USANA 5-day RESET

I just ordered a RESET pack from USANA Health Sciences for myself and will be starting it once I get it. I will be keeping you all updated with photos and letting you all know how I feel during the process. For those of you that don't know what the RESET is, it's a 5-day cleanse system. It comes with everything you need for the 5 days which includes - meal replacement shakes, nutrition bars, daily supplementation, literature and a DVD with instructions and tips.

Some of you may be wondering why I am doing a cleanse. For me, it's not so much a "losing weight" thing. I view the human body as the most important machine/vehicle we have. Just like a vehicle that needs an oil change at certain intervals to keep it running smoothly, we need to flush our system or change our oil every so often to keep our body running clean and at optimal levels.

All my training clients that have done a RESET have lost anywhere from 5lbs to 12lbs during the 5-days and the weight loss wasn't the only benefit. It helped them to get rid of cravings and gave them a much needed energy boost.

Check back to see my RESET experience and see my USANA blog or website for more information.

Secret BBQ tips for the 4th of July

Summertime barbeque’s are often loaded with mystery side salads and fatty cuts of beef.  To avoid gaining back all the weight you've lost, follow these BBQ rules.

1. Beware of Ketchup and other condiments containing high fructose corn syrup. 

Buy Ketchup that is labeled organic.  Make sure to read the ingredients to be sure it is not made with HFCS.  The chemical often added to soft drinks, cookies, and cereal is also a major ingredient for some favorite condiments, including Heinz Ketchup.  Brands like, Organicville have a delicious ketchup that will wow your guests. 

2. Instead of having a burger made with beef, try a bison or veggie burger

Burgers are like a mystery meat.  No one really knows where it came from and how much fat it contains.  Stay smart by trying a bison burger.  It’s lower in fat and typically farmed on a small ranch so you know it’s been grass fed and treated well.  Not an option?  A veggie burger is always a safe bet.  Try Veggie Patch’s Garlic Portabello Mushroom Burger for a meatier patty that tastes great!  You will save yourself at least 100 calories. 

3.  Don’t sabotage your meat with processed white buns!

If you are hosting the BBQ, opt for 100% whole wheat buns.  Know a guest who need gluten-free options?  Indulge them in Ezekial sprouted grain hamburger buns for a gluten-free, option with added protein.  Lastly, go bunless with two slices of iceburg lettuce.  If none of the above are options, try eating one half of the bun, or scoop it out like a bagel. 

4. Spice up grilled chicken or fish without piling on calories!

BBQ sauce can be loaded with sugar.  Choose a brand like Mrs Renfro’s that has only 35 calories per 2 tablespoons.  Better yet, check out their variety of fruit salsa’s to top freshly grilled fish.  Another option?  Try a chutney for a sweater glaze that requires no marinade sitting time.  Try School House Kitchen’s Bardshar Chutney for a versatile BBQ companion.  

5. Skip the mayo drenched salad, and try some grilled veggies!

Macaroni salad, potato salad, and pasta salad are usually a mystery to all guests except the one who made the dish.  Avoid the danger and stick to some grilled veggies or corn.  If you are allowed to bring a side, enlighten your guests by bringing a healthier version of one of the above.  Typically one cup of potato salad has over 300 calories.

Hope this helps and enjoy your 4th of July.

Tom