Minty Fresh: Peppermint Chocolate Protein Shake

When candy canes and sugar plums dance in your heads—we’re taking all the flavors this winter season. With this peppermint P96 shake—we’re adding a little bit of P96® Chocolate protein powder here, and some peppermint extract there—making it the perfect combination to enjoy by any winter fire.

It’s an indicative, minty-fresh, awe-inspiring taste for your taste buds to linger on—and delivers more than 20 vitamins and minerals you need—along with healthy, sustained energy.*

PLEXUS 96® PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE PROTEIN SHAKE

Serves 1
Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients
1 packet Plexus 96® Chocolate8 ounces almond milk (substitute for preferred milk type)
1 cup Vanilla flavored Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Pinch of sea salt
¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
4 ice cubes
Optional: 1 tablespoon dark/vegan chocolate chips­­

Directions
Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth.

Referencehttps://fitfoodiefinds.com/2013/12/dark-chocolate-peppermint-protein-shake/

Plexus 96® Tropical Protein Smoothie Bowl

Ah! Vacation any time. The Plexus 96® Tropical Protein Smoothie Bowl is like a tropical paradise getaway at your own kitchen table. Plexus 96® Vanilla offers 15 grams of high-quality whey protein and more than 20 vitamins and minerals, leaving you refueled and full.* It’s a healthy snack that’s easy to make and tastes like heaven in a bowl. Oh! And feel free to add your own favorite and/or seasonal fruit to the blend!

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Plexus 96® Tropical Protein Smoothie Bowl

Serves 1
Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Gluten Free

Ingredients

Smoothie:

1 Plexus 96® Vanilla
½ cup Plain Greek Yogurt (substitute for preferred yogurt)
1 cup chopped frozen strawberries
1 cup chopped frozen raspberries
1 cup chopped frozen mango
¼ cup pineapple juice (substitute for preferred juice)

Toppings: (May be changed to preference)

1 cup fresh fruit (blueberries, sliced banana, strawberries, etc.)
½ teaspoon chia seed
2 teaspoons flaked coconut
¼ cup chopped nuts
½ cup granola (optional)

Directions

Add all smoothie ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth. Top with preferred toppings.

Plexus 96® Almond Joy Protein Shake

The candy bar you love, the protein you need. The Plexus 96® almond joy protein shake is a healthy spin on one of the best combos of all time—chocolate, almond, and coconut. Feeling a sweet tooth craving coming on? Satisfy it. With 15 grams of high-quality whey protein from the P96 Chocolate, this creamy and cold blend will leave you feeling full.^* Perfect for a midday snack or as your new favorite dessert. Five simple ingredients, one tasty treat. What are you waiting for?

Plexus 96^® Almond Joy Protein Shake

Serves 1
Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute
Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 packet of Plexus 96® Chocolate
½ cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk (substitute for preferred milk type)
½ cup vanilla flavored Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
2 tablespoons shredded coconut
4-6 ice cubes
For a creamier option, pour almond milk into ice cube trays and freeze beforehand. Substitute frozen almond milk cubes for ice.

Directions
Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth.

Plexus 96® Orange Creamsicle Protein Shake

The Plexus 96® orange creamsicle protein shake will bring out the 80’s kid in you. This tasty throwback tastes like one of the most iconic frozen treats of all time. Fresh citrus, creamy almond milk, and 15 grams of high-quality whey protein from the P96 Vanilla makes this the perfect power-up for any time of your day.*  One sip and you’ll be back in your childhood summer days… only this time, you’ll be a little bit healthier.

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Plexus 96^® Orange Creamsicle Protein Shake

Serves 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute

Ingredients
1 packet of Plexus 96® Vanilla
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup of unsweetened almond milk (plain or vanilla)
¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
4-6 ice cubes
For a creamier option, pour almond milk into ice cube trays and freeze beforehand. Substitute frozen almond milk cubes for ice.

Directions
Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth.

Plexus 96® Lemon Meringue Pie Protein Shake

Finally! A treat that will satisfy the sweet tooth that just won’t quit (while filling up your body with nothing but some protein and vitamin C of course). Protein shakes that imitate desserts are our JAM, and this Plexus 96® lemon meringue pie protein shake totally does the trick. We’re talking a sweet flavor, creamy texture (thanks, banana!) and more than 20 vitamins and minerals in the protein packet alone. Now, THIS is an after-dinner treat that we can get behind.

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Plexus 96^® Lemon Meringue Pie Protein Shake

Serves 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute
Gluten Free, 100% Vegetarian

Ingredients
1 packet of Plexus 96® Vanilla
1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (substitute for preferred milk type)
½ cup vanilla flavored Greek yogurt
1 banana
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 teaspoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
4-6 ice cubes

Directions
Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth.

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Plexus 96® Lean and Green Protein Shake

If you’re interested in adding more fruits and veggies to your diet, our Lean & Green Plexus 96® protein shake may be just what you’re looking for. Featuring 15 grams of high-quality whey protein and avocados—this green protein shake will leave you feeling satisfied^* for hours.¹ And, when you add the health benefits of spinach,² to the more than 20 vitamins and minerals in P96 vanilla you’re in for a super powered meal on-the-go.

Worried it’ll taste like you’re eating your veggies? Worry no more! In this creamy delight vanilla and banana dance across your palette. Oh, and P96 protein powder is gluten free and 100 percent vegetarian.

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Plexus 96® Lean and Green 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)
1 frozen banana, sliced
½ avocado
½ cup spinach
6 ice cubes
Optional 1 tablespoon flax, hemp or chia seeds

Directions

Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth.

References

1 http://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-12-155

2 http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=43

Plexus 96® White Chocolate Raspberry Protein Shake

Indulge your taste buds, feed your body. The Plexus 96® white chocolate raspberry protein shake is rich in flavor AND healthy nutrients. We’re talking a whole 15 grams of high-quality whey protein and more than 20 vitamins and minerals from the P96 Chocolate. This creamy, cold treat will leave you feeling full and satisfied.*

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Plexus 96^® White Chocolate Raspberry Protein Shake

Serves 1
Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute
Gluten Free

Ingredients
1 packet Plexus 96® Chocolate
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
½ cup vanilla flavored Greek yogurt
¾ cup raspberries
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon white chocolate chips
4-6 ice cubes

Directions
Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth.

*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® Spiced Cranberry Protein Shake

If holiday sweets have gotten the best of you, maybe it’s time to spice things up. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth to this creamy and filling protein shake. Plexus 96® Vanilla whey protein powder is gluten free, 100 percent vegetarian, non-GMO, and features more than 20 vitamins and minerals. Paired with the antioxidant power1 of cranberries, our spiced cranberry protein shake makes for a super healthy breakfast, lunch, or snack.

Plexus 96® Spiced Cranberry Protein Shake

Serves 1
Prep time: 4 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute
Gluten free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 packet Plexus 96® Chocolate
• 8 ounces sugar-free cranberry juice
• 1 banana
• ¼ cup cranberries
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 6 ice cubes

Directions

Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth. Garnish with cranberries (optional).

References
1 http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/cranberries-year-round-superfood

original post

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!

Plexus 96® Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake

Pumpkins are fall’s signature squash. From Halloween to Thanksgiving, pumpkins take a starring role in everything from pumpkin spice latte. There’s nothing like a slice, or sometimes two, of pumpkin pie to finish off your Thanksgiving meal.

If you’re looking for a delicious alternative, consider this Plexus 96® pumpkin spice protein shake. The creamy vanilla flavor of our protein powder complements the richness of the nutmeg and cinnamon. And, we’ve loaded this recipe with tons of real pumpkin. It’s as authentic tasting as you’ll get.

Plexus 96® Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake

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

Ingredients

• 1 packet Plexus 96® Vanilla
• 8 ounces skim milk (substitute for preferred milk type)
• 1/3 cup canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree (Not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 ice cubes

Directions

Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth.