On May 14–15, HBO will premier their highly anticipated documentary “The Weight of the Nation.” The four-part series declares war on our country’s obesity epidemic by closely examining the causes of our growing collective waistline and decreasing desire to exercise.

Experimental Biology—or “EB” as it is referred to—is the largest nutrition science conference in the world (organized by the American Society for Nutrition, of which I am a long-time member since my graduate-school days).

In a lot of ways, EB is like “Woodstock for nutrition nerds” because nutrition researchers from around the world congregate here every year to present their research on everything from obesity to metabolism to cancer to heart health and everything in between. If you study nutrition, you want to be at EB every year to find out what’s new.

On April 25, MonaVie will present a scientific study as part of the American Society for Nutrition at the Experimental Biology Annual Scientific Conference in San Diego. The study, entitled, “Improvement in Skin Carotenoid Levels Assessed by Reflectance Spectroscopy” is an investigation of antioxidant levels in volunteers consuming a novel highly-absorbed antioxidant blend found in MonaVie MX Juice. 

MonaVie Mx combines the functional benefits of three existing MonaVie Juices (Essential, Active, and (M)mun) into a single “3-in-1” formula delivering superior antioxidant protection, joint flexibility, and immune system support.

Through a variety of biochemical mechanisms, MonaVie Mx may also stimulate the body’s natural cellular renewal process known as “autophagy,” which can be thought of as a “housekeeping” and repair process for all the cells in our bodies. This process of cellular turnover is a constant cycle of breakdown and buildup—resulting in a healthier, stronger, and more resilient body. You might think of this process the same way you would think about renovations on a house. Sometimes you put up a new wall (“building”)—and sometimes you need to tear down an old damaged wall (“breakdown”) before you can make repairs. The end result of a house renovation is a stronger house—just as the end result of cellular turnover and autophagy is a healthier body.

By now, you’re aware that MonaVie is on a mission to help you “Ditch Dieting” once and for all, and assist you in losing weight the right way with the MonaVie 90-day RVLution.

But did you also know that MonaVie employees have joined the RVLution?   

Beginning the first week of March, nearly 45% of the remote agents and employees at the corporate office signed up to change their minds, bodies, and lives. What’s inspirational about the happenings at the corporate office is that we are all doing it together. And you can do the same with your friends, family, and community.

You might be asking yourself what fat cats and stressed rats have to do with you? Studies show us quite clearly that being overweight and having excess body fat is detrimental to long-term health, and also show us that typical “fast food” type diets can be both highly addictive (the dopamine data) and extremely “stressful” to break away from (the corticotropin data).

In today’s world where we’re surrounded by both stress and fast food, a big part of the “solution” to managing body weight is to eat meals that (1) taste good, (2) help balance metabolism and blood sugar, and (3) do not feel restrictive like a diet. The MonaVie RVL products have an excellent balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates that not only taste delicious, but also help keep you satisfied longer.

For many people in the nutrition industry, the simple mention of the term “joint health” conjures up images of the “tried and true” dietary supplement, glucosamine. Numerous research studies show the ability of glucosamine supplements to help rebuild and repair joint cartilage to keep joints healthy and flexible. If you’re a consumer of MonaVie Active juice or MonaVie MX juice, then you’re already familiar with the plant-derived form of glucosamine (not from shellfish, like most glucosamine supplements) that MonaVie uses in both products.

What you might not be familiar with, however, is that having a healthy “joint” is a lot more than just healthy cartilage. Joints are actually complex systems involving bones, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels—and all of these structures need to be maintained in a state of healthy turnover (balance between buildup/breakdown) if we want to stay mobile and flexible as we age.

Hi, this is Shawn Talbott, the new VP of Research & Development here at MonaVie.

In my first MonaVie blog post, I wanted to share some of my comments that appear in this month’s issue of Women’s Health magazine (March 2012). In the article, A Better Body? No Sweat! I comment about the importance of adequate water intake to avoid dehydration. Why? Because being dehydrated can substantially slow your metabolic rate and may impact your ability to burn as many calories as possible.

You: (stomach growling)
Your friend: Was that your stomach growling?
You: Yeah, I’m so hungry. It must be time for dinner.
Your friend: It’s only 3:30 p.m.!

Has this ever happened to you? You had a big lunch, but only a few hours later you were hungry again. When you feel hungry, two factors are at play: volume (the amount of food you ate) and nutrition (the nutrient quality of the food you ate).

Volume. When you eat a meal, you become “full” by filling the space in your stomach with food. This feeling gives you the sensation of being full and satisfied. Nutrition. When your cells receive the proper nutrition they require to function at an optimal level, you will feel satisfied, and not hungry. The nutrients your cells need to carry out their basic and essential functions include vitamins, minerals, protein, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, among others.

So how do you explain the phenomenon that occurs when you feel hungry just hours after eating a large—but nutritionally void—meal? The answer is simple: volume has given you the sensation of being full (temporarily), but the lack of nutrition in the meal has left your cells screaming in protest for something they can use to do their jobs.

When it comes to proper nutrition and managing your weight, every calorie counts; however, all calories are not created equal.

Now, here’s the good news: MonaVie RVL Nutrition Shake Mix utilizes “smart” calories. These nutrient dense calories provide a high return on your caloric intake so you stock up on nutrients, not calories. In fact, just one serving of MonaVie RVL Shake Mix delivers a wider array of nutrients than a typical meal—in half the calories.

This is pure cell food! Your mitochondria will be so excited with the new load of fuel they’ve received, you’ll feel the results immediately. Having received the nutrition they need to function properly, your cells won’t be ringing the dinner bell prematurely. Could this be the dieter’s best friend?

Next time you feel hungry before you think you should be, evaluate the nutritional content of your last meal and give your system a boost with MonaVie RVL—a veritable oasis of nutrition for your thirsting cells.

Did you find this article helpful? Leave a comment below.

This week many of us will be inundated with coupons, email, Facebook posts and commercials featuring the latest and greatest deals for Black Friday—the biggest shopping day of the year!

Everyone enjoys a good deal, and no matter what your level of engagement is, here are four tips to make sure your Black Friday shopping experience is a MonaVie experience! 

Tip #1 Have a plan!

Devising a store strategy with family and friends is wise so that you can find more deals in a shorter amount of time. I would suggest a pre–Black Friday meeting, complete with a review of the stores (btw…blueprints would be great). Establish a list of roles and responsibilities, test your walkie talkies and—of course—check to see if any of the stores you’ll visit are part of new MonaVie Perks Retail Rewards!

Tip #2 Bring something to eat.

Leftover turkey sandwiches covered in gravy are always a popular item, albeit extremely messy (and -2 points on creativity). Why not pack a few convenient and delicious MonaVie RVL Nutrition Snack Bars? They’re small, compact and easy to share.

Tip #3 Prepare to be cold!

Waiting in line outside for a store to open in November may not be the warmest! Check the weather forecast before you go, bundle up, throw on a MonaVie RVL Hoodie and you’re good to go!

Tip #4 Bring friends and make friends!

Some people camp out at stores for days, some for hours. What does this mean? It means there are a lot of people in one place, with no place to go and money to spend! Make good use of the time by bringing friends and talk to those around you; bring your MonaVie business cards.

You’re also likely to encounter a sneeze or two when out and about. What a perfect time to share a MonaVie (M)mūn shot! Thirsty and lethargic from an overdose of tryptophan? Here’s a MonaVie E^MV in your hand! Hungry, anyone? Post turkey day is a great time to tell others about MonaVie RVLution! 

Before you know it, you’ll be hosting a Black Friday tasting party while waiting in line!

So, what are your plans for Black Friday?