Mood:  chillin'

Main components of my morning "training table" for optimum energy.  Rainbow Light's Chocolate or Acai Berry Protein Energizer Shakes and Women's Organic Multiple Vitamins.  See the yummy recipe below!

The Winter Olympics are a great wake up call that if we are going to perform like athletes we've got to train like them.  That starts with shedding a few excess pounds that creep up on most of us during the winter months.

Start with a high fiber diet for about a week and include whole grain cereals such as oatmeal or a toasted whole wheat cereal such as Wheatena.  Another product is Rainbow Light Daily Fruit and Fiber .  This is an easy, delicious way to facilitate cleansing and regularity which often slows down during periods of less exercise.  It contains fruits, seeds, sprouts and probiotics to control flatulence and is a quick way to get 7 grams of fiber in just one serving.

After the first week, you can begin getting some moderate exercise.  If there is still snow on the ground, consider snowshoe running.  Tubbs Snowshoes of Vermont   has been making high quality snowshoes in the U.S.A. since 1906.  They make a wide variety of snowshoes for nearly every trail and terrain.  They also make shoes to fit men, women and children specifically.  They are very easy to use and allow you to quickly traverse ungroomed trails and open fields. 

I find them to be truly essential to cure cabin fever when snow is still out on the ground but I want to get in some jogging.  As an extra benefit, the snow is a great buffer, cushioning your joints from the harsh jarring they would normally get from pavement.

Once you've eased your way out from couch potato-ness, you'll find that you'll need a bit more energy to fuel the increasing intensity of your workouts.  On those first runs, you might wish to keep a cheer pack of Enervitene by Enervit with you.  Unlike Redbull or Rockstar, Enervitene contains no caffiene or herbal stimulants.  What it does offer is a "get you over the hump" shot of B-vitamins and glucose.  The glucose is what your muscles crave after climbing a hard hill or being taxed for long periods of time.  I have used this product to compete in and win mountain bike races and road rides so it is very effective.  Before retiring, I take Rainbow Light's Calcium Plus to help counter the lactic acid fueled Charlie Horses that often come with a day of strenous exercise.

Buliding a strong energy base is also essential.  If I know that I will be working out hard, I take Rainbow Light's Herbal Energizer.  A new product from Rainbow Light is their Women's Multivitamin made with organic fruits and vegetables.  I like the easy to digest two piece caps and the inclusion of herbs, enzymes and antioxidants.  As you are cutting back on calories, you need to replace them with high nutrition foods.  Try starting your day with the Protein Energizer as pictured in the lead photo.  It is SO easy to make and will make a big difference in your energy levels and ability to stay away from the junk during the day.

Rainbow Light Chocolate-Dulce de Leche Energizer

 1 scoop of Chocolate Protein Energizer

1 cup lowfat milk, almond or rice milk

3/4 cup crushed ice

1 tablespoon Dulce de Leche Liqueur (Dulceda)

Combine ingredients in blender and whirl for about 1 minute.  Pour, drink and go!  The Dulce de Leche simply adds a delicious caramel like flavor to the drink without much alcohol.  Experiment with other fruits and berries for a different taste experience to start your day.  Super Saboroso!

I'd especially like to applaud Rainbow Light and Enervit for their minimalist, eco-friendly packaging.  Good for you and definitely great for the environment.  Rainbow Light's Certified Organics line is a big step forward as well.  This line offers well thought out products that active people can actually use...every day.  We will continue to ease you back into Cross Training so that you will be so ready to go come spring which is just around the corner.  Now get out there!