Our bodies are extremely complex. You have to understand that your cells know how to create vibrant health as they undergo millions of biochemical processes every day. They are coded with inherent cellular intelligence capable of supporting the best version of you.

We bombard our bodies with toxins and seemingly unnecessary stresses that this natural process becomes inefficient. Your body relies on you just as much as you rely on your body. So then, why are you continuing to neglect your health?

Cellular communication is vital in the creation of vibrant health. You need a powerful signal to help cut through the noise and unlock your cells’ natural ability to unleash a more healthy, happier you.

You need USANA^® CellSentials^®.

A Giant Leap Forward CellSentials represents a dramatic leap forward in personalised nutrition. Unmatched expertise, diligent research, and bold innovation have come together to change cellular nutrition as we know it. That’s what happens when a great man — Dr. Myron Wentz — and a great company understand that the best actually can get better.

We added the Science of patent pending InCelligence to one of the world’s highest-rated nutritional supplements to create our CellSentials. It’s like nothing available today.

1. Core Minerals provides a powerful combination of bioavailable minerals for the maintenance of good health.
2. Vita-Antioxidant contains optimal amounts of essential vitamins and antioxidants along with the patent-pending InCelligence^® Complex which contains quercetin, hesperidin, rutin, Meriva®† bioavailable curcumin, alpha-lipoic acid, resveratrol, EGCG from green tea, and USANA’s patented Olivol olive fruit extract.

Together Core Minerals and Vita-Antioxidant form the advanced cellular nutrition system your body needs to unlock vibrant health. This powerful spectrum of nutrients supports antioxidant production inside your cells, unlocking protection more powerful than antioxidants taken in through your diet. The InCelligence Complex also communicates with your cells to enhance their natural renewal response, helping to support healthy cell function throughout the body.

Nourish, Protect, and Renew (Three-in-One) We’ve nourished cells around the world for more than two decades. It’s kind of our thing, and CellSentials still provides incredible nourishment for your cells. However, we’ve gone two steps further — using the Science of InCelligence to unlock your cells’ natural protective and renewal abilities.

Nourish, protect, and renew are the triple-action support your body needs. And they make CellSentials the most comprehensive, cell-empowering system available.

For more information about CellSentials please click here.

USANA HealthPak

Your life moves fast. You need nutrition that can keep up. HealthPak fits vibrant health into your hectic life. You get the triple-action support of USANA CellSentials and two powerful supplements exclusive to HealthPak — MagneCal and the CellSentials Booster — in convenient AM and PM packets. So your core supplements can go wherever your day takes you.

1. Core Minerals provides a strong premium blend of gentle, bioavailable minerals for the maintenance of good health.
2. Vita-Antioxidant contains optimal amounts of essential vitamins and antioxidants along with the patent-pending InCelligence Complex which contains quercetin, hesperidin, rutin, Meriva®† bioavailable curcumin, alpha-lipoic acid, resveratrol, EGCG from green tea, and USANA’s patented Olivol olive fruit extract.
3. MagneCal (only available in HealthPak) is a comprehensive bone-health formula with an optimised balance of magnesium and calcium.
4. CellSentials Booster (only available in HealthPak) is formulated with four powerful nutrients: alpha-lipoic acid, Olivol, quercetin, and Pterocarpus marsupium extract containing pterostilbene. This extra punch of protection utilises the powerful USANA InCelligence nutrient blend to help unlock your cells’ natural protective and renewal abilities, help preserve cellular efficiency for optimum cellular energy production, and help optimise the longevity of cellular function.

The InCelligence Effect

Together, these powerful nutrients communicate with cells, unlocking their natural protective and renewal processes. This ability to influence a broad network of physiological pathways can help build cellular resilience, empowering your body to meet your unique health needs.

For more information about HealthPak please click here

When and where do I get these products?

You don’t have to wait anymore to experience CellSentials and our HealthPak. Any product on your Auto Order in place before August 25, 2016 that contains Mega Antioxidant and MultiMineral will be automatically replaced with CellSentials’ Vita-Antioxidant and Core Minerals. The price will remain the same for two Auto Order cycles to give you and your customers a chance to experience the power of CellSentials. Both CellSentials and HealthPak deliver unique triple-action support to nourish your cells, help support natural antioxidant production for enhanced cellular protection, and help support your cells’ natural ability for renewal.

You thought our Essential products were good? Wait till you try out USANA’s new products with CellSential science.

Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Use only as directed. Always read the label. ^† Meriva is a trademark of Indena S.p.A.

The post USANA CELLSENTIALS – LIKE NOTHING ELSE appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.

I have been a professional athlete for over 10 years now and, as you can imagine, the pregnancy has changed my life completely and turned it upside down. It is challenging but exciting and I am learning every day.

This month, I will talk about the nutritional side. I am 23 weeks pregnant now and my belly is definitely starting to poke out. When you are a Professional athlete, food is such an important part of your life. Your body is your capital and your motor, so you try to make sure that you are always getting all the right nutrients in, and getting enough calories. I have done so much research and I feel I like I have figured out what my body needs and what is best for it.

Whether you are pregnant or not, I believe you should always make sure that you get all the important nutrients in your daily food intake. I am a big believer in real food. This means I try to get most of my nutrition from fruits, veggies, meat, eggs, real food with no wrapping paper around it and no added preservatives.  Of course, when you have a busy lifestyle and you don’t always have the time and opportunity to cook your food or it needs to be quick, alternative snacks like the healthy Nutrimeal and snack bars from USANA are a great substitute.

I will write down a few of my favourite meals and what I believe is important in your daily intake.

As I said, I believe it is important for everyone, but it is even more important when you are pregnant, that you get all the right nutrients in. You don’t want your growing baby lacking anything.

I make sure that all my meals include carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and want to make sure to get enough of certain minerals, Iron, Iodine.

Breakfast:

Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. Make sure, that you have a good breakfast and don’t skip it. Some people skip breakfast as a way to lose weight, but it will have exactly the opposite effect. A healthy breakfast is the perfect start to your day:

My favourite breakfast:

• Porridge made out of oats, buckwheat, amaranth and dried fruits. I cook it with water for about 5mins; add sunflower seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, a bit of coconut oil and a mashed ripe banana. You can add whatever you have got in your pantry or fridge. You can add a bit of honey, if you prefer it a bit sweeter. (chia seeds and nuts are a great protein source).

Favourite snacks for in-between:

Apples, Carrots, (since I am pregnant, I could eat carrots and apples all day, I seem to have a real craving for these), nuts or one of the great tasty USANA bars.

Favourite lunch or dinner recipes:

Whatever suits your lifestyle best, some people would rather have a bigger lunch or dinner. I normally have more time in the evenings to cook a proper meal, because that’s when my boyfriend and I have time to sit down and eat together.

I prefer really simple dinners. I don’t like to prepare and cook for a very long time. So my meals are easy and quick to prepare, but healthy and include all the important nutrients. I don’t add any fat sauces, because they just add unnecessary calories and preservatives and make you feel heavy.

My favourite choice:

Chicken breast cooked in a fry pan with ginger (good protein source).

In a separate pan or wok, I cut up all different vegetables of the season, like broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach etc. I make sure I have got a lot of healthy green vegetables, but also have a great variety of vegetables. That way you make sure you cover all the vitamins and minerals.  I just cook it on low heat until it’s soft but don’t overcook it.

Separately, I cook rice or quinoa in a rice cooker, which is the easiest way. (carbohydrates)

I mix it all together; add good olive oil and herbs or spices. For me, this is the perfect healthy dinner, ready within 15 minutes.

As an alternative, I make fish or once in a while a piece of red meat for additional Iron.

To make sure I get enough of all the important vitamins, minerals, fish-oil, calcium, magnesium; I make sure I take my USANA supplements daily. Being pregnant, I feel like I have an even higher demand and want to make sure I am not lacking in anything.

I used to eat similar when I was training and competing full time, the only difference was the portions were usually a little larger and my carbohydrate intake was higher. At the moment, I still try to exercise every day, but not as many hours and the intensity is a lot lower. But that is exactly, what I will cover in next month’s blog – the change in my training and what kind of exercise I am still doing at the moment.

Until next month’s…

Britta

The post BRITTA MARTIN’S PREGNANCY BLOG 1 – FAVOURITE MEALS appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.

• You’re less likely to skip it for other obligations. I don’t know about you, but my friends don’t tend to invite me out at 6am… ever. So your workout won’t be taking a back seat. Plus, you won’t have chores like making dinner getting in the way of your workout!

• You’ll set a happy and healthy tone for the day. The endorphins you get from your workout boost your energy and mood. Plus you’re less likely to eat junk food if you’re in a healthy state of mind. For many people it regulates their appetite for the day. You’ll usually want to refuel with good food!

• You’ll feel less stressed at work. Studies show that people who exercise regularly feel more empowered and better about their work-life balance.

• You’ll have nothing to dread the rest of the day. You won’t go home thinking oh boy, I have to work out as well as a million other things!

• You’ll have a better hair day. Yes, that’s right! Instead of having bed hair, you’ll have clean, just styled hair at the start of your day!!

• You’ll give your metabolism a boost.  Exercising in the morning jump starts your metabolism, so you burn more calories throughout the day.

• You’ll have more time to socialise. As I said in the first point, your friends aren’t likely to invite you for a catch up at 6am. If you get it out of the way in the morning, you’ll have time to go out for a few drinks with everyone after work! And before you ask, no, it’s not a good idea to work out after you’ve had a few wines.

• You’ll be able to focus better. Research has shown that exercise increases mental acuity. On average it lasts four to ten hours after exercise! To think of all that brain power you’ve wasted working out after work! Plus, most people aren’t awake, so you’ll be able to focus more on the actual exercise without all the notifications from messages, tweets, Facebook updates, Snapchats… The list goes on.

• Less crowded. Usually the gym isn’t as crowded early in the morning, so you won’t have to fight some lady for the treadmill today.

• It’s easier to wake up. If you wake up and exercise at the same time every morning, your body gets used to the routine. Your endocrine system and circadian rhythms adjust to the regular waking up and exercising times. Your metabolism and hormones involved in exercise begin to elevate while you’re sleeping, so when you wake up you’ll feel more energized and alert.

So, are you convinced to work out in the mornings yet? I know you’re probably thinking that there is nothing worse than waking up before 6am to exercise, but honestly try it out for yourself before you knock it!

Check out these articles for further reading on morning exercise:

https://www.fitandme.com/benefits-of-working-out-in-the-morning/ 

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/morning-exercise/

http://www.boxingscene.com/exercise/1312.php

Written by Monique Sparks

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Free radicals have an undisputed reputation for destroying things. They didn’t choose that path, it chose them. To understand what free radicals are you have to first understand the structure of a cell. And then grasp the idea that cells are made up of many different types of molecules. Each tiny molecule has electrons on the outside and those electrons crave balance. Now in rare cases some chemical reactions give rise to an odd unpaired electron or free radical. This lonely electron naturally seeks balance and attacks the nearest molecule it can find, causing a negative cascading effect. Can you see how this could pose a significant problem?

Back to antioxidants. What antioxidants do is they fight against oxidative stress and the formation of these unruly free radicals, thus helping you maintain cellular health. This whole defensive process never stops and is constantly occurring within our bodies.

Our bodies source two types of antioxidants for protection, dietary antioxidants and endogenous antioxidants. But what is the difference you ask? Dietary or exogenous antioxidants come from your external environment, while more powerful endogenous antioxidants are produced inside your body.

Dr. Mark Brown, USANA’s Executive Director of laboratory research, has spent years developing products and helping others better understand the roles antioxidants play in our health.

In the video below, Mark provides a succinct overview of antioxidants and why he believes certain targeted antioxidants that react with molecules inside your body to provide cellular protection are superior to “blanket protection” you might get from external sources.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlfOlCcfb6s

“We’re trying to stimulate the production of molecules within your own cells,” Mark says. “That’s the endogenous protection we’re looking for.”

This more natural approach to antioxidant defense is an example of what USANA strives to achieve throughout all its products. Taking large quantities of exogenous antioxidants is not a good idea, so a smarter more healthy solution is required. Remember, everything in moderation!

“One of the best antioxidant molecules that comes to mind is BHT. BHT is a preservative that’s used in food a lot. A lot of people understand that consuming a lot of BHT is not good for you. But if what we really wanted to do was give you the maximum antioxidant protection, we would give you spoonfuls of BHT. I don’t think anybody thinks that’s a good idea so what we look at are botanical antioxidants.”

Ingesting certain botanical antioxidants helps allow your body to process and create antioxidants itself, rather than receive antioxidants and then apply them to free radicals. This ensures optimal cellular protection and makes sure your body is actively undertaking its natural processes to its fullest capacity. – USANA scientists are focusing on leveraging the body’s natural intelligence to create optimal health. Sounds good, right? That’s only the beginning. The rest will be revealed on August 25 when USANA unlocks a new era of nutritional science at the 2016 International Convention.

The post NEW ERA OF NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE – WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS? appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.

It started in 1992 with the USANA^® Essentials—antioxidants in optimal doses—and continues to Olivol^® and self-preserving skin care and Nutritional Hybrid Technology and the True Health Assessment and USANA MySmartFoods. And we’re missing almost as many as we listed.

Who are the people behind USANA’s expertise:

Kevin Spelman

The PhD that follows Kevin Spelman’s name already says a lot. Those three letters represent a rarified level of knowledge. But painting a full picture of the expertise of USANA’s executive vice president of research and development requires much more.

Kevin Spelman, PhD, post-doctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health, Marie Curie fellow in the European Union, former advisor to the White House Commission of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, publisher of 27 scientific papers, and 30-year veteran of the natural-products industry.

We sat down with Dr. Spelman to find out more about him, the amazing team of scientists at USANA, and what innovation means to him.

When did you know you wanted to be a scientist?

Early on, as a young child. I can’t give you an age. I was always interested in the way things worked. I was especially interested in biology, the wonderment of life. This sometimes got me in trouble with my parents. I once built an ant farm in the bathtub when I was quite young.

What was it about biology that sparked some inspiration for you?

Life is juicy. For me, chemistry was fascinating, but too dry. Biology gave chemistry meaning to me. I’m just fascinated by life, whether it’s social structures, the xenohormetic physiological cues from our surrounding environment, the molecular pathways of our bodies’ web of life, or the network nature of ecology. I’m fascinated by all of it, particularly on a molecular level. I tend to think on a molecular level, as well as from the 30,000-foot view.

Why did you want to focus on nutrition?

My own health, actually. I was frequently ill as a child. In my early 20s, I started really getting interested in what type of foods I was eating and the impact it was having on me. It made a huge difference in my health and made me understand that there was much more to health than what our medical community knew.

You have so much amazing experience. What made you choose USANA?

Honestly, Dr. Wentz. Seeing that USANA really is based in science—and everybody says that—but USANA really came from a scientist’s conception of wanting to improve human health. After hearing Dr. Wentz’ story, he won me over.

What do you think sets USANA apart scientifically?

The quality of our R&D team. We have some very thoughtful and critically thinking scientists in the R&D department that really want the very best for every product that goes out. I’ve been in natural products for 30 years. It is unfortunate that R&D teams are more than occasionally an illusory part of supplement companies. Our R&D team is real, hardcore, and well-funded. We spend a lot of resources getting everything just right. The fact that we have pharmaceutical-grade GMPs was another thing that won me over. I thought to myself, “USANA is really serious about their quality control.” Our QC is just spot-on in terms of pharmaceutical GMPs. I think those are the things that really set us apart.

Why is it so important to ground our products in scientific research and not just chase trends?

We’re not a member of the molecule of the month club. We want something real. We want something that’s going to last. We want something that’s really going to improve people’s health over long-term use. Trends often don’t do that.

Rachel A. Brewer, PhD, senior scientist specializing in microbiome research

How did you start to add to the R&D team?

We started with a preexisting base of excellent scientists, so that was an important piece. Then we hunted for the brightest minds we could find. Since we already had a good foundation with some highly experienced and intelligent scientists, and then we added a microbiome expert to our R&D team, we have generated an extraordinary and exciting innovative potential.

What does Dr. Wentz’ vision mean to you?

It means that he’s really got his heart and his mind in the right place. He was innovative early on, in a way that nobody else was, and he took a chance, a risk, and it turned out to be the right thing to do. I think that’s one of the things I keep having to remind myself and the team is that we have to push our comfort level. Innovation is stepping into the unknown. We are not interested in “me too” products.

Why is innovation so important to you and to USANA?

I think because our Associates see that we are leading the way in nutritional science and they expect that. And the only way we’re going to continue to lead the way is to be innovative and to step into uncharted territory. It is my goal that USANA continues to disrupt the natural products industry by putting out novel products based on cutting-edge research in the nutritional sciences. We have everything in place to be 15 strides ahead of our competition.

Continuing the Legacy

It’s time to lengthen that timeline, because we aren’t done innovating.

We really just can’t help ourselves. Right now, in a building on the west side of Salt Lake City, another major evolution is in the works. And it’s a big one.

Do we know what it is? Sure we do. Have we been sworn to secrecy about it? You could say that. But we can tell you when it will be unveiled: August 25, 2016, at the USANA International Convention. See you there!

The post USANA NZ UNLOCK THE VISION – DREAM TEAM appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.

MySmartBars aren’t your average snack. They’re made with simple, pure ingredients to create a beneficial balance of macronutrients and are packed with whole food ingredients, protein, organic coconut oil and more! MySmartBars come in two delicious Coconut Cashew and Dark Chocolate.

So what it so important about wholefoods and what are the benefits?

Whole foods are foods that are closest to their natural state and that means they give us more nutrients than highly refined foods. They are often made up of grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes.

Whole foods contain a wide variety of nutrients in one food. These nutrients include phytonutrients, essential fatty acids and fibre. Whole foods are also rich in essential vitamins, minerals that cannot be synthesised in the body and therefore have to be obtained through diet.

Some of the benefits you will see from eating more whole foods include:

Better Digestion: Whole foods are high in fibre which is an essential nutrient for healthy digestion, and heart health combined. Whole foods are full of natural insoluble and soluble fiber to support digestion and regularity, along with keep you full.

More Satisfaction: Whole foods are delicious and filling. Their wide range means you can choose lots of different things to eat without the added nasties. After eating them your body is able to digest easily and best of all you’re not left feeling sluggish or over full, but instead satisfied and healthy.

Next time you’re thinking about eating that donut or chocolate bar, grab a MySmartBar instead. Know that you are making the smart choice for your health.We only have one body, so we need to feed it the best food we can.

MySmartBar sale date yet to be determined.

References:

http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/news-story/fb54be4ff6a8c96c20954a97c1334c27

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/quick-benefits-youll-see-by-switching-to-whole-foods-plant-based-diet/

The post DELICIOUS GUILT-FREE AFTERNOON SNACK – USANA’S MY SMART™BARS appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.

This is why USANA’s MySmartBars are a great way to get the nutrition you need. These delicious foods contain coconut oil, an excellent source of naturally occurring saturated fats, and contain a beneficial balance of other macronutrients to fuel your body and leave you feeling satisfied.

Coconut Oil: MySmart Choice!

Not all fats are created equal. Coconut oil is primarily made up of medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs). These types of fatty acids are processed differently by the body than its cousin the long-chain triacylglycerols (LCTs), which are found primarily in animal foods (saturated fat). Coconut oil doesn’t seem to raise your cholesterol and is more likely to be burned as energy than stored as blubber. Why? Because MCTs are oxidised to a greater degree and more efficiently than are LCTs, and have less of an opportunity for deposition into adipose (fatty) tissue.

 A fat that doesn’t make you fat. Consumption of MCT’s from coconut oil has been shown to increase metabolism through an increase in thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is the body’s ability to produce heat which therefore allows the body to utilise more energy.

Coconut oil can be used as a tool in weight reduction. An increase in metabolism and energy utilisation means the body burns more fuel, ie. fat. This demonstrates coconut oil’s utility as a novel weight reduction tool. A study of 30 men in the journal Pharmacology found that just 2 tablespoons per day reduced waist circumference by an average of 1.1 inches over the course of a month.

Coconut oil keeps you fuller for longer. Feeling full is another benefit of consuming coconut oil, this also adds to the oil’s ability to help reduce weight.

How to get more coconut oil into your diet

Besides eating our MySmartBars, there are heaps of ways you can use coconut oil. Try adding it your coffees, salad dressing and use it when baking. At roughly 117 calories per tablespoon, coconut oil is a near identical caloric swap for olive oil. It also has a high smoke point makes coconut oil great for just about every dish, from eggs to stir-frys.

It’s a fat that can help you lose weight, get a smaller waist line, plus it keeps you fuller for longer. What more could you want!

References:

Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss than does olive oil Marie-Pierre St-Onge and Aubrey Bosarge Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar; 87(3): 621–626. Effects of Margarine Containing Medium-chain Triacylglycerols on Body Fat Reduction in Humans Naohisa Nosaka, Hideaki Maki, Yoshie Suzuki, Hirofumi Haruna, Atsushi Ohara, Michio Kasai, Hiroaki Tsuji, Toshiaki Aoyama, Mitsuko Okazaki, Osamu Igarashi and Kazuo Kondo Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis Vol. 10 (2003) No. 5 P 290-298 Thermic effect of medium-chain and long-chain triglycerides in man.Seaton TB, Welle SL, Warenko MK, Campbell RG.  Am J Clin Nutr November 1986 vol. 44 no. 5 630-634 Thermogenesis in humans during overfeeding with medium-chain triglycerides. Physiological effects of medium-chain triglycerides: potential agents in the prevention of obesity. St-Onge MP1, Jones PJ. J Nutr. 2002 Mar;132(3):329-32. Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss than does olive oil.  St-Onge MP Bosarge A. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar;87(3):621-6. Effects of dietary coconut oil on the biochemical and anthropometric profiles of women presenting abdominal obesity. Assunção ML, Ferreira HS, dos Santos AF, Cabral CR Jr, Florêncio TM. Lipids. 2009 Jul;44(7):593-601. doi: 10.1007/s11745-009-3306-6. Epub 2009 May 13 An Open-Label Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Virgin Coconut Oil in Reducing Visceral Adiposity Kai Ming Liau,  Yeong Yeh Lee, Chee Keong Chen,  and Aida Hanum G. Rasool  ISRN Pharmacol. 2011; 2011: 949686.  doi:  10.5402/2011/949686 Covert manipulation of the ratio of medium- to long-chain triglycerides in isoenergetically dense diets: effect on food intake in ad libitum feeding men. Stubbs RJ, Harbron CG. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1996 May;20(5):435-44. Substrate oxidation and control of food intake in men after a fat-substitute meal compared with meals supplemented with an isoenergetic load of carbohydrate, long-chain triacylglycerols, or medium-chain triacylglycerols. Van Wymelbeke V, Louis-Sylvestre J, Fantino M. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Nov;74(5):620-30. Influence of medium-chain and long-chain triacylglycerols on the control of food intake in men. Van Wymelbeke V, Himaya A, Louis-Sylvestre J, Fantino M. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998 Aug;68(2):226-34. Impact of medium and long chain triglycerides consumption on appetite and food intake in overweight men. St-Onge MP, Mayrsohn B, O’Keeffe M, Kissileff HR, Choudhury AR, Laferrère B. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Oct;68(10):1134-40. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2014.145. Epub 2014 Jul 30. http://www.eatthis.com/10-daily-habits-blast-belly-fat http://www.doctoroz.com/gallery/99-amazing-uses-coconut-oil

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Make a bold statement! No, not a fashion statement, a snack statement. Tell the world that you’re making a smart choice for your health. How, you may ask? USANA has officially launched its new MySmartBars range. These bars aren’t just your average snack, when you throw a USANA MySmartBar into your bag, you aren’t just packing a snack for later, you’re making a smart statement.

Each MySmartBar is made with simple, pure ingredients to create a beneficial balance of macronutrients. Each bar is packed with protein, healthy fats and no refined sugars. They are great to eat in between meals or after workout.

The MySmartBars come in two delicious flavours Coconut Cashew and Dark Chocolate.

Coconut Cashew is packed with whey protein, raw cashews, coconut oil, cashew butter, coconut flakes, and an organic chocolate drizzle. It contains, 9g of protein and is only 140 Calories per bar.

Dark Chocolate allows you to get your chocolate fix without all the nasties. It is made with organic chocolate chunks and dark cocoa powder and has 10g of protein and 150 Calories.

What else makes the USANA MySmartBar range smart? Each bar includes:

• Beneficial fat from organic coconut oil
• 150 Calories or less
• NO added sugar
• High-quality Whey/Milk protein
• High in dietary fibre
• Roasted nuts or organic chocolate
• Non-GMO
• No trans fats
• Formulated without gluten*

So, what kind of statement do you want to make?

The range will be on sale soon in New Zealand. To learn more visit www.usana.com

*No gluten containing ingredients are used in this product. However, MySmartBar is manufactured on equipment that also processes products containing gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs, and soybeans.

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He was born with Paraxial Fibular Hemimelia. In other words he was born missing his fibula, three toes on his right foot, and his right leg was shorter than the left. At just twelve years old he made the difficult decision to have his leg amputated and says this was the best decision he’s made. From there he began mountain biking, rock climbing and snowboarding. He represented New Zealand in snowboarding for a number of years. Then two and a half years ago he began cycling and has been going at it since. He competed in the 1km Time Trial at the World Champs in Italy in March and placed 9th which he is hoping to build on at the Rio Games.

We thought we’d ask him a few questions leading up to the games…

What was it like when you found out you would represent NZ at the Rio Paralympic Games?

It was such an honour to be announced in the Rio games team. Six months ago Rio wasn’t on the cards for me at all until I broke through with some solid gains and managed to build on them through the track season over summer. It’s going to be an invaluable learning experience which will greatly benefit my career looking forward to the 2020 games in Tokyo.

How are you feeling about raising over $2000 so far for your ‘Help me get to Rio Paralympics 2016’ Givealittle cause?

I’m always overwhelmed by the support I get from those around me. I’m really fortunate to have friends, family and community around me that believe in me and what I’m trying to achieve. It’s quite a struggle being a full time athlete while trying to support a career as a full time cyclist so I definitely appreciate all the support I get.

What things do you currently do in your training that is your key to success?

Over the last few months I have learnt to listen to my body and respond when it’s telling me to slow down. Between this and a more balanced recovery regime I am able to push harder than I was before and gain more from my session.

If you’d like to make a contribution to help Byron on his journey to Rio, you can  donate to his cause through this link: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/byronraubenheimerpara-cyclist

Written by Monique Sparks

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Good nutrition is the key to strengthening the body’s natural defences and helps you to remain focused every day. When it comes to immune-boosting foods we’ve put together a list of some of the best. These include:

Reishi Mushroom

• Helps support the body’s natural immune defences against free radical damage, and its extracts boost the function of immune cells – our bodies first line of defence against infection.
•  Often called ‘Mushroom of Immortality’ due to its traditional use for lonevity and boosting Qi (in traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy, Qi is the vital life force that flows through the body).
• Helps promote cellular protection and is rich in fungal polysaccharides, which can enhance immune response.
• Used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic to support liver and heart, as well as an adaptogen to enhance resistance to stress and fatigue.

Shiitake Mushroom

• High in several essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and lentinan – a polysaccharide and the key constituent of Shiitake.
• These nutrients help to keep the immune system strong.
•  Has essential amino acids and has a high content of fibre.

Baker’s Yeast (beta glucan) 

• An immunomodulator which helps make your immune system smarter.
• Can help enhance your immune system’s response so your body can naturally fight off infections.
• Shown to support vitality, mood state and general well-being.
• May help protect against the harmful effects of stress.

Zinc

• Important mineral needed for healthy immune function.
• Acts as an antioxidant and helps defend against oxidative stress.
•  Found in foods such as red meat, chicken, fish, dairy foods, eggs, legumes and sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

Try adding these foods to your diet to help strengthen your immune system and to help you to be happy and healthy all year round!

References:

https://www.cancertutor.com/beta-glucan/

http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/nutrition+tips/strengthen+your+immune+system+naturally,12957

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