocolate mocha flavour.

How and when to take Lean Vegetarian: For a meal, blend or stir 2 scoops (60 g) with 295 mL – 355 mL of cold water. For a snack, blend or stir 1 scoop (30 g) with 145 mL – 175 mL. of cold water.

Plexus Lean Whey
Benefits: Next-level meal replacements that go way beyond the protein shake, providing 15 g of rBGH-Free whey protein, 24 bioavailable vitamins and minerals. Supports digestive health and weight loss^. Available in Milk Chocolate and Creamy Vanilla.

How and when to take Lean Whey: For a meal, blend or stir 2 scoops (40 g) with 237 mL of nonfat milk. For a snack, blend or stir 1 scoop (20 g) with 118 mL – 177 mL. of 1% milk. Can be used twice a day for weight loss^ or once a day for weight maintenance.

Plexus Slim®
Benefits: Plexus Slim features a proprietary formula with powerful ingredients that help with supporting cardiovascular health and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Packed with antioxidant support, Slim helps protect cells from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals, all while supporting a healthy glucose metabolism - helping you manage your weight safely and effectively.*

How and when to take Slim: Pour one packet of Plexus Slim into 360-480 mL of water, shake well, and consume once daily half an hour before a meal.

Plexus VitalBiome™
Benefits: A probiotic with clinically-demonstrated ingredients to help improve your health! The formula contains 8 different probiotic strains that that promote a favourable gut flora, helping bring your microbiome back into balance, helping you feel better all around.
How and when to take VitalBiome: Take 1 capsule daily. If you are taking antibiotic(s)or anti-fungal(s), take at least 2-3 hours before or after taking your medication.

Plexus XFactor Plus™
Benefits: XFactor Plus helps you stay healthier and feel better with premium, bioavailable forms of nutrients and vitamins. Helps to maintain and support cognitive and healthy immune function. Boosts metabolism and supports normal thyroid function.
How and when to take XFactor Plus: Take 2 capsules daily with food.

Your health and happiness schedule: what your daily routine might look like

Now that you’ve got a good grasp on what each of our products does, and a general idea of how and when to take them, let’s create a hypothetical product regimen for a typical day.

Morning (daily)

• Slim 30-60 minutes before breakfast (pour into a water bottle, shake, and drink. Done.)
• Plexus VitalBiome (1 capsule) with breakfast
• Plexus XFactor Plus (2 capsules) with breakfast

Morning (as needed)

• Plexus Lean (Vegetarian or Whey) for a quick, healthy breakfast (Vegetarian: 2 scoops in 295 mL - 355 mL cold water; Whey: 2 scoops in 250 mL 1% milk)

Mid-morning (daily)

• Plexus Bio Cleanse (2 capsules, take with 236 mL water)
• Plexus Lean (Vegetarian or Whey) for a snack (Vegetarian: 1 scoop in 145 mL - 175 mL cold water; Whey: 1 scoop in 118 mL 1% milk)

Lunchtime (as needed)

• Plexus Block (2 capsules; take if eating a carb-heavy lunch)
• Plexus Lean (Vegetarian or Whey) for a quick, healthy meal (Vegetarian: 2 scoops in 295 mL – 355 mL cold water; Whey: 2 scoops in 250 mL 1% milk)

Before dinner (daily)

• Plexus Bio Cleanse (2 capsules, take with 236 mL water) (Yes, you can take this twice a day! Between meals or at night is recommended.)

Before dinner (as needed)

• Plexus Block (2 capsules; take if eating a carb-heavy dinner)

Before bed (as needed)

• Plexus Ease (1 capsule)

That’s the recipe for daily health and happiness. You’re welcome.

Only want to take products a couple times a day?

If you’re the type that wants to limit your product-taking to two times a day, no worries. We’ve got a simplified regimen, just for you.

Two times a day
Morning: Slim, XFactor Plus
Night: BioCleanse, Ease

And remember: even if you’re following this simplified routine, you can add Block before a carb-heavy meal (up to twice daily).

Still have questions? We’ve got answers.

Here are some common questions we get about how and when to use certain Plexus products. If you have a question of your own, don’t be afraid to ask a friendly Ambassador, or check out our product pages for more information!

Q: Do I need to refrigerate VitalBiome?
A: It is not necessary to refrigerate VitalBiome. VitalBiome is guaranteed to deliver efficacious amounts of probiotics if stored below 21ºC.

Q: When is the best time to take XFactor Plus?
A: It is recommended that you get into a routine of taking XFactor Plus whenever convenient for you. Those with a sensitive stomach may consider taking it with a meal..

Let’s wrap this up.

The bottom line: these products are for you. Your health and happiness is on the line. Customize your routine to your needs, make adjustments as needed, and enjoy a happier, healthier you!

Disclaimers:
^As part of an energy-reduced diet
*Along with a healthy lifestyle that includes calorie reduction and physical activity

Skincare For Men?: 
Attractive At Any Age

Plexus® is headed Down Under!

Plexus® is headed Down Under!

Break out the Vegemite and fire up the barbie! (Skip the shrimp, though; grab the prawns instead, aye?)

This launch has been a long time coming, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring our lineup of health and happiness products to our Aussie mates.

We’re celebrating today by sharing some fun facts about Australia, including some that demonstrate exactly why Australia and Plexus are a match made in heaven (or, you know, the Outback).

The History of Australia

From the “OG” civilization to busting that “penal colony” stereotype, Australia has a rich and exciting history. It would take 50,000 years (literally) to go over it all, so we’ll just stick to the highlights.

• The Aboriginal people of Australia are thought to have arrived on the continent about 50,000 years ago, and they are the oldest continuous civilization on Earth.1
• Captain James Cook claimed the east coast of the continent for Britain in 1770, naming it New South Wales.1 2
• Australia was considered to have some political and economic significance for Britain, considering its location and resources. It was also seen as a potential solution to crowded prisons, and was, to some extent, used as a penal colony. Over time, about 160,000 British convicts were sent to Australia.2 3
• The Commonwealth of Australia was established on January 1, 1901, but the official national day of Australia—Australia Day—is celebrated on January 26.

Health and Happiness in Australia

Fresh air, plenty of sunlight, a temperate climate, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Sounds like a recipe for health and happiness, wouldn’t you say? Plexus is all about health and happiness, so these facts about Australian life caught our attention.

• The most recent edition of the Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index ranked Australia as the 7th healthiest nation in the world.4
• Vegemite, the ever-popular Australian spread, is actually quite nutritious. It’s a good source of vitamins B1, B9, B2, and B3, and the reduced-salt variety provides a good dose of vitamins B6 and B12.5 Plexus loves our B vitamins too, with strong showings in our Lean products! Not all of us at Plexus can claim to be fans of Vegemite (yet), but we’re ready to try it!
• Australia’s life expectancy is higher than the global average. In 2015, the World Health Organization listed Australia as having the 4th highest life expectancy in the world.6

Direct Sales in Australia7

We’re big believers in the power and opportunity of direct sales, and so, apparently, are Aussies! These facts about direct sales in Australia make us even more excited to bring Plexus’ one-of-a-kind product lineup to the land Down Under.

• More than 575,000 Australians are involved in direct sales.
• Direct sales transactions in Australia add up to about 5.5 million dollars per year (that’s 9 sales every minute!).
• Australia is number 24 in the world in direct sales.
• Direct sales have totaled over $1B in its time in Australia (that’s a big pie!).

The market is there. The opportunity is there. And with Plexus, the right products will be there (not to mention one of the top 40 direct sales companies in the world). Get ready, Australia—this is gonna be big.

Just for Fun Australia Facts

Australia is one of the most diverse, unique, and fascinating countries in the world. Don’t believe us? Here are some of our favorite “just for fun” facts about Australia.

• Australian Football (or “footy”) is the most popular spectator sport in the country. In fact, it is one of the most watched sports in the world. In the state of Victoria, the Friday before the grand final is actually a public holiday (we fully support this).
• Australians observe Harmony Day each year to celebrate the cultural diversity and inclusivity in the country.
• The population of Australia is right around 25 million, and just over 90% of the population lives in urban areas.8 To compare, the state of Texas has a population of about 28 million, and Australia is about 11 times bigger than Texas.
• Ever had a Tim Tam? These popular cookies (sorry, biscuits) are an Australian staple. The classic Tim Tam is two chocolate biscuits with a layer of chocolate cream filling between them, all coated in chocolate. (Hey, Plexus loves chocolate, too! Try your next Tim Tam Slam with some Plexus Lean™.)
• Australia goes big. Really big. A number of “big things” can be found throughout the country, including the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, the Big Lamb in Guyra, the Big Mango in Bowen, and Ploddy the Dinosaur in Somersby.
  
• The technology that would become Google Maps was invented in Australia. As was WiFi!9
• Australia is the smallest continent in the world, but the 6th largest country.
• The country is known for its variety of wildlife, and some of it is extremely dangerous (10 of the 15 most venomous snakes in the world, anyone?).
• Love the beach? Then you’ll love Australia. With over 10,000 beaches (10,685, to be exact10) along 50,000 kilometers of coastline, you could visit a new beach every day for 27 years. Twenty. Seven. Years.
• Australia is home to the world’s longest golf course, longest fence, and longest stretch of straight railroad track.11

Australia has made its mark on the world with its beauty, culture, and warm, inviting people. Now Plexus is ready to make our mark on Australia! We can’t wait to share our health and happiness products with you.

We’ll see you Down Under. Ta!

REFERENCES/SOURCES:

1. https://www.australia.com/en/facts-and-planning/history.html
2. https://www.britannica.com/place/Australia/History
3. https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/History/Australia-history.htm
4. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-24/spain-tops-italy-as-world-s-healthiest-nation-while-u-s-slips
5. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegemite#nutrition
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_life_expectancy#List_by_the_World_Health_Organization_(2015)
7. https://directselling.org.au/statistics-research/
8. http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/australia-population/
9. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/slideshows/5-inventions-you-didnt-know-came-from-australia?slide=2
10. http://sydney.edu.au/sup/books/marine/
11. https://landlopers.com/2014/03/09/australia-facts

Plexus Active™: Healthier Energy, Healthier You

Plexus Active™: Healthier Energy, Healthier You

When we hear the phrase “active lifestyle,” we often think of outdoor hikes, gym workouts, marathon training, and recreational sports. Because to be “active,” you have to be an exercise junkie, right?

Wrong.

If you think about it, pretty much everyone lives an active life, whether they realize it or not.

Why? Because every movement counts.

From packing lunches in the morning, to dominating that client presentation, to cheering at a soccer game, to fighting through that grueling spin class you love to hate...it all keeps you moving, hour after hour, day after day.

Whatever your active life looks like, it makes sense that at some point or another, your energy will start to fade.

(Either that, or you’ll be so tired that one day you’ll wake up with your face planted in the salad you brought for lunch, and you’ll have no idea what happened, where you are, or how you got there. Not speaking from experience or anything.)

So what do we do when that inevitable slump hits and we need something, anything, to help us get through the rest of the day?

Some people might go for coffee or tea. But that might not give you enough of a boost.

Plenty of people enjoy their daily soda (hello calories, sugar, and artificial everything!).

And in times of desperation, there are always those drinks. The ones that definitely wake you up...but are also neon green, artificially flavored, and packed with chemical stimulants that give you the jitters now and a crash later.

It seems like all your options require you to sacrifice your health just to give you the energy you’re looking for.

What if all you want is an energy boost that is free from all the artificial junk, and gives you energy from natural sources?

If that’s the case, then you want Plexus Active.

Plexus Active: a healthy lifestyle performance mix

Plexus Active is the lifestyle performance mix that can give you a boost of energy from natural sources, helping supercharge you through life’s moments without all the calories, sugar, and chemicals commonly found in alternative products. *

Active gives you the energy you need in a better-for-you formula that won't have you regretting your choice in a few hours. That’s because Active provides a clean energy lift that lasts, helping you avoid the jitters and crash you get from other chemical-packed, sugar-laden drinks. *

Even better, Active does more than just help you keep your eyes open. Some of its ingredients actually help boost alertness, focus, and mental clarity, so you can always be at the top of your game! *

What benefits does Plexus Active have?

Active was created to be a healthier energy solution, but it’s so much more. Active’s main benefits are:

• Clean, long-lasting energy*
• Boosts performance & mental clarity*
• Enhances feeling of alertness*
• Supports improved performance*
• Supports natural nitric oxide production*
• Reduces oxidative stress*

Bottom line: Active is a healthier way to get you going, keep you going, and help you feel and perform your best. *

Who is Plexus Active for?

Plexus Active was made for anyone who needs a daily energy lift, but doesn’t want to sacrifice their health. * We love Active for:

• Busy parents. Sleep deprived? Check. Always on-the-go? Check. Brain fog from listening to “kid-friendly” music in the car all day? Check. If anyone needs a little energy lift every day, it’s moms and dads. *
• College students. From early morning classes to late night cram sessions (plus a football game here and there for good measure), college students are always moving, and can always use a good, healthy recharge. *
• Athletes. Athletes might be inclined to avoid “energy” products because of the questionable ingredients those products usually contain. Active is perfect for boosting performance, mental clarity, and energy, without lowering your standards. *
• Professionals. Some work days just seem to go on...and on...and on. When that post-lunch slump hits, busy professionals need something that will help raise their energy now, without setting them up for a crash later. That’s Active. *

You get the picture. No matter what your day looks like, Active is the healthiest way to get the energy boost you need to power through. *

Plexus Active Ingredients?

What makes Active different? It’s all about the ingredients. Active contains:

• Caffeine from natural sources like green tea extract and yerba mate leaf extract. Caffeine is found naturally in these plants and is one of the most common ingredients for supporting feelings of energy. *
• S7™ plant nutrient blend containing green coffee bean, green tea, turmeric, tart cherry, blueberry, broccoli, and kale. (P.S. This is one of Active’s secret weapons. We’ll talk more about it later!)
• ActiGin® is a compound of Panax notoginseng (ginseng) and Rosa roxburghii (chestnut rose) that when combined with natural caffeine, they help support endurance.*
• L-Theanine, an amino acid most commonly found in green tea that helps to increase a sense of alertness and supports mental clarity and focus.*
• Vitamins A, C, E, and B in bioavailable forms, for overall health*
• L-citrulline malate, a unique amino acid not involved in protein synthesis. It helps with the body’s recycling of citrulline and arginine to support nitric oxide production which is associated with muscle recovery (more on that later). Malate is a form of malic acid which is naturally present in high amounts in fruits and is also found in our bodies. It contributes a slight sour flavor.*
• Alpha-Glycerophosphocholine (say that five times fast!), a phospholipid and a natural source of choline. Choline is an essential nutrient necessary for the body’s synthesis of its own phospholipids, which are essential components of cell membranes. Choline also provides brain power support.*
• Trehalose: Trehalose is a unique sweetener derived from mushrooms. The source used in Active is derived from tapioca starch. It is digested slower than dextrose and sucrose and is less sweet.
• Honey Powder: Provides a natural source of sweetness and improved flavor profile over regular sugar that complements the golden color of Active.
• Stevia Leaf Extract: Stevia is a perennial herb native to South America that has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb and a natural sweetener. The extract is prepared from the sweet-tasting leaves, and is standardized to 99% Rebaudioside A. The extract is then purified by filtration and crystallized into a compound that is typically 200 times sweeter than table sugar and has zero-calories. Plexus® uses a 100% pure, Non-GMO Stevia rebaudiana.
• Beta Carotene: Is an antioxidant found in plants like carrots and pumpkins that the body can convert into vitamin A and contributes to the orange hue in the color of Plexus Active.*
• Monk Fruit Extract: A sweetener extracted from the monk fruit. The monk fruit is a small, round fruit grown in Southeast Asia. Monk fruit extract can provide a level of sweetness around 100–250 times greater than table sugar and contains zero calories.

Almost as important as what’s in Active is what’s not in it. Active doesn’t contain the “junk” that other energy products do. That means:

• NO artificial flavors. Active has a refreshing, natural, peach-mango flavor.
• NO artificial sweeteners. Active contains only 3 grams of sugar, and is sweetened naturally by honey powder, Stevia, monk fruit extract, and trehalose.
• NO artificial colors. ^ The color in Active is mostly created by beta carotene, an antioxidant that is also found in carrots and pumpkins (hence Active’s orange hue).
• NO artificial preservatives. The citric acid in Active acts as a natural preservative.

And with only 25 calories, Active really is a choice you can feel good about, any time of day.

Nitric Oxide Benefits

One thing that makes Active so unique is that it helps to increase nitric oxide in the body. In fact, remember that S7 blend? Well, S7 is an antioxidant-rich blend of plant extracts, and the amount of this blend in Active has been clinically shown in increase nitric oxide in the body by 175%. *

Why does that matter? Because nitric oxide, which is naturally produced by our bodies, acts as a vasodilator. This means that it signals our blood vessels to relax, which increases blood flow. This is good news for anyone who wants to keep their blood vessels healthy, but it’s also great news in terms of performance. Increased blood flow means that active muscles can get more of the oxygen, fuel, and key nutrients they need to keep going strong—through a marathon, a yoga class, or even just busy, everyday life. *

Nitric oxide also acts as a neurotransmitter that helps reduce oxidative stress, which can help with mental and physical wellbeing. *

Can your energy drink do that?

How does Plexus Active compare to other energy drinks?

Active leads the way in terms of providing energy without compromising health. When compared to other “energy” products, the difference is pretty clear:

Bottom line: Active gives you the energy you want, without the bad stuff you don’t. *

How do I take Plexus Active?

Plexus Active is a supplement mix that can either be taken on its own (mixed with water) or mixed with other products like Plexus Slim. The flavor profiles of Slim and Active were made to complement each other, so you get a delicious, flavor-packed mix that’s full of health benefits.

How often can I take Plexus Active?

Plexus Active contains 100 mg of caffeine. Mayo Clinic has cited 400 mg of caffeine as the safe limit for healthy adults. This means that Active can be taken daily, and can be taken at the same time as other products containing caffeine.

How long will the energy I get from Plexus Active last?

As is the case with many supplement products, results will vary with Active. Typically, people start seeing the effects of Active within 10 minutes or so, and those effects can last up to 6 hours.

Plexus Active is here to change the way we think about health. It’s here to show us that we don’t have to sacrifice energy in the name of health...and we don’t have to sacrifice health in the name of energy. Active is a way to get an energy boost from clean sources, so you can live your best life while feeling energized, focused, and alert. *

Stay healthy, stay happy, and stay active!

DISCLAIMERS:

*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.