5:00-7:00AM BOOTCAMP – 30 Minute Segments
Our New M-W-F start time is 5AM especially geared for those who want to start their day guaranteeing that their workout gets done BEFORE the day gets in the way. Getting up earlier means going to bed earlier. The rewards of the metabolic boost early in the day, lasting ALL day is well worth making a change in the hours that you keep. This change alone will return dividends toward better sleep, fat loss, and building your best body.
Of course, there are a couple other things which need to be in place for OPTIMUM living. Let’s give them proper priority IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE:
- SLEEP
- NUTRITION
- EXERCISE
Surprised at the order of priority? Think about it. Without proper sleep, no amount of exercise or nutrition will be able to give your body necessary replenishment. Without adequate nutrition, no amount of exercise can build your body or enable recovery. Then comes exercise. Once #1 & #2 are in place you are on track so that exercise can have a positive conditioning effect. Otherwise, it is merely more wear and tear on an already overtaxed system. This point is a perfect segway into the topic of my newsletter, so please continue to read on…
More about Debra’s Bootcamp at Tuscany…
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 exercise we do at bootcamp Saturday and make sure to notice how Fun Factor warmed!
Try 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.
Unleash the Power of Fiber
For most people reckless snacking derails their healthy diet, leaving them frustrated and overweight.
Filed under General Fitness by on Oct 5th, 2009. Comment. 
…if you don’t really know WHAT you know (ya know?!)
I am on a quest for the truth. The truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, so help me God. It’s TRUE! I once was over 330 lbs and spent most of my time wasting time, money, energy and effort on ‘gimmicks’ that I never realized were actually ‘gimmicks’. I believed that what they were offering me was a way to lose ‘the weight.’ I didn’t know when I was going to these big weight-loss centers, and trust me I have tried them all (Jenny Craig, NutriSystem, Lindora, WeightWatchers), and even gastric bypass! that the truth was – they were keeping me amp’d up on their goods merely so I’d just continue on their product. Whether or not I lost a pound had nothing to do with it.
Yeah, I showed some initial weight-loss but really each place was teaching my body to KEEP THE FREAKIN WEIGHT ON! What kind of perfectly LEGAL YET unethical behavior is that? No wonder there is an epidemic in this country! And worse yet these programs are so convincing to the consumer that you don’t even realize that you are only keeping fat and losing muscle. SAY WHAT? Muscle is what burns the freakin fat man! The worst part is it the “DIET INDUSTRY” that keeps us chained to the scale. We all have fallen victim to this dastardly monster who calls out to you in your bathroom, in the doctor’s office, and yes, even at the amusement park. Those PUNKS!
What I know now is that in reality the scale is only a partial factor in your ultimate fitness. Amen to that! Anytime you are in a program where you can only ‘lose weight’ while you are ‘on the program’ then that ain’t it, kids! So the truth is… Now we know, ya know.
~ Colleen
Filed under General Fitness by on Sep 28th, 2009. 1 Comment.
Thanks for reading this FOURTEENTH 2009 Fitness Free Press, with focus on WEIGHT LOSS WITHOUT DIETING through METABOLIC BOOSTING that comes from good OLD-FASHIONED EXERCISE. If you think that your reasons for not including exercise in your life are valid, then view the video clip of a Tuscany bootcamp participant, who is named THE MOM WITHOUT AN EXCUSE!
Full-time working mom with FOUR children ages FIVE and under–gets 4 workouts per week… she makes sure it happens. What is your excuse? Click the photo, below, to watch the video:
Just get that EARLY MORNING METABOLIC BOOST 3-4 days a week and you will see how easy it can be to GET RESULTS FAST AND HAVE FUN DOING IT.
It is true. When you devote time to the most effective, natural method of healthy weight loss through good old-fashioned exercise, you not only burn the fat stores, but … suddenly your nutrition choices change without even dietingSmile
To get an idea of what we do, just click to view the video clip taken of my recent Sunday 8AM Bootcamp on the sport court at the playground here in Tuscany. What you will see is a multi-level, multi-generational activity with participants ranging from 5 to 72 years old! Yeah, even a 5 year old can follow the no-brainer drills for fun and frolic. KIDS ARE FREE! The best part of this is that everyone has FUN while getting an effective workout.
You will also see two women in the video and their astounding weight loss of 15 and 25 pounds apiece in just 25 days! Believe it … you can see for yourself. It is in the video clip. One lost 3 inches off her waistline and the other lost SIX!
The secret to getting results like this is to GET UP EARLY AND REV UP YOUR METABOLISM FOR THE ENTIRE DAY. That way, you become a LEAN, FAT-BURNING MACHINE all day long. No pills, no gimmicks, just good old-fashioned exercise done on the playground early in the morning.
So, just GET UP and take me up on TWO WEEKS of FREE WORKOUTS to launch you into your 2009 SWIM SUIT READINESS program … Click here to find out how!
If you live at Tuscany, you will want to stay informed of the Rhodes chapter 11-reorganization process updates on the online forum. Feel free to visit these sites with dedicated pages for Block Watch, Talk Forums, Classifieds, and the new Tuscany Business directory. I personally created, host, and maintain them myself as my contribution to my neighbors, so please take advantage of the information and feel free to share it. Thanks for reading … hope to see you at the playground!
The article for this edition prompts you with the question: (are you) “Ready for bathing suit season?”… so please read on to find out how I can help YOU answer YES!
3 Steps to Overcome Overeating
Let’s face it, the extra pounds you’re carrying around are due to overeating – plain and simple.
Why do you overeat? Here are a few likely reasons:
1. Habit: Whether you realize it or not, you eat in a learned pattern, rather than out of need. You clean your plate because that’s what your mother taught. You eat what is served without stopping to check if you are full. You butter two pieces of toast for breakfast rather than questioning if one piece would do the job.
2. Absentminded: You forget to pay attention when you eat. Mindless munching while watching a movie, snacking while driving, or picking at food while cooking – these absentminded calories really add up.
3. Something Deeper: Sometimes you use food for recreation or to change your mood. These calories may lend you a temporary sense of comfort or pleasure, but ultimately your body suffers from the indulgence.
Here are 3 Steps To Overcome Overeating – read these, and apply them to your life.
Step #1: Pay Attention
Be aware of what and how much you eat. This simple concept will save you from hundreds upon hundreds of calories each week.
To apply this rule, don’t eat while your attention is distracted by another activity. Only put food in your mouth when you are hungry and conscious of it. This means turn off the T.V., get out of your car, and no matter what you do, don’t graze in the kitchen while cooking.
Step #2: Practice Balance
Be aware of the types of food that you eat during each meal, and make sure that it’s balanced. When you eat a balanced diet filled with lean protein, whole grains, lots of veggies, a few daily servings of fruit and limited fat and sweets, your body will be satisfied and you’ll lose the urge to overeat.
This means you shouldn’t always eat carb-based meals, and you also shouldn’t always eat high-fat meals. Make a mental checklist of the food groups that you’ve eaten each day. Did you eat lean protein? Did you have plenty of vegetables? Did you refrain from eating more than one or two primarily carb-based meals? This mental checklist will save you from making food decisions that you’d later regret.
Step #3: Be Tuned In
Your body will always tell you when its hunger has been satisfied – you’ve just gotten so good at ignoring the signs that you barrel through your meal only to feel like you’ve been hit by a ton of bricks once all that food hits your stomach. It’s time to take a deep breath and listen to your body.
An important part of being tuned in is to eat slowly. Once you start to pay attention you’ll notice a point when each bite becomes less and less satisfying. That is your body’s way of letting you know that you’ve had enough and that each continued bite is simply overkill (yes, even if you’re only halfway through that plate of pasta).
By learning how to control your eating habits, you’ll find weight loss to come simply and naturally.
Want to speed up your weight loss, make it permanent, and shape your body at the same time? I’ve got what it takes to get you there! No guess work, no fad diets, and no super long workouts.
Call or email today to learn more about my fitness and fat loss programs that will quickly change your life.
No More Clean Plates
You know that portions are now larger than ever. Do you really need to eat all of that food? Of course you don’t. It is time to release yourself from the obligation to eat every morsel on your plate. Start by always leaving one or two bites. Soon you will find that you naturally stop eating when you’re full – even if your plate isn’t empty.
Rainbow Kebabs
These fresh fruit kebabs are simple to prepare and make a stunning display. It’s perfect to bring to a barbeque or to enjoy as a healthy dessert. The fruit selections below aren’t set in stone – use any fruit that is fresh and colorful.
Yield: 10 servings
Here’s what you need…
* 10 wooden skewers
* 10 strawberries
* 10 bite-sized watermelon pieces
* 10 bite-sized cantaloupe pieces
* 10 bite-sized mango pieces
* 10 bite-sized pineapple pieces
* 10 bite-sized kiwi pieces
* 10 blueberries
* 10 blackberries
1. Put the chunks of fruit on each skewer in a rainbow pattern – red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.
2. Place skewers on a platter and serve.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 60 calories, 0g fat, 15g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, and 1g protein.
Filed under Newsletter by on Jul 15th, 2009. Comment.
SWIM SUIT READINESS. To see how easy it can be to GET RESULTS FAST AND HAVE FUN DOING IT, you need to view the video clip taken last Sunday at my 8AM Bootcamp on the sport court at the playground here in Tuscany. What you will see is a multi-level, multi-generational activity with participants ranging from 5 to 72 years old! Yeah, even a 5 year old can follow the no-brainer drills for fun and frolic. KIDS ARE FREE! The best part of this is that everyone has FUN while getting an effective workout.
You will also see two women in the video and their astounding weight loss of 15 and 25 pounds apiece in just 25 days! Believe it … you can see for yourself. It is in the video clip. One lost 3 inches off her waistline and the other lost SIX!
The secret to getting results like this is to GET UP EARLY AND REV UP YOUR METABOLISM FOR THE ENTIRE DAY. That way, you become a LEAN, FAT-BURNING MACHINE all day long. No pills, no gimmicks, just good old-fashioned exercise done on the playground early in the morning.
So, just GET UP and take me up on TWO WEEKS of FREE WORKOUTS to launch you into your 2009 SWIM SUIT READINESS program!
The article for this edition is all about “Your Favorite Things”… so please read on to find out how this can work for YOU…
Your New Favorite Thing
We all have a list of our favorite things. It may not be written down anywhere, but you know the things that make you happy.
The list holds your favorite foods, music, TV shows, movies and even people in your life that you can’t get enough of. This is the stuff that you really enjoy. It’s the stuff that makes your life worth living.
Somewhere on the list is your health and appearance. You know that looking and feeling great make a good life even better.
The interesting thing about your list is that without fail you’ll always make time for it.
* When your TV show airs, you watch it or record it to watch later.
* When your favorite actor stars in a new movie, you do your part by going to the theatre.
* When you’re hungry, you turn to your favorite foods.
* When the weekend rolls around, you do everything you can to spend time with the special people in your life.
Yet when it comes to exercise you automatically say, “I don’t have time.”
Time for TV, but no time for exercise… We live in an age where life is full. You don’t have extra time anymore.
You no longer have time. You make time.
* You make time for your TV show.
* You make time for your hobby.
* You make time for your friends.
It’s time to drop the charade of “I don’t have time to exercise” and call it what it really is.
An excuse.
You know how to make time for your favorite things. You know you want good health. You know you want to look great. You know you want more energy.
Exercise delivers all those benefits – and more.
I believe that exercise belongs on your list of favorite things.
Make It A Favorite: How do you turn something that you’ve dreaded into something that you enjoy?
1. Block the Negative: Your thoughts play a big part in determining your favorite things. Block out any negative thoughts you may have about exercise. Focus your energy on creating a positive attitude that will get you excited about hitting the gym, rather than dreading it.
2. Focus on the Benefits: With exercise you have so much to gain and nothing to lose. Exercise makes you stronger, sexier, happier, and gives you more energy. Pick the benefit that moves you the most and fixate on it.
3. Get Guidance: The easiest way to put exercise on your list of favorite things is to experience it at its best. Get onboard with one of my personal training programs or test the water with your first TWO weeks FREE at my neighborhood bootcamp. I’ll show you the most effective and enjoyable techniques that will get you into the best shape of your life.
Smaller is Better
Here’s a quick and easy way to lose weight. For dinner tonight use a small plate instead of a full sized dinner plate. It sounds simple, but you will actually eat less off a small plate than you would a full sized plate. This is a great way to encourage smaller portion sizes without feeling like you are being deprived.
Energy Muffins
Finally, a great-tasting muffin recipe with no added sugar! Naturally sweetened with banana and blueberries, these muffins are as sweet as they are delicious. Enjoy one with a side of scrambled egg whites for a quick and nutritious breakfast. Servings: 18
Here’s what you need…
* 1 cup mashed banana
* 2 egg whites
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/3 cup refined coconut oil
* 2 cups wheat flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 cup frozen blueberries, left to thaw in a strainer
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare 18 standard-sized muffin cups with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine banana, egg whites, water and oil. Add the flour and mix. Gently fold in blueberries. Immediately spoon batter into muffin cups.
3. Bake for about 20 minutes. Remove muffins from tins and cool on a wire rack.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 98 calories, 4g fat, 13g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 3g protein.
Filed under Newsletter by on Jun 1st, 2009. Comment.
It happens to everyone. That moment when you realize that it’s time to do something about your weight.
It may happen when you’re looking in the mirror or standing on the scale.
Your first thought is to go on a ‘diet’ but as quickly as that enters your mind the ghosts of a hundred diets past return… along with all the frustration.
Then you wonder, why bother?
The weight will come back, as it always has. Then you’ll be back in front of the mirror as discouraged as ever.
The answer is not to go on another diet.
The answer is to change your lifestyle.
You’ve heard this before, and it makes sense, right? So why haven’t you done it?
Your Lifestyle Obstacles. Most people resist changing their lifestyle for two reasons.
1. Change is scary. Whether you realize it or not, your life is in a constant state of change. Though you cling to the familiar, it’s a futile struggle. Change always wins.
The most consistent thing in life is change. Since you’ll never escape it, you might as well channel it. It’s time to make the change in your life purposeful and positive.
2. Lifestyle misconception. How many times have you heard the term ‘healthy lifestyle’ only to picture a health nut with celery sticks in one hand and tofu in the other? The truth is that most people think that changing their lifestyle will be an extreme and unpleasant experience – and that’s not true.
Improving your lifestyle does not mean swearing off chocolate or living in the gym. You don’t have to eat wheat germ for lunch and you can still enjoy a nice plate of pasta. The key is moderation.
Making the Change. It’s time to lose your ‘all or nothing’ mentality. Embrace simple, small changes that will add up to big improvements in your lifestyle. These are your main venues for change:
* What You Eat. Let’s face it, most of the foods you eat aren’t the healthiest. Some are downright terrible (the burger and fries you had last week). While others are simply excessive (the snacks you eat while watching TV).
The solution to cleaning up your daily diet is NOT to go back on a ‘diet’. In fact, I never want you to go on a ‘diet’ again. (Yes, you heard me right!)
Instead I want you to make permanent healthy changes to your eating habits.
Here are some practical examples:
o Choose salad over chips or fries
o Don’t add butter to your food
o Eat fresh produce with every meal
o Purchase fat free dairy productsM
o Limit desserts to one or two per week
o Cut out mindless snacking
o Drink water, not soda
I don’t expect you to eat a perfect diet every day of the week – that’d be ludicrous. You should, however, make MORE healthy choices every day than unhealthy ones.
* What You Do. Exercise is a huge component to a healthy lifestyle, and quite frankly you’re not getting enough of it. How often does an entire week go by without you ever lacing up your tennis shoes? Don’t disregard the importance and power of a good workout.
Your new healthy lifestyle means exercising on most days of the week. This may seem tough, but I have the perfect solution – my training programs were created for busy people just like you who only have so much time to dedicate to exercise.
I understand how hard it is to find the motivation to stay consistent and to push yourself. Make exercise a no-brainer – contact me to get started on a lifestyle enhancing program today.
Here are simple ways to move more:
o Watch less TV
o Stretch stiff muscles every day
o Play at the park with the kids
o Go for a jog
o Do some pushups every morning
While none of the above are meant as substitutes for a solid exercise routine, they are great ways to become more active and to improve your lifestyle.
Your lifestyle is the balance of all the choices that you make regarding your body. Swing the balance in your favor – make a majority of your choices health conscious.
So the next time you’re in front of the mirror you won’t worry about your weight.
You’ll relish it.
The Liquid Calorie Ban
Here’s an easy way to live healthier: don’t drink calories. Liquid calories are sneaky. You don’t get that full feeling like with solid foods, but you’re still taking in tons of calories. Avoid drinks like: regular sodas, smoothies, juices, sweet coffee drinks, hot chocolate, milk shakes, and alcoholic beverages. Drink plenty of water instead-you’ll lose weight and feel great.
Sauteed Soybeans
What a delicious way to enjoy soy. Pre-shelled soybeans make this dish easy to prepare – it’s ready in 10 minutes. Serve this as a healthy side dish or a light meal.
Yield: 3 serving
Here’s what you need:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 3 garlic cloves, diced
* 1 1/2 cups shelled soybeans
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
* Dash of salt
* Dash of pepper
1. Heat saute pan over medium heat, add oil and onions. When onions begin to soften lower the heat, add the garlic and saute for two minutes.
2. Add soybeans and thyme, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Cook until soybeans are fully heated. Serve warm.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 172 calories, 9g fat, 11g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, and 10g protein.
Filed under Newsletter by on May 1st, 2009. Comment.
This week’s article discusses a unique exercise that can make or break your spring training. How can just one exercise make such a huge impact on your fitness success? Well, it CAN.
Want to know what this UNIQUE EXERCISE is?
The exercise that can make a world of difference is…
Pushing your grocery shopping cart!
But it won’t work if you don’t do it correctly. Read more to find out how!
Just remember that when you are ready, I am here to help!
Go FITNESS Shopping
Did you know that the grocery store is the source for most of your unwanted pounds?
Well, that and the fast food restaurants, but we’ll leave that for another day.
If you’re like most people then your shopping trips aren’t exactly organized. In fact, your grocery cart is likely to be more fat than fit.
The good news is that with a few small modifications to your routine you’ll be able to turn your grocery shopping trip into an easy opportunity to slim down.
I’ve broken down the process of healthy grocery store navigation with an easy-to-remember acronym – FITNESS.
Come, take a walk with me through your grocery store and we’ll improve your shape and the shape of your family members.
F: First Veggies
Your mom always told you that you had to eat your veggies before dessert-so this will be an easy one to remember. When you start shopping, first go to the produce section. The bulk of your shopping should take place here. Fresh vegetables, lettuce for salads, and fruits are the best things to eat when you want to look and feel great.
Don’t skimp on produce-aim to fill most of your cart here.
I: Is it Wheat?
When it comes to bread you only need to ask yourself one question. Is it wheat? White bread products have been processed and filled with simple carbohydrates – these will easily stick to your body as fat. Wheat breads, on the other hand, contain more fiber and are much healthier. Make it a policy to never purchase white bread, wheat bread is the right choice even for the little members of your family.
Always choose hearty wheat bread products-the more whole grain, the better.
T: Trim the Fat
In the meat section you are faced with a major decision. Do you go with your taste buds or do you go with your health conscious side? I urge you to stick with the latter. These days lean meats are more available than ever, and the benefits to going lean are numerous. When you choose lean meats you avoid extra saturated fat (your heart will thank you for this) and you also avoid the extra calories that come packed into each fat gram.
Want to be lean? Then eat lean meats.
N: Never enter the Junk Food Aisle
I have a simple policy that has saved me from thousands of unnecessary calories. I don’t walk down the junk food aisle. You and I both know that it is nearly impossible to walk past rows of chips, candies and cookies without putting something into the cart. The bright packages stamped with mouthwatering images will give your will power a run for its money. My two cents? Avoid that row altogether and save yourself from the whole ordeal.
Nothing good ever came from walking down the junk food aisle-just say no.
E: Edge around the store
Here’s a really easy trick for healthy shopping. Edge around the store, as in shop the perimeter and avoid the inner aisles. Think about it-the healthiest products are kept around the perimeter of the store: produce, meat, dairy. The inner aisles are where you run into trouble: processed food, baked goods, and sweets. Don’t get me wrong, there are healthy products kept in the inner aisles too, but a majority of the items are waist-expanders.
Shop in a circle-stick to the perimeter of the store, do less shopping in the aisles.
S: Skinny Cow
The dairy section is filled with many healthy items; it is also filled with extremely high fat items. Your job is to pick out all those calcium-rich foods that you love in the low fat and non fat versions. I realize that many people have a prejudice against low milk or yogurt, simply because they’ve always eaten the full fat version. Making the switch to low fat is such a simple way to cut unnecessary fat and calories from your diet, while still getting all the benefits of dairy.
Fat free dairy products are the way to go-you’ll only lose unwanted pounds.
S: Stick with Water
Warning: mini lecture to follow. I’ll make it short and sweet. Drink more water-period. Sodas, sugary juices and calorie-laden alcoholic beverages are responsible for a large number of unnecessary calories in your diet. Don’t fill your cart with these sneaky calories. Keep them out of your kitchen and out of your life.
Looking for a tasty beverage? Look no farther than crystal clear water.
There you have it-your FITNESS shopping plan that will take your cart from fat to fit. I suggest that you write down the FITNESS steps on a note card and take it to the store with you.
Are you ready to take your body from fat to fit? I’ve got what it takes to get you there! No guess work, no fad diets, and no super long workouts.
Call or email today to learn more about my fitness and fat loss programs that will quickly change your life.
Upgraded FITNESS Shopping
Want to upgrade your FITNESS shopping trips? Here are 3 additional tips:
1. Don’t go to the grocery store with an empty stomach. Your cart will mysteriously fill with extra, unnecessary foods that will end up crashing your good intentions.
2. Make a list before you go to the store. You’ll be able to think rationally at home before you’re surrounded by tasty, FITNESS destroying foods.
3. Plan out your meals for the week ahead of time, then shop specifically for those items. This will cut out the junk, and save you calories and money.
Albacore Lettuce Wraps
Tuna is one of those healthy items that’s found in the inner aisles of the grocery store-so venture down the aisle and pick out white albacore packed in water. This is an ultra-healthy meal that is high in protein and low in fat.
Yield: 2 servings
Here’s what you need…
* 1 can albacore chunk tuna, packed in water
* 2 Tablespoons finely chopped white onion
* 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
* 1/2 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
* 1/2 apple, finely chopped
* 2 Tablespoons nonfat mayonnaise
* 1 Tablespoon nonfat ranch salad dressing
* 1 teaspoon dried dill
* 4 large lettuce leaves, washed
* Pepper to taste
1. Combine the tuna, onion, bell pepper, and apple in a medium bowl. In a small bowl mix the mayonnaise, ranch dressing and dill.
2. Add the mayonnaise mixture to the tuna and mix until well combined.
3. Arrange the lettuce leaves on two plates, and fill with tuna. Garnish with a dash of pepper.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 124 calories, 1.5g fat, 13g carbohydrate, 2.7g fiber, and 14g protein.
Filed under Newsletter by on Mar 15th, 2009. Comment.
Change is a curious thing. In most areas of life you dread it, yet in others you pine for it.
You’re told that change is hard, that it takes time. You’re also told that change is the most consistent thing that you’ll encounter. You wonder how to make lasting changes that will improve your life.
I’m here to argue that change can happen in an instant.
I know this goes against mainstream belief. Most people believe that change has to be worked at for months or even years. We expect to try and fail numerous times before we ultimately give up or succeed.
Think about it-how many people do you know who struggle with their weight? They want to make a healthy change by getting in shape, but the change never seems to take hold.
Is there something in your life that you want to change? Do you have weight to lose? Do you have high blood pressure? Do you have a pair or pants that you wish you could fit into?
What is preventing you from making a positive change in your life?
According to professional speaker and author, Anthony Robbins, it’s the getting ready to change that takes times. In the end there’s an instant when the change occurs. Robbins goes on to outline three specific beliefs that you must have in order to instantly create a lasting change.
Belief #1: Something must change.
Do you kind of want to get into shape or do you absolutely have to lose the weight? Does dropping a few pounds sound nice or is living another day in your current body simply out of the question? In order to make a lasting change you must be convinced that the time is right.
Belief #2: I must change it.
It is vital that you take full responsibility in making the change. Sure, others may assist you, but in the end you are the one who is going to make it happen. You have to want this change enough to make it your personal mission-no one else will do it for you.
Belief #3: I can change it.
Don’t let past failures get in your way. The truth is that you can do amazing things when you put your mind to it. Believe that you are capable of losing weight or making any other positive change in your life.
Why do most people fail to make lasting change? They leave it up to willpower. This works for awhile, but you’ll always revert back to what’s comfortable. The solution?
Change what you’re comfortable with.
You’ve probably heard that humans are motivated by two things: 1) to avoid pain and 2) to gain pleasure. When you want to change a behavior pattern the key is to associate pain with the behavior that you don’t want and pleasure with the behavior that you do want.
You know that you want to lose weight and that to do so you need to quit eating comfort food late at night. You also know that you need to start exercising on a regular basis. Up until this point your brain is trained to associate pleasure with eating comfort food late at night and to associate pain with exercise.
It’s time to retrain your brain to feel good about exercise and to feel bad about eating late at night. Think about all of the negative things about being overweight and connect these unpleasant thoughts to your late night snack. Now think about all of the wonderful things about being in shape and connect these pleasant thoughts to exercise.
You are capable of making a big change in your life. Start by contacting me for your no obligation fitness consultation.
Remember, change can happen in an instant.
Smart Shopping
Never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. If you do, you will end up with a cart full of bad decisions and regrets! Instead, make a list of healthy foods to buy and go after a sensible meal. Avoid the chips/candy isle and stick to the outskirts of the store where fresh food such as produce, dairy and meats are displayed.
Springtime Shrimp Salad
Here’s what you need…
For the Dressing
1 Tablespoon grated orange peel
1/3 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
For the Salad
1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
8 cups torn Boston lettuce
3 Oranges
1 lb fresh or frozen shelled deveined cooked shrimp, thawed
In a small bowl combine all of the dressing ingredients; beat with a wire whisk until well blended. Set aside.
In large nonstick skillet, bring 1/2 cup water to a boil. Add asparagus and return to boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook 5 to 6 minutes or until tender.
Meanwhile, arrange lettuce on 4 individual salad plates. Peel oranges and halve lengthwise; cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
Drain asparagus. Rinse with cold water; drain well. Arrange asparagus, orange slices and shrimp over lettuce. Drizzle salads with dressing.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 290 calories, 9g fat, 24g carbohydrate, 6g fiber, and 29g protein.
Filed under Newsletter by on Feb 15th, 2009.
As you can imagine, I hear a ton of excuses from people on why they don’t exercise.
Sometimes the reason is self inflicted: I don’t have the time.
Other times the reason is procrastination: I’m going to start as soon as tax season ends.
And occasionally the reason is downright funny: The dog ate my gym shorts.
I usually point out to these well meaning folks that, despite their reason, exercise is a very important activity that will dramatically improve their life. I bring up the health benefits and describe how many of their physical ailments would improve. I talk about how great they will feel dropping excess weight and rediscovering a slender figure.
However, there was always an excuse that would get me.
The devious excuse of ‘being active’: Oh, I don’t need to exercise in a gym – I’m very active. I play tennis and hike in the summer and I ski in the winter.
Well, they have a point, right? Tennis, hiking and skiing are all active sports that burn calories. Maybe they can be fit without doing any other exercise, especially if they are at a reasonable weight.
Then I started to notice a trend.
The ‘active’ people couldn’t touch their toes in a simple flexibility test. The ‘tennis players’ couldn’t jump rope for 60 seconds. The ‘hikers’ needed a week to recover from a one mile jog. The ‘skiers’ encountered injury after injury. And then it hit me.
You don’t become fit by simply being active. That’s backward fitness.
Only by being fit can you become more active.
To become and maintain a level of fitness there is no replacement for a consistent exercise program. It’s the only way.
True fitness is when your body can do whatever you ask of it. This means having flexibility, strength and endurance.
Do you exercise? Or are you fooling yourself with the excuse of ‘being active’?
How happy are you with your level of fitness? Are you able to meet all of the functional demands of life? Or do you find yourself opting out of experiences or situations that you know would be too challenging?
If you’ve used the excuse of ‘being active’ in the past, it’s time to reconsider your options. Don’t practice backward fitness with the hope of true results.
Contact me to get started on a program that will make you truly fit. And if you’re furthest from active and simply want to lose those extra inches and pounds, make the decision to take action today.
After all, there’s no trial run in the game of life.
Be Excellent
The most important aspect in becoming and staying fit is to be persistent. You can exercise every day for a week, but if you follow that week with a month of no exercise then you’ve lost all ground. Find an exercise program that you are able to consistently do and then stick with it. In the words of Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Simple Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is one of the easiest vegetables to prepare without adding fat in the cooking process. Each squash is filled with folic acid, potassium, vitamin A, and beta carotene – and best of all it is a low calorie food. Servings: 4
Here’s what you need…
* 1 spaghetti squash
* 1 Tablespoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1. Cut squash in half and scoop out the seeds and fibers. With a fork pierce the squash skin a few times.
2. Fill a microwave safe dish with 1/2 inch of water. Place the squash cut side down in the dish.
3. Microwave on high for 10-20 minutes or until the skin gives easily under pressure (be sure to use an oven mitt, as the squash get very hot.) Let stand for a few minutes.
4. With a fork, scrape the pasta-like insides into a medium bowl. Mix in basil and garlic salt.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 42 calories, 0g fat, 10g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 1g protein.
Filed under Newsletter by on Feb 1st, 2009.
‘I don’t have time’ is the reason that most people don’t exercise. Well, they call it a ‘reason’ I like to call it what it really is – an excuse.
Most people believe their workouts need to be 60-90 minutes in order to really count. With this kind of time commitment it is no wonder that exercise becomes the activity that you simply don’t have time for. Before you know it one missed workout becomes two and soon you realize that you haven’t put on your gym shorts for a month.
Missed exercise is a slippery slope toward irreversible consequences. Obesity wasn’t gained in one day…or even in one year. Neither was heart disease.
Question: Have you ever wondered if long workouts really deliver the best results?
The truth is that exercise doesn’t have to take 60-90 minutes anymore. The experts agree that short, intense bouts of exercise can actually deliver better results than traditional low intense exercise.
In fact, a study was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine that tested whether multiple short bouts of exercise would deliver better results than one long bout of exercise. They found that participants who performed short bouts of exercise stuck with the program longer and experienced greater weight loss than the participants that performed long bouts of exercise.
Throw out the idea that you need an entire afternoon or a free evening to have a great workout. It simply doesn’t take as much time as you think. Here’s one example:
12 Minute Results-Driven Workout
Dumbbell Squat Press: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level. First lower down into a squat position. Make sure that your knees do not go past 90 degrees. Exhale as you press the dumbbells overhead while you straighten your legs and return to the starting position. Complete 12-15 repetitions.
Sprint or Jump Rope for 30 seconds.
Dumbbell Lunge and Curl: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand down at your sides. Exhale as you lunge forward with your right leg and curl the dumbbells up toward your chest. Make sure that your knee does not go past 90 degrees. Inhale as you return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. Complete 12-15 repetitions.
Sprint or Jump Rope for 30 seconds.
Dumbbell Bent Over Rows: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand. Bend your knees and lean forward from your waist, keeping your back flat. Exhale as you drive your elbows back and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Inhale as you return to the starting position. Complete 12-15 repetitions.
Sprint or Jump Rope for 30 seconds.
V-Ups: Sit on the edge of a chair or bench and lean back. Exhale as you drive your knees in toward your chest, squeezing your abdominal muscles. Inhale as you lower your knees back down with control. Complete 15-20 repetitions.
Sprint or Jump Rope for 30 seconds.
Think outside of the box. Could you do a 10 minute workout in the morning and a 15 minute workout before bed?
Let’s be honest, you make time for the things that you feel are important. If I told you that for every minute you spent exercising I would give you a thousand dollars, would you find a minute to exercise? Sure you would! You’d probably find quite a few minutes to exercise.
Short bursts of intense exercise will give you the results you want, all you have to do is make the time for it.
Somewhere deep down inside you know that it’s now or never.
Will you choose to simply close this email and allow your hectic schedule to slowly push you down the path of obesity and health risk? Or will you find creative ways to fit exercise into your day as you steadily regain your shape and health?
Make this the day that you finally make the change. Call or reply to this email to schedule your no-obligation fitness consultation and I’ll show you many other high intensity time effective workouts that deliver amazing results.
The choice is yours.
Get Out Your Camera
Do you wish that you had more motivation to achieve your fitness goals? Give yourself inspiration by taking a ‘Before’ picture. That’s right, put on your bathing suit and pose! Next, place the picture in a place that you see often (on the refrigerator maybe?) Now get to work on changing your body—imagine how great it will feel to replace your ‘Before’ picture with a stunning ‘After’ shot.
Spicy Veggie Stir Fry
When you want a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor—here’s your dish. This vegetarian recipe calls for chicken substitute, but you can use real chicken if you want. Bake or grill real chicken before adding it to the recipe. Servings: 4
Here’s what you need…
3 cups hot cooked instant rice (cooked as directed on the package, omitting margarine and salt)
1 cup water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon oil
¼ cup chopped onion
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons water
3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced
4 frozen breaded chicken substitute patties, thawed, cut into bit-sized pieces
3 tomatoes cut into thin wedges.
While rice is cooking, in small bow, combine 1 cup water, soy sauce, cornstarch and red pepper flakes; blend well. Set aside.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet or wok over medium heat until hot. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until onion is tender. Add 2 tablespoons water and zucchini; cover and cook until all vegetables are tender.
Add chicken substitute pieces and tomatoes; cook until thoroughly heated. Stir cornstarch mixture; added to skillet. Cook and stir until thickened. Serve mixture over rice.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 380 calories, 10g fat, 54g carbohydrate, 6g fiber, and 13g protein.
Filed under Newsletter by on Jan 15th, 2009.
A female Olympic swimmer made headlines and she doesn’t even hold the fastest time in her events. So what makes her so amazing?
She’s swimming with women half her age.
Dara Torres, 41, and went to her fifth Olympic games. Oh, and did I mention that she also has a two year old daughter? While other women her age are whining about pregnancy pounds and being ‘over the hill’, Dara looks like the 20 year olds she competes with.
What makes her different from other 41 year old moms?
“I love to exercise,” Dara says. “I love how it makes me feel. I love how it makes me look.”
Here’s the fountain of youth part:
Because of exercise, Dara’s body is actually younger on a molecular level than her out-of-shape counterparts, according to a recent study led by Tim D. Spector, a professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College in London as reported by the Washington Post.
The results were astounding. They found that exercise appears to slow the shriveling of the protective tips on bundles of genes inside cells (called telomeres), which means a slowing of the aging process.
“These data suggest that the act of exercising may actually protect the body against the aging process,” said Spector.
Here’s the study in a nutshell:
Telomeres cap the ends of chromosomes and every time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter.
Once a telomere gets too short, that cell can no longer divide.
Aging occurs as more and more cells reach the end of their telomeres and die. This results in weakened muscles, skin wrinkles, loss of eyesight and hearing, organ failure and slowed metal functioning.
The study analyzed the telomeres from the white bloods cells of twins over a 10-year period. Telomere length was used as a marker for the rate of biological aging.
It was found that the length of telomeres was directly related to that twin’s activity level. “There was a gradient,” Spector said. “As the amount of exercise increased, the telomere length increased.”
People who did 100 minutes of weekly exercise had telomeres that looked like those from someone about 5-6 years younger than those who did 16 minutes of exercise each week.
People who did 3 hours of vigorous exercise each week had telomeres that looked like those from someone about 9 years younger.
What does this mean to you?
The fountain of youth is literally at your fingertips!
Add to that the previously proven benefits of exercise (such as a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases) and it’s no wonder that exercise lovers look and feel as great as they do.
Do you want to start an exercise program or get back on one?
Whether it’s been months, years or even a lifetime since your last workout, remember that it’s never too late to start looking and feeling your best.
Call the number above or just reply to this email to set up your first workout.
And while you may not share Dara’s passion for swimming, you can share her secret for staying young and looking your best.
Want a Smaller Stomach?
Are you doing dozens of sit ups in the hopes of reducing the size of your stomach? You cannot greatly reduce the size of your midsection by stomach exercises alone. While exercises are great for firming your abdominals, a fat burning workout is the most effective way to lose weight and take off inches.
Ask me how to burn the most fat from your body!
Perfect Honey-Glazed Salmon
Talk about an easy way to prepare a delicious salmon dinner; this main dish only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. Salmon is a wonderful source of omega 3 fatty acids.
Servings: 2
Here’s what you need…
1 (8oz) sockeye salmon fillet, cut into 2 pieces
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon ketchup
Heat oven to 450. Line cookie sheet with foil; spray foil with non-stick spray. Place salmon on sheet.
In small bowl, combine honey and ketchup; blend well. Spread mixture over salmon.
Bake at 450 for 12 to 18 minutes or until thickest part of the fish flakes easily with fork.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 220 calories, 11g fat, 4g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, and 26g protein.
Filed under Newsletter by on Jan 1st, 2009.
