If You Can Change Just One Thing…
WHAT YOU DRINK
and Make a Difference in
How You LOOK, FEEL, and ACT…
Then Read on…
Now Read on about “Drink This–Don’t Drink That”!
Drink This Not That
Changing what you drink just may be the magic weight loss bullet you’ve been looking for.
David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding sure think so. But then they did write the book on it: Drink This Not That. They’ve even gone so far as to claim that you could lose up to 32 pounds in a year just by changing what you drink.
What most people don’t know is that it’s a lot easier to drink extra calories than to eat it. So you really need to pay attention to what you’re sipping on.
Here is a sampling of what their book has to offer. The following are 5 of the worst things to drink, followed by 5 slimming alternatives.
Breakfast
While a cup of hot coffee or a glass of lowfat milk are both great ways to start your day, beware of the smoothie trap. More often than not smoothies are closer to milkshakes than protein shakes.
Worst beverage: Smoothie King Peanut Power Plus Grape (40oz)
- 1,498 calories / 44g fat / 214g sugar
Drink This Instead: Smoothie King High Protein Banana (20oz)
- 322 calories / 9g fat / 23g sugar
Lunch
A study done at Virginia Polytechnic Institute showed that people who drink 17oz of water before sitting down for a meal ended up eating 9 percent fewer calories. Those calories can really add up over time.
Worst beverage:
SoBe Green Tea (20oz)
- 240 calories / 0g fat / 61g sugar
Drink This Instead: Honest Tea Organic Honey Green Tea (16oz)
- 74 calories / 0g fat / 18g sugar
Afternoon
When the afternoon rolls around most of us are ready for a pick-me-up. Too often these caffeinated drinks are loaded with waist-expanding calories.
Worst beverage: Starbucks Venti Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha with whipped cream
- 660 calories / 22g fat / 95g sugar
Drink This Instead: Starbucks Venti Caramel Cappuccino
- 170 calories / 6g fat / 18g sugar
Postworkout
There’s no good reason to follow up a great workout with a sugar-filled beverage, even if it makes claims for quick recovery and muscle growth. After exercise your body is in need of protein, carbohydrates and potassium, so choose a beverage filled with these three.
Worst beverage: Naked Protein Juice Smoothie (15.2oz)
- 418 calories / 4g fat / 53g sugar
Drink This Instead: Horizon Organic Chocolate Reduced Fat Milk (8oz)
- 180 calories / 5g fat / 27g sugar
Alcoholic beverages
There are known benefits to drinking alcohol in moderation (one or two drinks per day) such as raised HDL (good) cholesterol, boost in bloodflow, and improved sugar metabolism. A recent study in the journal BMC Public Health reported that people who have a daily drink were 54 percent less likely to be obese. However, it’s called a beer belly for good reason, since many alcoholic beverages are loaded with calories.
Worst beverage: Red Lobster Traditional Lobsterita
- 890 calories / 183g carbohydrates
Drink This Instead: Red Lobster Classic Martini with Gin
- 140 calories / 0g carbohydrates
Recent studies are reporting that most of us drink 21 percent of our daily calories. That adds up to an average of 460 calories each day. It’s easy to see how these calories quickly add up into unwanted pounds.
Pay extra attention to what you drink throughout each day. Make it a habit to pass on the calorie-packed drinks and to focus on drinking lots of water.
Remember that small changes to your lifestyle over time will make the difference.
I’m always available to help – call or reply to this email to set up your free consultation.
Nature’s Perfect Thirst-Quencher
The best drink for both weight loss and health is…water. Here are 4 great reasons to fill your glass to the brim with crystal clear water:
- Staying hydrated enhances weight loss.
- Drinking water prevents dehydration.
- Filling your stomach with water before meals prevents overeating.
- Quenching your thirst with water hydrates your skin, giving it a more youthful glow.
Filed under General Fitness, Newsletter by on Jul 19th, 2010. Comment. 
- TRX Suspension Training System-Henderson Fitness Bootcamp 89011
Click Here to View TRX at Tuscany on YouTube
TRX is the most cutting-edge exercise technology available. This suspension training system enables you to get much more from your workout in a fraction of the time. Exercise modification is as easy as increasing or decreasing your body lean to fit individual capability. View this short YouTube video to see me performing some of my favorites at “VegasFitness1″ channel.
Early morning exercise raises the metabolism to burn stored fat all throughout the day. What’s more, exercise is the greatest mood enhancer and it’s available for you to begin your day. Enjoy the outdoors, good camaraderie and a scientifically designed program to put the fun back into fitness with a combination of endurance, strength, balance and flexibility.
Indoor Gyms can be boring and the cardio equipment is very monotonous. But when you utilize the human body as the machine of choice, that’s when you activate the metabolism and become one with the activity.
Your Daily Workout Awaits on the Sports Court at Tuscany…7AM SIX Days a week Mon-Sat…ONE WEEK FREE TRIAL! Just Show Up…WE provide motivation and effective, results-producing, energizing, FUN exercise for TWO hours. Take all two hours or just 30 minutes; it is up to you. From an 86-yr old to elite athletes, everyone works to their own capacity. Right here in Tuscany. Guests welcome!
For the kids and family, bring them on Saturdays!
Contact Debra 702-898-4622
Filed under Newsletter by on Jul 19th, 2010. Comment.
A summer trip is easily one of the most anticipated events of the year-the chance to get away from work and to relax with your loved ones is priceless.
With all of the excitement, it’s not surprising that most people unknowingly end up gaining a pound each day of their vacation. And if you’re going on a cruise then your weight gain may be closer to two pounds each day.
But wait, your summer vacation doesn’t have to end in weight gain. Keep the following tips in mind as you embark on your summer adventure and you may come home fitter than when you left.
Tip One: Have a Plan
Vacations are the perfect place to gain weight since it’s the last thing on your mind. Your best line of defense is to keep your fitness goals at the forefront of your mind. Before you leave for your trip sit down and set a goal.
A realistic goal is to maintain your current weight or to lose a pound or two. Get the whole family on board and keep each other accountable throughout the trip.
Tip Two: Make Exercise a Must
So often exercise is looked at as a chore, but vacations are the perfect time to really enjoy a good workout. You won’t be rushing home from work trying to squeeze in a few minutes at the gym, rather the vacation workout can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Virtually every hotel these days has some type of workout room equipped with cardio machines, dumbbells and a universal machine. If you are taking a cruise then you are in for a real treat – most workout facilities on cruise ships have huge windows that look out onto the ocean.
Vacations are also a great time to take your workout outdoors; take a run on the beach or do sprints, pushups and crunches on a grassy field. If you want more ideas of workouts you can do using just your body weight then give me a call or send me an email.
Tip Three: Maintain your Metabolism
When traveling it is easy to go for hours without a meal-between flights and long drives food sometimes isn’t readily available. The problem here it two fold. First your metabolism slows from the long absence of food. Secondly you are more likely to indulge in a high calorie meal when you get around to eating next.
Avoid this yo-yo of starvation and overindulgence by carrying healthy snacks with you and eating something every three hours. A handful of almonds, a piece of fruit or a small protein bar are fantastic options to keep on hand.
Tip Four: Eat Smart
While we all know that eating in is usually healthier than eating out, on the road you simply don’t have a choice – all of your vacations meals will be eaten out. So take the time to order with your health conscious mind, and not simply your taste buds. Watch out for extra large portions-don’t be afraid to take a doggie bag back to your room (assuming of course that you have a refrigerator).
Another thing to keep in mind is to keep fried food consumption to a minimum. Fried foods contain more fat and calories than other options, they are also likely to give you heartburn and indigestion-two things you don’t need spoiling your vacation. Stick with dishes that contain veggies, lean meats and whole grains.
Enjoy your vacation! And when you get back into town call or email me for a fitness and fat loss consultation and I’ll show you a step-by-step plan for getting you the body that you deserve – in less time than you think.
Have you tried losing weight by dieting alone? Frustrating isn’t it? Exercise is a vital part of the weight loss formula and is proven to increase your metabolism all day long. Dieting alone could never do that.
Filed under General Fitness, Newsletter by on May 5th, 2010. Comment.
Do you rarely get sick, have no need for prescription meds, and can’t remember the last time that you had to visit the doctor?
If you answered no to the above questions then you are likely suffering from nutritional deficiencies.
It’s hard to know exactly what to eat for optimal health, especially since everyone has a different opinion.
Even when you make every effort to eat healthy, your diet almost always lacks important nutrients.
In her book, Green For Life, Victoria Boutenko set out in search of the perfect human diet. She immersed herself in nutrition research and discovered a very interesting observation.
The Chimpanzee Connection: Chimpanzees and humans are more closely related than any other animal species. In fact, research shows that we share 99.4% of our DNA sequence with our chimpanzee friends.
Why is this significant? Chimpanzees are in far better physical shape than humans, and possess strong natural immunity to cancer and other fatal — and quite common — human illnesses.
Victoria’s research all pointed to the chimpanzee diet as the reason for their superior health. Chimps and humans have vastly different eating habits.
It’s All About The Greens: While humans enjoy pizza and hamburgers, chimps eat a diet extremely high in dark leafy greens — an item that hardly exists in the human world.
Victoria then turned her focus on dark leafy greens. What she discovered was a super-food packed with extremely high levels of nutrients. Here are 5 amazing facts about greens:
1. Greens are packed with amino acids…AKA protein.
I’ll bet you didn’t know that dark leafy greens are a legitimate source of protein. It’s true!
Protein molecules are made of a chain of amino acids. When you consume protein from chicken, you’re getting chains of amino acids that have already been assembled into a complex protein.
When you eat dark leafy greens you are getting a plethora of individual amino acids. Your body then takes these amino acids and assembles it into complex protein chains.
2. Greens give you lots of insoluble fiber…like a sponge.
You know fiber is important, but did you realize that fiber is needed to rid your body of toxins? Insoluble fiber is extra special, since it is built like tiny sponges that each absorbs several times more toxins than its own volume. Check out just a few of the many benefits of fiber:
- Fiber reduces cholesterol
- Fiber prevents and reduces the risk of cancer
- Fiber lessens risk of diabetes and improves existing diabetes
- Fiber helps shed unwanted pounds and prevents overeating
3. Greens promote bodily homeostasis…necessary for optimal health.
Homeostasis is the physiological process that regulates all substances in your body at ideal levels for optimal health. It is a very complex process, one that your body is constantly working towards.
In order for your body to achieve homeostasis it needs an abundance of vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and minerals. Greens are a super provider of all of the above.
4. Greens are alkaline…which promotes healthy cells.
In 1931 Dr. Otto Warburg won the Nobel Prize for discovering the cause of cancer: weakened cell respiration due to lack of oxygen on the cellular level — this causes fermentation, which results in acidity, or low pH.
There is a close connection between the foods you eat and your pH balance. For example, Parmesan cheese is highly acid forming, -34; while spinach is an amazingly alkalizing food, +14.
When you get plenty of greens on a daily basis, you’re able to better maintain a good alkaline pH balance.
5. Greens are made of chlorophyll…liquid sun energy.
As amazing as it may seem, the molecule of chlorophyll is strikingly similar to the molecule of human blood. Chlorophyll heals and cleanses your organs while destroying harmful substances.
Here are just a few of the powers of chlorophyll:
- Chlorophyll builds a high blood count
- Chlorophyll helps prevent cancer
- Chlorophyll counteracts toxins
- Chlorophyll promotes an alkaline body
- Chlorophyll helps sores heal faster
- Chlorophyll improves varicose veins
- Chlorophyll improves vision
Introducing The Green Smoothie: While the evidence for eating lots of greens continues to mount, who really wants to chomp through a pile of spinach everyday? The solution is as convenient as it is efficient: the green smoothie.
Victoria discovered that when she blended greens with fruit and water, the result was an easily absorbed, delicious smoothie. The key to reaping all the benefits from your green smoothies is to use a wide variety of greens and to drink it every day. Most enjoy it as a quick, nutrient-packed breakfast.
*See the recipe below*
Victoria did a study where people drank green smoothies everyday for a month. Most participants reported a noticeable increase in their energy levels after just the first week. This boost of energy may be just what you need to get into gear with your workouts.
Remember, regular challenging exercise is the key to achieving your ideal body.
Call or email today to get started on a fitness program that will get you to your best body quickly.
Green Smoothie
Green smoothies consist of 3 basic ingredients: greens, fruit and water. Have fun experimenting with a wide range of varieties of both the greens and the fruit in order to reap the most benefit. You may be surprised to find that the simple combination of greens and fruit is quite delicious.
Servings: 1
Here’s what you need…
- 1 bunch (2 cups) red dandelion greens (feel free to use spinach or any other dark greens)
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 banana
- 1-2 cups filtered water
- In a high speed blender mix the ingredients until smooth.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 199 calories, 1g fat, 47g carbohydrate, 10g fiber, and 6g protein.
Filed under General Fitness, Newsletter by on Apr 26th, 2010. Comment.
Outdoor Bootcamp at Tuscany
As the second month of 2010 comes to a close, where do you stand with your resolutions?
Have you made progress or did your motivation fizzle out?
Most people wait around for motivation to strike them like a lightning bolt. Well, I’ve got news: motivation isn’t something that happens to you – it’s something that you create for yourself.
If you don’t feel motivated to achieve your goals, it is likely due to mental roadblocks that hold you hostage. Read the following 21 Mindset Tips and prepare your mind for success.
1. Success comes first in the mind, so visualize yourself accomplishing your goals.
2. Remember, you are the only person who can hold you back.
3. Forgive yourself and love yourself despite past failures.
4. Decide what is important in your life, and focus on that.
5. Conquer each negative thought the moment it enters your mind, when it is weakest.
6. Give up the idea that things won’t go right unless you worry about them.
7. If you bring the body of your dreams to the point of resolve, then you’ll soon be living in it.
8. Look towards your future, if you believe the best is yet to come then it will be.
9. You become what you think about most.
10. The margin between success and failure is very small and easily bridged by determination.
11. Start your day by accomplishing your hardest task first.
12. Set small attainable goals, rather than one monumental goal.
13. Convince yourself that exercise is fun, and it will be.
14. Know your big reason why.
15. Create a motivating play list of songs to use as the sound track to your workout sessions.
16. Every decision you make leads you either closer toward achieving your goal, or farther from it.
17. If you think you’re a fat person, then you’ll stay fat. If you think you’re fit, then you soon will be.
18. Once you’ve set your goal, your attitude either pushes you toward accomplishment or failure.
19. If you don’t know exactly where you want to go, you will likely end up someplace else.
20. You can have the body of your dreams, but first you must give up the belief that you can’t.
21. You can only have two things in life: excuses or results.
If you’re sick and tired of making excuses, then contact me today to get started on a results-driven fitness program.
Debra 702-898-4622
Corky 702-528-4872
Filed under Newsletter by on Feb 27th, 2010. Comment.
The New Year is still young, and if you’ve decided to make this your year for losing the weight and tightening your abs, you’re in luck.
Getting a flat midsection really boils down to two things: 1) Getting rid of the fatty layer that is covering your abdominal muscles; and 2) Tightening and toning your abdominal muscles.
The following 7 Tight Abs Tips are your Fast-Track ticket to getting a flat, attractive midsection this year.
Tight Abs Tip #1: Perform challenging strength training abdominal exercises at least three times each week. Your abs are like any other muscle in your body—they need to be consistently challenged in order to become stronger and tighter.
Tight Abs Tip #2: Stop eating junk. Processed foods, refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup do NOT belong in your diet if, especially if you want tight abs. Cutting these items from your diet will allow your body to maintain stable blood sugar levels, alleviating your body’s need to store excess sugar away in fat cells.
The fat stores created by excess sugar intake most often accumulate around your waist, covering up your abdominal muscles. Cut these items from your diet and replace them with real whole foods such as lean meats, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fruits.
Tight Abs Tip #3: Stop doing long and slow cardio workouts. Instead, use HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) for your cardio workouts. HIIT training uses intense bursts of cardio peppered throughout your workout. This is a sure-fire way to rev up your metabolism and to get your fat stores to shrink.
Tight Abs Tip #4: Use resistance with your abdominal exercises. Crunches are great, but your body quickly becomes accustomed to the motion, rendering it less effective. Hold a medicine ball or dumbbell at your chest as you perform your crunches—this will force your abs to work harder, and will achieve better results.
Tight Abs Tip #5: Don’t be fooled. The market is flooded with ‘lose weight’ products and products that claim to flatten your stomach. Never waste your time or money on:
1.So-called packaged health food that comes with weight loss claims. If it’s processed in a package with a bunch of chemical additives then it will not help you achieve flat abs.
2.Abdominal exercise gimmicks as sold on late night infomercials – all you really need is your own body weight, an exercise ball and dumbbells or a medicine ball.
3.So-called weight loss supplements. The magic pill for flat abs doesn’t exist, so you’d be wasting your health and money on a bogus product.
Tight Abs Tip #6: Target your lower abs. It’s easy to neglect the lower abs, but they are an important part of the equation. Incorporate the V-Up into your exercise routine:
Starting Position: Sit on the edge of an exercise bench; lean back to a 45 degree angle. Extend your legs out until they are level with the floor.
Movement: Exhale and bring your knees and upper body close together, while contracting your abdominals. Inhale as you slowly release your legs, returning them to the starting position.
Tight Abs Tips #7: Challenge your core often. Don’t limit your abdominal exercise to the gym, incorporate core strengthening during daily life and throughout each workout. A strong core is the foundation for flat, tight abs.
There you have it! Seven tips that, when diligently applied, will help you shed the fat and tighten your abs.
But, keep in mind that your results will be seriously hindered if you do the same exercise routine over and over. Your abs need a progressive challenge in order to transform. This means new exercises, different resistance and increased challenge.
Call or email today to get started on a program that will challenge you, motivate you and transform your body.
Availability is limited — act now and achieve a slimmer you once and for all this year.
Instant Ab Flattener
How would you like to improve the look of your stomach in a matter of seconds? Simple. Don’t slouch. When you slouch, with shoulders rounded forward, your stomach pooches out. Instead, push your shoulders back, chest up, and pull your abdominals in. And just like that you look slimmer, and by keeping your abs pulled in you are strengthening your core.
Debra Stefan Live-in-Fitness, Henderson NV 89011
Filed under Newsletter by on Feb 10th, 2010. Comment.
How much thought do you put into what you eat?
If you want to get into great shape then you’ll be interested to know that 80% of your fitness results are attributed to your diet.
In our fast-paced society, eating is often done with little or no thought as to what exactly it is being ingested. Excess body fat is a direct outcome of this hurried, poor nutrition. Even if you have the best intentions with your diet, you are likely frustrated and fed up with extra pounds.
I don’t blame you for being confused about what you should eat. The media surely doesn’t help. One day the talking heads want you to give up all fats. The next day carbs are the culprit, and then acai berries become the holy grail of weight loss.
The food manufacturers increase confusion by printing misleading labels and bogus health claims.
Sometimes it seems like the whole system is set up to confuse and frustrate us into buying the latest and greatest packaged food.
The bottom line is that your physique is largely a result of what you eat, so the foods that you put into your body should be carefully selected.
It’s time to re-examine what you eat.
It all starts with reading nutritional labels. The nutritional content and ingredient list will give you everything you need to know about the quality of the food item.
I’ve outlined 5 ingredients that should raise a red flag when you turn over that package and find them listed:
Red Flagged Ingredient #1: High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
HFCS is a manmade sugar, derived predominantly from genetically modified corn. The sweet concoction has been shown to promote binges and hysterical hunger, and wrecks havoc on your blood sugar levels, promoting fat storage.
The introduction of HFCS into our food supply directly paralleled a 47% spike in Type 2 Diabetes cases as well as an 80% increase in obesity. Food manufacturers use HFCS in many mainstream products, including the following:
•Sauces (including ketchup)
•Yogurt
•Energy Bars
•Soft Drinks / Fruit Juices
•Processed baked goods
•Cereals
•Crackers
•Ice Cream
•Salad Dressing
•Most packaged snack foods
Red Flagged Ingredient #2: Hydrogenated Fat / Partially Hydrogenated Fat (Trans Fat)
Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats have undergone such extensive processing that the chemical structure has changed from a “cis” shape, which the human body recognizes and utilizes, to a “trans” shape, which is foreign and destructive to human physiology.
Check each food label for the word ‘hydrogenated’ and avoid it diligently. Cutting out hydrogenated fats is a simple set towards looking and feeling your best.
Red Flagged Ingredient #3: Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that was denied 8 times by the FDA before being approved in 1973. Many scientists objected the approval, claiming that aspartame hadn’t been proven safe for use as a food additive.
MIT neuroscientist, Richard Wurtman, researched the effects of aspartame and concluded that it promotes cravings for foods high in calories and carbohydrates. Though aspartame is calorie-free it still causes insulin to be released, which job is to stow away sugar – when this sugar is not available, the result is often hypoglycemia and severe hunger. Not exactly a recipe for weight loss.
Red Flagged Ingredient #4: White Sugar
White sugar comes from the juice of a sugar cane plant that has undergone an intensive refining process. In this process all of the enzymes, fiber, vitamins and minerals are destroyed, rendering it nutritionally void. White sugar is also extremely high in calories, which your body loves to store away in fat cells.
Refined sugar has been linked to a weakened immune system, hyperactivity, ADD, mental and emotional disorders, dental cavities, hypoglycemia, enlargement of the liver and kidneys, and an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. All that and it leads to weight gain.
Red Flagged Ingredient #5: White Flour
White flour comes from natural whole wheat that has been stripped of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This results in a nutritionally void product that is packed with calories that release quickly into your system, creating a spike in blood sugar. As you know, this promotes fat storage and leads to hysterical hunger and cravings. You don’t need that.
Once you cut these 5 items out of your diet, you’ll be pleased with the results. Expect to lose weight, to have more energy and to feel better than you have in a long time.
If you’re serious about looking and feeling your best through purifying your diet, then focus on eating real food items. Real foods include lean meats, vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts and seeds.
Would you like to expedite your fitness and weight loss results? Call or email today to get started on a fitness program that will quickly transform your body.
Remember, while nutrition is vitally important for weight loss, true results are achieved through a combination of both nutrition and challenging, progressive exercise.
Debra Stefan, Live in Fitness, Henderson NV 89011
Filed under Newsletter by on Feb 9th, 2010. Comment.
You are not a stupid person. Not by any means.
In fact, it’s my guess that you’re healthier than most.
You probably exercise regularly. You watch what you eat. You keep up-to-date on the latest health concerns. You don’t binge on sugar.
And you never – ever – eat fast food. Well, almost never.
But you do have a few unhealthy skeletons in your closet -ones that you probably aren’t even aware of.
The following 5 Stupid Things are frequently committed by health conscious people. Once you break these bad habits, you’ll find that achieving your weight loss goals just became a whole lot easier.
1. You’re Dehydrated
It has been said that 75 percent of the population is chronically dehydrated. Would you disagree? When was the last time that you actually drank 8 glasses of water in a day?
Dehydration occurs when more fluid leaves your body than is taken in. Symptoms include: fatigue, irritability, headaches, nausea, rapid heart rate, and, in extreme cases, even death.
Dehydration also slows your metabolism, which hinders weight loss.
You shouldn’t wait until the feeling of thirst or dry mouth hits you, at that point damage has already been done. Instead, constantly rehydrate throughout your day to avoid dehydration.
The best way to do this is to incorporate water into your daily schedule. Have a water bottle at your desk and train yourself to sip on it often, and get into the habit of drinking a full glass of water with each meal and snack.
2. You Eat Out Too Often
Research suggests that most people eat out one out of every 4 meals and snacks. That’s an average of once a day.
Restaurant food is designed to do one thing: to taste good. In order to increase eating pleasure, each item is loaded with fat, salt and sugar. This causes you to eat way more calories than you actually need.
Even when you order ‘healthy’ items, you’re still taking in more calories and fat grams than you would if you had prepared the item at home. Imagine the last salad you ordered out. Didn’t it come with cream dressing, croutons, cheese sprinkles and a piece of butter laden bread on the side?
The main reason people eat out is for convenience, so with a little organization you’ll find that preparing your own meals takes less time than you thought it would. On the weekend sit down and plan out your meals for the week. Then go to the grocery store and stock up on everything you’ll need for those meals.
Pack your lunch and snacks each night before bed, then grab it on your way out the door in the morning. When you prepare dinner at home, make enough for at least the next day as well. Your efforts will pay off both in terms of weight loss and in money saved.
3. You’re Sleep Deprived
In Gallup Poll surveys, 56% of the adult population reported that drowsiness is a problem in the daytime. That’s more than half of us that clearly don’t get enough sleep.
Healthy adults require 7-8 hours of sleep each night. When you fail to meet this need your body goes into sleep debt, which continues to accumulate indefinitely until you catch up.
A lack of sleep negatively affects your immune system, your nervous system, and interferes with healthy hormone release and cellular repairs.
The best way to combat sleep deprivation is to set a scheduled bedtime. Your body will benefit from a consistent sleeping and waking routine, and you’re sure to get all the rest you need.
If you have trouble falling asleep once you’re in bed, then try these two tips. First, make sure that you don’t drink any caffeinated beverages after lunchtime. Second, don’t eat for three hours before you go to bed. This helps eliminate sleeplessness due to indigestion, and will also turbo-charge your weight loss.
4. You’re Stressed Out
I don’t have to tell you that we are living in a fast-paced world and that most of us have stress levels that are through the roof. But what you might not realize is that your stress levels are making you fat.
Stress creates an increase in the hormone cortisol, and chronic stress creates a chronic increase in cortisol. This is a problem because is slows your metabolism, leads to cravings and is linked to greater levels of abdominal fat storage.
The vicious cycle of stress and weight gain goes around and around. Stress causes you to eat emotionally, and your raised cortisol levels cause that food to be stored as fat.
One of the most effective ways to instantly eliminate stress is to sit down and write out a list of all the things that are bothering you. This should include things that you need to get done, issues that weigh on your mind and anything you believe contributes to your stress level.
Once it’s all down on paper, organize it like a to-do list and start resolving each item. Doing so will get the stress off of your mind and will put your body into the motion of resolving each issue.
5. You’re on Exercise Autopilot
You do the same thing each and every time you exercise. Same machines, same pace, same duration. While your routine sure feels comfortable, your results have long since halted.
A plateau occurs when your body adapts to your routine and weight loss stops. It is incredibly frustrating, and totally avoidable.
You don’t have to increase the amount of time that you spend exercising in order to see quicker, faster results. It’s all about challenging your body.
There are two simple ways to instantly increase the effectiveness of your exercise routine. First, increase your pace. Secondly, increase your intensity. Constantly vary your speed and intensity in order to keep your muscles guessing and adapting.
Another way to break through the exercise plateau is to do something totally new. If you regularly use weight machines then start using free weights. If you normally jog on the treadmill then start using the bike.
Are you ready to break the plateau as you take your routine to the next level?
Would you like to know without a shadow of a doubt that you are going to lose weight in the coming months?
It’s my goal to see you achieve greatness. I believe that you’ve got what it takes.
It’s so simple. Call or email today to get started on a program that will improve your health and well being, and will get you amazing results.
Filed under Newsletter by on Feb 9th, 2010. Comment.
Do you eat a healthy lunch only to succumb to the vending machine an hour later?
I’ve got good news for you, if you do.
With just a few adjustments to your diet, you can effortlessly kick your snacking habit to the curb.
You see, the urge to snack happens when your blood sugar levels drop – giving your body the message that you need more fuel. (Enter the vending machine.) This happens after eating meals that are low in fiber, low in calories, and high in sugar.
The solution?
Eat meals that are filled with fiber and you’ll stabilize your blood sugar levels, and feel full longer.
The Case for High Fiber
Researchers have done their homework on fiber, and the results spell easy weight loss for all who listen. By consuming an extra 14 grams of fiber each day you can cut your calorie intake by a full 10 percent.
People who consume more fiber (as low as 20 grams per day) weigh an average of 8 pounds lighter than people who consume low fiber (closer to 10 grams per day).
There are two main reasons that high fiber leads to weight loss:
- Fiber fills you up and stabilizes blood sugar for hours. This tames your appetite and protects you from needless snacking.
- Foods that are high in fiber aren’t as calorie dense. When you fill up on high fiber foods you eat just as much but take in fewer calories.
Breaking it Down
It’s always easier to understand a concept like this when real life examples are given. So here’s a review of a low fiber, high sugar diet that ‘Jane’ was eating, and then we’ll see the small changes made to increase her fiber content and stabilize blood sugar.
- Breakfast: Jane would typically eat a packet of instant oatmeal made with low fat milk and topped with banana and brown sugar. On the way to work she would also grab a mocha or latte.
- Snack: Without fail by 10am Jane’s stomach would growl, sending her to the vending machine. She would end up with a small bag of chips, crackers or candy to hold her over until lunch.
- Lunch: By noon Jane was starving again, and would inhale her packed lunch of a medium sized bagel with low fat cream cheese and deli slices, and a small container of yogurt.
- Snack: At 3pm Jane’s appetite would soar and she would scavenge the office for a small snack to hold her over until dinner. She usually found part of a leftover pastry or cookies, and if all else failed she would once again turn to the vending machine.
- Dinner: Most nights Jane would make a dinner of chicken breast, instant rice and a small salad, some nights she would substitute pasta for the rice.
- Snack: Every night at 10pm Jane would find herself back in the kitchen in search of something sweet. Most often she would have a bowl of low fat ice cream or sorbet before going to bed.
Did you notice a trend in Jane’s diet? While she kept her selections fairly low in fat, she hardly ate any fiber which left her battling hunger all day. Her meals were also very high in sugar, which caused her blood sugar levels to jump up and plunge down throughout the day.
Here’s the revised version of Jane’s meals:
- Breakfast: Instead of the instant oatmeal Jane switched to using old fashion (intact) oats. She then topped it with broken walnut pieces and banana. Instead of drinking a high-sugar mocha or latte, she started drinking hot tea.
- Snack: Much to her surprise, 10am came and went without so much as a hunger pain. Jane kept her focus and worked through till lunch.
- Lunch: For lunch Jane had a cup of lentil soup, a slice of rye bread and a cup of steamed veggies.
- Snack: 3pm came and went, and again Jane didn’t feel the need snack. On her way home she ate a small handful of almonds.
- Dinner: This meal didn’t change much for Jane. Instead of instant rice she made brown or wild rice, and instead of white pasta she made whole wheat. She also added a vegetable dish to dinner, in addition to the salad.
- Snack: Most nights Jane skips her late night snack since she just doesn’t feel hungry. On those nights that she does want a sweet treat she enjoys sliced fruit.
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 1 Tablespoon agave nectar
- 12 figs, sliced in half
That didn’t look hard, did it?
As you probably noticed, Jane’s daily calories dropped dramatically after adding fiber to each meal. Also her percentage of calories from fat also dropped, since her snack foods were high in fat.
This means that Jane is effortlessly losing weight simply by consuming more fiber.
You can follow Jane’s lead by evolving your diet to include higher levels of fiber.
To expedite your weight loss be sure to include a consistent and challenging exercise routine. I’m here to help with that – simply call or email today to get started.
Check Your Fiber Score
How much fiber do you eat each day? Grab a pen and paper and tally it up: Beans, one half cup (7); Vegetables, one cup (4); Salad, one cup (2); Fruit, one piece (3); Fruit juice, one cup (1); White bread (1); Whole grain bread (2); White rice, one cup (1); Brown rice, one cup (3); Intact Oatmeal, one cup (4); Meat, poultry or fish (0); Eggs or dairy (0); Sodas or water (0).
If you scored less than 20: You need more fiber in your diet. Boosting your fiber will control your appetite and cut your risk for many other health problems.
If you scored 20-39: You consume more fiber than most people, but adding more fiber to your diet will continue to make foods more satisfying and cut your calorie intake.
If you scored 40 or more: Congratulations, you are getting plenty of healthy fiber in your diet. An added bonus for you is a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and digestive problems.
Sweet Braised Figs
This recipe is simple, healthy and delicious. Braised figs make a stunning display, and their delicate warm taste will not disappoint. Add braised figs to your oatmeal, on fat-free cottage cheese or even throw a few onto a salad.
Not only are figs high in fiber, they are also loaded with potassium – a mineral important in controlling blood pressure.
Yield: 6 servings
Here’s what you need…
1. Heat a large non-stick saute pan and spray with cooking spray. Add the agave nectar.
2. Place the figs, sliced side down in the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes over medium heat. The figs will become slightly sticky and golden around the edges.
3. Remove from pan and place sliced side up on a plate. Drizzle with remaining juice from the pan.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 70 calories, .2g fat, 18g carbohydrate, 2.4g fiber, and .6g protein.
Filed under Newsletter by on Oct 5th, 2009. Comment.
Just this past Saturday an 86-year-old gentleman participated in 7AM Bootcamp and performed some personal bests,too. That really puts it in proper perspective when you realize that you CAN improve no matter your age. Sid Graber may be an octogenarian, but that doesn’t mean he has any less physical capability than a younger person. No matter what your age or level of conditioning, YOU CAN MAKE A CHANGE. You currently have the body you have accepted. Perhaps it has not occurred to you that FITNESS CAN BE FUN? Please take a look at the group warm up exercise we did at bootcamp Saturday and make sure to notice how the Fun Factor warmed up right along with the muscles!
You don’t need to make a decision or commitment one way or the other without at least trying my FREE ALL-AGE BOOTCAMP AT 7AM ON SATURDAYS. Right on the sportcourt by the playground behind the Tuscany Recreation Center. If you are not a resident or guest of one, just call ME and you can be MY guest–any Saturday, just for asking. Here is what we did just recently at the last couple of bootcamps:
Want to talk to me with your questions or concerns? 702-898-4622.
Find out how easy it is for you to participate.
21 Universal Rewards of Exercise
The number one reason that most people are out-of-shape is that they don’t exercise enough.
I’ve often wished that I could give each and every one of you a personalized pep talk to get you up off the couch and into the gym, day after day. So here’s my pep talk in bullet form – 21 rewards that you will gain from regular exercise.
Do yourself a favor and print this list and post it where you’ll see it every day. When you need motivation or encouragement simply read over this list and feel your motivation soar.
1. You’ll reset your body: Exercise has been described as a giant reset button. A good workout will block appetite swings, improve your mood and even help you sleep.
2. Your clothes will fit better: Consistent exercise will tone and tighten your body, causing your clothes to not only fit better but to also look nicer. Also exercise ensures that soon you’ll be trading your clothes in for smaller sizes.
3. You’ll be less stressed: You have enough stress in your life – it’s time for a break. A good workout invigorates your muscles, leaving you relaxed and less stressed.
4. You’ll have more energy: WebMD tallied research studies and concluded that 90% of them prove exercise increases energy levels in sedentary patients. Next time you feel fatigued, fight it will the most powerful tool available: exercise.
5. You’ll be stronger: Exercise improves muscle strength and endurance, two things that you use throughout each day. When you exercise consistently you’ll be pleasantly surprised when difficult tasks begin to seem easy.
6. You’ll be less likely to binge: Exercise has a powerful anti-binge effect on the body. This is due in part by an increase in sensitivity to leptin, a protein hormone, which has an appetite-taming effect.
7. You’ll burn calories: You know that excess body fat is made up of stored and unused calories. Fight back by burning loads of calories with fat-blasting workouts.
8. You’ll be more confident: Who doesn’t wish they walked and talked with more confidence? A consistent exercise program will do just that. As your body becomes more fit, watch as your confidence sky-rockets.
9. You’ll have fun: Believe it or not, exercise can be extremely enjoyable. Remember how fun it was to run around as a child? Tap into your inner child as you find a mode of exercise that gets you excited.
10. You’ll reduce your blood pressure: Exercise has been proven more effective than medication in reducing blood pressure to normal levels. A single workout has been shown to reduce blood pressure for the day and regular exercise reduces overall blood pressure in the long run.
11. You’ll lose the jiggles: Regular exercise tightens flabby arms, legs and waistlines. So wave goodbye to the jiggles with a solid exercise program.
12. You’ll increase insulin sensitivity: Researchers at Laval University in Quebec discovered that exercise improved insulin sensitivity dramatically. Peak after-meal insulin levels dropped by more than 20 percent after as little as 3 weeks of consistent exercise.
13. You’ll sleep better: Do you toss and turn for hours before falling asleep? Exercise is a powerful sleep aid. Your tired muscles encourage your body to quickly fall asleep so they can get their overnight repair work done.
14. You’ll lower your risk of heart disease: Regular exercise strengthens your heart and makes it more resilient against disease. A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for heart disease, so rest assured that consistent exercise is your ally against disease.
15. You’ll feel great: Vigorous exercise releases natural endorphins (happy hormones) into your blood stream that dissolve pain and anxiety. You’ve probably heard of ‘runner’s high’, this can be achieved by any great workout.
16. You’ll lower your risk of diabetes: Studies show that exercising as little as half an hour each day can dramatically reduce your risk of diabetes. If you are at risk of diabetes, or already have diabetes, regular exercise is the most effective treatment for reversing the disease.
17. You’ll meet cool people: You could benefit from a group of new, energetic friends, right? Gyms, bootcamps, workout centers and even the jogging trail are all great places to connect with fun new friends.
18. You’ll improve your BMI: You know that maintaining a healthy BMI is key in disease prevention. Exercise is the best way to keep your BMI under control.
19. You’ll increase your endurance: Do you ever get out of breath when walking up stairs or through the mall? Regular exercise builds your endurance for everyday activities.
20. Your doctor will be impressed: How many times has your doctor given you the lecture about losing weight and exercising more? Exercise regularly and get your MD off your back!
21. You’ll look amazing: Are you happy with the shape and size of your body? Regular exercise works wonders on your physique. Within a few weeks you’ll see shape and tone in all the right places.
What are you waiting for? Lace up your shoes and get moving!
Guarantee Your Success
The quickest, easiest way to guarantee that you’ll meet your fitness and weight loss goals is to work one-on-one with a qualified fitness professional. You’ll be held accountable with your workouts and you’ll be instructed properly and shown techniques and strategies that will expedite your results. Call or email today to get started on a program that will take the guesswork out of fitness and to set your results on fire.
Fastest Chicken Stir Fry
Think you don’t have enough time to cook a healthy meal? Think again. This healthy and delicious chicken stir fry takes only minutes to make. Instead of chopping the vegetables yourself, this recipe calls for pre-chopped ingredients found in the produce section of your grocery store. Skip the take out line tonight and try this recipe instead.
Yield: 6 servings
Here’s what you need…
* 1 teaspoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
* 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2 inch segments
* 1 (16 oz) package pre-chopped stir fry vegetables
* 1 (10 oz) package shredded cabbage
* 1 cup chopped pineapple
* 1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
* 3/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok. Add the garlic. When the garlic is browned add the asparagus. Stir fry for 5 minutes or until the asparagus turns bright green.
2. Add the chopped stir fry vegetables, cabbage, and pineapple. Stir fry for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the cooked chicken pieces and mix in the teriyaki sauce. Stir fry for another minute, until the sauce is evenly distributed.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 117 calories, 1.8g fat, 15.8g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, and 10.7g protein.
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Filed under Newsletter by on Sep 15th, 2009. Comment.
