Mommies Who Love Fitness

5 Steps from Self Conscious to Self Aware

2011-07-09T18:56:00.001-07:00

You feel normal. Then you go out into large crowds, or you are invited to a party or date. You put off committing to it, or skip the event entirely. It doesn't take much, because you're comfortable where you are, with your tools that are designed to keep you happy: the computer, the TV, Facebook, your iPhone, money to order pizza.

Or, you decide to go, after changing your clothes 5 times and still not being comfortable. You feel paralyzed, and don't talk most of the time you are out, because you feel you have nothing to say. This was my nightmare. It feels painful. For a moment to even go back, and that person comes back from time to time.

This self consciousness could stem from anything: critical parents. Job loss. Car accident. Health problem. It's a neuropathology. Want to get past it? Here are 5 ways how.

1. Meet Yourself. Stand in front of a mirror. Now with a veil of compassion, look into your eyes, and don't look away. See yourself as younger, newer, fresher. Give yourself time to Marvel at your youth. Then see your face as older, sagging, paler skin. Wrinkles. Pockets of fat, hollow spots. Not what's there: worse. Confront where your face is going. Then see your face for what it is right now; find the opportunity to live, the fortune, the miracle that is your face. You may find with this, that it brings up insecurity; flaws, pimples, confront it. Stare. See. You may find your expressions and reactions leaving you vulnerable, open. This is where you want to be. It's from this raw moment you are going to Love Your Face. This Face that got you here, good or bad, this face that can't hide expression, or years. This Face that has the opportunity to be shown out to others, alive and Loving and Imperfectly Perfect.

2. Feel Others' Love. This is best done in the shower. (I did this in a small stainless steel closet shower, so I know *you* can do it.) Think about the last time someone didn't return your love. Easy to do? It was for me. Really get into it. Feel how painful it was when that love wasn't returned. Feel how lonely you feel. Really define what is giving you the pain. You laid yourself out there and reaaally got rejected. He/She doesn't care, call, make an effort. Feel that pain. At this point: Realize the depth of your pain--is the depth of your capacity for love.

It's at this point where you see the opportunity that exists within you to give the right love to the right person who can handle you and the needs or demands that you require. (It's okay to have emotional demands, by the way.)

Then go from that deep sense of pain and realization... to imagining... "Well, what if that person actually *did* love me as deeply as I wanted them to? How would that feel?" It was this point that made my knees buckle. It was the most dear gift. It was as if I was experiencing how much of a loss it was for them. What if you are rejecting the type of Love you truly needed?

Carefully put down the walls, and imagine the Love pouring out of the showerhead, seeping into your torso. Even though you may feel completely alone in this world--(I literally was) you can find one spark of Love, right from that beating heart inside your chest. Love yourself the way you want to be Loved. Respect yourself the way you want to be respected. When you are waiting for that call, that email, that text, connect with yourself. Feel in your bones that you are worthy. This is the seed from the vine of Love growing within you, and it is hardy. Nurture this seedling as you grow, cultivating its form like a bonsai.

3. Assess your Life: One way I did this was to list everything I did Not like about myself. I gave myself permission with my newfound Self Love to venture a peek backwards, and list and confront all the things I didn't like about my life. I made sure to stick to circumstances and keep away from the things I couldn't help, such as my mole, or my hammertoe. Then I went through that list and found the things I wanted that were different from where I was. I was single, broke and alone. I was for the first time in my life physically fit, working with amazing people but earning a modest wage. I wanted to be married and have kids, but it seemed so far away. I then listed the things I loved about myself; the things I had to offer in business, in love, the things I could cultivate in myself. This gave me something with which to work; a place to start.
<p>4. List the things for which you will not settle. This is the Life's Buffet of Opportunity that is something we can continually visit: For me, this was being an endurance cyclist, a happily married, well loved and loving wife, a dependable, loving mother, and an insightful, caring and flexible business owner.
All these things came to me because I placed the order, and followed the path I laid out in front of me. Given the proper steps of deciding to, or not to, I'm seeing that every event could go very wrong (hence be an opportunity) or very right (opportunity coming from hard work) to get me where I must go. Making decisions became a lot easier for me because I had a more refined, concentrated Focus.</p>
<p>5. Develop an Observer; or Teacher within you. Continually assess: are your Actions or Decisions benefiting or hindering you? Name it anything you like; we all have this Source inside of us, and most of us have the capacity to be still for a few moments to weigh our actions, our reactions or 'where do we go from here' that carves out the path for which we won't settle. The more often we sit with our Inner Teacher, or better yet, develop a walking Inner Teacher that weighs our actions as they happen, the more sensitive we can be to opportunity and our receptiveness to opportunity, and we become Self Aware. Not more, not less, just refined and sensitive.
Life seems less overwhelming this way, and more empowering because we are receptive to abundance and opportunity.</p>

Sometimes all it takes to start...

2010-04-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

"If you're not moving, you're not growing. If you're not growing, you aren't living." - Tony Robbins

“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.” -Emerson

Sometimes all it takes to start your fitness is knowing someone who has achieved their goals. The most highly acclaimed motivational speakers continually say that in order to achieve results, read a biography of someone who has been in your shoes. Then model your behavior after theirs because success leaves clues. Authentic? It's still authentic if you allow yourself to shine through and still have those tools in your toolbox, and even more authentic when you push past the goals, achieve them, and set new ones. Everyone needs a little help: why reinvent the wheel?

In that vein, I would like to give a few examples. I watch the show The Biggest Loser on NBC every week, and when they have a lot of good workout advice, I'll watch it more than once, as I have it on DVR. To see these beautiful (yet large) people accomplishing anywhere from 2-20 lbs a week weight loss... every single week with minor fluctuations either way, I am inspired. I see that success is eminent, as they have some of the best trainers in the world looking after them and kicking their butts on a daily basis.

I want to cry when one of the contestants 'only' loses 3-5 lbs.. that would be a dream come true for me!

I have purchased the bodybugg to measure my caloric expenditures throughout the day, and I have opted to get the year long subscription so I can log my food. This has enabled me to eat whatever I want (within reason) just as long as I stick to the basic math, which is to run at a daily deficit of 500 calories per day or more for a lb. a week of weight loss. Math is 500 calories a day for 7 days a week = 3500 calorie deficit, and therefore a pound of weightloss. For some of you, you know that 3500 calories equals a pound, for others, the light bulb is just turning on. I applaud you for getting this far! This is all common sense, therefore simple.

Now something that Jillian Michaels mentions is Cardio Interval Training. She uses cardio bursts and a combination of muscle circuits while you are recovering from the short bursts of cardio. In my opinion, this is the best (and most efficient) form of caloric burn. Muscle confusion (and variety) is used to benefit the Mommy, and it's kicked into overdrive with the cardio.. (in the form of jumping jacks or modified jumping jacks, plank pose, mountain climbers etc.)

Jumping back out of the science and technique, and back into the motivating factors...because for me, that's where the juicy stuff is.

Your Friends--Face it. It really pays to know someone who has successfully gone through a program and achieved results. It's not enough for a complete stranger to tell you they went through a program and it worked: again, success leaves clues, and the best form of flattery is to be copied. SO don't be shy. Interview your friends.. and if you have no friends who have tried any type of fitness or sport goals and achieved results, find more friends!

Surround yourself with those who are active. Make plans to exercise; make plans to meet someone at a trailhead and go on a hike! It doesn't have to be earth shattering...it's supposed to be fun, otherwise, why on earth would you want to do it again? Some of the best times I can remember were having a good talk with a good friend while keeping the heart pumping during a good walk.

Sign Up. If you are having a tough time meeting friends who are active, sign yourself up for a local hike, walk, run, biking event, etc. Raise the money it takes to enter! Get a sponsor--and Commit to something! Just the commitment of signing up for something and telling everyone about it *keeps you accountable* to yourself, and ensures your progress.

If you're not moving, you're not growing. If you're not growing as a person, you aren't living.

If you are tired of being the way you are, get moving, and commit. Meet people in the training program you have signed up for, and go on rides, walks, runs with people. It PAYS to be in a group or a tribe. Who knows? It may become as addicting as food once was. You may use exercise as a form of comfort as opposed to food or escaping with TV or computer. I only say this to you because this is me. This content and information is because I am living it *right now*. You are experiencing my journey first hand. I am running away from the comfortable.

This is personal. So far, I have signed up to ride a 100 mile bike ride in September. I figure that goal is far enough in the distance that I can give myself a fighting chance. I have to raise $300, and I signed up with my credit card. I have posted the link on my facebook for all to see. I have put a ticker on my profile to show people my training miles that I have logged. '100 miles seems like too lofty a goal!' you might say. Well, it is possible, but I've committed, and plan on riding 2000 miles before September so I am good and ready.

I am going to do a 3K run by May 8th. I will be either walking or cycling every day to give myself variety, and my body a chance to recover from the previous day's hilarity. 3K only equals to 1.6 miles. If you can run 1.6 miles, you can run 3 miles... and so on. Where is your first rung?

I *also* am going to do Jillian Michael's last chance workout for the next 6 weeks to give myself some cross training when I'm not walking, cycling or rebounding. I want to build up my calves (and my bum knee) and my core. I already feel the difference.

The reason I'm telling you all this, Ladies, is because I am desperate to get back to the shape I once was, and even more desperate to be better than I once was. All laziness is overrided by the fact that I *JUST* Can't Take it ANYMORE.

This One Thing: this one decision aligns my heart, my head, my body, and my desire.

I am one little acorn who will grow into a beautiful oak one day, stable and balanced. All I have to do is everything I've planned and put out there into the universe.

I hope this has helped at least one of you.

Starting Your Road to Fitness with One Thing

2010-04-07T15:38:00.001-07:00

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Lao Tzu

"How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." - Unknown

"How fast can you change your state [of being]? *snap* How fast? *SNAP* --Tony Robbins

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” Schweitzer

The myths we tell ourselves:
I have come to find out that starting my fitness routine is easy for me. The more challenging thing is to stick with it. I will get excited about something for a few weeks, then the challenge will wear off or the results won't happen right away. This is not uncommon among mommies across the board. I have done the research it takes to have a fitness site. The saturation in the diet and fitness market is LOADED with quick weight loss pills, teas, 'supplements' and detoxes. Sure, it works for some people because of the placebo effect, but at the same time, it can be dangerous, and don't forget costly! I've done Alli, Jillian Michaels weight loss pills, bodybugg, and many other supplements out there. I am one of you. America is great at making money off of hope, and we can see that it works! Let's just try to work from ourselves: from within, shall we? (Besides, It's FREE on Mommies Who Love Fitness! I vow right now this will never be a pay-site.)

Wrap your Mind around Fitness for a moment:
What I propose for the members of this group is to get real. Get down to the brass tacks of why we haven't started yet. What is it? Lack of goals? Too lofty of a goal? Well, 'there's no such thing as too lofty a goal' you say. That may be true, and I applaud you for saying it! But have you considered that too high a goal (at first) can actually do the opposite for your motivation?

Many Mommies do it. We get excited about what our bods could look like and how we could feel, and then we count calories during the day, (then applaud ourselves for doing so) or don't eat altogether, then at the end of the evening, we wind up binging to make up for our lack of nutrients, perhaps gaining more weight than previously! How do you feel right now? Let's drop the guilt, shall we? Let's just start over.

Start with small goals. Make small changes. Your body will change gradually, and for good:
Along with putting an end to the hype and BS that comes with dieting and starvation and binging, I'd like to address the way *most* people set goals. We HAVE to talk about this as mommies, because our children are watching. They learn from us how to live their lives and become healthy people, no?

We have to set realistic goals, and goals that resonate. If we don't align our mind and heart with our goals, those goals won't mean much. I've discovered that if we don't feel gratitude along the way for what we do have or what we have accomplished... then we are shortchanging ourselves of the happiness we deserve!

One Thing:
What I propose for us is to create a challenge where we take One Thing. One thing we can change and commit ourselves to that is realistic and smart, measurable and tangible. Is it to weigh a certain amount before summer? Dig deeper. Is it to fit into a smaller size jeans? Dig deeper. Make sure that One Thing hits your pride: hits your ego: hits your heart. Make that One Thing you change about yourself be that you are a better mother to your kids because you are a great example and have enough energy to sustain yourself for a lifetime.

So let's explore: what One Thing will you change in your life and make you proud, daily, to say you've done so? Take this One Thing and commit to it, such as limiting your sugar, taking your kids on walks once a day, not sitting down after you get home from work, commute to work by bicycle, not eating past 7pm, cutting out pasta, drinking 8 glasses of water a day, waking up before everyone and doing some yoga/running...what is YOUR One Thing?

After you commit to yourself you'll do it, you will know what intrinsic worth is. Intrinsic worth is what fuels the fire of anything you encounter, and is the driving force of this group. One day it could be cutting your sugar. The next thing you know, your one thing could be walking a mile every day. Or running five miles. You get my point. Hit your pride. Climb that ladder. Make it grow. Walk tall, even if (especially if!) you're 300 lbs. Walk tall, and make that One Change. It will give you the loveliest of consequences: a long healthy life of a Strong Woman who made the right decision.

What is your One Thing?

Health Advantages of Tea

2010-03-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Do not believe we are simply what these eyes can see.

….Now we are music together,

sharing one cup and an armful of roses….

Let the beauty we love be what we do! --Rumi

I’ve quit drinking coffee. Yes, I've finally done it. How, you ask? It was obvious I needed to stop. My body was not responding, and I was requiring more to get that warm buzz, and I could tell I was ruining this Gift I've been given, which is my physical form! Strongly put, you say? When's the last time you have thanked your body for breathing, for walking, for seeing and reading? I hadn't in a long time, and now I do.

As a result of this new-found gratitude, I’ve switched to tea as a form of comfort and soothing as I go through my daily routine. It's better for my body as it doesn't throw my pH out of whack as coffee did. That wasn't all though. I had another reason to quit coffee: As a metaphor for life, I want to show my children how to cultivate manners and etiquette through the form of tea time. When they get older and raise kids of their own, I want this time to be a positive memory where they learned to act out their imagination and learn social grace with whomever they choose to keep company.

Studies show that green tea contains antioxidants, fighting off free-radicals in your body. Depending on which tea you choose, if you have an ailment, a custom blend may help ease your pain, or heal you altogether. For as long as easterners have been drinking tea, a leaf from the stevia plant has been included. Stevia is a natural sweetener and has been found to not affect insulin levels in diabetics, and when used on it's own in a tincture it's been touted as a healing agent and an agent to keep infection away.

Another advantage to drinking tea over, say, soda is the effects of warm liquids vs. cold liquids on the body. Warm tea opens the valves in the body more and aids in digestion and cleansing in the body during detoxification. Cold fluids tend to restrict body response and take more energy from food breakdown during digestion. Besides, there's just something so soothing to drinking warm tea.

For my personal gain, however, I am curious about the culture of tea in the Orient. In China, the Buddhist tea ceremony could spur a form of Grace through mindful routine. By mindful, I mean down to the way one stirs their tea. Check out these two forms of teatime, and see if you can't help but embrace some of the ideas brought out by these two cultures!

Check out a charming interpretation of the history of tea here.

Tea Ceremony History

The evolution of the Tea Ceremony mirrors the growth and importance of tea within Chinese culture. In the beginning, tea was cultivated and used solely as herbal medicine mostly within temples. Monks began to use tea to teach a respect for nature, humility and an overall sense of peace and calm. In fact, the spirit of the Tea Ceremony is described as he, jing, yi, zhen which translates to peace, quiet, enjoyment and truth. Monks felt they could illustrate deep philosophical concepts through tea service. It is for that reason that the underlying philosophies of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism blend together through the Tea Ceremony. Over time, people recognized the health benefits of tea but also its overall enjoyment. Tea ceremonies could be seen in memorial celebrations for both emperors and family ancestors.

The first written account of tea ceremonies was during the Tang Dynasty over 1200 years ago. The term to describe the serving of tea was initially called cha dao or the way of tea. Japanese monks traveling through China during this period began to learn tea and tea culture. After bringing this knowledge back to Japan, tea ceremonies evolved in Japan as it blended with Japanese culture resulting in the well-known Japanese Tea Ceremony and is still called cha dao. Although cha dao originated in China, many felt a new term was needed to distinguish between Japanese and Chinese tea ceremonies. In 1970, a Taiwanese tea master Lu Zi Kuang coined the term cha yi or art of tea, to represent current Chinese tea ceremonies.

There are six major aspects to consider when performing a Tea Ceremony. The following is a summary of both the technical knowledge and subtle skills for a successful ceremony.

Attitude – The attitude of the person performing the ceremony should reflect both a happy and confident demeanor. The performer should exude a calm and relaxed manner to create a peaceful and enjoyable tea ceremony.
Tea Selection – There are many considerations when selecting the right tea. In addition to fragrance, shape and taste, the tea should have a beautiful story and name.
Water Selection – The best quality tea leaves will have poor taste if bad quality water is used. Therefore, select pure, light and clean water to ensure a wonderful tasting tea.
Teaware Selection – It is important to select the correct teaware for brewing your tea leaves. In addition, allow your participants to fully appreciate the teaware by selecting both useful and beautiful items.
Ambiance – A peaceful and calm environment can be created with a clean, comfortable and quiet room. Artwork can be used to enhance the overall atmosphere of the space.
Technique – The basic skills for brewing tea are needed but also a graceful manner reflected through hand movements, facial expressions and clothing.

Teatime in Tibet

“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis
on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without
rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment.
Only this moment is life.” -Thich Nhat Hanh

Tibet's Tea History

The Chinese had introduced tea to Tibet by the dawn of the 9th century. Tibet's rugged climate and rocky terrain made cultivation of their own plants difficult, so tea had to be imported from China via yak caravan. The long, tiring journey into Tibet by yak took nearly one year and was threatened not only by the dramatic terrain of some of the highest mountains in the world, but by tea-seeking thieves and pirates. To keep up with the high Tibetan tea demand, nearly two to three hundred tea-laden yaks entered the country daily.

Tea became so popular in Tibet and the surrounding areas that it was used as a form of currency. Compressed tea was a common form of payment for almost anything, and workers and servants were routinely paid in this way.

Traditional Tibetan Tea
Traditionally, Tibetan tea is made by boiling the leaf for about half an hour before passing the liquid through a strainer made of horsehair (sometimes today made of plastic) into a long wooden container. Traditionally, yak butter and salt are added to the tea and churned until emulsified. These additives help replace the fat and salt lost by those living in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayan Mountains. Younger generations of Tibetans sometimes drink a variation of Indian Chai.

A Tibetan Staple
Tea remains a Tibetan staple, with per-person consumption of up to 40 cups or more daily. Tibetan etiquette dictates that no guest should go without tea and that his or her cup can never be empty.

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2010-01-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

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What is your Powerful Reason Why?

2009-11-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

If you want to lose weight or get fit, you must have a focus; a Powerful Reason Why.

How To Find Your Own PRW

I suggest you take a time-out and search within your soul for that PRW

Here is the surface question: Why do you want to transform your body?

But to find your powerful reason why you're gonna have to dig much deeper

than that.

You must take a hard look in the mirror. You may even have to enter those

dark repressed corners of your mind to uncover it.

You may have to come face-to-face with some inner demons you have.

You may have to deal with sensitive issues that have held you back for a long

period of time.

I don’t know what it is for you, only you can discover the PRW and the resultant feelings that follow.

Here are some questions to help you figuire this out!

PRW Triggers

What moves you?

What motivates you?

What strikes that inner nerve?

Who are you doing this for? You or someone else?

Do you want to be a role model for your children?

Do you want to be in shape so you can find that special partner?

Do you have health challenges that you want to erase?

Do you want to transform your life and inspire other people in the process?

Are you tired of the insults you get from family and friends about your weight?

Is there that special someone you want to impress?

Do you want to gain respect from your peers and colleagues?

Do you want to have a career in fitness?

Is there a recent life-changing event you can use to harness your drive?

when you dig deep and find your PRW you will soon discover that

another dimension of life does exist. This dimension operates at a much

higher degree of intensity.

It is here where you live life to the max, you take risks, you follow-through,

you keep the promises you make, you live without fear, you cherish your

loved ones and most importantly of all, you live your truth.

It is a great place to be.

Here's the best part.

This dimension is not somewhere "up there", it is already inside of you.

You will find it in the silence between your thoughts.

excerpt taken from Burn the fat; feed the mind.

http://www.rtp-vip.com/

We are here for you!

2009-05-22T15:02:00.001-07:00

Please come join our new mommy network!

http://www.mommieswholovefitness.ning.com

Mommies Who Love Fitness! Is a sister group to this blog; come meet other moms who are going through the same things you are with regard to your diet and fitness!

--Karyl

Forgiveness and Dieting

2009-05-22T14:54:00.001-07:00

I think all too often as women we are geared toward sticking to a diet, buying a magical pill, buying a certain book with miracle diet recipes, to signing up to weight loss forums to give ourselves the illusion and excitement of embarking on a healthy weight loss regime.

We diet, and we diet. We cut fat, carbs and carve calories out of our diet on the quest to find that perfect formula that will enable us to achieve a perfect body and ideal health. Instead, we wind up resenting food, it's place on the planet, and the fact that we have to think about it in order to survive. How many of you think to yourself "I've tried every form of dieting and none of it works; I really suck!" This is NOT; I repeat, NOT the way to live... is it?

Inevitably we grow weary of the excitement and the newness wears off, and we 'fall off the wagon' disappointing or even depressing ourselves. Then we kick ourselves and guilt ourselves into oblivion for not keeping up on our commitments. Sound familiar? You're not alone.

Really, what we should be doing is listening to our body's cravings and sensual desires and celebrating our ability to listen and experience. Instead we have to get into a certain mindset of forgiveness.

Forgiveness for all we've done to our bodies, for all we will do, and just enjoy ourselves, because we all just have this life. It doesn't even have to take a while to get there.

HALF of body image and the destructive nature in which we treat ourselves when we're trying to lose those unwanted pounds could and can be avoided!

I just recently came across a CD I think is vital for all mommies to listen to, and that is called "Intuitive Eating" by Elyse Resch and Evelyn Tribole, and a LOT of it is based on the same principles I spoke of above. I strongly urge those of you who are committed to forgetting how to diet and shaming ourselves into fitness, but rather build positive experiences with food and fitness, and getting back to the core of life--enjoyment!

The Ins and Outs of Dirty

2009-05-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

So you've made up your mind you're going to start mountain biking, but you haven't gotten a clue as to proper bike fit, how to brake or change gears. You think you don't have any business getting out there because you'll make a fool of yourself.

This is where your friendly moderator shakes you and tells you to wake up: How are you going to get fit unless you take some calculated risks, get informed, and get out there?

There is such a fun element to cycling, and mountain biking in particular. When I get out I am catapulted back into my carefree kid days and I feel an element of exploration that can't be rivaled by cleaning house and running errands.

It is truly a balance to have the ability to hop on two wheels and let the bike do all the work, going up gentle slopes and soaking up the oxygen the trees provide, looking through polarized lenses at the greenery and blue sky ahead, and feeling the air moving in and out of your lungs, especially on an exhilerating downhill.

There is something so meditative and singular and truimphant about muscling along a trail, feeling your legs and hearing your breath and the machine you are one with purring along underneath.

If there are aggressions felt, anger felt, hopelessness and helplessness felt at the beginning of the ride, it's all left out on the trail between those two boulders, embibed in those green tree branches. You won't have any aggressions when you leave the ride; that's for sure.

That is, if you just follow these simple steps.

1) Make sure your bike fits. Feel that your hands don't have a lot of pressure, your back or your knees. If your knees are too high, you won't be able to breathe in all the way, and you won't get the right stride. At the same point, don't put your seat too high unless you have to dismount quickly. Another advantage of having your seat lower is a lower, more stable center of gravity.

2) Make sure you've aired your tires and maintained your bike. Also, go to a free bike maintenance clinic held at your local bike shop or REI. Put your pride aside: a minute of knowing is better than an hour of frustration: I speak from experience!!!

When you do actually get on the road:

3) Mindset: Know there's a learning curve! Don't feel ashamed if you have to take the fireroads first! When you learn how to ski, do you hit the black diamond first? No! You start with the bunny slopes. Practice technique: practice, practice, practice.

4) Learn how to brake. This takes some practice... Personally, I only use my front brake lightly, and compound it with my rear on technical trails.

5) Practice changing gears on flat ground first, then on hills. The key to biking and mountainbiking is knowing how to change gears. If you can get through that first hour of frustration, you will wind up finding a lifelong sport you can go back to time and time again.

6) Mindset: Know at some point, you're going to fall. Why jump on a mountain bike with this mindset? Let's just say within the mountainbiking subculture, if you fall and scrape a knee, it's a badge of courage. It's the knowing as a result of doing. It's the building of the wisdom of riding, and the experience and triumph of having gone somewhere not everyone has been. Kind of like travelling to Europe, comparing scars is the same thing: you never know unless you go.

So, in closing, if you are thinking about getting into mountain biking, or just regular biking for that matter... Please know you just may have something more valuable to give to others when you get home; always much more than when you started.

If you need help with Weight Loss, and You're a Mommy, click below NOW!

2008-12-30T20:27:00.000-08:00

Simple Inexpensive Ways to Curb your Appetite

2008-12-19T22:57:00.000-08:00

There are several natural ways to suppress your appetite during the holidays that is safe for your body, one of them is exercise and drinking lots of water, but here are 10 ways to beat the holiday urge to binge.

#1 Peppermint Oil added to some water

#2 Apples

Most experts agree that apple comes first on the list of suppressants. You may have noticed that apples take longer to chew especially if you do not cut them into little pieces. Chewing longer will give your brain the time it needs to register that you are full. This will in turn reduce your chances of overeating. Apples are also fiber-rich. Fiber can make you feel fuller longer because it does not digest quickly.

#3 Tea

Aside from being an anti suppressant, green tea in particular is known for its ability to help burn fat. This is why it is popular among people who wish to lose weight. The beverage however can also stimulate the release of hormones that can control or limit food cravings.

#4 Chocolate

Some kinds of chocolates should be avoided. Some brands and types carry a lot of calories and are sugar rich which makes them major weight contributors. Very small portions of dark chocolate however may be good for you. The bittersweet taste of pure dark chocolate can leave you feeling satisfied.

#5 Oatmeal

Another suppressant is the oatmeal. That?s why it should be in your breakfast menu more often. Oatmeal contains carbohydrates that do not quickly run out as you use it for energy, hence making you feel less like eating more. It is also fiber rich.

#6 Flaxseeds or Flax Oil

Looking for another rich in fiber? Flaxseeds are yet again rich in fiber. They are however, best consumed when raw. If you want more flavor with your flaxseeds, you can mix them with your early morning bowl of oatmeal.

#7 Water

Hydration is another important thing. Drinking a lot of water throughout the day can keep you hydrated. It can also limit your appetite especially if you drink a glass before a meal.

#8 Salad http://www.cksinfo.com/food/salads/index.html

Eat salad. It makes a lot of sense to serve salads before the main meal. This is because salads are rich in fiber. Some salad greens also contain water. This makes them perfect suppressants.

#9 Coffee

Coffee can also help you cut your appetite. You do have to take it moderately though. Drink only one or two cups a day and make sure that your creamer is non-fat. If you are able to take unsweetened coffee then that would be a better idea.

#10 Soup

There’s a reason why soups are served before the main course. Like salads, soup too is often served before the main course. Since soup contains water, it can naturally make you feel full even before you take your first bite. Do make sure though that you do not take soup that is creamy because this can be fattening

#11 Almonds

At the behest of those who have read this in my other thread, Mommies Who Love Fitness, I have added this tasty treat to eat a little bit before you eat. I can see how the proteins and enzymes would trick your belly into fullness... It also has a lot of healthy fats as well, just stick with the low or no salt ones.

#12 Be Mindful and Thankful of your Food

Being mindful, expressing gratitude over how the food got to your plate, and chewing to enjoy your food are all great ways to fill up quickly.

5 Fun Free Ways to Burn Calories

2008-12-19T22:48:00.000-08:00

1- DANCE TO HOLIDAY MUSIC!

Are you too busy with holiday cooking and shopping to find time to workout?

Well, you don't have to make time for the gym to burn off extra calories. A fun way to get some exercise in and still keep up with your holiday preparations, is to dance around the house to your favorite Christmas music.

Sound silly?

Yes. But it is fun, and it does work.

Listening to Christmas music is already a tradition for many families. Just make dancing to the music part of your tradition and have a healthy holiday.

Be spontaneous; your kids will think you're crazy, but a) you'll be creating lasting memories and b) your kids will warm up to the idea and appreciate your craziness, even though they won't show it.

2- GO CAROLING THIS YEAR.

Make a decision to go with your local church, even though you may not go to church regularly. Churches generally have a standing route they take every year, and although it's tradition for them it would be new and exciting for you and yours!

Or, if you feel especially spunky, call up all your friends, tell them you are going, and invite/lure them with your hot cocoa.

This is a great way to burn calories, as you'll be out with friends and family, sipping low-fat cocoa, and not wanting to leave because you'll be spreading holiday joy and having fun!

3 - LOOK AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON FOOT.

rather than in the car....

This way, you'll be doing something as a family, there will be some moderate enjoyment involved, and after all the "Aw, MOM's and "Oh, geez" 's, your kids will have something to look back on that's positive. It's also FREE!!

4 - VOLUNTEER AT A SOUP KITCHEN.

Not only would you and your family be making your community a better place by placing random acts of kindness, but being surrounded by all that food would probably keep you away from cravings of turkey, ham, and other yummy holiday foods.

5 - KEEP TRACK WITH THIS HANDY DANDY CALORIE COUNTER

The holidays are full of hustling and bustling. Ever wonder how many calories per hour you expend with all this added activity? Look no further, we've figured it out for you... *

Being Festive
Decking the halls (& the Christmas tree)	178
Christmas caroling	107
Playing Christmas carols on the piano	178
Dancing the night away	321
Mingling and socializing	143
Making yourself gorgeous & dressing up	178
Kissing under the mistletoe	71
Chatting on the phone with family and friends	107
Christmas shopping	164
Wrapping presents	107
Entertaining
Cleaning house in preparation for guests	250
Grocery shopping for the feast	250
Packing the groceries upstairs	571
Baking Christmas goodies	179
Clearing the table and washing dishes	164
Keeping Safe and Warm
Chopping & splitting wood	428
Carrying & stacking wood	357
Removing snow with a snow blower	321
Removing snow with a shovel	428
Playing around
Sitting & playing cards	107
Having a snowball fight	321
Building a snowman	285
Making snow angels	214
Ice skating	500
Snowshoeing	571
Snowmobiling	250

Check out the Activity Calorie Calculator to learn how many calories you'd burn doing 158 different activities! Source: Compendium of Physical Activities, ACSM
* Based on 150 lb person

lose weight fast - how to lose weight fast

2008-01-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.ehow.com/how_5611332_lose-weight-fast-buying-anything.html

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