Just two days left for your free Shaklee 180 canister of cafe latte

February 27 and 28 are the last two days you can get your free canister of Shaklee 180 Cafe Latte with a qualifying purchase. Click on the link for more info and details: http://mjshealthyway.com

Have a healthy and productive day!

MJ

Your heart needs health

Whenever people ask me which supplements they should be taking, at the top of the list are the omega-3 fatty acids. Since this is the month for love and heart health, I thought I’d take the time to explain the importance of omega-3 for our most poetic (and important) of organs.

You probably know that there are fats you need to avoid (like trans fats and saturated fats) if you want to have a healthy heart, but you may not know that there are other fats that you actually NEED to have in your diet to help your heart be healthy.

The omega-3 fatty acids (also known as EPA/DHA) are considered “essential” because you must get them in your diet—our bodies do not make them, so if your diet does not provide adequate amounts of these fats you may be missing these necessary nutrients. While the omega-3 fatty acids are important for many bodily functions, they are incredibly important for heart health.

Researchers have been investigating the link between omega-3s and heart health; let’s take a look at some key findings:

•Omega-3 fatty acids may help you lower your overall cholesterol levels. In fact, not only do they seem to reduce cholesterol in general, they also may help to raise HDL (the “good” cholesterol) levels. Other studies have shown that supplementing with 2 to 4 grams of omega-3s also may lower triglyceride levels.

•As you may know, chronic inflammation in our bodies is bad and can be especially harmful to our heart. The omega-3 fatty acids also have a role to play in inflammation, where they help to produce chemicals in our bodies (called eicosanoids) that may reduce inflammation.

•Other studies have shown the omega-3s were able to help lower blood pressure, reduce blood clotting, and even seem to reduce irregular heartbeats.

•Another study has shown that eating at least one to two servings a week of fish (that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids) appears to reduce the risk of heart disease, particularly sudden cardiac death.

•A new report titled Smart Prevention—Health Care Cost Savings Resulting from the Targeted Use of Dietary Supplements suggests that if people at high risk for Coronary Heart Disease would take 1 gram of EPA+DHA a day that the cost saving (from prevented heart disease) would be more than $480 million dollars per year in health care cost savings.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating one to two servings of cold-water fish every week.  Since so many people have a hard time making that goal, another recommendation is supplementing with at least 1 gram per day of EPA+DHA.

The best way to take care of your heart is to eat healthfully, avoid fast foods, get to a BMI of 25 or below, become more active, and add at least a gram of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, through a healthy diet including fish and/or supplementation.

Info thanks to Shaklee Health Wise Blog

Shaklee’s Omega Guard™ delivers a full spectrum of ultra-pure, pharmaceutical-grade omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy heart, joint and brain function*. It is made with a proprietary multistep molecular distillation process for the utmost purity and potency of omega-3s fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. http://mjshealthyway.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=21252 

I hope you have a healthy and productive day!

MJ 

A day in a life with Shaklee 180

This is a guest post written by Maggie Smith of Dexter’s Super Savvy Mommy. Maggie was part of Shaklee Corporation’s Team #Cinchspiration campaign and is now the Shaklee 180® blogger spokesperson. Maggie received free products, online support, and incentives for participating.

I have been following the Shaklee 180® Program for just over 18 months and I must say that it has been my favorite way to lose weight. I have always had a hard time sticking to a plan because I get bored with the lack of variety in products and flavors in other weight-loss programs. Lucky for me, Shaklee 180 has so many wonderful flavors and meal options that it’s almost impossible for me to get bored.

In my first six months on the program, I lost just more than 40 pounds and 30 inches*.  Over this past year I have lost another six pounds, and I’m ready to take the bull by the horns, sweat more, and lose more!

So, what does my day of my life with Shaklee 180 look like for me?

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I love to incorporate frozen fruit and almond milk in my Shaklee 180 Energizing Smoothies. They are refreshing, filling, and delicious. The best part is that I stay satiated until lunch.

Come lunchtime, most days I prefer a quick hand-shaken Café Latte Energizing Smoothie. I sit at a desk a lot of the day so having a lunch that I can consume quickly and easily wherever I am is convenient.

A bag of Sea Salt Snack Crisps dipped into a mix of 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons super spicy salsa (you can sub any salsa you want but I adore things very spicy!) makes the perfect afternoon snack. This snack is not only low in calories but it is packed with protein thanks to the Greek yogurt and Shaklee 180 Snack Crisps. This snack keeps me satisfied until dinner!

Dinner—ah, yes. This is when I get creative. Here is my very favorite cauliflower crust “pizza.” It may take a while to make but it is well worth it. The crust is free from flours/starch and loaded with veggies and nutrient-dense ingredients. Paired with roasted veggies, this meal is light, healthy, and Shaklee 180 friendly!

In addition to a healthy meal plan, exercise is key to losing weight. I like to start my day with 20 minutes of yoga to not only get my blood pumping but feel that amazing and invigorating stretch. Midafternoon, when I find myself sitting at my computer for far too long, I pop in my Just Dance 4 and get grooving for at least 15 minutes. Before I know it, I have lost track of time and found myself dancing after 35 minutes!

We would love to hear how you include Shaklee 180 in your day. Comment below and inspire others!

Results and experiences from the Shaklee 180 Program are unique for each person, so results may vary. People following the weight-loss portion of the Shaklee 180 Program can expect to lose 1-2 pounds a week.

Info thanks to Shaklee Health Wise Blog! 

This program is the natural and clinical weight loss program on the market. I myself have lost nearly 40 pounds and kept it off. 

Have a healthy and productive week! 

MJ 

Lose weight natural with Shaklee 180: http://wieghtloss180.info  

How is your 2014 weight loss resolution going?

Hello all,

I hope your 2014 is going great so far. Many of you started a weight loss resolution last month and might have fallen off track a little. I am here to say that a fresh start is possible everyday. First, write down you new weight loss goals and find a weight loss program that suits you, second, fine a regular exercise routine and stick with it, and third, eat healthier foods and portion your meals.

These are the three key areas that helped me maintain and successfully lose almost 40 pounds. In the beginning, it's hard, but once you get into the daily routine, it's will be easy.

There are many weight loss programs out their, but I found my success with Shaklee 180. The reason I chose Shaklee 180 is due to it's clinical's that provided me with the evidence that it is truly safe and effective when you throw your dedication into it. The non-GMO soy in the smoothies was another reason I chose Shaklee 180. I like to know what I'm putting in my body. Being low glycemic with no artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives is another reason I recommend Shaklee 180.

This is my choice, but if you find a program, ask them for clinically studies that their product is safe to help lose weight.

I hope you all have a healthy and productive week. ENJOY!

MJ

Check out the Shaklee 180 Weight Loss Program at http://weightloss180.info

Key Strategies for Staying Healthy This Winter

Our Best Prevention Strategies:

Why is it that science is still no closer to a cure for colds and flu? It's because we're dealing with smart viruses. Any one of hundreds of viruses could launch a cold or flu attack, and chances are that this year's flu virus won't be the same as last year's making it nearly impossible to develop a simple cure. But there's still much you can do to stay strong and healthy all winter.

Take Good Care of Yourself: As always, the best place to start to maintain a good immune system is with the basics. Make sure to keep exercising, sleep well, reduce stress, drink alcohol in moderation, and eat a low-fat, low-sugar diet.

Wash Your Hands: Washing hands remains the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from colds and flu. Lather, rinse, repeat throughout the day. Do it long enough to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.

Boost the Beneficial Bacteria: 80 percent of your immune system surrounds your digestive system. Research supports a healthy gut flora and overall immunity. 

Add Foods that Support Immune Health: There are many foods with medicinal properties, make sure you include as many as possible. Think about combining a lot of the ingredients below in chicken soup. 

Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, potatoes and other vitamin C and E rich fruits and vegetables are all good for your immune system.

Shiitake, Maitake, and other mushrooms have been used, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine, for boosting the immune system. 

Garlic and Onions not only taste great but have also been researched for their ability to modulate immune function. 

Helpful Herbs: Research supports the immune modulating activity of tumeric, oregano, ginger, Echinacea, Larch, and elderberry. A unique combination of plant extracts discovered in Japan, using pumpkinseed, safflower flower, Asian plantain, and Japanese honeysuckle were shown in a study to stimulate the immune system response.

Make Sure You are Getting the Right Nutrients: Your immune system needs to be well nourished to function at its best. Stock up on the following nutrients:

Macro-Nutrients: the macro-nutrients are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Focus on good proteins; it is essential for a healthy immune system. 

Supplement with EPA and DHA, or eat fish twice a week for those healthy fats.

Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins such as vitamin A, B6, B12, E C, folate, and the minerals zinc, copper and iron all support an effective immune response. 

Vitamin D: vitamin D, in particular, has been the focus research on optimal immune system functioning. Vitamin D plays a role in the improving mucus membrane barrier functioning, the production of anti-microbial peptides (small proteins), and in general overall immune support. 

Take care of your immune system by starting early, taking good care of yourself, and feeding your body the nutrients it needs to stay strong.

Info and sources thanks to Shaklee Health Wise Blog

Have a healthy and productive weekend! 

MJ 

Shaklee, America’s number one natural nutrition company since 1957. Check us out at http://mjshealthyway.com  

How Your Immune System Works

Your Immune System

You are exposed to billions of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other microbes on a daily basis. To give you an idea of just how many, your hand alone has more germs living on it then there are humans alive today. Most germs you encounter are harmless, but some can make you sick.

Luckily, you have your immune system to keep the bad germs at bay.

Your immune system is made up of a complex and vital network of specialized cells and organs that protect your body from infections and diseases. Behind the scenes, 24 hours a day, your immune system stays alert patrolling for intruders.

Billions of white blood cells make up the bulk of your immune system and each white blood cell has a special job. T-Cells produce specialized substances that activate other white blood cells to attack foreign invaders. B-Cells produce antibodies that fight specific infections. Macrophages and neutrophils gobble up bacteria and other invaders.

Fighting Infections

Your immune system is not simply a collection of white blood cells; specialized proteins (such as antibodies and interferon) are produced in response to infections.

Antibodies: Each kind of germ has an outer layer that's different from those on other germs and a unique antibody is produced to match each of these outer layers. Antibodies your body produced to fight off last year's flu virus can't get a grip on this year's model. So your immune system has to go back to the drawing board and make new antibodies. The good news is germs can't fool your immune system twice. Once your body has withstood an attack by a specific germ, the antibody-making cells remain on alert. They're ready to rumble if the same germs show up again.

Interferon: Interferon is a natural protein released by infected cells and it "interferes" with viral replication (this is interferon, how it got its name). Viruses, you may know, are unable to do anything on their own. Typically, they invade a host's cells and then hijack that cell to produce more viruses (this is viral replication). Interferon directly blocks viruses from replicating. Overall, interferon increases the immune system's recognition of an infection.[i] It communicates with neighboring cells (to increase their defenses) and triggers the immune system by enhancing T-cell activity, phagocytic (gobbling) activity of macrophages,[ii] and increasing the cellular destruction capability of natural killer cells.[iii]Interferon, antibodies, and white blood cells act together as powerful allies to keep your immune system primed for when those bad germs come knocking at your door.

i Kotredes KP, Gamero AM. Interferons as inducers of apoptosis in malignant cells. J Interferon Cytokine Res. 2013 Apr;33(4):162-70. PMID: 23570382

ii Schroecksnadel K, Frick B, Winkler C, Fuchs D. Crucial role of interferon-gamma and stimulated macrophages in cardiovascular disease. Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2006 Jul;4(3):205-13. PMID: 16842138.

iii Welsh RM. Natural killer cells and interferon. Crit Rev Immunol.1984;5(1):55-93. PMID: 6085941.

Info thanks to Shaklee Corp.

Check out Shaklee Nutriferon, the best thing for prevention, prevent prescription!

http://mjshealthyway.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20962

Have a healthy and productive week! 

MJ