R3 Fit Show

Top 6 Foods You Should NOT Eat More Than 3x/Mo (2 of 6)

2011-08-12T19:45:00.001-04:00

The top 6 foods you DO NOT want to eat more than 3x/Mo (1 of 6)

2011-08-12T19:38:00.002-04:00

The Top 6 Food That You DO NOT Want To Eat More Than 3x/Mo!

2011-07-31T18:42:00.000-04:00

Dig Deep w/Joy

2011-05-15T19:18:00.002-04:00

Working Out With Tires

2011-05-09T00:33:00.002-04:00

Healthy Eating 4 People $100 per week

2011-04-22T14:30:00.000-04:00

Testing A New Gadget

2011-04-14T19:19:00.000-04:00

My 6 yr old neice Working Out

2011-03-30T09:07:00.000-04:00

R3 Fit Lifestyle; Broccoli or Popcorn at the movies?

2011-03-19T15:32:00.000-04:00

What Are Kids Eating?

2011-03-12T23:07:00.000-05:00

No Excuses Fitness lives you Excuses ills you

2011-03-04T14:30:00.000-05:00

Last Day with GI Jane

2011-02-24T16:13:00.000-05:00

Pantry Raid with Amy

2011-02-23T14:05:00.000-05:00

Am I an Actress?

2011-02-19T16:17:00.000-05:00

Week 3 with G.I. Jane

2011-02-15T14:57:00.000-05:00

Week 2 With G.I. Jane

2011-02-07T14:20:00.002-05:00

Feb Challenge:Lose weight Eating 1 Ezekiel Pizza/day

2011-01-31T18:16:00.000-05:00

4-Weeks with G.I.Jane Part II

2011-01-31T12:42:00.000-05:00

4-Weeks with G.I.Jane

2011-01-31T10:49:00.000-05:00

R3Diet Revealed "Take & Make" Kitchen Series

2011-01-05T16:00:00.000-05:00

Juicing over 20 ounces of juice in under 60 seconds

2011-01-03T19:07:00.000-05:00

R3FitWorld Retreat w/Michelle

2010-12-11T14:23:00.002-05:00

Family holds on to SAD while R3 wife holds on to Snacks

2010-11-12T12:35:00.002-05:00

R3 Wife with an Instant & Empty Nutrient Family

2010-11-09T12:05:00.002-05:00

My 1st time making Thankgiving meal 11.25.09

2010-11-08T08:59:00.000-05:00

Tasteful or Trashy?

2010-11-01T11:13:00.002-04:00

A few Months ago someone on Facebook commented that she was blocking some guys who were sending her some perverted private messages. She has LOTS of photos of herself and IMO(in my opinion)most of them are tasteful and some of them are trashy. I responded that it could be because of some of her pics....and the games began! Seriously, a few people all capped "HATER" and few agreed with me, which either way was fine with me. I have been in the fitness/modeling industry for most of my life and have worked with some beautiful faces and bodies! But I truly believe that there is a difference between modeling/showcasing/posing and enticing/tempting/inviting.

Here's where it gets tricky: What is tasteful to me, might be trashy to you and vice versa. I also know that our current society wants to express themselves however they choose and if you try to intervene you are considered judgmental and full of "haterade". The part of me that is old-fashioned or desiring to be Christ-like wants to reach out to those who may not know, it is obvious that it would be useless on those who do not care.

Because of my industry(s), my own tasty-trashy-o-meter may be a tad skewed at times and when I am in doubt, I ask my hubby. Some things are blatant though...do you really have to wonder if licking your lips, squeezing your boobs or being on all fours while in your G-string on fb is tasteful or trashy? Do you keep quiet because you do not want to offend anyone? Do you think "to each its own" and everyone should mind their own business? Do you speak up, but in a way that is viscous, snooty or hateful?

Sodas, Science Projects & Soy Milk?

2010-10-28T23:49:00.000-04:00

A Family That Sits Down To Eat Together in 2010!

2010-10-22T08:17:00.000-04:00

I had to ask myself "WHY"?

2010-10-19T10:10:00.000-04:00

     Getting right to the point... ..a marketing professional told us that we should take the phrase "christian company" off of our brochures. He said that it could possibly hinder prospective clients for our programs or services. Instead of being offended and snarky, I asked myself a question to ponder? Why do we have it on all of our materials? What is the purpose? I then realized the reasons that are NOT true. It is NOT there to get clients because we personally believe that God supplies our needs, therefore people can't give or take anything from us. It is NOT there to eliminate non-christians because I am sure that some of our clients may be non-christians. It is NOT there to make people think we are a perfect company made up of perfect people because noone can make that claim.

     So why did we choose to put "christian company" and why did we choose to keep "christian company"? Mainly because we personally believe that the things in our lives that are rooted in the foundational principles of the Bible will prosper us and help guide us ie.business, relationships & family etc. It is no different from someone who puts metaphysics as their guide through life (although those foundational principles are biblical too;).

     What is your take on this? Do you think the two (biblical principles & work) should not be intertwined? Do you think it is a recipe for disaster to separate them? Do you think that it is not a big deal either way...kind of like "to each it's own"? Do you not talk about politics and religion (although, I don't focus on religion I focus on the relationship)?

Are You On The Fence?

2010-10-12T09:11:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite lines in an excellent movie called "Facing The Giants" is when a group of people tried to turn the assistant coach against the coach. They had been pointing out the coach's flaws and telling the assistant coach that he would make a better head coach. The coach found out what was going on behind his back and confronted the assistant. The assistant seemed confused and "on the fence". The coach looked him in the face and said, "you are not doing anybody any favors by being on the fence"!

I believe that people choose to sit on the fence in many areas of their lives because they feel it is easier than making a committed decision in either direction. It is nothing but avoidance and is a cowardly approach. Which areas of your life are you sitting on a fence? Is it helping you or hindering you? If you have never sat on a fence before in real life, you could still imagine what that would feel like..unpleasant & uncomfortable!

Do you tell yourself that you will stop eating fast food, but the next day you are in the Taco Bell drive through because you felt like you were pressed for time?...You ARE on the fence! Do you tell yourself that you will exercise 5 times a week because you know it is good for you, but settle for 2 or 3 because "other things came up"?...You ARE on the fence! Do you wonder why other people seem to do the things you want with ease? It is because they hopped off of the fence and made a decision. Do you think it is easy for them but hard for you to get off the fence?

Here is a test: Go find someone's dirty cat litter box and start eating out of it...why do I hear silence?...why are you not crunching? Oh I see, you are not on the fence as it relates to that. It is easy for you to hop off of the fence and make a firm decision that you do NOT want to eat out of the cat litter box! What is interesting is you would assume that the litter box analogy is obvious on which direction you want to go in once you jump off the fence. I am here to say that if you look at anything you are on the fence about, it is obvious which direction you should jump off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So what are you waiting for? I know that your butt is sore (maybe even has blisters from sitting so long, so take a big deep breath, take that leap of faith and see what you have been missing out on all those years on the fence and most importantly, do NOT climb back up there to your comfort zone fence that is not too comfortable!

"I think I can" NEVER gets old

2010-10-11T13:50:00.000-04:00

My Dad is Using Food As Medicine & is "Cancer Free"

2010-10-04T18:05:00.000-04:00

S.A.D. Kitchen=S.A.D. Issues Sodas & Crackers & Juice OH MY!

2010-09-29T21:26:00.002-04:00

R3Kitchen = R3Body The R3wife + S.A.D.hubby

2010-09-23T12:45:00.000-04:00

Pantry Raid: The Snacker

2010-09-21T18:35:00.000-04:00

Pantry Raid of a Super Spicy Girl

2010-09-16T17:23:00.000-04:00

Are All Health/Fitness Enthusiasts Snobs?

2010-09-06T12:29:00.001-04:00

Are all Health/Fitness Enthusiasts snobs? ...NO! I believe that many are perceived that way because they can make others feel inadequate or self-conscious. If your co-worker is chowing down on some leftover greasy pizza for lunch and had not worked out consistently in over a year and you walk in smilingly with a giant fresh salad of arugula, cucumbers, quinoa and cilantro, full of energy and expressing how sore you are in a good way from the kick butt workout you did that morning before sunrise…it can come across as boastful. However usually that is not the case, anytime someone makes positive changes in their life they feel proud and want to share. They did not do anything to warrant the title “snob”.

There are even cases where the person has a great physique and is sitting enjoying the healthy lunch quietly and still cause the co-worker to feel uneasy and inadequate. So who has the real problem? …Of course the co-worker. The co-worker also has the opportunity to be inspired and ask questions like, what motivates you to eat healthy and workout? How long have you been committed? Do you have cravings? And so forth. But that probably would not happen if the co-worker feels hopeless. If you feel like you have tried everything under the sun to no avail, you start believe it works for other because they have a fast metabolism, are disciplined or have green eyes with hazel specs lol!

There are however some people who are snobs and think they are better than others because of the choices they make. But the bottom line is that no one is better because we all have to choose to make better choices daily and we are all capable of failing daily. May the person who has never eaten anything processed throw the first scone!

4 The Love or 4 The Money

2010-09-03T10:16:00.002-04:00

When I was in search of my passion and purpose in life people would say the phrase that I loathed, "do what you love and the money will come". Considering I used to be impatient (although it sounds good making it past tense...let me be real and say that it is my life-long goal to be patient) I was determined to focus on the money and crossed my fingers that the love would come. Year after year I was motivated and driven by money and funnily enough never really had it. So in short I was working in ways that did not fulfill my purpose, caused me stress, felt uncomfortable and awkward doing it and did not increase financially because of it. I went through a depression phase for close to a year after pursuing money to no avail. It made me spend most days in bed wondering, praying and dreaming. I felt paralyzed because I felt that there was something deep inside of me that wanted to be watered and nourished but had no clue as to what. I only shared this agony with my husband at the time and I did continue attending church which helped tremendously. I did not take any antidepressants and was never actually clinically diagnosed with depression.

Toward the end of that year I had a dream that I was leading a group of people in fitness outdoors. I woke up feeling extremely joyful and motivated. It seemed so real and all I could think about was making it a reality. I told my husband about it and he was very supportive and that catapulted us into research mode, to training mode and finally to launch mode. He had to put off joining me until he came back from his tour in the war on Iraq, but dove in ferociously when he returned. Fast forward some years now and we have been researching, training and launching new aspects of our business as we find the best way to get clients results and our preferred vehicles to deliver those results. I have been the happiest of my entire life (outside of God, wife & mom) for these past years.

I would have never imagined life could be this exciting. Don’t think that you don’t still have obstacles and issues when you are “doing it for the love”; it’s just that your passion for it overrides ANYTHING negative. So I guess I learned that “do what you love and the money will come” is true. However what happens is that the money ends up becoming a byproduct of the value you create and your focus just stays on improving/creating/improving/creating. So ask yourself, are you in it 4 the love or 4 the money?

"Blah" Day....NO WAY!

2010-09-01T10:51:00.001-04:00

I am feeling SUPER EXCITED today! Do I feel this extremely excited everyday? ...uhm......NO! What is the difference between a super "blah" day versus a "move out of my way bcs I am making magic" day? There are certain things that are constants in playing a role, such as diet, exercise, sleep and stress levels. Most of my days are pretty exceptional bcs I start my days with exercise and 20 ounces of fresh squeezed juice, but today I know it is because of a different reason. I feel EXTREMELY grateful today.

I am frequently thinking of all the wonderful things that I have in my life and all the wonderful things to come. I am interested in small things, like how I am glad the eco-friendly company decided to design this water bottle that I am drinking from all the way to how I have never sailed on a gigantic sail boat and plan to do so one day. I am focusing on how I can use my gifts to help people and how I am so blessed to have met so many people that are all uniquely perfect. I find that when I have days where I am "blah" or worse is because I am feeling hopeless, helpless and worried. I am focusing on all the clothes that I have to wash instead of being thankful that I have clothes. I am focused on who made me mad instead of how I can use that experience to not do someone that way.

The good news is that anytime I have a "blah" day I ALWAYS promise myself that I will not allow it to spill over to the next day no matter what. Therefore I always look forward to the next day because I know it will be better. I refuse to have 2 "blah" days back to back bcs it robs me and just as I would not to let a person rob me while I do nothing, I do not want to allow "blah" days to rob me of my joy, productivity, inspiration and mindset. So pay attention to how often you have "blah" days and what you are thinking about throughout those days. Then you will recognize the robber and set a trap for it for next time.

A Day In The Life of Joy

2010-08-29T21:22:00.000-04:00

Transparent adj.1.easy to see through, understand, or recognize; obvious 2. candid, open, or frank = the new direction that I will be taking this blog. At 1st I only focused on health/fitness here and now I will be literally giving you a peak into my life. I am a student of life and focus on improving my relationship with God, my role as wifey/mommy, my ability to be an entrepreneurial super-girl and much, much more. Although I consider my life interesting and unpredictable, I am NOT doing this for spectators. I am doing this to hopefully motivate and/or inspire you to be more and dream more. I also learn about people/things/topics from your participation in the "comment" section. I started this post with the definition of transparent because I have always been and will always be direct and I allow you guys to be direct as well. Check on here frequently to see what's up...following the blog with Google Friends Connect on the left accomplishes this easily.

Food Chopper HOT or NOT

2010-06-10T20:53:00.000-04:00

What You Should Know If You Like Potato Chips

2010-05-11T19:49:00.000-04:00

My 7 yr old Makes An After School Smoothie

2010-04-29T17:23:00.001-04:00

Americans Including Christians Drug of Choice: CAFFEINE

2010-04-26T11:56:00.000-04:00

Caffeine is the Christian drug of preference. Drink a glass of red wine or light up a cigarette during Sunday Night Fellowship Hour, and you will be thrown out on your ear. But a two-hundred-gallon pot of black adrenal-rush will bring friendly smiles of delight. The meeting would not be the same with the absence of its nutty aroma filling the church basement. Little white Styrofoam cups floating in small clusters of heavenly conversation.

Caffeine is the world's most popular stimulant—the drug that four out of five Americans take on any given day. Most of the caffeine we consume comes from coffee.
The United States buys nearly one-half of the world's supply of coffee beans.
Caffeine is highly addictive. Quitting coffee can cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, sleepiness and irritability. The acidic nature of coffee can lead to stomach ulcers. When the excess acid enters the bloodstream, it also increases calcium loss in urine. Coffee has no nutritional value.

Coca Cola put cocaine in their drink at the turn of the century. It sold extremely well. Some consumers succumbed to the addictive quality of cocaine and started to drink undiluted Cola syrup. When cocaine was banned for use in soft drink the bottlers switched to caffeine. The top selling soft drinks are loaded with caffeine: Coca Cola, 62 mg; Mountain Dew, 49 mg; and TAB, 45 mg. Similarly, instant coffee contains 66 mg per cup.

On those warm summer days, young children can drink large amounts of caffeinated pop. Children with half the adult weight and three times the sensitivity. One can of cola for them is equivalent to 3 cups of instant coffee for an adult. Caffeine, combined with sugar, salt, and a diet high in synthetic food, creates one unmanageable youngster.

In a survey, the four top reasons for people quitting coffee were: central nervous system disorders, 39%; gastrointestinal problems, 37%; to break the addiction, 19%; and fibrocystic breast tumors, 15%.

Monkeys are sensitive creatures. During the Boer War, the enemies of the British often poisoned their food supplies. Soldiers used monkeys to test the food. They chose what to eat by holding the food to their lower jaw and if the food was poisoned, the monkey would throw it away. A natural health practitioner, fascinated by the account, decided to test baboons to see if they had a similar ability. An apple was injected with strong coffee by a hypodermic needle. Two apples were given, the untouched apple was eaten hungrily by one baboon, a second baboon received the injected apple. He held it to his jaw, let out an angry screeching sound then tried to attack the experimenter. When he was given a good apple he went off to the corner and ate happily.

Caffeine is able to penetrate deep into vital tissue. Evidence shows that it may be linked to male infertility and also birth defects by passing through the placenta. Drinking coffee during breast feeding will cause caffeine to be present in mothers' milk.

Caffeine has a powerful effect on coronary arteries and the pulmonary and systemic vessels, causing a greater flow of blood to the heart muscle, but decreasing the flow of blood to the brain by constricting cerebral blood vessels. Caffeine can cause abnormally fast, abnormally slow and irregular heart beats. It also wreaks havoc on blood pressure, commonly producing hypertension. Coffee has been linked to heart disease, pancreas and bladder cancer, and hypoglycemia.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, providing that familiar kick on which we have come to depend. But as with all stimulants, there is a price to be paid. If you run the body on overdrive for an extended period of time by artificially stimulating the adrenals, expect breakdown to occur.

Other serious problems linked to caffeine:

* Cortisol- Can increase the body’s levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone”, which can lead to other health consequences ranging from weight gain and moodiness to heart disease and diabetes.
* Dopamine- Caffeine increases dopamine levels in your system, acting in a way similar to amphetamines, which can make you feel good after taking it, but after it wears off you can feel ‘low’. It can also lead to a physical dependence because of dopamine manipulation.

* Sleep- Caffeine can affect your sleep by keeping you awake longer, thereby shortening the amount of sleep you get, and giving you less time in the restorative stages of sleep, which takes a toll on your level of alertness the next day and overall health.

* Coffee is a thief! It robs the body of very important vitamins and minerals.

* Weight Many experts believe that increased levels of cortisol lead to stronger cravings for fat and carbohydrates, and cause the body to store fat in the abdomen. (Abdominal fat carries with it greater health risks than other types of fat.) Also, if increased cortisol levels lead to stronger cravings for caffeine-laden foods, the body goes into a cycle that leads only to worse health.

*There is mounting evidence suggesting that if you want to avoid certain cancers, you are well-advised to kick the coffee habit.

*Caffeine, which is the main chemical in coffee, is a powerful poison! A drop of caffeine injected into the skin of an animal will produce death within a few minutes. An infinitely small amount injected into the brain will cause convulsions. The amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee is quite small, yet we drink coffee because of the effect of the caffeine, just as we smoke because of the effect of the nicotine. Both are drugs, and both are habit-forming. Both are poisons.

References:Charles F. Withal, Elizabeth Scott M.S., Katy Chamberlin,Ron Lageruist

My Fat Burning Detoxifying Tonic

2010-04-08T15:26:00.000-04:00

100 Sit Ups Or An Apple A Day

2010-04-07T16:27:00.001-04:00

The Best Remedy For Depression

2010-04-06T18:44:00.000-04:00

Traveling Toiletries and Blender

2010-04-04T22:34:00.001-04:00

Carb Night

2010-04-01T14:56:00.001-04:00

Day At The Farmer's Market

2010-03-22T06:57:00.001-04:00

Should I Have Buyer's Remorse?

2010-03-18T20:43:00.001-04:00

Can't Have Just One Syndrome

2010-03-18T09:23:00.001-04:00

Sarge's Fitness Tip

2010-03-17T12:34:00.000-04:00

How I Just Nipped Childhood Obesity With My Son

2010-03-14T10:16:00.001-04:00

Detox Article Review

2010-03-09T21:32:00.000-05:00

Watch This If You Want To Keep Your Mindset Positive

2010-03-01T09:36:00.000-05:00

Healthy Eating "Hibachi Style"

2010-02-20T16:31:00.000-05:00

2.17 Bootcamp Baby!

2010-02-18T10:07:00.000-05:00

My Kids and Niece Doing BOOTCAMP Baby!

2010-02-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

My 1st Time Preparing Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T20:17:00.000-05:00

Everyone seemed to fully enjoy my Thanksgiving day meal!!! I underestimated the time and multitasking involved in such a feat. I hope this can inspire anyone who would want to have the best of both worlds...Health and Festivities/Foods. I would like to thank my camper Michelle for the fruit turkey idea, Cassie for the "Living Raw Foods" book, the sugar free book by Mary Yoder and google.

Fruit and Veggie Trivia

2009-11-16T07:50:00.000-05:00

What is the only fruit or vegetable that is never sold frozen, canned, cooked or in any other form but fresh?

The 1st one to give me the correct answer will receive the bracelet featured in my Monthly e- newsletter. To so sign up for the newsletter go to www. NaplesFitnessBootcamp.com.

Submit answer in the comment section below.

11.12 Fitness Bootcamp

2009-11-15T08:47:00.000-05:00

Work that body, work that body, make sure you don't hurt nobody!

Why Are Some Vegetarians FAT?

2009-11-09T14:55:00.000-05:00

Q: Dear Joy, I know some people who are vegetarians and tout it like they deserve a trophy, but yet they are still fat! How can that be?

A: I guess one would assume that someone who chooses to become a vegetarian or vegan would enjoy better health, energy and weight loss or maintenance but if not, it is usually because of 1 or more of the following 4. (Assuming they workout and are just jacking up their dietary choices)

#1. Instead of "WHERE'S THE BEEF?", "WHERE'S THE PRODUCE?"! That should be the foundation of such eating plans and consisting of at least 50% of raw produce. If those "live" powerful foods are missing, so then will your benefits be missing too.

#2 Undereating
If they are eating below their caloric needs (energy), then they are a metabolic catastrophe and marked as a human fat storing machine.

#3 Eating too much fat
We can only get the bulk of our fuel from 1 of 3 nutrients: Fat, Protein or Carbs...if are eating too much fat then fat is easily stored and you will be marked as a human fat storing machine. If you think you do not fall into this category REALLY pay attention to what you are putting in your pie hole. The average American consumes about 40% of their calories from FAT!

4.Eating too many refined carbs/sugars
John Alvino, a Strength and Conditioning Specialist mentions refined carbs and what he feels the top 3 culprits are.

John Alvino focuses on vegetarian fat loss and he say's the 3 foods you must NOT eat if you are a vegetarian that wants to lose fat are....

Controversial stuff...here it is:

#1 Food to avoid on a vegetarian fat loss diet:

Excessive soy products

Most vegetarians consume copious amounts of soy. Heck, it is not uncommon to see soy milk for breakfast, soy burgers for lunch and soy ice cream for a late night snack.

These foods can stop your fat loss dead in its tracks. In addition to all of the sugar and salt these products contain, soy has an estrogenic effect in the body.

Excess estrogen binds to the fat cells and causes an increase in the size of estrogen-sensitive fatty tissue such as belly fat.

#2 Food to avoid on a vegetarian fat loss diet:

Flour products

This list of fat loss no-nos includes: breads, pasta, muffins, cereals and just about all other baked goods.

These foods increase a hormone named insulin in the body which directly promotes the storage of fat.

Flour also has an inflammatory effect in the body. The last thing you want is inflammation in your joints which can cause pain and prevent you from being active.

#3 Food to avoid on a vegetarian fat loss diet:

Cheese

Cheese contains animal based saturated fat which has a negative effect on your carbohydrate metabolism.

In the presence of saturated fat, ingested carbohydrates are directed to your fat cells for storage instead of being diverted to your muscle cells for energy.

Vegetarian diets are typically higher in carbohydrates and anything that interferes with their utilization should be minimized or completely avoided.

Trick Or Trick

2009-10-31T11:11:00.000-04:00

Many years ago it was more of a treat to have junk on Halloween because it was not common for kids to have sooo much junk on a regular basis. Today however is a different story. I am writing this on my laptop as I sit on a field where kids football games surround me. I see kids drinking on processed, sugar filled juices while a tote full of Oreos awaits them upon completion. Sports teams and coaches are supposed to promote health, strength and be great examples of human anatomy. Kids have ample amounts of candy daily from their homes to schools and all the way around to churches. So how is Halloween their day for a treat? Oh maybe the life-long sugar binge that is being developed with the help of parents wouldn't be complete without it's own special day to gather by the ton. So what is a parent to do on such a day that is not interested in participating in the normal festivities(for whatever reasons), while not seeming like the Halloween Grinch to the child?

Well I can think of 3 things:1.Some churches have come up with great alternatives that they have put in the place. However you may have to volunteer with foods/snacks if you want healthy alternatives to junk. 2.You can host a party in your home that consists of healthy foods/snacks like bananas on a stick that they can dip in peanut butter with an orange food coloring and games like bobbing for apples. 3.If you do plan on letting your child do activities that include junk you can let them pick 7 pieces out if they are 7 years old for example and discard the rest. Soooooo parents....what do you think? What do you do and why? Am I on point or over exaggerating? Would you be upset knowing that a parent through the candy away that you spent your hard earned money on? Do you want to do away with Halloween?

Month 4 w Amy

2009-10-15T16:29:00.000-04:00

Amy told me some rather shocking information. Beforehand I knew something was different about her, but did not know what. Keep it up Amy, you have not seen anything yet!

Unbeliebvable New Junk Food Craze

2009-10-14T09:16:00.000-04:00

What is the world coming to when health is fully ignored, in place of momentary satisfaction. It is like adults running around like kids going,"Oh that's full of salt, fat and sugar...YES, I will take it! Well that is what is happening right now with the help of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. People are making a 1500 calorie bacon cheeseburger sandwich using the doughnuts as the bun. Many people would not dare think of killing someone else because they feel that morally it would be wrong, but they do not bat an eye when they reach for things like this that is ultimately killing their own bodies. Not to mention the kids, since kids eat what their parents eat.

WOW Question: What Makes You Different?

2009-10-13T14:01:00.001-04:00

We all have things about us that makes us different. Usually it makes us stand out in a unique way. I want to know what makes you different and why? I will start mine 1st. My hair is super curly and I just rediscovered it 7 years ago. side-note:My hubby just informed me last Month that the toe next to my big toe is the same length as my big toe and that that was not normal. That is just lovely for me to know, so now I have to be insecure...lol just kidding, God knew what he was doing with my toes!

Tonight at 10p.m.eastern I will come to the blog and do eeny, meeny, miney, moe to get the winner. Put your answer in the comments section below. The winner will receive an awesome Titan Peeler to easily slice and dice those veggies!

All About Flax II

2009-10-12T10:31:00.000-04:00

Q. What is so beneficial about omega-3 fatty acids?
A. The majority of U.S. diets no longer contain the amount of omega-3 fatty acids needed for overall health and wellness. Omega-3 fatty acids correct imbalances in modern diets that lead to health problems. Today, Americans are consuming more than 10 times as many omega-6 fatty acids (another essential fatty acid family which is required by the body in moderate, not excessive, amounts) as they are omega-3 fatty acids thanks to the increase of fatty, highly processed foods in today's diet. Eating less omega-6 and more omega-3 fats from foods like ALA-rich flax can help lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and cancer, as well as lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol. In fact, large scale studies confirm that plant-derived omega-3's offer unique heart-healthy benefits and may be even more effective than fatty fish and fish oils in lowering the risk of some coronary diseases. Recently, scientists have discovered that flax may play an important anti-inflammatory role in reducing immune system diseases. Flax ALA has been shown to lower blood levels of a compound called C-reactive protein or CRP. Reducing this inflammatory compound appears to be as important as lowering LDL cholesterol in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Q. What are lignans?
A. Lignans are natural antioxidants that reduce the activity of cell-damaging free radicals, slow the aging process, and increase overall wellness. Flax contains up to 800 times more lignans than other plant sources, such as whole grains and legumes.

Q: How does flax benefit athletes and sports training?
A: Omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic, ALA, an essential fatty acid found in flax, improves the metabolism of fats which is especially helpful with endurance sports, such as marathons. When a runner "hits the wall" and their glycogen stores are used up, the body begins burning fats. In this case, efficient burning of fats makes a difference in performance. ALA improves response time. Electrical impulses move from the brain to muscles across cell membranes which, as indicated earlier, are rich in ALA when consumed in the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as ALA, are the most efficient fatty acids in allowing these electrical impulses to move from cell to cell. Thus, response time is improved. ALA aids in muscle repair at the cellular level. Omega-3 fatty acids present on the cell membrane significantly affect the speed and quality of tissue repair.

Q. What's the difference between omega-3 fatty acids from flax and those found in fish oil?
A. Flax is very high in the omega-3 fat ALA. This is the "essential" omega-3 fat because our bodies need it to be healthy. However, because our bodies don't produce it, we must consume it from other sources, like flax. Other omega-3 fats, EPA) and DHA, found in fatty fish, are vital for health, but not "essential," because our bodies can make them from ALA. All of these omega-3 fatty acids help decrease inflammation, which is a trigger for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. Flax is unique in that it also is a rich source of lignans, phytoestrogens that may reduce risk of cancer, as well as a rich source of fiber, which lowers cholesterol and maintains digestive health. Although fish doesn't have these benefits, it is a good source of protein. Fish can contain traces of mercury, and the FDA advises women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, as well as young children, to avoid eating certain fish.

Q: Why is flax important to skin health?
A: These powerful antioxidants can reduce the activity of cell-damaging free radicals that are generated through oxidation in the body and thus, can help protect the skin from damage.

All About Flax I

2009-10-12T10:11:00.000-04:00

If you do not run to the health food store after reading this then I am shocked you are even on this blog. Anyway, I put flax on my salads (along with hempseeds)EVERYDAY. I use flax in my cooking for my hubby and kids. I will put some in their whole grains, ie. whole grain pancakes, rice or couscous. The following information from healthyflax.com answered some the flax questions I get thoroughly and precisely.

Flax 101

Q: What is flax?
A: Flax is a blue-flowered plant grown in the cool, northern climate of the western Canadian prairies and northern United States. It can be consumed in whole seed, milled, or oil form. It is a powerhouse of disease-fighting compounds, such as the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), fiber, and lignans (which are powerful anti-oxidants) that researchers have found helpful in preventing heart disease, protect against inflammatory disorders and certain cancers, and lower your cholesterol. Flax adds flavor, nutrition, and health benefits to a variety of foods and has a mild, nutty flavor.

Q. My store carries both brown and golden flax. Is one better than the other?
A. Golden and brown flax both contain the same nutritional benefits in terms of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, protein and dietary fiber. It's a matter of choice but rest assured that you can substitute golden for brown and vice versa without sacrificing any of the natural goodness in flaxseed.

Q. I've heard I need to grind whole flax. Why is that?
A. While whole and ground flax have the same nutritional content, your body gets far more benefit from ground flax. That's because the goodness in flax is wrapped up in a hard, shiny seed coat that's hard to crack, even with careful chewing. Grinding or roasting flax breaks this seed coat making all the nutrients easy to digest. Flaxseeds are easy to grind at home using a coffee grinder, food processor or blender. You also can buy ground or "milled" flaxseed in most stores where whole flax is sold.

Q. Is there a difference between flaxseed and flaxseed oil?
A. Yes. Flaxseed oil is the result of cold-pressing flaxseeds. Because it is the fat portion of the seed, it contains high levels of omega-3 ALA — almost eight grams per tablespoon. But flaxseed oil doesn't have the fiber, lignans, and protein found in the rest of the seed.

Q. How long does flaxseed keep?
A. If you buy whole flaxseed, don't be afraid to keep a jar of it handy on your kitchen counter. Whole flaxseed is naturally wrapped in a perfect package — a hard hull that preserves it's goodness for up to a year or longer. Ground flaxseed is best stored refrigerated in an opaque container and will keep at least 90 days. Because ground flaxseed flows readily even when frozen, many users choose to store ground flaxseed in the freezer for even longer shelf life. Others simply grind flaxseed as they use it to ensure utmost freshness. Roasted flaxseed should also be refrigerated or frozen. Flaxseed oil should be refrigerated and usually has an expiration date about four months after pressing.

Q: How much flax do I need each day?
A: To get the full health benefits of flax, we recommend one to two tablespoons (16g) of ground or milled flax. When using ground flax, because of its high fiber content, add it slowly, starting with about a tablespoon a day and working up to two or more per day.

Q. Is flax safe for kids and toddlers?
A. Flax is a natural plant source of vital nutrition and is considered safe for healthy people of all age groups. We recommend no more than one-quarter tablespoon daily for young children.

Q: What is flaxseed oil?
A: There are two types of flaxseed oil available — conventional and organic. These types of flaxseed oil differ in the way in which the seed is grown. Flaxseed oil results from pressing the oil from the seed. Flaxseed oil provides more ALA (approximately 55-58 percent) on a per weight basis in comparison to whole or milled seed (approximately 18-23 percent).
Flax and Your Health

Q: What are the health benefits of flax?
A: Flax contains several disease-fighting compounds, primarily the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), fiber, and lignans. Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of ALA, a polyunsaturated fat that offers unique heart health benefits. Flax is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, providing three grams of fiber per tablespoon. Flax also is packed full of lignans, natural cancer-preventative phytonutrients. Flax also is full of vital vitamins and minerals such as folate, vitamin E, vitamin B-6, copper, zinc, magnesium, and (dry ounce for ounce) more potassium than seven bananas. Flax has been shown to help prevent heart disease and lower its risk factors, reduce symptoms of inflammatory disorders, protect against cancer, reduce cholesterol, and even ease the effects of Type 2 diabetes. Learn more about the health benefits of flax and make it an important part of your daily diet.

Huge Butt And Thighs....HELP!

2009-10-12T08:07:00.000-04:00

I am always blown away by some of the questions I see on different fitness forums, websites and in general. I am sometimes blown away at the answer that is given as a response. I personally feel that every single question is valid and applaud people who seek information. If you have a health/fitness/food question for me, you may email me or put it in the comments section in Monday's Q and A day. You can also email a picture without your face and I can tell you how long it should take you to hit your goal.

QUESTION:
when I was 11 I was 100lbs. and from about age ten wanted to lose weight I currently have huge butt and thighs. I am totally embarrassed about them. I also would like to lose a bit of fat on my calves and stomach but that can wait. HELP HELP HELP!!!!!

ANSWER:
At 10 years old you should have been focused on school and play(not weight), but I know that you can't control what went on your plate at that age, which is what started this mess. You can't treat weight loss like going to Subway and ordering a sub:"Excuse me I would like tomatoes and onions but hold the lettuce." It sounds like you are storing the bulk of your fat in your butt and thighs, so you want to make sure to do interval training, including sprints, squats and lunges (FITNESS). Change your eating to at least 50% produce or fall victim to saying "I must be big boned because I can never lose weight(FOOD)." Add L-glutamine, an amino acid for muscle soreness and recovery and to help you work out efficiently(SUPPLEMENTS). Lastly, do not be embarrassed, because if you knew for a fact that you would look amazing after 3 Months of focused discipline, you would be excited. You feel despair when you feel that their is no hope (MINDSET).

Anybody Can Quit, But Why?

2009-10-05T11:33:00.000-04:00

Although I have the pleasure of working with more people with heart that DO NOT quit, I still experience the disappointment of seeing people quit! I see it with eating, fitness and mindset. Although some share the "why" (usually which are excuses), some do not and many do not really know. I believe I know. People like comfort and loathe discomfort. Do people think that it will never get easier?... It does..ALWAYS. I love it when people tell me, "I am about to quit bcs of XYZ and I don't want to so HELP ME NOW." At least they are reaching out and not running and hiding. Let this inspire you to keep pushing, when everything around you says,"STOP"!

The Juice Detox (Read This 1st On Juicing)

2009-09-29T11:44:00.000-04:00

Juice fasting is the oldest, fastest, least expensive and most effective healing method known to humankind, with more testimonials from our species' greatest thinkers and spiritual teachers than all other healing modalities combined. Unfortunately, today's most Western diets are heavily loaded with artificial flavors and chemically-created coloring agents, toxic pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, and insecticides, and other toxic chemicals which overburden our bodies. As this toxic overload accumulates decade after decade, augmented also by environmental pollution, drugs and medications, it eventually interferes with normal functioning and our body's elimination becomes impaired. During fasting, large amounts of these accumulated metabolic wastes and poisons are very quickly eliminated through the greatly enhanced cleansing capability of all the organs of elimination - liver, kidneys, skin and lungs.

Several common symptoms of detoxification seen during this process could be darker urine, the possibility of catarrhal elimination of excess mucus. During fasting, your body will "autolyze", or self-digest, its most inferior and impure materials and metabolic wastes, including: fat deposits, abcesses, dead and dying cells, bumps and protuberances, damaged tissue, calluses, furuncles (small skin abscesses, or boils), morbid accumulations, growths, and amazingly, various kinds of neoplasms (abnormal growths of tissue, or tumors). German and Swedish biological clinics, operated by medical doctors, routinely treat nearly every disease, from cardiovascular and digestive disorders to rheumatic and skin conditions, with scientific, therapeutic fasting. Germany's late Otto Buchinger, Sr., M.D., supervised over 100,000 successful "juice fasting cures." In Russia, fasting has been used for over a half-century as the most effective treatment for schizophrenia, with irrefragable studies showing that 70% of patients improved mentally after 20-to-30 days of controlled fasting. Similarly, one Japanese research clinic fasted 382 patients, all suffering psychosomatic disease, with a success rate of 87%.

North America is still far behind the learning curve, nevertheless, as is clear to Dr. Charles Goodrich of the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, who has fasted countless times: "People don't realize that the chief obstacle to fasting is overcoming the cultural, social and psychological fears of going without food. These fears are ingrained. . . .However, fasting is not starving, not even in a medical sense or the natural sense." Dr. George Cahill of Harvard Medical School emphasized the point: "Man's survival [of long abstentions from food] is predicated upon a remarkable ability to conserve the relatively limited body protein stores, while utilizing fat as the primary energy producing food." In "Fasting and eating for health", Joel Fuhrman, M.D., notes, p. 10: "The fast does not merely detoxify; it also breaks down superfluous tissue - fat, abnormal cells, atheromatous plaque, and tumors--and releases diseased tissues and their cellular products into the circulation for elimination. Toxic or unwanted materials circulate in our bloodstream and lymphatic tissues, and are deposited in and released from our fat stores and other tissues. An important element of fasting detoxification is mobilizing the toxins from their storage areas."

A juice extractor is able to extract 70% to 98% of the nutrients from vegetables. When you pass a vegetable through the juice machine, it effectively separates the juice that is locked in the fibers. In drinking the juice, the majority of nutrients are absorbed directly into the bloodstream without the work of digestion. An abundant supply of nutrients in conjunction with minimum digestive effort is a perfect healing environment. bodily energy normally involved in your mastication, assimilation, digestion, and elimination is freed up. This is another reason you'll feel more - not less - energy throughout properly-done juice-fasting.
The main difference in juicing versus smoothies is the fiber content.Fiber is good during eating but not when you are fasting. When you juice you withold the fiber.

What Should I Do 1st?
Start a raw-foods diet 7 days prior to juice fasting. Eliminate ALL caffeine, sweets, refined foods and junkfoods a week prior and through your juice fast.

What will I need?
~A juicer (which can range from $60 to over $300)
Great lower-end are Jack LaLanne and Juiceman.
Great higher-end are Champion and Breville.
~Fresh, preferably organic vegetables and fruit.
~Herbal, non-caffeinated teas (Great to drink 2-4 cups throughout your juicing days)
~Pure water (You may find that you need only 6 cups, than your normal 8 cups/day)

WHAT Do I Juice?
You can juice almost anything you can eat raw. Vegetables are best, especially carrots, cucumbers, beets, tomatoes, zucchini squash, romaine lettuce, sprouts, celery and cabbage. You may juice fruits also, with your vegetables. Make sure that you juice more vegetables than fruit each time. It is not generally a good idea not to juice potatoes, eggplant, bananas or avacado.

HOW MUCH JUICE TO DRINK?
3-4 16 to 20 ounce cups/day is average, but you can have up to a gallon of juice/day.

What If I Have To GO To Work?
Put your juice in a thermos or tightly sealed juice jar and keep it refrigerated or in a cooler tote bag.

What Are The Benefits?
Mental clarity is improved and brain fog is lifted.
Rapid, safe weight loss is achieved without flabbiness
The nervous system is balanced
Energy level and sensory perception is increased. The longer the fast, the bigger increase in energy and vitality. You normally need less sleep.
Organs are revitalized
Cellular biochemistry is harmonized
The skin becomes silky, soft, and sensitive
There is greater ease of movement
Breathing becomes fuller, freer and deeper
reduced allergy symptoms
overcome addictions
overcome eat
The digestive system is rejuvenated and becomes more effective; the peristaltic action of the intestines (the cause of a natural bowel movement) is stronger after fasting.
Fasting retrains your tasting sense back to more healthy food as acute sensitivity is restored.
Fasting can increase confidence in our ability to have control over our lives and our appetite, and that our body is self-regulating and self-healing organisms capable of establishing balance when given the possibility to do so.
Normal metabolic and cell oxygenation are restored.
Detoxification - as soon as the body realizes that it's fasting it will begin to eliminate those things that cause disease, such as fat cells, arterial cholesterol plaques, mucus, tumors, stored up worries and emotions.
Longer juice fasts enable the body to cleanse toxins that have been accumulating in your cellular tissues from birth.

How Long Do I Fast?

The length of juice fasting can range anywhere from 1 to forty days. Three days is an excellent tune up. Five-day fasts are long enough to begin the process of healing and rebuilding the immune system. Ten-day fasts act as prevention to fight off illness including degenerative diseases.
Twenty-one - thirty days is the standard therapy used by health sanitariums in Europe. If you deal with compulsive eating, start with shorter fasts so you may learn how to break the fast correctly. Most severe health conditions require fasts over 20 days, as it takes that long to repair damaged tissue. Remember, you are not the first to try it - millions of people have done it successfully before you.
Personally I tested juicec fasting the 1st 3 days of the Month for almost a year and enjoyed that. I am currently juice fasting every Monday and I am enjoy this as well. I always do an extended juice fast in January. If I am prompted to do a fast for any specific reasons, I do so and it usually yields many benefits, including spiritual. I prefer to fast at the beginning of a new week, Month or Year. Some people do juice fast for the 4 seasons. You can test different ones and you will end up with a preference. I must admit that I saw a man being interviewed a long time ago who looked AMAZING for his age and he claimed to have done juice fasts once per week for several years.

Will there be any fasting side effects?
There are numerous minor discomforts you may notice during juice fasting. These include:

feeling cold
light headedness/dizziness
bad breath
body odor
fatigue for 1st few days
constipation or diarrhea
stomach ache
acne or other skin eruptions
increased dreaming
changes in sleep patterns
aches and pains
frequent urination
coated tongue - a result of your body shedding toxins and cleansing itself
headaches – possibly the result of withdrawal from caffeine or a withdrawal in salt or sugar consumption.

What Can I Read For Support?
My 1st and favorite book on juice fasting was Toxic Relief and Fasting Made Easy, both by Don Colbert, M.D.
My favorite online resource is Fasting by Tom Coghill
Also google juicing recipes or get a few juicing books for recipes.

What Do I Do When I Am Finished?
Afterwards, after the fasting period, a lot of people go on the wrong diet - and waste the whole fast. DO NOT binge or eat junk foods after your fast. What you do after the juice fast is the MOST important part. Remember that after fasting you must always improve your diet! You want to only consume fresh vegetables, fruit and vegetable soup for 3 -7 days after extended juice fasts. I have eating plans available in a menu style journal that is a beneficial tool to use when you end your juice fast. It can help you with accountability and give you an exact plan to keep your results and your health.

(Diabetics and persons on medication requiring meals should check with their physician, of course. Fasting is not for children, pregnant women or nursing women. If there is a medical reason why you should not fast, then don't. Check with your doctor first.)

Bacon Is Good For Me (Remix)

2009-09-28T14:13:00.000-04:00

Ok, why are people online trying to get the ringtone to this? I must admit that it had me cracking up laughing. I keep wondering what was going through my head when I was staring at "King Curtis" like that..maybe just WOW, SERIOUSLY and of course WOW!

The Truth About Protein Bars

2009-09-25T12:02:00.000-04:00

What makes these any better than a candy bar? Well, to be quite honest, in a lot of cases not much. You've probably seen a million ads for healthy snack bars: Nutri-this, Healthy-that. These really are just glorified candy bars.If you go in most gyms across America, you will almost always see protein bars being sold. The diet industry wants to give people what they want(high fat/salt/sugar), but make them feel like they are not really getting high fat/salt/sugar. People have been conditioned to want to appear health conscious, but if you were to look in their kitchens, you would see the ugly truth.

I used to LOVE protein bars and thought they were good for me. I vowed to stop sugar and ended up eating about 3 or 4 of these a day. I really was still just satisfying my habit, but clearing my guilty conscious. It has been about a year since my last protein bar and I am so glad that I let them go. I highly suggest avoiding bars, whether they be protein, low-carb, meal replacement, etc. as the nutritional content is for the most part not ideal.These bars are convenient but perhaps too convenient as they are high in fats (saturated) and sugars.It's much more difficult to create a great-tasting, moist, and generally high quality bar without adding a ton of sugar, corn-syrup, and/or fructose. Eat one, and your insulin levels will skyrocket for half an hour, then plummet causing even sharper hunger pains than you had a half hour before. So, it is doing the exact same thing in your body as plain ol' SUGAR!

Cabbage Rocks!

2009-09-25T11:40:00.000-04:00

The health benefits of cabbage include treatment of constipation, stomach ulcers, headache, excess weight, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, ageing, and Alzheimer's disease. The juice of fresh raw cabbage has been proven to heal stomach ulcers. Find out some more phenomenal benefits of cabbage in this short video.

CABBAGE - DAILY NUTRITION - watch more recipes and videos

The Best Weight-Loss Supplement EVER!

2009-09-23T09:12:00.000-04:00

I am too familiar with the precious Transitions Thermochrome with Hoodia & Advantra Z. I have witnessed it do phenomenal things for myself and others. I actually stopped taking it for Months and realized what I was missing when I restarted. Ok..weight-loss, appetite suppressant, energy, metabolic support all in one.

This is a breakdown of how it works:Typically when you restrict calories or intake, your body stops working as hard and your metabolism slows down.Transitions Thermochrome allows you to restrict calories while maintaining your metabolism and increasing the burning of body fat for fuel. Thermochrome stimulates thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is the production of heat generated from the burning of consumed and stored fat, which helps to support what is called brown fat, or brown adipose tissue.Brown fat produces heat by burning a high amount of calories. Thermochrome is a unique, proprietary formula that combines the proven sciences of thermogenics and the support of metabolic functions.Do not take if you have heart/liver problems or diabetes/hyperthyroidism.

What's Ski's Got To Do With It? Part II

2009-09-20T21:38:00.000-04:00

OMG, I am a real life example of how conquering fears allows so much fun and joy into your life. I've done it with other things and decided to take you all on a journey with me though this. I never dreamed that I would ever enjoy "water life" because of my past experience. I would have ended up justifying why it's not that big of a deal anyway. Finally I would have given up at other things in life bcs of forming this habit and started thinking "life sucks". Life does not suck...FEAR sucks!

What's Jet Ski's Got To Do With It? Part I

2009-09-20T15:03:00.001-04:00

Am I Perfect? I guess in our own cute little warped heads we'd like to think so but... we really know the truth! It is a daily process to examine ourselves and weed out the junk and put in the good stuff. After that high school incident that I mention in the video, I really stayed away from pools and big bodies of water. Now I know how counter-productive that is and use every opportunity I can to slap fear in the face! Sooooooooo who is with me? Who needs to slap something (not someone lol) in the face?

A "Real" Woman Controversial Ad

2009-09-15T09:45:00.000-04:00

The above picture was published in the American edition of Glamour magazine, it appeared amid hundreds of pages of adverts and fashion shots in which the models have no blemishes, no frown lines, no wrinkles and certainly no body fat. Hundreds of readers flooded the magazine's website the moment after the image first appeared, roaring their approval and appreciation with comments like: 'I love this picture. I was starting to despair of ever seeing real women in magazines and it made me reassess how I look at myself.

I loathe the words "real women" because I consider all women that are breathing real. It is usually used as an insult to women who are fit. Some people may say that the "average" women looks this or that way and that is why it is used. But the majority rules concept is still hogwash when you are talking about being healthy. It saddens me that women would get excited to see someone who looks like them for justification purposes. Misery loves company and it is miserable to not be healthy. The model in the picture is 2o years old (no kids) 5'11 and 175 lbs. There is NO excuse for her to have a hanging stomach. I know that in today's world you can see many girls younger than her who are overweight or obese and that should not be either. It is not just about looking good but being healthy. Having a large amount of belly fat increases your risk of:

Heart disease
Stroke
Some types of cancer
Type 2 diabetes
Insulin resistance
High triglycerides
Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol
Metabolic syndrome
Sleep apnea

Now going back to the magazine ad for a moment..I also do not like when models are being airbrushed to give off the appearance of perfection and ideal beauty. That industry wants to downplay health and shoot for thinness by any means necessary and that comes with many dangers too. The bottom line is, realize that you can have both a fit and healthy body and that should be your goal. It appears as if many women have that goal but the things you have to do to achieve it is not in the majority.

Month 3 w Amy II

2009-09-14T13:52:00.000-04:00

Enough talking Amy, let's just conquer the fear of this stinkin' scale...don't forget that YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Month 3 w Amy

2009-09-13T14:08:00.000-04:00

Amy is back! Find out why Amy had been avoiding me and ignoring my calls!

Uncooking w Wendy Part II

2009-09-10T16:39:00.000-04:00

Take a sneak peak in Wendy's pantry to see how she stores her staples and a few other tips!

Q: How Often Should I Have A Bowel Movement?

2009-09-10T09:50:00.000-04:00

Ok so picture this: I am 19 or 20 years old and running down the stairs speedily to answer the phone. I trip and long story short, was rushed to the E.R. by ambulance. The nice lady checking me into the hospital asked me a series of general questions. She asked how long it had been since my last bowel movement. When I told her it may have been about 2 weeks ago she looked at me in horror. That is when I knew I was doing something wrong. Fast forward to today and I know exactly what I was doing wrong…EATING CRAPPOLA! Today, thanks to eating healthy I have 2 to 3 bowel movements per day.

So what is constipation? Constipation is a common digestive problem. It may be difficult for you to have a bowel movement, or your bowel movements may be infrequent. You may be getting constipated if you start having bowel movements much less often than you usually do. As the food you eat passes through your digestive tract, your body takes nutrients and water from the food. This process creates a stool, which is moved through your intestines with muscle contractions (squeezing motions). A number of things can affect this process. These include not drinking enough fluids, not being active enough, not eating enough fiber or produce, as well as taking certain medicines. If you eat three meals a day, then you should have three bowel movements each day. The first bowel movement should take place in the morning when you wake up or soon after you have had breakfast. Typically you should experience the urge for a bowel movement 20-30 minutes after you eat. The other bowel movements should be during the day and just before bedtime.

In her book, Healthy Digestion the Natural way, 2000, D. Lindsey Berkson defines constipation as,"A healthy person should have at least one bowel movement a day. Medical textbooks state that individual variation goes from several times a day to several times a week. However, having worked with people for many years on improving their health, I would define constipation as not having one to several daily bowel movements, or having too long an intestinal-transit time."

If you eat three meals a day and only have one or two bowel movements, then the second and third meal are backing up in your colon and staying there too long. When your fecal matter stays too long in your colon, water and toxins are pulled out of the fecal matter and absorbed through your colon wall. This makes the fecal matter stiff and hard. Your colon will now have a hard time moving this hard fecal matter through its sections and out the rectum.

Foods rich in fiber
• Unprocessed wheat bran
• Unrefined breakfast cereals
• Whole-grain bread and brown rice
• Fresh fruits
• Dried fruits (such as prunes, apricots and figs)
• Vegetables
• Beans (such as navy, kidney and pinto beans)

Matrix Fitness

2009-09-09T16:55:00.000-04:00

Having a little fun on Fun Friday! Matrix with a twist and a few 10lb weights.

WOW Question Of The Month

2009-09-02T13:55:00.000-04:00

What can only be seen in the morning or late afternoon?
~The 1st person to answer correctly will receive a 2-wk supply of Thermochrome weight-loss supplement that also gives energy and appetite suppressent.
~Put answer in the comments section.

UnCooking w/Wendy Part1

2009-09-01T19:05:00.000-04:00

The lovely Wendy is one of our bootcampers and also a Certified Raw Chef. She prepares tasty raw meals daily, that her whole family loves. She allowed me to have a sneak peak to how she teaches her kids to appreciate healthy foods by assisting her in the kitchen. She has noticed that their participation has caused them to go from not liking the foods to exploring and enjoying the meals.
Tip:She said that she soaked the cashews for 2 hrs.

Quick and Healthy DInner.. Oh and Dessert:)

2009-08-31T08:30:00.000-04:00

My hubby wanted to do his "Emeril" thing in the kitchen recently...sooooo here's what he put together. He did a remarkable job and all I had to do was hook up the dessert. I am NOT a pro at dessert (even the raw and healthy alternatives). But, I gave it a go and am back at the drawing board. Where did I go wrong? I saw some online recipes that said to add raw cashews...maybe that is a crucial step. ALL TIPS APPRECIATED: But don't play and give me a tip to just buy some Ben and Jerrys...Ain't Happenin'.

Is Living Healthy So Rare, That It's Extreme?

2009-08-30T14:44:00.001-04:00

I get sick of people who choose to live healthy getting the friggin 3rd degree from unknowledgeable, irresponsible and sometimes even overweight people. The same people who eat fried/junk foods,sugar and caffeine become overnight nutritionists and want to ask a person doing a 30-day raw, where are they getting their protein from? They all of a sudden care about the safety of their fellow "extreme" health conscious friend. Give me a break! If you really care about your health, find out what healthy people are doing and do it!

Catch Us On The Soup Tonight (E-Channel)

2009-08-27T13:37:00.000-04:00

I've been told that a clip of us on the show "Wife Swap" made the the top 20 best of '09 so far on "The Soup". The E entertainment channel has it showing Th 8.27 at 10:30p.m., Fri at 6p.m and Sat at 11:30 a.m. My guess is that they will show the following clip.
p.s. I am not sure of the date that ABC will re air the show in it's entirety.

MUST SEE MOVIE: Food Inc

2009-08-26T16:51:00.000-04:00

I just finished watching Food Inc. and encourage you all to run, not walk to your local theater to see it. It is only showing in "select" theaters. My guess is that theaters make money from the concession stands and the health conscious moviegoers may avoid the counter like a plague. Not to mention the people who need to attend the most will probably disregard it. I really hope that it attracts people on the S.A.D.(standard American diet), so they can see how manipulative the food industry is and realize they are paying for it with their money and health. *UPDATE* Just as I was about to set up a private local showing for our clients/friends,the movie theater informed us that tomorrow will be the last day of showing and then it will be pulled. They said that people have not been buying tickets in the week that it's been there!...So sad:( A real example of "My people will perish for lack of knowledge".

Put Your Thinking Caps On

2009-08-25T08:09:00.000-04:00

1. What is the scapula?

2. What is the scientific name for the kneecap?

3. Which part of the brain regulates physiological stability in the body?

4. Which is the most acidic part of the digestive system?

5. What is protected by the cranium?

6. What tube connects the Kidney to the Bladder?

7. Where in the human body do you find the Alveoli?

8. A bone is joined to a muscle by what structure?

9. Where are the red blood cells made?

10. What is the correct name for a red blood cell?

11. What is average human body temperature in degrees centigrade?

12. There are 4 principal types of teeth, name them?

13. What is the fontanelle?

14. Human skin has 2 distinct layers, what are they called?

15. What are the 4 main blood groups?

16. It is a bone in the body with the medical name The Sternum, what is it?

17. Where in the human body is the umbilicus?

18. What is the name of the hormone which controls the supply of sugar from the blood to the muscles?

19. On which part of the body would you find the Bridge?

20. What is the name of the chief muscle used in breathing, which separates the chest from the abdomen?

1. Shoulder Blade 2. Patella 3. Hypothalamus
4. Stomach 5. Brain 6. Ureter
7. Lung 8. Tendon 9. Bone Marrow
10. Erythrocyte 11. 37 12. Incisors, canine, pre-molars and molars
13. soft area of cartilage on a baby's head 14. epidermis and dermis 15. A B AB & O
16. The breast bone 17. The navel or belly button 18. Insulin
19. The nose 20. The diaphragm

This Marketing Was Sick, Careless and Ruthless

2009-08-22T08:53:00.000-04:00

I was watching "The beautiful Truth" (which I highly recommend everyone watch), and it showed the following commercial. A 1949 ad showing Doctors and beautiful women glamorizing cigarettes. This makes a few points ring loud and clear to me. 1.If the majority does something (even if it is idiotic), then people will eagerly follow and ignore the consequences. 2.If well respected or desired/admired people are doing something, then people will follow and ignore the consequences. Not to mention the challenge at the end to try it for 30 days to see the enjoyment. They are clever enough to know that after 30 days you will be hooked and addicted. Let's use 30 days to create a positive and healthy habit, instead of falling for dumb marketing ploys that will ultimately bring destruction.

Bucket List #3905-694

2009-08-20T14:31:00.000-04:00

Ok guys, here is my "BIG REVEAL" of my tattoo! I enjoy scratching things off of my bucket list. My definition of a bucket list is a list of things I want to do that seem fun and interesting and possibly daring. It is easy to put them off into "someday " world, but I am motivated by fun and spontaneity.
So you ask, what was the meaning behind my tattoo?
Phil 4:13: My favorite scripture that states, "I can do ALL things, through Christ who strengthens me". This reminds me of my love for God, my hubby and kids, life, people and causes me to be thankful. This also allows me to never let fear paralyze me and to know my worth.
Sarge: He is my wonderful husband and I am here to serve him as his help meet by bringing him joy!
Camouflage: represents my passion/commitment to training the minds and bodies of myself and others for excellence.

Pile It On

2009-08-20T09:10:00.000-04:00

This is fake..I repeat this is a parody! However, it is a parody that rings true for many Americans. Watch it and tell me what you think. Do you feel it was accurate or over exaggerated?

Winning Isn't Everything But A Winning Mindset Is

2009-08-18T12:19:00.000-04:00

This is my favorite part of 1 of my all time favorite movies!!! We are in a society today that promotes quitting. It promotes giving up when things are difficult or uncomfortable and does not promote discipline and a positive mindset. What I love most about this scene is the lesson the coach was teaching his assistant and players on discipline and mindset. That lesson helped them to win the game and assisted them on winning in life. The movie was based on a true story and is very inspirational. I highly encourage you to watch it and show it to teens who may not be exposed to the power of a powerful, winning mindset.

Believe In Yourself

2009-08-16T17:15:00.000-04:00

Focus on the following statement: "We allow ourselves to fail when we don’t truly believe we can reach our own weight loss goals". I will say it again, "we allow ourselves to fail when we don't truly believe we can reach our own weight loss goals". One of my favorite movies is "The Wiz" with Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. I love the part when Lena Horne sings the song, "believe in yourself". It is amazing how some people want a magical answer to their problems and the magic was already inside of them and they just did not know it. When you 1st go within, you will get what you want on the outside. I want to leave you guys with the clip to the aforementioned song because I get goosebumps everytime I hear it and it reminds me that I can and will achieve the things I believe I can.

Oprah Please Learn From Michael Jacksons Mistake

2009-08-14T09:41:00.000-04:00

I happened to turn on the t.v. and the Oprah Winfrey Show was coming on. I was mesmerized by her and could not stop staring. I noticed a powerful, rich and smart woman who looked like she had 1 foot in the grave. Her eyes were bloodshot and teary. Her complexion was drab and lifeless. She is apparently obese and looked lethargic. Now I am well aware of her disclosure of the following: And on a recent appearance on ABC's Good Morning America, Oprah let fans in on her recent weight gain. She told the audience:

I was going through some stuff. I'd lost one of my lovely dogs ... and I had just not taken the time to slow down. I was so stressed at the end of the season that I was really almost like king of numb - to the point where I blew out my Thyroid and literally had to stop and give myself some time to create more balance for myself.

Unexplained weight gain is a common symptom of thyroid disorder.

But at least one doctor believes that there may be more to the story. Dr Ralph Miller, a professor at the University of Kentucky College Of Medicine, believes that Oprah may have destroyed her thyroid. The doctor is claiming that Oprah should seek medical attention immediately - because if left unchecked - it could be fatal.

I really would dislike to see her have access to the best of everything, yet not have anyone who is knowledgeable or bold enough to motivate her to nurse back her health (similarly to Michael Jackson). Oprah has been known to do quick weight loss gimmicks and fad diets, but never successfully mastered eating for a zestful, energetic optimum life. Now that her health is obviously compromised, I can tell that she is just taking prescription meds as her source of hope. Instead of focusing on stress reduction DAILY, eating high to all organic raw foods as medicine DAILY, working out DAILY, proper sleep DAILY, supplements DAILY, meditation/prayer DAILY and changing her mindset DAILY!!!!!!

And DO NOT friggin ask me how I know that she needs to change her mindset because fruit grows from EVERY seed. If she does not have positive fruit being displayed on the outside, then their is either no seed or weeds on the inside. For example: She has some of the best motivators and Authors on her show and I am sure that stress reduction has been discussed numerous times in numerous ways. But this year she just made the above statement indicating that she does not know how to personally apply methods to reduce or eliminate stress from her life. She said that stress has contributed to her ailing health. If you knew how to effectively deal with stress, you would nip it in the bud long before it starts to deteriorate your health.

It is unfortunate because there are people around her that may be able to help her but they may not want to comprimise their relationship by being assertive and honest. Oprah you need me for 30 days! I fear no one and if you fire me, OH WELL ! I will be able to sleep at night knowing that I did not quit on you, but that you quit on me. What is wrong with this world? What happened to honesty? What happened to everyone helping each other? What happened to people loving life and loving themselves enough to take care of their bodies and their children's bodies? Obesity, diseases and death (ODD) will take out anybody! It does not care if you are a celebrity or a teacher or mom or a dad. You have to know that you have led (ODD) into your life by your choices and your can eliminate them by your choices.
......stepping down from my soapbox now,
Joy

My BIrthday Trivia

2009-08-12T07:12:00.000-04:00

Ok guys, my birthday is tomorrow, August 13th!!!
Trivia Question: What will I be doing on my birthday?

Hint: 40% of those ages 26 to 40 have done it too.
Hint: In 2002 it was the 3rd most requested search item on the internet.

Prize: The 1st one to guess correctly will receive the 3-n-1 candle (Candle, Moisturizer, edible) from Earthlybody.com!

Month 2 w/Amy

2009-08-10T14:07:00.000-04:00

Amy was very nervous about this weigh-in because not only did she miss 4 wks of bootcamp, but she also spent wks at family reunions. The good news is, she is relentless. She is at the point where she continues to just dust off and get back in the game. She is reaching many milestones and shared that in the past she would have never gone to a family function. I am glad that her dedication and mindset is spilling over into other areas of her life. Stay tuned for Month 3 w/Amy in September!

What A Professional Tennis Player Eats That Allowed Her To Play Until Almost 50

2009-08-06T11:00:00.000-04:00

Winners CHOOSE to be fit, Whiners TRY not to quit!