I know I'm not alone in ruminating on gratitude this season. We throw the word around with ease — but I got thinking... what does gratitude really mean? What does it actually look like?
Gratitude comes from the Latin word gratia — meaning grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. When you break it down like that the practice of gratefulness expands three-fold. Grace is given, graciousness is a state of being, and gratefulness is a state of mind or heart. Therefore, if I practice gratefulness I must give grace to others— likable or not. I must be gracious in my actions and attitude with others. I must be grateful for my life and those in my life.
It’s hard to be all of those all the time, but I have learned that if I seek to be grateful my world is more peaceful. I have more peace and joy in my heart. That leads me to be more benevolent to those in my family and community, especially those I find difficult at times. Or those I am the polar opposite of politically, religiously, or both.
In each of our worlds, we encounter a smorgasbord of beliefs, personalities, quirks, irritations, political and religious differences, etc. It's easy to find a reason to be ungrateful, to be ungracious. To harbor hate or hurt. But what if we are intentional in our mindset and actions? What if we lead with love?
A challenge for myself and you this season— send a difficult family member or friend a thank you card expressing all the things you love and/or admire about them. You never know what a little show of love can do for any relationship— difficult or strained. Love covers a multitude of sins, grievances, hurt feelings, and misunderstandings. Let’s walk the high road this holy season for all of our sakes. The world needs a lot more love now.
Happy Thanksgiving and holiday season! Blessings to All my Telos Family — I love and appreciate you so much!
]]>
Telos 30 started as a challenge to invite you to use Telos every day for 30 days and track the differences you feel. But quickly grew into a challenge with support and inspiration from our incredible network. Join us!
]]>Of the 20 amino acids human's need, 11 of which are produced by our bodies. We need to get the other 9 amino acids (aka “essential amino acids”) from the food. When a food contains all nine of these amino acids, it is called a “complete protein. Collagen is missing 1 essential amino acid (tryptophan) so it's not classified as complete.
Why are people always banging on about Collagen not being a "complete protein"? Because it's not. Collagen is missing one essential amino acid: tryptophan.
There are 19 total amino acids in collagen: Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartate, Cysteine, Glutamate, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tyrosine, and Valine.
BUT collagen's amino acid profile can't be found in any other food. Meet the Collagen Power Trio.
COLLAGEN POWER TRIO:
Glycine + Proline + Hydroxyproline
50% of Collagen's amino acid make-up is these 3. The other 50% is a combination of Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartate, Cysteine, Glutamate, Glutamine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Serine, Threonine, Tyrosine, and Valine.
Wait a minute, what is Hydroxyproline?
Hydroxy (hydrogen+oxygen) + proline. It's the Hydro of in hydrolyzed collagen peptide.
Hydroxyproline + proline + glycine = a bioactive peptide (a peptide string of 2-3 amino acids forming a chain). This trio is then incorporated into collagen fibrils to make the triple-helix structure we call collagen protein...aka the hydrolyzed collagen peptide
Basically the power trio makes the hydrolyzed collagen peptide which signals to the body that it's time for repairs!
]]>
We are honored to be featured in Ally's latest eBook: 3-Day Fall Reset! Get it free here and feel your best this fall!
]]>
Throw this gorgeous, delicious bowl together in less than 13 minutes. You'll have leftover quinoa for tomorrow or dinner.
Ally of Loveleaf Co is back with an incredible late summer recipe using seasonal zucchinis. Of course you can find zucchini year round, so serve these plant forward tacos up anytime. Full recipe is below.
ASSEMBLY
8–12 (6-inch) tortillas
crumbled feta, queso fresco, or goat cheese, optional
fresh cilantro leaves, jalapeño slices, hot sauce, and sliced lime, for garnish, optional
The chipotle collagen tahini crema will thicken quite a bit in the fridge. To get back to the correct consistency, simply stir in some water, a few teaspoons at a time.
-----
If you make these delish tacos tag @telosfoods and @loveleafco!
]]>
🥄 Add Telos Collagen, oat milk, chia seeds, and peanut butter to a jar — stir to combine.
🍁 Add maple syrup and oats and stir a few more times.
🧊 Cover securely with a lid and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hrs).
😋 The next day, open and enjoy as is or garnish with desired toppings.
1/2 cup oat milk (or sub other dairy-free milk)
3/4 Tbsp chia seeds
2 Tbsp peanut butter (or sub other nut/seed butter)
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 scoop Telos Collagen Peptides
Sliced banana
Granola
Find everything you need to join the challenge in the free Telos 30 eBook! [Sign up here to receive your copy] Including a one page habit tracker, weekly planners, workouts, recipes and so much more!
]]>
]]>
Move with the season, eat with the season. Who doesn't crave warm, creamy comfort foods during the cold winter months? There's a good reason why! Warmth. Warm root veggies, gourds, mushrooms and other in season veggies all generate more heat than other veggies as your body digests them.
Don't fight nature, roll with it. And oh my gourd, you're going to love this dreamy creamy Mac & Cheese & Collagen. Comforting, easy to make, dairy-free and gluten free.
You'll notice that this recipe's star is pumpkin! Gourds like pumpkin are in season during fall and winter because nature is intelligent! Whether you bake your own or use canned pumpkin, you'll be fueling your body with high levels of immune boosting antioxidants including vitamin C and betacarotene which work together to keep your immune cells in optimal fighting shape! Plus pumpkin contains minerals (iron and copper) to improve circulation, omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and even 7g of protein!
Comfort food that fuels your body and purpose! And don't forget to add to scoops of our versatile Collagen Peptides to for a powerful boost to your joint, bone, nail, hair, skin,... full body health and energy. Plus, just like all Telos products both recipes are dairy, gluten, and (added) sugar free!
Enjoy! Perfect as leftovers for 3 or 4 days in the fridge.
]]>
I purposely waited to write my Telos New Year newsletter until the end of January. I did not want to get caught up in the New Years resolution hoopla. Because rarely any of us live up to those resolutions.
In fact, only 16% of people follow through with their resolution. You’ve likely heard the reasons we “fail”. Too lofty. Too vague. Unrealistic. We lose interest in the resolution all together by January 18. In fact, most people will even make some semblance of the same resolution year after year. No matter the reason for failing to keep or fulfill your resolution, it’s clear they don’t work for most of us.
I have a couple of my own theories as to why resolutions don’t work. I'll share one. It has nothing to do with will power or lack of motivation to be a better you. It has to do with the season we make our resolution in.
Our recognition of the new year in the Western Hemisphere occurs during our coldest and darkest season— winter. This season is a time for hibernating and rest. You only have to look to nature to see what we should be doing. Plants go dormant, while animals either hibernate or sleep more, slow down, and eat less. There is no new birth in the winter. There is no resurrection of new life in the plant world. Simply put, life in nature slows or stops altogether until the sun wakes them up in the spring.
During the wintertime humans eat more warming foods with warming spices and slow cooked foods. Like stews, chilis, soups, casseroles, roasts, root vegetables, etc. It is a time for snuggling down, slowing down, sipping on warming drinks, and sitting by the fire playing games and reading books. It is not a time for a lot of extra movement or a lot of time outside. Winter is the season of dark cold days that lack sunshine and warmth. Not that I am advocating not moving or going outside. I’ve always loved running long runs in the wintertime, skiing, especially cross country. But, I don’t want to spend the day outside. I enjoy my activity then inside I go for a cup of hot tea and warming food while I sit by the fire. Yes, we should move in the winter, but for the most part most of us move less and less intensely. We should have seasons in our life where we slow down, just like nature does.
The summertime is a time for a lot of movement, cool refreshing and invigorating drinks, light salads, lots of greens and fresh fruit— fast energy generating foods and drinks that help feed the motivation we have to be outside doing something— moving. No matter if it is gardening or running. Summertime is the season of higher energy. Our motivation to be active is at its greatest. That cannot be said for the winter season. I truly believe that is one of the main reasons people cannot stick to their New Year’s resolutions if they involve going to a gym more, exercising more, eating less, moving more, etc. It’s not the season for that in nature, so how can it be for us in life? God made us to live in harmony with nature.
Putting unreasonable resolutions aside, it's always the season for change, for growth, for betterment of ourselves and our life. I invite you to resolve to practice attention and acceptance. Pay attention. What is the season? What is this feeling? Then accept it, and move from there. Maybe instead of beating yourself up for not hitting that gym streak, you’ll take yourself for a walk instead. You'll talk kindly to yourself. You'll breathe a little deeper. Snuggle down with family or a good book. Self acceptance, seasonal acceptance, motivational acceptance. Take a page from creation’s handbook and just be here now. You are enough.
]]>
Throw this gorgeous, delicious bowl together in less than 13 minutes. You'll have leftover quinoa for tomorrow or dinner.
Serve with a hot mug of your favorite Telos Collagen Latte!
The nuts, avo, coconut cream... mean those good fat soluble vitamins will be absorbed fully. The lemon, greens, and garlic will kick your immune system into high gear. And all that vitamin C will ensures your body absorbs the collagen benefits fully.
]]>Ally is a magician making these rich, delectable treats with low glycemic index sweeteners, coconut sugar and maple syrup. And candy canes but, as you know, the healthy fats and protein level blood sugar. Enjoy!!
Hello dear Telos family!
I've been wanting to connect more personally and will challenging myself to do so quarterly. I hope you enjoy connecting, but of course just skim on by if not. Right now gratitude and love are on my mind. As a Christian the biblical scripture above holds a deep and meaningful place in my heart. But whether you are a Christian or not, we are indisputably one body energetically and holistically. Our attitude and actions affect others near and far. Rollin McCraty, Ph.D, the Director at the HeartMath Institute said, “we are fundamentally and deeply connected with each other and the planet itself.”
Therefore, we must try to remember that our actions and words can deeply affect others, especially those we love. In a time of great division within our country we must remember we are one, especially within our circle of family and friends. It matters not which side of the political or religious line we are on. What matters most is we are part of a clan or family brought together by God. For better or worse. We should love and be loved by those in our clan. We do not have to like a member of our clan at times, and we especially do not have to agree with them, but we can love them with respect and compassion. Even when they may not have earned it. (I’m not talking about anyone who has been abused or harmed or traumatized by someone.) We ourselves haven’t always earned love and respect from those in our family or community. We all fall short from time to time. Let’s make our lives an example for others to follow.
So, how do we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, especially now? I admit right now at this time in America it is not a very peaceful place. I struggle with finding or having the peace of Christ ruling my heart. I am stressed by the uncertainty, instability, division, anger, resentment and deceit that permeates throughout our country. However, if I make an effort I do find peace. Even with all the difficulties in my life right now. It takes a lot of prayer and Bible reading for me to find it, and to keep it close to my heart, but I do find it. I also find it by being grateful. Gratitude has been proven scientifically and medically to be very healing and restorative. The word alone means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. It comes from the Latin word gratia. The meaning alone holds a lot of substance or thought. Grace is given, graciousness is a state of being, and gratefulness is a state of mind or heart. So if I practice gratefulness I must give grace to others— likable or not. I must be gracious in my actions and attitude with others. I must be grateful for my life and those in my life. It’s hard to be all of those all the time, but I have learned that if I seek to be grateful my world is more peaceful. I have more peace and joy in my heart. That leads me to being more benevolent to those in my family and community, especially those I find difficult at times. Or those I am polar opposite with politically, religiously or both. In our own world (family, friends, and co-workers) we find a smorgasbord of beliefs, personalities, quirks, irritations, political and religious differences, etc. We usually don’t have to look outside of our own world to experience difficulty in getting along with others. But I believe it can be done when we are intentional in our mindset and actions. When we lead with love.
Gratitude is strongly and consistently linked with greater happiness and health, according to positive psychology research and medical research. It is also associated with building stronger and better relationships and more productivity in life. Stepping away from gratefulness many times means we are stepping into something more negative and not as healthy or healing for us or for those around us. As medical and science research has proven anger, resentment, bitterness, and ungratefulness contributes to many health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, digestive disorders, and depression. To name a few.
For a happy and healthy you and a happy and healthy clan this season, let’s practice being more grateful. Loving to ourselves and others, especially to those we feel are hard to love or get along with. Let’s open our hearts to differences, so our minds are open to learning more about the people we love or share our life with. You never know, you may discover that you have more in common with those you disagree with than you ever thought. More importantly you may open a door that was once closed for no good reason, other than petty differences that in the long run are not important at all. Besides, I believe most of us are going to find out in the end, that we were more wrong than we were right about our beliefs. When we respect others and love them for being different than us it broadens our world and helps us grow. Most importantly it keeps us all in a healthy loving, forgiving, benevolent state of being.
A challenge to myself and you this season— send your enemy (difficult family member or friend) a thank you card expressing all the things you love and/or admire about them before you all sit down together for Thanksgiving dinner, or whenever you may meet again. You never know what a little show of love can do for any relationship— difficult or strained. Love covers a multitude of sins, grievances, hurt feelings, and misunderstandings. Let’s walk the high road this holy season for all of our sakes. The world needs a lot more love now.
Happy Thanksgiving and Blessings to All my Telos Family! I love and appreciate you so much! Thank you.
]]>
We know you'll enjoy this delicious bread. If you make it, tag us! We'd love to see.
2 eggs
2 scoops Telos Peptides
1/2 c coconut oil
1/4 c maple syrup
1/4 c molasses
1/2 can of pumpkin
1/2 c milk of choice
2 c flour (we used Bob's Redmill Gluten Free)
2 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamons
1/3 c candied ginger
1/2 c walnuts
]]>
Stock up on Collagen Peptides, a versatile supplement to all cool recipes. When you subscribe the cost per serving is $1.02!
Goodbye sugar bombs — hello satiating power pops.
Greek yogurt works best for this recipe because it has lower water content than regular yogurt, which yields creamier popsicles. Non-dairy yogurt can be used, but opt for one with higher fat content, like coconut milk yogurt, for best results. The higher the fat content of the dairy or non-dairy yogurt, the creamier the popsicles will be.
]]>This one is so easy. Just add a scoop of Telos Collagen Booster or Peptides to your favorite healthy pancake mix! You'll get MCTs, protein, and all the benefits of collagen.
Kara created this super star, super easy oats recipe for us! Fuel up like an Olympian.
Start your day with 2 servings of veggies and a serving of fruit and 12+g of protein! All in less than 5 minutes.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup wild blueberries
1 cup steamed sweet potato previously refrigerated
1 cup spinach
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 packet of Telos Original Booster
1 cup of Malk Unsweetened Almond Milk
Blend and enjoy!
]]>
Penny: "The first time I met Laura we instantly connected. We are a lot alike and it was nice to talk with someone who got me. There has never been a need to explain to each other how we think. It's uncanny how much we think alike. Life's journeys-- sweet and sour have a way of uniting people. We have similar shared journeys. Especially recently, and that has brought us even closer. We are both founders and CEOs of our small women owned and women run companies. Being an entrepreneur is no easy feat, so having someone who's where you are and understands what it entails is wonderful."
Laura: "While we've been friends nearly 10 years, our connection grew greatly over the past year when we had dinner and decided it was past time to work together as women business owners! We both have a background in running and I believe that detail has also contributed to our bond. Runners have a different mindset. We ARE two peas in a pod! Tornadoes and sunshine, as Penny pointed out once."
Penny: "I am more pragmatic in some ways and she is more daring and bold in other ways. It serves us well. It's like thinking with both sides of your brain when we are together. I know that sounds like an oxymoron since we are a lot alike, but our differences are definitely there as well. And those differences are a positive that work well for both of us."
Laura: "She is an introvert, I am not. She can be more direct than I, as I know how to turn on the charm, when necessary. Not much else except that when one of us is down, the other is ready to kick some butt and will do so, accordingly! We both know how to push hard and not relent. Timing is key for both!"
Penny: "Laura's energy and zest for life inspires me. She's very creative and bold. I love both attributes. She's also a lot of fun, and stays in the positive."
Laura: "I admire Penny’s strength, dedication, drive (as an accomplished runner and businesswoman). More importantly, she says it like it is and doesn’t apologize! I love her openness and fire!"
]]>
Yes, eat cake for breakfast! We're proud to say the cake is not only gluten-free but also grain AND sugar free! Even the icing is sweetened with monk fruit. And you know our Lattes; the absolute highest quality hydrolyzed collagen combined with coconut cream and organic coffee. All you add is hot water.
You can buy this pairing, Cake & Coffee here. For the month of March, you'll enjoy a sweet deal — getting the pairing for $63.75. After March the price will increase to $74.99. Right now we are only shipping to our home state of Colorado.
Get to know Laura and I in this fun interview with Laura's daughter and business partner, Tiana!
We are so excited to share this delicious partnership with you — looking forward to hearing how you enjoy cake for breakfast!
]]>But most of all, we're excited to share an exclusive Loveleaf Co recipe using Telos Collagen with you! Lemon Collagen Energy Bites. Zing a ding ding, it's spring!
The mixture should be sticky, but not too wet that it cannot be rolled with your hands. The energy bites will firm up in the fridge or freezer.
-----
Do tag @telosfoods and @loveleafco if you whip up these fresh zingy power packed snacks!
]]>Shante Little is one of Telos Food's first users. She is active in the figure competition world, and uses Telos in her training. Get to know Shante!
I live just outside of New Orleans, LA and am a program manager for a nonprofit think tank. I always find it hard to craft bios because I feel like I've lived so many lives. As of right now I am a dog mom of 2, avid coffee drinker, weight-lifter, tarot reader and wannabe writer. My list of activities changes daily but these seem to be the most constant.
The first time I competed in the NPC was as a "bikini competitor" in 2016, following my early retirement from track & field due to injury. I had sustained stress fractures to my L5 as an elite hurdler and despite taking 2 months off for recovery, never made the transition back. I learned a lot about myself during that off period, including what did and didn't make me happy.
I ultimately made the decision not to return to the track. I'm a competitive person by nature and I've always loved lifting so the transition to bodybuilding felt seamless. I ended up competing in two shows, winning my novice class and placing Top 5 in the open classes.
After taking some time off to move (back) across the country and get settled into my new life, I reached out to Coach Marques Caudle of Team CTN. The NPC recently added a new division for women called "Wellness" which prioritizes muscle development in the lower body and favors athletic builds. I started training with his team in November and am looking forward to when we finally get to step back on stage.
I was training for an April 4th re-entry into the world of bodybuilding at the NPC BorderKlash show in Aiken, SC.
I'm still training, albeit from home. The goal is to compete this summer (depending on decisions from the CDC) which means I have to do my best to maintain the level of conditioning I've attained over the last 20 weeks. Without being able to go to the gym, I've been using resistance bands at home to supplement workouts and getting realllll comfortable with bodyweight exercises. I've also been making an attempt to get outside and walk my dogs most days for some mental respite and additional movement.
Every day! As a bodybuilder, it's important for me to keep my protein intake high. Through this competition prep, I've been aiming for at least 115g of protein per day. Telos has been an easy way to log an extra 10g in my morning coffee while also supporting my overall health. I'll also add it to protein shakes or oatmeal if I need the extra boost.
The Vanilla Collagen Booster - hands down! It's incredibly indulgent and pairs well with everything. I'll take it plain with my standard oat milk or if I'm feeling really ambitious I'll add honey, cinnamon and/or lavender to it as well.
For those new to lifting, I'd say to focus on form first. Oftentimes people want to start off by pushing bigger weights but if your form is compromised you won't see nearly as many results and may potentially injure yourself. For women specifically, there can be general apprehension towards lifting weights because of the stigma of becoming "bulky". I think it's important to know that building muscle makes you strong (most important) and is responsible for creating a lot of the shape and tone women desire.
If you're feeling uncomfortable trying new exercises or equipment, check out videos on IG or YouTube - both are great resources!
Be sure to follow Shante on IG, she's at @shantelittle.
]]>Stress is stress, take steps to reduce it. Stay informed but unplug as needed. I know this can be a hard balance, but a good way to do it is check WHO and CDC once or twice a day while unplugging from the social media flow and 24 hour news.
According to the University of Minnesota, fear can greatly impact well being both physically & mentally.
Impact of Chronic Fear - Living under constant threat has serious health consequences.
Your diet should be high in fruits and vegetables, as they are the main source of phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins in your diet. These nutrients are critical for building a strong immune system. A whole food diet will include organic sprouted or soaked legumes and ancient grains. Many health care professionals, including myself, recommend you soak them, or buy them sprouted or fermented. It is necessary to soak un-sprouted legumes and grains to break down the phytic acid which helps your body digest them more easily and correctly for proper absorption. This, in turn, will alleviate many of the gastrointestinal issues you might otherwise experience when eating legumes and some grains. It is also important to consume some healthy fats and lean grass-fed and pastures raised meats if you are not a vegan or vegetarian.
Water is necessary for every chemical reaction in the body. It regulates your body temperature. It is the lubricant for joints, organs and sensitive tissues, including the spinal cord and eyes. Water also protects them. It is essential for detoxing your body of toxic waste. It aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. Water helps prevent constipation and helps with weight loss. It improves blood oxygen circulation and helps fight off illnesses, such as viruses and bacterial infections. Water helps improve mood by keeping you hydrated, so you have less fatigue and confusion that leads to anxiety. It helps promote collagen production, and enhances your skin’s health.
Your body needs rest to not only rebuild and restore itself, but to deal with the daily stresses and strains of life. Without rest your body cannot recharge itself, heal, or build. Rest is a main component of having a healthy immune system and healthy brain.
Movement and exercise throughout the day helps detoxify your body and release feel-good hormones. It is necessary for mental health as well. Many health studies confirm the benefits for improved mental health with exercise and movement.
That means no more than 5 oz per day for woman and 8 oz per day for men according to many health sites and professionals. We know, in a time like this people want to believe alcohol is a friend. But it suppresses your immune system and exasperates anxiety. If your immune system is compromised, refrain from all alcohol until you are well. Alcohol is hard on the liver when it is working overtime on other health issues going on in your body.
If you're looking for which supplements will actually boost your immune system check out the this list recommended by Dr. Jill Carnahan (internationally acclaimed functional physician), as well as recommendations on healthline.com and webmd.com.
I truly believe if we take the necessary precautions recommended by the professionals, such as washing our hands frequently, avoiding areas of known contamination when possible, staying home when feeling ill and keeping our thoughts and attitudes in the positive and out of fear we will make it through this crisis.
The keys to health are having a happy positive outlook on life, eating a healthy whole foods and plant rich diet, living a healthy lifestyle of movement, outside if possible, rest, sunshine, and meditation or prayer. Also, having a community of family and friends you are connected to and involved with. Celebrate more and worry less.
Jen Bigham is a mom of three, one of our first customers, and 2020 Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier! Every road to the Trials is unique, hers is no different. Jen ran competitively in college, but then took 8 years off. She starting running and racing again after her first baby! Her OTQ is 8 years in the making, with handful of attempts, two more babies, thoughts of hanging it up, huge PRs, disappointing races and everything in between before punching her ticket to the Olympic Trials at the Eugene Marathon in spring 2019.
Get to know this inspiring semi-pro distance runner, we know you'll be cheering her on in February.
I qualified at the Eugene Marathon, Track Town USA! I had been trying for so long, a good 8 years and there were many times I could have easily given up and made a new goal. I constantly asked myself why I was doing it and if there was a different, better goal for me. My heart told me to keep striving for it. I was enjoying the process and had a lot of bad luck both during races and sometimes in the buildups that would derail my attempts. As soon as I started reading about the Eugene Marathon, 18 months or so prior to my OTQ, I knew deep down it would be the race. The day came together so well for me. I had even splits throughout the race, which I never believed were possible in a marathon! It was this strange day where I didn't know how I would run so fast yet also knew with everything in me that I would run that fast. I crossed the finish line with a huge smile and a deep sense of contentment that can only come from years of struggle in the process to finally achieving the goal.
October 2018
I started using the Telos Boosters when I had torn my plantar fascia on my left foot and was struggling with Achilles tendonitis on the right side. I was hoping the collagen would help my tendon health and get me back to running faster. I was also feeling extremely fatigued at the time and within a week or so of daily use, my energy levels were noticeably higher. My injuries healed. I was also following my doctor's and physical therapist's orders exactly so I won't claim it was 100% Telos, but I do believe it helped me heal and keeps me healthy to this day.
I was also feeling hungry all the time on my runs, despite eating breakfast every day before heading out. Adding the extra protein and fat plus just the right amount of extra calories to my coffee and normal breakfast took care of that feeling I'd be struggling with for years. The Telos boosters ended up really enhancing my running and whole life.
I'm one of those "creature of habit" types for the most part, so I always do Telos with coffee. Before Telos, I was strictly a black coffee drinker. No cream, no sugar, no room. The richness, creaminess and overall wonderful flavor of the boosters has changed that. I now look forward to my collagen lattes every morning!
Oh goodness, I love them all, but if I have to choose 1, it's the original.
Training is good! Every time I finish a workout I'm so proud of the improvements I'm seeing. I'm not where I want to be right now, but I'm steadily moving there and that feeling is exciting. I have learned over many years that not every workout is great, and not every week feels like progress. But as long as you keep working and keep your mind in the right place, you open the door to doing something special on race day.
I still have a good bit of fitness to gain at this point so I don't have a very specific goal yet. What I know is I want to run a smart race, going out at the appropriate pace for me, as that will help me finish in the best place possible. It seems so simple, but it's easy to forget the simple stuff when you add the pressure of competing in the biggest race of your life.
Yes! My kids and husband will be there, along with my parents and a good group of friends. I feel so much love from my community, near and far, going into the Trials. As far as the kids go, who knows what they are thinking at any moment?!?! My daughter, who will turn 10 right before the Trials, gets it the most and she's pretty pumped. I think it gives her confidence in her abilities as an athlete too which I love. I don't think my 3 and 6 year old sons understand or really care too much about the Trials, but they are very excited about a few nights in a hotel!
]]>But as you know a 'good' night of sleep can be hard to come by. We are chronically overstimulated. The hormone adrenaline when long-lasting (hello, chronic stress) can prompt adrenocorticotrophic to release cortisol. This can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. There are many lifestyle factors that play into chronic stress, insomnia and poor sleep quality. But even small steps can help you maximize these vital hours of repair and rejuvenation.
The bedtime routine is one. Just 30 minutes of coming down from the day can play a huge role in improving sleep. It's also a really lovely way to practice self-care. Rather than reaching for a glass of wine and Netflix, try elevating your bedtime with a routine that gives your nervous system a warm hug.
It doesn't need to be elaborate. Set a notification on your phone 30 minutes before your ideal bedtime. Something to remind you to take care of yourself.
1. Turn off screens. Seriously. Put your phone down. Set it to white noise, airplane mode, whatever, but you're done responding to that device.
2. Put your legs up the wall, or sit comfortably, breathe slowly for even 5 minutes. You can count your breaths or on the inhale and exhale repeat a mantra to let the day go. Breathe in: I. Breathe out: forgive. Forgive yourself, let other wrongs go, you did your best today, let it go.
Bonus: Use an essential oil blend at your temples and wrists to trigger your mind to know it's time to let go.
3. Relax. Read, journal, talk with your partner, play music, pray, take a bath, do recovery yoga.
4. Enjoy a warm drink. As part of Penny's routine she always sips a sleepy, caffeine free tea with a Telos Collagen Booster in it. DYK Collagen is high in glycine? Ingesting this non-essential amino acid before bed "subjectively and objectively improves sleep quality in humans who have difficulty sleeping." Collagen also supports your body to complete the full repair job it does all night!
COLLAGEN BEDTIME TEA
Good night!
]]>
So while the Black Fridays and Cyber Mondays seem to be the loudest in the holiday calendar, we are most honored to be able to give back in any small way that we can to the people in our community doing beautiful work. As our thank you to you for joining us, we're extending our buy 2, get 1 sale with code GIVETELOS through midnight tonight and if you'd like to donate directly to Judi's House they are at judishouse.org. Thank you!
A bit more about Judi's House:
"Judi’s House was founded in 2002 by former NFL quarterback Brian Griese and his wife, Dr. Brook Griese, in honor of Brian’s mother, Judith Ann Griese, who died when he was 12 years old. Judi’s House is the only free-standing organization in Metro Denver devoted solely to supporting grieving children and their families with research-based care. The mission of Judi’s House is to help children and families grieving a death find connection and healing, while JAG Institute helps further this mission through comprehensive research and training. Judi’s House has supported more than 10,000 youth, ages 3-25, and their caregivers, toward its vision that no child should be alone in grief."
I have so much to be thankful for regarding Telos Foods. It has grown me professionally like nothing in my life before. It has taught me I am much more capable than I ever imagined, and more ignorant that I hate to admit. I have learned so much, yet I have so much more to learn. But I know Telos will keep stretching me, growing me, and challenging me for years to come. I will always be humbled by this adventure that I willingly jumped into. It's been one hell of a ride so far. I have met some amazing people because of Telos. I have amazing customers that have given me the opportunity to be the difference I want to see in the natural food space-- creating good for you food, not better for you food. I am inspired by so many Founders and CEOs in the natural food space. I am grateful to the many who have willing and gladly offered their advice and expertise to help and grow me along the way. It's a journey that requires learning a lot and learning fast in order to be successful, and I could not have done it alone.
I want to give a shout out to the people who have made Telos possible. I could not have launched Telos without them. These people deserve a special thank you from me for all they did and do for me. I am eternally grateful to them.
Honestly, first of all, YOU! You're the reason we do everything we do. You're the reason I'm writing right now. You truly embody what Telos is all about. You love the product and share it with friends, you lift me up, you inspire us all with your big goals and daily triumphs. Thank you!
Kevin Burnette was hugely instrumental in helping me get Telos off the ground. His genius for marketing and public relations was extremely instrumental for Telos' launch. He was the brains behind every event and marketing campaign we ran after launching Telos in 2019. His energy and enthusiasm inspired me and kept me going when I felt overwhelmed and exhausted. I truly don't know what I would have done without him. He was the one person I could depend on to always stay positive, enthusiastic, encouraging and strong in the face of stress, doubts, fears, and frustrations of launching a startup company.
Dave Preston brought his production and operations management expertise to the table. He was willing to step into a startup and learn on the go along side me. He spent hours sourcing the pouches, shippers, and labels. He was instrumental in our packaging design and colors. His creative genius played a big part in the beautiful packaging of Telos products. He helped in fulfilling, co-packing, and supply. His dedication to Telos the first six months made my journey a whole lot easier. He did all that while working a full-time job.
Sarah Robinson, my social media expert and genius, has been with me the longest. I truly don't know what I'd do without her. She is not only the genius behind every Telos social media post and promotion, but she's also my tutor, my encourager, my cohort in all things Telos. She gently and subtly encourages me to be more and do more with Telos. She believes in Telos. She believes in our products, our mission, our vision, and steers the social media ship to greater heights than I ever imagined. She is brilliant with Telos promos, blogs and collaborations, etc. Truly, she is my right hand and arm. I am so grateful to have her on my team because I could never do what she does. She's amazing and valuable beyond words.
Again, thank you to all my customers, believers, supporters, teachers, and cheerleaders. This year would not have happened without you.
]]>