ZERO CARBS FOR FAT LOSS: HOLY GRAIL OR SURE TO FAIL? Part II

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This month I will continue my discussion of why I feel that a zero-carb approach to dieting might be counter-productive when trying to achieve not only ideal health, but your ideal body. Thus far I have mentioned that a lack of any carbohydrates in the diet will also cause a lack of insulin, which can compromise one’s ability to rapidly and efficiently uptake amino acids, glucose, creatine and other muscle building compounds into muscle cells at several critical times during the day. As well, this lack of insulin will also result in higher levels of circulating cortisol, which can cause a … [Read more...]

Should You Buy Organic?

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Nowdays we browse the grocery store and see tons of items that are "organic" and seem to be much more cost wise. For American families living on a buget but still trying to balance the importance of nutrition; this can begin to get confusing for us all. I will discuss what i believe is important to buy organic and what your wasting your money on. Organics! I am a big believer in organics but I think certain foods are unnessecary and some are a must! Alot of this processed foods in boxs or packaging that is ‘organic’ is worthless. Just because it is organic cane sugar dosent mean ANYTHING! … [Read more...]

You Are What You Eat!

How many times have you heard someone say “You are what you eat?” This statement is actually quite true. I know at times my diet can use a little help, but most of the time I try to eat pretty good. I like to focus on colors in my meals. A colorful plate just looks so good – and provides me with a great variety of necessary nutrients my body needs to function optimally. Plus, I just love the feeling of being healthy. If you were to look at your diet, how would you say it was? Do you think you could improve some of the choices you make? If you are like most people, the answer to this … [Read more...]

Periodizando el Entrenamiento Deportivo

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Ya sea que seas atleta a nivel profesional o solo de manera recreativa todos se pueden beneficiar de un plan de entrenamiento dividido en ciclos. Al tratar de mejorar la manera en que jugamos hay una limitación que todos tenemos en común, tiempo. La pregunta es, ¿cómo organizar el tiempo en que entrenamos para mejorar la flexibilidad, condición cardiovascular, fuerza, resistencia y aun así mejorar la eficiencia? La respuesta se encuentra en la periodización del entrenamiento. Periodización  es un plan a corto y largo plazo donde de forma sistemática se cambia el volumen, intensidad, duración … [Read more...]

Nutrition for YOU!

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What defines proper nutrition?  In 1956, the US Department of Agriculture introduced the "Four Basic Food Groups".  After years of research, the USDA released the first "Food Pyramid" in 1992 - with the largest section, the bottom, consisting of 6-11 servings of grains.  Many people don't realize that the food pyramid was reorganized, so instead of being stacked, with carbohydrates being the majority, to linear - more like rays, and most importantly, more evenly distributed.  While that is a great start, there are still very specific guidelines about proper distribution of fats, protein and … [Read more...]

How to Banish Cellulite Forever

Banish Cellulite Forever

It’s nothing new. For centuries cellulite has been a global beauty & fitness issue. Studies indicate that 90-98% of cellulite cases occur in women from China, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, United States, Canada, Mexico, Afghanistan, Russia, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia.  Bottom line-It does not discriminate! So here’s the scenario- you workout 5 days a week and try watch what you eat but still can’t seem to get it right- you still have cellulite every time you look in the mirror! Does the frustration that you feel almost make you want to give up altogether or drastically resort to … [Read more...]

Top 10 Workout Mistakes

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There are a lot of unhealthy and counterproductive workout habits and behaviors in which many unknowingly partake of on a daily basis; things that people have been doing wrong for years but simply never took the time to examine. These are mistakes that ANYONE can make, especially when starting out in the gym. I like to call them “Gym-stakes” & I am here to warn you of what they are before you accidentally develop bad workout habits. Here are the Top 10 Workout Mistakes: 1. Doing Cardio “The Wrong Way” There’s a delicate balance when it comes to cardio- If you don’t do enough you are … [Read more...]

Interval Training on the Treadmill

One of my favorite cardio machines to use is the treadmill. There are so many varieties of intervals that can be done. It is easy to vary the speed, incline, run, walk, and gallop to the side. With so many options, you are sure to not be bored with interval training. I am not a big fan of running. For me personally, it just isn't fun, so if you don't like to run, then this is a perfect alternative. The intervals will increase your heart rate and therefore, help you burn more calories. Try this fun and challenging "get ready for spring" workout. It won't take you hours at the gym, because let's … [Read more...]

Best Stretches for Upper Body Relief

A stiff neck, tension headache, and tight shoulders are often experienced by people first thing in the morning or at the end of a long strenuous work day. I suspect this is happening more often as we are getting back to our work schedules. Gentle stretching exercises can help alleviate the aches associated with tight muscles of these regions. Keeping your flexibility is important in preventing discomfort, headaches, and minimizing chances of injury.The following stretches should be performed upon wakening as well as during breaks at work to minimize tightness and decrease the … [Read more...]

Fat Loss

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I am not a fitness elite. I am not a incredible professional athlete. I am a woman who has found fitness late in life. This article is about fat loss. And that is something I can speak about with authority. You see, when I was 43 I used to weight upwards of 265 lbs. I was headed on the way to high blood pressure meds for the rest of my life and a whole host of other health concerns because of my obesity. I am now 47 and lost about 130 lbs in the course of 2 years through healthy whole foods and exercise. If you are reading this and have never had a significant amount of weight on you, then … [Read more...]