15 Ingredients for Turning Your Health Around in Record Time

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

I struggled with my weight and energy for quite some time. Even while training hard for the World Championship Hawaii Ironman triathlon my weight was fluctuating and I raced at the heaviest I'd ever been at 198 pounds. That was October 2015.

I took 2016 off from racing to gain strength to build my body in order to continue racing the Ironman for the rest of my life. 

In January 2017 I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes and began exploring many solutions, many I was already doing such as extensive exercise and a good clean vegetable based carbohydrate diet. I had gained 9 pounds during 2016 and started 2017 the heaviest I'd been in the last 10 years at 207 pounds. This was a symptom of my pre-diabetes and because of higher insulin levels, I couldn't get my body into a state of fat burning and instead I was into a state of fat storage.

After extensive research, I found hope with using two new approaches for me. I began to 1) use a well-formulated ketogenic diet (low carb high fat) with 2) intermittent fasting on April 1, 2017. I lost close to 22 pounds using the diet in about 2 months. Then thankfully in May of 2018, only 13 months after starting my new approach, my doctor indicated that I was no longer pre-diabetic.

The Essential Blast™ Shake

Honesty, I'm grateful I became pre-diabetic because of what truth it led me to. Even though I'm no longer pre-diabetic, I'll use a ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting the rest of my life because of its;

1. ease of maintaining my lean body composition,
2. contributes to building muscle and losing fat,
3. a very satiable diet that is also tasty,
4. keeps my ketones elevated in my body,
5. increased mental brain clarity,
6. high energy level,
7. builds an unconquerable immune system, and
8. I feel fantastic!

The first phase of a ketogenic diet was learning how to control my macros (the amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and protein). It was quite a shocker go from 300+ grams of carbs per day to 20 grams. That was a 95% decrease. Then I had to get used to replacing the lost carbohydrate calories with more fat. 

The way I chose to control these macros was with a shake because with a food scale I could dial in exactly what I needed to make my macros work to control insulin and get me into a state of ketosis. I tried many different variations. I was used to making shakes and had used the Isagenix Isalean shake since 2006. It had the most absorbable whey protein on the planet and it was packed with many minerals that I knew were essential in my diet. 

After at least 20 versions (it was probably more) I've settled on The Essential Blast™.

As you can see in the pyramid it's base consists of the best macronutrient fat, followed next by protein. I've learned that carbohydrates are not essential and mostly used for taste in our Western diet. To provide the necessary micronutrients from plants, the amount of plant-based carbohydrates we need is really small. 

Carbohydrates are the gatekeeper to fat burning because they control insulin, the fat burning or storage hormone.  The more carbs you eat the higher your level of insulin and the more you are storing fat (weight gain, obesity, and diabetes). The fewer carbs you eat the more you are burning fat (weight loss) and creating ketones bodies for your body and brain to use as high octane fuel.

What's in The Essential Blast™

 Basic Ingredients

1 avocado (about 80 g)
4 c frozen arugula (80 g)
20 g coconut oil
1 scoop Isagenix **IsaPro (keto version) or *IsaLean (non-keto version)
1 scoop Bulletproof Collagen Protein (unflavored)
1 scoop Isagenix Ionix Supreme
2 oz Isagenix Cleanse for Life
1 c Coconut milk (unsweetened)
1 ser SP2 Spirulina (fresh and frozen)
1 ser Ketōnd ketones
1 ser Pique Tea Green Tea crystals
1 - 2 drops Isagenix Peppermint Essential oil
1/4 tsp Tumeric
1/4 tsp Ginger
Stevia or Swerve to taste

*Isalean flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Cheesecake, Peach Mango

** Isapro flavors: Vanilla or Chocolate

The 15 Essential Ingredients to Turn Your Health Around in Record Time

 1. Avocado

One of the best fruits on the planet! It is high in fat and 74% of the carbohydrates are fiber. It makes the shake thicker and creamer too.

The five big benefits of a daily avocado:

#1: Heart Health

Avocados contain the plant chemical beta-sitosterol which helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. They are packed with monounsaturated fat and according to the American Heart Association, when monounsaturated fats are eaten in moderation in place of saturated and trans fat, this can help reduce the bad (LDL) cholesterol.

#2: Healthy Eyes

The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are also found in this fruit. Both have been shown to keep the eyes healthy as we age and may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss as we get older.

#3: Growth and Development

Avocados contain 3.5 grams of unsaturated fat per 1 ounce serving (about 1/5th an avocado). Studies have shown that unsaturated fat is important for proper growth and development of the central nervous system and the brain of youngsters.

#4: Blood Pressure

Avocados are free of sodium. They also have a nice amount of potassium, which may also help lower blood pressure. Studies have found that when avocados are eaten in place of other fats (like butter and mayo), they can help control blood pressure.

#5: Weight Loss

These babies are brimming with healthy fat, which takes the body longer to digest and help keep you full and satisfied (so you’re less likely to snack!). Further, avocados are nutrient-packed with over 20 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients which is especially beneficial if you’re trying to cut calories and keep up with all the nutrition your body needs.

2. Frozen Arugula

Arugula has the highest content of dietary nitrates. Dietary nitrates can make muscles more efficient. Our bodies convert the nitrate in vegetables to nitrite, some of which is converted into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide’s role in regulating blood pressure and promoting cardiovascular health is well-established, and research continues to uncover its many health-promoting roles in our body. Nitric oxide regulates vasodilation, relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow, which could allow more oxygen to reach the muscles. Nitrates influence on athletic performance is a relatively new area of research. It seems that nitric oxide helps muscle mitochondria become more efficient.

Leafy greens are some of the best nitrate sources. By weight, arugula is the clear winner, boasting 480 mg nitrates/100g (almost twice as much as a cup of beet juice). FYI, the shake uses 80g of arugula thus you're receiving 384 mg of nitrates which is 1.5x from a cup of beet juice!

Freezing the arugula makes the shake colder and it keeps it fresher longer. Plus frozen it doesn't seem to have it's unfrozen bitter taste.

Learn More About my complete nutrition plan. Gain access here. 

3. Coconut Oil

According to Medical Daily: The most recent craze surrounding coconut oil has been the traditional Ayurvedic practice, oil pulling. Consumers have flocked to supermarkets and health stores to get their hands on one of oral health’s best-kept secrets, but the benefits of this antibacterial and anti-fungal super ingredient don’t stop at your teeth. Coconut oil is the latest food cure-all that can have profound positive effects on your overall health.

Coconut oil is a heart-healthy food that can help keep your body running smoothly and efficiently in a number of ways. The oil contains a combination of fatty acids, medium chain triglycerides (MTCs), which contain antioxidant properties and help in the absorption of other minerals, according to Healthline. Here are the various ways it can impact your health:

1. Lowers Cholesterol

“Interestingly enough, the boosting of HDLs is actually greater than the boost of Total Cholesterol or Total LDL. Ultimately, healthy clinical ratios like Total Cholesterol/HDL and Triglyceride/HDL, LDL/HDL improve,” Dr. Alex Rinehart, a chiropractic physician and owner of Arizona Nutrition Center in Goodyear, Ariz., told Medical Daily in an email.

This corresponds to a 2009 study published in the journal Lipids, which found coconut oil reduced Total and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL, compared to soybean oil.

2. Weight Loss Aid

The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil can speed up energy usage compared to other fats. The MCTs in coconut oil, according to Rinehart, digest as fast as sugar in the body.

“They are used up preferentially as opposed to other fuel sources and so don't get added to fat cells or ultimately contribute to weight gain,” Rinehart said. Since there is delayed digestion in the liver, they boost metabolism.

A 2011 study published in National Center for Biotechnology Information Pharmacology found a reduction in waist circumference of 1.1 inches after four weeks of 1 ounce of coconut oil per day. The participants did not exercise or go under a restrictive diet. Rather they lost a substantial amount of abdominal fat by adding coconut oil to their diet.

3. Moisturizes Skin

Coconut oil can be used as a skin moisturizer because of its vitamin E content and its positive antioxidant action in the body. This helps stop the damage to the tissues in the body since oxidation is a major source of skin aging.

Dr. Cynthia Bailey, a dermatologist in Sebastopol, Calif., and diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology in Sebastopol, Calif., and diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology told Medical Daily in an email, “Coconut has surprising benefits when applied to the skin as a moisturizer. It can reduce the harmful skin germ called staph aureus.”

Its anti-microbial properties can also be useful with things like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and staph infections. A 2004 study published in the journal Dermatitis found coconut oil can improve the moisture and lipid content of people with dry skin.

4. Better Brain Function

The MCTs in coconut oil provides a “secondary fuel source” aside from glucose that the brain and nervous system can function on. High sugar can contribute to neurological problems, including Alzheimer’s, which has been theorized as a “type 3 diabetes,” according to Rinehart. In Alzheimer’s, the brain effectively blocks glucose uptake, so it is fuel-deprived, which can lead to general neurodegeneration.

The consumption of MCTs has led to an improvement in brain function in patients with milder forms of Alzheimer’s, according to a 2004 study published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging. Higher ketone values — derivatives from fat that are the only other fuel source aside from glucose the brain can function on — were associated with greater improvement in Alzheimer’s patients. Coconut oil’s MCTs may provide therapeutic benefits for memory-impaired adults.

5. Kills Bacteria, Viruses, And Fungi

Coconut oil has lauric acid, which is believed to have anti-fungal, anti-viral, and antibacterial properties. This makes it helpful with various types of infections.

Dr. Joe Alton, survival medicine expert, fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Congress of OB/GYN, and co-author of The Survival Medicine Handbook, a guide for when help is NOT on the way, told Medical Daily in an email, “The saturated fats present in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause indigestion.”

A 2000 study published in the Journal of Bacteriology found lauric acid and monolaurin can kill pathogens like the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Alton added coconut oil helps in the absorption of other nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.

4. Isagenix IsaPro or Isalean

Isagenix protein and mineral formulation are second to none. Using a patented flash treatment process maintains the natural seven digestive enzymes that allow the absorption of amino acids from the whey protein. Plus the Isalean full meal replacement shake on its own contains a rich amount of vitamins and minerals from Ionix Alfalfa, a patented ingredient. 

Purchase (or learn more) IsaPro

Purchase (or learn more) Isalean

 5. Bulletproof Collagen Protein

As we age our bodies do not produce collagen and that's why older individuals have wrinkled skin and often painful joint health. Adding collagen protein can aid the body's creation of good levels of collagen and is believed to slow down the aging process.

According to the Bulletproof blog: When it comes to benefits, collagen and gelatin are more or less the same. Both contain glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, the three amino acids your body uses to make new collagen to support joint health, skin health, and a robust gut lining. These amino acids are hard to come by unless you’re eating lots of organ meat and connective tissue (if you’re not on the organ meat train because you can’t get over the taste, here’s a good place to start).

But what does the science say about the benefits of collagen and gelatin? Here are four science-backed reasons to add more collagen and gelatin to your diet:

1) Smoother, more hydrated skin

Your skin and connective tissue contain special cells called fibroblasts that manufacture collagen. They can crank it out as long as they have plenty of glycine, proline, hydroxyproline. The best way to get those amino acids is hydrolyzed collagen, which has been broken down so it’s more bioavailable. Hydrolyzed collagen also goes by “collagen hydrolysate” and “collagen peptides.” Upgraded Collagen and CollaGelatin are both hydrolyzed.

Hydrolyzed collagen does several things for your skin. It:

• Improves skin elasticity
• Decreases skin cracking
• Removes wrinkles
• Increases fibroblast density, a marker of healthy, elastic skin
• Increases skin moisture
• In a nutshell, collagen will make your skin younger, more elastic, and more hydrated.

That’s a good dose.

2) Stronger joints

Collagen can also strengthen your joints, increasing their resilience to injury and pain. Several studies have found that taking hydrolyzed collagen decreases joint pain and increases the density of your cartilage, making your joints more flexible. This becomes important as you age because your body starts producing less collagen.

Collagen is also a great supplement for athletes, particularly if your preferred exercise is tough on your joints. Long-distance running is the worst offender. Most sports take their toll, as can heavy lifting if you aren’t vigilant about your form. If any of those apply to you, collagen may save you an injury or two.

3) Faster recovery

If you do end up getting injured, collagen can help with that too. It’s the main protein your body recruits to heal everything from acne to a torn Achilles tendon; it works well for several reasons:

Collagen forms a flexible matrix, covering damaged tissue while still allowing it to move. It acts as a sort of scaffold that holds everything together so other cells can rebuild.
It fights off bacteria, which helps to keep wounds sterile.
It can assimilate with surrounding tissue, helping to close a wound.
In one study, hydrolyzed collagen sped up ulcer healing by about 200%. Your gut bacteria break collagen down into short-chain fatty acids that the cells lining your intestinal wall can use for fuel, so collagen can help you with gut issues and stave off leaky gut syndrome. And while there haven’t been specific studies on collagen and acne, anecdotal evidence suggests that it can help with that as well.

Your body’s collagen needs go up when you’re injured. If you’re recovering from something, try taking 10g of collagen or collagelatin 2-3 times per day.

4) Better sleep

Collagen has been [a] top sleep hacks for years. [Taken] about an hour before bed most nights and almost always when traveling. It doesn’t disappoint.

Collagen’s sleep-promoting qualities may be thanks to its high glycine content. People with trouble sleeping nodded off more quickly, got into deep sleep faster, and reported less daytime sleepiness the following day when they took glycine before bed. They also did better on a memory task, which is another indicator that they were more rested.

In another study, participants who took glycine before bed reported less fatigue and a clearer head the next day, and a third study found that glycine doesn’t contribute to daytime sleepiness, even if you take it during the day – so you don’t have to worry about adding collagen to your morning coffee and crashing a few hours later.

6. Isagenix Ionix Supreme

Contains a blend of plant-based Adaptogens specifically chosen for their benefits in modulating the consequences of chronic stress. It also contains antioxidants for combating free radicals to support healthy aging. Containing nine of the eleven adaptogens found in the world, this one once contains more stress fighting power than any other ounce you'd ever consume. 

Purchase (or learn more) Ionix Supreme

Ionix Supreme contains one of the most potent ingredients to reduce or remove stress. It contains shilajit.

About 50 million years ago, the Indian continent collided into Asia and formed the Himalayan mountain range. As the mountains formed, tropical forests were crushed and compacted between massive boulders.

The compressed forests gradually transformed into a nutrient- and mineral-rich biomass loaded with powerful humic and fulvic acids.

Now, every summer as the mountains warm, India’s most prized herbal remedy literally oozes from these biomass resins in the high mountain crevasses.

Known as shilajit, this resinous and nutrient-rich biomass has been touted for millennia by Ayurveda’s Materia Medica as the best carrier of energy and nutrition into the human body. Modern science has recently proven this by identifying fulvic and humic acids, which are found in abundance in shilajit, as the main substances responsible for energy production within the cell.

Science is just beginning to understand the implications of fulvic acid-rich nutrients like shilajit.

Known in India as the “Destroyer of Weakness,” shilajit’s other primary component are DBPs (dibenzo alpha pyrones), which is the “energizer bunny component.”

It seems that via this component, it supports deep rejuvenation and energy production. In one study, participants took just 200mg of shilajit each day for 15 days and the available energy in their blood after vigorous exercise was equivalent to the levels of available energy before starting exercise. That’s the “energizer bunny component” in action! (Pal D, Bhattacharya S. Pilot Study on the Improvement of Human Performance with ReVitalETTM as Energy Booster: Part-IV. 2006. Data on file. Natreon, Inc.)

Recent studies on shilajit show that it delivers energy and nutrients to the cell at astonishing levels. In one study mice underwent strenuous exercise and had their energy (ATP) expenditure measured with and without shilajit. The energy depleted twice as fast in the group that did not take the shilajit.

7. Isagenix Cleanse for Life

A scientifically formulated, synergistic blend of natural cleansing herbs and botanicals designed to support whole-body cleansing and protect against the effects of oxidative stress and harmful toxins.

Taking Cleanse for Life daily

• Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourish the body and promote better
  health
• Antioxidant botanicals support a healthy cardiovascular system
• Supports mental clarity
• Perfect for anyone ages 12+ for everyday cleansing.

Purchase (or learn more) Cleanse for Life

 8. Coconut Milk

It's used for taste and it's low carb. See above the benefits of coconut oil.

9. SP2 Spirulina

10. Ketōnd ketones

In recent years the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Department of Defense (DoD), private organizations and foundations have been researching the amazing effects of ketone supplementation on human health and performance.

Ketōnd powered by goBHB™ (beta-hydroxybutyrate) delivers the purest dosage of this carbohydrate-free high-performance fuel. Anyone looking to manage their weight, or feel more energetic throughout their day will love Ketōnd.

Even on my ketogenic diet where my body is creating ketones 95% of the time, I like adding ketones to give me that added boost. Anyone not of a ketogenic diet that wants to experience the benefit of ketosis created energy, will enjoy Ketōnd ketones.

Purchase (or learn more) Ketōnd ketones

 11. Pique Tea Green Tea Crystals

Improved Gut Health

Polyphenols in tea help you maintain healthy gut bacteria.

Your gut contains over 100 trillion bacteria that play a vital role in your overall health. That’s roughly ten times more than the cells we have in our body! Polyphenols from tea are one of the very best ways to feed the probiotics in your gut and increase their numbers naturally. A healthy balance of gut flora will provide you with improved digestion, weight loss, improved immunity and even glowing skin!

Sustained Energy

Experience longer lasting, calmer energy with no jitters.

Tea caffeine is bound to larger molecules called catechins (a type of antioxidant). Catechins take longer for your body to break down and so the caffeine in tea is time released in smaller doses over 4-6 hours. At the same time, L-theanine (an amino acid only found in tea) keeps you calm so you don't experience the energy roller coaster of coffee. Unleash your creative energy and live an exceptional life!

Reduced Stress

Tea will keep you calm through the day and prevent cellular damage related to stress.

Daoists and Buddhist monks have consumed tea for centuries to prepare for deep meditative practice. That's because of an amino acid called L-theanine which induces alpha activity in the brain and provides a natural state of calmness. L-theanine has only been found in tea and increases our ability to excel in stressful situations by reducing stress and anxiety so you can take on life's challenges and unleash your inner potential.

Purchase with a special discount for my readers (or learn more) Pique Tea

12. Isagenix Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil will banish brain fog, promote focus and clarity, and create more energy. It also helps us be more alert and it makes the shake taste really good!

Purchase (or learn more) Peppermint Essential Oil

13. Tumeric

According to https://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/turmeric-benefits/

Turmeric contains more than 100 astounding chemical compounds that contribute to its ability to help treat conditions from stomachaches to respiratory illness. These chemical compounds are what make turmeric unique. Most importantly, turmeric contains curcumin, which is a polyphenol. Polyphenols are organic chemicals that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols are also present in other foods and beverages, such as epigallocatechin in green tee, capsaicin in chili peppers, and resveratrol in red wine and fresh peanuts. Curcumin is what gives turmeric root its beautiful yellow-orange color. Curcuminoids, the group of chemical compounds responsible for the health benefits of turmeric, include curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Turmeric also contains volatile oils, including tumerone, artumerone, and zingiberene.

Turmeric’s unique chemical composition of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals provide the body with:

+ Promotion of immunity
+ Protection against illness and disease
+ Prevention of the development of serious illness and disease
+ Destruction of chronic disease cells within the brain and body

Thanks to these properties, turmeric has now been integrated into natural treatment methods for common and chronic conditions.

The Special Benefits of Turmeric
The turmeric root possesses natural oils, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and phytochemicals that combine to provide healing properties for almost every area of the body. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring plant compounds that boost the healthy functioning of cells, tissues, organs, and systems. These compounds include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, and a wide variety of protective, preventative, and health-promoting derivatives that help support the natural functions of the body.

The powerful phenols contained within the flesh of the turmeric root are varieties of curcuminoids: curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, which not only help combat germs, bacteria, and viruses but also help aid in digestive processes, support immunity, improve energy, maximize metabolic functioning, cleanse the blood, regulate blood sugar, and increase mental processes.

14. Ginger

The biggest health benefits of ginger are:

1. Digestion
The phenolic compounds in ginger are known to help relieve gastrointestinal (GI) irritation, stimulate saliva and bile production and suppress gastric contractions as food and fluids move through the GI tract.

2. Cold and flu relief
During cold weather, consuming ginger tea is a good way to keep warm because it is diaphoretic, which means that it promotes sweating, working to warm the body from within.

This makes a soothing natural remedy for a cold or flu.

3. Pain reduction
A study involving 74 volunteers carried out at the University of Georgia found that daily ginger supplementation reduced exercise-induced muscle pain by 25 percent.

Ginger has also been found to reduce the symptoms of dysmenorrhea, the severe pain that some women experience during a menstrual cycle.

4. Inflammation
Ginger has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation and treat inflammatory conditions.

A study published in Cancer Prevention Research journal reported that ginger supplements, which are available to buy online, reduced the risk of colorectal cancer developing in the bowel of 20 volunteers.

Ginger has also been found to be "modestly efficacious and reasonably safe" for treating inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

5. Cardiovascular health
Other possible uses include reducing cholesterol, lowering the risk of blood clotting, and helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. More research is needed, but if proven, ginger could become part of a treatment for heart disease and diabetes.

15. Stevia or Swerve

We all love sweet tasting dishes. Stevia or Swerve are calorie free and will not increase blood glucose or insulin. 

Learn More About my complete nutrition plan. Gain access here.