Monday, 24 December 2012

Christmas Eve!

Happy Christmas Eve! And Merry Christmas! Amid the hustle and bustle of last minute preparations to celebrate, it's easy to run out of energy. Just the very thought of gatherings with family and friends is enough to send some of us off the proverbial rails into emotional overeating. Three cheers, though---it doesn't have to!

Our family Christmas get-together was Saturday night, and it was filled with love and laughter. Amid missing the faces of dear ones no longer with us was the joy of meeting new family, from the newest newlyweds, to the delightful parents of a favorite cousin-by-marriage, to our brand new little baby cousin! We had music and singing, and a gift swap, and, of course, delicious food!

I'll admit, I didn't lose any weight after our Christmas party. But (and here's the important part) I didn't gain any, either! I maintained, even after enjoying all sorts of entrees, side dishes, and yummy desserts! How? By having my two shakes earlier in the day so I could enjoy our family supper.



What kind of shake are you in the mood for today? For tomorrow? Maybe a Pumpkin Smoothie or Low-fat Eggnog? Or maybe something special like a Limited Edition Dulce de Leche caramel shake, or (brought back by popular demand) Mint Chocolate Chip? The Dulce de Leche and Mint Chocolate Chip are available for a very limited time only, and when they're gone, they're gone, so if you want some, please be sure to order today! (Or quickly, by New Year's.)
Merry Christmas! See you next week!

http://www.goherbalife.com/marionlaird/en-US

Happy New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year's Eve, my friends! Can you believe how quickly time has flown? I know I can't! What are some of your New Year's Resolutions? I have plenty, and you probably do, too! One of my goals for this coming year is to lose more inches. In 2013, I also want to be a better writer, a better musician and composer, and to accomplish more. I want to become financially independent. I know all of these things will take a lot of work, and I'm willing to put in the time and effort needed.

What is a resolution, anyway? It is simply deciding to do something, to be resolved, determined, to accomplish that thing, whatever it is. We may make a resolution to spend more time with our families, and that's a good one! Time is precious, and we never get it back once it's gone.

Many of us resolve to make more money. As you've seen, that's one of my resolutions this year. A lot of us make a resolution to go on a diet and lose weight. If I had a hundred dollars for every time I've made the Diet Resolution, I could buy a really nice computer. Or maybe put a down payment on a car!

I think I've tried just about every diet ever designed by man (or woman). I know I've read enough diet books to stock a small library. I even bought some of them. From high protein diets to complex carbohydrate diets, counting calories, counting carbs, counting fat grams, balancing grams of fat with protein and carbohydrates, adding healthy monounsaturated fats... If it was a book with Diet in the title, I've probably at least read it. And, if I could afford all the ingredients, tried it!

Don't get me wrong. Some of the diets I tried were dangerous, and I'm thankful I survived them. Many, however, are good and have useful information, some of which I've carried over into my everyday eating habits. Take the healthy monounsaturated fats, for example. Who knew that eating olives could be good for you?  Or dark chocolate? Or walnuts, almonds, and peanuts (assuming you aren't allergic)?

There are a lot of diets out there: fads, books, additives to sprinkle on your favorite foods to make you full faster, and all kinds of juicers, blenders, food processors and other things to make your diet faster, better, more effective.

If you are considering making that resolution (again), only to know you'll fail, maybe you're trying the wrong things to lose weight.The sad truth is, most diets fail because they aren't intended to last a lifetime. You're supposed to adjust your eating habits, and, hopefully, eat in a more healthful manner. Realistically, most people aren't willing to do that.  You go back to eating the way you did before. And--big surprise--you can't believe it when the weight comes back!

"In order to make change happen, you have to change."* Good nutrition is the best way to lose weight. Without good nutrition, you may lose some pounds, but you'll probably also lose muscle, which is the very last thing you should do! Muscle has been proven to increase metabolism, which means, if you're losing muscle tissue, you actually are losing the ability to lose weight! Scary!

My own diet resolutions never worked. Not because I didn't try hard to make them work, but because once I'd lost however many pounds were my goal, I'd stop dieting. That's the problem with diets. We think of them as short-term solutions to a long-term problem. At least, I did.

Before discovering Herbalife, I tried losing weight because of my doctor's concerns about my triglyceride levels this year. They were dangerously high. I cut back on things, tried portion control, tried counting calories, and  I did lose some weight. Then I plateaued, and nothing I tried would make the scale budge, until I found Herbalife.

I've done amazingly well in the weight-loss department this past few months. I can't believe how much more energy I feel, and how much more I can accomplish. I'm really pleased. Thanks to Herbalife, I've lost 24 lbs in the three months between doctor visits. Everyone in the office was thrilled for me!

Of all the things we need, good health should always be near the top of the list. One obvious reason: how can you enjoy anything if you don't feel well? Better health means more contentment, more enjoyment, more energy to do the things you love to do.


So, is getting to a healthy weight (lower or higher) on your New Year's Resolution list this year? If so, please visit HERE.

I'm also resolving this year to build a Team of people to join me in helping themselves and others get healthy. If you are seriously interested in becoming part of my Team, please e-mail your contact information (including best telephone number) to marionlaird@gmail.com. Together, we can change people's health for the better!


* Jim Rohn

Monday, 17 December 2012

Projects and Energy

Happy Hannukah & Merry Christmas, friends! I can't believe what time of year it is already. I've had so many projects going, I haven't had a minute to think, or to plan today's blog. Then it came to me--!

Yesterday, we celebrated an 1862 Christmas. 150 years ago, war was raging in our country. Two sides, each convinced they were right and the other was wrong, and both with bad points and some good. It came together beautifully, and our entire program was presented "Unplugged." Despite that, due to the wonderful acoustics in our building, even people sitting way in the back could hear our softest singer clearly.

A project like that doesn't exist in a vacuum. Not everyone has clothes that will do for 1862 in their closet. I had 3 outfits to make, didn't get all the measurements in time, and, because of the way time was running out, I ended up sewing the last 3 days for up to 12 hours a day! A schedule like that is flat-out exhausting, worthy to be called "sweat shop" labor. I believe that, along with a lot of prayer, there's another reason I was able to do it:  Herbalife shakes.

Only a few days earlier, I had stopped having two shakes a day and gone back to "just" breakfast, having two regular meals for lunch and dinner. Only a little while after lunch and dinner, I was too fatigued to do anything. Realizing the sewing schedule I had ahead of me, I knew in order to get the work done, I'd have to rely on the shakes to give me energy. And it WORKED!

Did I still get tired? Yes. Did the fatigue incapacitate me? NO! Thanks to my Herbalife shakes, I was able to keep going, even long after I should have fallen over in a heap from exhaustion. The nutrition in the shakes, vitamins, and Cell Activator revitalized me so I could get the projects done enough to pass muster for the program.

Have any special projects you need to get done before the end of the year? Find your great nutrition energy HERE!

Monday, 10 December 2012

How are you doing with your weight?

I'm maintaining, with the occasional Christmas treat backsliding. It's so hard to resist those delicious treats, isn't it? Especially when they're given to you by caring friends & family!

The good news is, even when you've overindulged a little (or a lot), with your delicious Formula 1 Shake, you can take away the evidence quickly!

Speaking of treats, do you love Mocha? Me, too! That's why I decided to try making a Mocha Shake. I love the result! I hope you do, too!

Marvelous Mocha Tummy Trimmer Shake

2 scoops of Dutch Chocolate Formula 1 Shake
1/2 cup of your favorite coffee (already prepared and in liquid form!)
1/2 cup of skim, lowfat, almond, soy or coconut milk
crushed ice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
A few sprinkles up to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, if desired

Fill your personal blender halfway with crushed ice. Add the liquids, Dutch Chocolate Formula 1, olive oil, and cinnamon (if desired). Blend until smooth.
Enjoy!

Note: You can prepare this with 1 cup of coffee and no milk, if you're a Mocha purist, but the texture will be more like a slushee than a shake! Either way-- Delicious!

Monday, 3 December 2012

December Treat

December is a month filled with temptation: cookies, cake, eggnog, special treats and dishes galore! I confess, I have put two pounds on in the last couple of days. Am I worried? Not a bit! In spite of gaining two pounds, I've lost two inches!

One thing to remember on your own Great Shape Journey is that muscle weighs more than fat. If you've started an exercise program, that can make you seem to lose ground. That's why taking your measurements is so important. If you keep track of weight and measurements, you get a clearer picture of your progress!

In the spirit of tradition, try my newest shake recipe! You can use either 1/4 cup of eggnog to get the great flavor, or, for a richer shake, 1/2 cup. Make up the rest with your regular shake liquid (skim milk, water, soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk, almond milk, etc). Be sure to use low-fat eggnog. I use Horizons Organic Low Fat Eggnog, and it's wonderful! You'll never miss the extra fat!

Low-fat Eggnog Tummy Trimmer Shake

1/4 to 1/2 cup of low-fat eggnog 
milk or liquid of choice (but not alcohol, please!) to make 1 cup total of liquid
2 scoops French Vanilla Formula 1 shake
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
crushed ice

Put the crushed ice in your mini blender and add other ingredients. Blend until smooth. You may garnish this with a little nutmeg, if desired. Enjoy!

You can find French Vanilla Formula 1 Shake and other great flavors right Here! Or, for more information, e-mail marionlaird@gmail.com. Thanks for sharing in My Great Shape Journey!

Sunday, 25 November 2012

The Weeks Between Thanksgiving and Christmas

What to do? SO many yummy, tempting treats are out there! Shake to the rescue! Try my Pineapple Express Tummy Trimmer Shake, and you can pretend you're on vacation in the islands! (Unless, of course, you already live there, in which case, carry it out to the lanai and enjoy those ocean breezes for me, please!)


Pineapple Express Tummy Trimmer Shake

2 Scoops PiƱa Colada Formula 1 Shake
1 teaspoon ground ginger (more or less to taste)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 
crushed ice
1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
(I think it's sweet enough, but you may add 1 packet of Truvia® or other stevia product if desired)

Put the ice in your personal blender and add all the other ingredients. Blend until mixed. Pour into a glass & enjoy! (Note: straw & paper umbrella optional!)

For more information about the products Ron used to lose an incredible 56 lbs in 10 weeks, e-mail me with your contact information, marionlaird@gmail.com or visit My Herbalife Store!

Monday, 19 November 2012

LOSE Weight over the Holidays? NO PROBLEM!

Yes, friends, it's possible to lose weight over the coming Holidays, even with all the great and tempting food that's out there. How? By concentrating on that one wonderful meal with family and friends, and replacing two others with Herbalife Formula 1 Shake!

Try my new shake recipe. In this one, not only do you get all the incredible nutrition from Formula 1, you get an added kick of beta carotene from the pumpkin, and extra metabolism boosters from the cinnamon and ginger!



Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Tummy Trimmer Shake

2 scoops Formula 1 French Vanilla Shake
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, either fresh or canned [Note:promptly refrigerate any leftover pumpkin in a glass jar or plastic container. Don't leave it in the can!]
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon allspice 
1/4 teaspoon cloves (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
ice (6 or 7 cubes, or crushed ice)
1/2 to 1 cup soy, rice, coconut, almond, low-fat or skim milk, or water [Note: each will bring its own personality to the smoothie, so feel free to experiment!]

Put all contents into your personal blender and blend until mixed. Pour into your shake glass & enjoy!

You may notice I give you the option to use half as much liquid with this smoothie. The first time, I tried it with a full cup, and it just wasn't thick enough to feel like pie. The second time, I used half a cup. Then the third time, a whole cup, so experiment to find the exact thickness you like. Half a cup will still give you its benefits, and you'll feel like you're cheating on your diet!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, 12 November 2012

Hi, friends! It's Monday again, which means it's time for another original shake recipe! First, take a look at Connie's amazing results! She's standing with both legs in ONE leg of her old jeans. Wow!

Mom's Apple Pie Tummy Trimmer Shake

2 scoops Formula 1 Vanilla Shake
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup unfiltered unsweetened apple juice (I used Martinelli's) or cider
1/2 cup water
ice chips
(You can also add applesauce, but with the unfiltered apple juice, it really isn't necessary.) 

Blend until mixed and enjoy! This one is so good, I almost made a second shake, but it was too filling!

For more information, please e-mail me at marionlaird@gmail.com. Thanks, and have a great day!

Monday, 5 November 2012

Do I look thinner? I am! I can't believe I've lost over 31 total inches so far! I made my 13 lb weight loss goal in only 8 weeks, and I feel wonderful! I have much better energy than before I started on this journey. I don't have to have an afternoon nap all the time any more!

Last week I promised you some recipes. I'm going to start with something even better: How to make the perfect shake! Anthony P has lost over 130 lbs using this method, and in the process, learned how to make great-tasting shakes!
You can see how Anthony makes some of the best-tasting shakes in the business by visiting Shake Trial.





Here's one of my favorite original shake recipes:
Chocolate Mint Surprise Tummy Trimmer Shake
1 scoop Dutch Chocolate Formula 1
1 scoop French Vanilla Formula 1
1 heaping tablespoon of cocoa (any will do, though Hershey's Special Dark is great)
1/2 teaspoon Peppermint extract
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup of soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk, skim or lowfat milk, OR 1/2 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup water
Crushed ice.

Add all the ingredients to crushed ice in your blender. Blend until smooth. 

The shake gets extra tummy trimming power from the olive oil. Don't worry that you're going to taste it, because you won't! All that healthy monounsaturated fat does is add to the smoothness of the shake and help your body burn off that unhealthy fat around your middle!

To me, this tastes a little like a York Peppermint Patty. Let me know what you think!

Find your Great Shape ingredients HERE!

Monday, 29 October 2012

8 Weeks Ago Today

Eight weeks ago today, I started a journey that I thought I'd never try again: attempting to lose weight. It seemed as if I'd tried so many different "diets" from the time I was a teenager. Low carb, high protein, high carb, calorie counting, low fat, restrict this, give up that--! If a new diet book came on the market, I read it. Nothing seemed to work, at least not for long.

Then, while looking for something else entirely, I came across something I'd heard of years ago but never tried: Herbalife. I was looking for a new business opportunity, not another diet! My mentor asked if I had any weight to lose. I did the math and, remembering back to what had felt good when I was younger, said, "Maybe thirteen pounds." She said, "No problem!"

I gave myself a couple of months, because I thought it wasn't a lot of weight. So many people need to lose way more than that. I didn't realize what I was getting myself into!

The French Vanilla shake was unbelievable! I'd never tried any shake that purports to help you lose weight that tasted so GOOD! It's packed with vitamins, but you can't taste them. All you taste is the deliciousness! Unlike all the other shakes-in-a-can out there that I'd tried, this was actually FILLING. I didn't get hungry after an hour and reach for something else. I was full till my next meal.

I lost three and a half pounds the first three days. That didn't surprise me, because, having been on diets before, I'd lost that much in water weight.

What DID surprise me was losing inches. In that same three days, I'd lost five and three/eights inches. 5.375!!! I was amazed and delighted!
I'm still delighted, and that's what this blog is about: sharing my journey with you and helping you reach your own health goals. I plan to blog every Monday with tips, recipes, photos, and ideas, so we can share our journeys together! 

This picture shows me after having lost 6.5 lbs, and, as you can see, a bunch more inches! It's lovely watching them melt away. I'll hope to see you again soon!

To learn more, please visit