Why even use protein powder in the first place? Why not just eat this instead?

Welp, protein powder is an individual decision. I knew dang well my continued body transformation and elevated sexiness ratio would require additional protein, especially since I don’t eat a ton of meat.

So I did my due diligence before my first purchase of NOW Foods Organic 100% Pure Whey Protein Isolate. I sought the opinion of protein users that I know. I read labels and did side-by-side comparisons with my eyeballs. I lurked on forums where people discuss protein powders. I read testimonials on review sites. And I didn’t rush in. I took my time with all of this before deciding on NOW.

Many of the most infamous brands out there I instantly scratched & clawed off my list with my bare fingernails because of the crap they contain. If the protein powder contains Aspartame, Sucralose or Acesulfame-K, it’s not getting near my food trap. If you’re using a powder already and it contains one of these ingredients, please consider running far away from it. Those are artificial sweeteners and they are NOT good for your health.

NOW Foods is family owned and been around since 1968. They take a clean, organic approach to their products. Here’s what they say about the protein powder:

“NOW® Certified Organic Whey Protein is an all-natural whey protein that is concentrated from organic milk, which was produced without the use of synthetic growth hormones (rBGH), antibiotics, or pesticides.  It is processed by low temperature ultrafiltration to limit denaturation of the proteins, and is both bioavailable and easily digested.”

Complete supplement/nutrition facts

But How’s The Taste and Other Benefits?

Now contains NO sugar and has 24 grams of protein per scoop. It dissolves well in liquids and is virtually flavorless. It’s proven to be a wonderful protein-boost in my morning Shakeology feeding. Check it out:

15 grams in Shakeology + 24 grams in NOW = 39 grams of protein

I’ve been using the Whey powder for over a month now. I haven’t had any stomach issues, including no bellyaching, bloating or farting symptoms that protein bars used to give me. Because the last thing I wanna do is fart in my office and then a co-worker walks in. Yes, that’s happened to me before.

One of other key benefits has been the powder’s ability to aid in my muscle recovery after a badass workout. I’m experiencing less soreness and faster recovery time in general, which means I can resume further badass-ness with minimal delays. NOW Foods Protein Powder is definitely a new, permanent fixture among my Home Workout Essentials. Go on and read more NOW testimonials for yourself and decide if it’s right for YOU.

Booyah!

Both Cyclops and humanoid species require delectable foodstuffs in reasonably acceptable portion sizes. ‘Tis true. I totally can’t wait for my next slice-o pie, and I’ll be damned if I let some greedy azz Cyclops take that away from me.

Following your heart — your goals and life’s passion (those things you feel you are meant to achieve, to be and to do)  — can feel uncertain, scary, uncomfortable, far-fetched and downright insensible by “normal” standards.

I am feeling all of these things right now, but gonna go for it anyway.

Wherever you’re headed, don’t shortchange yourself. Don’t skimp out on your potential of what “could be” if you would just go for it and not doubt. Follow your heart.

xoxo,

Josie

Hey guys. I hope you didn’t forget that month this is. You’re a Badass, remember? This workout is dedicated to defining your abs AND burning off the fat in your midsection so the definition in your abs can be revealed extra sexy ‘n stuff.

Equipment Needed: “invisible” jump rope (we all have one)

Primarily Targets: Abs, Cardio

THE WORKOUT (after a thorough warm up)

Part 1) Abs: 12 rep straight-arm planking circuit (watch the video demo below):

• 4-count leg raises
• 4-count air climbers
• 4-count knee to opposite elbow
• Jump feet towards hands, stand up, then jump back down into plank position to repeat 12-reps.

Video Demo

Complete this series 3 times with no breaks (if possible), then move onto Part 2.

Part 2) Cardio: 3-minute intervals circuit

• 45 seconds: rope skipping (use your invisible jump rope)
• 15 seconds: high knee jog

Set your interval timer for 3 rounds of 45-secs/15-secs and give it your all. Engage your core and keep your body tight. No half-assing allowed.

Then take it from the top with Part 1 and complete the entire Workout (Parts 1 & 2) two more times.

• Modifications for planking series: do as many reps as you can and then hold static plank pose for remaining rep count.
• Modifications for cardio intervals: 45 seconds brisk-paced walk in place; 15 seconds high knees march.

Enjoy your workout!

my cake

Several things went wrong. One of which, you may have already noticed.

1. Husband got caught up at work (not his fault), so I had to pick up my own cake. Boooo!

2. I get there and my name is spelled all kinds of wrong.

3. The bakery was about to close, so while I could still pick up the cake, there were no actual bakers on duty to fix my name.

The cake made me laugh, so it’s all good. hehehe.

4. I woke up sick on my birthday (and still am), so I pulled out all the Homeopathic stops to combat this miserable germ infestation I’m dealing with. I slept most of my birthday because I felt like crap.

But in happier news! I got awesome presents: Two pairs of Uggs and a Nook e-Reader. YAY! I’ve never had real Uggs before, only Fuggs (Fake-ass Uggs), but now I scored two REAL pairs in one day!

But seriously, the best part about my birthday were the cards I received in the mail (thanks, guys!) and the time I spent with my Greedy Family. That stuff is priceless.

I hope your weekend is in awesome mode!

xoxo,

Josie (not Josetpe)