Kashi foods are all natural and healthy, right...?

WRONG!

Despite claims to the contrary, Kashi Company's "All Natural" products were chock full of "almost entirely synthetic and unnaturally processed ingredients," according to to the class action lawsuit filed against them. In fact, ingredients that are considered prescription drugs and federally-classified hazardous substances were found to be the primary ingredients in the so called "natural" foods.

The lawsuit, on behalf a proposed class of all U.S. consumers, says that Kashi put the all-natural labels on their foods even though they knew the claim to be false. For example, Kashi GoLean shakes are composed almost entirely of unnatural processed ingredients.

Check it out here: http://www.examiner.com/article/court-certifies-lawsuit-against-kashi-bear-naked-for-false-natural-claims

Source: Top Class Actions
14 False Advertising Scandals That Cost Brands Millions
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/false-advertising-scandals-2011-9?op=1#ixzz2uTSJAvvA

Messy Madness!

When my room is a mess, I am a mess!

Your atmosphere is everything. I am way more stressed when my room is cluttered and clothes are everywhere. I try to pick a few things up and put them away each day. Putting a shirt back on the hanger when you get home will save you a mess later on.

Its easy to throw things on your bed or floor, it'll make it much harder on yourself later.

A messy environment can cause lack of focus and clutter causes dust- yuck.

Avoid a sloppy room by putting your things away after you use them. Ugh, I know, easier said than done. But it saves you a LOT of time in the end. 

Would you rather spend 25 minutes cleaning at the end of the week? Or 4 minutes cleaning and tidying each day?

<--- Thought this quote was funny. Don't take it seriously, though!

Cable Exercises

Many people avoid the cable at the gym because they don't know how to work it.

I used to be that way a couple years ago. I didn't necessarily avoid it, but I didn't know how to work it. So I didn't bother testing it out, which was a damn shame!

Now I use it all the time! It's a great workout. Muscle building and toning. I recommend it to everyone. It works any muscle you desire to focus on, and there are so many different variations and ways to work multiple body parts at once.

For a demonstration on some cable exercises, check these out:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP9-KZi2EFk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRS3cn89gBE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKFzK7n7PNg

My Kind of Energy Shot

When I can, I buy wheatgrass shots (mini cup filled with wheatgrass juice) and start my day off with a little extra natural energy.

This won't have the same effect as an energy shot - but there will be no crash later and you'll feel good.

At first you may hate the taste. I almost threw up my first time. But now I'm used to it, and I don't mind the taste.

I went on a Mind, Body, Restoration retreat upstate in Ithaca a couple summers ago, and got to grind my own wheatgrass with a machine! It was so much fun. All natural wheatgrass being shredded for its juices.

Alternatives to Shakes/Supplements

I believe that using protein shakes & vitamin supplements within reason works for many, but there are also easy ways to eat healthier and get benefits without using them. When making salads, sandwiches, quinoa, or oatmeal, I make it more nutritious by adding chia seeds, hemp seeds, & flax seeds. There are so many health benefits to this and it makes a meal more exciting. It takes seconds to sprinkle on and the bags last a long time, making it inexpensive. Since I already take krill oil, I see no need to take flax oil; rather, I just sprinkle flax seeds onto some of my meals.

'Sup Supplements?

 

Are all supplements safe? Yet, despite being labeled 'natural', over 90% of vitamin supplements on sale are synthetic; natural does not mean safe. New evidence is emerging that these unnatural forms of vitamin could do more harm than good, so beware of scams. Not all supplements are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Some have side effects. Speak to your doctor, a nutritionist or an educated person working at a vitamin/nutrition store before beginning a supplement program. Put real vitamins and nutrients in your body through your diet. Unless your diet is entirely unhealthy and all of your food is processed, you should have no need for a multivitamin - many foods are already fortified with vitamins and minerals. Too many can be harmful. Supplementing the areas where your diet falls short with specific vitamins may be a better plan if you're a relatively healthy eater. The healthier you eat, the less need for supplements.

I believe that using protein shakes and vitamin supplements within reason works for many people, but there are also easy ways to eat healthier and get benefits without using them. When making salads, sandwiches, or even oatmeal, I make it more nutritious by adding chia seeds, hemp seeds, and flax seeds. There are so many health benefits to this, and it makes a meal more exciting. It only takes seconds to sprinkle on, and the bags last a long time, making it inexpensive. Since I already take krill oil, I see no need to take flax oil; rather, I just sprinkle flax seeds onto some of my meals.

How I Shake it Up

Before a workout I like to have some protein incorporated with carbs, and amp it up with more protein after the workout. Sometimes I’ll have an omelet before a workout, half a turkey wrap, or some oatmeal with a teaspoon of almond butter, then workout and have a full shake waiting and ready. A good food to eat after a workout is a banana because it stores glucose in your body, which will store energy for later. You can eat the banana whole or cut it up into the shake.

Having a source of protein post-workout helps to repair the muscles "damaged" during workouts. It's important to have a source of protein post-workout in order for your muscles to become stronger.