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I Tried Disco's Skincare Starter Kit, Here Are My Honest Thoughts

For years, I have been washing my face with good ol' soap. It seemed to work out fine for a while. Any acne or blemishes would dry up after a few days. But one day, I began to notice that something was off.

My skin looked a little rough and inflamed. I went to my local dermatologist, worried it could be some sort of reaction, and he told me that this was simply the result of using soap on my face. But I was confused, how could something so benign like soap cause noticeable harm?

It turns out that soap can damage the outer protective layer of skin. This can lead to accentuated wrinkles and pores, and can even exacerbate acne and make breakouts much worse.

My derm recommended that not only should I stop using soap, but I should switch to a full-fledged skincare routine. While I wasn't against the idea, I had no idea where to start. Skincare seemed like such a daunting regimen and I didn't know many guys who were invested in moisturizers and creams.

He recommended a few different over-the-counter remedies, but they all seemed incredibly clinical. They had complicated names and I remember my ex-girlfriend would tell me about all of the harmful chemicals in popular moisturizers, so I wasn't about to smear a bunch of toxins all over my face.

After two weeks of research, scouring the shelves of my local pharmacy and flipping through Google's endless pages, I still hadn't committed to anything. It wasn't until one day when I went over to my friend Michael's house for poker night. When I went to use his bathroom, I noticed that he had a bunch of products that were all labeled " Disco."

Intrigued, I asked Michael what Disco was. He told me that it was a line of skincare products designed especially for men. My next question was obvious: Michael and I were both 24. Why did he have such a robust assortment of skincare products?

After interrogating Michael, he told me that the earlier you start a skincare routine, the better your skin will look when you're older. Considering that we've started eating better and going to the gym for this exact reason, I felt like adding good skincare habits wouldn't hurt.

But why Disco? After doing some of my own research, I found out that Disco was made exclusively for men who are trying to start a skincare routine but don't know where to start. It was like they could read my mind. All of their products are backed by science and are cruelty-free, all-natural, and vegan.

Formulations are the result of a meticulous year long process with a renowned medical advisor and a team of top-notch cosmetic chemists, and every product matches the optimal pH level for men's skin (5.5-6.5 pH).

I decided to try Disco's Starter Set which featured a mix of complexion boosting must-haves for anyone trying to upgrade their skincare regimen. The first product was a Face Cleanser Stick which contains ingredients like coconut oil to help remove dirt and oil from my face (basically serving the same purpose as soap, but much less harmful). The next was a Face Scrub exfoliator that uses aloe and papaya to promote skin-cell growth and remove all of that rough and inflamed skin from my face. Finally, the Face Moisturizer was the perfect way to balance out my complexion with a nice helping of vitamin E and macadamia.

While I was only expecting the starter set to last a month tops, I was surprised to find that it lasted nearly three months. I didn't realize how a little could go such a long way.

When it came time to renew my starter kit, I decided to take a look at some of Disco's other products. I decided to buy another three month supply of the starter kit, but also decided to try out Disco's detoxifying Face Mask, and man, I was not disappointed.

In fact, the face mask may have been the most relaxing part of the entire regimen. It just goes to show you that just because you're a dude, that doesn't mean you should overlook skincare. Not only will you thank yourself in your 40s, but you'll feel better about your skin and yourself in general.

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Why Paleovalley Has The Best Grass Fed Beef Sticks

Recently, there's been a huge buzz around eating clean, and in particular, high-protein diets, like Paleo or Keto - and for good reason. The health benefits of these diets include improved mental clarity, weight loss, and a boosted immune system. If you've been on a new lifestyle change like I have, you know one of the hardest clean-foods to find are quick, high protein snacks. Easy-to-grab snacks are often laden with artificial preservatives, tons of salt and an ingredient list that looks like a foreign language.

Recently, our editors discovered Paleovalley 100% Grass Fed Beef Sticks, an organic protein snack made of only the highest quality, nutrient dense superfoods, and it's a new fave for snacking during the day.

100% Grass Fed Beef, Free of Chemicals and Pesticides

These are not your average gas station jerky - Paleovalley sources its beef from cattle farmers that take pride in the rearing of their animals. Their beef comes from 100% grass fed cows raised only on natural grass pastures in the United States. This ensures a humane and happy environment for the animals. They are continuously moved to various grazing pastures and are never exposed to harmful herbicides, pesticides, or hormones. They also practice rotational grazing which has added environmental benefits, as the soil is naturally rejuvenated by the animals' activity, eliminating the need for chemicals.

Great Source Of Essential Vitamins, Naturally Fermented

Paleovalley Beef Sticks are far more nutritionally dense than their store-bought counterparts since they come from grass fed beef. They contain vitamins like B12, B6, zinc, and phosphorus. Plus, they're a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids. They're flavored using only organic spices, and the unique fermentation process ensures that they stay shelf stable, without the use of any harmful chemicals. This precaution also means that the sticks contain probiotics, which aid digestion.

High Source Of Protein & Perfect On-The-Go Snack

Healthy and convenient are not traits that usually describe the same product, but Paleovalley Beef Sticks are a delicious way to keep you going between meals. Packed with 6g of protein per serving and come in 5 delicious flavors: Original, Summer Sausage, Jalapeno, Teriyaki and Garlic Summer Sausage. All are free from GMO's, gluten, soy, and dairy. They're the perfect snack to keep in your bag if you're on the keto or paleo diets, or if you just want to be more mindful of what you're putting in your body.

My family is signed up for a monthly subscription to a 4 pack of these (10 sticks per pack) which we have found to be the perfect amount for us. Knowing that we can always have a quick, reliable snack on hand has made committing to the high-protein lifestyle much easier. Whether you're on a particular diet, or just mindful about your food comes from, Paleovalley Grass Fed Beef Sticks make it easy to stay healthy on the go. All of the flavor, all of the benefits- none of the guilt!


Update: Buy Now To Get 30% OFF For Life or 20% OFF Your One-Time Purchase

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I Tried Disco's Skincare Starter Kit, Here Are My Honest Thoughts

For years, I have been washing my face with good ol' soap. It seemed to work out fine for a while. Any acne or blemishes would dry up after a few days. But one day, I began to notice that something was off.

My skin looked a little rough and inflamed. I went to my local dermatologist, worried it could be some sort of reaction, and he told me that this was simply the result of using soap on my face. But I was confused, how could something so benign like soap cause noticeable harm?

It turns out that soap can damage the outer protective layer of skin. This can lead to accentuated wrinkles and pores, and can even exacerbate acne and make breakouts much worse.

My derm recommended that not only should I stop using soap, but I should switch to a full-fledged skincare routine. While I wasn't against the idea, I had no idea where to start. Skincare seemed like such a daunting regimen and I didn't know many guys who were invested in moisturizers and creams.

He recommended a few different over-the-counter remedies, but they all seemed incredibly clinical. They had complicated names and I remember my ex-girlfriend would tell me about all of the harmful chemicals in popular moisturizers, so I wasn't about to smear a bunch of toxins all over my face.

After two weeks of research, scouring the shelves of my local pharmacy and flipping through Google's endless pages, I still hadn't committed to anything. It wasn't until one day when I went over to my friend Michael's house for poker night. When I went to use his bathroom, I noticed that he had a bunch of products that were all labeled "Disco."

Intrigued, I asked Michael what Disco was. He told me that it was a line of skincare products designed especially for men. My next question was obvious: Michael and I were both 24. Why did he have such a robust assortment of skincare products?

After interrogating Michael, he told me that the earlier you start a skincare routine, the better your skin will look when you're older. Considering that we've started eating better and going to the gym for this exact reason, I felt like adding good skincare habits wouldn't hurt.

But why Disco? After doing some of my own research, I found out that Disco was made exclusively for men who are trying to start a skincare routine but don't know where to start. It was like they could read my mind. All of their products are backed by science and are cruelty-free, all-natural, and vegan.

Formulations are the result of a meticulous year long process with a renowned medical advisor and a team of top-notch cosmetic chemists, and every product matches the optimal pH level for men's skin (5.5-6.5 pH).

I decided to try Disco's Starter Set which featured a mix of complexion boosting must-haves for anyone trying to upgrade their skincare regimen. The first product was a Face Cleanser Stick which contains ingredients like coconut oil to help remove dirt and oil from my face (basically serving the same purpose as soap, but much less harmful). The next was a Face Scrub exfoliator that uses aloe and papaya to promote skin-cell growth and remove all of that rough and inflamed skin from my face. Finally, the Face Moisturizer was the perfect way to balance out my complexion with a nice helping of vitamin E and macadamia.

While I was only expecting the starter set to last a month tops, I was surprised to find that it lasted nearly three months. I didn't realize how a little could go such a long way.

When it came time to renew my starter kit, I decided to take a look at some of Disco's other products. I decided to buy another three month supply of the starter kit, but also decided to try out Disco's detoxifying Face Mask, and man, I was not disappointed.

In fact, the face mask may have been the most relaxing part of the entire regimen. It just goes to show you that just because you're a dude, that doesn't mean you should overlook skincare. Not only will you thank yourself in your 40s, but you'll feel better about your skin and yourself in general.

Update: Our friends at Disco are extending a special BLACK FRIDAY offer to our readers! Follow this link to get 30% OFF + Free Expedited Shipping!

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Our Editors Tried Nutrisystem: Here's What We Learned ​

Nutrisystem is one of the most well-known weight loss programs in the world. But even with its reputation, many people doubt that the food is actually as good as it's claimed to be, and that it's super simple to stay on track. What can look easy enough is not always replicable in real life. There are so many weight loss programs out there, so we wanted to see if Nutrisystem was the best of the best. Here's what we found.

A common concern that many face when starting a weight loss program is the need to count calories. Not only is it time consuming, but it's difficult to know the right guidelines to stick to. We're not all nutrition experts, but just need valuable tips to be able to meet our goals. The great thing about Nutrisystem is that it does all the calorie-counting for you. The plans are designed by nutrition experts, and provide you with the right balance of nutrients and the right amount of calories to help you lose weight safely.

Their strategy is to make meal-time regimented but also filled with variety. Nutrisystem sends a monthly shipment that includes three meals and a snack a day. All the meals are quick to prepare, and a delicious breakfast is as easy as grabbing a snack bar or muffin on your way out the door. All you need to do is follow the perfectly portioned meal plan and you're guaranteed to lose up to 13 pounds in your first month, or your money back. It works because there's no room for error. Nutrisystem is designed to give you all the necessary tools to see results.

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Limited Time Offer, For Our Readers:
Save 50% Off A Month Of Nutrisystem Meals + Shakes!

The second concern that people have about weight loss programs is that they won't be able to eat their favorite foods anymore. But Nutrisystem doesn't take all the pleasure out of eating. Unlike traditional unhealthy comfort foods, Nutrisystem® pizzas and mac & cheese are balanced with complex carbs, lean protein and fiber without sacrificing taste. They help keep you feeling full and make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need, so you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and continue to achieve your weight loss goals.

The last concern has to do with exercise. Many people simply don't have the time to workout every day. But it turns out, you don't need to exercise to lose weight on the Nutrisystem plan. In fact, studies have found that you're more likely to lose weight by cutting calories than by increasing exercise. So don't worry that your physical limitations are going to stand in the way of your weight loss goals. Nutrisystem recommends just three 10 minute exercises a day, so you won't need to live in a gym. If you focus on following the Nutrisystem® plan, you will have everything you need to be a healthier you.

Nutrisystem exceeded our expectations, and we're convinced it's a great program for those looking for a comprehensive plan to lose weight.

UPDATE: The awesome folks at Nutrisystem are extending a special offer to our readers. Nutrisystem Holiday Sale: Save 50% Off A Month Of Nutrisystem Meals + Shakes!

This content is sponsored by Nutrisystem.

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How This App Is Like Having My Own Personal Trainer

Lots of my friends are taking fitness classes and it's all they talk about. From barre to pilates to turbo kickboxing, I can't keep up. I finally found it in myself to join the craze and try one of these fitness classes, and it is safe to say I have never felt more embarrassed in my life. I was dripping in sweat and could barely keep up with the trainer or anyone around me.

For a long time, I haven't been able to bring myself to get on a steady exercise routine. I thought signing up for a class would help, but I was way too intimidated to go back. What I was really looking for was a guided class that I can do at my own pace, while getting some instruction and not feeling lost. While Googling a way to take some classes at home, I came across this fitness app called Aaptiv, and I knew I had to try it out.

Aaptiv offers guided audio fitness classes through their app for every experience level, taught by certified personal trainers. You can choose classes by workout type, trainer, music genre, class length, or level of difficulty.

After looking at the variety of trainer led workouts on Aaptiv's site, I was reassured to see a lot of beginner level classes to choose from. They also have a cool Coach feature, which designs a personal health plan that's just for you. The feature combines your fitness, wellness and dietary goals to figure out the perfect plan to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can specify whether you want to eat better or feel less stress, and from there, it will come up with an outline and step by step guide to get you there. I've been wanting to get more serious about my overall health, so I loved that the Coach would break down a goal for me into small, easily attainable steps.

Plus, Aaptiv is currently offering their yearly subscription for just $49.99 (normally $99.99), so I decided it was worth a shot. I started by answering a couple of questions about my fitness history, goals, and some healthy habits that I want to start practicing. From there, it curated a list of activities and workouts to help me get on the right path. You can chose to incorporate the trainer led workouts into your plan, or workout on your own.

I needed a little push of motivation, so for my first workout, I did the "BYOBody Weight" with Rochelle—no equipment needed, only 8 minutes long, and something I could do in my living room—no pressure! As I listened, Rochelle guided me through quick intervals of high knees, squats and lunges. I loved how easy it was to follow along to her instructions, and the music she picked out was fun and kept me focused during each exercise.

I was surprised at how fast I picked everything up, especially with no distractions. Having Rochelle cheer me on throughout the class was so encouraging, and I was motivated to stick with each set. I decided to do another short class after that, and before I knew it, by the end of the week I had tried three other beginner classes and was feeling more and more confident.

When I work out with Aaptiv, I don't have to worry anymore about going to an in-person studio where I feel out of my element. Instead, I can take a class with a trainer guiding me the whole way, and avoid that feeling totally lost in a group class. Now, before I start a workout, I browse the options and trainers to find classes that best fit my level and my mood. Aaptiv's coach feature has made overhauling my fitness routine a lot less intimidating.

Thanks to Aaptiv, I don't feel like such a fitness newbie anymore and I've never felt more confident about working out.

SPECIAL OFFER: Aaptiv is giving our readers a limited time offer! Sign up now for one year of Aaptiv for just $49.99. Follow this link and try Aaptiv today!

Related Articles Around the Web
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How This App Is Like Having My Own Personal Trainer

Lots of my friends are taking fitness classes and it's all they talk about. From barre to pilates to turbo kickboxing, I can't keep up. I finally found it in myself to join the craze and try one of these fitness classes, and it is safe to say I have never felt more embarrassed in my life. I was dripping in sweat and could barely keep up with the trainer or anyone around me.

For a long time, I haven't been able to bring myself to get on a steady exercise routine. I thought signing up for a class would help, but I was way too intimidated to go back. What I was really looking for was a guided class that I can do at my own pace, while getting some instruction and not feeling lost. While Googling a way to take some classes at home, I came across this fitness app called Aaptiv, and I knew I had to try it out.

Aaptiv offers guided audio fitness classes through their app for every experience level, taught by certified personal trainers. You can choose classes by workout type, trainer, music genre, class length, or level of difficulty.

After looking at the variety of trainer led workouts on Aaptiv's site, I was reassured to see a lot of beginner level classes to choose from. They also have a cool Coach feature, which designs a personal health plan that's just for you. The feature combines your fitness, wellness and dietary goals to figure out the perfect plan to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can specify whether you want to eat better or feel less stress, and from there, it will come up with an outline and step by step guide to get you there. I've been wanting to get more serious about my overall health, so I loved that the Coach would break down a goal for me into small, easily attainable steps.

Plus, Aaptiv is currently offering their yearly subscription for just $29.99 (normally $99.99), so I decided it was worth a shot. I started by answering a couple of questions about my fitness history, goals, and some healthy habits that I want to start practicing. From there, it curated a list of activities and workouts to help me get on the right path. You can chose to incorporate the trainer led workouts into your plan, or workout on your own.

I needed a little push of motivation, so for my first workout, I did the "BYOBody Weight" with Rochelle—no equipment needed, only 8 minutes long, and something I could do in my living room—no pressure! As I listened, Rochelle guided me through quick intervals of high knees, squats and lunges. I loved how easy it was to follow along to her instructions, and the music she picked out was fun and kept me focused during each exercise.

I was surprised at how fast I picked everything up, especially with no distractions. Having Rochelle cheer me on throughout the class was so encouraging, and I was motivated to stick with each set. I decided to do another short class after that, and before I knew it, by the end of the week I had tried three other beginner classes and was feeling more and more confident.

When I work out with Aaptiv, I don't have to worry anymore about going to an in-person studio where I feel out of my element. Instead, I can take a class with a trainer guiding me the whole way, and avoid that feeling totally lost in a group class. Now, before I start a workout, I browse the options and trainers to find classes that best fit my level and my mood. Aaptiv's coach feature has made overhauling my fitness routine a lot less intimidating.

Thanks to Aaptiv, I don't feel like such a fitness newbie anymore and I've never felt more confident about working out.

SPECIAL OFFER: Aaptiv is giving our readers a limited time offer! Sign up now for one year of Aaptiv for just $29.99. Follow this link and try Aaptiv today!

Related Articles Around the Web