Showing posts with label Nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nutrition. Show all posts

Monday, 2 September 2013

39 Week Pregnancy Update!!



So today I’m 39 weeks pregnant!! I honestly can’t believe how quickly this pregnancy has flown by, but I was talking to someone who said that Sept pregnancies usually fly by the fastest because summer is so busy, and you don’t want it to end. I totally agree!! 

So I figured I’d give a little update, and also compare to my last pregnancy, which was just over 2 years ago.

Photo taken by Melissa Griffin @ Touching Times Photography
My first 3 months were very much the same, about a week after I found out I was expecting the morning sickness started…well for me it was actually evening sickness….I know, a little strange but God knew what He was doing, since it was in the evening, I was still able to work during the day…I think during both pregnancies I only took about 2 days off due to morning sickness!!
I actually got really sick during both pregnancies, and if it wasn’t for Diclectin, I would have been hospitalized.

With my first pregnancy I weighed myself pretty well every week and measured my tummy….that did not happen this time at all! I basically only weighed myself at my prenatal appointments and didn’t measure my tummy until today, and it’s the exact same size! I was a little surprised, I don’t know if I was expecting it to be smaller or bigger, but I just didn’t think it would be the same.
As far as my weight goes, I’m about 8 lbs lighter then I was with my first one…woo-hoo!! I feel it too, I’ve only had a few days where I’ve felt huge! To anyone who’s ever been pregnant, you know exactly what I’m talking about! 
Photo taken by Melissa Griffin @ Touching Times Photography

I also feel better, more energy, less cravings and just overall healthier. I attribute this to being more active, working out during my pregnancy and also making sure my nutrition was up to par! My biggest change during this pregnancy was that I’m taking a daily nutrition shake called Shakeology and it’s really help to curb my cravings and give me extra energy!!

Oh, another fun fact! With my first pregnancy at about 38-39 weeks, I got worried that at any moment my water would just break, and how horrifying that would be in public?! I basically only went out when I absolutely had to (my water ended up having to be broken during labour…12 days overdue, LOL!). This time I haven’t even thought about it and I’ve been out doing everything I normally would. I’ve started getting some stares from strangers, kind like you look like you might ‘pop’ at any moment. I don’t mind though, I feel good, so I’ll enjoy every little bit of these last few days of summer I can!!


Photo taken by Melissa Griffin @ Touching Times Photography

Sunday, 25 August 2013

A look at Nutrition Shakes: Ingredients


When it comes to our health, so many people only focus on 2 parts of the nutrition label of the products they buy, calories and fat. PLEASE STOP DOING THIS!! This really doesn’t tell you much at all, you need to look at the vitamins & minerals you’re getting as well as what ingredients are in the product. All natural ingredients and high in calories? This is still a much better choice than low calories & fat with synthetic ingredients and lots of preservatives. You are very well doing your body much more harm than good.
Take for example JIF peanut butter vs. KREMA all natural peanut butter. The nutrition facts will be identical however the ingredients list will not, JIF will contain “sugar, salt, hydrogenated oil, peanut oils”, and the KREMA all natural peanut butter will just say “peanuts.” Even though your calories and fat will be the same, the nutrition you’re actually getting is totally different.
A few weeks ago I posted my chart of nutrition shakes; this was just comparing nutrition value. Today I’ve looked at a lot of the ingredients in these shakes to see what we’re actually drinking and what kind of ‘nutrition’ we’re actually getting.
Just a note, there are so many ingredients here amongst all these shakes, I just couldn’t look at all of them. If there’s a harmful ingredient that you see that I haven’t noted, please let me know and I’ll do an update!!

What shake are you drinking? Surprised by some of the ingredients?? I’d love to hear your thoughts!!

*harmful ingredients are listed in red

Shakeology-Chocolate: Whey Protein, Cacao, Pea protein, Maca root, Yacon root, Chia, Flax, Quinoa, Coconut flower nectar, Chlorella, Spirulina, Acerola cherry, Sacha inchi, Camu-Camu , Pomegranate , Astragalus root, Bilberry, Blueberry, Goji berry, Spinach, Acai, Pea fibre, MSM, Ashwagandha root, Codyceps, Enzyme blend (Protease, Amylase, Cellulase, Lipase, Papain, Lactase, Bromelain), Maitake mushroom, Reishi mushroom, Amaranth, Luo Han Guo, Himalayan salt, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Tulsi, Citrus bioflavonoids, Green tea, Grape seed, Rose hips, Schisandra, Cinnamon powder, Apple pectin, Barley grass, Ginkgo, Kamut grass, Moringa, Oat grass, Wheat grass. Other ingredients: Natural sweetener (non-GMO fructose, stevia), Natural chocolate flavour, Xanthan gum

GNC: Carb Blend (Carrageenan, Fructooligosaccharides, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Oat Bran, Resistant Starch), Milk Protein Concentrate, Non-fat dry milk, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Creamer (Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Maltodextrin, Sodium Caseinate, Monoglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Dipotassium Phosphate), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Vitamin and Mineral Blend (Biotin, Folic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, Chromium Chloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Ferric Orthophosphate, dl-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Cupric Oxide, Vitamin A Acetate, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Dimagnesium Phosphate, Maltodextrin (glucose polymers), Potassium Iodide, Niacinamide, Calcium Carbonate, Cyanocobalamin), Salt, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose

Met RX: METAMYOSYN® Protein Blend (Milk Protein Concentrate, Calcium Sodium Caseinate,L-Glutamine, Whey Protein Concentrate, Egg White), Maltodextrin, Cocoa (processed with alkali), Vitamin and Mineral Blend (Dicalcium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Citrate, Ascorbic Acid, Tricalcium Phosphate, dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Ferrous Fumarate, Niacinamide, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Palmitate, Calcium Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Sodium Selenite, Folic Acid, Chromium Picolinate, Biotin, Sodium Molybdate, Potassium Iodide, Phytonadione, Cholecalciferol, Cyanocobalamin), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Non-Dairy Creamer (Sunflower Oil, Maltodextrin, Sodium Caseinate, Mono- & Di-glycerides, Natural Tocopherols, Silicon Dioxide, Tricalcium Phosphate), Calcium Lactate, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Acesulfame Potassium, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Soy Lecithin, Sucralose, Gelatin

MediFast: Soy protein isolate, fructose, dextrin, cocoa (processed with alkali), whey protein concentrate, modified food starch, chicory root extract (inulin), soy lecithin, salt, cellulose gum, natural and artificial flavor, acesulfame potassium, corn syrup, xanthan gum, carrageenan, caramel color. Vitamins and Minerals: Potassium chloride, calcium phosphate, magnesium oxide, ascorbic acid, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, vitamin E acetate, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, thiamin mononitrate, vitamin A palmitate, chromium chloride, folic acid, biotin, potassium iodide, sodium molybdate, sodium selenite, vitamin K1, vitamin D3, vitamin B12.

Oragain: Water, Orgain Organic Protein Blend (Organic Whey Protein Concentrate, Organic Grass Fed Milk Protein Concentrate), Orgain Organic Carbohydrate Blend (Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Rice Syrup Solids), Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Cocoa, Organic Inulin, Organic Guar Gum, Organic Arabic Gum, Xanthan Gum, Organic Rice Bran Extract, Sodium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Chloride, Carrageenan Gum, Sea Salt, Organic Stevia. Orgain Vitamin Blend: Tocopherol Acetate, Sodium Ascorbate, Zinc Gluconate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Gluconate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Cholecacalciferol, Cyanocobalamin, Magnesium Sulfate. Orgain Organic Veggie Blend: (Organic Kale, Organic Beet, Organic Spinach, Organic Carrot, Organic Tomato) 50mg. Orgain Organic Fruit Blend: (Organic Blueberry, Organic Banana, Organic Acai, Organic Apple, Organic Raspberry) 50mg

Ultramet: Peptol EX (Proprietary Blend Consisting Of: Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Milk Protein Isolate, Potassium Caseinate, Egg Albumin, Whey Protein Concentrate, Sodium Caseinate, L-Glutamine, Taurine, Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate), Maltodextrin, Low-fat Dutch Cocoa, Fructose, Natural And Artificial Flavoring, Vitamin-Mineral Blend Consisting Of: Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Citrate, Choline Bitartrate, Potassium Chloride, Vitamin E Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous Fumarate, Beta Carotene, Boron Proteinate, Biotin, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Gluconate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Calcium Pantothenate, Molybdenum Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Gluconate, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Chromium Polynicotinate, Selenium Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide, Cyanocobalamin), Canola Oil, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Aspartame, Cellulose Gum, Citrimax™ (Garcinia Cambogia Extract), Medium Chain Triglycerides, Carrageenan, Bromelain, Borage Oil, Acesulfame Potassium, Mono-Glycerides, Di-Glycerides

Body By VI: Soy Protein Isolate, Digestive Resistant, Maltodextrin (from Fibersol™), Whey Protein Hydrolysate, Whey Protein Concentrate, DiCalcium Phosphate, Sunflower Oil, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Maltodextrin, Gum Arabic, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Caseinate, DiMagnesium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Soy Lecithin, Mono and Diglycerides, Patented Protease (from Aminogen™), DiPotassium Phosphate, Sucralose, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E Acetate, Chromium Amino Acid Chelate, Molybdenum Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Amino Acid Chelate, Biotin, Vitamin A Palimate, Niacinamide, Potassium Iodide, Zinc Oxide, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Pantothenate, Cyanocobalamin, Manganese Sulfate, Cholecalciferol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Phytomenadione and Folic Acid.

Isagenix: IsaPro Complex (whey protein concentrate (undenatured, New Zealand), calcium caseinate (undenatured, New Zealand), low heat non-fat dry milk), fructose, Sunflower oil powder, natural cocoa powder, soy lecithin, natural flavors, Olive oil powder, Flax seed (Linum usitatissimum), soluble fiber, Ionic Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), guar gum, xanthan gum, sodium chloride, magnesium oxide, tri-calcium phosphate, honey powder, magnesium citrate, potassium citrate, Lactobacillus acidophilus, copper amino acid chelate (Copper Chelazonme), Yucca root powder (Yucca schidigera), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Psyllium seed powder (Plantago psyllium), Cinnamon powder (Cinnamomum verum), silicon dioxide, biotin, lactase (from Aspergilus oryzae), vitamin E (d-alpha tocopheryl succinate), vitamin A (beta carotene), zinc oxide, mangasnese amino acid chelate, iodine amino acid chelate, niacinamide, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), chromium amino acid chelate, niacin, selenium amino acid chelate, molybdenum amino acid chelate, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), enzyme blend (bromelain (from Ananas comosus), lactase (from Aspergillus oryzae), lipase (from Rhizopus oryzae), cellulase (from Trichoderma longibrachiatum), protease (from Aspergillus oryzae), papain (from Carica papaya), alpha amylase (from Bacillus subtilis), acid stable protease (from Aspergilus niger)), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B1 (thiamin), folate (folic acid).

Slim Fast-Chocolate Royale: WATER, SKIM MILK POWDER, SUGAR, FRUCTOSE, CALCIUM CASEINATE, CANOLA OIL, COCOA POWDER, CELLULOSE GEL, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOUR, SOY LECITHIN, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, CARAGEENAN, DEXTROSE, MALTODEXTRIN, CITRIC ACID. VITAMINS AND MINERALS: DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM CITRATE, MAGNESIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM ASCORBATE (VITAMIN C), DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE (IRON), NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3), VITAMIN E ACETATE, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, MANGANESE SULFATE, BIOTIN, ZINC OXIDE, COPPER SULFATE, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN D3, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6), RIBOFLAVIN, VITAMIN B12, FOLIC ACID, SODIUM MOLYBDATE, SODIUM SELENITE. MAY CONTAIN PEANUTS, TREE NUTS, WHEAT AND SULPHITES.

Herbalife-Dutch Chocolate: Soy Protein Isolate, Fructose, Cocoa Powder (processed with Alkali), Cellulose Powder, Corn Bran, Guar Gum, Calcium Caseinate, Casein, Canola oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Rice fiber, Potassium Chloride, Natural and Artificial Vanilla flavour, Carrageenan, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Fructooligosaccharides, DL-Methionine, Magnesium oxide, Silicon dioxide, Soy Lecithin, Psyllium Husk Powder, Honey Powder, Ginger root powder, Proteases derived from Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae, Citrus pectin, Ascorbic acid, DL-Alpha Tocopheryl acetate, Licorice root powder, Gotu Kola powder, Dandelion root powder, Hawthorn berry powder, Biotin, Parsley herb powder, Papaya fruit powder, Ferrous fumarate, Niacinamide, Zinc oxide, Sodium selenite, Copper gluconate, Retinyl plamitate, D-Calcium pantothenate, Papain powder, Bromelain, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Cholecalciferol, Cyanocobalamin, Amino Acid Chelate, Chromium Aspartate, Sodium Molybdate and Chromium Nicotinate.


Advocare-Chocoalte: Whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate, L-glutamine, L-lysine, L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine, crystalline fructose, dicalcium phosphate, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, magnesium oxide, ascorbic acid, choline bitartrate, ferrous fumarate, inositol, vitamin E acetate, zinc oxide, niacinamide, vitamin A palmitate, copper gluconate, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, chromium citrate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, selenomethionine, thiamine hydrochloride, biotin, folic acid, phytonadione, cholecalciferol, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide (iodine), cyanocobalamin, maltodextrin, gum arabic, natural and artificial flavors, guar gum, beet root extract (for color), xanthan gum, medium-chain triglycerides, citric acid, malic acid, oat fiber, cellulose powder, citrus pectin, soy lecithin, sucralose, bromelain, papain

Melaleuca-Attain-Chocolate: Crystalline Fructose, High Oleic Sunflower oil, Corn syrup solids, Sodium Caseinate, Mono- and Diglycerides, Dipotassium phosphate, Calcium phosphate, Soy Lecithin, Tocopherols, Cocoa (processed with Alkali), Whey Protein isolate, Soy protein isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Whey protein concentrate, Maltodextrin Fiber, Inulin, Natural and artificial flavours, Barley fiber, Potato protein extract, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Oat bran, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium.

Usana: Protein Blend [Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Pea Protein Isolate, Rice Protein Concentrate], Fructose, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, Maltodextrin, Soy Fiber, Oat Fiber, Gum Arabic, Cane Fiber, Oligofructose, Potassium Phosphate, Prune Powder (Prune, Calcium Stearate), Tricalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Citrate, Sodium Caseinate (a milk derivative), Cellulose Gum, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Inulin, Soy Lecithin, Tocopherols (to protect flavor), Silicon Dioxide, Wheat Bran, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Zinc Gluconate, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Niacinamide (Niacin), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin A Palmitate, Molybdenum Citrate, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D), Manganese Citrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Copper Gluconate, Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Ferrous Fumarate, Thiamin Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1).

Monavie: Proprietary protein blend (whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, egg albumin, whey protein hydrosylate, calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate), polydextrose (dietary fiber), Palatinose™ (isomaltulose), sunflower oil creamer (high oleic sunflower oil, maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, mono-and diglycerides, dipotassium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, soy lecithin, sodium silicoaluminate, tocopherols), organic cane sugar, alkalized cocoa powder, natural flavor, dicalcium phosphate, proprietary phytonutrient blend (AçaVie™ [acai and juçara freeze-dried powder, Enlivenox™ açai juice concentrate], beta-carotene with mixed carotenoids, cocoa powder with polyphenols, freeze-dried acerola, freeze-dried maqui, freeze-dried cupuaçu, camu camu powder, freeze-dried jabuticaba), cellulose gum, xanthan gum, magnesium oxide, salt, stevia (Reb-A), ascorbic acid, dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate, biotin, niacinamide, vitamin A palmitate, calcium pantothenate, zinc oxide, iron, cholecalciferol, manganese citrate, chromium polynicotinate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, thiamine mononitrate, cyanocobalamin, folic acid, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite.

HARMFUL & QUESTIONABLE INGREDIENTS
Soy Protein Isolate: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/soy-health_b_1822466.html  
Carrageenan: http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/carrageenan-side-effects#axzz2cwsgfEmi
Sucralose: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2000/12/03/sucralose-dangers.aspx
Zinc Oxide-there are lots of side effects even when used as a topical agent and put on skin, yet it’s in most of these shakes! http://www.medicinenet.com/zinc_oxide-topical/article.htm
Canola Oil: http://www.naturalnews.com/031550_canola_oil_side_effects.html
Corn Syrup: http://drhyman.com/blog/2011/05/13/5-reasons-high-fructose-corn-syrup-will-kill-you/#close
Acesulfame potassium: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acesulfame_potassium

Wednesday, 31 July 2013

Nutrition Shake Comparison

Since there are so many people out there (including myself) who are taking nutrition/meal replacement shakes to increase their daily nutrition intake or to lose weight (or both), I thought it would be great to do a comparison amongst some of the most popular shakes out there!
Now, this is only half the story...although nutrition labels are important, they really only tell part of the story (maybe not even half?). So many people don't know how to read labels properly, but I won't go into that right now. This nutrition info also doesn't tell you what's in the shakes, and that's where the truth lies about what you're actually taking.
I will be doing a follow up post shortly which will list all the ingredients of these shakes as well as going into detail of some of these ingredients...it's actually scary what's in some of these "nutrition" shakes. Stay tuned because you don't want to miss my follow-up post, that's where things may get ugly...LOL!!!