Please Accept My Apology - Missed A Week Due to Injury

Please accept my apology for not blogging this past week, injured my hand, making it hard to type an article each day. It is getting better and hope to be back at full capacity soon.

God willing, I will be back in action next week, maybe sooner. Everyone have a good week and thank God for good nutrition that helps heal bones and repair injured tissue quickly.

Blessing for a Glorious Week!

Sugar - What The Daily Recommended Allowance?

Sugar - what is the daily recommended allowance?

With the over-load of information in society, we get get told many conflicting facts about proteins, carbs, and fats, but the one area that has not been misunderstood is sugar. If you haven't already guessed the answer to the question, "How much sugar can I have each day?" The answer is zero. There is no recommended daily allowance of sugar. It doesn't mean you cannot have sugar, it just means there is no such thing as a recommended allowance for sugar.

Sugar is a refined substance that is man made and put into many items that we eat each day. Many people have been fooled by the word "sugar" thinking that our bodies need sugar for survival. Our bodies need glucose for survival and it is usually found in our bloodstreams. Many of the foods we eat, such as fruits, vegetables, pastas, and grains are converted into glucose. The body uses glucose for energy and it is metabolized to produce warmth. Unfortunately, many manufacturers have combined all carbohydrates on food labels into one category - whether refined or not. Many products are separating out the sugar grams on the label. Be aware of a product that has a total of 25 grams of and 20 grams of that are sugar. This product is mostly all sugar and is not a very healthy food.

Here are some words that are used to describe sugar in the ingredients of a foods:

• Lactose: Sugar from milk. "Lactose intolerance" - is caused by the sugar in milk.


• Maltose: Sugar from malt


• Fructose: Sugar from fruit


• Dextrose: Sugar from starch "corn sugar"


• Sucrose: Refined sugar from sugar cane or beets

The refined product of sugar cane can be very addictive. The more our bodies have it the more it wants it. If you have been raised on a limited sugar intake, you will be surprised at how little sugar you crave. You will likely notice that certain foods taste too sweet.

The bottom line is that sugar can be detrimental to your health. Many people develop diabetes, cancer, and skin problems due to overdoses of sugar. The next time you have a craving remember this post and have a big glass of water and reach for something healthy.

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

3-Pronged Stimulus For Getting Rid of Belly Fat

3-Pronged Stimulus for getting rid of belly fat.

Medical research has found that where you store body fat can affect your health. Studies show that if you have gained fat around your abdomen (belly fat), you are at a higher risk for serious health risks. Fat gained in the hips, thighs, and buttocks appears to be less dangerous. If you have a larger waist - >40 inches for a man, and >35 inches for a woman - you are at greater risk for heart disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol.

Sit-ups may help tone your abdominal muscles, but the best way to banish belly fat is to do cardiovascular activities, such as walking, swimming, bicycling, or aerobics. Anything that gets your blood pumping to will help burn off stored fat in the stomach area and elsewhere.

It is just as important in the fight against belly fat to reduce your calorie intake while still getting a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins. Making healthier food choices will help you feel full and contain less fat and calories. Stay away from foods that are laden with fat, and sugary foods. Avoid excess alcohol which seems to be linked to abdominal fat deposits, drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.

Some research suggested that stress is linked to abdominal weight gain, especially in women. So if you feel constantly stressed out try to eliminate stress in your life. If you can't cut out stress, practice relaxation techniques and other forms of stress-management.

The 3-pronged stimulus plan to get rid of belly fat is this - exercise, a healthy diet, and stress-management! Practice this and your health will reflect it!

*Another thing to help get rid of belly fat in addition to the above mentioned plan is Catalyst, aka "Gut Be Gone", worked for me!

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

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Blessings for a Glorious Day!

Zippy Mandarin Orange Salad

Zippy Mandarin Orange Salad

serves 4 (side dish or entree)

Ingredients for salad:

8 cups of salad mix or lettuce

1 can mandarin oranges

1/4 cup craisins or raisins

2 additional vegetables (celery, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc.)

2 cups of pecan halves (just plain)

1/2 cup Slenda or Stevia

1 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil

Ingredients for dressing:

2-3 tbsp. Balsamic vinegar (or to desired taste)

1 tbsp. flaxseed oil

1 tsp. sea salt (optional)

2 tbsp. Splenda or Stevia (optional)

juice from mandarin oranges

1 packet or 1 scoop Mandarin Orange Spark

OPTIONAL:

Add cooked/grilled chicken or poultry to serve as a main dish

Prep: Turn stove top heat on medium. Use non-stick skillet and combine coconut oil and pecans. Toast for approx. 1-2 minutes. Pour in the slenda and stir. Remove immediately and place pecans in bowl with the salad mix. Add other veggies, raisins and oranges.

Dressing: Drain mandarin oranges and save the juice in a bowl. Add the balsamic vinegar, oil, sea salt, splenda, and Mandarin Orange Spark mix. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together. (Add water if you want to dilute the taste.)

Finally - mix, serve, and enjoy!

I'm certain you will love this great recipe, especially during these hot days of summer, salad is great meal without a lot of time standing over a hot stove.

Until tomorrow, Blessings for a Glorious Day!

Fitting Fitness Into Your Schedule - Part 3

Fitting fitness into your schedule - part 3.

Tips for fitting fitness into your busy schedule - for those who don't know where to start.

1. Hire the right help - it is important to do weight training, it's even more important to make sure you get trained properly to prevent injury and get the most effective workout. Investing in a personal trainer in the beginning can be great help, also great incentive to keep going if you are paying someone to help you.



2. Record your progress - keep a diary of your daily workouts. Record your weight and your measurements to see not only how much weight you have lost, but also how many inches you have lost. It is a great way to see just how much your hard work has paid off.



3. Enlist a friend - find someone who likes the same activities as you, like walking, tennis, soccer, etc. and make a date to get together. This will help you stay motivated and will also help your friend to stay motivated as well.



4. Do what you like - whatever exercise you like to do, do it. You will tend to stick with the things you like to do.

Try to fit at least 30 minutes of exercise into your schedule each day, if you can't do it every day, do it at least 3-4 days a week. I have faith in all of you that you can find some time to exercise, there isn't anything more important in your life than making sure you take good care of yourself first.

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

Sorry I thought I set it to automatically publish.

Fitting Fitness Into Your Schedule - Part 2

Fitting fitness into your schedule - part 2.

Tips for fitting fitness into your busy schedule - for those who don't know where to start.

1. Be a morning person - studies show that people who exercise in the morning are more likely to stick with it. Most people don't feel like exercising at the end of a hard day. By exercising in the morning not only are you more likely to do it, but you also set a more positive tone for the day.


2. Put it on your schedule - whether morning, afternoon, or evening, pick the time you are most likely to go exercise and write it down on your schedule (daily planner). Keep your exercise routine as you would any appointment.


3. Watch your step - invest in a good pedometer, it will keep you motivated. Wear your pedometer on your waist and see how many step you take in a day. Start with a goal of 5,000 steps and gradually work your way to 10,000 steps a day, watch the slimmer and more energetic you emerge!

Part 3 to follow tomorrow!

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

Fitting Fitness Into Your Schedule - Part 1

Fitting fitness into your schedule - part 1.

Here are a few tips for fitting fitness into your busy schedule - especially if you don't know where to start.

1. Be less efficient - people are typically trying to think of ways to make tasks easier. But if we make them harder, we can get more exercise. An example is to bring in the groceries one bag at a time instead of trying to carry several at a time, that way you have to make several trips. Another example is to put the laundry away a few pieces at a time rather than a whole basket at a time.


2. Avoid labor-saving devices - wash your car by hand rather than taking it to a car wash. It would probably take an hour or longer to do the job correctly and guess what, your getting exercise, in addition to a nice clean car.


3. Take the long way - walking up and down a few flights of stairs a day can be good for your heart. Avoid elevators and escalators if possible. If you ride the bus or subway to work, get off a few stops before your office and walk the extra distance. When you go to the store or mall, park further away from the entrance so you can get a few extra minutes of walking in.

Part 2 to follow tomorrow.

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

Peaches & Carrot Smoothie

Peaches & Carrot Smoothie

This smoothie delivers AMAZING flavor along with a serving of vegetables. You will be shocked at how great it taste!

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup Carrot Juice (most grocery stores carry pure carrot juice)

1 cup of ice (more or less, depending on how thick you like it)

1 pouch of AdvoCare Peaches N' Cream Fiber Drink

1 serving of AdvoCare Muscle Gain Shake (1 pouch or 2 scoops)

1/2 tbsp Flaxseed Oil

Directions:

Blend until smooth (blender, magic bullet, hand mixer, ect.)

approx. 350 calories, 10g fiber, 30g carbohydrates, 25g protein, 7g fat

What a great way to start your day, or for a great treat anytime during the day, enjoy!

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

Thinking Before You Start Eating

Thinking before you start eating:

If you change you mindset before you start eating it will help to make better choices. Research has shown that many people who are wanting to lose weight have an all or none mentality. They think they have to eat all of whatever it is they have to eat. They also have the belief that they have to be all or none with a diet, believing that if they mess up on their diet plan they should just give up. If you stop to think before you eat it will help remind you to eat smaller portions, or less of something (like half a cookie instead of a whole one). Stopping to think will help you make better choices - like baked instead of fried, fruits instead of cake, water instead of soda.

Remember to stop - take a deep breath - and think about what you are eating, how much, and remember that if you fall off the diet wagon, dust yourself off and jump right back on again!

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

Cookie Jars Aren't For Cookies!

Cookie jars aren't just for cookies!

Is the cookie jar the first place you go when you are looking for a treat or comfort? Many people are programmed to think that food is a reward or a way to find comfort, or even as a distraction when you're bored. There are lots of ways to reward yourself and lift your spirits that don't involve food. It's time to give your cookie jar a makeover.

First get some small slips of paper and write down ideas for things you like to do in your spare time - that don't involve food. Write down activities that take just a few minutes, and a few that take longer. Write down things that are fun and relaxing. Here are a few ideas:

• Have a cup of herbal tea.


• Reading a book.


• Calling a friend (put that person's number on the paper).


• Put together a photo album or a scrapbook, perhaps that before & after "I got healthy".


• Listen to relaxing music or a book on CD.


• Take a long relaxing bath.


• Go for a walk.


• Draw or paint a picture, or paint that room that has been waiting for so long.


• Hit a few golf balls, dance, or swim.


• Do a crossword puzzle or Sudoku puzzle, helps keep the mind sharp.


• Spend time on a hobby, if you don't have one - now is the perfect time to get one.

If you fill your cookie jar with different ways to relax and find comfort you won't even miss the cookies. Just remember that when you reach for the cookie jar and pull out that slip of paper, do what it says!

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

In God We Trust! Let Freedom Ring! What Amazing Words!

In God We Trust! Let Freedom Ring! What amazing words!

Thank you to all the men and women who have fought and continue to fight so that we can live a life of freedom. I am grateful to God for this wonderful country that was founded on a firm belief in God, family, and the desire to the BEST country in the world!

Tips To Help Lose That Gut - part 4

Tips to help lose that gut - part 4:

1. Don't skip meals - not eating for long periods of time puts your body into a catabolic state, meaning it starts to break down muscle tissue for energy, and conserves fat. Be sure you eat 3 meals a day and 2 healthy snacks, you need to be fueling your fire (metabolism) every 2-3 hours.


2. Challenge yourself - challenge yourself to run farther, lift more, dance longer - even if it is just by a little each time you workout - it insures that you will burn more calories each time you workout. It also instills confidence in yourself that you can do it!


3. Lift those weights - if you hate to exercise, just 10 minutes of lifting, three days a week will help. Harvard studies show that 30 minutes of weight training a week has a greater reduction on waist size than any other variable.


4. Pickles, please - snack on dill pickles, they are only one calorie a slice, plus the dill helps to stimulate the burning of carbs.


5. No bags or boxes - avoid foods that come in bags or boxes, they are typically highly processed carbs that will quickly raise blood sugar levels and shut down the body's ability to burn fat.

I hope these tips have been helpful for those wanting leaner/flatter abs.

If you need help controlling your appetite, I recommend you get the skinny on Slim!

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

Tips To Help Lose That Gut - part 3

Tips to help lose that gut - part 3:

1. Brush your teeth more often - In a recent Japanese study of 14,000 people it was found that those who frequently brushed teeth were leaner than those who did not. The minty flavor helps reduce the urge to snack.


2. Never forbid your favorite food - The more you think you can't have something the more you're going to want it, it's just human nature, the allure of the forbidden. If you want chocolate, have a piece of chocolate, just don't eat the whole box!


3. Join a league - sign up for a sport such as soccer, kickball, softball, or even bowling. By joining a league or team you have scheduled exercise times and it's a great way to socialize, and you know you'll show up because you don't want to let the rest of your group down.


4. Change directions - try this the next time you're on the elliptical, ride as hard as you can for 30 seconds then immediately reverse your direction and ride for 30 seconds as fast as you can in the opposite direction. Rest for 60 seconds and repeat. The force of stopping your momentum, as well as going from a dead stop to full speed twice in the same interval will give your fat-burning efforts a massive boost.


5. Drink water before a meal - by drinking a large glass of water before a meal it fills up room in your stomach, making you feel full and reducing your appetite, making you less likely to overeat.

More tips to come in part 4!

If you're wanting to turn the thermostat up on your metabolism, I recommend ThermoPlus, it increases the thermogenises in the body making your body oxidize fat more effectively, supports a healthy metabolism, and also helps suppresses appetite.

Blessings for a Glorious Day!