Rick - Day 22

How is it going for everyone?  Things are going alright for me.  I continue to follow the weight watchers plan pretty closely and have recently reduced my points allowance from 32 to 31 for the day.  I may soon go to 30 but we’ll see.  Melanie and I have added more exercising into our plan.  We’re getting pretty good at Dance Dance Revolution….lol!

I’ve also had some people ask me how much my starting weight was.  This is always an embarrassing question but I know that it will only benefit me to answer it.  When I started this journey I weighed 302 lbs.  I know!!  My goal is around 240 lbs and with your help I hope to achieve it this year.

Food

• Toast with butter – 4
• Carrots – 0
• Salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing – 1
• Roast Beef – 6
• Turkey Chili – 8
• Ice Cream (Breyers makes a great 100 calorie cup of ice cream) –  2
• Pizza, an extremely small slice – 3
• Popcorn with margarine – 7

Exercise

• 1 hour of DDR

I’m also incorporating stretching into my daily life as I’m not very flexible.  I’ve been told by professionals that stretching for 5 – 10 minutes a day will benefit you for years.

Supplements

• Nutrilite Daily Multivitamin (if you don’t take a multi yet, check this out; follow the link at the bottom of this post)
• Nutrilite Antioxidant squeeze Tube
• Hydroxycut Green Tea

If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to pass them on to us.  Like always, please pass the link to our blog onto others.  The more the merrier!

Rick

www.rpeden.qhealthbeauty.com

[Via http://rmweightloss.wordpress.com]

Seven Ways To Rev up Your Metabolism and Drop Those Unwanted Pounds!

Are you bored with trying all the lose weight quick plans out there? Have you ever been disillusioned with the results? Do not despair here are seven tips to create a healthier, thinner, sexier you!

Sleep well, live well. In keeping with studies, people who just have 4 hours of sleep at night have slower metabolism than those that have 8-hour sleep. Moreover, the previous resort to overeating since they feel like eating would cover up the lack of sleep. You want to have enough sleep for you to feel revived when you ?get up?.

There’s recent research that tells us that our metabolism tends to slow down throughout the late afternoon or at the end of the day. Thus, in order for you to burn more calories, it is wise to do some evening walks and alternative exercise forms that will permit you to sweat it out and burn calories.

Don’t move slowly. You need to get your heart rate up. As you move more, you burn more calories. Rather than taking a ride to a place, close by. Walking is a better choice. You want to gradually make minor lifestyle changes. These are just minor adjustments therefore you’ll not have a hard time. It is as the fact that these could be easy for you’ll not would like hard exercise. This could be done during a like going up the stairs instead of taking the elevator, do gardening instead of watching TV.

Eat more proteins. Diet plan studies show that protein intake stabilizes the amount of insulin within the bloodstream. It is highly-useful for you.

Skipping meals is skipping life. A drastic amendment for your body isn’t good. Never dwell on the idea that missing a meal would make your waistline magically get smaller. Forever remember that wellbeing comes from deep within. You’ll never conceal the fact someday that you’re living an unhealthy life. Whenever you do suddenly stop in eating, your body would react to it in such a manner that it will hamper your metabolism.

Get out and sweat a small amount training will help you. Exercise will result in a higher metabolism it will also help you get more sleep thus cutting down on binge eating (your bodies way of getting more energy).

You need lean muscle mass. Having more of these lean muscles would mean a faster metabolism. A few push-ups and squats daily are a huge help. Simply remember that it is not all about sweating and overdoing it/working too hard it’s about small improvements that add up to a healthier body.

Never give up on your dream of a healthier, sexier you!

Check out these blogs for up to date knowledge on healthy dieting and weight loss: Healthy Diet Plan

and
Healthy Diet Plan

[Via http://blenheimj.wordpress.com]

I Already Know How to Lose Weight

I already know how to lose weight. Eat less and exercise more. Or eat right and exercise more. Do aerobics for 45 minutes 3 times a week. Do strength training 3 times a week. Eat grapefruit. Eat more vegetables. Don’t eat fast food. Don’t snack.  Eat good snacks. Eat more fiber Drink more water. Don’t drink soda. Don’t eat sugar. Eat more fruit. Eat salad at dinner. No desert!

O.K. so now you’re really gonna do it. You joined Lifetime fitness. You got a trainer. You got the best sneakers. You got new sweats. You have a new diet. You’re ready! Off to the gym. You meet your trainer. You go over your 12 week plan. Then you do your first session. This is great! You’re pumped! You’re psyched! You’re doing it. You’re going to lose 50 lbs. this time You got through the week, 3 – 1 hour work-outs. Aerobics and weight training. Your trainer is good. You’re following your diet. It’s different from what you’re use to eating. But that’s O.K. you’re getting use to it. You feel great, a little sore, but great! No pain, no gain. Made it through the first week. Maybe I should reward myself with one of my favorite foods. No, stick to your diet. You’re doing great! I’ve lost 1 lb. It’s working.

Now it’s week 2. Off to a great start. You’ve kept to your diet. You’ve completed the 1st day of week 2. You’re a bit more sore. Muscles not used to moving so much. Wonder if you’re overdoing it. Session 2 of week 2. About a 1/2 hour into it, ouch, something pulled or torqued and it hurts. That’s the end of today’s session. It ends up being the end of that week. You got to let the sprain heal before you can exercise again. I need a little comfort food. I think I’ll have a Kit Kat. One won’t hurt. I’ll be back on track next week. I gained back 1.5 lbs.

Week 3. I still a little sore. I can’t work out the way I did last week. I really need to take it easy this week. I wonder if there’s an easier way to lose weight. Maybe I’m trying to do too much at once. I don’t think I can lose 50 pounds in 3 months. I haven’t lost anything yet and it’s already week 3. There has to be a better way. I don’t think I can make it for 12 weeks. There’s got to be an easier way. I know, weight loss pills. I going to take a break for a while and try it again later when I’m feeling better.

Any of this sound familiar? Great intentions. A good start and then a weak finish. If your 50 to 100 pounds overweight, that’s a huge commitment to start an exercise program. That’s where Fit In Five comes in. You start out slow with baby steps and build slowly over time. What you’re doing is creating new habits for life. When I said in a earlier post to walk every day I meant it. That’s one of the new habits. Start walking 5 minutes a day and it will change your life. Live long and prosper!

[Via http://joemazzeo.wordpress.com]

Rick - week 3 over

Welcome everyone!!

So far, 3 weeks into this journey and I’ve lost 16 pounds!  I actually haven’t found it overly difficult at the moment.  This weekend was a probably the hardest so far.  I went downhill skiing with some friends (great exercise and a lot of fun!).  Of course the menu was limited at the ski hill so I indulged a bit.  So that day was a write-off for the food plan.  The next day, I was right back on the wagon going strong.  Even with friends over for dinner I did fairly well!  I know that this is a mental battle more than anything.  I’m working on changing my thinking about food, exercise, and activities.  I’m trying to make food less of a focal point and having activities play more of a role in my life.

I know that we’ve gotten so much support from people that it’s really encouraging to keep up the battle.  For me, this is where things always have gotten a bit sketchy.  I do well and feel good about it then get it into my head that I can slack a bit.  That’s where it all falls apart.  I know that I have to just keep to the plan and keep moving forward.

I also know that my weight loss will start to taper off and eventually plateau.  I have to keep a positive attitude at that point and change things up a bit.  I learned about overcoming plateaus when I was younger and did weightlifting.  When you do the same thing over and over and over, your body will adjust and get used to it.  When weightlifting you can overcome this by adding more weight but you’ll get to a point where you just can’t lift it anymore, where it is just too heavy.  For me, I had a few extra exercises and I only did when I started to plateau.  I would do my regular routine and substitute in one or two of these variations for a couple of weeks.  This really shocked my body and it continued to adjust and grow.

Weightloss is the same process.  You have to do something different and change it up to keep the progress going.  This is where you can add in exercises and different activities into the mix to keep your body adjusting and it will continue to keep burning fat.  Jogging, jump rope, kickboxing, swimming, rock climbing, bike riding, etc…….. will help to keep your body adjusting.  Just keep varying the activities and you’ll continue to progress.

Please share our blog with others.  I hope to inspire people to work on losing weight and get into better shape through this and I can’t do it without your help!!  Also, keep posting your comments and ideas as there are a ton of people that need to know what you know and what your experiences are!  Take care and stay strong!

Rick

[Via http://rmweightloss.wordpress.com]

southwestern salad

i was so excited to make this and it’s soooo good and easy!!! and of course inexpensive. this recipe makes 15 servings- you can whip it all up in one bowl and separate it out, because it will def keep or freeze well. i separate everything into tupperwares and tad and i grab it and go to work.

ingredients:

15 oz. of havarti cheese (1 oz./serving)

2 lb. bag of frozen corn (2.1 oz./serving)

2 12 oz. bags of frozen pepper and onion blend (1.6 oz. per serving)

5 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed. each serving should get 3 oz. of beans, and each can has 3.67 servings, so you will have a bit left over.

4 avocados- each avocado has 4 1 oz. servings, so you will have 1 oz. left over.

1 lb. of baby spinach (1 oz. per serving)

crumble the cheese into a large bowl. stir in the frozen corn and frozen veggies- no need to defrost! mix in the drained and rinsed beans. if you are making in bulk, stop here and separate everything out. then add the avocado and the spinach a no more than a few hours before you want to eat, because it will brown.

if you are making a small quantity, go ahead and add the avocado and the spinach! one bowl, no cooking! whip up the dressing below and toss the salad with that right before you serve.

dressing

2 T of cilantro (1/4 tsp. per serving)

2 T of dill (1/4 tsp. per serving)

1 T of cumin (1/8 tsp. per serving)

1 cup of olive oil (1T per serving)

1 cup of balsamic vinegar (1 T. per serving)

lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

one serving of this recipe has 525 calories, but it’s not bad at all considering how satisfied you are afterwards. THIS IS A BIG SALAD! and the best part- each serving is $1.33. more nutritional information to come via the soon-to-be updated grocery list.

[Via http://libbydelay.wordpress.com]

Cycle Log: Endurance Phase Week 15

    Week 15 is the last week of my Endurance Phase.  It is also a recovery week which worked out nicely since I was travelling on business and missed a few days of training.  Here are the actual workouts with the plan for the week of January 18 to 24, 2010 (click here to download my plan for the Endurance Phase).  I rode three times performing a VO2max/Sprint Interval workout, a Steady Spinning: Indoors ride and a Tempo ride.

Week of 1/18/10 Mon Tues Wed Th Fri Sat Sun Total Goal 2.0 SS 1.25 PI OFF 0.75 AR OFF 0.75 AR OFF 4.75 Actual OFF OFF 1.25 VO2/SI:S 1.0 SS:I OFF 1.25 Tempo OFF 3.5

 

I took Monday and Tuesday off because I was travelling out-of-state.  It was one of the rare times I went three consecutive days without training but that is actually good for recovery as long as you don’t do it too often!  All three of my rides were indoors including Wednesday’s VO2max/Sprint Intervals workout, which was my hardest training session in months.  I was working above lactate threshold during each interval.  Thursday’s ride was a Zone 2 spin while Saturday’s was a longer, harder effort.  I felt strong for all three rides and I’m looking forward to beginning my Intensity Phase this week!

NEXT POST – February 1, 2010

Cycle Log: Intensity Phase Week 1

[Via http://doctorholmes.wordpress.com]

Fat Loss Products Review - The Threats and How They Can Be Circumvented

Stop wasting your time believing that fat loss products will bring you miracles. If you’re heavy and still find it hard to be consistent in your diet, resorting to weight loss products may not ring perfect. What’s even more disconcerting is a fat loss products review can further the confusion of a dieter hungry for weight loss facts, real facts. So to make things easier for a confused dieter like you, here are ways to stay away from fat loss products that are not really worth your time and money.

1. Stay away from products that are labeled with the word “blocker”: fat blockers, sugar blockers, calorie blockers and the like. They may pave the way for fleeting weight loss, but they’ll pose serious threats to your health in the long run.

2. Tea products aren’t always efficient weight loss sip. Just so you know herbal teas also contain significant amounts of caffeine. And the pounds that you’ve probably shed may only be due to water weight loss. So if you stumble upon reviews concerning strange and unheard of herbal teas, take heed of false conceptions that come along with it.

3. Don’t just read, research. Read and research one product review from the other. Most importantly, don’t do your research on the exact website of the assumed scam product; the words may only contain inequitable and one-sided account. If you’re a wise consumer, you’ll allow yourself to view a different fat loss products review from numerous sites on the net. Don’t just rely on one source. What’s the use of many different information wells if you’re so fixed with just one reserve?

Forget the rumors. For more information on a Fat Loss Products Review, follow this link http://www.DietingGuideReviews.com. Dieting Guide Reviews site has set the record straight to finally help you come across excellent fat loss products while sidestepping the hoax.

[Via http://rockinjr.wordpress.com]

How Do Weight Loss Supplements Work? Helpful Information To Consider

Losing weight is a colossal challenge for a lot of folks. It can be very difficult to maintain a weight loss program, especially when it seems like nothing you do is making those unwanted pounds disappear. You may feel starving all the time, or you may experience cravings; the more you try to limit your calorie intake, the more you end up obsessing about food.

Luckily, there are quality weight loss supplements obtainable that can help control cravings, boost your metabolism, and raise your energy levels so that you stay motivated to exercise and stick with your weight loss goals.

Let’s take a look at some of the active ingredients generally found in weight loss supplements and review how they can help you reach your weight management goals successfully.

5-HTP: 5-hhydroxy-L-tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin. It is vital for the regulation of mood; it is also believed to assist decrease carbohydrate cravings, therefore helping to reduce calorie intake.

Chitosan: Derived from the shells of crustaceans (shrimp, for example), chitosan has been shown to limit fat absorption in the intestines and to notably reduce weight in persons who are really overweight.

Chromium: This critical nutrient helps to control the body’s use of insulin, preventing swings in glucose levels that have been connected with carbohydrate cravings.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Studies have shown that CLA can help control fat deposition, increase energy levels, and control the metabolism.

DHEA: Produced naturally in the adrenal glands, DHEA is a steroid hormone that has been linked to metabolism. DHEA levels tend to peak in the early 20’s and weaken as the body ages; DHEA supplements may aid to boost the metabolism and diminish abdominal fat.

dl-Phenylalanine: Also known as DLPA, this nutrient both raises endorphin levels and acts as an appetite suppressant.

GABA: An essential neurotransmitter, GABA is a mood regulator and is besides believed to enlarge insulin levels, boosting the metabolism and helping to regulate cravings.

Green Tea: Among its lots of other health advantages, green tea is effective for boosting fat metabolism and increasing energy expenditure; it has long been noted for its properties as a weight loss facilitator.

Hoodia: A number of studies have shown that this South African plant extract has a considerable effect on curbing the appetite and reducing calorie intake.

Iodine: This nutrient is necessary for optimal thyroid function; the thyroid is important for regulating metabolism, and improper thyroid function has been linked to weight gain and obesity.

L-Carnitine: This amino acid is responsible in part for the oxidation and transport of lipids (fatty acids). L-Carnitine supplements are known to facilitate weight loss and increase the effects of training.

L-Glutamine: A vital nutrient for proper gut function, L-glutamine is an effective appetite suppressant.

L=Tyrosine: This amino acid is necessary for the formation of neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating mood. L-Tyrosine acts as a mood elevator and provides thyroid support.

Soy Protein: Soy protein provides some of the critical amino acids needed for the formation of muscle tissue; soy is besides known for its ability to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the body.

When choosing supplements to assist you achieve your weight loss goals, it is suggested that you consult with a trained nutritional expert who can guide you in selecting the supplements that are best suited to your personal needs.

Before you start a weight loss program, it is crucial that you talk to your health care provider to be sure that the plan you intend to follow is appropriate for your health.

If you are looking for Weight Loss Supplements, visit us and find effective Supplements For Weight Loss!

Just click and get the best Natural Weight Loss Supplements

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Why you should start to live like a lion

If self doubt and fear keeping you from doing the things you want to do in life, If you have dreams, goals and expectations for yourself, If you sometimes get frustrated and mad at yourself because you are not doing anything to make these things happen…

You are not alone, and the good news is that there is something you can do about it.

Remember when you were a kid and and someone asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up?

A fire fighter, a movie star, Indiana Jones, a Lego man… yes, and I bet you didn’t flinch for a second or thought is this actually going to be possible at all, or how am I going to do this, or I am just not good enough to be a Lego man!

You believed anything is possible.

Your mind was working effectively: You want, you imagine, you go get it.

Many of my clients tell me they hate the way they look, that they feel fat, unhealthy, tired and depressed…

When I ask them what’s stopping them from looking and feeling the way they want, the answer is usually: I don’t know, or I don’t think I can do it, or what if I fail?

Human self doubt and fear fascinates me. I say human because sometimes I can’t help comparing us to the animal kingdom.

Let me explain… African lions must hunt daily to survive. Actually, this seems to be the lionesses’ task and often they’ll hunt together. They’ll go somewhere where they know their prey is likely to hang out. Usually close to water.

How do I know this? Thanks to David, Attenborough!

The lionesses see their prey, devise a strategy, take action. They chase the prey until they make the kill, or the animal manages to get away.

If they succeed, great! If the prey  gets away, what do they do?

Do they spend hours on end feeling bad about themselves for having failed? Do they decide there is no point in trying to hunt again in case they fail? Do they give up hunting altogether as it seems they are no good at it cos they failed before?

No, they don’t. They look for the next opportunity.

Once I gave a client this example and he said: how can you compare, if lions stop hunting they’ll die and just get extinct.

To which I replied: Well, in my view, if you are not hunting for the things you want in your life, then you are not really living anyway.

If you spend your life wishing things were different, while doing nothing to change your situation…

If all you do is feel bad about the fact you are not doing anything, doubting your ability to do what you were born to do, fearing failure…

If you are not at least trying to live the life you want… are you really alive?

A good friend once shyly confided in me that they could not ride a bike without stabilisers.

I know a lot of people who can’t but they are all under ten years of age. My friend is twenty two.

I asked how come he couldn’t ride a bike without stabilisers. I knew my friend had been badly bullied as a child and I assumed maybe that had something to do with it. He said not at all.

I asked if it his parents hadn’t taught him. He said they had certainly tried.

Then I got really curious and asked: What happened then?

He replied: I guess I one day I just told myself I couldn’t do it… and so, I didn’t do it.

What is the main difference between you and that person who is living the life you would love to live, doing the things you want to do? Is it to do with talent, knowledge, experience, social status, money…?

Is it possible that they also doubt their ability sometimes, that they make mistakes, that they have ups and downs?

I believe author Susan Jeffers hit the nail in the head when she wrote: Feel the fear and do it anyway.

You see, someone who is doing the things you would like to do, and living the kind of life you would like to live,  may be fearful sometimes too, and go for it anyway!

Anna

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Rick - Day 10

Well 10 days into this journey and going well.  I ran into a bit of a common but difficult situation yesterday.  I was doing work with a client and they took me out to lunch.  What to get that didn’t blow the food plan??  I know there were a few options like salad or soup but I couldn’t figure out the approximate point values of those in my head.  So I opted for a steak sandwich.  I knew that steak was a bit easier for me to figure out and I didn’t have fries but a small bowl of tomato soup (all of it was soooooo delicious!).  Was it the best choice?  I don’t think it was a terrible choice but there may be something better.

Rick

[Via http://rmweightloss.wordpress.com]

Underliving

I am tired of the term “overeating”.  I am going to refer to overeating as under living.  If someone asked you if you had a problem under living you would probably laugh.  Of course I am not under living thats crazy, they would say.  However you cannot live your highest quality of life if you are over eating.

When I would overeat I was in a low place.  When my clients over eat they are in low places.  When I watch people overeat you  can see them begging themselves to stop with no ability to  listen.  If we are constantly turning to food for comfort and eating past the point of being full we are not fully living.

So instead of thinking of yourself as having an overeating problem think about the fact that you could live so much more fully and wholly than you currently are.  Now if you set forth to live the best, highest quality of life right now, eating will start to sit on the back burner.  If you are reaching goals and hew heights to make a difference in the world and people lives, how important do you think that cupcake will be?  If you are saving lives or giving back to the community, is an extra donut even worth anything?

The next time you sit down at a meal or grab a snack just remember this food will provide you pleasure and satisfaction only up to the point in which you are full.  After that point it will sit in your stomach disguised as guilt and shame.  It is time to stop under living and start truly living to your fullest, that way food is just food and not your ticket to guilt, shame, and regret.

[Via http://hastiefitness.wordpress.com]

The Fastest Way to Lose Fat: Positive Thinking

Starving your body is not the fastest way to lose fat. Sadly, this is what many of the so-called miracle diets advise. Following are some of the risks of such a diet:.

- Lack of proper nutrition makes your health suffer.

- Your body goes into a starvation mode, causing it to store more fat when you eat the next time.

- You start losing muscle mass and your body’s metabolic rate drops.

What’s more, you cannot follow these diets for prolonged periods of time (thankfully). So what’s the outcome when you get off such a diet? You gain additional weight.

So, is there an effective way to lose weight fast?

Your focus should be on the healthiest way to lose fat instead of on the fastest way to lose weight and fat. You need to focus on thinking positively and believing that you will lose weight and fat and keep it off, with the appropriate amount of time and effort.

Achieving a positive attitude is possible with an active exercise program. The “feel good” chemicals called endorphins are released during exercise. When released, this “good feeling” encourages positive thinking. The fastest way to lose fat is to perform exercises like running, cycling, and weight lifting, all of which result in a release of endorphins.

Not only will you want to eat less but also the release of endorphins makes you feel better. You will want to exercise on a near daily basis as you get accustomed to the “exercise high” that you get from endorphins; also, you will feel happy about all the activities that you do.

Consuming healthy and nutritious foods helps you think positively since it does not make you feel bloated and fat. Hunger can cause negative responses to be triggered in the brain. Eating at least 5 to 7 meals everyday will help get rid of these negative emotions. This too is the fastest way to lose fat.

Knowing from deep inside that you soon will be thin is part of having a positive attitude. Try a method called visualization. Whenever you next exercise, imagine your body burning fat. The fastest way to lose fat is to use the power of visualization combined with healthy nutrition and proper exercise.

Paint a mental picture of yourself at the size you want to be, and imagine that you are buying clothes that are not labeled XXL. This will help you keep a positive attitude and will also help you get through the rough patches.

There is more to this battle than just losing weight. Unable to maintain the weight lost makes the effort of losing weight pointless. Thinking positively has an important role to play here too. It keeps your motivation level high, helping you to stick with your diet and exercise program.

You can lose weight by thinking positively, but you also need proper exercise and nutrition to win the battle of the bulge.

[Via http://fitnesstruth.wordpress.com]

Tracking the progress of your daily weight loss plan

Now that your food is on track, you’re working out, how are you measuring your progress?

Track your progress, and you’re more likely to keep your motivation and stay aware of how you’re doing.

There are five major factors that help you tell whether your daily weight loss plan is working correctly.

1) Changes in body weight: It might seem counterintuitive, but a scale might not be the best way to track progress. It seems strange to say, but the scale isn’t the best reader of change.

Your weight isn’t the most accurate portrayal of how your body composition is morphing.

The number probably won’t budget if you’re losing body fat but gaining muscle mass.

But the scale is listed because it can be helpful.

If you’re just trying to lose weight, then you’ll see a difference on the scale as part of your daily weight loss plan.

There are a couple guidelines to follow when stepping on the scale.

The first is to use the same scale every time you weigh yourself.

Second, step on the scale at the same time of the day each time.

Depending on what you ate or drank, your weight can change within the 24-hour period.

2) Changes in body fat percentage, and 3) Changes in lean muscle mass. These tracking methods are the biggest factors in your daily weight loss plan. Determining these two factors should be the main goal of your daily weight loss plan.

In the end, it matters most that you lose body fat and gain muscle mass.

It’s difficult to get an accurate measurement, though.

For most people, it’s best to use the “skin-fold measurements” method.

Most of your body fat is located right underneath the skin.

Using calipers to measure the thickness, you can get a decent reading.

Getting the most accurate count isn’t really the most important thing, though.

You must measure the thickness the same way each time as part of your daily weight loss plan and compare the readings.

Take the measurements and plug it into a formula to figure out lean muscle mass.

Lean muscle mass is defined as any type of body weight that’s not fat, such as bone, water, or muscle.

Multiple your weight in pounds by your percentage of body fat.

This is your fat mass in pounds.

Next, subtract that number from your weight in pounds.

The resulting number is your lean body mass in pound.

Here’s an example of a person who weighs 180 pounds and has 20 percent body fat.

180 x.20 = 40.
180-40 = 140.

The formula tell us that he or she has 40 pounds of fat and 140 pounds of lean muscle mass.

Measure yourself about once a week.

Any more frequently than that, and you’ll risk getting obsessed.

Any less frequently, and the numbers might not be as accurate.

4) Changes in body part measurements. Use a tape measure to start tracking.

The numbers will decrease if you’re losing fat.

You can measure your waist, chest, hips, thigh and upper arm.

You can also include your forearm, calf and neck for a more detailed reading, but you won’t see a lot of change in these.

It’s best to take measurements in the morning before your muscles get bigger from a workout.

5) Changes in appearance. This is what we all really want, right? Let’s be honest, this is what we’re usually looking for.

Stand in front a mirror and you can see the changes.

This isn’t exactly the most reliable method of progress-tracking.

But it will give you an overall picture of your progress.

Take before/after pictures for another appearance tracking method.

Small changes won’t be as easy to see visually when you check every day.

Compare two pictures though, and you’ll probably see a drastic difference.

If you track your daily weight loss plan with these five factors, it will give you a good indicator of how you’re doing.

Make adjustments if you need to, but revel in your accomplishments.

[Via http://fitnesstruth.wordpress.com]

A Youth Injection without the needle or the poison

The beauty and anti aging industries are worth  billions of euro.

Every year women and more and more men all over the world spend ludicrous amounts of money trying to look beautiful, sexy and young.

Fake lashes, fake hair, fair nails, fake breasts, thinified bodies, tightened and masked faces…

But does all of this really make people look more beautiful, sexier and younger?

And if so, at what cost?

It’s a known fact that many ingredients used in beauty and anti aging products, and make up are carcinogenic.

These chemicals are used by many of your favourite brands.

If you think lathering or injecting these products on your face and body is going to make you younger, think again.

If anything, they are making you age faster, and may potentially cause disease.

Add this to lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, smoking, dehydration, bad nutrition and  overeating… and you have the best aging cocktail in the world.

I am convinced that the less you mess with your body the better.

I got the best beauty tips from my gramma and my mum.

When I got married last August, a lot of my guests were trying to do the maths.

“Anna how come your mum is so young? She must’ve had you very young” they said.

Many thought she was in her mid forties. She is in her mid sixties. And she looks more beautiful than ever.

I can count the amount of times she’s worn make up in her whole life with my fingers. She’s never had a facial. She does not exfoliate. She does not hydrate…

Her beauty secret?

She washes her face every morning. She eats a mediterranean diet. She exercises every day. She relaxes with yoga. She sleeps like a log.

I do exactly the same, and a lot of people don’t believe me when I tell them I am six years older than my husband.

But what I think makes a huge difference is the weekly youth inductions I subject myself to.

I use nlp and hypnosis to induce myself into a state of deep relaxation that allows me to reprogram my mind and bring out all the attributes of beauty and youthfulness.

At the end of a fifteen to twenty-minute session, I wake up refreshed and invigorated. It usually feels like the best nap you’ve ever had.

I have done inductions like this with clients, and they tell me that afterwards, they look in the mirror and they can see and feel the difference straight away.

Remember when you were a child, and you were fresh, dynamic, full of energy, flexible, strong, fast, powerful, playful, bold, exuded positive energy and a boundless imagination…?

Like me, you can be like that again.

You can be beautiful and young again, quickly, and with no harmful side effects.

All it takes is twenty minutes and a pillow!

Anna

Young and beautiful with NLP

[Via http://delitelifesolutions.wordpress.com]

What There is to Know About Diet Pills

“What There is to Know About Diet Pills?”

According to manufacturers, diet pills use natural ingredients capable of prolonging life and containing alcohol used in medication or flavoring. One thing’s for sure, never take diet pills as substitute for cutting calories without the doctor’s recommendation.

There are simple but important steps to be followed when taking diet pills:

1.Never crush diet pills to mix in drinks or soups. Take it whole with a full glass of water.

2.Diet pills causes a person to urinate more frequently due to its diuretic effect. This could lead to dehydration, thus, causing complications. As a pre-caution, it is best to drink eight glasses of water everyday while on diet pills.

3.Take only the recommended dosage. Taking more than required will not help you lose weight but increase the risk of side effects.

4.Heartbeat should be less than 86 beats per minute. Stop taking the pills if it reaches 90 or higher that is why regular checking of pulse is a must.

5.Always follow the instructions set by the dietician and/or doctor and not only rely on what’s enclosed in the box. Also diet pills will only work as expected if diet plan is being followed.

6.After three months, stop taking the diet pills. Common diet phenylpropanolamine is safe to use only up to sixteen weeks. Other studies show that it can cause health problems if taken under one month.

There are two kinds of diet pills; one is the prescription only diet pills and the over-the-counter diet pills. Prescription Diet Pills – are drugs regulated by the Food and Drug Administration agency which side effects are monitored, maybe advertised and prescribed under certain dosages. The most popular of these is Xenical, which is licensed for long-term use.

However, this too has it’s own side effects, diarrhea, oily and unexpected fecal discharge are just some. Therefore, users are advised to take a low fat diet plan. While Over-the-Counter Diet Pills are categorized as food substitute and are unregulated. Beware that these diet pills are not Federal authorities tested and may cause serious side effects up to and including death.

Aside from a dietician, local pharmacists can also help in determining the pills that are safe and not for each person’s case. Just be extra careful about the so-called “natural” or “organic” ingredients. Not everything that comes from a natural source is safe. One example is Ma Huang, which is a botanical source of ephedrine known as a stimulant and being studied for potential side effects. Those who have or have a family history of prostate problems, thyroid disease, mental illness, high blood pressure, and heart problems should avoid taking diet supplements. The same applies to those who’ve had seizures or strokes. If someone is taking cold medicines, especially those with decongestants, diet pills should not be taken.

Whether it be a prescription or an over-the-counter diet pill, the dangers are unvarying with other similar drugs which controls the brain to reduce appetite and includes chest pains, hair fall, fever, depression, and even impotence. And as a general rule, don’t ever try to take diet drugs if pregnancy is suspected. Persons that are allergic to sulfites and tartrazine should also avoid taking diet pills. And those who are under 18 years or over 60 years of age should consult their doctor first prior to taking any dietary drugs, especially if they rely on over-the-counter stimulants used as a replacement for increase exercise.

About the author: Richard Hackworth is a best selling author of “Age Reversing Secrets”, entrepreneur, and educator who is the host of “The Richard Hackworth Show” on www.ActionRadio.net  and star of the “Turning Up The Heat!” and “Never Die” TV Shows. Join his free newsletter at www.RichardHackworth.com  to get a ten part e-course “Ten Steps to Maximize Your Life” and $300 worth of surprise bonuses. Visit www.nutrition2success.com .

[Via http://easyweightlossresource.wordpress.com]

Rick - Day 3 & 4

Wow! I am so excited about all of the great advice, encouragement, and support that we’ve gotten so far!  It amazes me that people that I have no personal connection with are really helping us out!  Thanks to everyone so far and keep up with the tips and advice.

I wanted to comment on a couple of comments so far.  Hydroxycut; we decided to try it, we weren’t sold on anything other than just giving it a try.  We both take 2 caplets in the morning and 2 in the evening.  So far, I think they supress our hunger but it’s a bit too early to tell and they seem to work better for me than the regular kind.  I tried the regular Hydroxy cut before and felt jittery on it (maybe too much caffeine?) so I quit it.

In regards to the zero points foods.  Exactly correct, too much quantity does start to add points.  I find right now that I’m not eating enough to add up.  I’ll have one large carrot, raw (cleaned of course and some surgar snap peas or an apple for a snack.  I just find that I’m not nearly as hungry as I was before and am really motivated to be successful, which is where you all come in!

Again, with the Campbell’s soup, too much salt/sodium is not good.  I like to have it a couple of times a week as it is fairly low points but know that I have to limit the amount due to the salt.  Great advice!

I had vietnamese food the other day and was wondering if someone could help with points.

• 1 salad roll
• 1 spring roll
• grilled pork (about 5 oz)
• rice vermicilli noodles
• hoison sauce (about 1 tbls)

I figured that it was about 12 points but if someone knows better please let me know (because I love it and want to reward myself with it!).

Again, thanks for the support!  We’re loving it!

Rick

[Via http://rmweightloss.wordpress.com]

Quick Ways to Lose Weight - Drop 2 Sizes in 14 Days

Experience this? You walk into a store, you find something that goes with the colour of your eyes or you fall in love with style of it, only to be told, NOT AVAILABLE in your size and have that dreaded sinking feeling of disappointment, walking away beating yourself up over the fact that you were stupid enough to even contemplate that they would actually have it your size!

Do you want a way out of this? Do you want to escape these feelings once and for all? If you really have the desire to end the pain and the misery and the disappointment, then waste no time and continue to read on.

Quick Ways to Lose Weight:

The quickest way to lose weight is to reduce your calorie intake (for most people around 500 calories fewer a day is a good average to aim for) and increasing your energy activity. It seems that the most successful long-term weight loss programmes involve reduction in total fat and simple carbs intake, thus reducing total calorie intake, and eating up to 4 meals containing plenty of fruit and veg at a slow speed.

* Proper eating – what does that mean? Abide by these rules for extreme fat loss: get rid of sugary foods and drinks, this is the single biggest difference in your total calorie intake. Choose plain water or green tea and cut out all other soft drinks. Another thing to watch out for are sauces, like spreads and pasta sauces – these contain copious amounts of fat and calories. Find alternative ways to dress vegetables instead of butter. If you can’t cut out these items try and cut down on the amounts used or look for low-fat versions.

Steam, grill or broil your food instead of frying. Use olive oil instead of butter or frying oil. Don’t be tempted to purchase breaded or fried foods because they contain high levels of fat, salt and calories. Choose poultry (remove skin and fat) and fish over beef. Consume as many veg. as you want to- low in calories. Celery and cucumber will burn more calories and have the added benefit of containing water. Try and follow these rules every day, seven days a week. You will get thinner faster with a reduced calorie diet. Remember food is not the enemy here!

* Super burn calories through regular Physical Activity: The second quickest way to lose weight and burn more calories is through regular physical exercise. Aim for a 30 minute good cardio workout three times a week for efficient fat burning. Examples of good cardio workouts include: step aerobics (burns around 400 calories during a 30 min. workout), cycling (burns between 250 – 500 calories during a 30 min. workout) and swimming (burns around 400 calories during a 30 min. workout).

These 2 quick ways to lose weight work together at burning calories efficiently, the result => 2 dress sizes dropped just through making smart food choices and choosing workouts that super boost your weight loss.

Now Pay Close Attention To This:

For a diet designed for extreme fast weight loss I recommend the Calories Shifting Diet. It’s the first weight loss regime I’ve followed which kept me 100% satisfied all the time. It’s designed to make you Lose 9 Lbs every 11 Days.

Most people including me don’t stick too long with a diet plan because they get hunger cravings between meals. However the difference with this diet is that you seriously don’t get hunger pains. It’s quite amazing because you start seeing results so fast that you want to keep going. Read more about it by visiting: The Fastest Way To Lose Weight

Article Link: Quick Ways to Lose Weight – Boost Your Self Esteem by 500% by Dropping 2 Sizes in 14 Days

[Via http://weightlossanswers.wordpress.com]

From big to slim

For years I have coached many clients with food issues.

I have helped people get rid of food cravings, stop overeating, become comfortable and disciplined around food. I have also helped people with eating disorders.

During our sessions many clients manage to come up with an array of colourful excuses as to why they have been behaving the way they have around food.

They point at me and say “well, it’s easy for you, you are slim” or “If I had your body type…”.

I find it funny when they imply that I was somehow born this way, when in fact if you saw pictures of me as a baby, let me tell you, I had more rolls on my body than the Michelin man.

To this day my mum likes to remind me that whenever she cooked steak, she’d cut it into tiny pieces for me, she’d also cut off the fat and push it to the side of the plate. Well, I ate the fat and left the steak.

Chocolate, sweets, bread? Apparently I couldn’t get enough of them! My body type then was, ironically, a full apple.

I  was always bigger than my friends, but I never realised it, until I did.

During my teens I went through an anorexic period that left me so frail I wasn’t able to go up more than ten stairs at a time without panting for breath. At 5’6’’ and 45kgs, I looked and felt a wreck, but when I looked in the mirror, I saw fat.

In my twenties I started to bodybuild. Through exercise, nutrition and supplementation, I went up to 65kgs, and looked bulky and muscly. I loved it back then.

In my early thirties, I decided to get healthy.

Properly healthy. I wanted to sleep like a log at night, have tons of energy, feel relaxed and good about myself and life. I  didn’t care anymore what my body looked like as long as I felt great.

A lifetime of over exercising and dieting had left me feeling like a living dead person.

Today I not only feel great, but I look better than I ever did. I feel healthy inside and out, strong physically and mentally, and in control of my life.

The thing is, I exercise less than I  ever did. Harder, but less.

I probably eat more than I ever did too.  A lot of the right foods. And boy am I loving it!

Am I any different to any of my clients, or to you? I am no superwoman. I have exactly the same challenges.

What I do have is the strategies to overcome these. And I implement them day in and day out very effectively.

As you can see, I have been on my own little rollercoaster ride!

I believe this is why I have been able to help so many people succeed with their health and fitness goals. Because I have been there myself.

This is my story, what is yours?

Anna

PS: If you want to know how I stay in shape click this link:

http://sffitnesscamps.com

[Via http://delitelifesolutions.wordpress.com]

ten ways of lose weight

The Spring Festival’ s getting closer and closer.In face of so much delicious food ,you must make a list of plan to get weight,do not lose control of your weight.Now ,I will show you ten ways of  lose weight.

tip 1,do not go to the fasting without food in your stomach.Eat some food before you go to the feast,that will control your appetite,so you will not eat too much.

tip2,treat yourself good enough.you can eat what you like to eat ,just make it rational.

tip3,master cutokuan.you can take a dish when you go to your friend’s house.so ,you have one health choice  when you get there.in case there are not  conent you like.

tip4,eat slowly,you will get more satifaction.

tip5,don’t drink too much.always remember that  wine is never be good thing.

tip6,get friend’s encourage.encourage your friend and let them encourage you.You can get some restraint from them.

tip7,keep the habit of doing sports.

tip8,get enough time to have rest.

tip9,company with family and friends.

tip10,treat your plan of lose weight reasonable.don’t worry about the effect in the short time ,because that is  a long plan.

[Via http://magnoliasmell.wordpress.com]

DAY FOUR

127.8     Tuesday, January 5.  O.K.   Stay with me on this.  I’ll post late Tuesday night as I work dawn until after dark. Long day on a plane. Five take-off and landings.  Soup, bananas, yogurt and milk.  I wonder how I will do?

–Not too badly.  Long day. It’s almost 9:30 p.m. in  Kansas City, Missouri.  My toes are cold from long day on cold plane. Report time was 8 a.m.   But– for the most part,  I stuck to the diet.  I had yogurt before I left for work about 6:30 a.m., and  Cabbage soup at 7:30 a.m. ,  in the crew lounge, as I knew it would be the last hot food I would get today.  Then I had four bananas, another yogurt and a cup of 2% milk and a cup of  vanilla soy milk.  And a tablespoon of peanuts.  And an orange.  Technically the peanuts and the orange weren’t allowed but I was running low on energy. And I did eat.

Won’t be near a scales again until Friday.  The suspense will drive me crazy.  Tomorrow I get MEAT!!!!!

[Via http://runwritesoar.com]

If you want to achieve your goals this year you need to STOP doing this

If you are making resolutions and you are thinking about all the things you want to stop doing, like…

I have to stop drinking so much, I must give up chocolate, I should stop smoking, I shouldn’t spend that much money, I need to lose weight…

Then stop, because it is not going to work for you.

You may have heard the saying “whatever you focus on you get more of”.

This means that if you focus on what you don’t want, you’ll get more of what you don’t want.

So, if for example,  you want to lose weight, and you are thinking things like:

I hate the way I look, I feel so heavy, I look horrible, I have huge thighs, my tummy looks disgusting…

Then you are probably also thinking:

That’s it, I can’t have bread any more, I am not allowed to eat chocolate, I shouldn’t eat pasta, I have to stop eating take aways, no more cake for me…

Then you have to realise that all you are doing is making it even harder for yourself, because you are focusing on all the stuff you don’t want.

If you are spending all your time thinking about all the things you don’t want, can’t have and shouldn’t do, then when are you thinking about what you do want?

Before you can make any changes in your life, you must change your mindset. You must change the way you think.

Otherwise, no matter how much you wish for something, how much you hope it happens, you will not get it.

Your mind doesn not recognize all the don’ts, shouldn’ts, can’ts… you are thinking.

It only recognizes positive commands.

So, when you say things like “I can’t have chocolate”, your mind processes “have chocolate”.

When you say “Don’t eat those fries”, your mind recognizes “eat those fries”.

And then you try and fight that command with will power alone? Pretty much impossible.

Unless you stop focusing on what you don’t want, you are wasting your time and setting yourself up for disappointment.

You must stop cluttering your mind thinking and talking about what you don’t want.

Anna

Unlock your mind

[Via http://delitelifesolutions.wordpress.com]

Goddess Diet on a New Year's Dime - Day 6!

Christine’s Post: So my mother and I have come to the realization we can’t blog every day, but we will try to at least every other day! We had a great New Year – even a semi-low calorie one! We stayed in and had a whole house full of 10 people! We had my two nieces Ebony and Destiny, my step brother, my boyfriend, Mom, Dad, Grandma, my little brother Jacob and his friend AJ. What’s an easy, low-fat dinner for so many people? Tacos!

Tacos are low in fat if you use the right ingredients like low-fat shredded cheese, low-fat sour cream and lean beef. Refried beans are pretty fattening, but a couple spoon fulls isn’t too bad on the calorie count! It’s about 50 calories – 100 calories for a half cup – which I didn’t need. They have low-fat refried beans I am going to try next time! Lettuce and tomatoes are healthy for you and low in fat!

Here is a great, low-fat taco recipe from eHow.com!

Tasty Low-Fat Tacos with Beef and Beans

1. Put two hard taco shells on a plate.
2. Put the stove on medium heat and add lean beef. 93% lean or higher is best. Cook a half pound (6 oz).
3. Open a can of fat free refried beans. Heat a half cup in a pot on the stove on low heat.
4. When the beef is ready, add taco seasoning.
5. Place the beef in the taco shells first.
6. Layer with salsa.
7. Add fat free refried beans.
8. Add shredded lettuce.
9. Add fat free sour cream.
10. Top with shredded fat free cheddar cheese.
11. Enjoy! (You may need napkins).

That’ it!

So far Mom and I have been doing a great job on our Goddess Diet! I hope you have too and have been following and trying out some of our recipes!

We wish you the most success in the New Year! Let’s make 2010 a less-fattening one, shall we?

Low-Fat Drinks!

This would have been more helpful yesterday, but like I said, we had a full house! One of the biggest downers on a diet is alcoholic drinks! They are really high in calories and can put a damper on your diet. However, let’s be realistic… I can’t ask you to give up alcohol, so here are some low-fat drinks for when you’re feelin’ a little weak.

White Zinfandel is only about 80 calories a glass, depending on the brand. An entire bottle of Sutter Home White Zinfandel is 540 calories… not too shabby for wine!

Here are some hand websites for low-calorie drinks – they even give recipes and tips!

- Fat Loss School’s Drink Recipes

- Fat Loss School’s Tips

Love Your Margaritas?

I found a website that offers sugar-free margarita mix! Click here to check it out!

The Chaos of Family

So we all decided we had to hook up a DVD player in the main living room – something we’ve not been successful with before. Well, Andrew (the boyfriend) decided he “was not technologically challenged” and tackled the task with my Grandma and Dad…

Mom was very proud – especially when they completed the task!

Very helpful tip!

I have had it confirmed to me by two people (one my Aunt and one a doctor) that going under your target calorie intake can be a bad thing! It’s important to try and stay close to the 1500 or 1300 calories/day you’ve allotted yourself.

Why?

Two reasons, really. One is because your body will get used to the lower calorie intake and when you actually do eat your 1500 or 1300 calories, you will gain weight. That’s the opposite of what we want to do! You will gain weight because your body became used to a lower calorie diet and when you raise it back up to the 1500, your body thinks it is extra calories!

The second reason is something we humans call “starvation mode”. If you skip meals or starve yourself, the next time you eat your body will hold on to every calorie! It doesn’t know the next time it will get nutrients, so it clings on to everything in can get!

Post your recipes!

Post your low-fat, low-cal recipes for us to try and we will rate/review them!

The future Goddesses,

~Lisa and Christine

P.S. One week weigh-in tomorrow!

P.S.S I won tickets to see Chicago at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis! Thanks, 92.7!

[Via http://christineslusser.wordpress.com]

The CC Weekly Weigh In: Resolutioning

Happy New Year!

Can you believe it’s 2010? Where did the year go? Where did the decade go? Hell, where did my sequin jacket go? And why did I think that chasing a Jager Bomb with a bottle of Andre was a good idea? Oh lord.

Right now it’s probably hard to think about anything but a greasy breakfast sandwich, a gallon of water and how you’re going to get that rando out of your bed, but it’s the first day of the new year and you know what that means: it’s massive hangover resolution time.

This week I asked the CollegeCandy writers to share their resolutions for the new year. Most of the girls are on their own with sticking to their list, but every month we’re going to check in with a few of them on their quest for self improvement. Will they stick to their resolutions and become the best they can be? I guess we’ll have to wait and see. I’ve already ruined my personal resolution of treating my body well (I’ve got a stack of pancakes and a giant latte sitting next to me at the moment), so I just hope they fare better than me.

Arielle – Quinnipiac University: Stop going on Facebook and the internet, and read some books instead!

Nina – Michigan State University: I am going to stop watching brain-suckers like Keeping Up With the Kardashians and watch more health and knowledge related shows. Maybe.

Brithny – Duke:  To fit into my skinny jeans without having to do the after-laundry lunges. You know the ones I’m talking about.

Meg – University of Delaware: cut down my severe caffiene addiction

Anna R – Northeastern University: To finish paying off my credit card debt and save at least $1000 next semester… Somehow I’m hoping I will achieve this while doing an unpaid internship in NYC.

Kim – Stanford: To get a job in NYC and move there after graduation!

Jessica – Hofstra: Stop procrastinating, and start saving money by finding boys to buy my drinks at the bar!

Lauren – University of Michigan: To figure out the difference between need (healthy food) and want (Marc Jacobs handbags and vodka). Oh, and to stop convincing myself that my jeans from senior year of high school still fit. If I can’t breathe, they do not fit. It’s that simple.

Charlsie – Hollins University: To stop reading Perez Hilton. He spreads negativity around and I’m sick of participating in it.

Jackelyn – San Francisco State University: To go for what I want. There’s no better time than today to get things done!

Sarabeth – University of Texas: To legitimately work out this year, no more of this “walking to class counts” crap.

Noa – CU Boulder: To learn how to make Thai food. I swear I spend half of my money on Pad See Ew.

Zahra – Northwestern University: To choose one or two resolutions and stick to them! I always end up with, like, ten. I’m still not sure what the actual resolutions will be but, hey, it’s a start!

Caitlin – University of Alabama: To stop letting people take me for granted! I deserve some thanks for all of the things I do dammit.

Emmy- Loyola University Chicago: To focus on academics and own all my classes next semester.

Erica – Kent State University: To be a better friend. And to find shoes like this.

Ricki – University of Michigan: I will stop buying so much overpriced coffee and learn to make it myself. I will also not count coffee on my parents credit card as “me not paying” because I am actually just fooling myself.

What do you want to do better this year?

[Via http://collegecandy.com]