Product Review: Metamucil Fiber Powder

     Hi dearies! It's review time once again. I miss doing product reviews and to start here's my honest to goodness review of Metamucil Fiber Powder. But before that, let me give you a brief introduction on Metamucil. This post is loaded with information from Metamucil's website and from what I've learned during the launch. Metamucil was launched last June 24 at M Cafe. It was an intimate lunch with lifestyle and health bloggers together with Metamucil's brand ambassador Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan.

     During the launch, I've learned that there are different kinds of fiber. Aside from getting it from the food that we eat, there are also other sources of fiber in order for us to meet the daily requirement fiber intake. If you're  along time reader of this blog, I presume you've seen a post that I'm taking psyllium fiber for more than five years now. To know more about Metamucil and my thoughts about this product scroll down dearies!

Product Review: Metamucil Fiber Powder

    To cut the long story short, the Philippine Food and Nutrition Research Institute, recommends Filipino adults to consume 20 to 25 grams of dietary fiber daily. 1 If you find it difficult to include fiber-rich food in your daily diet, you can consider taking dietary fiber supplements like Metamucil®, the World’s #1 Selling Fiber Supplement 2 made with 100% natural psyllium fiber, to help you meet your fiber goals. 

     Psyllium is a great source of fiber from the husk of the seeds of the plant PlantagoOvata, providing four health benefits: helps promote digestive health, helps lower cholesterol to promote heart health*, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels as part of a healthy diet, and helps you feel less hungry between meals. 3,4. It is a viscous soluble fiber, which forms a gel to trap waste, bile acid, and sugars. The gel passes through the gut, taking the waste and some cholesterol, and slowly releasing sugars to be absorbed by the body.4,6

Product Review: Metamucil Fiber Powder
Metamucil Daily Fibre Supplement in Orange Smooth Flavor

Psyllium fiber provides four health benefits. It does the following:

• Helps promote digestive health – Psyllium aids as a stool softener for constipation and a stool normalizer for diarrhea1 
• Helps lower cholesterol to promote heart health – Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 7 grams of soluble fiber per day from Psyllium husk may reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol1 
• Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels as part of a healthy diet1 
• Helps you feel less hungry between meals – When Psyllium fiber thickens and forms into a gel inside the stomach, this action slows down digestion and absorption, contributing a sensation of fullness and allowing you to feel fuller between meals4

1 A. Moreyra. “Expert Views: The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre” in GI Health & Wellness. Issue 4. Febuary 2011. 

2 Food and Nutrition Research Institute. FNRI Digest: Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes for Filipinos. Retrieved from: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1122 .Assessed May 18, 2015. 

3 Harvard T.H. Chan of Public Health Nutrition Source. The Nutrition Source - Fiber. 

Retrieved from: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/fiber/. 

4 McRorie, J. W. (2015) Evidence-Based Approach to Fiber Supplements and Clinically Meaningful Health Benefits, Part I. Nutrition Today, Vol 50 (2). 

5 National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus – Soluble vs Insoluble Fiber. Retrieved from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002136.htm

6 United States Department of Agriculture. Dietary, Functional and Total Fiber. Retrieved from: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/DRI/DRI_Energy/339-421.pdf

Product Review: Metamucil Fiber Powder
Metamucil Daily Fibre Supplement in Orange Smooth Flavor nutrition facts

     Here are important things (information/direction) on how to take Metamucil. Kindly refer to this guide that was taken from metawellness.com

New Users: Start with 1 serving per day; gradually increase to desired daily intake. You may initially experience changes in bowel habits or minor bloating, as your body adjusts to increased fiber intake.

Bulk-forming fibers like psyllium husk may affect how well medicines work. Take this product at least 2 hours before or after medicines.

Uses

For feeling less hungry between meals*

Adults 12 yrs. and over: Two rounded teaspoons in 8 or more oz. of liquid with meals, up to 3 times daily.

For lowering cholesterol to promote heart health† 

Adults 12 yrs. and over: One rounded teaspoon in 8 oz. of liquid, 3 times daily.

For maintaining healthy blood sugar levels as part of your diet* 

Adults 12 yrs. and over: One rounded teaspoon in 8 oz. of liquid, 3 times daily.

Consult your doctor before use if you are currently using medication to control your blood sugar levels.

For promoting and maintaining digestive health*

Adults 12 yrs. and over: One rounded teaspoon in 8 oz. of liquid up to 3 times daily for fiber supplementation. For occasional constipation and to help promote and maintain regularity. For children under 12, consult a doctor.

Notice: Mix this product with at least 8 oz. (a full glass) of liquid. Taking without enough liquid may cause choking. Do not take if you have difficulty swallowing.

Allergy alert: This product may cause allergic reaction in people sensitive to inhaled or ingested psyllium. Contact your doctor BEFORE USING this dietary supplement if you have recently experienced a sudden change in bowel habits persisting for 2 weeks, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. STOP USING this dietary supplement and ask a doctor if constipation lasts more than 7 days or rectal bleeding occurs. These may be signs of a serious condition.

Product Review: Metamucil Fiber Powder
Metamucil Daily Fibre Supplement in Orange Smooth Flavor

     I've been taking Metamucil everyday. Once or twice a day 30 minutes before breakfast and/or 30 minutes before dinner plus lots and lots of water. I've been drinking this fiber powder for two weeks already. The photo below shows how I drink Metamucil. I just have to make approximations on how many grams I'm going to stir inside my drinking glass. Even though the instruction is clear (1 ½ teaspoons), I think there are times that I go more than or less than that value. 

    A side note: I've been drinking psyllium fiber since 2009 and Metamucil is not readily available here in our country that time. I had a salpingectomy operation last 2012. When I was in the operating room, I heard my doctors saying that my intestines are clean. It's a pre-operation order not to eat and drink 10-12 hours before the operation. Drinking fiber may have helped me with the 'clean intestines'? I'm not sure with my observation so feel free to comment if you're a medical expert. Thank you!

Product Review: Metamucil Fiber Powder
Metamucil Daily Fibre Supplement in Orange Smooth Flavor

size: 283 grams net powder / 48 doses

price: 760 php (Around $16.70+)

place bought: Free

Available in Mercury Drug, Watsons, and leading drugstores nationwide.

instructions for use: To enjoy Metamucil, simply add 5.8 grams of Metamucil (approximately 1 ½ teaspoons) to at least 250 ml of liquid. Stir briskly and drink promptly. Drink plenty of water. 

ingredients: Psyllium Husk powder, Aspartame, Citric Acid, Sunset Yellow FCF CI 15985, Maltodextrin, Artificial and Natural Orange Flavor.

Product Review: Metamucil Fiber Powder

Metamucil Daily Fibre Supplement in Orange Smooth Flavor

What I like:

• This psyllium fiber powder smells like real orange juice. Yum!
• Metamucil Fiber Powder is easy to mix and prepare.
• It's easy to drink and swallow because it is already in powder form.
• No bloating or other stomach irritations.
• After drinking a glass of Metamucil, my stomach feels full so there's a tendency that  I eat less/small portions and crave less sweets.
• As explained above, Metamucil is a viscous soluble fiber that forms a gel to provide health benefits in controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
• It's sugar and gluten free.
• There's a batch, manufacturing and expiry date printed on the package.
• Easily available.

What I don't like:

• The price can be a bit steep for budget conscious individuals.
• Doesn't come with a scoop. I find it hard to measure the exact amount of Metamucil powder (5.8 grams) in a 250 ml of water. 
• It's only available in one size jar.

Will I repurchase: It's in the realm of possibility. A mainstay in my diet because I drink it everyday to maintain my weight and to eat happy and lessen the guilt whenever I crave for sweets, salty, and fatty food.

Recommendation: 

     I give this a 4.25/5 rating. Finally, a psyllium fiber that is in powder form and easy to drink and swallow. Those who can't take or drink the psyllium fiber in husk form will benefit a lot from Metamucil. It can also be mixed with your favorite drinks like yogurt and milk to make an orange smooth shake. As a precaution, consult a medical practitioner first before taking any form of supplement. Read what I've posted above and always follow the instructions especially if you're taking medication.

     If you prefer on mixing it with water, I suggest you drink it birskly so that it will not form into a gel-like mixture in less than 1 minute. Drink lots of water if your taking Metamucil. Have you tried taking fiber supplements? What's your method of taking it? Kindly share your experience on the comment section below. Thank you for dropping by!

Good Times!~

DISCLAIMER: This review is not paid or sponsored. I got this product from the Metamucil Philippines Launch. The opinion expressed here are my honest opinion about the product. What works for me may not work for you or vice versa.

Feature: Contours Body Design Studio's LaserFit and Acutrim

     Losing weight is easy- NOT! Discipline is always the key to live a healthy lifestyle. In my opinion, all the things that we need to lose weight are easily accessible nowadays and there are numerous institution that will help shed pounds in an instant or after a month. But this 'instant' weight lose is superficial. For me, commitment and determination to lose the excess weight always matter. No if's or but's so when I was invited by Contours Body Design Studio to learn more about their weight loss program I said yes even if there's only a little weight to lose. The maintenance phase matters most to me because with all the procedures we have nowadays, I can say it's easy to lose weight BUT you need to learn how to maintain it and have discipline. Thanks to Dr. Roura, she will not only melt the fats but will also teach you how to keep them away for the rest of your life :)    

     Contours Body Design Studio by Dr. Claudine Roura is the Philippines’ personalized and innovative aesthetic center in the country that offers various precision skin care services, non-surgical weight loss treatments, and VASER high definition liposcultpture. Contours Body Design Studio aims to be a growing post for each individual, leading them to fit and healthy bodies and lifestyles. It serves as a development hub for people who long for improved health progressions that will highly benefit them in the long run.     

Feature: Contours Body Design Studio's LaserFit and Acutrim

     Featuring services that no one in the country ever offered such as LaserFit, this treatment boasts a holistic approach to weight loss and body contouring for as low as P5, 500 per session. A combination of non-invasive full body zerona cold laser exposure to melt fat, 10-minute power circuit exercise coupled with proper nutritional recommendations and a diet guide, Laserfit is also the excellent complement for those individuals with a regular workout regimen since zerona cold laser dramatically increases the fat-melting abilities of the body. 

Feature: Contours Body Design Studio's LaserFit and Acutrim

     “We melt it, you burn it!” has easily become the mantra for LaserFit at all Contours clinics nationwide. Safe, painless, and carefree, each session takes less than an hour through a low-level zerona cold laser. Applied to the targeted areas such as waist, hips, and thighs for 20 minutes, the patient then turns over and same procedure is applied to the opposite side with ease and comfort. A procedure recommended minimum of two weeks with three full sessions each week, result is generally noticeable during third week with loosening of clothes as a major indicator of fat loss. 

Feature: Contours Body Design Studio's LaserFit and Acutrim

     Aside from LaserFit, Contours Body Design Studio introduces Acutrim, another innovative and non-surgical approach to accelerate process of weight lost for only P4, 000 per session. A no-needle acupuncture technique, which combines cold laser with micro current stimulator, it helps to control hunger cravings, make the person feel fuller with less food while increasing the body’s metabolism. As an introductory rate, avail of the P14, 000 package which include four sessions of Acutrim, counseling, weight loss pamphlet and a DVD guide.

     I'll be reviewing LaserFit and Acutrim soon. Yes, I have a normal body weight now but I still have unwanted fats on my hips and thighs. Let's see if both weight loss approach will help me melt those stubborn fats and tone my body. For those of you who are struggling to lose weight because it keeps on coming back, why don't you try these weight loss programs from Contours. I believe that losing weight is not just losing the weight but learning how to maintain your normal body weight through proper healthy eating habits and regular exercise just what LaserFit would do for you :) 

Contours Body Design Studio is located at the following branches:

2nd floor, South Park Plaza, Paseo de Magallanes, Makati City, Philippines 

Contact numbers: +632-5564878, +6324035533,+639151163911 

5th floor Bldg A, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City 

Tel. No: (02) 6354984 

5th Level, The Block, SM North Edsa, North Ave., Quezon City 

Tel no: (02) 9216798 

SM BF Paranaque 

3rd level, SM BF, Dr. A Santos Ave.., Sucat Paranaque City 

Mobile: 09165509873 

For more information, visit www.contours.com.ph 

E-mail: info@contours.com.ph

Like them on Facebook: Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute 

5 Workouts That Work Your Chest and Back

     If you are looking to build your chest and back,you’re going to need exercises that target the muscles in those areas of the body. Below are five exercises that workout your chest and back and they don’t require a lot of equipment to perform. 

5 Workouts That Work Your Chest and Back
image from bodybuilding.com

1. Push Ups

     A staple workout in building upper body strength, push ups are essential in developing your chest. You don’t need any equipment other than your body, and you can do a number of variations such as incline, decline, and diamond pushups to maximize effectiveness. Keep in mind, however, that technique is everything if you want to see results. 

2. Pull Ups

     Pull ups are excellent when it comes to developing your upper back because the major muscles targeted are the latissimus dorsi – the largest muscles along both sides of your back. You can perform this exercise with several grip variations to challenge your body and increase the strength in your upper back as well as your shoulders and arms. 

     However, to do this exercise properly you will need a bar fixed horizontally in either a door frame or constructed as a free standing unit. It should be fixed so that your feet do not touch the ground when your arms are fully extended and sturdy enough so that it does not collapse on you while performing the exercise.

3. Pull Overs

     Pull overs, are an exercise that work your chest and your back at the same time. To do this one, you will need some form of resistance, such as a dumb bell to pullover your head while you lie flat on your back to perform the technique either on the floor or on a workout bench. 

   The primary muscle that receives the most work is your chest, while you back is the secondary receiver of resistance in the movement. Thus, it works both muscle groups at the same time.

4. Single Arm Bent Over Rows

     This is another exercise that targets the major muscles of the back. You perform it using a form of resistance such as a dumbbell, resistance band, or even a kettlebell. Also, depending on your skill level you will need some form of support such as a chair, workout bench, or even your knee to perform the technique of pulling the weight from the floor to your body.

5. Butter Fly Press

    Targeting the chest, this exercise, is typically performed using dumb bells while lying with your back flat on a workout bench and raising and lowering both arms in a horizontal-arching motion over your chest. However, you can also perform the technique using resistance bands, or cables, while standing or sitting down in a chair.

    Keep your spine straight, depending on how you are positioned, as your arms move in a plane of motion that crosses the weight over your chest and then extends the arms out and away from your body.

Feature: Magic Potions Online Beauty and Wellness Shop

     Shopping for beauty products and other body essentials are now easy as 1, 2, 3 because there are so many online shops that offer hassle-free shopping at the comforts of your home. Since we're talking about online shopping, one shop that's been 11 years in the business offers a wide array of beauty and health enhancing products from head to toe! Have you heard of Magic Potions? I'm sure you've stumbled or have heard this online shop before and I'm so excited to share with you some of their best-selling products.

     Magic Potions sent me some of their best-selling products to try. If you're into whitening, I presume you already know this brand. I received whitening skin care products like BeauoxiWhite Whitening and Anti-Aging Moisturizing Soap and Beauoxiwhite Complexion Control Whitening Cream. They've also included an eyelash enhancing serum- Magic iLash Eyelash Enhancer, and White Allure Pure Morrocan Argan Oil. To know more about Magic Potions and the products I received from them recently, scroll down now dearies!

Feature: Magic Potions Online Beauty and Wellness Shop
Beauoxiwhite Whitening and Anti-Aging Moisturizing Soap, Beauoxiwhite Complexion Control Whitening Cream, Magic iLash Eyelash Enhancer and White Allure Pure Morrocan Argan Oil

     Magic Potions Merchandise Inc. is an independent distribution company in the Philippines of imported and locally made Nutraceutical and Beauty products. Magic Potions has been in the business since 2014. They're one of the trusted shop online because they are already 11 years as an online beauty shop that offers beauty products like skin care, skin whitening, anti-aging, slimming and weight control and other cosmetics. This online shop also carries health care products such as food supplements.

Feature: Magic Potions Online Beauty and Wellness Shop

     Even before Magic Potions tap me to feature their shop, I've already known them because they're one of the pioneers in selling affordable glutathione in the Philippine market and worldwide. I'm a lurker in different forums before I started blogging and in one of the thread that I'm following, members there buy their beauty and health care products at Magic Potions.

     So here are the individual photos of the products they've sent me to try. If you're curious about these products, I've included the price and important information on each one of them.

Beauoxiwhite Whitening and Antiaging Moisturizing Soap 120g Php120.00/$5.00 

     BeauoxiWhite is a uniquely formulated advance whitening and anti-aging soap for more moisturized, radiant, smoother, suppler and fairer skin. It contains Glutathione which is a powerful anti-oxidant, Grapeseed extract which is known to fight against free radicals and aging, it also contains a naturally extracted ingredient from seven Swiss Alpine plants which was proved to have a significantly natural whitening effect to the skin and reduces age spots, color and size and it also contains collagen that maintains firmness of the skin.

Feature: Magic Potions Online Beauty and Wellness Shop
BeauoxiWhite Whitening and Anti-Aging Moisturizing Soap

BeauOxiwhite Complexion Control Whitening Cream 30ml Php 400.00/$12.00
Spf 30 Antiaging Formula FDA APPROVED! FDA number NN 2014 111 090857

     BeauOxiwhite Complexion Control Whitening Cream more than just cover your blemishes, with continuous use it can help remove dark spots, age spots and wrinkles. BeauOxiwhite Complexion Control Whitening Cream provides natural-looking skin coverage with multi benefits that include skin protection from UV rays, skin whitening, oil control, moisturizing and wrinkle reduction.

Feature: Magic Potions Online Beauty and Wellness Shop
Beauoxiwhite Complexion Control Whitening Cream

White Allure Pure Morrocan Argan Oil 100ml Php 1,200/$32.00

Certified organic, Cold pressed, The Gold of Morocco, Super food for the skin and hair

     Argan Oil has been used for centuries by Moroccan women to treat dry skin, stretchmarks and other skin conditions. Argan Oil is an incredibly rich source of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

     It has astonishing healing, conditioning and anti-ageing properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized and to keep you looking beautiful from head to toe. Argan Oil is not only a super food for the skin and hair but for the whole body.

     Argan oil presents an exceptional percentage of essential fatty acids, one of which is linoleic acid ensuring the functions of repair and defense of the skin. The essential fatty acids fight again drying, dehydrating and the loss of elasticity which encourage the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin E protects the cell membranes against lipid oxidization and thus slows down the process of skin ageing.

Feature: Magic Potions Online Beauty and Wellness Shop

Magic iLASH Eyelash Enhancer Serum 8ml per bottle Php 990.00/$29.99

LONGER AND THICKER EYELASHES Money-back Guaranteed!
     It's time you stop using falsies or paying a fortune for eyelash extensions that last only for a few weeks. Magic Potions has the answer to having flirty, beautiful lashes. Start growing them naturally now!

SEE INITIAL RESULTS AS EARLY AS 10 DAYS!
     Formulated to safely enhance your eyelashes giving you that longer and thicker eyelashes that you've always wanted.

Feature: Magic Potions Online Beauty and Wellness Shop
Magic iLash Eyelash Enhancer 

     There are so many reasons why you should consider Magic Potions Online Beauty and Wellness Shop on your next shopping online: 

• Fast and discreet shipping to any part of the world.
• You can pay securely thru their website. 
• Magic Portions is a proudly pinoy (Filipino) corporation.
• Their mission is to meet our client’s satisfaction.
• They also help other online sellers because they are available for distribution and reselling.
• They have retail stores located at: Makati, Ortigas, Manila, Alabang
• Products are guaranteed authentic.
• They have great deals, discounts, and offers that will surely save you from spending more when you purchase the products from other online stores.

     I'm so excited to share with you my review/s on the products above. Comment below which one you like me to review first :)

Shop Locations

• Magic Potions Main Office, MAKATI- Unit 3 G/F Eight One Eight Bldg., 818 A. Arnaiz Avenue (former Pasay Road) San Lorenzo, Makati City (Beside BPI Family Bank and Kashmir Restaurant and across Prudential Life Bldg.) 9am – 6pm (Monday – Friday) 815-9763/752-7009
• Magic Potions St. Francis Square Mall, ORTIGAS- G/F St. Francis Square Mall (Near LBC, Western Union and Mall entrance along Julia Vargas) Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Metro Manila Mall hours (Monday – Sunday) 696-7200
• Magic Potions St. Thomas Square Mall, SAMPALOC 2/F St. Thomas Square 1150 España Blvd, cor. Padre Campa St., (Morayta) Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines Mall hours (Monday – Sunday) 254-9835
• Magic Potions Metropolis Starmall, ALABANG 2/F, Right Wing Metropolis Starmall Alabang, Muntinlupa City (Near Netopia Internet Café and Beside Dodolon Amusement Center) Mall hours (Monday – Sunday) 822-1171

To know more about their products visit their website:magic-potions.com

You may also contact them thru Line: MagicPotions

Send them an email at: inquiry@magic-potions.com

SMS: 0917 888 2999

Like them on Facebook: MagicPotionsBeautyShop

Follow them on Instagram: @MagicPotionsBeautyShop

Good Times!~

Runtastic is now available at Lazada.com.ph

     I noticed that Filipinos are becoming more conscious with regards to their physical appearance. The new motto for women who wants to achieve a sexy physique is "Strong is the new sexy". Fitness and healthy living can be achieved by eating clean, regular exercise and less stress. Since more and more are going to the gym or investing their money in exercise equipment, a new gym/sports/running buddy arrived in here in our country recently.

     Runtastic – the world’s largest wearable brand and a leader in the digital health and fitness has now arrived in the Philippines. Runtastic products will be exclusively available online at Lazada.com.ph/runtastic. And the best part of this is that you can purchase any Runtastic items with the same ease and convenience of online shopping through Lazada.com.ph. Shop Runtastic products with your smartphones via the Lazada Mobile App both available in Appstore and Google Play. You also have the ease and confidence of buying Runtastic products with Lazada.com.ph’s Cash-on-Delivery payment option as well as its Free Nationwide Delivery Service for purchases above PhP 1,000.00.

Runtastic is now available at Lazada.com.ph

Fitness First's #PushYourLimits Outdoor Challenge

     Eat clean, go to the gym and look mean! I always want to live by this mantra, live a healthy lifestyle and exercise at least thrice a week for the rest of my life. But TIME is the number one excuse, always an excuse why I can't commit to this kind of lifestyle. In this day and age, having a fit and fabulous body is hard to maintain, let alone achieve. Busy schedules and fast-paced lifestyles make it difficult for people to eat healthy and find time to exercise. 

     My mother is a member of Fitness First Club Philippines and I have seen what one of their fitness club looks like. It's been ages since I visited their SM Fairview branch and methinks now is the right time to rekindle my love for fitness :) I exercise at home but it's not enough because I want something new, something that will challenge my muscles in multiple directions. So yesterday, I've pushed my limits and gave in to Fitness First's outdoor challenges. Click CONTINUE READING to see what happened at Fitness First's #PushYourLimits event!

Fitness First's #PushYourLimits Outdoor Challenge

     Workout and push your limits even if you're not wearing your gym outfit, this scenario happened yesterday and that's what Fitness First wanted us to experience. Fitness First stands by the fact that exercise is essential to one’s health and that having a hectic lifestyle is no excuse not to get fit. That is why Fitness First created freestyle areas in their clubs which allow you to exercise and move with purpose. They focus on dynamic movement training, movements that will challenge one's muscles in multiple directions, combining as many muscle groups as possible to challenge you and get you moving in the way nature intended.

     The event happened at the Bonifacio High Street Activity Center in Global City Taguig yesterday with the objective of showing how exercise can be incorporated in everyday tasks and without the need for exercise machines. 

     There are four different fitness areas to test one’s strength, endurance, flexibility, and speed in a very fun and engaging way. Bloggers and invited guests together with Fitness First ambassadors and celebrities got the chance to see how they measured up against what an average person could accomplish. What’s more, the challenges could be completed without the need to be in workout clothes. We took the outdoor challenges wearing these outfits!

Fitness First's #PushYourLimits Outdoor Challenge
With Michelle, Rochelle, Jen, Sheree- Fitness First brand ambassador, Kaye and Moi :)

     To test their speed, participants were engaged in drills using the agility ladder. This is the most effective tool for training speed and improving footwork. 

     For endurance, Kaye and I was asked to lift shopping bags progressively being filled with Gatorade bottles after every round. This type of weight training workout improves your ability to do everyday chores such as carrying a bag of groceries or lifting your young child. From 3 Gatorade bottles up to 16 bottles (8 each bag) I survived the challenge but barely felt my arms after though. Hahaha!

     Participants also tested how strong they were by the number of times they could flip large tires. The entire body needs to be engaged when you flip the tire, which is perfect for improving over-all strength and conditioning. 

Fitness First's #PushYourLimits Outdoor Challenge
Flexibility Challenge area

     Lastly, Carlo, Rochelle and I tried a series of progressive Vinyasa poses. Vinyasa has both mental and physical benefits, synchronized breathing relaxes the mind and the movements significantly improve flexibility. The 3 of us passed the test and it's soo hard since it's my first time to try these Yoga poses. I literally felt the stretch and muscle burning after each poses.

Fitness First's #PushYourLimits Outdoor Challenge
We're rocking the tree pose here :)

Fitness First's #PushYourLimits Outdoor Challenge
The extremely hard Crane Pose for beginners like me!!!

     All these challenges were performed under the expert guidance of Fitness First Fitness Instructors. For every fitness challenge completed, each participant received a raffle entry for a chance to win free 3-month memberships. What’s more, free health checks were made available to all guests. 

     But more than just participating in the challenges, Fitness First encouraged the participants to push their limits, to try and exceed what their bodies could normally endure. After the challenges I realized the importance of including exercise as part of my everyday routine and that exercise can be fun and can be done anytime without the need for exercise machines. Mommies like me can benefit a lot from simple exercises that can be done at home and at Fitness First Club Philippines!

You may visit any Fitness First branch to learn more about Freestyle or go to their website at www.fitnessfirst.com.ph

Problems with Obesity? 3 Options to Reduce Your Weight

     The latest figures for the fattest countries in the world are amazing, and the amount of money that the world now spends on obesity is skyrocketing. It is not just the cost of obesity treatments that are the problem; it is the cost to countries of the related medical needs of obese people, and even their care in the community. Many people who are obese are looking for a way to lose weight, and their genuine efforts are to be applauded, but not all obese people have the information about the types of help they can get. Here are some ways that the obese can get help in their quest to lose weight and attain a state of better health.

Problems with Obesity? 3  Options to Reduce Your Weight
hufftingpost.com

Product Review: MEGAFIBER Psyllium Fiber Supplement

     Finally, I'll be sharing my thoughts on Megafiber Psyllium fiber supplement. If you're a long time reader of this blog, prolly you know that I had bouts of constipation after giving birth. Yes, constipation is a part of pregnancy, it is common because of the increase progesterone in the body and it relaxes the muscle including the digestive track. The battle with constipation continues after giving birth. I've tried different kinds of laxative and medicine to help ease constipation but only a few have worked.

     I also veered away from those medicines because laxatives should not be taken for a long period of time because of the side-effects so I have to look for a natural supplement in order to help me pass out the stool in my body naturally. No bloating, painful tummy or cramps and flatulence. I've tried 2 brands of psyllium fiber before and I'm quiet satisfied with the results BUT I became most satisfied with MEGAFIBER. Wanna know why? Click CONTINUE READING to know more about this food supplement and my honest to goodness thoughts about the product.

Product Review: MEGAFIBER Psyllium Fiber Supplement
image from megafiber.com.ph

Product Review: Glutafit [UPDATED]

     Stay beautiful and fit with Glutafit, sounds too good to be true right? But this can be achieved also with the right kind of skincare products, diet, exercise, and happy vibes! To make the mantra more effective, add a dietary supplement because not all the nutrients in the food that we eat can be properly absorbed in the gut. So taking this kind of supplement can actually amp up what I mentioned above. What is Glutafit? 

     Glutafit is the first daily supplement which helps whiten and slim down the body creating healthy glowing skin and slender body. It contains a combination of L-Glutathione, Chitosan, and Hydroxyproline which are all clinically proven ingredients effective for whitening and slimming. To know more about the product and my experience, click CONTINUE READING, please :)

Product Review: Glutafit

     Before you scroll down, let's take a closer look at the ingredients of Glutafit and what it can do to your body.

L-Glutathione

• It helps lighten skin pigmentation
• It helps maintain healthy glowing skin
• It is a powerful anti-oxidant
• It helps detoxify the liver

Chitosan

• It helps as a fat binder
• It helps eliminate the waste products of the body
• It helps bowel elimination
• It helps as a fast-acting weight loss partner

Hydroxyproline (Collagen)

• It is the purest form of collagen
• It helps rebuild skin collagen
• It helps lessen signs of aging
• It helps rejuvenate the skin
• It helps maintain moisture for firmer and smoother skin

     I've used the product for 15 days as recommended. One capsule 30 minutes before and after eating. Since the product lasted only for two weeks, I wasn't able to see the maximum effect that I'm sure will be achieved after two to three bottles of Glutafit.

Product Review: Glutafit

Nutrition Facts:

Serving Size: 2 Capsules

Amount Per One (1) Capsule

L-Glutathione (Reduced)  250 mg

Chitosan  100   mg

Sodium Ascorbate  50 mg

Hydroxyproline (Collagen)  100mg

Product Review: Glutafit

size: 30 capsules/bottle good for 15 days use

price: 900 php 1,500 to 2,588 depends on the seller/re-seller

(Around $32.00-55.00+)

place bought: Free 

It was given to me by Mischka Derma Secret to try and review. They DON'T it sell anymore.

instruction for use: As a dietary supplement, take two (2) capsules daily, with a meal. I take it 30 minutes before and after eating.

warnings: Pregnant or lactating women should avoid using this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not purchase if the outer seal is broken or damaged.

When using nutritional supplements, please inform your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition.

Protect from sunlight.

ingredients: L-glutathione (Reduced), Chitosan, Sodium Ascorbate, Hydroxyproline (Collagen)

Product Review: Glutafit
Well-sealed

Product Review: Glutafit
Here's the product in a transparent capsule

What I like:

• Sealed upon purchase.
• Comes in a handy bottle complete with product information.
• This is a 2-in-1 product great for whitening the skin and losing weight.
• It contains a decent amount of one of the purest form of collagen- hydroxyproline.
• I didn't experience any discomforts like vomiting, headache, nausea, breakouts or whatsoever.
• It made my skin glowing even if there are times that I need to stay late at night.
• It lessened cystic pimples popping around my chin which I experience every month.
• The color of my freckles lightened a bit while I'm taking this capsule.
• Taking the product in the morning had curbed my appetite the whole day.
• It made me sweat even if I do simple movements.
• Batch, manufacturing and expiry date printed on the package.

What I don't like:

• Not easily accessible.
• Since the recommended dosage is twice a day, I find the price a bit steep. 
• It's expensive for budget-conscious individuals.
• Contains only 250mg of Glutathione compared to other brands in the market.

Will I purchase? Maybe 

Recommendation:

     I give this a 4/5 rating. To those who want to achieve fair skin, I do recommend this product because it's 2-in-1. This supplement not only maintained my skin tone but it served as an ant-oxidant in my body because I'm exposed to second-hand smoke from my husband and also from other stress factors in the environment. The chitosan in the product curbs my appetite and made me sweat with every simple task that I do. 

     The product did not whiten or lighten my skin because I only consumed it for 15 days but it helped me control my appetite. It's a promising product for those who want to see 2-in-1 benefits in a bottle. With continuous use, I can say maximum results will be achieved. 

     Have you tried taking whitening and slimming capsule as a daily supplement? Share!

Good Times!~

DISCLAIMER: This product was sent to me by Mischka Derma Secret for review. The views expressed here are my honest opinion about the product.

The Joys of Being a Cohen Mommy Press Launch

     The road to motherhood is not a smooth journey. Many women struggle in different aspects of motherhood like their identity, becoming a nurturer, a teacher and an inspiration for their children. We may think that when one becomes a mother, life will just be confided in the four corners of our home. Some women after giving birth just focus on the welfare of their family that's why they tend to ignore themselves- they become unaware of their physical appearance. In my experience, the number one problem that I encountered after giving birth is losing all the weight I gain during pregnancy. It's hard to lose post pregnancy weight especially when you cannot find the right diet and exercise for you. It may result into crash or yoyo diet if you have no idea what kind of food is right for you. So if you think you're in a situation what most moms worry about after giving birth, don't lose hope because Cohen Lifestyle Centre is here to help you lose weight by their diet program where Food becomes your medicine. Cohen Lifestyle Centre also helps women trying to conceive and treat obesity for you to become fit and fab moms and grand moms. Since this month is special for mother's like me, let me share with you the joys of being a Cohen mommy :) Click CONTINUE READING to see their testimonials about the Cohen Lifestyle Program

Cohen Lifestyle Centre: The Joys of Being a Cohen Mommy Press Launch

5 Countries Which Spend More on Weight Loss

5 Countries which spend more on weight loss

     With the increased number of problems that are resulting out of the obesity or weight gain, there is increased awareness in different nations and the people staying in them. Obviously, the countries that rank top in obesity percent of people are also likely to spend more on the strategies that help in weight loss. But, some assumptions might go wrong due to which the return of investment that is spent in weight loss strategies might not be so impressive. This low ROI could be due to several reasons like choosing wrong strategy, not implementing the strategy in a right way, not educating the people about the important of controlling the weight and several other unnoticed issues that would cause the failure of the strategies employed for weight loss.

5 Countries Which Spend More on Weight Loss
*image from Google Images*

     All the efforts that the countries have put in for motivating and bringing the desired weight loss might not have succeeded. While few countries were able to increase the expected life span of the individuals by investing in health care not all of those who spent more of their budget on health care have succeeded in achieving their goals either on weight loss or on other health aspects and problems. Let us look at those top 5 countries ranked in terms of spending expenditure on obese.