26 December, 2009
Limited Time Offer
12 May, 2009
WARNING Update!
“The FDA has received 23 reports of serious health problems ranging from jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, an indicator of potential liver injury, to liver damage requiring liver transplant. One death due to liver failure has been reported to the FDA. Other health problems reported include seizures; cardiovascular disorders; and rhabdomyolysis, a type of muscle damage that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure.”
To make sure you aren’t using any of these products I wanted to list all the particular Hydroxycut supplements the FDA is warning against using.
Here is the current list:
*Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
*Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
*Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
*Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
*Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
*Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
*Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
*Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
*Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
*Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
*Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
*Hydroxycut 24
*Hydroxycut Carb Control
*Hydroxycut Natural
If you have any of these products the FDA advises bringing them back to the place where you purchased them.
Please be safe and dont take any fat-burning supplements period. There is no "miracle pill" to losing weight and keeping it off. They best way is through hard work and dedication. I am here to help if you need it or just someone to support you through your journey!
Coach Courtney
08 May, 2009
Spousal Support
Married 10 years, I know firsthand the importance of a supportive spouse. Even if your partner's healthy resolve leaves much to be desired, with the right approach you can find the support you need and improve your partnership in the process. Consider variations on these five phrases when cultivating the interpersonal support you need to reach your health and fitness goals and bring you closer in the process:
1. "I couldn't do this without you!" Let your partner know how important their help and support is to you. Everyone wants to feel needed.
2. "Want to work out with me?" Even if the likelihood of it happening is slim, frequently invite your partner to join you. Let him or her to pick the workout and you might just get a 'yes'.
3. "Thank you!" Express your appreciation for even the smallest gesture that helps you reach your goal, even if it's just keeping the kids busy so you can Push Play.
4. "Wanna get busy?" Even if your partner doesn't share your healthy resolve, you both profit from your commitment. Communicate the mutual benefits of fitness, including improved energy, a boost in self-esteem, a tighter body, better health, and yes, better sex!
5. "Let's make a deal." Don't expect your partner to abruptly change his/her dining habits because you do. No one likes to be forced into doing something. Make a deal. Offer to do something nice in exchange for his/her promise to "eat in" for the next 10 days.
Pill Popping Problem Solvers...NOT!!!
For many years I lived without a TV…and I loved it! I found myself reading more, writing more and spending more time doing active things that kept me healthy & happy. Now that I live in a place with a TV, I find myself sitting in front of it when I feel overwhelmed or if I need to “check out” and not think for a while.
But, as I sit there, I quickly realize that I am not really enjoying what I am watching, and all I see is ad after ad that claims, “Take this pill, or that pill and all your problems will go away”. TV is filled with these commercials that affirm to “fix” any & every health issue we may have from arthritis, to heartburn to high blood pressure to headaches. It is truly disheartening.
Why has our society become so obsessed with the “quick fix”? Masking the problem, instead of solving it. When did we become so lazy and stop caring about ourselves and our wellbeing? Doctors are paid to sell drugs to us. Pharmaceutical companies are the biggest profit generators of today. Most of the time, Doctors’ just prescribe a pill to get us out of the office so that they can quickly move on to the next patient. But, are we really healing the problem?? NO!!!! Do they really want to cure us at the deepest level?? Not sure!! Are we coming back to health, or just making ourselves dependent on some substance that is making us worse instead of better??
Our bodies can become breeding grounds for disease if we don’t take care of them. The typical American Diet is high in processed foods, thereby creating an acidic environment where illness and disease can flourish!
As a Health Educator & Wellness Coach, I feel it is my duty to offer you knowledge and suggestions on how to return your body to health without popping a pill. If you are one of those people who think that taking over the counter drugs is the answer, I am here to help you return to health and wellness in a natural way.
Remember, Food is MEDICINE (thank you Socrates)! We need to use the food we eat to cure our “problems” and get healthy!! What we put in our mouth determines how we will feel from the inside out! We need to make smarter choices about what we eat, and how much we eat, to keep our bodies operating at their optimal state. Adopt a healthy eating lifestyle! Eat plenty of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and healthy fats!! And Exercise…move…do something!!!
Below is a list of a few common ailments and my suggestions to help heal them without popping those pills:
Heartburn/Indigestion: If you suffer from heartburn and/or indigestion, you most likely have low stomach acid. HCL, also known as Hydrochloric Acid, is the acid in your stomach that is responsible for breaking down proteins. If you are low in HCL, you will not be able to break down meats and other proteins, in turn causing heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux and many other digestive problems. You will also suffer from these ailments if you eat a lot of meat and other highly acidic foods like dairy & wheat. Also, low HCL prevents yoru body from absorbing B12 and other nutrients. You can re-build the HCL in your stomach by taking HCL pills (available at health food stores) or taking a Tablespoon of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar before every meal in a small amount of water. Over time, your HCL will rebuild and you will be able to digest your proteins without any help.
Gas & Bloating: Again, a digestive issue. Most likely you have a hard time digesting carbs, sugar, proteins and even vegetables. I highly recommend taking digestive enzymes before every meal to help your body break down your foods properly. Also, cut back on refined flour, sugar & diet soda!!! Food combining is another way you can prevent gas & bloating and keep your digestive system working properly. For more information on food combining, check out http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/foodcombining.html
High Blood Pressure: Exercise, Exercise, Exercise (for at least 30 minutes a day) and lower your sodium intake. If you need to use salt, switch to Sea Salt or use Gomasio, which is a combination of sesame seeds and sea salt. Sea Salt will give your body the necessary minerals it needs and the rest will be flushed out. You will not retain water when you use sea salt, but please keep in mind that it is still sodium, so use it moderately.
Headaches: Most likely an allergy to certain foods, or too much stress. If you suffer from headaches, cut out caffeine, cheese, alcohol, refined sugar, and any food or drink that contains sulfites. See how you feel in 2 weeks. Also, spend some time practicing deep breathing exercises, light stretching or sitting quietly for 10 minutes a day.
Muscle Aches & Pains: Instead of taking that painkiller (which can stress the liver) do some stretching, see a massage therapist, take a hot bath using Epsom salts or find a local acupuncturist. Usually muscular pain in the body is created by an imbalance or energy blockage. Eat magnesium rich foods such as sea vegetables. Too much sugar or caffeine can sap your body of minerals and cause imbalances as well.
PMS/Menstrual Issues: Most likely a hormonal imbalance in the body, which can be caused by processed & fried foods, caffeine, smoking, stress, etc. First step is to cut out caffeine and sugar. Add Magnesium & Calcium rich foods to your diet. Eat plenty of leafy greens and sea vegetables. If you suffer from severe PMS, consider having a complete hormonal screen done by a Naturopath or Holistic hormone specialist. Have your Thyroid Checked!
IBS: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a very common digestive problem affecting many Americans. I suffered from IBS as a young adult and realized that I needed to do something to help myself since every doctor I went to had no answer. I started to slowly change my diet and cut out eating certain foods that would upset my system, as well as meditating and practicing deep breathing exercises. To help yourself, cut out one highly allergenic food per week such as dairy, corn, wheat or soy and see if anything changes. You can then add each food back in slowly to determine where the problem is.Shakeology works great for this too if you ask me!
Sinus Problems: If you constantly have a runny nose, a stuffed up nose, or need to clear your throat, dairy could be your culprit. Cut out dairy for a week and see what happens! Stay away from the poison that you shoot up your nose to clear it out. It actually becomes addicting and you will need to use it more and more.
As you begin to adopt a healthier way of eating, you will notice many changes in your body and how you feel overall. You will begin to drop weight. Your skin will clear up. Your allergies will subside. You will have more energy. Forego running to the drug store to get that pill and start to take charge or your well being by making positive choices. This is the only body you have, so take care of it while you are here! Do you want to feel healthy, full of energy and vibrant? Or do you want to be filled with synthetic drugs that are sapping your body of energy, nutrients and life? You choose!!! It’s in your hands!!!
*A special thanks to my friend Tony Horton for the “Pill Popping” title…he IS a genius!
**Disclaimer: I am not a Doctor. If you have feel you have a serious illness, please seek professional medical help.
Match The Food To Your Part!
We all know that eating healthy, unprocessed, whole foods is good for us, but do we really know why? Well, Mother Nature is indeed a miracle worker, because she created some food to look just like our body parts, therefore enhancing and nourishing those specific parts, the more we eat them.
Below is a list of some foods that are great for your parts...eat them as much as you like! It's a bit like playing Match Game, if any of you remember that TV show!
Walnuts: Shaped like a brain, good for the brain! High in Omega 3's which help the brain cells communicate with each other. Omega's are also essential for cognitive performance & memory.
Carrots: As kids we all heard the tried and true wives tale "Carrots are good for your eyesight", well that couldn't be more true. Not only are they good for eyesight, but Carrots are high in Beta Carotene, which converts to Vitamin A when ingested. Vitamin A maintains the health of your eye and helps to protect your eye from germs, inflammation and infection. Slice one open and check out the iris staring right back at you!
Sweet Potatoes: Shaped like your pancreas, and good for it! Sweet Potatoes or Yams slowly release sugars into the blood-stream so that your pancreas won't get stressed!
Kidney Beans: They aren't called Gall-Bladder beans! These red beauties are great for nourishing and healing your kidneys.
Tomatoes: Cut them open and notice the 4 chambers that mimic the heart..even the color coincides. This delicious fruit, filled with Lycopine, is great for the heart and the blood!
Grapes: Red or Purple grapes are high in flavonoids, which help to protect against heart disease as well as aging and cancer. These heart shaped clusters, that resemble a cluster of blood cells, may also help you control your blood pressure. Best to eat the real thing..but if you must, have that glass of organic, sulfite-free red wine!
Rhubarb, Celery & Bok Choy: Shaped a bit like a fibia, tibula, or ulna these veggies are high in calcium and Vitamin K which is excellent for keeping your bones healthy and strong. Vitamin K assists in activating three proteins involved in bone health as well as increasing bone mineral density. Also a good source of sodium, which your body will pull from your bones if you don't have enough!
FOR THE LADIES:
Melons & Citrus fruits: Ladies..read on! Melons are rich in Vitamin C, which boost our immune system and helps to prevent breast cancer! Oranges are great too!
Olives: Yes, great for the Ovaries! A diet rich in Olive Oil has been shown to lower the risk of Ovarian Cancer.
Avocado, Pear & Eggplant: These three beauties target the cervix and womb! Oddly enough, Avocados take exactly 9-months to grow. They are great for helping to lose weight after childbirth, balancing hormones, and providing essential healthy fats.
FOR THE MEN:
Figs: Hanging in clusters of two, these delicious fruits help increase sperm count & mobility! Gents, go get your figs!!! But make sure you buy this delicate fruit organic!
Remember, eating a whole foods diet will keep your immune system strong and help you to manage stress in your life. Your body uses whole foods as fuel, thereby resulting in more energy and less weight gain!
So..next time you're in the market...match that food to your part! Have FUN!!!
06 May, 2009
Go Shakeology Go
Time to brag a little: Shakeology, a product that so many people said would cost too much, would taste "too green", and would not appeal to our fast-food-drive-thru culture, has absolutely taken off.
We've already sold almost 10,000 units since the summit. That's over a million dollar's worth - without TV advertising. And despite a money back guarantee, less than 1% of the people who buy the product return it. Less than 1%! Better still, the retention of the home direct program is the best in the company's ten year history: 72% of the people who sign up, have stayed in the home direct program.
I have been in the direct marketing business for 23 years. And I have NEVER seen numbers like that. This is an unequivocal home run.
People are blogging about it - not just coaches - but customers. THAT'S how excited people are about how they feel. My own cousin sent me an email proclaiming that he lost eight pounds already thanks to Shakeology - that stubborn eight pounds that have been nagging him for years.
But to our shock, most people are looking beyond the weight loss benefits at the health benefits. In fact, I continue to read post after post of people who are fed up with fads, and this time they are putting their money where their health is.
Do you know how big this is going to be? BIG. And thanks for making it happen coaches! Thanks to you, a real nutrition breakthrough has transcended the anti-oxidant-fruit-juice-in-a-wine-bottle craze of the last five years, and the real deal is on the scene. Shakeology is here to stay, and you can only get it through the Beachbody Network of Coaches.
If your interested or would like more information please contact me at morgan0661@gmail.com. Also please feel free to check out www.shakeology.com.
Courtney
04 May, 2009
Fat-Burning Supplement Warning
The FDA is investigating "the potential relationship between Hydroxycut dietary supplements and liver injury or other potentially serious side effects" according to the issued warning.
db hydroxycut.jpgThere has been 1 death and 23 serious incidences reported, including severe jaundice and liver damage requiring transplant as well as seizures and rhabdomyolysis.
Iovate Health Sciences has responded by pulling 14 of their Hydroxycut products from the shelves. Iovate says that they had sold approximately 9 million units of the recalled products in 2008.
Hydroxycut products are dietary supplements sold in health food and department stores and pharmacies. They are marketed for weight loss, fat-burners, and low-carb diet aids as well as energy enhancers and for water loss according to the FDA.
Fat Burning Supplements: Should we just avoid them altogether?
While it appeared that removing Ephedra (Ma Huang) from fat burning supplements would make them safe - it turns out that many of the so termed "thermogenic enhancers" can also pose health risks. As of this time, I have not come across any theories as to what ingredient/combination of ingredients may be causing problems. Here's the ingredients list for Hydroxycut.
While health organizations do have a penchant for overreacting to dangers of certain supplements, I think there is legitimate cause for concern. Here are 2 quick thoughts:
* First and foremost, the dose makes the poison. There's a very good chance that those who suffered adverse effects from these supplements were using them incorrectly/excessively.
* On the topic of excessive - supplement companies tend to make exaggerated and otherwise spurious claims regarding their products. Don't be lulled into thinking that you are at a disadvantage by not taking their supplements.
Bottom Line
* You can achieve amazing results with or without these supplements. Results come from hard work and dietary diligence, not pills.
* If you choose to use a fat burning supplement, use as directed and immediately stop using if you experience any unusual side-effects.
Sources: Medicinet.com
03 May, 2009
9 Ways to Eat Healthily (and Cheaply)
Grocery ListBy now, most of us know what we should be eating—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and fish, among other foods. But anyone heading off to the supermarket with a shopping list of the best recommendations for a healthy diet is in for a bit of sticker shock. Over a two-year period, a recent University of Washington study tracked the costs of "nutrient-dense" foods (foods high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories) and "energy-dense" foods (foods high in calories and low in vitamins and minerals—aka junk).* The nutrient-dense foods rose in cost by almost 20 percent while the cost of junk food declined. The study found that getting your average day's worth of 2,000 calories from the junk side cost $3.52 while getting your 2,000-calories worth from nutrient-dense cuisine would cost $36.32. Since the average American spends about $7.00 a day on food, you can see where the rise in obesity might come from.
Other studies have shown similar findings. While the income percentage that Americans spend on food has decreased dramatically over the last few years, the obesity rate has risen even more dramatically, as has the incidence of type-2 diabetes, an obesity-related disease. And the obesity rate has grown the most in the most impoverished sectors of society, further emphasizing the connection between the rising costs of nutrient-dense foods, declining junk food costs, and rising obesity rates. If you've priced out what a nice piece of Chilean sea bass with a side of asparagus costs compared to the latest offering from your local fast food joint's dollar menu, it's easy to be tempted to go to the dark side—especially if your budget is shrinking more than your waistline.
It is possible, however, to eat healthily and still have some money left over. Even on the tightest budget, you can do a little legwork and research to make the most nutritious choices for you and your family. And even if you're fortunate enough to have the cash to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, as my grandfather would say, "There's no point putting your paycheck through your stomach." (And he lived to be almost 100 . . . but that was before the advent of dollar menus.) Here are nine tips for getting the most nutritional bang for your buck.
Watermelon
1. 'Tis the season. Eating seasonally is the best way to get the most delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. When harvest time comes around for your favorite fruit or veggie, the market is usually glutted, and following the time-honored supply-and-demand curve, the prices of those fruits and veggies plummet. And not only is it cheap to eat fruits and veggies that are in season, it's the best time to get the most flavor for your money. Most fresh fruits and veggies sold in the off-season are either shipped from faraway lands or produced in greenhouse factories and don't have nearly the rich flavors produced by Mother Nature. It's a good time to stock up, eat what you can, and freeze or can the rest for a rainy day. If you're fortunate enough to live in a community with a decent farmers' market, it pays to get to know the men and women who are selling the produce. They can let you know when the best time to buy the best stuff is and give you a preview of what's coming up harvest-wise, so you can plan your menu accordingly.
2. Canned VegetablesThe big freeze. Speaking of freezing and canning, these are great ways to save money and still have your nutritional needs met. Not only are frozen and canned foods way cheaper than fresh foods, in many cases, they're more nutritious. Fruits and vegetables are usually preserved within hours of harvest, when they have their maximum vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruits and vegetables can take days, or even weeks, to make the journey from the field to your table. Add that to any time spent lingering on supermarket shelves and then your fridge's crisper drawer, and suddenly, fresh doesn't seem so fresh anymore. And for many recipes, frozen or canned might even be better than fresh. A pint of fresh off-season blueberries can cost more than $5.00 while a one-pound bag of frozen blueberries can cost less than $3.00. And the frozen berries will be a lot better in your morning smoothie. Any chef will tell you about the virtues of canned tomatoes over fresh ones when making your favorite pasta sauce. The only thing to be wary of is the sodium and sugar content in many canned goods or frozen veggies that contain high-calorie sauces or other not-so-healthy ingredients in not-so-healthy amounts.
3. Clipping CouponsShop around. Smokey Robinson was right. It does pay to shop around. Check out those supermarket circulars that are stuffed into your mailbox every week. Each week, your supermarket advertises "loss leaders," including fruits, veggies, lean meats, and fish. Their hope is to lure you into the store with these bargains that they don't make so much money on and tempt you to buy extra high-profit stuff while you're there. But if you stick to your list, you can fill your cart with the loss leaders and save a ton of money. They'll usually be items that are in season as well, since they're cheaper for the store to buy anyway. Also, signing up for their club or rewards cards can help save you money, too. It's better to monitor sales and promotions rather than clipping coupons, as coupons are generally for processed, less healthy foods. Although, you can sometimes find good coupons for canned and frozen produce.
4. ButcherGet to know your grocer. And your butcher, your produce manager, etc. Find out what day produce is delivered to the store so you get maximum freshness for your dollar. Find out from the butcher when meat goes into the half-off section as its expiration date approaches. The meat isn't spoiled yet, and if you cook or freeze it that day or the next, it's no different from buying full-priced cuts and leaving them in your refrigerator for a couple of days. Only your pocketbook knows the difference. Also, many butchers will custom-grind for you without charge. If a package of factory-ground turkey breast costs $6.00 a pound and a whole turkey breast costs $2.00 a pound, why not buy the whole breast and ask your butcher to grind it for you? You'll save a lot of money, and you'll actually know what went into the turkey burger you're eating.
5. Farmers' MarketThink outside the big box. Instead of always going to the big-box supermarket chains, investigate if there are farmers' markets or food co-ops in your area. The food will be fresher, cheaper, and hopefully, not as coated with pesticides, waxes, or other unsavory elements. It's a good way to save money and support your local community at the same time. You can get organic produce for the same price or cheaper than traditionally grown produce this way as well. It's also worth checking out what your state defines as organic. Organic food is great, but if you're trying to save money, traditionally grown food isn't any less nutritious than organic; it just may require a little more scrubbing.
6. Growing Your Own GardenStart your own farm. If you have a yard, start your own vegetable and/or herb garden. With a little online research, you can find out what grows well and easily in your neck of the woods. And if you're an apartment dweller like me, you can get a lot out of a container garden. I have big pots on my balcony that keep me in tomatoes, peppers, and fresh herbs all summer long. And if you don't have a balcony, you can grow small pots of herbs in your kitchen—decorative, tasty, and economical!
7. Plan AheadPlan ahead. Take some time on Sunday to plan out your menu for the week for all your meals and snacks. Find out what's in season and on sale in your area. If you can only make one shopping trip for the week, front-load your menu with fresh ingredients and stock up on canned and frozen items for the latter half of the week. One of the areas where my budget always falls apart is not having the ingredients that I'll need or a plan for dinner; I end up grabbing takeout or having food delivered—both unhealthy and expensive. Just by planning ahead and not wasting money on unplanned restaurant meals, you'll find that you have a lot more money to spend at the grocery store so you won't have to cut as many corners for the meals you prepare.
8. WaterTap into tap water. Not your wallet. If you're going to spend money on your beverages, invest in a decent water filter to improve the taste of your tap water. As we've discussed in other articles, tap water is subject to a lot more regulations than bottled water, which is good for you, and it's not shipped in from Fiji or Norway, which is good for the environment. And it's practically free! It's a lot better for your waistline and your wallet than multiple trips to the soda machine.
9. Core Omega-3™Take your vitamins. Here's the easiest, most economical way to ensure that you always get a base level of proper nutrition. Taking a good multivitamin and fish oil supplement will help you get the benefits of a diet that would otherwise cost a whole lot more to get you the same nutrients you'd get from food sources—and fish oil supplements are especially good for those who don't care for fish.
30 April, 2009
Kathy Smith Project:YOU! Type 2
On today's video find out what has Kathy Smith, Beachbody, and the American Diabetes Association so excited! It's all in Beachbody's healthy lifestyle solution for managing and preventing Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes-Kath Smith's Project:YOU! Type 2.
09 February, 2009
Sheryl Crowe on The Red Carpet at Grammys
Is P90X a renaissance or what? We don't pay celebs to use the product. We don't even have a publiscist.
Here's the red carpet interview last night at the Grammy's.
08 February, 2009
Economic Upturn and the End of a Trend
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As we approach the Dream Extreme Summit in March, coaches like our founders continue to hold their own recruiting events to build momentum, and new coaches are working to recruit leaders to help us get the word out about Beachbody. All will be rewarded well for motivating people to get healthy and fit. Beachbody and its coaches are on a roll, and this snowball is just getting started on a long steep slope toward enormous success. Get on board, and be a part of something exceptionally special, a true economic upturn and the end of a trend. |
01 February, 2009
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Skip Your Workout
The next time this happens to you, think about these questions before you skip your workout. Working through the problem may help you make the right decision.
Deciding to exercise sometime in the future is easy. In fact, you often make that decision when you’re rested, energetic and motivated. What happens when the time comes to actually do it? You may hear a little voice in your head saying, “I’m so tired and I’d much rather sleep in than exercise. Um, maybe I could do it later.”
Skipping your workout may be the right decision, especially if you’re sick or injured. Other times, there isn’t a good reason, but that voice in your head just won’t stop. Before you skip your workout, there are a few questions to ask yourself that may help you make the right choice.
1. Will I regret this decision?
Maybe it would feel good to stay in bed and sleep or go home from work without the hassle of going to the gym, but how will you feel later? Instant gratification can be rewarding, but that good feeling often wears off, leaving you feeling guilty and wishing you’d made a different choice. Thinking about the consequences may push you to make the right decision. Remind yourself that:- Exercise is a choice, not a jail sentence. Knowing you're in charge of what you do may nudge you in the right direction.
- Exercise is a commitment you make every day. Some days you're more committed than others, so draw on your discipline to get you out the door.
- Every day is different. You may have to work harder sometimes to get motivated.
2. How much have I exercised this week?
Look back at what you’ve done this week and ask yourself if you can afford a day off from exercise. If it’s the end of the week and you’ve worked out every day, you may need a day off to let your body recover and reenergize. If it’s been a few days, however, ask yourself if skipping workouts is starting to become a habit. Will skipping another workout make it even harder to get back on track tomorrow?Now is a good time to start an exercise calendar to keep track of your workouts. Print out a monthly calander and write down the workouts you’ve done and the workouts you plan to do. Keep it nearby so you can look at it whenever the urge to skip strikes.
3. How will I make up for my missed workout?
Imagine that you do skip your workout. Now ask yourself how you’ll make up for it. Will you do it later, maybe after work or before bed? Or will you get up early tomorrow and workout extra long? Visualize that and ask yourself if you’ll really do it -- or if you’re setting yourself up for failure.If you do change your schedule, decide you can workout later only if you prepare for it ahead of time. For post-work exercise, pack your gym bag before you leave or get out your equipment and clothes so you can change as soon as you get home. If you’re exercising the next morning, put your workout clothes next to the bed and write down your workout plan. Put the note on top of your clothes so you won’t skip it tomorrow.
4. Do I have a legitimate reason to skip this workout?
Sometimes, skipping a workout is the best idea. If you’re sick, tired or injured, you may need to rest. If it’s a matter of motivation, think about or write down anything that might motivate you such as:- All of the benifits of exercise
- Imagine all the people working out right now. If they can do it, so can you
- Think of how good you’ll feel when you’ve finished your workout
- Remember that getting started is the hardest part. Commit to doing your warm up. If you can get that far, you'll keep going
- Picture yourself putting on those jeans that haven’t fit in awhile
- Think of a future vacation or event you’d like to lose weight for
Keep trying until you find something that works and then keep your list handy for the next time.
5. How will missing this workout affect my goals?
If you’re trying to lose weight, how important is this workout? Exercising burns calories, builds endurance and improves strength. If you skip it, none of that will happen. Maybe missing one day won’t hurt but, remember, it’s the accumulation of your workouts that leads to success. Try these ideas:- Remember your goals. Write them down and remember when you set them. Even if the urgency isn’t the same, it may be enough to get you started.
- Get some support. Have a friend email a workout reminder or tell someone about your goals so you’re held accountable.
- Set new goals. If your goals aren’t motivating right now, set a new goal to complete your workout that day. Making your goals smaller may help you reach them.
6. What could I do to make my workout more appealing?
If you’re dreading the coming workout, having something to look forward to may get you moving. Some ideas:- Try a long warm up. Knowing you’ll have plenty of time to get ready for exercise may make it easier to get started.
- A new playlist. The right music makes any workout more fun. Download new music or create a playlist. Put your favorite song first to start your workout on the right foot.
- Try a long cool down. Spend extra time stretching after your workout to end things on a good note.
- Workout with a friend. If you’re dragging, ask a friend to workout with you. Having to show up is motivation all by itself.
- Talk about it. Everyone struggles from time to time. Join an exercise forum to get new perspectives on your workouts.
7. How could I reward myself for doing my workout?
When it comes to exercise, a little reward goes a long way towards motivation. If you’re having trouble getting started, think of how you could reward yourself for a job well done. Some ideas:- Sitting in a hot tub or hot bath after your workout
- Time to read your favorite book or watch your favorite TV show
- A massage
- A night out with friends
- Going to a movie
- Time to play your favorite video or computer game
- A new workout outfit
8. How could I change my workout?
If you’re thinking of ditching your workout because you woke up late or had to work longer than usual, don’t skip the whole thing. Think of creative ways to get in a short, effective workout that will get the job done. If you have 10 or 15 minutes, try an intense interval workout. Warm up with a brisk walk and then alternate high intensity sprints or speedwalking for 30 seconds with recovery walks for 30 seconds. Choose a few whole body exercises like pushups, squats, lunges, jumping jacks or cross-country shuffles and go through a circuit, doing each one for a minute.9. How will skipping my workout affect my day?
Your workout isn’t just important for burning calories, it can affect every part of your day, both physically and mentally. Remind yourself that getting in your workout will:- Give you more energy
- Improve your confidence and self-satisfaction
- Start your day on the right foot
- Help you concentrate better
- Help you get more things done
- Allow you to actively re-commit to your goals
10. What stands in the way of my workout?
Identify the thoughts stopping you from exercise and work through each one logically. Some common thoughts:- "I’m too tired." After working all day, your mind is tired, but your body will feel better once it starts moving.
- "I’m too hungry." Have some yogurt or a sports drink. You’ll get an immediate infusion of energy to make it to the gym.
- "I don’t feel like it." Don't wait until you feel like it, because that may not happen. Once you get started, you’ll be more excited about your workout.
- "I have too much to do." You'll get more done if you put fitness first. Even a short workout is worth doing.
- "I'll do it later." It’s harder to workout when life gets hectic. Get your workout in early to guarantee your success.
31 January, 2009
How To Protect Our Children From Obesity in 2009
I read not to long ago that by 2012 80% of America is going to be over weight or obese. I also read the Dept. of health in NY State says that 10% of 4 to 5 year olds are overweight and as they age one in 5 boys ( ages 6 - 11 ) are overweight. This is a frightening fact because being overweight also leads to many health issues including high blood pressure, diabetes, and even possibly some cancers. The bad part is when children gain weight their fat cells stay there and when they loose weight they shrink. Then when children start eating more again those cells remain hungry and start getting bigger again. That is why it is so important to start young in educating your children about the risks of obesity.
There are things we can do to teach our children to be aware of their eating habits. Lets face it children do not do the shopping for our homes, we do. So we can start by buying the right groceries. Then get rid of the bad foods and start showing them that this is how you need to eat to have a healthy life. Just think how this will help you as well. If we start our children at a young age to eat fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks you would be surprised at how they really do like them. There are other foods that are healthy as well such as yogurt, sugar free pudding, juice pops, or even whole grain cereal with skim milk. A lot of times it is the parents who don’t eat enough of these and then our children follow. I know what you're thinking: children love the fast food, well then work on getting rid of the fatty sauces that go on the burgers and / or even smaller burgers.
This is the most important part, teach them to be active again! Children need at least an hour of play to burn all that stored up energy. Children need after school activities like any sport they are interested in. It doesn’t even have to be school associated. It can be you playing catch with them or chasing them. Imagine what this extra activity would do for you as well. The point is parents have to be involved or they will never learn how to take care of themselves when they need to. If you’re a parent who goes to the health club see if you can find a way to involve your children. Try to set up a workout plan for them and monitor their results. It does not have to be great results but it teaches them the rewards of exercising and the knowledge to do so. Children follow what their parents do and if you smoke and drink chances are they will too.
Beachbody offers some great progams also that are tailored for children age 3 and up. Click on the image to find out more about these great programs!

So get out there and start your kids off with a healthy 2009. It is a new year, a fresh start, and we want the children of the future to be as happy and healthy as they can be. Say no to child obesity!
28 January, 2009
You Do The Sharing, Beachbody Does The Rest
An acquaintance asked me what she would have to do to be a Beachbody coach:
I said "Play, shake, and share."
She said; "Right, but what about running the business and all that stuff?"
I said: "For the price of a coach kit, here's what happens: We build a website for you, we take orders you get on your website and handle the inventory, billing, shipping, and customer service."
She said: "So what do I do?"
I said: "Play, shake and share... Use a fitness program that suits you, and replace at least one meal a day with a meal replacement shake. The results will be visible very fast and you can still eat the rest of your meals with real food, with the rest of the family. Share means to tell some people what you are doing every day via email, message boards, blogs, in the line at the grocery store. People you talk to will start see you're serious. They will see you drinking your shake. You tell them how easy it is to stay motivated because you're going deep on this one. And they will soon understand that the motivation to turn your weight loss into a profit is HELPING YOU STAY CONSISTENT."
She said: "How will that turn into income for me?"
I said: "We spend over $1 million a week advertising these products. Other network marketing companies don't do that. That means people you "share" with likely know about Turbo Jam, P90X, Ten Minute Trainer, etc. Tell them when they're ready to lose the weight they should buy them through you and join the club, and they will save 10% off the TV price. And to conquer the food problem, replace a meal a day with a substantial meal replacement shake. They might not buy today, but eventually they will see a product from Beachbody that sparks their interest, and they'll remember you were the one who made it sound easy. They'll want to buy from you and get the best price."
She said: "But how do I recruit other coaches?"
I said: "You've told my how frustrated you are that you can never stay with a program. When I asked you if having a money motivation attached to getting fit and eating right would help you stay with it, you said it would. We didn't talk about you getting rich, or buying a new car. We talked about how the slightest hint of an extra income would be that extra ingredient to help you exercise and eat better. And you told me you know a couple other people who could use an extra income and to lose twenty or so pounds. That is the start of an organization, and the path to also getting a couple customers from Beachbody."
She said: "You do the advertising. You set up the website. I don't have to buy a bunch of product to sell. And I don't have to ship it and bill people. I just follow your program to exercise, eat better, and talk to people about it. How can I be sure it will work?"
I said: "There's only one way this will work: If you do it. If you finally get consistent with Play, Shake and Share it will absolutely work. Our walls are lined with pictures of proof. But you have to want it seriously. This can't be another light foray into a lame "diet of the day". Once and for all, you have to want to do what works. Do you think you really want it?"
She said: "I so want to feel better about my body. And I need to find a way out of this debt."
I said: "What's the one thing standing in your way?"
She said: "Me?"
I said: "You can think about it. You can think about it some more. Or you can commit. The solution for your health and your income is right here. You pick the program, get the shake, and start to share it."
She said: "I do the sharing, Beachbody does the rest?"
I said: "Let's get started"
16 January, 2009
BEACHBODY REVOLUTION
With the Beachbody Revolution system you get everything to transform your body AND set up an online business. Just encourage people to use Beachbody's proven fitness and weightloss products and let them help you get the word out.
03 January, 2009
Nutrition Strategies to Turbo Charge Your Metabolism
By Scott Tousignant, BHK, CFC
Creator of Unstoppable Fat Loss
Author of "The Fit Chic" and "The Fit Bastard"
Co-Author of "101 Great Ways To Improve Your Health"
First of all this is not about a new miracle pill that melts the fat off your body. The best strategy of fat loss is to EARN IT.
The first step in earning a lean and tight body is to consume five to six small meals per day. It is something so simple yet many of us choose to ignore it. This alone is enough to kick-start your metabolism.
You should eat every 2 ½ to 3 hours. Each meal should be small and leave you feeling satisfied but not full. If you are not quite hungry 3 hours after you've consumed your meal, it's a sign that you ate too much. Basically, take what you would eat during your 3 meals each day and spread it out over 6 meals.
To get the most out of each meal and turn up your metabolic furnace it's best to combine a lean protein, a complex carbohydrate, vegetables, and essential fatty acids with most meals.
Eating carbohydrates alone will result in quick digestion and an insulin spike. Protein takes longer to digest and requires your body to burn more calories during the digestion process (thermic effect of food). Consuming proteins with your carbohydrates will cause the digestion of the carbohydrates to take longer and you will stay satisfied longer as well.
A common problem with the typical low calorie diet is the significant reduction in calories for extended periods of time. During the beginning stages of the diet you may lose a significant amount of weight but then you notice that your results start to decrease until eventually you are no longer losing weight even though your are still following the strict diet.
At this point you figure that you probably hit a plateau and you decrease your calories a little bit more so you can lose those last ten pounds. The plateau that you have experienced is due to your bodies 'defense mechanism' that is on red alert screaming, "We're starving!"
So what does your body do?
It releases more fat storing hormones and enzymes into the bloodstream and decreases the fat burning hormones and enzymes. Why? The answer is that your body is simply trying to protect itself so it stores whatever it can as fat in order to prepare for this famine that you are putting yourself through. The end result is a decrease in your metabolism. So what can we do to prevent this from happening?
The first strategy is called 'calorie cycling.' It goes by other names as well, but this pretty much sums it up. To lose weight you definitely need a caloric deficit, meaning that you need to burn more calories than you are taking in. You should never drastically reduce your calories. Aim for a 15% to 20% reduction in calories.
With calorie cycling you follow this deficit for 3 days and on the fourth day you go back to your maintenance caloric intake, which is the amount of calories that you could eat without gaining or losing any weight. You then repeat the cycle.
What this strategy does is just when your body starts to think that it better make some changes to lower your metabolism and store up some fat, you trick it by slightly increasing your calories. This also gives you a boost in energy and does not leave you feeling deprived.
The second strategy improves upon the calorie cycling and is called carbohydrate cycling. So if you reduce your calories by 15%, the reduction would come entirely from carbohydrates.
This is not your typical low carb diet. A 15% decrease is not an absurd amount, and you get to bring it back to normal on the fourth day, which will replenish your glycogen stores in your muscles to give you more energy and strength to get through your workouts.
The third strategy is called calorie tapering. In a five to six meals per day plan, you consume more calories in your first few meals of the day and reduce the amount of calories in each meal as the day goes on. For example at breakfast, mid morning and lunch you may consume 400 calories at each meal. Then for the next two meals you consume 300 calories and finally 200 calories at your last meal.
To improve this strategy you should consume your starchy carbohydrates, such as oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and brown rice in the earlier meals and for the remaining two or three meals consume fibrous carbohydrates such as vegetables. The reason for this is that the starchy carbohydrates are more calorie dense meaning that a small portion of them would equal the same amount of calories as a large portion of vegetables. By consuming the starchy carbs in the morning it will provide you with the right amount of fuel to get you through your day.
This is not a quick fix weight loss strategy. Incorporating nutrition packed whole, natural foods into small frequent meals is not rocket science, but it definitely works. It will take some planning to prepare meals ahead of time, but the results will be worth it. Best of all, this is a program that you can follow for life. Eating frequent meals will leave you satisfied and the temptation to binge will be reduced.
Nutrition is a very large piece of the puzzle in your battle for fat loss and should be taken seriously. To truly ignite your metabolic furnace, it is absolutely necessary to include weight training, cardio, and the most important piece of the puzzle, which is developing a powerful mindset.
Your body will only go as far as your mind will take it.
About the author:
Scott Tousignant, BHK, CFC is the creator of Unstoppable Fat Loss, "What separates the people who achieve fat loss success, from those who struggle to lose weight." Click here!
Scott has also authored 2 books that are transforming the bodies of people around the world. "The Fit Chic" and "The Fit Bastard" not only contain a FULL YEAR of workouts, they provide intense motivation to drive you to fat loss success. Click here!
