VegaOne starter kit product review. Natural, plant based, dairy gluten and soy free!

Posted on October 30, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

Last month I received the VegaOne starter kit complimentary for blog review. I have been able to try 4 of the 5 packets but because of being sick for 3 weeks, I got a little behind with my reviews.

Below is some information about VegaOne and the starter kit and then my personal review. You can also find more pictures on my instagram page-rdevaughn4.

Vega One Starter Kit

Kickstart your health with 5 days of Vega One. Made from natural, plant-based, whole food ingredients, Vega One is packed with the complete foundational nutrition your body needs to build your day on. Each packet in your starter kit contains:

·         50% daily intake of vitamins and minerals

·         15 g protein

·         6 g fiber

·         1.5 g Omega-3

·         3 servings of greens

·         Antioxidants

·         Probiotics

And all with less than 150 calories!

Vega One is dairy, gluten and soy free, and contains no added sugar, artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. Use as a delicious, nutrient-supplementing addition to your favorite smoothie recipe, or simply shake with water, juice or a non-dairy beverage of your choice.

Starter Kit includes:

·         5-Day supply of Vega One in our most popular flavors: Chocolate, French Vanilla and Berry

·         Quick-start guide featuring recipes and nutrition tips

·         Valuable $5 coupon toward your first tub of Vega One

http://myvega.com/product/vega-one-starter-kit/?utm_campaign=VegaOneStarterKit&utm_medium=link&utm_source=Bloggers&utm_content=starter-kit-one0

What’s New with Vega One?

“The closest you can get to perfection is constant improvement.” –Brendan Brazier
Guided by the wisdom of these words and our continual mission to make Vega products even better through new ingredients and innovation, while remaining true to the principles on which Vega was built, Vega One is the result of extensive research on what passionate, informed, health-minded Vega fans wanted most in the next generation of Health Optimizer:
  1. Superior nutritional profile
  2. A one-scoop complete serving
  3. Better digestibility
  4. Improved taste and texture
  5. Superior Nutritional Profile:
  • 1000 ORAC Antioxidant Blend: we created an all-new super-fruit blend featuring maqui, acai, goji and other berries to give you a broader range of phytonutrients with over 2 times more antioxidants per scoop.
  • Green Blend: we broadened the spectrum of greens by adding chlorophyll-rich, nutrient-dense superfoods such as kale, broccoli, spinach and alfalfa, along with chlorella, to boost the nutritional profile of Vega One with 20% more greens per scoop (for a total of three full servings of veggies per scoop!)
  • Protein: we boosted our complete protein blend with SaviSeed protein, greatly increasing the tryptophan content (an essential amino acid). Vega One now boasts 15% more protein per scoop.
  • Omega-3 (and Fiber!): we added white chia—renowned for its Omega-3 content—to bump our Omega-3s per scoop up by 20%. Chia is also one of the best-quality sources of fiber, rounding out the fiber profile of Vega One nicely.
A One-Scoop Complete Serving:
  • We did surveys, focus groups and collected ongoing consumer feedback; an overwhelming majority of you told us you only took half a serving of Health Optimizer—one scoop—a day. We formulated Vega One’s single-scoop serving to maximize the nutritional density of your one-a-day scoop, so it delivers all the antioxidants, probiotics and digestive enzymes you got from the full two scoop serving of Health Optimizer, plus more protein, greens and Omega-3 than the old single scoop.
Better Digestibility:
  • Higher Net-Gain Nutrition in Every Scoop: we doubled the amounts of digestive enzymes per scoop to help facilitate the breakdown of nutrients during digestion. This allows for better absorption which means higher net-gain nutrition—and we doubled the number of probiotics per scoop, too.
Improved Taste and Texture:
With all these changes, it not only resulted in a great nutritional boost, it tastes better too!
  • Good-for-You Can Taste Good, Too: Beloved as it was for its nutritional profile, the number one complaint about Health Optimizer we heard loud and clear over the years was how (not so delicious) it tasted. Our research was resounding proof that the next generation of Health Optimizer needed a taste overhaul. Even some of our most loyal Vega fans admit to blending Health Optimizer into smoothies—just to make it palatable. Vega One offers premium nutrition AND great taste in the same scoop, but it can also be blended for those adventurous consumers
  • Ingredients Impact Flavor: After tasting every ingredient in Health Optimizer individually, we discovered a few elements that stood out in all the worst (tasting) ways. We replaced some vitamins and minerals in our blend with more expensive, neutral-tasting sources.
  • On-the-go Portability: Delivering exceptional nutritional value on-the-go has been one of the cornerstones of Vega formulation. Our research told us the taste of Health Optimizer was a barrier to the very portability it was designed for—Vega One is so delicious mixed with water alone, you’ll never have to sacrifice taste for travel again.

Vega One Starter Kit

$14.99$18.99
SALE PRICE

PRODUCT COMPARISON CHART:
MY PERSONAL REVIEW AND PICTURES:

I was very excited to try this product because I had never tried anything from VegaOne and I kept seeing pictures on Instagram of their products. I also LOVE that its dairy free  (also gluten and soy free with no sugar added) which is hard to find and since I have lactose issues, this was perfect for me!!
I first tried the BERRY packet and followed the recipe that was provided for the Berry Explosion Smoothie. It was good. Had a little bit of an after taste but not sure what it was from. 
Next I tried the FRENCH VANILLA with using a pumpkin smoothie recipe from their website. It was absolutly awful!! I had a couple sips and threw it away. 🙁 I don’t know if it was because I used water instead of the non dairy milk alternative they suggested. I was so sad because I love pumpkin stuff!!

After that I tried FRENCH VANILLA with frozen blueberries, strawberries, half a banana and water and again it had this weird taste to me and I only drank half of it. I have never tried a vanilla protein drink before so I guess I’m not use to it.

Last I tried the CHOCOLATE with frozen strawberries and banana which was the best out of all of them. I’m not a big chocolate protein powder fan, but I liked this one! and so did my toddler!

I use my magic bullet to make all my morning smoothies and it mixes up very nicely!! 

Overall, I liked trying this product and I LOVE the concept of a starter kit!! It is a big commitment to buy a full size protein powder not knowing what flavor I would like, so good for VegaOne for coming up with this!! Its currently on sale for 14.99 which makes it $3 a packet-not bad!

Hoping to be able to try the Vega Sport line next…
Has anyone been able to try the starter kit yet or any of VegaOne’s products??

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Ellie November collection Sneak Peek Video!! plus coupon code

Posted on October 30, 2013 by EmpowerMoms
Introducing Ellie November collection-
“Where the Heart is”
SNEAK PEEK VIDEO
You can click on this link to get 20% off your first month subscription (making it $39.96) or you can click on my side toolbar as well.


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Leslie Sansone final October 2013 challenge week!

Posted on October 29, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

WALK IT OFF IN 30 CHALLENGE FINAL WEEK!

happy

POSTED

Oct 27

COMMENTS

7

The Home Stretch!
Just 3 more days and we have met the 30 Day Challenge! I think we can safely start the celebrating!!! (Have you noticed that I start weekends early too? I just can’t seem to wait for fun and free time … sounds like my teens!)
It’s been a Happily – Healthy month … and I know this because of your tweets!
You have reported ….
-Weight lost
-Inches down
-More energy
-Increased strength  
-Improved physical health
-Feel happier, feel better, feel good!!!!!
I’d call that a very BIG ROI! The return on invested “time” – for the time we put in …. We got a BIG return!
Feeling GOOD translates into doing GOOD! We put “good” back in our day … that many around us benefit from … when YOU feel good … you don’t want to keep it to yourself … you want to share it and you have the energy to be more involved in the lives of our family, friends, co-workers!
I hope you will always WALK – not just for the weight loss, or fitting into your jeans (I have room!)
But for the GOOD we can put back into the world around us!
As we approach the last few days … please remember to emphasize the days that you accomplished your daily goal! You may not have been able to keep each assignment – don’t dwell on those days at all – they are gone and done! Appreciate the fact that you had a plan each day and MOST days you worked your plan!  That is it … that is the path to all successful things in life …
1)         Get a plan!
2)         Work the plan!
3)         Don’t quit when a day doesn’t go as planned! Carry on the next day ….or better …WALK ON!
If this was your first fitness challenge – that is all I want you to TAKE AWAY – Steps 1 thru 3!
Ok my Health Seeking Walkers, let’s finish STRONG!
Here’s what I have planned for our final 3 Days of this Challenge:
MONDAY – Oct.  28
2 INTERVAL Miles!
Try – The Big Burn streaming here
TUESDAY – Oct. 29
2 Miles + Strength Training for Abs-Core
WEDNESDAY – Oct. 30
Join me for a Tweet Chat on the 30th, Noon – 1pm EST…get your questions & commentary ready and I will be live!
2 INTERVAL Miles! (The Big Burn)
Thurs. Oct. 31 – YOU HAVE COMPLETED 30 DAYS!
Let’s CELEBRATE!
No structured exercise today … but you can celebrate your strong condition with an active – grateful day!
Walk the streets with Halloween-ers! How Fun!
(1 Reese Cup for you, 2 for me, 1 for you, 3 for later …. Love fun, free time and CANDY … oh my … I better grow up!)
Just FYI …
NOVEMBER 1 is an official DAY OFF!
See you on Twitter …
Leslie
Filed at 9:45am

– See more at: http://www.walkathome.com/sansone/walk-it-off-in-30-challenge-final-week/#sthash.BnBPw6jW.dpuf

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Michelle Bridges 12WBT-12 week body transformation Trial for USA

Posted on October 24, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

Last week I heard from my GirlsGoneSporty ambassador group that Michelle Bridges was going to be offering her successful 12WBT-12 Week Body Transformation program in the USA. She currently resides in Australia where she is known as “the most influential personal trainer” and has written a couple of books.  Her program has only been exclusive in Australia-UNTIL NOW!

I immediately looked her up on Facebook (because I had no idea who she was) and read her bio, reviews about her program, what the program involves, etc. I was very impressed with what I read.

I signed up for her free 5 week trial USA program, and heard back earlier this week that I was accepted!! Whoohoo!!

I signed in with a new user name and password and begin watching the intro videos and doing the “pre season” assignments. Some assignments were pretty quick. Others, like the goals, took some time because I put alot of thought into them.
Below is me doing the various stages of the Fitness Test that I completed last night. 

Entered my results into the computer under my profile.

Next, I weighted, measured and took pictures. yuck!

WHOOHOO!! All done with my “pre season” assignments. Basically its a “prep week” before starting the 4 week trial.

 She also sent me an email yesterday with a beginning program survey. It only took a couple of minutes.

Now I’m waiting for my week 1 assignment email which should be coming later today. I’m excited to see what this program is all about. 
Trial signups have CLOSED, but check back with me here on my blog and on instagram (rdevaughn4) to see pictures and my progress. 

The official 12 week program will be open to all US participants in spring (January?) 2014. 
(For those of you who have been reading my blog-Yes I’m still doing my “Fit Pregnancy and Parenting” Bootcamp while also starting this trial program. Michelle Bridges says you can do your own toning and cardio dvds at home if you dont want to do her video exercise clips she provides.) 
Below are the website and facebook links if you want to read more information. 

https://12wbt.com/

https://www.facebook.com/12WBT.us

Move it! The Seven Best Reasons to Exercise

 Working out can do wonders for how you look on the outside, but that’s not all exercise is good for. Better mental health, stronger bones even easier orgasms, here are some of the other amazing benefits you’ll enjoy if you get your heart rate up more often.

1. Move it… for better memory

The effects of exercise on your brain have been well documented, but one of the most recent studies suggests it has many benefits for memory recall. Researchers at Dartmouth College in Hanover recently surveyed two groups: a sedentary group and an active group. The active group who’d exercised for the past month and on the day of testing performed better in memory tests, and improved their anxiety levels. Some researchers believe it may be partly due to a protein called BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor) which acts like a ‘reset’ button for the brain – which is why we have greater clarity and are less stressed after exercise.
In The Memory Book, Judith and Janet Wiles discuss exercise and memory, saying the best thing to do to boost memory is getting regular exercise like walking. “It’s the key for getting more oxygen to the brain cells,” they write, “and providing optimum conditions for memory.”

2. Move it… for improved mental health

The same study at Dartmouth College also found that regular exercisers enjoyed reduced anxiety, compared to the sedentary group. And how about depression? Kate Carnell, CEO of Beyond Blue, says that if you’re a sufferer there’s absolutely no doubt that regular exercise should be a part of your treatment plan.
“It’s essential. We’re not 100 percent sure as to why regular exercise can help alleviate depression, but there are lots of theories,” explains Carnell. “We think exercise changes levels of chemicals in the brain, including serotonin – and also stress hormones. And, we know that endorphins are released with exercise which can help to lift mood. Exercise also helps you sleep better, and increases energy levels. Even regular exercise at a fairly low level helps quite significantly”.

3. Move it… to look younger

Exercise is one of the biggest anti-agers around. The natural glow you get after a good workout is a case in point. However, for the science buffs among you, there’s also the Telomere Theory of Aging.
Our cells divide a maximum number of times, and every time a cell divides, the ‘caps’ or telomeres on the end of the cells get frayed and damaged. But, a study of runners at the Saarland University Clinic in Germany found that the older runners had surprisingly youthful telomeres, only a bit shorter than those in the younger runners – which suggested to researchers that exercise at a cell-based level has an anti-aging effect. Dr Christian Werner, who collaborated on the study, said one could speculate that “any form of intense exercise regularly performed over a long period of time” could have a beneficial impact on telomere biology. Bottom line? Going for a run – or engaging in any kind of exercise – will boost circulation to your skin, flush out toxins and help you look younger on the outside. And the same workout may work on your DNA to keep your cells young. That’s a win-win.

4. Move it… for easier orgasms

True story – for women at least, according to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. It’s believed exercise boosts blood flow to the genitals, making it easier for you to hit The Big O in the bedroom. In particular, it’s thought interval training with a target heart rate of at least 70 percent bumps up your physiological sexual arousal.
Then, there are those lucky women who can orgasm WHILE exercising, says sex researcher Debby Herbenick, author of Sex Made Easy. “In the study I conducted at Indiana University, women wrote about a number of experiences having orgasms, often by accident, while doing sit-ups, pull-ups, yoga!” We only hope that if it happens to you in the gym, you can manage to keep a straight face.

5. Move it… to increase strength

It’s no secret that resistance training can give you muscles you never knew you had. Lifting heavy shopping bags, or your even heavier toddler … no problem. But did you know that different types of workouts can actually boost bone strength as well?
Doing weights and weight-bearing impact activities such as jumping jacks, tennis, basketball, skipping and aerobics with rapid movements in different directions are all really good for your bones, says Professor Daly. “There are little sensors in the bones that pick up when you undertake jumping and impact loading activities. These cells in the bone think, ‘Hang on, these loads are more than I am used to, if I don’t make the bones stronger they’re likely to fracture or break down’.
So as soon as you start jumping around, bones which are directly loaded will slowly add a bit more here and there to make them stronger. After some time, your bone will adapt to these new loads and so to increase bone strength further you want to try and make these activities progressively harder over time or change the direction of the movements so that the bone cells are challenged again.”

6. Move it… to combat disease

Freaking out about diabetes? Heart disease? High blood pressure? Get thee to a treadmill. “I suspect that exercise could ward off nearly all diseases and there’s no doubt it should be incorporated into everyone’s life because of the multitude of health benefits,” says Professor Daly.
Studies do show that losing 5-10 percent of your body weight can reduce bad cholesterol by 10 percent, plus lowering your risk of developing diabetes. In the case of heart disease, even small amounts of activity – like 10-15 minutes of brisk walking a day – can protect your ticker, according to researchers at Boston’s School of Public Health.
Regular workouts may also help women ward off breast cancer. The ongoing Nurses’ Health Study found that women who worked out regularly between the ages of 12 and 35 have a much lower risk of breast cancer before menopause, compared to young women who weren’t so into breaking a sweat.

7. Move it … to boost energy and ward off illness

While it may seem counterintuitive to exercise when you’re exhausted, countless studies show that a moderate workout can actually increase your energy and the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that enhance good moods.
And did you know that you can also use exercise to ward off winter bugs? “There is evidence that people who exercise regularly report fewer colds,” says Professor Daly. “One theory is that repeated bouts of exercise cause a short term increase in activity in the immune system, which leads to an increase in the numbers of white blood cells and antibodies in the blood, which fight infection. These then act to reduce your susceptibility to infection.”
However, if exercise is too intense it can have the opposite effect – suppressing your immunity and making you more susceptible to bugs. So aim to work out six days, but don’t go overboard!

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My first 2 Jazzercise classes this month

Posted on October 23, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

Last night I had my second Jazzercise class.

I signed up through Roanoke County Parks and Rec for a 10 week Jazzercise class. I’m so lucky that the time (6:30-7:30pm) works great for our family schedule. I can come home from work, eat dinner, and relax with the kids before going out to class. Plus the church location is less than 5 mins from our house so my husband can still leave before 8pm for his night job.

My Jazzercise class is AWESOME!!! I haven’t had that much fun and smiled so much during a workout-truly!! The instructor Cindy probably thinks I’m nuts!! I never get to go to group classes because of family responsibilities, so I typically work out at home alone, which I love to do because its my quiet personal time. But it’s been awesome these past 2 weeks to be able to leave the house and sweat, dance and have fun with energetic fun ladies. The instructor is truly amazing!! She starts and ends class exactly on time! Both weeks routines have been different-she teaches 6 days a week-wow! She cues us perfectly and as far as I can tell, doesn’t make any mistakes. We do straight cardio, one song immediately after another for 45-50 mins straight. Then we use hand weights and a yoga mat for strength and core exercises for the last 10-12 mins of class. We also  have stretching at the end which feels great!

The music is turned up and great song selections, and its just ladies in the class so I feel like I can just relax and let loose. Sometimes I get confused with the steps the instructor is trying to teach us, but overall I seem to be catching on really quick and can do most of the moves. I know doing Turbofire has helped me ALOT with my lack of dance coordination. In fact, Cindy came up to me last night and said she was watching me and that I’m doing a great job and I’m catching on fast. Woot woot for me!! 🙂 I told her I was really enjoying class and she said she can tell. Probably because I’m hoping around the room smiling like a fool. LOL.

Seriously though, I have REALLY enjoyed my last 2 classes. I am amazed and happy that I’m fit enough to go for 60 mins without stopping and as you can see from my pictures below, my heart rate stays up the entire time and I burn LOTS of calories. I’m so hyped up after class that I end up not going to bed for several hours. I guess its like an exercise high. Which I was hoping I would get these last several months with running, that I never did. oh well. I have finally found my 3 “soul mate” workouts that put a smile on my face and that I look forward to doing!! Turbofire/Turbojam by Chalene Johnson, Les Mills Body Pump and now Jazzercise. I’m hoping that when my class ends in December, I can convince my husband that I need to sign up for another round of classes. 🙂

Anyone else done a Jazzercise class? What did you think about it?

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