Sunday, November 23, 2014

The Basics on: Plexus Slim!

Happy Sunday everyone!!

I thought I would take some time today to tell you a bit about one of the products that I CANNOT live without...Plexus Slim!


Did you know that Slim was originally engineered to regulate blood glucose levels in diabetics? Common results for diabetics are the ability to take less insulin due to a combination of fewer blood sugar spikes and improved pancreatic function in type 2 diabetics.

Although Slim was originally designed for type 2 diabetics, it helps those of us who are not as well. It helps to keep my blood sugar in check and levels out my lipid and cholesterol levels as well. It also helps me not binge eat and increases my willpower over unhealthy foods. Soda and candy don't even taste good anymore!

Another great part about Slim is how easy it is to take! I just add it to a bottle of water in the morning and drink it 15 - 30 minutes (to help curb your appetite) before breakfast, but you can really take it anytime that works for you!

I know people are skeptic about how this might make them feel (i.e. shaky, unfocused, etc.) but let me tell you, I have a super sensitive system and it just makes me feel great! No funky side effects here! 

I totally believe that you should know everything you put into your body, so I have listed the ingredients for Slim and a brief statement about each one. I encourage you to do your own research if you choose, but it is all laid out right here. :-)

Oh and did you know that Slim is non-GMO, gluten, soy, and dairy free?



Chlorogenic Acid- A phenolic natural product isolated from the leaves and fruits of dicotyledonous plants, including the coffee bean. It is widely used in many fields like food, feed additives, and cosmetics. 

Citrin K- Citrin is a trademarked name for a standardized herbal extract from the rind of the fruit of the Garcinia cambogia plant. Garcinia cambogia reduces the conversion of carbohydrates into stored fat by inhibiting certain enzyme processes. When less fat is available for use and slowed down, the body burns calories at an accelerated pace. They experienced curbed appetite and less tendency to "nibble," and an increase in energy. 

Alpha Lipolic Acid- Alpha Lipoic Acid (also known as lipoic acid, thioctic acid, or ALA) is one of the good fatty acids produced in every one of our cells. One of its main functions is to help convert glucose (blood sugar) into energy. ALA is manufactured by the body and is found in small amounts in several foods. These include spinach, broccoli, peas, Brewer's yeast, Brussels sprouts, rice bran, potatoes and organ meats (kidney, heart and liver) Besides taking ALA for its general benefits as an antioxidant, studies have shown that alpha lipoic acid can help with the following conditions: 

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) • Coronary Heart Disease • Metabolic Syndrome (high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol• Peripheral Neuropathy (caused by diabetes and other conditions, such as Lymedisease, alcoholism, shingles, thyroid disease and kidney failure) • Diabetes (improving glucose metabolism and helping diabetics utilize insulin better)• Liver Disease• Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer (increasing long-term survival)• Impaired Brain Function (as a treatment for stroke and other brain disorders involving free radical damage, including Alzheimer's disease) • Effects of Aging (improving blood flow and enhancing immune function, restoring levels of glutathione, a protective antioxidant and detoxification compound)• Degenerative Diseases (ALA is a strong anti-inflammatory agent)Glaucoma and Cataracts 

Oxypregnane Steroidal Glycoside - responsible for the appetite suppressing activity of HOODIA GORDONII, a dietary supplement used for weight loss.
Chromium-is a trace mineral that assists with burning carbohydrates and fat. It helps provide blood sugar to cells and may increase sensitivity to insulin, potentially helping to curb cravings for sweets and carbohydrates. Because of the role it plays in the metabolism, chromium is commonly added to natural weight-loss products. Chromium is naturally found in foods like yeast, mushrooms, prunes, and broccoli. It is sometimes added to drinking water. 

Polydextrose- is frequently used as an ingredient in low-carb, sugar-free, and diabetic cooking recipes. It is also used as a thickening agent. Polydextrose is a form of soluble fiber and has shown healthful prebiotic benefits when tested in animals. It contains only 1 kcal per gram and, therefore, is able to help reduce calories. 

Citric Acid -  Citric acid is a weak organic acid. It is a natural preservative/conservative and is also used to add an acidic, or sour, taste to foods and soft drinks 

Beet Root Extract - Beet Root is a potent and nutritious source of natural energy and vitality. It is a great way to purify and build healthy blood and normalize the pH balance in our bodies. 

Stevia Extract - Stevia is derived from natural substances, unlike other sugar substitutes, such as Equal or Nutrisweet. Stevia extract is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration as a dietary supplement and for use in food. 

Lo Han Extract - Lo Han Kuo is the fruit of Momordica grosvenorii, a plant cultivated in the mountains of southern China. Mogrosides, which are water extracted from the Lo Han fruit, offer a pleasant, sweet taste without elevating blood sugar. 



 And remember...

Keep Calm and Drink Plexus Slim!

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Satisfying Saturday Presents: Pear-Scented Butternut Squash Soup

Happy Saturday everyone!!

I know that several places around the country are VERY cold today, so I thought I would share a family favorite soup recipe!

Pear-Scented Butternut Squash Soup
Serves 6

1 (1 1/2 - pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4 - inch pieces
1 pear, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 sweet onion, chopped
1 (14-ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon tried sage
1/4 teaspoon tried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
6 tablespoons fat-free sour cream (optional)

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray

2) Place squash, pear, and onion on pan; spray lightly with nonstick spray. Toss to coat. Roast, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, 45 minutes.

3) Place vegetable mixture in blender in batches, adding half of broth to each batch, and puree. Transfer to medium saucepan. Add tomato paste, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Ladle soup evenly into 6 bowls and top evenly with sour cream, if desired.

Per serving (3/4 cup with 1 tablespoon sour cream)
Calories 89; Total Fat 1g; Saturated Fat 0g; Trans Fat 0g; Cholesterol 1 mg; Sodium 159 mg; Carbohydrates 20g; Sugar 7g; Fiber 4g; Protein 3g; Calcium 74mg

*Adapted from the Weight Watchers PointsPlus Power Foods Cookbook*

And remember...

Keep Calm and Drink Plexus Slim!!

Welcome!!

Welcome to my personal journey to a healthier me! I am glad that you have come to visit me and I hope you will join in on the fun! 

I am an avid Plexus user and just LOVE all of their products. Along with daily posts to help keep you moving in the right (and healthy) direction, I will also be sharing my love for Plexus products! 

I would recommend subscribing to the blog so you don't miss a thing. :-)

And remember...

Keep Calm and Drink Plexus Slim