As you soldier through the 90 day P90X challenge, you are building a lot of muscle. So much muscle that your metabolism will go through the roof. This is great for people who are using P90X as a weight loss plan but not so great for people who just want to tone up. If you like to look a little more solid and toned, you will want to be very conscious of the changes in your body. There’s a chance that you will want to increase your daily calories by just a few hundred to ensure you don’t lose too much too fast.

High protein nutrition bars are a great way to get those added calories without feeling too full at mealtime. Sure, adding a bit more chicken breast with your dinner or some extra tuna with your lunch works too, but those things might get a little old and high protein nutrition bars, like the P90X protein bars, can seem like a sweet treat.

Protein is the best way to increase your calories when going through an intense fitness program. Things like high protein nutrition bars contain the best balance of protein and carbohydrates to ensure your energy levels stay high while your body has plenty of fuel to maintain your new found muscle mass.

Healthy protein bars are a great way to get your daily diet on track. They taste good and are good for you. They are easier, for some, to add into the diet because they feel like a treat. Finding a healthy protein bar that tastes good and provides optimal nutrition isn’t too difficult. We carry three flavor varieties here including Café Mocha, Berry, and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

Breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it stops the fasting that your body sustained overnight. For many people, however, breakfast is a hard habit to get into. Throw a healthy protein bar in your briefcase on your way out the door in the morning and eat it on your morning commute. It doesn’t feel like a whole meal but delivers the nutrients you need to start your day right.

Snacks: Between meal snacks can destroy your diet efforts if you aren’t fueling up on the right things. By keeping a few healthy protein bars in your desk, you are less likely to head to the vending machine when you get the midday munchies.

Lunch: Healthy protein bars can be a great meal replacement product. Add a side salad or some fruit to ensure your light lunch is enough to keep you going throughout the afternoon.

High quality healthy protein bars are a great addition to your diet. When used in conjunction with a fitness training plan they become a great source of nutrition.

Fiber is naturally present in many foods. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains typically delivers the recommended 25 grams of dietary fiber each day. The modern diet, however, isn’t always rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. When this is the case, high fiber supplements are crucial.

Dietary fiber is the part of the veggies, fruits, and grains that your body can’t absorb. Many people don’t realize this but fiber passes through the body indigested. It goes through the stomach, intestines, and colon relatively unchanged. Despite this unique passage through the body, it does play an important role.

Dietary fiber, whether from foods or high fiber supplements, delivers many benefits to your body. It can regulate digestion, helping you to have regular bowel movements and simply feel better. Dietary fiber can also improve blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol and may be able to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Lastly, it has also been shown to increase weight loss results when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise.It is believed that a high fiber diet promotes weight loss because fiber has a tendency to make you fuller, faster. In addition, those foods that are high in fiber are also typically lower in calories than their low fiber counterparts.

Whether you resolve to eat more fiber rich foods or take a high quality high fiber supplement is up to you. There are many benefits of increasing your fiber intake throughout the day.

I recommend choosing organic low-glycemic carbs like raw, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, whole fruits, nuts and seeds, along with whole grains that are never refined like barley, brown rice, buckwheat, oatmeal wild rice.  As far as your fats go choose healthy saturated fats such as virgin coconut oil, and get your fiber with flax meal.   Also try to drink water instead of carbonated soda and sugary drinks which will also make your body work harder than it should.

Try to stay away from white breads, and processed snacks, foods that have refined sugar and white flour.  Instant foods like instant rices, and oatmeal are also not a great idea while caffeine when drunk stops healthy blood sugar control

So please don’t cut carbohydrates out of your diet completely.  Just be smart about what typ of carbs you eat.  Get a good balance of good carbs, proteins,and fats.

Another great thing is that good carbs tend to have less calories than bad carbs so you can actually eat more food, which surprises many people trying to lose weight.  For example you can eat a whole apple or banana as opposed to one bite of a white bread dinner roll.  Which makes sense when you think that most bad carbs are defines as non-nutritive, high-glycemic foods that spike your blood sugar too rapidly.  These include heavily processed foods that contain refined sugar, refined white flour, additives, chemicals, and preservatives.

Bad carbohydrates, in the end, will cause you to gain weight.  When you put to many empty calories in your body you are giving your body too much energy from high-glycemic carbs and the energy has to go somewhere.  Any idea where it goes?  It is stored as fat!  Yuck!  These excess fat stores put you at increased risk for heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, and many other chronic conditions.

A strict, high-protein diet is only a quick fix the problem.  Restricting carbs is not the answer. It’s actually unhealthy in the long run to severely restrict carbohydrates from your diet.  A  healthy balance is best as optimal nutrition and an ideal body weight require good fats, good proteins, and good carbohydrates.

That in itself is the problem.  It’s not carbs in general.  It’s the type of carbohydrates that most Americans are ingesting.  Most Americans diets are overloaded with non-nutritive carbohydrates, such as refined sugar, white flour, and heavily processed foods that have been stripped of their nutrition.  As a result, the calorie consumption of many Americans has gone up dramatically, while the nutrient value has gone down.  The unused calories that are not burned up by the body are stored as fat.  As a result, many people feel hungry, have more cravings, and eat more and aren’t getting adequate nutrition.  This sets the stage for chronic problems with obesity, diabetes, hormone imbalances, and significant nutrient deficiencies that lead to chronic conditions.

Yet, when it comes to our bodies we eat things with additives in them that we don’t  know what they are or what they could be doing to our bodies.  Lets take a simple example with simple ingredients.  Ice cream is made from milk, cream, sugar and then depending on the flavor vanilla or other natural ingredients.  Yet when you read most labels these days you see high fructose corn syrup and other additives some of which you can’t pronounce let alone know what they are.

I understand that this isn’t the healthiest example but it is a simple one to understand.  All I want to suggest is that we start as a society to read the ingredient labels on the foods we buy.  If you can’t read or pronounce the ingredients, you don’t know what they are made of, they are only additives to increase the shelf life of a product, and you don’t know what they will do to your body, don’t buy them.  Only buy products that are whole, simple, pure, and natural.  Do the same for yourself and family that you would do for some material thing.

As a weight loss plan, Shakeology is meant to replace one meal a day. When you do this and add a sensible workout program, you will see the pounds gradually melt away, revealing a healthier, happier you.

The key to Shakeology effectiveness is the premium ingredients included within each shake. According to Beachbody, the components within this formula were handpicked for being the most nutrient dense natural products available. While the ingredients list is extensive, we can tell you some of the featured ingredients are derived from: Acerola Fruit, Camu-Camu Fruit, Pomegranates, Bilberry, Maca Root, Chlorella, Spirulina, Rose Hips, Acai Berry, and Goji Berry.

This extensive list of ingredients makes for a highly concentrated blend of vitamins and minerals, probiotics, proteins, and antioxidants and phytonutrients. There is no other product on the market that delivers this level of quality components for overall health.

The Shakeology shakes work to cleanse the body of toxins that build up overtime as a result of processed foods and environmental contaminants. It then nourishes the body with some of the best foods and components that nature has to offer.

When paired with a sensible diet, using Shakeology as a meal replacement can lead to easy and dramatic weight loss. It is able to keep your energy levels high throughout the day and, unlike some meal replacement plans, doesn’t allow you to suffer between meals. Shakeology is more than a weight loss solution– it is an overall health elixir.

Obviously, the best meal replacement bars are those that taste good. No matter how strong your resolve is, it likely won’t last long if you don’t enjoy the taste of the bars you choose. Don’t stick with a bar just because the nutritional label is stellar; you simply can’t afford to compromise on taste. Choosing a bar that comes in a variety of flavors, like the P90X protein bars, is a great way to ensure your taste buds don’t get bored.

Secondly, you want bars that are good for you. Many protein bars and similar “energy” bars are loaded with sugar. Learn how to read a nutritional label and realize that although sugar may give you a fast burst of energy, it will also quickly fizzle out. High protein, low calorie bars that taste good are typically the best meal replacement bars.

Once you find a high quality bar to use in your health and fitness goals, keep them in the house for a quick meal on the go or for your regular breakfast. The best meal replacement bars make a great way to squeeze in breakfast for people who won’t normally eat the morning meal. Paired with some fruit or a salad, they become a great healthy lunch.

When attacking any fitness goals, having a variety of tools at your fingertips ensures you have the support you need to keep going. The best meal replacement bars add to this “fitness toolbox”, giving you one great option for meals or quick snacks that won’t jeopardize all of your hard work.

The following suggestions can help you lower fat, salt, sugar and calories and increase fiber in your recipes.

All-purpose (plain) flour

• Whole-wheat flour for half of the called-for all-purpose flour in baked goods           Note: Whole-wheat pastry flour is less dense and works well in softer products like cakes and muffins.

Bacon

• Canadian bacon, turkey bacon, smoked turkey or lean prosciutto (Italian ham)

Butter, shortening or oil in baked goods

• Applesauce or prune puree for half of the called-for butter, shortening or oil              Note: To avoid dense, soggy or flat baked goods, don’t substitute oil for butter or shortening.

Butter, margarine, shortening or oil to prevent sticking

• Cooking spray or nonstick pans

Creamed soups

• Fat-free milk-based soups, mashed potato flakes, or pureed carrots, potatoes or tofu for thickening agents

Dry bread crumbs

• Rolled oats or crushed bran cereal

Eggs

• Two egg whites or 1/4 cup egg substitute for each whole egg

Enriched pasta

• Whole-wheat pasta

Evaporated milk

• Evaporated skim milk

Fruit canned in heavy syrup

• Fruit canned in its own juices or in water, or fresh fruit

Fruit-flavored yogurt

• Plain yogurt with fresh fruit slices

Full-fat cream cheese

• Fat-free or low-fat cream cheese, Neufchatel or low-fat cottage cheese pureed until smooth

Full-fat sour cream

• Fat-free or low-fat sour cream, plain fat-free or low-fat yogurt

Ground beef

• Extra-lean or lean ground beef, chicken or turkey breast (make sure no poultry skin has been added to the product)

Iceberg lettuce

• Arugula, chicory, collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach or watercress

Margarine in baked goods

• Trans fat-free butter spreads or shortenings that are specially formulated for baking       Note: If ingredient lists include the term “partially hydrogenated,” it may have up to 0.5 grams of trans fat in one serving. To avoid dense, soggy or flat baked goods, don’t substitute diet, whipped or tub-style margarine for regular margarine.

Mayonnaise

• Reduced-calorie mayonnaise-type salad dressing or reduced-calorie, reduced-fat mayonnaise

Meat as the main ingredient

• Three times as many vegetables as the meat on pizzas or in casseroles, soups and stews

Oil-based marinades

• Wine, balsamic vinegar, fruit juice or fat-free broth

Salad dressing

• Fat-free or reduced-calorie dressing or flavored vinegars

Seasoning salt, such as garlic salt, celery salt or onion salt

• Herb-only seasonings, such as garlic powder, celery seed or onion flakes, or use finely chopped herbs or garlic, celery or onions

Soups, sauces, dressings, crackers, or canned meat, fish or vegetables

• Low-sodium or reduced-sodium versions

Soy sauce

• Sweet-and-sour sauce, hot mustard sauce or low-sodium soy sauce

Syrup

• Pureed fruit, such as applesauce, or low-calorie, sugar-free syrup

Table salt

• Herbs, spices, fruit juices or salt-free seasoning mixes or herb blends

White bread

• Whole-wheat bread

White rice

• Brown rice, wild rice, bulgur or pearl barley

Whole milk

• Reduced-fat or fat-free milk

Why buy Shakeology?  A lot of people are daunted by the price of $119.95 for a 30 supply which breaks down to about $4 a day.  If we looked at that fact ONLY, we could say, “You’re right, it is expensive.”  But Shakeology is a meal replacement.  Now imagine if you will what it costs to get a meal, or some of us, a Starbucks.  Just about the same.  The exception is, Shakeology is good for you!  Starbucks will fill you up with caffeine and sugar.  Fast food will fill you up with fat, and vast amounts of calories.  If you take a look at Shakeology from the meal perspective, and that it’s improving your fitness and nutrition, I think you will find that the price is fair, and also in the same ball park as what you would spend for lunch, a meal, or Starbucks.

So why buy Shakeology?  Well, why not?  Doesn’t it just make sense to buy something thats, in the long run, actually cheaper than a full meal, is healthy, AND tastes great!  Sounds like a good idea to me.  So when you are next searching for a good meal replacement shake, check out and buy Shakeology, give it a try!

I firmly believe eating a diet rich in organic foods is an excellent form of prevention, particularly in a western world where medical treatments can be extremely expensive! If you think organic foods are costly, think about the expenses associated with future doctor visits, prescriptions and pain management-and the list goes on if you don’t take 100% responsibility for your health and become prevention-proactive now!

So the number one secret is prevention.  Eat a diet that is rich in antioxidants to boost your immune system. This means eating as many bright colored fruits and vegetables (of course choose organic!) that are rich in antioxidants so your immune system can do its job – protect you against common colds, flues and serious illnesses. In fact there is one thing that health officials agree on: the common cold, flu and serious diseases can not take a hold of a healthy immune system. And why choose organic? Science is proving that organic foods are healthier for you and contain higher counts of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants.

Incorporating things like raw garlic can help if you feel yourself start to get sick because it is an all natural antibiotic.  Also drinking lots of fluids will help flush things out of your system.  Since it is recommend that we get lots of antioxidants into our system every day and an average person doesn’t eat enough of those organic fruits and veggies to get them, try adding a superfood or some kind of powdered greens to your diet to help supplement what you aren’t actually eating.

When you set your sights on a fitness goal, you want to make sure that all of your lifestyle choices point in the same direction. Your workouts are a huge part of achieving the body you want. But, your workouts will only get you so far. Being able to make the right food choices is essential in making the most of those workouts. Not only will high protein snacks help keep your metabolism running high throughout the day, they also help to repair and build muscle tissue.

Eating small meals or several snacks throughout the day has been shown to keep the metabolism running at a steady rate. It’s when you starve yourself that the blood sugar sinks and spikes, leading to increased fat storage. A steady stream of fuel, through sources like high quality protein bars, can keep the metabolic fires burning consistently throughout the day.

Another benefit of high protein snacks, and why you see bodybuilders taking protein supplements, is their ability to repair and help build muscle tissue. When you workout, your muscles experience tiny tears or trauma. This explains the muscle soreness you feel after a good workout. The repair of these tissues is what leads to muscle growth. Protein is responsible for muscle repair and therefore muscle repair and strength gains.

The best high protein snacks are those that contain high quality ingredients at a reasonable price and with great flavor. Egg whites, chicken breasts, and yogurt are awesome choices but check out the P90X protein bars for superior quality protein that is perfect for on-the-go snacking.

Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. Naturally found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, fiber is present in those plant-derived foods that are closest to their natural state. In other words, although other carbohydrate products like cookies and French fries contain dietary fiber, they are poor sources. Closer to their natural state, things like oatmeal and sweet potatoes will have higher fiber counts and give you more bang for your caloric buck.

As with any supplement, if your diet is perfect you have no use for them. But really, whose diet is perfect? Dietary fiber supplements can be a good addition on days when you can’t seem to get your fiber count up through diet alone.

Dietary fiber supplements and fiber through whole foods can assist with your weight loss efforts through a few avenues. Fiber tends to be bulky and can fill you up better than other empty calories. This means a fiber-rich meal is often lower in calories than one that is lacking roughage. Also, because it fills you up, you will tend to eat less.

And no discussion of fiber would be complete without talking about its effects on the digestive system. Fiber keeps things moving. Being regular has its benefits both in weight loss and in general health. When you consistently eliminate waste from your body, you find it easier to maintain a steady weight and you just generally feel better.

While a dietary fiber supplement is not a must-have, it isn’t a bad product to have around. The American Heart Association recommends 25 grams of fiber each day. On days when you just can’t hit that mark, consider a natural source fiber supplement to make up the difference.

Medications are toxic chemicals that suppress symptoms while damaging the body at a cellular level. Many of them damage the immune system. This is a foreign concept if you’ve taken a pill for every ache and pain for thirty years.

Instead of investing in disease with your time and money, why not invest in health? Instead of medical insurance and over the counter and prescription drugs, co-pays, and sick days, what if you invested your time into learning about the best supplements? What if you spent your money on healthy food? What if you spent time preparing food and truly being involved with what fuels and nourishes you? What if what went into your body to nourish and heal you was one of the most important things in your life?

Does it seem like a radical concept? It is for most people. But consider this – would you rather take the time to learn about nutrition now? To gain the knowledge and the appreciation of how our bodies actually work? Or would you like to spend even more energy later on in life learning about your new disease and all of the drugs and allergies that come along with it?