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What's in store for today:
- The New "Protein Shake" Era Has Begun
- Read This Book For A More Meaningful Life
Hey friend,
Well...after dodging the bullet for months, the sick bug finally got me this week.
Everyone in my house has been sick at times over the last few months, but not me. I knew it was eventually going to get me, and it did.
But hey, it's life right?
No matter what you do along your journey for health and longevity, there are always going to be bumps along the way.
I reminded myself this week of 3 things...
- A few missed workouts won't change anything...
- Even though I can't be as active as I like or workout in the same way when I am sick, I can still make adjustments and eat healthy meals.
- Being sick isn't a vacation or an excuse, it's just a momentary detour before you get right back on track fully.
So, if you're one of the MANY others dealing with colds, the flu, and other bugs going around...don't get too down on yourself.
Just rest, make healthy food choices, and as soon as you feel able get back onto your daily step goal and workout schedule. And you'll be fine!
The "New" Protein Shake Era Has Begun
Traditionally, protein drinks / shakes were just that...
A literal milk based shake flavored in sweet flavors like chocolate, vanilla, caramel, etc.
They are usually thick, often times over sweet, and many of them lactose based, which doesn't work for many people.
But we are entering into a whole new era of protein drinks...
The FRUITY protein era.
This comes with the release of a TON of new protein drinks that are usually clear without any dyes, fruity in flavor, sometimes carbonated / sparkling, and sometimes not carbonated like a "protein water".
Just today I was at Target and they have an entirely new section in their grocery aisles called "Enhanced Water" where they have protein water and protein soda.
There were so many new brands and new releases that there are far too many to list here, but I'll list 2 that I have purchased in the last week that both seem like excellent options...
Genius Sparkling Protein Water - Purchased At Costco
This can comes in Blue Raspberry Lemonade flavor and comes in at 130 calories with 30 grams of protein.
That makes it a VERY lean and clean option with 0 fat and less than 1 gram of carbohydrate.
It tastes great and uses a combination of Whey Protein Isolate and Bovine Collagen Peptides.
Several of our clients have purchased this as an alternative to traditional protein shakes in order to help them get their protein in.
They typically use one of these shakes as a protein snack in the middle of their day between lunch and dinner.
I bought this one at Costco, but it is also available at my Target.
Protein Pop Plus - Purchased at Costco + Target
This one called Protein Pop Plus and ALSO comes in at 130 calories per can and 30 grams of protein. Like Genius, it is also made with a combination of whey protein isolate and bovine collagen peptides for the protein content.
Both of these options, the Genius and the Protein Pop Plus tasted great.
Joani started using them to make non-alcoholic flavored margaritas with a protein punch, and my daughter Lochlyn even loved them, too!
So if you are tired of the typical milk shake like products and want something clean and crisp and tart, try these new fruity options, I think you'll like them.
My Favorite Book For Living A Meaningful Life
You know I am a bit of a personal improvement bookworm! 🐛
This is one of my favorite reads lately and it is called Man On A Mission by Donald Miller.
You might be thinking..."Why is Matt recommending a book on living a meaningful life? What does that have to do with weight loss or health?"
Well, it has EVERYTHING to do with it, because our mental and emotional health is deeply impacted by whether we feel a deeper sense of meaning and mission our lives, or as Donald Miller says in the book, whether we are living in an existential void...
There are 3 things I love about this book.
First, I love how Donald gives us a very clear way to assess how we are showing up in our every day life by describing 4 types of "characters" that we can choose to play in our lives.
He describes how we can show up as a victim...a villian...the hero...or the guide. I absolutely love the way he teaches it because it really makes it easy to assess myself by asking am I acting like a victim? Am I acting like a villain aka jerk? Am I being the hero of my life and my story? Am I leading and being the guide for someone else who needs help?
Second, he takes the concept of mission based meaning that was made famous by holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl and he puts it into practical modern day application teaching us how to experience the energy and hope that comes from choosing to pursue meaningful things in life, versus just drifting through life filling our own survival needs.
And I also love how Donald walks us through a step by step way to live out a life of meaning, being the hero of our life and story. Without a clear and step by step path, books like this are no more than theory, but Donald doesn't stop at theory. He really lays out how to put the principles into practice in a way that will lead to a more meaningful life and a more positive daily life experience, even in the hardest of times.
If you feel like there's got to be more to experience than just "getting by" in life, I highly recommend this book. I also highly recommend this book for young adults as it gives a wonderful frame for navigating life that I wish I would have had as I entered my college years.
Again, the book is called Man On A Mission by Donald Miller.
Win Of The Week:
Susie D. Steaming Toward 100 Pounds Lost
"I Was Hiding in Photos. Now I'm Confident in a Sports Bra."
At 275 lbs, Susie was exhausted — physically, emotionally, and mentally. She woke up hurting. She hid in the back of every photo.
After losing her daughter Amanda in a tragic accident, emotional eating had taken over completely.
Then, Susie joined Healthy & Whole.
🔥 93 lbs lost (7 from goal)
🔥 GERD gone. Off multiple medications.
🔥 Cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides all down significantly.
🔥 Wedding rings fit again. Wearing sizes she hasn't seen since high school.
But the deepest change?
She donated all her large clothes — something she could never do before because she always thought, "What if I gain it back?" Now she knows she's not going back.
"I used to view health and wellness negatively because I kept failing at it. But I'm doing it!! My confidence in this journey only continues to grow."
From hiding in photos to showing up fully in her own life. If Susie's story resonates with you, let's talk about writing yours. 💛
When you're ready, here's how I can help:
If you're looking to lose weight sustainably while building a flexible lifestyle that you enjoy, I can help. Apply for coaching here in the Healthy & Whole Mentorship Program.
Disclaimer: This email is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.
