Slim People in Progress

Fat Loss Quickie Scott Tousignant is an Inspiration to Many

2010-02-06T15:37:34-08:00

Last week I had the pleasure of finally meeting Scott Tousignant, the genius behind the Fat Loss Quickie 10 minute work out program. I've been following Scott for a long time on twitter and was excited when I found out we would both be on the faculty at the Niche Affiliate Marketing System event.

Scott has an avid "cult" of followers! And I mean cult in a good way. I think there were about 30 people in attendance who are members of his Fat Loss Quickie experience. And they all looked great and raved about the workouts - 10 minutes you can do everyday in your home and/or office.

I couldn't resist and I joined the 6 month program. It's only been a few days and so far, each day I get an email with a link to a page with two videos: one for strength training and one for cardio. Plus there are occasional videos with nutrition tips.

I really like the format. It's simple and doesn't require a lot of time. And, the workouts are designed for the work at home entrepreneur, like me. I find myself sitting at my computer for hours on end so it's good to have a structured program I can easily get up and do when I need a break.

You don't have to join the program to get a ton of value from Scott Tousignant. He has a free motivation report with 36 Success Tips.

Download the FLQ_Motivation Report

Ever since my favorite gym shut down last year, I've been hopping from one thing to the next, looking for the motivation and INSPIRATION to workout again with more consistency. I think I may have found it!

Power walking is fun with a friend

2010-01-29T13:02:18-08:00

I've been power walking the last two mornings with my dear friend and colleague, Kathleen Gage. We're both on the faculty of Niche Affilite Marketing System workshop this weekend.

Kathleen is training to power walk a marathon in May. We decided we would meet early each morning before the conference to do quick 30 minute walk. Usually I run, but I want to take advantage of the time with Kathleen to brainstorm and talk business. And it's fun. And invigorating, since it's about 30 degrees at 6:00 am in Atlanta! Pretty cold for a California girl.

Power walking is easier than runnning for having a conversation,that's for sure. Though I haven't gotten my heart rate up as much as when I run, I feel really good about the power walks and I'm having fun and getting exercise. That's the important thing, right!

Tip: Kathleen recommends Dave McGovern's Complete Guide To Marathon Walking. McGovern has trained thousands of marathon walkers who participate in the Team in Training program.

Travel and Workouts - Video to the Rescue

2010-01-23T10:35:24-08:00

When I travel I always have the best of intentions. I take my running/workout clothes and tell myself I'm going to go to the gym or run while I'm on the road. Somehow it rarely seems to happen. So many excuses: I'm tired, no time, not comfortable running alone in an unfamiliar city.

Next week I'm going to Atlanta for 5 days to speak at an online marketing conference. I'm taking my workout clothes and this time I'm determined to get some exercise in. One thing that will help is that I'm meeting up with a colleague who is training with Team in Training to power walk a marathon. We're planning to get a few walks in together. A great way to catch up, brainstorm about possible projects we can do together AND get some exercise.

I'm also going to use the following video by Rachel Cosgrove to get me going if I only have a few minutes in my room before all the morning to night activities.

Do you workout when you're on the road? If so, how do you motivate yourself?

Vitalicious Sweepstakes - Win a Years Supply of VitaTops

2010-01-19T14:22:26-08:00

This is a public service announcement. Vitalicious, the maker of my favorite one point treat, is having a sweepstakes and giving away a year's supply of VitaTops.

Plus, there's a special deal via Hungry Girl so you can get 50% off when you order the 2 for 1 Chocolate Craving Smackdown by January 20 and use coupon code HGChoco.

Lately, my favorite way to consume VitaTops is to buy the baking mix and bake them myself. Same great taste and just 1 point.

11 Healthy Eating Tips for a Healthy Heart (and weight loss!)

2010-01-13T07:51:05-08:00

Guest author Kathryn Schleich shares her experience and what she's learned after having a heart attack at age 51. She writes about health, diet and exercise.

One of the first things having a heart attack has taught me is how important healthy eating is regardless of the severity of the attack. Here are 11 tips that can also be used as a guide to lose/and or maintain your weight on an ongoing basis.

1.    Legalize All Foods. There are no bad foods, just bad eating habits. Don't put any foods off limits, but do be aware of portion sizes and how much you are eating.

2.    Listen to your hunger. Ask yourself on a scale of 1 to 5 how hungry are you (One being very hungry and five being very full.) Pay attention to what your hunger symptoms are - strong growls, light-headedness, headaches, or difficulty concentrating).

3.    Know when to stop. Learn to recognize when you are full and stop eating. Learn what fullness feels like and rate fullness on a scale from one (one being very hungry to four being comfortably full and satisfied).

4.    Implement the 20 minute rule. It generally takes 20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that you are full, so slow down and enjoy your meal!

5.    Evaluate your eating habits. You may not even be aware of everything you eat and drink. Use a "food journal" to keep a record of what, where, when, and how you eat. This is also an excellent way to monitor your hunger and fullness.

6.    Portion distortion. Design your plate appropriately - 2/3 grains, vegetables, and fruit, and 1/3 protein. Keep in mind legalizing all foods, so don't' skip dessert eat half.

7.    Exercise and activity - get into the habit at least four time a week. Regular exercise is a great way to boast serotonin and ease stress. During the holidays, don't forgo your regular exercise routine - schedule holiday parties and shopping around your workout. If you aren't exercising regularly, the beginning of a New Year is the perfect time to start.

8.    Identify your risk factors. Learn to say no politely to healthy eating saboteurs who come in all shapes and sizes. They could be anyone - aunts, grandmas, co-workers, and friends. Instead of break room doughnuts, grandma's pecan pie, or auntie's appetizer, bring your own healthy appetizer or snack to share.

9.    The stress and pleasure principle. Take charge of emotional eating. Food can represent many emotions - love, anger, boredom, and anxiety. At the height of stressful times, your body releases a flood of cortisol and adrenaline - hormones that increase blood flow, raise your heart rate, and sends your blood pressure soaring. Research has proven that excess cortisol also causes excess weight gain in the abdominal area. However, cortisol is an important hormone secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in the following functions:

a.    Regulation of blood pressure
b.    Maintenance of a proper glucose metabolism
c.    Proper function of your immune system
d.    Response to inflammation
e.    Insulin release for blood sugar maintenance

Serotonin on the other hand, subdues your cravings, causing a sense of contentment   and peace. Increasing your serotonin through more sunlight, exercise, and Carbohydrates can help keep stress levels down through busy and hectic periods such as the holidays.

10.    Drink plenty of water which will help you keep hydrated.

11.    Limit your alcohol intake and other high calories drinks. Alcohol metabolizes to sugar and fat, so consume alcoholic drinks wisely by limiting yourself to one-two drinks a day or consuming non-alcoholic versions. During the holidays limit high calorie beverages such as eggnog and hot chocolate.

About the Author
An avid believer in exercise and healthy eating, Kathryn Schleich experienced a serious heart attack in 2009 at the age of 51. Through that experience she has made it her mission to educate heart attack survivors, stroke survivors, and those wishing to maintain or lose weight. Schleich is also a nationally published author and can be contacted at kathrynschlei777@yahoo.com. You may also visit her web site at: www.women-write.com.