Female Weight Loss and Nutrition

Gym Workout Playlist

2012-07-12T09:27:00.002-07:00

Today my playlist was "ROCKING", I felt great! It was like I didn't want to stop working out. Today was leg, butt, and abs which are my favorite, but it was something about my music where I felt like I was in my own zone. Squats are one of my favorite leg and butt exercises, I normally do 2 kinds of squats on my second day of legs and butt. One set I will do wall squats using a stability ball and the other I will do squats on a aerobic board with two 8 pound weights for extra weight. But today I want to do plie squats and squats on the squat machine using 45 pound weights on each side along with wall squats. I KNOCKED THAT WORKOUT OUT THE PARK! As you probably can tell I'm still pretty pumped and I workout at least 45 minutes ago.

I believe the music your listening to while your on your way to the gym puts you in the mood. I also believe the music that you put in your ears right before your workout matters. It has to be loud to go over the boring music the gym has to offer, high energetic to make you want to push through your work outs, and your favorite songs. I'm that girl that hears a song that she likes and keeps it on repeat, don't laugh I know, strange but hey I like what I like. The only problem with that is by day 3 your burnt out on that song. The crazy thing about a playlist in my opinion is you can put one together but if your not feeling that song at that time nine times out of ten your going to stop your workout to change the song. Don't worry we've all done it.

I'm looking forward to creating a few playlist for the gym instead of just one. I'm thinking about creating one for cardio, my work out and my cool down. Its nothing more annoying when your finishing up a hamstring workout and right before you finish the music cuts off, throws your whole workout off. When I'm finishing up on a working out, I like to play something a little slower. I like to listen to R&B and little Hip Hop when working out it gets me through some tough reps.

If your wondering what I'm listening too right now here you go:

Walk around the Club/ Treal Lee

Do it/ Myko

Ride Like That/ Travis Porter

Ayy Ladies/Tyga ft. Travis Porter

Go Harder/ Future

Starships/ Nicki Minaj

Mercy/ Kanye West

Hustle Hard/ Lil Wayne and Ace Hood

Same "D" Time/ Future

Take it to the Head/ DJ Khaled and Chris Brown

Birthday Cake/ Rihanna and Chris Brown

Beez in the Trap/ Nicki Minaj

What's on your Gym Workout Playlist?

Best Leg Exercises

2012-07-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's are my leg day's. I usually incorporate back, and abs in the mix to make sure I get a full intense workout. To my surprise the hubby came with me today he usually only comes along on my arm days and you guys know how I feel about those days. So, we went to the gym and as usually on Monday's it was packed but I didn't let that detour me.

I did 5 minutes of cardio on the treadmill on a incline of 7.0 at a speed of 2.8. Then I jumped right into my circuit workout. I did sumo squats on a step aerobic board using a 8 pound weight (15 reps), jumping right into a split squat(10 reps) on each leg if your a newbie just do 5 and work your way up the next time you do the circuit, then roman dead lifts(15 reps), following salsa lunges(10 reps) on each leg, completing with 12 burpees. Resting for 30 secs. That was one set, I had 2 more to do then I was done.

Off to the bike to bring my heart rate down a little, I was on the bike for one minute then I was off to do 3 sets of leg curls(20 reps) resting for 10 secs. between each set. It was time for calves, not my favorite but it beats arms any day. I did a pyramid with my calves to shock them. The machine I used was the seated calf machine. I started off with a ten pound weight on my first set(20 reps), then I did a fifteen pound weight on my second set(10 reps), my last set I finished with a twenty pound weight(8 reps).

It was time for some back action! I went straight to the seated row machine doing 3 sets 15 reps resting for 10 secs. between sets. Then I went over to the stability ball, I love that ball. I did 3 sets of 15 reps of back extensions on the stability ball. Resting 10 secs. between each set. Then I did a crossed leg reversed crunch 3 sets of 25 reps resting for 10 secs. between each set. Then I planked for 30 secs. Went to the bike for a 5 minutes for my cool down. WORKOUT COMPLETE!

What's In Your Smoothie?

2012-07-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

What is the purpose of a smoothie? Is a question that I get from newbies. To be honest it all depends on what your trying to do. There are smoothies for just about anything healthy, I will give you a example of a few. There are smoothies for weight loss, curve your sweet tooth, health benefits, meal replacements, muscle gain, getting your fruit food group in one take, I could go on and on about the great benefits and reasons why you should drink a smoothie everyday.

I like to drink a smoothie after a great workout, it helps to replenish the nutrients that I lost while I was working out back into my body. It fills me up, allowing me to replace a meal that I would've eaten without drinking a smoothie. Also allows me to consume less calories. Smoothies are also really great in the hot summer months as well.

Now that you know why you should drink a smoothie. Lets talk about what you should put in your smoothie. Fruit is Heaven sent most are sweet and packed with a lot of health benefits.

Lets go over some:

Strawberries: Are a good source of fiber, the help to lower blood pressure, and its a antioxidant and its a anti-inflammatory
Blueberries: Are very high in antioxidants, boost your immune system, reduces belly fat, and is a anti-depressant
Bananas: Lowers blood pressure, keeps digestion regular, very high in potassium, aids in cancer prevention
Avocado: Lowers cholesterol, helps prevent aging allowing you to look and stay young longer,
Pineapples: Rich in vitamins, strengthens bones, and helps to fight colds
Raspberries: Antioxidant, natural sun protector, lots of vitamins
Blackberries: Prevents with blood clotting, cardiovascular benefits, and eye health
Mango: Helps with acne, beneficial for anemia, boost your memory, helps with weight gain

Fruits are packed with everything we need to live a healthy balanced life and when mixed together they're a force to be reckon with. If your wondering how to make a smoothie, its quite easy. All you need is a blender, fruit, milk( I prefer almond milk), greek yogurt if you don't mind the extra calories, and a few ice cubes. Once you have all that your blender you ready to make some magic happen. I suggest you have fun with your smoothies, play around with them and see what you like and what you want to trade off for something else. Whats the worst thing that's going to happen? You get healthy!

Whats in my smoothie, today is: Coco powder, strawberries, blueberries, almond milk, and few ice cubes. What's in yours?

7 Fitness Rules You Should Break

2012-07-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

Forget everything you thought you knew about getting fit. Outdated advice abounds—and may keep you from getting the smartest, safest workout. And getting your body beach-ready can be surprisingly easy: Several new studies show that moderate exercise—not pushing yourself to the limit—is the best prescription for better health and a longer life.

In fact, one recent study found that working out as little as 15 minutes a day—or 92 minutes a week—lengthens life by three years, compared to people who are sedentary. Want to add four years to your life? Exercise 30 minutes daily at a comfortable pace.

Here are 7 fitness rules that are meant to flouted—and new ones backed by solid science to help optimize your workout.

The Worst Fitness Trends of All Time

Old rule: Avoid exercising in the heat.

New rule: Acclimatize slowly and cool your neck.

A series of experiments shows that cooling the neck before working out in hot, humid weather can significantly boost athletic performance. Volunteers wearing ice-cold, strap-on neck collars could run faster on a treadmill in 87-degree heat than when they weren’t wearing the collars. You can get similar results by dipping a handkerchief in ice water and draping it around your neck.

Stay safe by gradually increasing the length and intensity of hot-weather exercise over two weeks, drinking ample fluids, and taking frequent breaks.

Old rule: Drink before you’re thirsty.

New rule: Drink up, but avoid fluid overload.

For years, sports nutritionists recommended “drinking ahead of thirst” to avoid dehydration. However, recent studies show that slight dehydration doesn’t hurt athletic performance or health.

A study by the Sports Science Institute of South Africa compared runners who did three two-hour workouts, in which they either quaffed a sports beverage according to thirst (about 13 oz. per hour), at a moderate timed rate (about 4 oz. every 15 to 20 minutes) and at a high rate (about 10 oz every 15 to 20 minutes). There were no significant differences in core body temperature or finishing time.

“The idea that thirst comes too late is a marketing ploy of the sports-drink industry," says Tim Noakes, M.D., professor of sport and exercise science at University of Cape Town, South Africa.

23 Diet Plans Reviewed: Do They Work?

Old rule: Cardio burns the most calories.

New rule: Weight training is a better fat-burner.

A recent University of Southern Maine study found that 30 minutes of weight training torches as many calories as running at a blistering six-minute-mile pace. Along with boosting strength and chiseling muscles, weight training revs up your metabolism for up to 36 hours.

High-intensity training is another excellent fat-burner, with a recent review in Journal of Obesity reporting that it’s more effective than other forms of exercise for flattening the belly, while also improving aerobic fitness.

Old rule: Work out longer and faster to boost your health.

New rule: Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise daily.

A new study found that people who jogged 10 to 15 miles per week, at a pace of six or seven miles per hour, significantly outlived those who ran further and faster. The low-mileage group had 27 percent lower risk of death, compared to non-runners, while people who logged more than 25 miles weekly at higher speeds had no significant drop in mortality. The study analyzed the medical records of nearly 53,000 adults over an average of 15 years.

Another study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceeding in June, found that extreme endurance training may cause long-term heart damage in some marathoners, professional cyclists, and ultra-marathon runners. The researchers say that moderate exercise or interval training (mini-bursts of high-intensity exercise) is healthier for the heart.

Lower Heart Disease Risk with These Lifestyle Changes

Old rule: Subtract your age from 220 to get your maximum heart rate.

New rule: Women should use 206 minus 88 percent of their age.

To burn fat and improve endurance, typically, your target heart rate should be 60 to 80 percent of your max. However, the traditional formula is based on research in men and can result in a max that’s too high for women, according to a study published in Circulation.

The researchers developed the new gender-specific formula based on an analysis of about 6,000 healthy women ages 35 and older. And while the math is a little tricky, you only need to run the numbers once a year—on your birthday.

Old rule: Stretch before your workout to prevent injuries.

New rule: Do a 10-minute dynamic warm-up.

A study published in British Medical Journal found no scientific evidence to back up the notion that stretching before a workout reduces injuries or that stretching before and after prevents muscle soreness.

Other studies show that static stretching can actually impair athletic performance, while dynamic warm-ups—such as pairing calisthenics (like squatting and lunging) with running drills—improve it. Dynamic warm-ups also reduce injuries, a 2006 study found.

Old rule: Prevent or treat overuse injuries with custom foot orthotics.

New rule: Cheaper prefab inserts are just as good.

Custom orthotics are a billion-dollar industry, but there’s little evidence that they deliver more benefit. A study of military recruits found no difference in rates of stress fractures, ankle sprains, or foot problems in those given custom orthotics versus those who wore prefabricated inserts.

Another study found that prefabricated heel cups for plantar fasciitis (heel pain syndrome) actually provided better pain relief than custom orthotics, at far lower cost.

Original Post found here: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/7-fitness-rules-you-should-break

Weight Loss Journey

2012-07-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

I'm not the first person to start a journey of any kind and I'm not going to be the last. I will allow you into my world and let you know why I did start, a weight loss journey. I never had weight issues, I've always been very active and fit. Up until my mother's passing. I became very, depressed, and angry to a lot of my family members. My mother was my rock, best friend, counselor, she was my everything wrapped up into one. When I tried to tell someone about how I was feeling my delivery was off. So, I turned to food. I felt good when I ate a cupcake, pie or anything sweet for that matter. Then anything fried or greasy would sustain my hurt. Just this year I told myself I've had enough. Walking into my bathroom and seeing my body transformed into someone I never seen before brought more depression on and I couldn't take it anymore. The woman my fiance' fell in love with was no longer present. I had to find that woman again who was happy, fit, and felt beautiful again. So this is the reason behind my journey. I welcome all supporters on this healthy living journey!

Every Friday I take a picture of myself to see my progress. To see if I've lost weight, inches, toned up, or started to form definition. Posting these pictures of myself up on the internet is truly hard, not only am I showing my flaws, I'm allowing others to judge me. But, if I can't be real and true to my self then who can I be real with. I hope you use my pictures as motivation and knowing that someone other than yourself is striving to have the same goal. What is that goal? Being the best me! As I may be supporting and motivating you, I want you to know that your doing the same for me. To see my journey click on the Picture Friday tab.

Let’s Go Grocery Shopping!

2012-07-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

So your starting over and changing your lifestyle! Its time to clean out your pantry and refrigerator. Many women find themselves going to the grocery store with good intentions of buying healthy foods, only to come home with low fat cookies, potato chips, crystal light, flavored oatmeal, and lean cusines meals. It can be very difficult to change the way that you shop for your weekly foods to match your healthy "diet" plans. When your first starting out.

Before leaving home, make a grocery list. But before you make a grocery list, make a list for your upcoming week. Developing your meal plan doesn’t have to be difficult, consider some of the foods that you already have. Once you got your meals planned out for the week, look for the the ingredients that you will need for each meal and make a note of the ones that you will need to purchase. Once you found out what you need, make your grocery list, list the foods you need to buy by the aisle. That way your not making unnecessary stops in aisles you don't need to be in. Tempting yourself to buy unhealthy items.

Look for whole grains near the rice and pasta. Look for labels that read 100% whole-wheat to be sure you are getting whole grain products. Take some time to find the healthier foods rather than going for your old eating habits.Fresh vegetables and fruits make up the largest part of your grocery list. I recommend that you eat at least seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Choose seasonal produce and get a variety, especially if you are feeding a family. If you buy a lot of fresh fruit freeze some and refrigerator the others. It's less expensive and last longer.

Your proteins and meats should consist of mostly seafood (shrimp, fish, etc.), poultry(chicken, turkey) and lean meats. When buying your poultry look for the labels that say 100% natural, and locally grown. These are the best and healthiest meats. Eggs, nuts, and beans should be part of your list as well. Beverages should be kept simple. Water, almond milk, powerade or gatorade, and herbal teas are all good choices. NO soda's not even diet. Try almond milk or rice-milk for tasty alternatives to whole milk or low fat milk. Don’t forget, many fruits and vegetables are good sources of calcium too.

Take caution when buying condiments. They can be sneaky sources of refined sugars and high in fat and calories. Read labels to choose the best condiments. When choosing dressings for your salad make sure they're made with healthy oils such as olive oil and canola oil. Coconut Oil is a great oil options as well. Frozen vegetables are convenient and nutritious. If you are cooking for one, there are a lot of single serving frozen entrees that cook up in minutes. These make it easy to have a variety of vegetables. (Green Giant is one of my favs.)

Peanut butter sandwiches can be very healthy made on 100% whole grain bread. When buying bread, look out for labels that say enriched flour. These are not good for you, enriched means all the nutrients that once was in the bread are gone and replaced with sugar. Look for homemade peanut butter without the added sugar. Almond butter is also a great healthy altervative as well. Deli meats, such as turkey and chicken slices are better choices for sandwiches then processed lunch meat.

Quick Tips For Every Day Shopping
• Never go to the grocery store when you are hungry.
• Bring a pen and check off everything on your grocery list.
• Park your car further out in the parking lot, for more exercise.
• Don’t eat in your car. It will keep you from mindlessly eating while driving down the road. Having the tendency to forget about the calories, sugar and fat that we consume when driving.
• If your going to have a long outing, bring a small cooler. Stock it up with fresh fruit, water, and poweraide or gatoraide. This will give you healthy options on the go. Not tempting you to stop by the fast food drive-thru.

Couples Workout

2012-06-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

Are you getting bored with your workout? Do you need some extra motivation? Do you need some quality time? Why, not go with your significant other. Working out with my significant other is not only fun, motivating, but its en powering. I get to show him how much I've improved since the last time. Then I get to show off and flirt all at the same time. I'm not that type of girl that needs to be around her man all hours of the clock. So, I chose to workout with my partner on my more challenging workout days. Which are my arms, chest and back.

For some reason on those days I just don't get pumped up, if he's not there. I'll rush the exercise just to get it over with, instead of feeling the burn. Another reason arms, chest, and back is a good workout day for me now, is because these are his favorite kind of workouts. It's like he goes into a zone, its just him and the dumbbell's and he's ready for war. Very attractive, I have to say so myself. Seeing him in his zone makes me want to go harder in the gym. When he sees how hard I'm working in the gym, he comes over and pushes me to my full potential. Not taking "NO" for a answer

Working out with my Fiance' definitely brings us closer, we both share a common interest and it gives us a lot to talk about outside of everything else we have in common. We are both competitive, us going to the gym together not only allows us to push harder to beat the other in their goals. But, we're getting fit and healthy in a fun way. After workouts we go to the sauna, sit back and relax and compare workouts. Corny to some but interesting to others. Workout together definitely has brought us closer, there are a lot benefits to working out with your partner. I'll name a few!

Quality Time
Common Interest
Brings you closer as a couple
Keeps you motivated
Friendly, Flirty Competition

Some of the exercises that we do together:

Bicep Curls
Triceps Curls
Back Extentions
Lat Pull Downs
Barbell Bench Press(no weight or 5 pounds for me)
Cable Cross Overs
Old Fashion Push Ups

If your losing interest don't give up just yet, grab that special someone and go to the gym together! You'll be glad you did.

Digestion Secrets for Nutrient Absorption and Energy

2012-06-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

To live like a centenarian, one of the key ingredients is maintaining healthy digestion. When your digestion runs smoothly, you get the maximum nutrients from your food, which keeps your body functioning in peak condition. Keep your digestion on track with one simple habit: drink 1 cup of tea every day. If you practice consistently, by the end of the month, you will have a new habit that will pave the way for a long and healthy life!

This is the fifth habit in the 2011 Longevity Program, a yearlong plan of monthly activities that come from the habits of centenarians from around the world. The idea of this program is that by choosing a simple activity and doing it every day, you will gradually develop 12 new healthy habits by the end of the year. Would you like to do the whole year program? Look at my previous Yahoo! Blog “The Longevity Resolution: Live to 100”.

If you are interested in a more formal longevity program, check out my new bookSecrets of Longevity 8-Week Program, a journal that will transform your health and lengthen your years.

May’s Habit: Drink One or More Cups of Herbal Tea Everyday

Here’s why: We live in a culture marked by poor diet and digestion--and the poor health and short life span that go with it. Your body obtains necessary energy and nutrients from food. However, our cells cannot absorb these nutritional benefits unless the food has been digested, or processed and converted into a useable form. Sometimes particles of undigested matter can adhere to the inner intestine, which can prevent our body from completely absorbing the nutrients in our food. Certain herbs that contain natural digestive enzymes have been used for centuries to help promote healthy digestion; in fact, in many healing traditions, herbal teas are taken on a daily basis as medicine.

Top Digestive Tea Picks

These herbal teas will keep your digestive system running smoothly and help you get the most from your food. For best digestive benefits, try drinking one of these teas an hour after every meal:

Peppermint has many well-documented properties: it increases healthy gastric secretions, relaxes the intestines, soothes spasms, settles the stomach, and alleviates gas.
Gentian, a bitter herb with a long history of use for its digestive benefits, stimulates digestive juices and increases pancreatic activity and bile production.
Licorice is thought to have soothing and anti-inflammatory actions that help relieve gastro-intestinal irritations.
Ginger has been found to soothe the stomach’s digestive lining and balance gastric juices. Also, it facilitates better absorption of nutrients and better elimination of wastes.
Chamomile is another excellent herb for settling the stomach. It also soothes the nervous system and relaxes the muscles, making it a perfect choice for the evening, an hour before bed.
DIY Super Digestion Blend: make from the fresh herbs in your kitchen. Steep 1 teaspoon each of basil, cilantro, mint, oregano, rosemary, and sage in 1 quart of hot water; save the rest for later.
Not your cup of tea? If tea is not your beverage of choice, you can get similar digestive benefits from drinking a glass of heated water with a lemon squeezed in it. First thing in the morning, this lemon-water “tea” will help to cleanse and move the roughage that stays behind in your intestines. Another option? If the flavor of tea seems a bit bland to your palette, try adding a twist of lemon, a sprig of mint, rosemary, or a handful of fresh basil for an aromatic flavor burst. To add sweetness, use a little honey, stevia products, or a stick of cinnamon.

Bonus tip: Abundant Energy is an herbal blend supplement that stimulates digestion, which in turn improves nutrient absorption and encourages physical vitality.

Reward Yourself

If you stick to the plan almost every day, come up with a way to reward yourself. You will be more likely to follow through with your goal when there is a bonus in sight.

Stay on Track

To stay on course, ask yourself these questions each day. Keeping a written record of daily answers will help you stick to the plan and may offer inspiring insights.

Are you drinking at least one cup of herbal tea (or lemon water) every day? What has the experience been like for you? Do you look forward to it?
How do you feel today compared to the previous day? How about to one week ago? You may notice less intestinal gas, improved bowel movements, and perhaps more energy.
What obstacles are keeping you from drinking a cup of tea every day? What can you do to remove the barrier?

Make it Happen! An Answer for Every Excuse

There just are not many excuses for not bringing tea into your life: it’s one of the healthiest beverages (especially when it is caffeine free), it’s inexpensive, and tea time is a great way to take a solitary pause or share a moment with friends.

Miss a day? Sometimes during a busy week, you may miss a day or two. But this does not make you a failure! Let go of any guilt and consider the reasons for missing a few days. What could you do differently for more successful results? Then, recommit, make adjustments, and continue where you left off. Never give up!
Not available during the day. It is a rare workplace that is stocked with fresh herbs for steeping in boiling water! Take the habit on the road with you by bringing your own teabags to work. Another option is to make your own tea in bulk at home. Simply bring water to a boil, pour into a separate bowl and steep 2 to 3 teaspoons of fresh tea or herbs per cup of water. Then strain into glass pitcher and put in the refrigerator, where you can drink at your leisure or pour into a thermos for traveling.

On May 31: If you have been practicing drinking at least 1 cup of tea a day, it is likely that you have created a new habit. Keep up the good work and stay tuned for June, where you learn heart-healthy habits! Look for my monthly articles to guide you through a healthy and happy 2011.

You can find more ways to live a long and healthy life in Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle. In addition, my newest Kindle book, The Natural Health Dictionary, makes a great companion to your quest for longevity. It is a comprehensive guide that answers all your questions about natural remedies, healing herbs, longevity foods, vitamins, and supplements.

I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Original post found here: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/drmao/digestion-secrets-nutrient-absorption-and-energy

Staying Motivated to Lose Weight

2012-06-25T11:14:00.001-07:00

Don't you hate when you been dieting and exercising for a few months but you don’t think your losing as much weight as you were in the beginning. It’s hard to stay motivated when you don’t see results.

In order to keep you motivated, you need to first uncover your definition of results. Why did you decide you wanted to start losing weight? Was your initial reason to begin changing your eating habits, throwing the term "dieting" out the window and opening the door to a lifestyle change? In reality that's what it is a lifestyle change." Dieting" is only temporary. The goal to lose weight is keeping it off, not putting back on a few weeks to a month later.

If your answer is yes, then have you accomplished that task? Losing weight isn't always easy but nothing in life worth having is. If weight just slipped off you like no tomorrow, then you wouldn't appreciate what it took to get the body you always wanted. You also need to ask yourself what is weight loss, is it the number that pops up on the scale? Or is it when you put on those favorite pair of old jeans that you haven't been able to fit in for a few months? (For some, years.) These are the questions you should be asking yourself. Weight Loss may come in the form of pounds one week and inch's in the following week. What difference doesn't make, as long as it's coming off. That's the goal here, right!

But maybe you are thinking that you need to lose more weight. If that is the case, then you have every reason in the world to be motivated to continue working out. Ask yourself what will happen if you go back to your old eating habits and no exercise routine?

Well, the obvious answer here would be that you will gain back the weight that you have worked so hard to lose and probably pack on a few extra. You definitely don’t want that to happen.

So how do you stay motivated?

Start a journal of everything you eat and drink and recording your workout routines this will make it easier to stay on track.

Affirmations will help you to stay motivated.

Recognizing your achievements and rewarding yourself for your accomplishments will encourage success.
Set a day that you will a take a picture of your body every week. That way when you think your not losing weight you can look at the pictures side by side and actually see that you have. (I do mines every Friday.)

The important thing to realize is that it takes courage to begin any weight loss or fitness program. Commitment is needed to stay on task. Realize that you are a beautiful, important woman that deserves to reach her goals.

Imagine all of the benefits you will reap when you succeed. Show gratitude for how far you have come. Know that you are on the right path and to turn back now, will seriously impede your chance for success. We all have our reasons for losing weight and to give up on the reason isn't fair. If your losing weight so you can get up and play with your kids. Then you decide losing the weight is to hard who are you really giving up on?

What is your reason for losing weight? Please leave your comments down below.

David Kirchhoff’s Top 5 Tips to Become Your Own Weight Loss Boss

2012-06-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

He’s not just the president of Weight Watchers, he’s also a client.

David Kirchhoff, president and CEO of what must be the most famous weight-loss support group and corporation in the world, joined us this morning to tell his personal story and explain how Weight Watchers is now reaching out to men.

His book, “Weight Loss Boss: How to Finally Win at Losing – And Take Charge in an Out-of-Control Food World,” is about Kirchoff’s story, and offers tips on slow, steady weight loss and maintenance.

The numbers are scary. More than one-third of all Americans are obese. Forty-five million say they are trying to do something about it. Until now, most of the focus has been on women– their weight struggles, their diets. Now Weight Watchers is going after the guys, with a very high profile and outspoken spokesman.

Charles Barkley has jumped on board, saying he can’t believe he’s getting paid to lose weight. The retired basketball player told ABC’s “20/20″ in Maythat he’s lost 42 pounds while servinc as spokesman for the program. As the first male public voice for Weight Watchers, Barkley says the program lets you be a he-man while getting healthy, which is exactly Kirchhoff’s point in his new book.

He talked to George Stephanopoulos this morning about how he got involved with Weight Watchers, how he came up with the idea to target men, and if he’s really seeing more men in the Weight Watchers meetings.

Kirchhoff was 34-years-old when he was at his heaviest — 245 pounds. It was only by happenstance that he joined Weight Watchers. He started as an employee of the company and thought it was just a nice perk of the job. He reached his goal weight of 203 pounds in 2009, and has maintained that weight (within 2 pounds) since then.

But ladies, don’t think your husband will only join the program if it somehow relates to a job perk. Kirchhoff gives you tips on how to gently push your guys into jump-starting their weight loss regimen and becoming their own “Weight Loss Boss.”

Top 5 Tips to Becoming Your Own Weight Loss Boss

1. Don’t go solo. It’s not as easy to hit the snooze button when you know you’re meeting a friend for a power walk through the neighborhood. A weight-loss partner, like a friend or a spouse, can provide motivation and accountability. Also, seek out social support. From posting updates on Facebook to creating a weight loss blog, sharing your experiences can be motivating to both you and your followers.

2. Focus on foods that fill you up and slow you down. We all like to get the biggest bang for our buck, so why not target meals and snacks that give you the most food for the least amount of calories. Pick foods with bulk that take a while to eat, such as salads, broth-based soups and oatmeal, and make them bigger by adding fruits and vegetables. For snacks, look for low-calorie, high fiber options that take a while to eat, such as grapes, sliced apples and fat-free popcorn.

3. Put on an awesome tool belt. Having the right tools and resources by your side will make losing weight easier by creating additional accountability and controls, such as a scale, pedometer and mobile apps that support a healthier lifestyle. Weight-loss programs such as Weight Watchers can also provide the additional resources you need to lose weight effectively and learn how to keep it off.

4. Shift into autopilot. Build a routine around a newly formed healthy habit, such as starting your day with a 30-minute session on the treadmill. To get these new routines into autopilot, make sure you have an incentive to do them, such as using that time on the treadmill to catch up on your favorite show you recorded on DVR.

5. Kick willpower to the curb. Temptation will eventually win, especially if poor food choices are easily available. The key is creating a healthier environment. Banish your trigger foods and replace them with healthy favorites. For example, try replacing that stash of chocolate in your desk with almonds, fruit and beef jerky. Healthy, high-fiber snacks, packed with protein, can satisfy your hunger and help keep you feeling full longer.

Original post found here: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/06/21/david-kirchhoffs-top-5-tips-to-become-your-own-weight-loss-boss/

Celebrity Trainer Jackie Warner’s Secrets for Rapid Weight Loss

2012-06-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

This week, Summer Shape Up paid a visit to celebrity fitness trainer Jackie Warner to discuss her new book "10 Pounds In 10 Days," which divulges her secret formula for getting her star clients red carpet-ready. The program shows you how to lose a quick 10 pounds and how to continue losing weight over 30 days if you have more weight to lose. The book also includes simple food plans and workouts to enhance fat-burning and toning.

The New York Times best-selling author says her five "intensity techniques" are key to burning calories. These exercises jump start your metabolism and help make you look and feel better overall:

1. Cardio-acceleration: a short but intense cardio burst between strength-training exercises, such as jumping rope or using an elliptical machine.

2. High-intensity interval training (HIIT): alternating bursts of high-intensity and low-intensity aerobic activity, such as alternating a three-minute jog with a one-minute sprint.

3. Supersets: sets of two different exercises for the same muscle group back to back, then doing two more exercises for a different muscle group, without any rests between sets.

4. Full-body circuit: performed twice during each 10-day period. Do ten or more exercises virtually nonstop, such as bicep curls, military presses, deep squats).

5. Rest-pause to 100 reps: this method involves stopping when you've reached failure in a set, resting for a short period of time, then continuing for as many reps as you can until you reach 100 reps total.

To complement working out, Jackie's 10 x 10 program includes a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. You can follow either her 10-day diet at 950 calories per day, her 20-day diet at 1,200 calories, or her 30-day diet at 1,500 calories. Jackie also created her own line of wellness and nutritional products to help maximize the body's ability to keep the pounds off.
Jackie Warner Nutritional Supplements

Original post found here: http://shine.yahoo.com/summer-shape-up/celebrity-trainer-jackie-warner-8217-secrets-rapid-weight-200000347.html

Kim Kardashian Buttock Workout

2012-06-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

Some love her and some love to hate her. In reality the woman has a great body and to get a butt like hers isn't that hard with a lot of motivation and determination. Lets begin: Squats are your best friend when trying to achieve a Kim Kardashian buttocks. Barbell Squats, Split Squats, Plie' Squats and Ball Wall Squats.

BARBELL SQUATS

This exercise targets your quads, (thighs) and glutes (buttock).

When doing this Kim Kardashian Buttock Workout you want to do 3 sets of 15 if beginner, intermediate 3 sets of 20, advance 3 sets of 30.

SPLIT SQUAT

This exercise targets the quads (thighs), hamstrings, and glutes (buttock).

When doing this Kim Kardashian Buttock Workout you want to do 3 sets of 15 if beginner, intermediate 3 sets of 20, advance 3 sets of 30.

PLIE' SQUATS

Plie' Squats mostly targets the inner thighs, quads ( front thighs) and glutes (buttocks).

When doing this Kim Kardashian Buttock Workout you want to do 3 sets of 15 if beginner, intermediate 3 sets of 20, advance 3 sets of 30.

BALL WALL SQUATS

Wall Squats targets your hips, glutes (buttocks), quads (thighs), and legs.

When doing this Kim Kardashian Buttock Workout you want to do 3 sets of 15 if beginner, intermediate 3 sets of 20, advance 3 sets of 30.

TIP: Once you do these exercises for a week you want to increase the reps plus five. You want to always push yourself, you don't want your body to get use to that weight and number. If that happens you will start to experience a stand still and you don't want that.

Gym Bans Skinny People

2012-06-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

You've heard of discrimination against overweight people, but what about discrimination against thin gals? A gym in Canada bans "skinny" women from their gym... Slim and svelte? Then you may be banned from Canada's new gym Body Exchange, which business model focuses primarily on obese people. In fact, they say that thin people "bring down morale."

Founder and CEO Louise Green told TheProvince.com that the gym is a "safe haven" for overweight people who may be intimidated to work out in the presence of those who are fit.

"Many of our clients have not had successful fitness pasts so I can see the anxiety before we get started and I can see the relief and happiness after we finish," she said. "People are often too fearful to become active. There wasn't a model that offered camaraderie. I used to walk into fitness classes where nobody would even say 'Hi.' This has got to be fun or it's not going to work."

And, Body Exchange client Lisa Schaffer said she loves that there aren't "tiny little Lululemon people running around" the gym.

Original post found here: http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/gym-bans-skinny-people-173000110.html