Tuesday, June 30, 2009

It's All Mental

people often ask me how did i lose the weight and keep it off. i tell people that it’s all mental.

losing weight is the result of making healthy eating choices and working out. to lose a single pound starts with our ability to decide to eat healthy and to workout. the mind and will power are the most powerful forces that dictates our ability to lose the weight and to keep it off. having a positive attitude and desire to stay on course is key to helping me lose the weight and keeping it off.

it’s not about a yoyo diet, it’s a lifestyle change. i live, breathe, eat, drink, do and think healthy thoughts. all of that starts with my mind and my attitude about being healthy and living a more vibrant, joyful life.

many people have issues that they have to overcome. i am a strong believer in getting counseling to clean up the issues that’s stopping people from living the life that they dream about. regain the balance of a healthy life. find the strength to believe that there’s nothing in this life that is impossible. it all starts from what our mind tells us.

if i decide that i can do something….that’s what i get. it’s all mental.

smiles…..GIGI

Monday, June 29, 2009

A Killer Gadget to Make Your Runs & Walks More Fun

I recently met a very nice woman who trains and runs marathons. She shared with me a new toy that she had just purchased to help with tracking and monitoring her weekly training runs so she can see her progress and training for an up coming marathon. It’s an awesome killer gadget that comes in a watch form but is much more than what it appears to be. It’s called the garmin forerunner 405.

If you have gotten this far in my blog, google this amazing Sport watch and personal trainer — Forerunner 405. This high tech watch gives you the best of both worlds in a sleek, stylish package. it’s a high performance watch is easy to use and comfortable to wear when not training. It’s a GPS-enabled sport watch that tracks your training, then wirelessly sends your data to your computer. It’s loaded with serious training features, Forerunner 405 continuously monitors your time, distance, pace, calories and heart rate (when paired with heart rate monitor). Each run is stored in memory so you can review and analyze the data to see how you’ve improved. You can even download recorded courses to compete against previous workouts or race a Virtual Partner®. Customize Forerunner’s data screens for instant feedback while you train.

It is the ultimate in training technology. Its sleek design features a touch bezel that lets you quickly scroll and select features on the run. Simply tap the touch bezel to change screens without fumbling for a button. It comes in two color options — black or green.

Run, Sync, Store and Share

Once you’ve logged the miles, innovative ANT+™ wireless technology automatically transfers data to your computer when the Forerunner is in range. No cables, no hookups. The data’s just there, ready for you to analyze, categorize and share through an online community software. You can wirelessly send workouts from your computer to Forerunner, too.

Share Wirelessly

You can share your locations, advanced workouts and courses wirelessly with other Forerunner 405 users. You can send your favorite workout to your buddy to try, or compete against a friend’s recorded course.

Track Heart Rate

Forerunner 405 is available with or without a digital heart rate monitor which continuously track heart beats per minute. Train in a certain heart rate zone to improve your fitness level or compare your pace and heart rate to past performance on the same run.

Cross-Train

Pair it with an optional foot pod to track your speed, distance and running cadence indoors when a GPS signal is unavailable. This new design clips onto your laces for easy removal and automatically turns on when you start moving. You can also add a speed/cadence bike sensor to track the speed and distance of your cycling workouts.

Lock Onto Satellite Signals

Forerunner 405 sports a unique design that gives the GPS antenna a better view of the sky, so it can get a stronger signal during your run. And its high-sensitivity GPS receiver provides improved tracking under trees and near tall buildings.

Perhaps I am a bit excited about this cool gadget but I can’t help but share cool information about things that energize me. Hope I inspired you to want to take your runs or walks to the next level.

Smiles…..GIGI

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Stay Motivated On Your Journey Towards Permanent Weight Loss With These Tips

The overwhelming majority of successful weight maintainers don’t report highly restrictive diets and fad diets as factors they used to achieve permanent weight loss. Despite the fact that dietary change is the most commonly reported method to lose weight, the greatest predictors of permanent weight loss have more to do with regular exercise, changing behaviors, positive mindset, continuous self-assessment, and seeking outside support.

The take home message is that the majority of successful weight maintainers have been highly creative and persistent about finding and applying what works for them. You must learn constantly about what works for you and develop your own personal tricks and put them into action.

Commitment is the ultimate decider of permanent physical change. It takes commitment to stick to your new, healthy lifestyle. When you are committed, you will do anything to reach your goal, no matter how hard, tedious, boring, scary…you will do whatever it takes to get where you want to go.

  • Practice continuous self-monitoring with your Fitness Journal.
  • Make regular and frequent contacts with an outside source of support.
  • Include daily physical activity (resistance training and cardio) for at least 30-45 minutes, three to five days a week.
  • Make regular exercise a PRIORITY, a scheduled appointment, NOT an option.
  • Stay focused on improving health and energy, with fat loss being a nice accompaniment.
  • Set small daily/weekly goals
  • Replace fatty and sugary foods with more healthy substitutions like fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, and other high-fiber foods.
  • Frequently monitor portion sizes and hunger — this is important in today’s world of “super-size” restaurant portions.
  • Find ways to make fitness fun. For example, join a walking or hiking group, a soccer league, or take dance classes. Don’t fear trying new activities.
  • Eat at least 4-6 meals a day and do not skip meals.
  • Use Solution Discovery strategies when old behaviors return to haunt you. Make an effort to succeed at creating and re-assessing goals.
  • Recognize that it is a continuous, life-long journey to pursue better health, not a temporary “diet”.
  • Never give up! Do not allow occasional slip-ups to end your progress.
  • Accept that the time-tested principles of weight loss, while not always exciting, are the only ones that work permanently.
  • Separate your body size from your self-worth. Recognize that your value is about a lot more than a number. When your attitude shifts to self-acceptance at any size, weight loss and maintaining it becomes more natural, and much easier.
  • Develop passions, interests, and hobbies to help you focus on things other than food.
  • Find and develop creative ways to manage stress effectively.
  • Ban the words “never” and “always” from your health vocabulary. That is, everything in moderation. It’s not realistic to say you’ll never eat ice cream again or that you will always exercise every day. In short, you must give up perfection, but remain focused without it.
  • Reflect daily. It takes many years to learn behaviors that lead to weight gain, yet it usually takes only a short time to lose weight. Therefore, you can expect that from time to time, destructive eating patterns will resurface. Seeking outside sources of support, developing interests, forgiving yourself, and reassessing goals greatly helps to conquer these times.

Brought to you by Prograde Nutrition High Quality Supplements and DIETING: THE CHEATING PRINCIPLE

Friday, June 26, 2009

Dear Diary

June 26, 2009

Dear Diary,

I took today off from work (I needed a sunny day outside) so I stayed home with my bf.  We slept in, had a big breakfast, worked out, read in the backyard, watched some DVDs, read in the backyard and so on.

Last night I had a bbq and wine with some good friends.  It was very nice.  Back on the diet and exercise today though!  I did Week 5 Day 3 of the challenges and that was easy.  No problem!  Might see how many pushups I can do tonight.  Also going to go for a run when it gets cooler.

Breakfast: 2 eggs, blueberries, 1 pc ancient grain toast dry, bacon (crisp and patted down), water

Snack: Protein shake after working out

Lunch: roast beef, blueberries, peas

Dinner: 2 chicken hot dogs, blueberries, water

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Six Pack Abs Fast?

Six Pack Abs.

That’s the rationale you are reading this article. I bet you’ve read lots of things about the best way to build six pack abs. You probably have been drawn towards products shown in the infomercials, I bet several of you have even tried them, however, they did not have long lasting results.

The fastest technique to get six pack abs is by doing the right exercise and following a proper diet plan. I’m sure you’ve already tried dong that and maybe you did not see the results you need or probably didn’t even see any results at all. The rationale to that’s as you likely did not do the exercises in an effective manner or failed to have an ok diet plan. You might not believe it, but that is the rationale the general public fail to lose belly fat and get six pack abs.

Here are few things you should remember:

1. Take care of your diet : Eat less, more times each day. Eating 5-6 times per day is a great idea. In addition, drink lots of water throughout the day, its suggested that your drink around two litres ( eight cups ) of water everyday.

Make sure you never to skip breakfast, this is the most vital meal of the day and boosts your metabolism rate early in the morning when you need a kick start.

2. Have a plan that is effective: The reason most people do not get six pack abs is because the plan they are following either isn’t effective or they don’t have a plan to begin with. You have got to know what type of workouts to do and must have a good diet plan.
.
Six Pack Abs Fast?

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

How to Loss Weight after Pregnancy

Having a baby is a wonderful experience for any women, after enduring nine months of pregnancy after symptoms, including 5-6 months of extra weight, it’s quite natural to want to normalize your weight and regain your pre-pregnancy shape as soon as possible. But don’t be too impatient. Life after giving birth typically throws up a new set of problems, which can cut across your plans to lose weight. So if you are a new mom, and you can’t wait to get back into shape, get some weight loss tips on getting back in shape. Learn what role breast feeding has on weight loss and read up on pregnancy and weight loss issues.

You are not a celebrity mom but if you look at some celebrity moms out there, you may think you should emerge from the hospital looking as though you were never even pregnant. But, the reality is a quite different. Having a baby affects every part of your body and, despite what’s going on in Hollywood; it can take up to a year for your body to make a full recovery. Find out what you can do to help your body bounce back and lose the baby weight in a healthy way.

The truth is that you can only do a few things to lose weight after your pregnancy. No matter how you cover it up on tummy fat, losing weight always comes down to two variables, the number of calories your consume and the number of calories you “burn” via activity. If you want to lose weight after baby, you are going to have to either decrease calories, increase activity, or you can say the both will lose pregnancy weight.

Once the baby is born, you must stop eating for two and do start exercising. Most women can safely exercise — even swim — within four to six weeks. Obviously, if you have had an episiotomy, wait to get on a bicycle seat or exercise equipment that applies too much pressure until it has healed, usually within six weeks you can easily you lose weight.

Always keep this thing in your mind that nursing cannot help you gain considerable weight loss. If you have a lot to lose you have to develop a plan for healthy weight loss. Remember always that your doctor is there to advise you on your best courses of action that you can loss your health weight.

While breast feeding try and maintain a healthy diet for you. Don’t over eat and try and do some exercise. Both of these things can help you get back to the weight you were at before pregnancy.

Obstacles to Exercise

You may be eager to lose weight by ramping up your activity, but exercise can be tough during the first few months after giving birth. But if you want to get something then you have to be losing something. So just some of the issues you may face:

Exhaustion and fatigue — These are common after giving birth, especially if you’re breastfeeding, which can deplete your energy. Be aware of your energy levels, and only do what you can handle.

An Erratic schedule — For first few weeks and months after you give birth, your baby’s feeding schedule may change constantly, making it tough to follow any kind of normal routine.

Time constraints — You may find that you only have a few minutes here or there for exercise. If that’s the case, take advantage of the time you have, and don’t be afraid to spread your workouts throughout the day.

Diet, exercise, yoga remedied and home remedies will help you to loss weight after your pregnancy. Even some little things are depend upon to you that how you are caring about yourself.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Common question about cravings

Answer by Ellie Krieger from Everyday Health:

Q: I always get tired toward the end of the workday — right around when I want to grab a chocolate bar from the candy machine. Is there a healthier but fast way to get some energy?

A: That candy machine is tempting — but a habit worth breaking. Keep your quarters for the parking meter and try some of these ideas: Slice up some apples before you go to work (you can even buy a gadget that cores and slices an apple in seconds) and keep a small jar of peanut butter at your desk. This is a tasty combination that’s sure to perk you up. Or keep some low-fat cottage cheese and some fruit in the fridge for a flavorful and natural snack. Yogurt gives you a quick shot of calcium, or you can keep a supply of low-fat cheese and whole-grain crackers for a delicious break. A bag of baby carrots or some grape tomatoes offers a constant source of munching that won’t load you with fat or sugar. You might also want to have some almonds or peanuts around for a quick fix, but keep the helping small enough to limit the extra calories.

References: http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition-specialist/midday-munchies.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthDietandNutrition_20090622

Monday, June 22, 2009

What You Need to Know About Caralluma Fimbriata

Caralluma fimbriata is a succulent plant, in the cactus family, that has been used as a natural appetite suppressant in India for centuries. It’s a new arrival in the family of cactii and succulent plants that are becoming increasingly popular for their appetite suppressant, and weight loss properties, as well as their ability to lower blood sugar. Supplements made from the popular hoodia gordonii cactus from the Kalahari Desert in Africa, are, for example, growing in popularity and usage in the U.S. and Europe.Like hoodia, caralluma fimbriata has been used to suppress appetite, and as a portable food for hunting. It is used to suppress hunger and appetite, and enhance endurance throughout India. It is also sometimes considered a “famine food,” used during periods of famine to suppress appetite. For centuries, people in rural areas of India have eaten Caralluma fimbriata, which grows wild over various parts of the country. Caralluma fimbriata is cooked as a vegetable, used in preserves like chutneys and pickles, or eaten raw. Caralluma fimbriata is believed to block the activity of several enzymes, which then blocks the formation of fat, forcing fat reserves to be burned. Caralluma fimbriata is also believed to have an effect on the appetite control mechanism of the brain. Ayurvedic (traditional Indian medicine) experts have noted that there are no adverse effects when using Caralluma fimbriata, and the plant has no known toxicity. A patented, tested extract of Caralluma fimbriata has been developed and standardized by a company called Gencor.

For more info click on banners I find this very helpful.

 Known as “Slimaluma,” the extract delivers the plant in a concentrated form. One of the only products available in the U.S. that uses the Slimaluma formula is Country Life’s GenaSlim supplement, which combines the patented Slimaluma extract of Caralluma fimbriata with EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) from green tea. Together they reportedly have a synergistic effect on appetite control and weight loss. In several clinical trials Slimaluma was shown to be effective in reducing body fat through appetite control.If you’re interested in trying this product for weight control, you can compare prices now from various online vendors.SourcesKhan B, et. al. “Hypogylcemic activity of aqueous extract of some indigenous plants.” Pak J Pharm Sci.

For more info click on banners I find this very helpful. 

 

Click Here

 

 

 

Friday, June 19, 2009

Abs Diet and Recipes - Men's Health

Men’s Health Magazine touts the Abs Diet – 6 meals a day (3 small meals and 3 small snacks) consisting of the ABS DIET POWER foods:

A           Almonds (and other nuts)

B           Beans (and other legumes)

S            Spinach (and other green vegetables)

 

D          Dairy

I            Instant oatmeal

E           Eggs

T           Turkey (and other lean meats)

 

P           Peanut butter

O          Olive oil

W         Whole grains (breads and cereals)

E           Extra-protein powder (whey)

R           Raspberries (and other berries)

Check out this link for what the Abs Diet is (pretty much like the Eat Clean Diet) and a day’s worth of recipes.  I like Men’s Health recipes – they are simple and very tastey!  Also since they are designed for men there is always leftovers if women use them.

Link: http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=weight.loss&category=abs.diet&conitem=4d6dc097a96fb010VgnVCM100000cfe793cd____&page=2

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Day FIVE

Hi there,

well it’s day five and I’m used to my new detox routine now. Garcinium, aloe and a shake for Brekkie, Bee pollen mid morning, Garcinium and a shake for lunch, then aloe and a healthy meal for dinner! I dont feel hungry in between at all – which I guess is due to the Garcinium but I’m really glad. I feel extremely positive about getting through the last 4 days without any problems. Also excited to total up how much weight/inches I have lost by the end of the 9 days!

I suppose I should find a “before” picture to post, will hunt a reasonable one out today.

Day SIX weigh in tomorrow – will post result as soon as I can!

Jessica x

If anyone is interested in finding out more about the aloe detox click here

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Small Things To Change To Lose Weight

With the tremendous amount of information circulating everywhere, it is very hard to get that weight loss plan that could work on your unique physique. A lot of new diet plans seem to come out every 2-3 months but that fact of the matter is that most of these diet plans are usually not effective. That is why I am writing this, I will try to provide you some tested effective ways to burning extra fat successfully.

Probably the simplest step you can take is to make easy changes in your diet. There are a few examples here and there that you can do right away. If you eat chocolates for snack then you can just eat a piece of apple to satisfy your hunger. This simple change will save you from getting 100 calories which will prevent yourself from getting extra fat in your body. Here is another one. If you usually eat a meal at a fast food restaurant then try refraining yourself from eating there for a few weeks and then see what happens. If you really need to eat at a fast food restaurant then try packing up your own lunch so you can save yourself some money and help yourself lose weight without any effort. It would help if your lunch meal is composed of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. Depending on what you usually eat and the amount of calories you consume daily, you will be able to decrease the amount of fat that you put in your body on a daily basis.

Another little thing you can do is to save up 20 to 30 minutes of your time daily for some walking or if you do not like that you can just walk to certain places you want to go instead of using your car or any kind of vehicle transportation. If you are feeling energetic, you can try jogging in the morning which is proven to be effective at burning body fat.

As far as boosting your digestive system is concerned, give yourself a dose of fiber on you meals. You digestive system will be more effective when you consume fiber due to the fact that fiber can moderate the water level in your system. There are also studies that say fiber can help boost the fat burning metabolism of the body.

Now training with weights is something that is not required but will significantly boost your weight loss progress. By developing the muscles in your body, you will be able to increase your metabolism so your body can burn calories quickly and effectively.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Todays Run 13.1

today i decided to go long. So i ran 13.1 miles on the montour trail, equivalent to a Half Marathon. I got on the trail at 10:00 am and ran many directions to make the 13.1 miles. It took me 1 hour 57 minutes. In the Pittsburgh marathon i ran 11.5 miles, so this was the longest Ive ever really ran before, and i feel pretty damn good! My legs are a big achy but other than that i feel golden *knock on wood*, now Ive officially ran the distance of a half marathon!. The weather wasn’t to bad. It got a little hot in the open areas but most of where i ran was shady. After the run I went home and made a high calorie protein shake, since i burned around 1300 cals. After i blended the shake i accidentally spilled it all over…. Yeah.. im clumsy. After i cleaned it up I had less than half of it left in the cup, but it was something. It was around 1 oclock when i finished everything and time to start my day. The day was great.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

9 Foods That Reduce Stress Levels

Reach for these items next time you’re feeling under pressure, under the weather, or just planning to rid yourself of that stomach fat. Munching on these stress-free foods will help pull you back into the game.

Oranges:- A German study in Psychopharmacology found that vitamin C helps reduce stress and return blood pressure to normal levels after a stressful situation.

Sweet Potatoes:- Sweet potatoes can be particularly stress-reducing because they can satisfy the urge you get for carbohydrates and sweets when you are under a great deal of stress.

Dried Apricots:- Apricots are rich in magnesium, which is a stress-buster and a natural muscle relaxant as well.

Almonds, Pistachios & Walnuts:- Almonds are packed with B and E vitamins, which help boost your immune system, and walnuts and pistachios help lower blood pressure.

Turkey:- Turkey contains an amino acid which triggers the release of serotonin, which is a feel-good brain chemical. This is the reason why many people who eat turkey feel relaxed, after eating it.

Spinach:- A deficiency in magnesium can cause migraine headaches and a feeling of fatigue. One cup of spinach provides 40 percent of your daily needs for magnesium.

Salmon:- Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids protect against heart disease.

Avocados:- The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that one of the best ways to lower blood pressure is to consume enough potassium (avocados have more than bananas).

Green Vegetables:- Broccoli, kale, and other dark green vegetables are powerhouses of vitamins that help replenish our bodies in times of stress.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Who Else Is Looking For The Right Weight Loss Diet Supplements?

A question often asked by those looking to lose a few extra pounds is whether or not weight loss diet supplements actually work. The Answer? Well, it’s both yes and no. Here’s why….

The market today is so saturated with junk products people are often lured by savvy marketing. While it’s great for business, it’s not so great for you the end user. Far too often do I see people who unfortunately make a purchase based on impulse. Shortly after they quickly realize they were suckered into the latest and greatest “FAD”, totally wasted their money, and most importantly never experienced the results they were anticipating.

If you choose to use weight loss diet supplements be sure you do your homework. Research the company, read testimonials, if possible talk to actual product users and ask them about their experience. Don’t be fooled by only good testimonials supplied by the company, take time and be sure you talk to actual users. Weigh the pros and cons of each testimonial. Make sure you also research any complaints that may have been compiled against the particular supplement you are considering.

Try to understand the ingredients in the product. Since there are so many, this step is critical because taking the wrong weight loss diet supplements could actually do you more harm than good, it may even kill you! I don’t want to scare you but you should take the time to understand what side effects could occur so you know what to expect. Don’t get suckered in by some marketing lure, take your time and be sure you are getting a product that will work.

Look at the history of the company, do they offer some type of NO hassle guarantee? If you want to truly measure whether or not you are going to see results, look for a company that has a 60 or 90 day money back guarantee. That will give you ample time to try out the product and most importantly see results. I would stay away from any product that does not have a guarantee associated with it. By offering a guarantee it tells you that the company is serious enough to stand behind its product and it’s more than likely going to give you the results that you are looking for. At that point your risk is reduced to zero and it’s all up to the weight loss diet supplements to do the rest.

Weight loss diet supplements can and will work, when you’re using the correct ones. Above all, be sure you take the time to properly educate yourself about the products that you are considering. Don’t get scammed by the latest and great pill that promises to do incredible things for you. It will give you a sense of false hope and you will only be let down. Ultimately with careful selection you’ll not only be able to shake off a few extra pounds but you’ll be able to keep it off and never have to fear it coming back on.

For more information about weight loss diet supplements feel free to contact Doug Agyei at doug.agyei@gmail.com or by requesting a copy of his free report at http://www.core4loseit.com

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Simple Butt workout

I was not impressed with my butt when I was looking at it in a change room mirror.  So I’m going to train my butt hard.  I like Carmen’s workout because it is simple, and has 2 different routines so you can do one on say Monday and do the second one on Thursday. 

Here’s the summary:

Day 1

Dead Lifts (4-5 sets of 12-15 reps)
Leg Curls (3-4 sets of 15 reps)
Forward Lunges (5 sets of 20 reps)
Squats (3-4 sets of 15-20)

Day 2

Leg Extensions (3-4 sets of 15 reps)
Backward Lunges (4-5 sets of 20 reps)
Leg Presses (4-5 sets of 15 20 reps) I increase weight with each set.
Stepping on bench with light weights (3 sets of 20 reps)

Her site also has videos and descriptions of the above exercises as well as printable routines.  Check it out: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/carmen10.htm

Monday, June 8, 2009

Eat This, Not That: Men's Health

Men’s Health has a reoccuring article called “Eat This, Not That” which is very popular if not informative.  Did you know that choosing ground beef pizza is better than pepperonia?  Burrito over quasadilla? 

Check it out: http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=nutrition&category=food.for.fitness&conitem=6b4a99edbbbd201099edbbbd2010cfe793cd____&cm_mmc=AbsDietNL-_-2009_06_08-_-HTML-_-01

Friday, June 5, 2009

5 Tips to Combat and Burn Fat

Fat loss tips for beginners and advanced people, Male or Female.

No Liquid Calories- (unless it’s a post work out protein drink or similar)
Liquefied sugar is the last thing you want when you are trying to Burn fat.So out with all the Juices, soda’s and sports drinks (that are destined to work with your body systems!!) That makes me laugh, but that’s another topic altogether.
It’s vital that you limit your alcohol consumption.Worst still if you are mixing drinks, or doing the alcopops. Calorie explosion. A whisky and coke…200 calories easy. A couple of those in the evening, or on a night out.Blimey! That means there’s work to do.

No Fast Food- Do not be eating at those fast food places. Don’t kid yourself that you are having something healthy from the menu. Fast food is about profits only. This profiting leads to provision of cheap easy to prepare food with low quality ingredients, particularly protein.
I’m sure you have read articles, and heard reports that you can still make the healthy option at these establishments. That opinion is formed from the politically correct society we live in. If it’s Fast Food, It’s Poor Food. A chicken fillet burger in a white bun with a leaf of grotty lettuce and a greenish pink tomato isn’t exactly healthy eating.

The truth in the matter is that it is going to take you time and effort to eat healthy.Planning, shopping, preperation. Cleaning, cutting and cooking what you want to eat.
The benefits though are worth it. The food tastes so much superior. Eating this way will leave you feeling satisfied, and your body alert. Make a single improvement to your nutritional intake everyday.
Eating More fruit and veg- Obvious I know. But if you are only eating 1 or 2 servings a day, then double this. Even if you are eating the recommended 5 items a day, double this, but over a period of time, say 2-3 weeks.
Eat a handful of almonds 0r walnuts a day- Well, lets not say a handful, as you may well have bucket hands. A guideline of 1/2oz in the morning, and 1/2oz in the afternoon. Call this snack time.
Natural or dry roasted nuts are a good source as others are roasted in oils.
Don’t panic here. (what..nuts??)
This small amount will help you lose weight by filling you up when peckish. They will not make you fat.
Workout Regularly- They need to be efficient and effective also. As long as you do something regularly, that’s the key. Swimming is ideal. Every other night. Between that, walking, or cycling. Time of day isn’t important, just be active REGULARLY. Do what you feel is enough for you.

As an added point, Whenever you eat a big meal, lunch or dinner, take yourself for a walk. Research has suggested that this contributes to controling cholesterol and triglycerides. Plus any movent is better that sitting down doing nothing

5 simple but very effective ways to burn Fat.

Why not even lose fat and gain muscle while you’re at it.

Short term -Change habits today
Longterm -Lifestyle change

Thursday, June 4, 2009

The Link to Weight Loss and Healthy Living

Most people tend to focus only on the weight loss aspect and completely ignore the basics of eating right for good health. Healthy eating plans are designed to strike a balance between losing weight and being healthy.

In fact, people looking to lose weight need to adopt a healthy eating plan that will help them to eat right and lose weight at the same time. Most people often ignore the benefits of a healthy eating plan and go on some fad diet. Following a healthy eating plan will help you in the long run when it comes to losing weight and maintaining good health.

Here is a suggested eating plan for weight loss and better health:

1) Don’t skip breakfast –This provides a boost to your body’s metabolism right at the start helping it to burn calories through the day.

2) Healthy home cooked meals with Olive Oil – Stick to healthy meals cooked at home with olive oil ( which is loaded with the ‘good’ fats which actually help you burn calories).

3) Are you ‘Fruity’ – Include about 3-4 servings of fruits in your healthy eating plan. This will ensure that you cut down on excess calories and you get a host of vitamins and minerals necessary for your body.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Before You Start Any Weight Loss Program Try This Detox For 3 Days, it’s Just The Jump Start You Need

3 Day Detoxification to Boost Your Weight Loss

Are you looking for the quickest, safest and easiest way to feel better and look great? If you answered yes, this article will show you the right way to go about it

Using a 3 day detox diet is a terrific way to quickly cleanse your system without committing to a long term diet change. Let’s face it. Most people cannot stay on diets that last longer than a few days. However, if you know your diet will only last three days, well, that changes things doesn’t it. Knowing that the diet will only last three days, makes it much easier to stick with and it becomes a delight to follow and not something to be dreaded.

The 3 day detox program is very easy to implement. There are many detox plans out there and it’s up to you to decide which one best fits your tastes and lifestyle. As you select the 3 day detox plan that is right for you, remember that it is critical that you follow the instructions exactly. Otherwise, you will ruin your detoxification process.

Day 1

Start day one by liberating your body from all the built up toxins. Begin by drinking water in the morning and continue to do so all day. You can drink fruit juice, but only if it is 100% pure without added sugars! For breakfast, have a light wholegrain cereal and fruit. You can have some veggies and a fresh salad for lunch. For dinner, eat a veggie soup no later than 6:00 p.m. You are allowed to eat fruits and salad, but not at the same time. Fruits and vegetables require different digestion times and enzymes and when eaten at the same time, it wreaks havoc in your digestion system. However, veggies and water are what you want the most of. They are both fantastic for eliminating toxins from the body. You should also exercise on the first day of your detox. A brisk walk for 30 minutes will do wonders

Day 2

On day 2, you want to kick your detoxification process into a higher gear. You’re are well on your way, so don’t stop now! It is very important for you to keep drinking water and lots of it. Please, note that throughout your entire detox process, coffee, tea, soda, junk food, etc. are strictly off limits! Are you groaning? Get over it! Don’t you want to feel better and look great?

On day 2, you should eat fresh fruit and drink water for breakfast. A nice, fresh green salad is great for lunch and for dinner, have some steamed vegetables. After being on this extremely healthy diet for just two days, you will feel great, your skin will be cleared and that bloated feeling around your stomach will disapper!

Day 3

Now you are on your last leg of the detox. Good for you! Continue to drink lots of water and eat plenty of fruit. You may feel a bit hungry, but don’t stop now! Your body is finally freeing itself of all those accumulated toxins and waste. Keep going and don’t exert much energy today. If you eat vegetables for dinner, you will not have cravings during the night.

Your 3 day detox diet seems very sparse, but remember it is only for three days and the whole idea is to cleanse your body. By not eating foods that have chemicals or other unnatural substances in them, you’re giving your body a totally natural diet, the way it was intended to be. Now go take a look in the mirror, give yourself a high five, because you’re feeling better and you’re looking great!

Before anyone starts a weight loss regiment, I always recommend this cleansing program. It clears your body and your mind while jump-starting your weight loss and fitness program. Once you get started, don’t stop, but maintain it for the rest of your life!

To Your Health,

Ted Bass

Monday, June 1, 2009

How much protein should I eat for muscle growth?

In the fall I was under stress – I went back to school in the medical field, worked some evenings, tried to maintain a healthy relationship with friends, family and bf, and tried to enjoy myself.  I also was working out about 3-4 times a week and trying to eat well, alas infrequently.  I do know that I didn’t get enough protein.  I ate so little in a day that I knew I wasn’t getting enough of anything.  My body held onto whatever weight I had and I was tired, fatigued, cranky and craved protein-rich foods (burgers, poutine, cheesecake). 

So when I started this diet and fitness regime I was going to have protein every time I ate…scrambled eggs, almonds, protein shakes and a meat for dinner. 

How much protein should active women who are looking to put on muscle get in a day?  From the articles I read about 1g per pound of body weight.  That may seem like a lot but that is because I’m used to eating a lot less.

Check out these articles regarding protein intake:

http://fatlossschool.com/blog/how-much-protein-should-i-eat-in-a-day/

http://www.projectswole.com/diet/how-much-protein-should-i-eat-in-a-day/

References:

http://www.biochem.arizona.edu/classes/bioc462/462bh2008/462bhonorsprojects/462bhonors2006/quachg/proteins.html