The New Vanilla Shakeology has finally arrived.  It has been a long time coming as well.  Back at the 2010 coach summit, Carl Daikeler (the CEO of Beachbody), announced that Vanilla Shakeology may never happen.  This was due the the fact that it is extremely difficult to get an Organic Vanilla flavor without cutting the corner of product quality that Shakeology stands for.  But, at this years coach summit, Beachbody announced that they finally found a way to make Vanilla a reality.  The journey took them all the way to Madagascar but they cracked the code.  We now have an awesome Vanilla Shakeology.

What Is Shakeology?

For those of you who don’t know what Shakeology is in the first place, let me explain.  Shakeology is a meal replacement, whole food, high protein shake that is a daily dose of dense nutrition.  It is something that I have been using everyday for the last 3 years.  But believe it or not, I wasn’t always sold on it due to the price.  At $120 per bag, ( $4 per serving), I didn’t think think I could fit it into my budget . But MY Coach showed me how to use it…as a meal replacement.  I realized that if I replaced my pre-workout protein bar ($3) and my multivitamin ($1) that it would equal my cost!  I also realized that the VALUE of nutrition that I would receive from Shakeology would be much greater than a protein bar.  I also decided that I would use it for Lunch occationally which ended up saving me $6 each time I did it!  I still wasn’t convinced however.  So I decided to keep my schedule completely the same except for adding in Shakeology for 30 days.  I was amazed by my results.  I had gone from 8% body fat to 6% and went from 160lbs to 162lbs!  Muscle gain and fat loss!  I was hooked.

Shakeology is by far the healthiest meal I have all day.  I believe in it so much that I have everyone that I care about the most (my wife, mom, dad, friends, etc) using it.  I also now recommend it for everyone going through any Beachbody programs like P90X, Insanity, TurboFire, Body Beast, T25, and for those I Coach (if I’m not your Coach yet, click here, it’s free to sign up).

Vanilla Shakeology Review

Back to Vanilla Shakeology.  I was lucky enough to be able to try it as soon as it was announced at the 2013 Coach summit this year.   I have already tried it over 5 times and can tell you that it is already one of my favorite flavors.  I would put it either tied or right behind Chocolate Shakeology.

Taste:  The taste of Vanilla Shakeology is smooth and settle.  It has a very nice, not too sweet, Vanilla flavor with a hint of Cinnamon.   This combo blends extremely well with Milk, Almond Milk and rice milk.  I also like the fact that I can use a vanilla protein powder with it and it makes it taste great as well.

Overall I would say that Vanilla is definitely a flavor that I will use often.  For me, it is definitely worth trying.

Vanilla Shakeology Recipe

There are a ton of recipes to try but right now, this is my favorite.

• 12 oz of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
• 1 Scoop / Packet of Vanilla Shakeology
• 1 Scoop Vanilla Protein powder
• 1/2 Banana
• 1 cup of ice

Vanilla Shakeology Samples

Want to try Vanilla Shakeology?  There are two ways to do so.  First, you can take up Beachbody on their “Bottom of the Bag” guarentee…this means that you can try the whole bag of Vanilla Shakeology risk free.  If you try the whole thing and are not satisfied then you can just call up Beachbody Customer Service and they will refund you your Money!  It’s a great way to try it for 30 days to see the full effects.

I also have samples of Vanilla Shakeology that I will be sending out every week or so.  In order to receive a free Vanilla Shakeology Sample you have to visite the Shakeology Sample Page Here.  There are some easy requirements to receive it.

1. I have to be your Beachbody Coach! If not, click here.
2. You have to be SERIOUS about purchasing if you like the taste! I have no issue with sending out the sample, but if you don’t plan on purchasing if you like the taste, please don’t request one because it does cost me about $10 to send out a sample. This is something that I’m confident will work for you because of how it did for me, my family, friends, and the other people I coach, so please only request one if you’re really looking to make a change in your health! To request one, either contact me on my Facebook Page or email me at scal11083@beachbodycoach.com

How to Buy Vanilla Shakeology

Buying is vey easy.  Just Click on the link below.  Select your flavor.  Select if you want to get Monthly Auto Ship (which gives you free shipping) or a 1 time order.  Add it to your cart and check out!

The Beachbody Ultimate Reset program has now been released.  The Beachbody Ultimate Reset is a 21 day cleanse/detox program that Beachbody develop so that we can “Reset” our bodies from all the toxins that we encounter on an everyday basis.  Even though the body is extremely resilient, our bodies have been pushed to the limit by pollution, pesticides, preservatives, chemicals, and toxins contained in nearly every item that makes up our modern world. These harmful items disrupt the normal function of our organs and bodily systems, which, in turn, weakens our immunity, hinders metabolic activity, and creates imbalances that can lead to health problems.

The more I have learned about the Beachbody Ultimate Reset program the more intrigued I have become.  I haven’t seen a program like this before.  It’s NOT a “cleanse” in the sense of what you have seen the latest celebrity make famous.  It is a 21 day, Holistic, detoxifying vegan style diet that comes with supplements, recipes, and dvds that help you with each stage of the detox.  The only thing that hold me back from trying it is that it is suggested that you stop rigorous exercise for the full 3 weeks but you can use Tai Cheng.  If it wasn’t for that I would jump on this thing immediately.  The feedback that I have heard has been great so far.  Nothing but good this.  Here is all the info you need on the Beachbody Ultimate Reset below…

YES…Reset My Body!

What is the Beachbody Ultimate Reset?

The Ultimate Reset is a complete, 3-phase daily program that provides you with everything you need to Reclaim your body’s natural balance, Release the harmful materials you may be storing within you, and Restore your system to its maximum health.

Balance Body Chemisty :  Constant consumption of preservatives and chemical-laden foods along with exposure to toxins and pollution impair normal body processes. During Phase 1, you’ll balance your body chemistry with four of the six supplements in order to optimize its systems. This will also reduce cravings or dependencies on items such as sugar or caffeine.

Remove Toxins & Reset Digestion:  In Phase 2, you’ll be reversing the effects of poor habits, unhealthy foods, and environmental toxins. You’ll modify your diet so that your digestive system won’t have to struggle, and digestive problems you may have experienced before such as bloating and indigestion will be significantly reduced as your gasotrointestinal tract is cleansed.

Rejuvenate Your Health:   When you reach Phase 3, you will experience a profound positive change in your mood and energy level. During the final week, you’ll eat foods of high-nutritional value whose nutrients are easily absorbed and return healthy bacteria to your freshly scrubbed digestive tract with pre- and probiotics. This will set you on the path to long-term healthy living.

With the Beachbody Ultimate Reset™ you get these benefits:

• Stronger immune system
• Increased energy and more endurance
• Better digestion, metabolism and weight loss
• A more positive mood and mental clarity

You may or may not know that I received P90X as gift myself.  I got it for Christmas back in 2008.  At the time, I was looking into P90X, talking about it but was afraid to make the commitment.  My Mom decided that it would be a great gift for me since I wanted to take my fitness to the next level.  Little did I know that receiving P90X that year for Christmas would completely change my life.  Not only did I get great 90 Day results, but I continued to push play for almost 3 years now!  My results are continuing, I am not a Team Beachbody Coach (helping thousands of people reach their fitness goals) and am also a Cast Member for P90X2!  All because I received P90X as a gift!!  So why not do the same for someone else?  Give them the gift of fitness this year.

There is a amount range of $25-$500, so you can choose exactly which amount  you want.  They can be used to purchase anything in the TeamBeachbody store, whether it’s workout programs, supplements, or gear.  They also never expire.  Another great reason to buy it is that if you buy the eGift card through me, then the recipient will automatically get assigned me as their coach for free when they use the card.  So they will become apart of our team (team Get Ripped At Home) and have me to help them get the best results possible.

If you are looking to purchase a Team Beachbody eGift Card all you have to do is click the link below.  Customize the message you want sent with it and enter the email address of the person you want to give it too.  Or if you want to give it to them in person, you can just print it off and wrap it for them.  Makes a great stocking stuffer ;).

I started P90X in January of 2009…most people use the new year as a time to join gyms and get back in shape.  Why not give them a program that helps them to get ripped at home ;)?

The best gifts change lives. Give the gift of health and fitness with a Team Beachbody eGift Card. Great for any occasion, this instant gift gives the lucky recipient their choice of fitness programs, nutritional supplements, and gear to help them look and feel better than ever.

FAQ

Buying a Team Beachbody^® eGift Card:

1. How do I buy a Team Beachbody^® eGift Card?

Visit and read the eGift Card Terms and Conditions. Then choose a design, personalize a message, and complete the delivery information. Click “Add to Cart.” You’ll then be prompted in the checkout to provide your payment information.

2. Do I have to be a member of Team Beachbody to purchase a Team Beachbody eGift Card?

Yes, you must be a member of Team Beachbody to purchase an eGift Card or to make a purchase using one. It’s fast, easy, and FREE to sign up! Here are two ways to become a member:

1. Go to TeamBeachbody.com and fill out the short form and follow the directions to sign up for either a FREE or Club membership.

2. Shop in the store on TeamBeachbody.com and add the items you’d like to purchase to your cart. Once you click “Checkout,” you’ll be prompted to sign up for an account.

3. Can I customize the amount on my eGift Card?

You can choose from convenient increments of $25, $50, $100, $250, and $500 for your gift of health and fitness. Purchase one or multiple cards to create your desired amount.

4. How quickly is my eGift Card delivered?

While most eGift Cards will arrive to your email within minutes of placing your order, please allow approximately 2 hours for delivery. You’ll receive an email with your eGift Card along with simple instructions for how to use it.

If it doesn’t arrive within approximately 2 hours, please check to make sure that it wasn’t filed in your spam or junk mail folder. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, please call our friendly Customer Service staff toll free at 1 (800) 997-5602.

5. Can I personalize a message to the recipient of my eGift Card?

Yes, you can. After your order is finalized, you’ll receive an email containing your eGift Card. Type your message into the applicable space in the email, and then forward the email to the recipient, or print and hand-deliver it to your chosen recipient.

6. What will I receive when I order an eGift Card?

You’ll receive two emails shortly after your order is placed. First, you’ll receive an order confirmation email detailing your purchase. Then, you’ll receive the email containing the eGift Card you created and purchased. It will show the design you chose, the card’s value, and the redemption code. Simple instructions for redeeming the eGift Card are also included.

7. Can I print an eGift Card to give as a gift?

Yes, you can print out the eGift Card from the email you receive. Then you can either hand-deliver it or mail it to your recipient with a personalized message.

Redeeming a Team Beachbody^® eGift Card

1. How do I use my eGift Card?

Simply browse and select the item you’d like to purchase from TeamBeachbody.com, and check out as you normally would. When selecting your payment method, select eGift Card. When prompted, enter the redemption code identified on your eGift Card.

If the item(s) you’d like to purchase exceed the balance on your eGift Card, you’ll be asked to provide a valid credit card to cover the remaining balance. If the item(s) you select cost less than the balance on your eGift Card, the balance remaining after your purchase will be stored on your eGift Card and available for future purchases.

2. I’m having trouble placing an order with my eGift Card. What should I do?

If you’re placing an order and there aren’t enough funds on your eGift Card, you’ll be asked to add another valid form of payment to cover your balance. You’ll be able to view each individual charge when you check out.

If you’re having a problem using your eGift Card for any reason, call our friendly Customer Service staff toll free at 1 (800) 997-5602.

3. Are there any restrictions for using an eGift Card?

Yes. Please read the eGift Card Terms and Conditions for a full list of restrictions by clicking here. Among other restrictions, please note that if you purchase an eGift Card on TeamBeachbody.com, you will not be allowed to purchase any products that are sold on Beachbody.com. To purchase items sold on Beachbody.com, please purchase a Beachbody eGift Card on the Beachbody.com Web site.

4. What happens to the unused portion of my eGift Card balance?

The balance remaining on your eGift Card will always be available so you can use it on future purchases. There’s no time limit to worry about—your Team Beachbody eGift Cards never expire.

5. What happens if my purchase amount is greater than the balance on my eGift Card?

When you purchase products on TeamBeachbody.com that exceed the balance on your eGift Card, you’ll be prompted to enter a valid credit card to pay for the remaining balance that your eGift Card doesn’t cover.

6. What do I do if my eGift Card is lost or stolen?

If your eGift Card has been lost or stolen, try reprinting it (provided you bookmarked it in your browser) OR click on the link in the original email.

To report a lost or stolen eGift Card, call us toll free at 1 (800) 997-5602.

A replacement eGift Card may be issued, subject to the eGift Card Terms and Conditions.

7. How do I check my eGift Card balance?

It’s easy to view the balance on your eGift Card. Simply enter your eGift Card number into the form on the right side of the screen to check the remaining balance.

(Click the Pic to Enlarge)

For those of you who haven’t tried Shakeology yet, you can get a free sample, if you are already a member on my team,  or you can order it with a “Bottom of the Bag Guarantee”.  That means that you can try Shakeology out for 30 days and if you don’t like it you can send it back.  Chances are you will like it very much.  Shakeology is a meal replacement drink that has everything that our bodies need to be working at full capacity that we don’t get from our everyday diets.  All you have to do is substuite 1 meal or snack per day with Shaekology and you will see great results in Health, results and energy.

To order Shakeology Risk Free CLICK HERE (don’t forget that you get free shipping by ordering on monthly auto)

We Go Both Wheys…

by Carl Daikeler

Recently, we’ve received some questions about what constitutes a good source of protein and what is suspect.

In fact we’ve seen some leading opinion makers start to criticize whey protein isolate -  apparently to justify their own line of protein products. The arguments regarding whey protein isolate vs. whey protein concentrate which I have read are usually one-dimensional and fail to paint a complete picture of the benefits found in both types of whey protein.

On behalf of Beachbody’s formulation and scientific experts, I’ve asked our team to dispel the myths about whey and clear up some of the confusion. Below, we describe why we feel whey protein isolate is appropriate if not more favorable than other dairy-sources of protein, and by far more desirable than soy – even for my vegan wife and Shakeology co-formulator, Isabelle.

Myth #1: Protein isolates are proteins stripped away from their nutritional co-factors.

Whey protein isolate is the most pure and concentrated form of whey protein available. It contains 90% or more protein and very little (if any) fat and lactose. While it is possible that some nutritional co-factors found in whey protein concentrate are not found in isolates, consider that the synthesis of whey protein isolate with the over 70 organic compounds and super foods in our Shakeology product provide a comprehensive and bio-available spectrum of nutrients for the human body. Whey protein isolate is also an exceptional choice for individuals with lactose intolerance or who experience bloating and other problems associated with whey protein concentrate.  Whey concentrate is the better choice for supplements which have a more targeted focus (such as muscle recovery) versus total nutrition. A high quality whey protein concentrate is used in Beachbody’s P90X Results and Recovery and Whey Protein Powder products.

Myth #2- Whey protein isolates are exposed to acid processing.

Isolates can be processed a number of ways. Processing whey protein to remove the lactose, fats, and cholesterol while not losing its biological activity takes special care by the manufacturer. We have gone to great lengths to make sure that the whey protein isolate in Shakeology is purified using a technique called ion-exchange where protein is separated through its specific electrical charge. No acid is used in this process. The Shakeology whey isolate is extracted using a cold-processing method, avoiding high heat, leaving it 90% protein and virtually fat and lactose-free. Great care is taken not to ‘denature’ the protein in Shakeology. That’s why we call it “nature in a bag.” We mean it.

Myth #3: Your body cannot assimilate proteins in isolated form.

There is no credible science to support this assertion. Whey protein is a very high quality complete protein with rich amounts of all the essential amino acids. Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey protein, which is why it is absorbed efficiently into the body.

Isabelle is a great example of someone who cannot ingest Whey Concentrate on a regular basis because she is allergic to dairy (protein & all). She suffered from intense bloating, gas and nausea.

The enzymes and vitamins present in the fat and environment of whey concentrate do not seem to enhance her ability to process it, and that’s even with extra enzymes taken with the meal for good measure. Still no luck.

She has used whey protein isolate in her diet on a regular basis, through Shakeology for years now, and she has not only had no adverse reaction, but the whey isolate has satisfied her protein requirements in an otherwise complete vegan lifestyle.

Myth #4: Due to over-processing, isolates are deficient in key amino acids.

Not true. Protein is made up of essential and non-essential amino acids, which are the “building blocks” for healthy bodies. The body is able to make non-essential amino acids from other amino acids in the body. However, the body is not able to make essential amino acids and the only way to get them is by eating high quality protein foods. Protein sources that contain all of the essential amino acids are called “complete proteins”.

Good news: The whey used in Shakeology is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids exclusively in the more natural L-form (not D-form). Additionally, all of the 3 branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) including Leucine are present in Shakeology at high levels.

Finally, we all need to understand that the human body is exceptionally complex and always changing. What your body needed today it may not need in ten years. What it reacted to ten years ago it may crave today. And every one is different.

We don’t expect Shakeology to be the answer for everyone, and we are always working on ways we can complement the line of healthy options (and flavors, yes… it’s true.)

Every ingredient in Shakeology has been selected carefully to create a nutritional “symphony” of ingredients working together for maximum biological value. We would never include “putrid proteins” or chemical additives in a product we stand behind as “the healthiest meal of the day.”

All Beachbody nutrition products are 3rd party tested to ensure they are free of rancidity, toxins, hormones and all of the other things most people fear from dairy products. When sorting through the endless amounts of nutritional advice found in the Internet, consider the source, and above all else, look to your own body’s response for a clue to the truth. Be wary of individuals or companies offering alarmist nutritional advice while at the same time hocking their own products. (And when someone says their shake is as good as Shakeology, ask them to prove it with an unconditional money back guarantee.)

Oh snap! No he didn’t! (Yes, we did.)

source:  http://www.carldaikeler.com/2011/10/we-go-both-wheys/

What’s your take on Whey Isolate or Concentrate?  Do you have a preference?

Most of you who are going through P90X ask me what supplements I recommend.  Shakeology is on the top of my list.  When I started P90X back in January of 2009, I didn’t have Shakeology because it wasn’t created yet.  Since it has been created I have been taking it and reaping the benefits.  Both in my health and in my all around fitness.  So I truly believe that if you really want to get extreme results with P90X, you should definitely do your self and body a favor and try Shakeology.

How do you incorporate Shakeology into the P90X diet guide though?  Well, the good news is that the P90X diet guide has you eating a very healthy amount of food.  As a matter of fact, when I first started P90X, the guide had me eating MORE calories than what I was eating before.  P90X2 will incorporate Shakeology into the nutrition plan so you don’t have to worry about it, but in the mean time I found this great article by one of my favorite Fitness Experts, Steve Edwards.  If you have read some of my other posts, you will know that this man knows his stuff.  So if you have questions about Shakeology and P90X, here is all the info you need!

Can Shakeology replace one of my meals in the P90X nutrition plan?

I’d hope so, given that it’s a meal replacement shake! But seriously, Xers do have a different nutritional equation to consider than most other people do. Generally, meal replacement shakes are designed so you drink one of them instead of eating a meal to help you lose weight. Of course, Shakeology fits into this mold just fine. In fact, given how nutrient-dense it is, I’d say it’s better than anything on the market. And even though it contains an entire day’s worth of many nutrients, it’s still only 140 to 150 calories.

Aren’t most of the meals in the P90X nutrition plan in the 400 to 500 calorie range?

Exactly. And it won’t serve the average Xer well to cut out calories. This is because as you get fitter, your nutritional requirements change along with your body composition. When you first start to exercise, you can lose weight just by restricting your caloric intake. But as you gain muscle, you need to eat more to continue losing weight, and this is often a lot more than you ate when you first began losing weight—sometimes it’s more than double. If you eat too little during P90X, your weight loss can plateau, along with your ability to do the workouts.

This is why we give you a lot of smoothie recipes and options. Shakeology, like many other meal replacement shakes, can be a component of something larger. For meals, we suggest adding more calories from healthy fat sources, like nut butters (almonds, cashews, etc.), along with more standard smoothie-like ingredients, like fruit. Doing this not only brings your calories into line with your diet plan, but helps you balance your meals so they digest more slowly, like ordinary meals generally do.

I’m doing the portion approach in P90X. What block(s) could Shakeology replace?

The portion plan is basically little chunks of macronutrients portioned out to help you easily balance your diet. Shakeology is equal parts carbs and protein, with almost no fat. So Shakeology can replace one block of protein and one block of carbs.

Can Shakeology replace one of the snacks in the P90X nutrition plan?

Shakeology is an incredibly nutrient-rich snack, a perfect snack for Xers. Again, because it doesn’t have much fat, its nutrients are put to use very quickly by your body. This makes it an ideal pick-me-up snack when you’re on the go. It’s better, in fact, than a lot of energy drinks. While something like Red Bull^® might give you more up-front punch, Shakeology will give you sustained energy because it’s providing nutrients your body needs to get things done, and it has a low glycemic impact, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable.

Shakeology’s macronutrient ratio splits the difference among sports drink, protein shake, and recovery drink, but it can substitute for any or all of them, because it also has an excellent micronutrient profile. Most people are focused only on macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbs), but macronutrients are only part of your nutritional equation. Micronutrients are things like phytonutrients, adaptogens, and other scientific-sounding stuff. While we refer to these as “micro,” nutritionally, they’re anything but small. Many of them are absolutely essential for a healthy life. Shakeology speeds these micronutrients into your system, which enables you to perform better.

Why don’t we hear more about the importance of micronutrients?

Not to dwell too much on conspiracy theories, but “Big Food,” as we call the American food industry, doesn’t want us focusing on micronutrients because most of them have been destroyed in many of the foods we eat, killed by things like processing and pasteurization. These processed foods are then sprinkled with what have been lobbied to be “important” ingredients, but which in reality barely provide enough nutrition for basic survival, as opposed to thriving. As you can observe by watching the American population grow “larger,” this is leading to all sorts of problems.

In nature, of course, food doesn’t come packaged and processed and robbed of vital nutrients that make it good for us. It has a balance of nutrients that help sustain life. It’s possible for food scientists to recreate this balance in processed foods, but this is expensive. Essentially, if it doesn’t fit the numbers, shareholders don’t want to see it happen. So the Big Food corporations make cheap food and keep us in the dark about nutrition. This is exactly why we’re in the predicament we’re in today, with obesity and poor health, because it’s much cheaper to make calorie-rich, nutrient-poor food than it is to produce natural food.

This is why Shakeology has been designed the way it has. There isn’t any one food in nature that has all the micronutrients we need to fill the nutritional gaps in our diets—that’s why we need to eat a variety of foods. But most of us don’t do that. So at its core, this is what Shakeology is doing—filling in our nutritional gaps.

Can Shakeology substitute for P90X^® Results and Recovery Formula^®?

It’s not an exact swap, but you could do a lot worse. When you’re training very hard, like those times when your body is shaking—during, say, P90X Chest & Back—Results and Recovery Formula is better because your body is “bonking”; it’s essentially run out of glycogen, or blood sugar. Any time you’re in this state, the more quickly you can recharge your glycogen, the less damage you’ll do to your muscle cells, and the faster you’ll recover. It’s the one and only time sugar is a preferred nutrient in your diet.

Shakeology doesn’t have nearly as much sugar as Results and Recovery Formula does. Shakeology only has a little, for nutrient transport. But because Shakeology’s other ingredients also support your digestive processes, it helps you assimilate nutrients more rapidly. The latest science showing that a small amount of protein can “piggyback” on sugar, helping your body put the protein to use more rapidly, during or after exercise, holds true for Shakeology. It’s not as effective as a Results and Recovery Formula for your hardest workouts, but at any other time, it’s pretty darn good.

How’s Shakeology as a protein shake?

Shakeology has an ample amount of protein. While many protein shakes on the market may have more grams of protein, the type of protein they use often digests so slowly you can’t drink them when you’re active. Shakeology uses whey protein, which is one of the most (if not the most) bioavailable sources of protein. That means it absorbs more quickly into the system than other proteins do. Most proteins, especially when you get them in a whole food, take forever to digest. This means that eating protein right before, during, or right after exercise is generally a waste, because your body is using energy to digest something that won’t help you for hours, energy that it could be using to enhance your workout or recovery. But when you combine whey protein along with Shakeology’s other nutrients, you have a high-protein shake that can fit into many different nutritional slots in your day, something a standard protein drink can’t do.

Should I still bother taking P90X  Peak Health Formula or ActiVit^® multivitamins if I’m drinking Shakeology every day?

We get the vitamin question a lot, because Shakeology has so many vitamins in it already. However, using my previous example involving processed foods, on any given day, most of us only get a fraction of the nutrients we should be consuming, even when we’re eating more calories than we should. This is exactly why we have vitamin supplements in the first place. Throw exercise into the equation, which accelerates your body’s usage of nutrients, and you can see why we recommend so many times the recommended daily allowance* (RDA) for certain vitamins and minerals.

For an average person, Shakeology might eliminate the need for a multivitamin. But if you remember the movie Supersize Me, you may recall that the average American takes about 600 steps a day—which isn’t even your warm-up for a P90X workout! No one doing a Beachbody program is average. Xers, especially, are advised to take additional vitamin supplements.

It’s also great to take your supplements along with Shakeology because they’ll digest more easily with help from Shakeology’s digestive enzymes and whole-food sources of nutrients. One of the limiting factors with supplements is how well (or not so well) your body can assimilate them. Adding them to something you know your digestive system can break down easily is a plus.

It’s important to mention two other variables here as well. First, many—if not most—of our customers are trying to lose weight. This requires reducing caloric intake while adding exercise, which increases nutrient requirements. Starting to see an equation where multivitamins and supplements make sense? The body can be a complex organism, but this comes down to simple math. The key to losing weight isn’t just reducing calories; it’s also finding a way to reduce your caloric intake and still get enough nutrients to keep you body functioning at its highest level. To do this, you need to seek out nutrient-dense foods. As I said before, you’d be hard-pressed to find something else that’s as nutrient-dense as Shakeology.

Then there’s the RDA, which is the “recommended daily allowance” for everybody. Imagine one nutritional number for every person on the planet, from a 100-pound computer programmer who sits all day to a 350-pound NFL lineman. How absurd is that? Anybody who’s doing P90X is no longer an average individual. So chances are the RDA won’t fit the bill if you want your body to perform as well as it can.

When’s the best time to drink Shakeology during a P90X day?

One of the beautiful things about Shakeology is how versatile it is. Because it helps you digest anything you consume along with it, there isn’t really a wrong time to have it. Ideally, its best slot in an Xer’s day is as a pre-workout snack, taken about 1 hour prior to your warm-up. Then your workout will help you get the most out of Shakeology, and the Shakeology will help you during the latter part of your workout, especially if your glycogen stores have been depleted slightly. Shakeology can also be effective pre-workout, post-workout, or any time during the day when your energy’s flagging and you need a pick-me-up. Or you can make Shakeology smoothies and simply replace your meals. Basically, you can’t go wrong.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about Shakeology?

Price holds a lot of people back, and I can understand that on the surface, Shakeology might look expensive. We tend to look at foods in a cost-to-calorie ratio, instead of a cost-to-nutrient ratio. Sure, you can buy a Big Gulp^® and you get 800 calories for a dollar (or something like that). But what good are they? There are no micronutrients. They’re full of man-made sugar, chemicals, and the by-products of genetically modified corn and soy production—no nutrition whatsoever. Whereas if you tried to assemble all the nutrients in Shakeology independently, you’d have to spend 40 bucks.

If you’re serious about your health, you should consider what you spend your money on. People drop 3 to 4 bucks a day on things that are a detriment to their health without batting an eye. We’re talking the retail price of a latte or a smoothie, or any number of things that are even less healthy. The consumer is essentially at war with a bunch of corporations that seem to be trying to poison them to make a quick buck. The obesity trend will only end when we take some responsibility for our health and begin to make better food choices.

If you have any questions about Shakeology and P90X, please use Feel free to comment below or contact me!

Believe it or not, I was a skeptic.  It took me over 6 months to even try Shakeology.  Once I did and committed to it for 30 days, I was pretty amazed by the way I felt, and the way my body responded.  For those of you who have been reading my site for some time now, you know that I replaced 1 of my meals with Shakeology and changed nothing else.  The results?…I went from 160lbs – 162 lbs and dropped 2% body fat.  I am still surprised by this.  But the more I hear the success people are having with this meal replacement drink, the more excited I am about it.   Just the other day Beachbody announced they are making a Vegan Shakeology even!

I am constantly getting the question, “What is comparable to Shakeology?”  I believe it’s because of the cost per bag.  Each serving is around $4 which is a fairly inexpensive meal if you are using Shakeology as a meal replacement (which you should be).  I know that when I eat out at lunch it can be between $7-$10.  The answer though is that there really isn’t a product that compares.  So I wanted to share this article written by Carl Daikeler, the CEO or Beachbody, talking about How to Compare Shakeology to other products.  It gives you an insiders look as to why they made this product and what they hope to accomplish with it.  It also shows you what to look out for in your diet.  Great stuff!

How To Compare Shakeology

Or, “How Do I Really Know If This is Worth the Money When Everything Else Costs Less?”

There are many “protein shakes” and meal replacements that are less expensive than Shakeology. But  comparisons – based on the simple “protein shake” or even “health shake” are usually off the mark because of intangibles like quality of sourcing, efficacy, and the delicate balance of incredible health benefits and delicious flavor that is unique to Shakeology.

When we developed Shakeology, our goal was to fill a void in the marketplace where the benefits of the shake would live up to the promise of the line “The Healthiest Meal of the Day.”  Shakeology was designed for people who want more than protein, and for people who really expect  the health benefits being represented by the ingredients on the label. With Shakeology not only do you get what you pay for, but because it tastes so good and the attention to every detail is so complete, you get more than you pay for.

To really know whether a product measures up to Shakeology, you need to keep some things in mind:

How Much is “Enough”?

We are proud of Shakeology’s 70+ ingredients. Other shakes will trumpet the number of ingredients they have too. But are the ingredients they are counting actually good for you?

Are they derived from whole food sources? They are in Shakeology! Too often the “magic ingredient” has been isolated from the enzymes and phytonutrients which actually are what is needed to make the “magic ingredient” effective when consumed.

And does the competition formulate for the synergistic benefits between the ingredients, or just slap together whatever is hot in the media? Shakeology was specially formulated for the collection of ingredients to work together like a symphony; this combination is so effective some people report dramatic benefits within the first week. We’re not just talking about weight loss here, we’re talking meaningful health benefits; regularity, energy, vitality!

Other supplements point to one or two individual ingredients and build a “story” around their super food attributes…  that’s like saying you can put Michael Jordan on a team of amateurs and still have a championship caliber team. Shakeology’s specially selected ingredients work like the dream team, all working together so YOU get the health benefits from the healthiest meal of the day.

Vanilla?

If the shake you’re considering is vanilla, how do they achieve vanilla flavoring? Our research indicates that it is impossible for the superfoods, adaptogen herbs, anti-oxidants, phytonutrients and digestive enzymes to co-exist and taste good in a vanilla flavor, unless the vanilla flavor is achieved chemically and artificially. (It’s the “dirty little secret” of the flavoring industry even though labeling guidelines still allow this artificial flavoring  to be called “natural vanilla flavoring”) Other companies are willing to use that labeling loophole for their benefit. But not Shakeology.

So here’s the question; are you drinking the shake so you can enjoy vanilla, or so you can get the incredible health benefits from a shake that doesn’t taste like a “health drink”? We call Shakeology “the healthiest meal of the day” for a reason, and we plan on doing what it takes to live up to that.

Protein:

When it comes to comparing protein quality, you need to look closely to see the truth:

“Say NO to soy”

Does the competition use ANY soy in their formulation? Soy protein contains estrogen-mimicking compounds that can interfere with your hormones, and on top of that most of the soy in the marketplace is GMO (genetically modified), two important reasons why we don’t use soy in Shakeology.

It is our general opinion that many people are consuming too much soy in the pursuit of health – and thus perhaps producing too much estrogen which can cause many adverse issues in the body.  Do a little research of your own on the topic, and you will be as shocked as we are at what you will learn about soy.

Likewise, if a company is promoting that their protein is “more absorbable”, be careful. Protein sources like Whey Protein Hydrolysate have been shown to trigger a much higher insulin response in the body. That’s not an outcome we would tolerate in any health shake, much less Shakeology.

Our protein source is whey protein isolate, which is more than 90 percent pure protein. Plus, Shakeology is loaded with digestive enzymes-and lactase, that’s the enzyme that breaks down lactose and is found in over-the-counter products like Lactaid^®.  Don’t confuse whey protein concentrate with “isolate”. Whey protein concentrate is the least pure form of whey protein made. The benefits of “isolate” vs. “concentrate” is that the fat has been removed to achieve “isolate”. The fat in whey protein is what carries toxins consumed by the animal. That’s the reason Shakeology can be used by so many people who are lactose-intolerant – because those toxins have been removed through the isolate process.

We also look at the source of every single protein batch that shows up at the manufacturer.  If we find the manufacturer is cutting a corner by bringing in protein from farms that use hormones or are ok feeding inorganic materials to their cattle, we tell them to find another source.  This is the kind of scrutiny that other companies just don’t give their product, and it’s the kind of attention to detail which doesn’t show on the label. (But it does show in how you feel when you consume the product over the long term!)

Glycemic index tested…

In terms of sugar, many protein shakes have 1g of sugar or less. This is because they are using artificial chemical sweeteners (check the label for sucralose, aspartame, or sugar alcohols). Shakeology’s small amounts of sugar comes from natural sources which are easily processed by the body and in fact has been tested and certified by an independent lab to have a Low Glycemic Index of 24 – that’s lower than most fruits (an apple is 36 and an orange is 43)!

What is not in the base, they may suggest you add later:

Other shakes don’t cost as much as Shakeology at first glance, but they also don’t contain the full profile of  vitamins and minerals or whole-food sources of anti-oxidants, phytonutrients, adaptogen herbs, prebiotics, probiotics or digestive enzymes. We’ve seen competitors make you buy a separate vitamin pack for $150 per month! And if you want chocolate flavoring you have to buy a separate flavor packet for an extra $25 a month. If you want metabolism boosting effects and appetite control, you have to buy 2 additional products at $50 each. Once you add it up, this is hardly a “good deal” and it is usually questionably healthy..

To achieve the benefits of Shakeology we’ve seen competitors charge between $250 and $335 per month! $120 doesn’t seem expensive when you realize all of the benefits Shakeology delivers.

SUMMARY:

Formula: 70+ of the healthiest ingredients from whole food sources from around the world (including anti-oxidants, phytonutrients, adaptogen herbs, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, vitamins and minerals VS. protein, fillers, artificial coloring, and isolated glamour ingredients

Winner: Shakeology

Protein Source: Shakeology’s 15g of pure whey protein isolate plus 2g from plant sources VS soy, hydrolyzed whey and/or whey concentrate blend.

Winner: Shakeology

Taste: Rich chocolate or greenberry Shakeology Vs. chemically derived artificial-flavored competition?

Winner: Shakeology

Price: $120 for Shakeology  VS. Oops! It’s impossible to compare lesser formulations on price. But if you add in all the separate vitamins and flavoring agents the other companies ask you to buy to (try and) match the benefits and nutritional content of Shakeology, you would easily spend over $300 every month – that’s  2 ½ times the cost of Shakeology!  Sure, chocolate milk is cheaper than Shakeology. A vanilla soy shake can be cheaper than Shakeology – until you try to add what Shakeology’s got, and match what Shakeology can do for you, and then it’s no contest.

Winner: Shakeology

The best comparison is results. From weight loss and reduction in cravings, to regularity, to healthier cholesterol levels, to energy, to an overall sense of well being… We give a bottom-of-the-bag money-back guarantee on Shakeology because we KNOW people will be amazed at how they feel. Shakeology is the winner by a total knock out!

If you want to try Shakeology, Beachbody gives a 30 day “Bottom of the Bag” Guarantee.  Try it yourself by CLICKING HERE

I wanted to make today’s post nutrition oriented, so I decided to take share with everyone this great article that I came across last week.  Nutrition can be a tricky subject, and when you think you’re eating something healthy you may not be. There are foods out there that can fool you.  You see, the food industry is constantly trying to cut corners to make food cheaper and more easily manufactured.  The problem is that the consumer (you and I) wouldn’t want to eat something that we think is inferior quality.  So food companies market their foods different to make sure we still THINK that we are eating what we THINK we are eating.  This leads to use consuming added preservatives, artificial flavors, processed sugar, artificial sweeteners, binders, thickeners, etc….The list literally goes on and on.

One of my favorite examples of how messed up our food industry is, is Peanut Butter.  It should be literally 2 ingredients…can you guess what they are?  Peanuts and Salt.  That’s it!  But time you’re at the store look on the back of the original Skippy Peanut Butter and you will find a LIST of ingredients.

So here are some foods that can fool you.  Please be aware that these foods SHOULD be healthy in their most natural form.  It’s up to you to look at the label, the ingredients and the nutritional info to figure out if you’re being mislead.

9 Foods That Can Fool You

by Denis Faye

Today, it’d be nice to think we’ve transcended the Diet Plate. Sadly, this isn’t the case. Even today, there are dozens of foods we fool ourselves into thinking are healthful when in truth they do nothing but pad our hips and arteries. Here are nine of the worst offenders on your grocery store shelves.

1.  Yogurt. It starts out as good stuff. Fat aside, there’s the calcium and protein you find in all milk products, along with probiotics, which make it easier to digest for those with lactose issues. The only problem is that straight yogurt can be pretty bitter, so manufacturers load the stuff with sugar and masquerade those carbs as fruit in an effort to make the whole thing more palatable. Have a look at most flavored yogurt and you’ll find the second ingredient to be sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. One container of Yoplait^® Original Strawberry has 170 calories, with 5 grams of protein and 33 grams of carbohydrates, 27 of which are sugar. Oddly enough, these are the exact same nutrition facts for Yoplait’s other, less healthy-sounding flavors, including Key Lime Pie and White Chocolate Raspberry.
Solution: Buy plain yogurt and flavor it yourself. You’d be amazed at how far a handful of raspberries or a tablespoon of honey will go to cut the bitter taste. And while you’re at it, choose the low-fat or fat-free stuff. You’ll still get all the nutritional benefits.

2.  Wheat Bread. If you’re reading this, you probably know enough about nutrition to understand that whole-grain wheat is better for you than refined wheat. By keeping the bran and germ, you maintain the naturally occurring nutrients and fiber.

But for some reason, manufacturers constantly come up with new chicanery to lead you back to the refined stuff. One of their latest tricks is to refer to refined flour as “wheat flour” because, obviously, it’s made of wheat. But just because it’s wheat-based doesn’t mean it’s not refined. The distracted shopper can mistake this label for “whole wheat flour” and throw it in his cart. Another loaf of cruddy, refined, fiberless bread has a new home.

Solution: Slow down when you read the label. That word “whole” is an important one.

3.  Chicken. Just because you made the switch from red meat doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. If you opt for dark meat—the wings, thighs, and legs—you’re losing protein and gaining fat. Three ounces of raw chicken breast, meat only, has 93 calories, 19.5 grams of protein, and 1.2 grams of fat. Three ounces of dark meat, meat only, is 105 calories, 18 grams of protein, and 3.6 grams of fat. It may not seem like much, but it adds up.

Solution: Go for the breast, and while you’re at it, ditch the skin. It’s nothing but fat.

4.  Frozen or canned fruit. Any food swimming in juice or “light syrup” isn’t going to work in your favor on the scale. Furthermore, most canned fruit is peeled, meaning you’re being robbed of a valuable source of fiber.

Frozen fruit is a little trickier. While freezing preserves the fruit itself, adding sugar during the freezing process preserves color and taste; so many store-bought frozen fruits throw it in.

Solution: Read that ingredients list! You want it to say fruit, water—and that’s it.

5.  Canned veggies. “What?” you declare. “There’s light syrup in canned string beans too?” Nope—actually, they add salt to preserve this produce. A half-cup serving of canned string beans has approximately 300 to 400 milligrams of sodium.

Solution: Many companies offer “no salt added” options. If you can’t find one to your liking, go frozen instead—no salt (or light syrup), or better yet, buy fresh.

6.  Peanut butter. Squish up peanuts, maybe add a little salt. How hard is it to make that taste good?

Apparently, it’s so incredibly difficult that many companies feel compelled to add sugar or high-fructose corn syrup into the mix. Why? I don’t know. Some manufacturers, such as Skippy^®, are up front enough to admit this and call their product “Peanut Butter Spread,” but many others still refer to this sugary concoction as good old “peanut butter.”

Solution: Read the label. (There’s a theme emerging here.) Considering real peanut butter has one ingredient—two ingredients, max—it shouldn’t be too hard to figure it out.

7.  Juice. The range in the nutritional value of store-bought juices is massive. On one end, you have “fruit drinks” with just a modicum of actual juice in them. On the other end, you have fresh-squeezed, 100 percent preservative-free juices like Odwalla^® and Naked Juice^®. But no matter which one you choose, it’s important to remember that it’s never going to be as healthy as whole fruit. And if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s a flat-out bad idea. First off, it’s been stripped of fiber, so you absorb it faster, which makes it more likely to induce blood-sugar spikes. Secondly, you consume it faster and it’s less filling, so you’re more likely to drink more.

Solution: If you must buy it, go fresh-squeezed, but you’re usually better off just skipping it entirely.

8.  Canned soup. As is also the case with canned veggies, you’re entering a sodium minefield. Half a cup of Campbell’s^® Chicken Noodle Soup has 890 milligrams of sodium. That’s 37 percent of the recommended daily allowance*—and who eats half a cup?

Solution: Read those labels carefully. Most companies make low-sodium versions.

9.  Fat-free salad dressing: Dressing by definition is supposed to be fatty, and thus highly caloric. You use a little bit of it, and in doing so, you get a healthy hit of the fats you need for a nutritionally balanced diet. Unfortunately, people prefer to buy fat-free versions so they can drown their greens while avoiding excess fat. Nothing’s free. All this stuff does is replace the fat with carbs and salt, so you’ve basically gone from pouring a little healthy unsaturated fat on your salad to dumping on a pile of sugar. For example, Wish-Bone^® Fat Free Chunky Blue Cheese has 7 grams of pure carbs and 270 milligrams of sodium for 2 tablespoons, which you’ll never stop at anyway. Also, given that there’s no fat or protein in this particular dressing, one can only imagine what makes it chunky.

Solution: Make your own salad dressing. One part vinegar and one part olive oil with a blob of Dijon mustard makes an awesome vinaigrette. And here’s another trick: Make your salad in a sealable container, add a tiny bit of dressing, and shake it up. It’ll coat so much more than tossing will.

And finally, make that salad with romaine lettuce, spinach, or some other nutrient-rich leafy green. As far as we’re concerned, nutrient-poor iceberg lettuce should have gone the way of the South Dakota Diet Plate.

resource: http://www.beachbody.com/product/p90x-online/nl/p90xnl_097.do#article2

Have you been fooled before?  Did you just realize something you are eating isn’t what it seems?  Let us know!

Sleep

Why is Sleep So Important?

It doesn’t matter who you talk to, coaches, bodybuilders, trainers, professional athletes, fitness experts, etc…they all will tell you how important it is to get adequate sleep after you train.  Sleep is crucial because it does one thing…RECOVER.  You see, even if you are extreme P90Xer, or an Insane cardio junkie that pushes yourself to the limits each and every workout all that hard work won’t mean anything unless your body is able to recover.  During our workouts we break down muscle tissue so it can be repaired, making the muscle denser or bigger and stronger.  Sleep can restore our body by promoting muscle growth, tissue repair, protein synthesis, and the release of growth hormones.  This occurs ONLY during sleep.  Sleep is as essential as breathing and eating.

So if your going through P90X, Insanity, TurboFire, or any other fitness program, you have to get your sleep!

Are You Sleep Deprived?

If you think your not getting enough sleep then chances are, you are right.  It is estimated that 50-70 million people in the U.S. don’t get enough sleep every night.  Here are some signs, courtesy of Karen Tonnis at Beachbody that you aren’t getting enough sleep

- Hitting the snooze button consistently on your alarm clock

- Yawning uncontrollably and at inappropriate times (e.g., workplace meetings, parent-teacher conferences)

- Feeling sluggish in the afternoon

- Getting drowsy while driving

- Having heavy eyelids and watery eyes

- Experiencing memory lapses

- Experiencing irritability and low energy

- Feeling excessive hungriness or a complete lack of appetite

How Much Sleep Do You Need?

Studies have shown that the average person should get 6-8 hours of sleep each night.  If you are doing an extreme fitness program like P90X then you should aim for 7-9 hours.

Sleeping Tips

- Avoid Caffeine in the afternoon.  From 4 to 6 hours before bedtime, avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and other chemicals that interfere with sleep.  Or just avoid them all together.

-  Stay on schedule.  Getting to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning helps.  Keep a regular sleep habit.  You won’t even need your alarm clock.

-  Keep exercising.  Exercise can help you fall asleep faster and make your sleep more restful.  I sleep like a baby now that I am in better shape…funny how that works.

-  Try to avoid long daytime naps.  Sleep is meant for night time.  Short naps are great for recharging and catching up on missed sleep but to many long naps can interfere with your regular sleep schedule.

-  Avoid late night electronics.  TV’s, iPads, Cell phones, lap tops all hurt sleep cycles.  They keep you up late and keep your mind active.  ease into sleep by creating a relaxing routine before bed.

If your looking for great results with P90X, Insanity or TurboFire then you have to get your sleep.  If your working out hard during the day and eating right then you must get enough sleep to get the most out of your workouts and nutrition.  It is the other major key to success with these programs.  If your going through these programs and still not seeing great results then it could be your lack of sleep.  Your body needs time to recovery and repair, give it the time it deserves.

How much Sleep do you get each night?  Do you need to try to get more?

Americans tend to eat plenty of fats in their daily lives but they lack Omega 3s.  The processed foods we all eat are abundant in Omega 6 and 9s but never seem to get enough Omega 3s.  One of the reasons is food quality in our country.  Omega 3s are hard to get because we don’t get it from the proper sources and our proteins (meat and fish) are all raised in a manner that isn’t conducive to them being high in Omega 3s.  Our cows are fed corn instead of grass, our salmon is farmed raised instead of caught in the wild and our diets lack the proper nuts and seeds that give us this great Fat source.  Fat is not the enemy.  You have to eat the right type of fat to get the benefits.

So What does Omega 3s do?  Here are some examples:

• Omega 3s Boost muscle Building. Yep, I bet you didn’t know that.  New research is coming out saying that these fatty acids get incorporated into the membranes of muscle cells.  This actually helps by enhancing the integrity of muscle fibers.  Omega 3s also increase muscle mass by increasing insulin sensitivity in muscles.  Insulin is an anabolic hormone, and increasing the bodies sensitivity to it essentially increases its anabolic action.  Fats are also essential in protein synthesis.  Omega 3 supplementation is being shown to help this process as well.
• Omega 3s Help to reduce body fat. Omega 3s are readily converted to prostaglandis, hormone like substance that assist with many processes in the body, one of which is to promote fat burning (thermogenesis).  The Omega 3 fats docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are also known to turn on genes that promote fat burning while turning off genes that promote fat storage.  All because they increase insulin sensitivity, they lower insulin elvels, and less insulin means less fat gain and more fat burning.
• Omega 3s enhance joint recovery. Training with Heavy weights can take a toll on your joints.  The omega 3 fats can help your joints recover better, reducing joint pain and keeping your training on track.  They do this through their conversion into prostaglandins, which also reduce inflammation.  Less inflammation means better healing.
• Omega 3s are good for your heart. Researchers think that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish are what help the heart by improving triglycerides, blood pressure, and heart rate

These are only a few of the health benefits!  Omega-3 fatty acids are the good-for-you fats that protect your heart by reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease. Omega-3s also have anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight disease, boost your mind and mood, and reduce symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.  Omega 3s will help you build muscle and gain better health period.

How do You get Omega 3s?

I get my Omega 3s through supplementation.  Even though I eat very healthy, it is very hard to get good sources of Omega 3s into our American diets.  Our meat and food quality is poor.  It is expensive to eat wild salmon more than 1x per week.  Omega 3 fish oil can be a very easy way to get high quality Omega 3s every day.
Here’s what I take Core Omega 3s .  I take 2-3 capsules, 1x per day with my Shakeology.  Which is around 2-3 grams of Omega 3s.  I usually take them 6-7 days per week.

Foods That Have Good Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Cold-water fish tend to have the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Try these:

Salmon
Haddock
Trout
Tuna
Mackerel
Sardines
Cod

Nuts and seeds — and their oils — are also good sources for omega-3s:

Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
Pumpkin seeds
Walnuts
Canola oil
Olive oil

Well if this didn’t convince you of the benefits of Omega 3s then I don’t know what will.  Fitness is more than just looking good.  You have to make sure you’re feeling healthy too.  Omega 3s benefits can help both.  Try them out!

Do you Take Omega 3s?  Do you see the Benefit?