Friday, March 27, 2009

MY SHAKEOLOGY APOLOGY


I'm a pretty humble person. I don't ask for favors, or special treatment. I don't name drop or expect that people should treat me like a VIP. I won't cut in line even when a friend waves me up. I play by the rules and know that everyone is important. I think it's rude when people act like they are entitled or that people should help them out because of their name, or who they are, or what they've done, their money, their status, whatever. One of my biggest pet peeves is my fellow fitness instructors who think they're "all that" and the "club" owes them something because their classes are full. Get over yourself! In my book, the grocery store CEO is just as important as the kid who bags your bread and milk.

Which is why today I an apologizing. Publically.

The truth is in a moment of weak desperation, I pulled a "J.Lo" on Wednesday. Well I didn't request white M&M's and all white flowers in my dressing room. Nope. Just a little help in the Shakeology department. And I know an apology with an explanation is not really an apology, but I believe my Shakeology Apology warrants a teeny tiny explanation. You see...ever since Shakeology arrived at our door step, things in my household have changed.

Now before I go further.. know this. I'm not paid to endorse Shakeology. I have no stock in the company. No one at Beachbody has ever even asked me to "try it" let alone to talk about it. I have no relationhip with Shakeology, other than we since we met, i have fallen madly in love. First I fell head over heels which peaked Bret's curiosity. Skeptical, Bret was a "believer" after two shakes. Next, my 11 year old (who refuses to eat anything green or that comes from nature), then my 9 year old, my father-in-law, my Mom, and all my exercise partners all fell under the spell of Shakeology. I admit when my bag of shakeology was full and heavy, it felt like it was last forever. I shared my bag of shakeology readily back in those early days of this month. I passed around my Shakeology like MC Hammer shared his money in those early days when record deal money was plentiful.

I'm a "pusher". When I find something that's amazing, whether it's a new push-up bra, the worlds greatest George Foreman Grill, self-tanner, whatever it is that works like a charm, I tell the world. I push it. I like things that work! I share my findings.

So, naturally I grabbed my bag of Shakeology to pack for our upcoming family vacation (8 days in Maui, Hawaii.) If felt light. Panic overcame my being. A wave of hot blood rushed into my face. I thought, "Oh my gawd! We leave in 3days. This will NEVER last and I don't have time to order more!!!" I freaked. There was only one thing to do.

I puffed my chest up and decided to see if I could pull any strings at Beachbody. I've sold 'em a couple of million videos. That should be worth a favor or two.. right?? "May I ask whose calling?" the receptionist asked. "Yes, Chalene Johnson of Turbo Jam and ChaLEAN Extreme" I announced proudly. She was unimpressed. Probably President of the Shawn T fan club. Next, I found my go-to-girl, the gal with the beautiful smile who always says, "of course! What else can I do to help", The lovely Leili in the production department. I pleaded my case. I told her how I had been to generous with my monthly supply and now I was nearly out! I begged her to ship me two bags...FedEx..priority am delivery. I didn't expect it for free or anything. I mean, come on. I'm not a mooch. "Lieli, I don't expect it for free. Just charge it to my friend Tony Horton's account (I mean come on... P90X is on tv all day everyday! He can spot me on this one... right???)

She did. It worked. Leili came through! It was mid afternoon the next day when the UPS man drove up. I sprinted to his truck, my eyes bulging, body bloated and weak. Digestion irregular and blood sugars all a skew. I was panting, shaking and foam was frothing from he corners of my mouth (I was 4 hours past my daily scheduled Shakeology). He started to dismount his truck, box in hand. "Give it to me!" I shouted as I grabbed the package from the man dressed in brown.

I apologize for my behavior. With blender whirling and smell of chocolate with a hint of wheat grass, I felt the anxious excitment that a drug addict must feel when they score another hit of heroine.

Beachbody has several protein and meal replacement shakes. I've tried and used them all. You've never seen me blog about them. I've been in the fitness profession for 20 years. I've tried every shake, vitamin and protein suppliment. You can imagine because of the huge network of intstructors and customers of my company http://www.turbokick.com, on a monthlly basis I'm sent samples of every miracle nutrient, drink, vitamin, water, protein source, and shake you can imagine. I've tried them all. You've NEVER heard me encourage people to try them. I've talked about things I find yummy or tasty with decent nutrients. But Shakeology is in a class of it's own. Period.


Unfortunately you can only get it from a coach. Some say it's expensive. I say... DO YOUR RESEARCH! It's cheap! You show me a meal with this many veggies, protein, enzymes, fruit blends, probiotics and vitamins that is this low in calorie and I'll show you something much more expensive or that doesn't have as much ! it can't be done. It's less than a cup of Starbucks. Get a clue! It's cheap. Sure it's more than what you've been paying for your normal meal replacement, but this is a total health drink. It's super cheap if you become a coach. Don't quote me here, but you get it about $30 cheaper if your'e coach with http://www.TeamBeachbody.com Now I am ineligible to be coach (because I'm a trainer with BeachBody) so I've been ordering it from my coach as customer. (Well, except for in this recent tantrum!)


BeachBody has just come out with Shakeology and it is truly amazing. Not only does it have all the great stuff I just mentioned but it tastes really really good (I have some GREAT recipes to really make it taste like a dream! Don't just mix it with water and shake it. Boring! Visit my blog later this week for my fav recipes!

It really does take great! You don't have to just take my word for it, take the word of a "very picky eater!!!", my son 12 year old son Brock. Now let me tell you about my sweet son Brock, he HATES vegetables. I understand. I hated veggies til I was an adult. For years my Mom tried and for years, I found creative ways to dispose of the green stuff on my plate without her knowing. The other day Brock and I had a very touching moment. I made him is afternoon protein shake. He gulped it down, commenting, "That was good, but it tasted different today. Did you put something different in it?" I sat down next to him and broke the news to him. "Son, you just had your daily serving of veggies!" For the first time in his 12 year life, a complete days serving of fruits and vegetables and he liked it! Now granted... I needed his shake to taste a lot like what he's used to, so I added the same stuff I always put in his protein shakes, a lil peanut butter and some fat free frozen yogurt. But it was the most nutritious meal he had probably had in his life. I felt a tear roll down my face. ( oh come on! Not really, but it makes the story). Seriously as a mom it gives such peace of mind knowing I can whip up a yummy shake hand it to my child and know he is getting so many great things his growing body needs.

Learn more... http://www.milliondollarbody.com/shakeology/

More details

WHATS IN IT

More than 70 different ingredients were chosen from around the world for their potency and bioavailability (the ability to deliver the nutrients your body needs). Here are the key nutrient groups that these ingredients deliver:*

Protein and Essential Amino Acids to help build long, lean muscles and reduce food cravings

Prebiotics and Digestive Enzymes, which aid in improving digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption

Antioxidants and Phytonutrients to help counteract free radical damage that can lead to degenerative diseases

Vitamins and Minerals your body needs to function for optimal health.

25 comments:

Annie, The Amazing Shrinking Girl said...

Hey Chalene,

You know i was debating whether or not to try this but think I just might now after reading this.

A lot of my friends who tired it also swear by it.

Thanks!

Annie

Unknown said...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! What a way to start Monday! This blog was so incredibly awesome. I heart you Chalene. And Shakeology...

Lisa Decker Griffith said...

WOW! What a great blog entry! I laughed, I cried.(Well, not really about the crying, but still)Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Shakeology. I love it too, but it means a lot coming from someone who has "tried it all".

Warmly, Lisa Decker Griffith

Pam said...

Chalene I too am a believer in Shakeology ... and your ChaLean Extreme. I started both last Monday and I feel so much better inside and out!! My coach from Beachbody CoachGeo recommended both your program and shakeology. Best recommendation I've had in years. Over 50 and had hit the wall physically. I'll keep you posted on my results. Thank you!

Jade said...

Okay seriously :) Your blog has made me a believer! I'm off to order my first Shakeology (thanks in advance for another addiction lol).

I LOVE TurboJam, by the way - I ordered it a year ago, and here I am 90 lbs lighter :) I'm not finished yet, I have a bit more to go and hope that ChaLEAN Extreme (which my kids will be ordering for me for Mother's Day) will get me to the finish line.

Thanks for all that you do - you're an inspiration! God bless!

Jenny said...

LOVE this post Chalene! So well written and hilarious! I am a Shakeology addict as well, I've had it everyday for breakfast since the sunday after the Summit. its amazing!

Coach Jillian said...

Hilarious post! People can also visit www.shakeology.com for quicker access. I'm a firm believer in Shakeology and I have at LEAST one shake a day--I've got chocolate on home direct right now but I want to switch to greenberry for the next month just so I can try them both. Can't wait to hear your recipes for them!

<3 Jillian

Leili Zadeh said...

You are HILARIOUS!!! This made me chuckle :) xoxox

Heidi MOhs said...

Chalene, HILARIOUS! thanks! and true!
Heidi Mohs

Therese - Alpena Michigan said...

Chalene. You are way too funny and have a definite career in writing when you retire from fitness for sure (if you ever do!) I just ordered Shakeology from your friend and mine Trina. Looking forward to it. I'll keep you posted. Chocolate all the way kid!
Therese

marls said...

I am TOTALLY a pusher to the point where people thought I owned stock in a certain brand of bottled kombucha tea. I don't. :D Your apology says a lot about your exuberance and humility. You're awesome!

xo,
Marla

BrittFaced said...

LOL This entry is awesome! It was so funny to picture you running to the delivery guy all crazed for your Shakeology and then to hear you liken being addicted like a heroine addict. ;) This stuff must be like heaven in a glass!

I can't wait for mine! My friend is drinking her Greenberry and LOVING it. :D

Amykins Angel said...

Now, I SERIOUSLY want to try this Shakeology SO BADLY!!!!
I enjoyed the blog though.

I'm glad to see that your son is getting healthy foods!!!
I would have to agree that I would rather have my (future children) drinking the Shakeology instead of not eating veggies and fruit.

YAY

Unknown said...

But you can't get it in Canada :(
Sad, Sad world we live in...

:)

KM said...

I think Shakeology IS a great product... and I haven't even tried it yet, however, I don't think it's a sound argument to compare the cost with the expression "how much does that latte cost you?" I don't drink lattes, I don't go to Starbucks, I don't eat out. I try to eat as healthy as I can for as cheap as I can. To say that it's a lot cheaper than these other "luxuries" is insulting, and for most people, Shakeology IS a bit beyond their price range. Not because they "waste" money on other things, but simply because paying the electric bill has to come first. Add to that the economic downturn and the layoffs, and $100 a month is just out of reach for people.

Now, I don't want anyone thinking this is an all negative post- because it's not. I think if there's a way to fit this in your budget, it can do nothing but good for you. All I'm saying is that when people say it's "out of their price range" they might just be telling the truth.

I've brought up my concerns about price before on the boards, and everyone jumps on it as if they somehow know my personal financial situation- that if I could just "kick the Starbucks habit" I could afford it. Well, I'm here to represent all the other people out their who have mentioned their thoughts on the price and been given that response. We know Shakeology is great - we keep hearing about it. We know that there is a lot of bang for the price. We know it has top notch ingredients. We know that it is an investment in our health. However, that still doesn't mean everyone can find a way to fit it in their budget- even after cutting back on other luxuries.

Coach Jillian said...

Sandra--not true!! You can now get Shakeology through your coach! Contact your coach to find out how! If you don't have a coach, or don't know how to get one, visit my blog/visit my website and find out how :)

Trina Gray said...

Oh, CJ. I am cracking up. You are an entertainer in every way. After Turbo tonight, we were passing samples of Greenberry around the club blended with a splash of OJ and a scoop of non-fat vanilla yogurt. YUMMY.

Yup, in Alpena we know how to cross/cross/cross/cross/speed/pump and slap it, girl! Then, we get home and shake it.

Hey if any of your bloggers need a coach to buy from, I'm happily yours!!

Russell Jackson said...

I'm so glad I know you. My family is hooked to. Peace out my sister in the OC

Unknown said...

Thanks Jillian for the information. I tried to order online and it said "not available in Canada" so I was a bit disappointed. I am a online teambody member (still fairly new to TJ and the website) and have never contacted the coach assigned to me. I will do so now and see if she/he can order me the product. It looks very nutritious and something I would enjoy.

Kristi Drennan said...

Heavens you're cute! Shakeology Apology! You're funny! So I still have no idea what shakeology is but I see it talked a lot about on Twitter. I'll have to check it out. I have a lot of digestive issues and fatigue issues so maybe..

Anonymous said...

KM - Thank you for offering your perspective. I totally agree. Hey, if you can afford this stuff and like it, then go for it! But real fruits and vegetables are in fact cheaper, and teaching your children to eat whole foods is the absolute best way to raise a healthy eater, although of course, it may be unrealistic in some households. That's why I do understand that sometimes "you got to do what you got to do." However, I would like to advocate that if you are starting out with "clean slate" kids, please please please don't trick them, TEACH them!

I am also unable to find the exact ingredient list online. It is unclear if it contains whole fruits & veggies (in powdered form), or just extracts of antioxidants and phytochemicals. Extracts may sound healthier, but in fact, the whole plant offers a lot more benefits. I hope that is what it contains.

Joann said...

Hilarious! I must try this Shakeology you speak of. :-) Have a great vacation.

nathfiset said...

Chalene,
You rock! I love your honesty and humour. Never change.
Nathalie Fiset, M.D. Beachbody coach
http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/drnath

P.S. I might give Shakeology a try. Do you think I can put in on Tony's account too?

Anonymous said...

Chalene,
I am on week 3 of Shakeology. My body has always digested things different, even with medication. I have yet to see any increase in energy, or any change in digestion, weight or anything for that matter. I don't know what's up with me, but I haven't noticed any difference. I am on my 12 week of P90X, and really haven't lost any weight, but have increased strength, and maybe my body's shape looks better, but weight, and even inches, not so much. I have been dieting as well, and I'm about 30lbs overweight. I am considering sending the Shakeology back. What's your input on this?
Maria

JoyfulGirl said...

KM-THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I really appreciate your post. You expressed what I am feeling more eloquently than I could. I have also been verbally attacked after making posts that simply stated Shakeology was out of my price range. I have noticed that every time the price is mentioned it is compared to a Starbucks drink or a fast food meal. I feel like people have been told to make this unrealistic comparison. I cook my own meals. I don't go to Starbucks. I also try to eat as healthy as I can as cheaply as I can. It is also not my intention to be negative. I think Shakeology would be a fantastic thing to try, but when I see Chalene post "Get a clue. It's cheap", I just feel insulted.