Commitment leads to Results!

Chemicals

August 15, 2008

Hi everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying the summer-it’s passing quickly!

If you know me well, you know that I am a bit of a health/holistic nut. I enjoy reading about exercise and fitness matters, nutrition, and just about anything health related. I consider myself moderately “green”, (I cringe at using that word because it is so overused nowadays), and lately I’ve been even more committed to eliminating as many chemicals as possible from my life. It’s nearly impossible this day in age, but I’m going to do what I can do to live a cleaner, less “toxic” life.

I’ve already gone primarily organic as far as food is concerned, and you may be making changes to your nutrition as well. But have you thought about what you are putting on your skin? What about the cleaners you are using in your home? To go completely eco-friendly does take a fair amount of work and possibly a little extra cash (usually these products are pricier), but I have a few ideas that you can implement into your life right now without causing more stress or headache (because I know you are all so committed and dedicated to your health goals right now!). One thing at a time, right?

Funny Exercises, Part 2

August 6, 2008

Hello!

I know I’ve written about functional exercise and other topics related, but it’s been on my mind again. I’ve been seeing funny stuff at the gym lately. All over the place, in fact. And what boggles my mind the most is that the innocent victims of such radical exercises are told to perform them by…their trainers!

Ok, ok…I am not knocking trainers or functional exercise. I’ve made mistakes in the past, but I do my best to learn from them, educate myself, and choose more wisely and make better decisions as a result.

We all have our reasons for working out; however, through years of training, I’ve learned the number one reason why people work out is to look better. Health usually comes in second, or takes priority when change is absolutely necessary or as one ages. I wish more people felt inclined to work out because it improves cardiovascular health and does all sorts of miraculous things to the body, but that usually isn’t the case.

Goal setting & Visualization

July 22, 2008

Hello!

I am sure many of you have definable, concrete goals that you’d like to accomplish within the next few months, 6 months, or year and beyond. Whatever the time frame, I feel that goal setting is important because it gives you a clear idea of where you’d like to be in a given amount of time.

Even when one has achieved his or her ideal weight or body shape (the primary reason why one embarks on a fitness regimen), setting a goal (i.e. completing a 5k, mini-triathlon, learning how to surf, hiking Mt. Whitney, etc. etc.) can keep you on track, motivated, and get you out the door when you just don’t feel like exercising. Sometimes exercising for health reasons alone just isn’t enough (although it should be!) ;o)

NYC calorie label law

July 17, 2008

tags: avoid restaurants, awareness, calorie count, calories, chain restaurants, chocolate chip muffin, corn muffin, dunkin donuts, food item, healthful dish, los angeles, New York City Law, outback steakhouse, portion size, restaurant dining, starbucks, tgi fridays

New York City law now requires chain restaurants post the calorie count of each food item in the same font as the price. Is this law necessary? Well, I can’t answer that, but it definitely has increased the level of awareness of those who regularly partake in restaurant dining (it is far more treacherous than you might think). For example, did you know:

Sugar and Body Fat

July 17, 2008

Sugar-it has gotten such a bad reputation in recent years. Why? Glucose is the brain’s main source of energy, and the muscles’ preferred source of fuel during physical exertion. This being well-known fact, why has sugar gotten a bad name and why should you avoid it?

If you want to achieve a leaner body or reduce body fat, you should definitely watch the amount of simple sugars, processed sugars, and high fructose corn syrup in your diet (alcohol, too!). There is no need to eat “extra” sugar to obtain more energy for the brain and muscles (unless you are competing in ultra endurance activities and sports such as the marathon, tri’s, or ultra-marathons).

The body and brain obtain its fuel from complex carbohydrates such as grains and breads (preferably whole grain), and legumes. Fruit and dairy products also provide carbohydrate in smaller amounts (while also providing essential nutrients). These are the types of foods you want to eat when engaging in vigorous physical activity, not simple sugars such as candy, pastries, sodas, etc.