2018 Macros

Back in the Saddle!

Flashback almost 2 years ago when I began my healthy living journey! I started the end of May 2013.

Ending weight: 146.8lb 135lbs 132.6 129.4
Smallest part of waist: 29" 27.5" 27.5" 27" (total of 2")

Belly button: 36.5" 35" 34" 32.75" (total of 3.75")

2" below belly button: 37.5" 36" 35.5" 34.75" (total of 2.75")

Thigh: 25" 24" 23.5" 23" (total of 4")

Butt: 41" 39.5" 39" 38.5" (total of 2.5")

Chest: 34" 33" 33" 32.5 (total of 1.5")

Total weight loss to date: 17.4"

Total inches lost to date: 16"

My results were something to be proud of and I kept the weight off for over a year. Then I got comfortable and allowed little by little the bad food to creep back into my life. I began to forget what it felt like to be healthy, to have the crazy energy that I felt in 2013. I allowed the the little cheats here and there to turn into days of eating everything and anything that came into sight. I didn't feel good. I have learned over the last year to embrace who I am and to not be critical of the way I looked and I still live by the philosophy. But...I got tired of not feeling good. I got tired of my joints hurting, my neck feeling like a jumbled neck. I was tired of not having energy to play with my kids. I was just plain out TIRED!

So, we're back and better than ever because I have now seen first hand both sides of what eating healthy can do for you! So join my on my re-birth of health! This time around I am incorporating running, lifting, yoga, and quite possibly pole fitness! You'll never know what decides to pop up on these posts but I look forward to having you join me back on my journey TO HEALTH!

Weight: 146.8lb 142
Smallest part of waist: 29" 28"

Belly button: 36.5" 35

2" below belly button: 37.5" 36.25" 

Thigh: 25" 24.5"

Butt: 41" 41"

Chest: 34"36

Product Trial Volunteers Needed

PRODUCT TRIAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! I just got some Skincare samples in so I'm looking for 10 people who are willing to try a 5-day Pure, Safe & Beneficial Anti-Aging program and share their results with me. All that's required is that you use the products I send you for 5 days, morning and night, and complete a survey for me after that time. You will receive a gift from me for helping me complete this and also a great discount on the products used if you find you love them. You can be local or out of town! Comment your name and email if you would like to participate!

Giveaway winner announced!

I'm so excited to announce the winner of my protein and fizz giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Thank you to all who entered and showed your support! I'll be in contact with you all to spread the love and give your runner-up prizes!

March Madness Giveaway!!

I thought I would start out my birthday month right with a GIVEAWAY!! I am giving away one bag of our amazing Vegan Protein mix and one box of our Energy Fizz sticks...two of my favorite products! I can't wait to see who wins!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ugh...why we, including myself, need to keep refined sugar out of our diet!

http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/25-things-about-sugar-that-will-terrify-you/

January Detox Results - Don't miss this!

Wow, just tallied up the results from our January 28 Day Detox program! We lost a total of 158lbs and over 23"!! Our biggest male winner lost 30lbs...Yes that's 30lbs in 28 days!! And the female winner wasn't that far behind with 19lbs lost in just 28 days! Our biggest winner for the most inches lost was a female who lost 5.75". What's incredible about these results is the individual that lost the most inches lost the least amount of weight!

I'm amazed every time by the results and so blessed to be a part of other's journeys as they become healthier and happier! This program is truly changing lives and I LOVE that I get to be a part of others' journeys to good health!

Don't sell yourself short, you deserve this! It's not all about the numbers, it's about educating yourself and being aware of what you put in your body! 

Our next group is starting March 3rd. Who's in?! Who's ready to make the changes that you deserve?!

Detox group started today, feeling blessed!

First detox group of 2014 started today...with many more to follow! I am so blessed that Arbonne has come into my life and is allowing me to show people there are better alternatives out there. The food choices we make are tearing up our insides and it is important to be more conscious of what we put in our mouth...and on our skin for that matter. I am so blessed to have found a company who offers amazing products that are truly beneficial to each one of us! I thank each of my followers for the support thus far and look forward to sharing many more successes this coming year! Blessings to all of you!!

On a side note, this caught my attention today:

If you needed more reason to ditch these drinks...check out the amount of sugar in them! And remember, sugar leaves your body in an acidic state and leads to inflammation which leads to sickness and disease. And to all you 'diet' drinkers - artificial sweeteners are even WORSE! More to come on that.   :) For all of you having headaches, if you normally drank any of these things, that's why!

Why Gluten free?

When asked about the meal plan we promote, the easy answer is we are similar to the paleo diet. So what is that you ask?

The Paleo diet is the diet of our ancestors. The Paleolithic era occurred during the period spanning from 10,000 to 2.5 million years ago. During that time we were hunter-gathers. Then things changed with the advent of the agricultural revolution.

Around 10,000 years ago grains were introduced into our diet. This has been a radical dietary shift for mankind. For 99% of our existence man has lived on a grain free diet. Therefore, grains are a “new food.” I believe that certain people, including myself are ill adapted to digest grains and that the consumption of grains can cause chronic “untreatable” health conditions.

Why? Grains contain certain antinutrients which prevent their absorption in the gut. The antinutrients in grains serve as an evolutionary strategy to protect the integrity of the grain so that it can survive. This same protection creates harm in the body of people such as myself. 

This is why I personally promote a gluten free diet. There is a majority of us that are gluten intolerant; however, we do not take the time to find this out for ourselves. When you remove this from your diet during the detox and reintroduce it, you will learn very quickly if you have an intolerance just like me! Fuel your body with what makes you feel good!!

Ready to get back on track?

T'was the week after Christmas, and all through the house….
Everyone was BLOATED, including the spouse!
Sweet tooth hang-overs, and a big aching tummy….
Not surprising to hear after eating those yummies!
Alas you have knowledge of the ARBONNE way
To make you feel better in just a few days!
Your favorite products so easy to make,
Why eat more junk, instead have a shake!
Tea, Fizzies and protein - two clean meals a day
Stuff's on SALE RIGHT NOW so there will be less to pay!
All programs begin in JANUARY
Call your Arbonne gal; she's jolly and merry
Together we'll get you back to feeling like YOU
And your skinny jeans will fit WAAAY better too!!!


It's time to treat yourself right! I'm offering the full detox package for 50% off through December 31st at 5pm MST. This is a deal you do not want to pass up!

The Arbonne Difference

Wanting to share why we are different!

Looking for an alternative to whey protein?? Look no further!

Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix has a perfectly balanced blend of vegan protein from pea, rice and cranberry, as well as functional fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, flax seed, and a unique botanical blend for targeted benefits. Just two scoops contain 20 grams of protein to help you feel satisfied and deliver a 100% amino acid score, an indicator of how efficiently protein will meet amino acid needs, to help support muscles. Clinically tested and certified to have low glycemic index, the shakes are low enough in sugar to avoid spikes in blood sugar glucose levels. Blend with a variety of fruits and vegetables for an extra nutrient boost.

Benefits:

• Certified low glycemic index
• Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass
• Contains easily digested vegan protein
• Contains over 20 vitamins and minerals to support good health
• Chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels
• Gluten-free 
• Dairy-free; ideal for the lactose-intolerant 
• No whey or soy proteins 
• Kosher-certified 
• No saturated fats, trans fats or cholesterol 
• No artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners

What's my favorite shake?? A blend of vanilla and chocolate, mixed with strawberries and almond milk, throw in some almond butter and you have a real treat!

10 things you should know about toxins

I read this article HERE. This is exactly why I have chosen Arbonne as my vehicle to educate people. I was pumping my family and myself full of these toxins because I didn't know any better! 

Here are 10 things I wish every American knew about toxic chemicals… and what we can do about it:

1. Today, you’ve already been exposed to at least 127 unique synthetic chemicals. And that was before you walked out the door. Personal care products carry or may carry numerous highly toxic chemicals, including cadmium, mercury, aluminum and lead.

2. "Acceptable levels" of toxic chemicals is an oxymoron. The levels are “acceptable” by industry and regulatory standards, but our exposure to other “acceptable levels” of toxic chemicals that then interact with each other and dance with our cells within our bodies is never taken into consideration.  

3. We have over 200 synthetic chemicals in our bodies right now. Our exposure to toxins is that pervasive. Most of us do not detect their presence every moment of every day, but we have to wonder—how are they affecting us? What does this mean for future generations?

4. Childhood disease is increasing exponentially. Cancer is the leading cause of death (after accidents) in children younger than 15 in the United States. Autism now affects one in 50 children. In the last 20 years, there’s been a 300% increase in allergies; 300% increase in asthma; 400% increase in ADHD. We have to ask ourselves, Why?

5. Chemicals are big business. Chemicals account for an annual $3.7 trillion in sales across the globe—the United States makes up almost 19 percent. Many jobs rely on this industry, yet 85 percent of the chemicals in commerce today have not been tested. How are the products containing those chemicals impacting our health? What’s the impact on those who work or live near the chemical plants?

6. About $2.6 trillion of the GDP is spent on treating disease every year. One can’t help but wonder if there’s a direct correlation between our skyrocketing healthcare costs and the onslaught of chemicals in our daily lives. What would happen if we spent that much on prevention?

7. Many of us eat and drink chemicals every day. Artificial sweeteners, preservatives, nitrates, artificial colors, MSG ... if it’s processed, chances are it contains one or more of these ingredients.  Sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate are preservatives that are sometimes added to sodas to prevent mold growth, but benzene is a known carcinogen. Butylated Hydroxynaisole (BHA) is another preservative that’s potentially cancer-causing. Reading labels is an easy solution—if you don’t recognize an ingredient, don’t buy the food product.

8. Organic food can be affordable. Factor in the potential health costs of processed and conventionally grown (read: pesticide rich) foods and organic food doesn’t break the bank. Unfortunately, it’s not always available. The good news: organic food is the fastest growing sector in agriculture. Would we spray a piece of fruit with Raid, then rinse it off and eat it? (Probably not the MBG audience, but it’s a question to ask your skeptical friends and family.) If we continue to vote with our dollars, organic can become the norm.

9. Your body is the biggest investment that you will ever have in your life. We all know people who spend more time and more money on their cars than they do their own bodies. The fuel we put into our bodies will determine how well it performs and fights against the burden of chemicals.

10. Toxic chemicals are everywhere, but you can do something about it. Start with just one thing: change your personal care products; overhaul your diet by buying only organic fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed “foods” as much as possible; throw away your old household cleaning products and replace them with non-toxic ones. 

Courtesy of www.mindbodygreen.com

Black Friday - 50% off all ARBONNE!

It's that time of year for HUGE savings on Arbonne! Don't miss out on my once a year Black Friday special. If you've been thinking of trying our amazing vegan pea protein, revolutionary anti-aging Re9 skincare, or our new first ever botanically- based retinoid Genius pads....then there has never been a better time. Or just to stock up on your all-time favorites! 

I would love to share this with current clients, new clients and those ready to experience the Arbonne difference! 

More on that Pea Protein I rave about!

So, you know how I always talk about Arbonne being AHEAD of the trend. Here's the deal, we use YELLOW PEA PROTEIN in our shakes. It's the most easily digestible plant protein on the planet. And we've used it for YEARS. 

Now, thanks in large to the good ole Dr Oz, there is now a GLOBAL shortage of quality pea protein. Arbonne sources ours out of Europe. We are looking for other suppliers but the yellow pea has very precise growing conditions/environment and of course it has to be organic, non-GMO, etc. 

All that to say, Arbonne has alerted us that our incredible protein shakes will be on/off backorder for the next couple of months until new supply means are established. I tell you this now for a couple reasons -
1) If you're an Arbonne shake lover already, STOCK UP!!
2) If you plan on (or even THINK about) doing my January 28-day Clean Eating Challenge as part of your 2014 New Years Resolution, DO NOT WAIT to order your Fit Kit package!! You'll want to order ASAP so that there's no risk of you being without that crucial piece come January!

Thought this was a great article weighing out all the available protein sources. Love that Arbonne's formula is a blend of yellow pea & brown rice (+ cranberry). Making it highly-usable, easily-digestible and a low-allergen source for QUALITY protein with a complete amino acid profile. If you have questions, let me know! If you've never tried our protein and WANT to, let me know too, I would love to give you a sample! Love my protein shakes!

Comparison of Protein types

The successes keep coming! 12lbs lost in one month!

It's days like today that I'm so thankful that Arbonne has come into my life! I see daily how real people are seeing real results with our detox program! The people are real, the results are real. I love changing lives one person at a time!

Meet Lady Ace! She is a beautiful mother who's ready to take back her health! She just completed the detox program this week and WOW, that's what I had to say when I saw her results!

BEFORE

AFTER

Total Weight lost: 12.1 lbs!
Total Inches lost: 6" in waist!
Jeans went from a size 12 to a size 8

Let me remind you that this is only 28 days! This program really targets your mid section as the fat cells around your liver shrink as the toxins are eliminated. Lady Ace is true proof that this is happening! This is only the beginning of her healthy journey and I love that I get to be a part of it!

**I only share pictures with permission. Lady Ace has asked to remain anonymous.

Yellow pea...that's P.E.A!

It's one thing to be ON trend...quite another to be light years AHEAD of the trend. We were "green" before it was cool. Vegan from the start. We've been using pea protein for a long time..way before Dr Oz & Shape Magazine  raved about it. And now we've got the FIRST plant-based retinoid on the market.

There are 4 factors to look at when considering a biz opportunity...timing & trends is certainly one! TWO billion (with a "B") dollar industries in ONE company. Glad Arbonne is ALWAYS ahead of the game!! 34 years & growing strong!!

If you haven't tried our amazing Protein shakes, message me for a free yummy sample!

Lose this holiday season rather than gain!

58 lbs and 13.5" LOST!

Detox Boot Camp Results!

My team just finished up our first "official" Detox Boot Camp. I've posted results a few successes that I've seen, here's some results in a group setting!

The boot camp participants (total of 6 people) collectively lost 58lbs and 23 inches in the waist & hips!!! That's crazy right?! Actually, that's just amazing!!

We gave away $100 Arbonne goody bag to the BIGGEST WINNERS in the most weight lost and the most inches lost. Our weight winner lost 13.5lbs and our inches winner lost 8.5"!! Can you believe it?!? Although the detox is more about becoming healthier on the inside, I love that we get to reward people by seeing the numbers drop! Some people don't lose any weight but see a crazy decrease in inches! Great proof of turning fat to muscle and gaining energy along the way!

One of the participants posted the following about her experience with the detox:
"My biggest victory by far was resisting so many yummy treats and food! I had about 5 birthdays this month we celebrated and went out to eat a lot and I had to hold strong a lot and be picky and ask for lots of modifications everywhere we went, but learned I could and be ok! I plan to keep up with the shakes often as they are yummy and convenient, and the no eating after 7 rule was really good for me. I learned a bunch of great new recipes for eating whole foods that we now love! I actually think that has been one of my new hobbies I discovered on the cleanse is to find and experiment with healthy whole food recipes that are fairly quick, easy and yummy! I like that nutrition is on my mind constantly now, the detox has made me way more aware of everything I eat and I have since picked up some great habits. I have always liked working out and running, but to line up my nutrition with my running goals have been epic for me and I am excited to try and blow my previous PR out the window at my next marathon at the beginning of Dec.! Thanks Steph and Arbonne!"

I LOVE what I do! The people are real, the results are real! What are you waiting for! We're going to be starting another boot camp soon with finale prizes and weekly prizes this go around! We'll give you a meal plan for the whole 28 days along with motivation and tips to help you sustain your new lifestyle. Email me if you're interested in joining, I would love to help you in your pure transformation!! stefanie.e.joseph@gmail.com

Pure Transformation

 I heard the term Pure Transformation when I started my weight loss journey the end of May. I was hoping I would change physically but what I didn't know is the change that would occur inside and the change in my perspective of life in general. Dealing with postpartum depression with my son and only acknowledging it almost 2 years into it changed who I was and changed how I interacted with people. I was in denial that I had the depression and with the denial was the lack of acknowledgment that my interactions with others changed drastically as well. I was not a happy person but I didn't realize the severity of it.

Fast forward to today, October 5, 2013. I can honestly say that I am going through my own personal Pure Transformation. Through clean eating and changing the way I fuel my body, I have learned that we truly are what we eat! Our mood is directly related with the foods that we intake and I am so thankful that I learned this healthy way of living and a bonus...I am losing weight and inches!

My pure transformation is not about my physical looks, it's about changing my wealth and happiness as well! I am taking control of my life, taking control of my paycheck through a vehicle called Arbonne! I've said it before, I never envisioned myself being a part of network marketing. I never thought I would do the home party thing, but here I am because I BELIEVE in it! I believe in what Arbonne stands for and I believe that it will give me and my family the freedom that we deserve. It's not been a smooth path, but it's a path that I have chosen and will make the most of it. I believe in it because I have personally seen our products change peoples' lives. I get the opportunity to share these products with the world and be a part of people who want to change for the better! After attending training this last weekend, I know that this is not just about me, this about helping others realize their potential and realize that they can have 100% control of their life and finances. I get to watch people grow in ways that they never thought they could imagine! I have seen myself grow in the few short months that I've been on my new journey and I am making a resolution to grow on a daily basis!

My pure transformation is not about the weight I am losing anymore. It's about helping others through their own personal transformation! I'm so excited to step out of my comfort zone and be the leader that I know is hiding out inside. This passion is burning inside me and it's starting to get real hot!!

Back to my weight loss journey real quick...I am 120 days into my journey. I am down 20 pounds total and weigh less than I did before my wedding and before my 2 beautiful kids. (Can't find my measuring tape so can't give a number on the inches.)  I have lost my weight by only changing my eating habits. I know I can't keep this up without exercise so this is my next piece, just trying to figure out how to work it into the busy schedule. It needs to be a priority because I'm ready to complete this transformation but toning up!