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

This Mother’s Day and Every Day, Plexus® Loves Moms

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re donating to three local women’s and family nonprofit organizations. Help us choose the cities to donate in by using #PlexusLovesMoms on social media.

Your Mom rocks!

Part nurturer, part hardcore. Confidant. Comedian. And all rock star. Moms have a special place in our hearts.

Beginning May 1, through 11:59 p.m. MST on Mother’s Day, May 14, share a photo with your Mom—or someone who’s been a Mom to you—on social media using #PlexusLovesMoms. It can be a silly photo, or a heartfelt post. Maybe, a picture she’d hate—she’s not going to see this right? We want to see them all!

Winning cities

We’ll donate to a local women’s and family organization in the three cities with the most social media participation. So, start sharing #PlexusLovesMoms and encourage others to use it as well. The more the merrier!

We’ll pick an organization in the city with the most uses of #PlexusLovesMoms, and donate $2,000 to that organization. An organization in the city with the second most uses will receive $1,500. And third most, $1,000.

Come back after Noon MST on Monday, May 15—we’ll announce the winning cities on this blog post!

Happy Mother’s Day

In the meantime, share away and keep an eye out for your pictures.

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.

10 Gifts for Your Kids That Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

If you haven’t been in a department store or seen a TV commercial recently, you may be unaware that the holidays are approaching. Or, you’re in denial.
To create a healthier, happier life for you and your family give holiday gifts that encourage your kiddos to develop the healthy habits they’ll rely on for the rest of their lives. Whether you’re a last minute shopper or an early gift buyer, we’ve got some suggestions as you’re making your list—and checking it twice.

1. Bicycle

Bikes are the quintessential Christmas gift for young children, and for good reason. When your child gets a bike, their world expands, both figuratively and literally. Kids don’t intentionally ride their bikes for exercise. They ride bikes to feel the wind on their faces, to go to a friend’s house, and to test their limits. Riding a bike is fun. It just also happens to be a great way to exercise—which they may or may not realize.

2. Sports equipment

Long before they learn the rules of most sports, they throw balls and swing bats with glee—and often little aim.
When you buy sports equipment for your kids, you give them tools for staving off boredom with physical activity. Younger children create their own games. Older kids practice their skills or challenge friends to a game.

3. Mini trampoline

Kids are like energized bunnies—always going and going and going. There are few toys that display the endless energy of children like trampolines.
For families who don’t have the outdoor space, or for parents concerned about the safety of the larger models, small trampolines are now being sold with children in mind. They include a bar attachment for kids to hold while jumping. In addition to providing extra stability, this bar attachment gives kids the opportunity to bounce hard without the risk of flying off.

4. Interactive video games

Surprised to see video games on this list? Video games are often lumped in with other forms of screen time when we talk about kids—for good reason. Not all video games are created equal.
Interactive video games require players to stand up and mimic an in-game character’s actions. Kiddos jump, dance, swing, and play their way to healthy. These games are a great way to encourage physical activity when it’s cold outside.

5. Healthy cookbooks and cooking supplies

Is your dinner table a battleground? Are wars waged over finishing green beans? Or, adding extra butter to Brussels sprouts?
Healthy eating habits are difficult to establish in young children. Food resistance is one of the first ways children demonstrate their independence. By giving your kids the tools they need to help in planning and preparing their own food, you give them another way to assert their independence at mealtime. In addition to encouraging children’s healthy eating habits, teaching children how to cook is a valuable life skill.
If your kids are too young to join you in the kitchen, how about some fake (healthy) food and a play kitchen set? These are a positive way to introduce your toddler to fruits and veggies, and the joy of cooking.

6. Portion-friendly plates

It is no secret that oversized portions contribute to obesity.¹ Help your kids learn proper portions with portion conscious plates. Many portion plates have physical dividers to teach kids what a healthy portion looks like. There are even versions that have removable dividers, so older kids can take responsibility for their portions.

7. Every Kid in a Park pass

If you have a fourth-grader in your home, you and your family can get an Every Kid in a Park pass from the National Park Service for free. This pass is valid for a year and gives your family the opportunity to explore hundreds of our national parks, lands, and waterways.

8. Activity tracker

Wearable fitness trackers aren’t just for adults anymore. Help your kids develop the habit of daily movement with an activity tracker geared for them. For younger kids, consider a tracker that focuses more on encouraging activities than step counts. Fitness trackers help adults be more aware of their own activity levels and they can do the same for kids.

9. Puzzles

Health and wellness in the body isn’t sustainable without health and wellness in the mind. Puzzles, building blocks, and other traditional toys encourage healthy minds. When children play with these types of toys, they learn how to problem solve, plan, and create.

10. Art Supplies

Children who regularly create art are more likely to be successful in other subjects at school.² Creative, artistic activities help kids develop motor skills, practice decision making, and encourages language development. Additionally, creating art can have a positive impact on a child’s social and emotional well-being. When children create, it boosts their self-confidence and helps with non-verbal communication.This holiday season, give your children the gift of lifelong health. Presents that encourage healthy habits make it easy to feel good about giving. Children learn best by example. Model healthy habits, not just during the holiday season, but all year long.

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References
¹ Ledikwe JH, Ello-Martin JA, Rolls BJ. Portion sizes and the obesity epidemic. Journal of Nutrition. 2005; 135(4):905-9.
² Deasy, Richard J. (editor) (2002), Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Achievement and Social Development, Washington, DC: AEP.

Festive and Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Cocktails for the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us and your social calendar is full.

Festive “mocktails” are tasty and trendy non-alcoholic cocktails sure to delight. We’ve created three deliciously boozeless drinks that perfectly complement the natural berry flavor of Plexus Slim®.

Wrap your hands around these non-alcoholic beauties featuring holiday flavors like cranberries and ginger. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, the designated driver, or a non-drinker you’ll love these options.

9 Healthy Elf on the Shelf Ideas

If you have young children, chances are your family’s Elf on the Shelf scout elf has returned for another December full of nightly adventures that turn into hysterical antics. You’ve probably turned your sink into a makeshift hot tub full of marshmallows, taken tiny selfies with the squad, and posed a syrup-infused late-night movie marathon. Frankly by now—especially if this is the second or third year your scout elf’s come to stay—you may be short on ideas.

You work hard year-long to encourage a healthy lifestyle for your family. You set a good example. You learn kid-friendly, healthy recipes. So when your kids indulge around the holidays you look the other way—as long as you can steer them back come January.

What if your scout elf could back you up? Maybe remind them that he or she lives a healthy lifestyle when not scouting—one in which carrots and activities are the norm and cookie binges happen on occasion.

We’ve put together this list of nine health-themed ideas for your Elf on the Shelf.

1. Elf on the Shelf makes a Plexus 96® Vanilla shake—and a mess!

Mom will be so excited Elf on the Shelf made her Plexus 96® Vanilla shake. She totally won’t mind the mess.

2. Elf on the Shelf packs a healthy lunch.

Your kiddos’ll want to eat their healthy—and gluten free—lunch when they see that Elf on the Shelf packed it

3. Elf on the Shelf builds a snow(?)man.

Silly Elf on the Shelf, don't play with your food!

4. Elf on the Shelf brushes his teeth.

Super important after he binges on all those sugary treats. Your kids can learn proper brushing technique alongside their scout elf.

5. Elf on the Shelf takes a walk.

Fresh air is important—especially during the winter. Maybe your scout elf can take a walk with Barbie and Taffy. Don’t forget the pooper scooper!

6. Elf on the Shelf goes to the doctor.

If your little one’s nervous about their next doctor appointment, remind them how Elf on the Shelf was so brave. No tears for this scout elf!

7. Elf on the Shelf tries out for the team.

If your kids struggle with any of these, this idea encompasses three lessons for the price of one.

• The importance of getting off the couch and moving those feet.
• Being a good sport
• Being brave enough to try something new

8. Elf on the Shelf skateboards.

Don’t forget his helmet!

9. Elf on the Shelf does downward dog.

Who can pass up a quick yoga class with the Avengers. Looks like Thor’s been working on his technique.

How to Give the Gift of Health

Gifts related to health and wellness are usually well-intentioned, but they aren’t always well-received. The gift of exercise equipment, a gym membership, or a diet book can often be misconstrued to be an insult to the recipient’s lifestyle or appearance. In short—it can make you look insensitive.
Thankfully, that doesn’t have to be the case. The truth is, these gifts are thoughtful and useful and may be just what your loved one is looking for. So how do you give such gifts without offending anyone?
Well. We can’t guarantee anything, but we do have a few tips. Read on to learn how to give health-related gifts in a way that won’t be taken as an insult.

Talk about it ahead of time

If you can, talk about the gift ahead of time to make it seem more natural and thoughtful. You could say something like, “wow, we really need a nicer scale in this bathroom; I’ve seen ones that can even calculate body fat!” Or, “have you seen those new fitness tracker watches? I’ve been thinking of getting one. They look so cool!”
By bringing up the possible gift in normal conversation, it’ll seem like you bought the gift because it was something you had talked about and showed excitement over, rather than you thought the recipient really “needed” it.

Point out the features

Instead of letting that gym membership speak for itself (which could be a really bad thing), point out the great features of the gym—its convenient location, its great child care, or its free group classes.
Don’t just give them some free weights and an at-home workout DVD. Instead, point out how this is your favorite DVD and you thought it would be perfect for her! You know how busy she is and this makes it easy to get in a quick workout.
If you make it more about the benefits and not about the weight loss, they will be less likely to take offense to your gift.

Make it for both of you

This works especially well for a partner or roommate, or someone you see often. Buy a health-conscious gift that benefits both of you. Get a gym membership for two, a blender with some protein shake mix, or a cookbook with healthy recipes. This way, the gift won’t be taken personally, since you are admitting that you need it, too. (If you go this route, make sure you get the person a separate, “just for them” gift as well. You don’t want them to feel cheated out of a personal present!)

Package it

Soften your approach by packaging health-conscious gifts with other things. You might create a “spa basket” including pampering items like lotions and scrubs, as well as a fat burning supplement or beauty vitamin. You could create a kitchen or food-based package, complete with their favorite snacks, a fun kitchen gadget, and dietary supplements that block the absorption of up to 48 percent of carbs and sugars, or a system for managing gut health. If you make the health-conscious or weight-conscious product part of the gift, rather than the main focus, it will blend in more as a part of a whole, rather than a statement of its own.

The gift of health is one of the most thoughtful, supportive things you can give to a loved one during the holidays, but you want to make sure it is received correctly. Ultimately, you have to decide what will help your gift be received in the right spirit. Be courteous, be loving, plan ahead, and your gift will undoubtedly be a hit!