After losing 200lbs, Jessica Delfs gained a whole world she never knew existed.

Let’s just start out by saying Quest Nutrition is a lifesaver! When you work 50+ hours a week, along with wanting to get your 1-2 hour workouts in everyday, nutrition isn’t always an easy thing to stay on top of.

Everyone knows that nutrition is 75% of the weight loss and overall health puzzle. But I never really “got it” until I was a contestant on Season 10 of NBC’s The Biggest Loser in 2010. But that’s not where my healthy journey even began! It started way back in 2006 when at 23 years old – I reached my highest weight of 385 lbs. I was desperate, depressed, and ready for a change. I underwent Lap-Band surgery and lost 100 lbs. the first year with healthy eating and exercise. But then it stopped…everything came to a screeching halt for THREE YEARS!!!

I was stuck at 285 lbs. for three years, and all the healthy eating and workouts I had been doing weren’t working at all. I stayed stagnant in my weight loss and again – I started to get desperate. That’s when I reached out to ‘The Biggest Loser,’ and in 2010 at 285 lbs. I was cast on the red team during Season 10 of the show.

During my time on the show, I learned that my body needed much more intense exercise to push through my plateau, and that my “healthy eating” wasn’t that healthy! I learned to cut out things like excessive salt, sugar, and simple carbs and replace it with high protein, low sugar, and carbs from veggies and whole grains. I learned that food is a MAJOR part of the puzzle and if I couldn’t keep that together, than this whole thing wasn’t going to work long term.

I stayed on the ranch 9 out of the 11 weeks we were there, and learned multiple lessons about myself and what I was capable of, but never could have foreseen how hard it was going to be once I got home.

Fueling workouts became my only goal and bars and shakes were a huge part of that. But finding bars and shakes that actually tasted good and didn’t have a ton of sugar was nearly impossible! I had also started eating along the lines of very lean paleo style trying to get more of my fats from nuts and fish. In the end, after six months preparing for my ‘The Biggest Loser’ finale, I had lost an additional 100 lbs.! I was down 200 lbs. at that point! Then after the lights turned off and the curtains closed, it was all up to me to maintain.

Jessica is healthy and loving life.

It’s been three years since my time on the show, and life has hit me, changed me, and knocked me down since then. And to be honest, some bad habits crept back in. The stress eating, the late night eating when you were at work later than you expected, and just socializing again all took a toll and I put a little weight back on. But this time was different, because I knew what needed to be done…and that’s what I did.

Quest Nutrition came into my life at that exact moment and when I was able to look at the nutrition ingredients – I was ELATED that there were finally substitutions and post workout meals I could eat, that were made with natural ingredients. Then when I tasted them, the deal was officially sealed! I became an avid follower, trying all the fan recipes and getting creative! Today, not a day goes by that I don’t have at least one bar and I’m constantly giving them away to family and friends, turning them into followers as well! I love that they are so integrated into the CrossFit communities too, and think they are a perfect fit!

For those of us who have real lives, who aren’t reality stars completely isolated from the world and busy schedules, I can’t recommend a better product to get you through your day and actually stay on your 75% healthy nutrition enjoying what you’re eating, and fueling your day with higher energy to get those workouts in, no matter what the day throws at you! From reality star back to real life, I have to use the right tools to keep on track and Quest Nutrition is definitely one of them!

You can find Jessica at:

Website I Twitter I Facebook I Instagram I YouTube I

Dennis Cottone hit rock bottom before deciding to change his life.

This is to anyone who ever thought they could not do it.

At the age of 38, I had been out of shape for most of my life. I was actually comfortable with it in my 20′s as pizza and late night runs to 7-11 for a Big Gulp and donuts was the thing to do. As I hit my 30′s, it changed though. Getting up in the morning was a little tougher. I was more tired after work, and even driving to get fast food was a workout. My diet consisted of burgers, soda, fries, and some sort of dessert that I’m sure was not of any good nutritional substance. I believe people want to change, but sometimes cannot until they hit their rock bottom. I guess that is what happened to me. I hit my rock bottom. I came to that realization when I looked in the mirror I hated the way I looked and felt. I knew I needed change, but where?

A friend gave me a workout program. It was the Insanity Program. This was a 60 day program designed to be the hardest cardio I ever did and whip me into shape! This was it. This was the answer to my problem. So I proudly took that program home and before I could even begin to start the program…I put it in the closet and let it sit there for another three months before I would again find that ROCK BOTTOM!

Three more months had passed and I had just gotten out of the shower and saw myself in the mirror. I about broke that mirror in hate! Not just for the way I looked, but because of the failures I brought upon myself in life. So with that one moment, I weighed myself. I was a lofty 245 lbs. My body fat measured at 28% and it was on! This was going to be a challenge. I knew if I was going to do this, I was going to have to do it right. So with that, I knew of Beachbody. They are the company that made the Insanity Workout. I became a Coach for them and started an online group. I knew this would keep me accountable if I had to post and motivate others. Plus, I had to show that I could get results as well. So with that small step, I started the journey.

I changed my diet and started eating five to six smaller meals/snacks a day. I gave up fast food and soda cold turkey and replaced it with water. I started with a meal replacement shake and extra protein in my diet and learned more on eating right as the weeks followed. The end result for me at the end of those 60 days from Insanity was 35 lbs. down and a drop of 15% in body fat. One of the major tools for me was Quest Bars. To be more specific – the coconut flavor! Love that one! I had learned that not all bars are created equal, and most out there are nothing more than an expensive candy bar. Eating a candy bar is kind of what started this whole mess to begin with too! Wanna know the difference. Look at the ingredient list on a Quest Bar and the ingredients on the rest of them out there.

Dennis Cottone’s amazing transformation.

My journey started out in March of 2012. A little over a year later, I am now down 50 lbs. and 8% body fat. I turn 40 years old this November. For the first time, I feel good about me. This journey has been so much more than losing weight. It has changed the way I see myself as a person, my emotions, and my confidence. The group that I have online has grown tremendously and I am helping others with nutrition, workouts, and motivation. Helping others has become a passion to me. Because of this I have found my calling.

If you are in need of motivtion, workout programs, nutritional help feel free to contact me via the following.

www.facebook.com/dennis.w.cottone

www.fitwithdennis.com

Your friend in the fight,

Dennis Cottone

Quest Cheesecake

Here is a delicious Quest Cheesecake recipe from Karmen M (Instagram)! Cheers!

Crust

4 tbsp almond meal

1 tbsp unsweetened apple sauce

1tbsp shredded coconut and

1/2 a strawberry cheesecake quest bar (brownie is also yummy)

Cheesecake filling

1/4 cup cottage cheese

1/4 cup non fat Greek yogurt

1 tbsp stevia/natvia

1/4 teaspoon of vanilla essence

1tbsp of cheesecake sugar free fat free jello

Method

1) Combine the crust ingredients together in a bowl

2) Cover the inside of a small round container with cling wrap and press crust mixture flat into the container. Cut up the quest bar and spread the pieces evenly over the crust. Place it in the freezer until the cheesecake filling is ready.

3) Mix or blend the cheesecake filling ingredients until smooth make sue the consistency is thick.

4) Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the cheesecake mixture into the container. Return the container to the freezer and leave it to set for about 1-1.5 hours (any longer and it goes icy).

You can top it with what ever you like! My favorite is raspberry or caramelised fig.

Nutritionals: Calories: 353. Fat 14g. Carbs: 27 g (17g fiber, 9g sugar)  Protein 28g.

Quest Cheesecake with Caramelized Fig

With a Caramelized fig topping

Cut up two small figs and place them in a pan with about 50ml of water 1tsp of natvia and 1 tbsp of sugar free maple syrup (I use walden farms) bring it to the boil and then let it simmer until the water has become nice and thick (maybe about 10mins) then take the cheesecake out of the freezer and pour the fig topping on.

Quest Sinless Brownies

A delicious recipe from Quest Fan Megghan S. (Facebook) for Quest Sinless Brownies. Cheers!

QUEST SINLESS BROWNIES

Makes 6 brownies

You will need:

1 Chocolate Brownie Quest Bar

1 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Quest Bar

1 package Quest Cravings Protein Peanut Butter Cups

1 mini muffin pan

Non-stick spray

Cutting board

Knife

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray (6) mini cups of muffin pan.

2. Take a small cutting board and knife and cut each quest bar into 6 thin strips shortways.

3. Place on microwave safe dish and microwave all quest strips for 10 seconds on high.

4. Once out, mash one Chocolate Brownie strip into a ball-like-shape and press into one hole of the muffin pan.

5. Take one of the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough strips and press on top of the Brownie mashing down and totally covering it.

6. Repeat this 5 more times. Chop up both Quest Cravings Protein Peanut Butter Cups into crumbles. Sprinkle on top of each muffin. Bake approximately 10 minutes.

Serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutritionals (one brownie) : Calories: 100. Fat 5.2g. Carbs: 6 g (6.5g fiber, 0.5g sugar)  Protein 10.2g.

The finished masterpiece.

You can find Megghan S. at: Facebook I Twitter

Yvette Salva found the strength to overcome.

Hi my name is Yvette and I want to share my story of recovery in hopes it may help someone else.

Since the age of fifteen, I have been dealing with anorexia/bulimia, alcoholism, and drug abuse. When I first started with anorexia, I had no idea how completely it would take control of my life (alcohol came more into play as time went on). At first, I thought I was in complete control. After some time I was no longer able to restrict my calories so I turned to bulimia. I thought, “What a great thing to be able to do, I can eat anything and never gain weight.” Over time, the eating/purging and alcohol took complete control of every aspect of my life. I couldn’t stop the eating/purging cycle and I couldn’t stop the drinking. Drugs came into play in my late twenties, this took all my troubles away temporarily until I hit rock bottom.

During these years, my drinking became more of a problem. I was using drinking and eating to buffer myself from all the thoughts and feelings I didn’t want to deal with. Not thinking and feeling made it easier to get through the day, or so I thought. I ended up in five rehabs and I was still drinking, drugging and purging. My longest period of abstinence was 29 days.

Despite the fact that I was an addict, I was functioning. I had been exercising for 20 years and teaching personal training and teaching group fitness classes. I never practiced what I preached. I always had this secret – be it drugs, alcohol or food.

For a long time, Yvette kept a dark secret.

As women, there is so much pressure for us to live up to this image and I was completely on board with that. I wanted to be the skinniest and fittest woman out there and I would do anything to get there. I was really living 2 separate lives at the time. That in itself, was a full time job.

One morning I showed up at my gym to train my 5 a.m. client and she just knew something was not right.. I’m not sure what gave it away whether it was the alcohol on my breath, the blood shot eyes or the fact that I had not been to bed yet. All the tell tale signs were there and I was starting to lose it.

This woman was in recovery and introduced me to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). I went to my first meeting. I did not get sober at that time, however the seed was planted. In 2000, I went to an outpatient program and finally started to embrace recovery! I had reached rock bottom where I knew I would either end up in jail an institution or die.

How did I get in control?

Even now, I don’t know for sure. All I do know is that I woke up after a three-day drinking/eating binge knowing I could not stand to live that way any longer. I am not a religious person nor am I convinced AA is the answer for everyone. All I know is that my “Higher Power” or my spirit kicked in and saved my life. I believe everything happens for a reason and I might not know what that reason is. I can’t say why it was temporary when I sought help before. I don’t think I was ready or willing.

I am now 44-years-old, in control and sober. I know that eating disorders and alcoholism will always be part of my life but I continue to stay active in my recovery to fight off the demons.

What has worked for me personally is going to meetings and helping somebody else. I also have a sponsor, attend meetings and am active in the fellowship. Having a support network is key because once you change people, places and things, you will feel very alone and it is crucial to develop a new set of friends. I also have an unbelievable husband who supported me from day one. He supports me so much that he no longer drinks.

Even in my job today as a personal trainer, I find many women who suffer from addictions in silence – be it food, alcohol, and more recently pills!

It is so rewarding when they do come to me and they can talk to me about what they are going through. I feel that keeping my focus on helping somebody else is what has helped me maintain my sobriety. God has blessed me with so many miracles that never would have been possible had I continued on that path.

A reborn Yvette and her daughter smiling for the camera.

I love what I do every day and I help other women get fit! I have a beautiful husband and daughter. And most importantly, I have my health!

Just a few last words – eating disorders, alcoholism or any addictions are no way to live. Basically, you put your life on the back burner and let your addiction take control. You stop developing as a person, you stop thinking and feeling, you stop living. Living with an addiction is not living.

I never thought I would be in control of my life again and I am. I’m so blessed and so grateful to the rooms of AA and my husband. My true rock.

I am so happy to be free from the shackles of addiction, but honestly, it’s one day at a time for me. I know my disease is doing pushups when I am not active in recovery. I cannot rest on my laurels. I have to do something towards my recovery on a daily basis whether it’s reading literature, connecting with another person in recovery, or going to a meeting.

Thank you Quest for posting this blog and I hope it helps somebody out there or gives somebody hope. Never give up as long as you are breathing. Recovery is POSSIBLE.

Yvette

Isomalto-Whoserwhaty?!?!

Some of you might read the ingredients of our beloved Quest Bars and wonder: Wait a second, what’s this long word I can’t pronounce?!?!  Well, as explained on the label, it is a natural prebiotic plant fiber.

Well, what does that mean, and why is it good for me?!?!  There are multiple benefits of isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO), and I’m here to explain a few!

Prebiotics are natural fibers that ferment in the gut and create an optimal environment for probiotics (the good bacteria in your gut that help digest foods and fight off illness-causing bacteria) to live in.  There has actually been a study showing that even if you supplement probiotics, without a diet high enough in fermentable fiber, the good bacteria will ultimately not have a suitable place to “live”, and will be rendered ineffective¹.  Talk about “waste”ing your money….HA!

One of the great things about this particular prebiotic fiber (a form of oligosaccharides) is that it has been proven to be the least gastric-stress-causing fiber² out of most of the commercially available fibers. This is great, because no one likes to walk around with the bubble-guts!

I have already explained the benefits and how important fiber is in a former blog here, but one thing that I did not mention, and is exclusive to IMO, is that it may be good for our teeth!  Using IMO in place of sucrose has been shown in some studies to reduce the amount of plaque build-up on the tooth surface³.

So…need any more reasons why you need Quest Bars in your life?!?!

1. http://suppversity.blogspot.com/2013/02/gut-bacteria-modulation-ramp-up-your.html
2. ^ Rycroft, C.E.; Jones, M.R.; Gibson, G.R.; Rastall, R.A. 2001. A comparative in vitro evaluation of the fermentation properties of prebiotic oligosaccharides. J Appl Microbiol 91(5):878-887
3. Minami T, et al. (1989). Caries-inducing activity of isomaltooligosugar (IMOS) in vitro and rat experiments. Shoni Shikagaku Zasshi 27(4) 1010-7)

Corey Hammac – Providing online training/diet and nutrition/supplement plans and contest prep packages. Specializing in modified Intermittent Fasting Plans.
www.gohamm.com

Facebook/Twitter

gohammtraining@gmail.com

Quest “Cinnabon” Roll

It’s not a dessert. It’s not a cheat meal. Here is an amazing post-workout Quest “Cinnabon” roll recipe from Student Athlete Nutrition! It’s simple and delicious!

DIRECTIONS:

1.  On a greased cookie sheet, use a rolling pin to roll the Quest bar to about 1/8th of an inch thick.

2.  Bake at 350 for 2 minutes.  The time is very short because the bar will be so thin!

3.  Let cool for 1-2 minutes, then cut the bar lengthwise into 4 even strips (a pizza cutter works great for this).

4.  Spread the tablespoon of Greek yogurt over the four strips.

5.  Roll each strip into a “mini” cinnamon roll

6.  Enjoy as is, or shake a little bit of cinnamon on each roll.  They’re delicious either way!

Just one of the many amazing uses for Quest Bars

Nutritionals (one roll) : Calories: 182. Fat 6g. Carbs: 25 g (17g fiber, 1g sugar)  Protein 21.2g.

Have a great day!

You can find Student Athlete Nutrition at:

Instagram or Twitter

Willis McCoy at a bodybuilding competition.

Hi, my name is Willis McCoy, I am a powerlifter out of The Iron Chamber Gym in Canton Ohio. I was born on March 25th, 1969. Growing up, I played baseball and ran track. Once I hit high school, I stopped playing sports and got a job until I graduated.

After graduating, I joined the United States Marine Corps. From ’87-92, I served in many different places including Operation Desert Storm and the Persian Gulf. This is where i really found the gym and got my first taste of powerlifting. My first powerlifting meet took place aboard the USS Saipan. I benched 245 lbs and deadlifted 390 lbs at 145lbs. Shortly after I returned home from the Gulf, I left the Marine Corps and returned home.

I spent the next 20 years living a normal life. Getting a job, married, house, and kids. Never really touching a weight. During childhood, my father had a heart attack at the age of 39. I had also lost both grandfathers to heart attacks. So here I was at the age of 38 realizing it was time I did something to make sure I wasn’t next. So I started running again. I bought a Bowflex and started working out in my basement.

Over the next two years, I ran and continued to lift as I found the time. Then in 2009, a friend asked me to compete in the Arnold Pump and Run. The bug had started to bite. He also asked me to compete in a local non-sanctioned powerlifting meet. I did, and you guessed it, the bug was back in full force.

Then in the summer of 2009, I found The Iron Chamber Gym. I started to learn from this great group of lifters and started doing sanctioned meets in WABDL and WNPF. For the next 2 years, I continued to compete and get stronger – breaking state records in both federations along the way. As well as winning a few World Titles.

McCoy running a marathon.

In 2010, things really took off for me. I did I believe a total of seven meets that year. The most notable being invited to compete in the NOTLD (Night of the Living Dead Deadlift comp) in Tennesee, and the Mr. Olympia Deadlift Comp in Vegas. While at the Mr. Olympia, I discovered Quest Bars. I started buying them wherever I could find them.

I also realized during this time, I was getting closer and closer to a Masters (40-46 years) Deadlift World Record. I took my first shot at it in Canton Oh., a week after my father passed away in April of 2011.

In 2012, I continued to push myself. I did a bodybuilding show, ran a half marathon, and continued trying to pull a world record. I became a promoter for ViSalus and the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge. My wife asked me if I was going to quit buying the Quest Bars. HaHa I told her no way I love those things.

On May 11th in Toledo Ohio at the WABDL Nationals I got another shot. After setting a new Masters bench record of 337 lbs I came out and hit my opener deadlift of 501 lbs. Then on my second attempt at the age of 44-years-old, I called for 552.1 lbs at 145 lb bodyweight. I was successful, and became a New Masters World Record holder. My Vi shakes, Nutra cookies, and Quest Protein Bars were a big part of my diet.

Never stop believing in yourself. Never stop pushing the limits of what your mind tells you you can not do.

My next Quest? To pull 600lbs.

Records are meant to be broken.

Here is a delicious recipe from Ellie Reagan (Instagram) for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Mugcake! Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Mugcake

Mix together WELL:
2 tbsp flour (I used coconut)
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp psyllium husks (optional)
1/8 to 1/4 tsp almond extract
1/2 stevia packet (or sweetener of choice)
1 tbsp greek yogurt
Broken up chocolate chip cookie dough quest bar pieces (could sub chocolate chips I would imagine and get the same effect)
2 tbsp milk or water (I used unsweetened chocolate almond)

Microwave 2.5 min in greased dish.

I topped mine with a mix of chocolate protein powder, almond butter (microwaved a little to soften) and water. Mixed until runny to form a drizzle to pour over top. Added fresh strawberries and served with greek yogurt on side.

Nutritionals: 258 calories, 6g fat, 26g carbs (21g fiber, 5g sugar), and 32g protein.

Visit Ellie’s links:

Ellie’s blog post to the recipe: http://www.reaganrambler.com/fitness/recipes/desserts/#jp-carousel-947

• My health/fitness blog: www.reaganrambler.com
• My instagram account: reagan_rambler

Quest Nutrition wishes to congratulate friends of Quest, Wes Piatt and the CrossFit Adrenaline team, for making it to The CrossFit Games in May!

SoCal Regionals – Wes entered the final event in 4th place – needing to finish in the top three to make it to the Games. After a slow start in the final, Wes caught up and paced himself to a third place finish behind Kenneth Leverich and Joshua Bridges. Wes was tied with Tommy Pease for points overall but placed ahead due to more higher place finishes. This was Wes’ first CrossFit Regionals and will be competing in the Games for the first time.

South East Regionals – CrossFit Adrenaline displayed a dominant performance finishing 2nd place in five of the seven events. Team members: Austin Medford, Matt Moody, Matt Menerey, Stacey Adams, Allison Bourdon, Chelsea Lowery, Lindsay Bourdon, and Olivia Rutledge are looking forward to the Games.