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

Pregnant and Plexus

💕👶🏼💕👶🏼💕👶🏼💕👶🏼💕
Where's my #preggo moms at??? I know I have a ton!
This info is A M A Z I N G!
💙💗💙💗💙💗💙💗💙💗💙💗

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)

5 Tips to Combat Bloating

Ah, bloating…

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

Exercise

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

Don’t overeat

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

Watch what you eat

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

Get plenty of fluids

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

Fight gas

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

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

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

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

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

Sneak in additional ways to cut calories.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are sooo worth it!!

Celebrity Sighting !!!

Y'all know who this is right???

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

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

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

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

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

Facts vs. Fiction

QUESTION: Are you searching for Plexus reviews, looking for validation as to whether you or not you should try Plexus???

Be careful when sorting through such reviews, as much of what you read online is written by reverse prospectors that redirect you to another site hoping you will purchase their products instead.

That simply means that someone with a different business will write a negative review about a company with the hopes of converting and signing you up for their offer instead of the one you’re actually researching.

If you are looking for real reviews about Plexus, I would recommend talking to a few ambassadors and checking credible sources like: Inc. 5000, Success Magazine, Morgan Stanley, and the Better Business Bureau all of which have information about Plexus.

As you may, or may not know, Morgan Stanley typically works exclusively with the biggest companies, like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Plexus Worldwide.

Why should you give Plexus a try when there are a billion other supplements on the market that promise to get you healthy? Here's what sets us apart:

✔ Backed by Morgan Stanley
✔️A+ rating with the BBB
✔ Success Magazine cover in 2014 & again for a second time in 2017 
✔ Ranked #8 in Inc 5000 list of private companies
✔ Ranked #2 for health care in Inc 5000 (including pharma)
✔Plexus Worldwide is DEBT FREE.
✔We only have a 1% return rate on our products and that's with our 60 day money back guarantee for customers.
✔ Plexus products contain NO artificial ingredients, NO artificial sweeteners, and NO chemicals, or dyes. They are plant-based, all natural, non-GMO, and use high quality ingredients from the very best sources.
✔ Better Business Bureau rating of an A+

“We have worked extremely hard to promote top ethical practices at every level of the company, and we are so proud that the BBB has taken notice and deemed Plexus Worldwide worthy of this A+ rating,” said Tarl Robinson, CEO of Plexus Worldwide...... “We are still a relatively new company and experiencing phenomenal growth every year..... it remains a top priority to delight our customers and continue to earn the trust they have placed in us.”