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!

Tips To Help Lose That Gut - part 2

Tips to help lose that gut - part 2

1. Enjoy yardwork - Any type of physical activity, even those you would rather avoid, such as cutting the grass, planting flowers, and pulling weeds are ways to burn fat and condition your body - so don't think of it as a chore, but as a way to tone up your body.


2. Take bigger steps - when walking, try taking bigger/longer steps, or if walking stairs go at a brisk pace instead of just plodding up the stairs, by doing this you use more muscles, burn more calories, and get better toning.


3. Give away your dinner plates - buy smaller plates. Even if you fill your plate to capacity, you're still eating less but not feeling deprived because your plate is full.


4. Pass on the potatoes - Potatoes in any form - mashed, baked, fried, or chips - raise your insulin level in your blood, triggering your body to stop burning and start storing fat. (Sweet potatoes are okay since they have more nutrients and fiber.)


5. Request a substitute - if your restaurant entree comes with a side of pasta, potatoes, or white rice, ask for a vegetable instead - less carbs and more nutrients and fiber.

More tips to come in part 3.

If carbs are a problem for you, you may want to check out a product I carry with me, especially when eating out, called Carb-Ease, it helps reduce the absorption of carbs and sugars in the diet.

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

Tips To Help Lose That Gut - part 1

Tips to help lose that gut - part 1:

1. Eat more protein - Approx. 25%-30% of the calories in each gram of protein are burned in digestion, compared to approx. 6%-8% of the calories from carbs. That adds up quickly. Remember to chose only lean meats, eggs, healthy protein drinks, low-fat cheese and dairy products.


2. Read labels - Avoid foods that contain heavy syrup, such as canned fruits, chose fresh or frozen veggies over canned ones that often times have hidden sodium, chose whole or multi-grains over products made with white flour.


3. Get off your behind - doing your exercises standing instead of sitting expends up to 30% more calories. There are also lots of times throughout the day that we could stand instead of always sitting at a desk, like stand and talk on the phone - with all the technology we have these days, you can talk on the phone doing just about anything, anytime, and any place.


4. Mix it up - mix up your exercise routine working different muscle groups to get the most effective workouts. If you are lifting weights alternate sets between upper and lower body. If you are doing cardio alternate between the elliptical and jumping jacks.


5. Get motivation - what movie or song gets you motivated, whatever it is, watch ti or listen to it once a week. Some examples are Rocky, Fighting the Giants, American Flyer's, The Eye of the Tiger sound track, etc.

More tips to come, come back tomorrow.

For those of you who are sore after working out, I recommend Post-workout Recovery, I've used it frequently after a hard work out or after getting a little ambitious in the garden, it makes a world of difference!

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

Help! It's Hot & I'm Sweaty - Rehydrate To The Rescue!

Help! It's hot & I'm sweaty - Rehydrate to the rescue!

With the temperatures climbing higher and higher outside, it's easy to get hot & sweaty, causing your body to lose precious electrolytes. This can cause muscle cramping, fatigue, dehydration, headaches, and heat exhaustion. Rehydrate is a very effective, safe electrolyte replacement that can be used before, during, and after working outside, exercise, or anytime you need to replace electrolytes quickly. It is also very good for people who have been experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, both of which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte depletion.

Benefits of electrolyte replacement with Rehydrate include:

• low glycemic index for reduced insulin response


• is isotonic, providing rapid gastric emptying and rapid rehydration


• contains sequential carbohydrates for sustained energy


• has essential trace mineral chromium, which aids in proper carbohydrate metabolism


• has a 1:1 ratio of sodium and potassium to replenish those ions lost with sweating or urination.


• supplies calcium and magnesium, vital to muscle physiology and energetics, benefiting both contraction and relaxation phases for reduced cramping a quicker recovery.


• antioxidants that help reduce and protect against exercise-induced free radical damage.


• coenzymes and catalyst for cell energy production optimize the conversion of macronutrients into energy.


• L-glutamine helps buffer and process lactic acid produced through physical activity, resulting in reduced muscle cramping, and also serves as an energy source for mental function.


• L-arginine helps support muscle strength and recovery as well as optimizing cardiovascular blood flow.

Rehydrate, I never exercise or work outside without it! Check out the comparison chart and see how your electrolyte replacement stacks up.

Blessings for a Glorious Weekend, be sure you stay rehydrated!

5 Ways To Boost Your Metabolism

5 Ways to boost your metabolism.







Firing up your engine to burn excess fat once and for all with these surefire metabolism boosters

1. Drink more water - When researchers measured people's metabolic rates before and after drinking about 16 ounces of water they found a rise in calorie burning capability. The water had a lasting effect also, even after 30 minutes, those who drank water were using 30% more calories than those who stayed dry.



2. Eat, then sweat - You have to eat to get lean. Digesting food and absorbing and storing nutrients requires energy. Severely restricting calories slow down your metabolic rate. Starving yourself will eventually cause your body to break down muscle tissue to satisfy energy needs, which further lowers calorie burning. By working out after a meal or substantial snack you will boost your calorie burning.



3. And eat again - Divide you daily calorie intake into 3 meals and 2 snacks. Research suggest that those who eat more frequently throughout the day are leaner than those who eat meals at irregular times.



4. Pack in the protein - Protein keeps you full longer. The body uses more calories to digest protein than it does breaking down carbs or fat. Lean, high-quality protein from foods such as lean meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products also up levels of the amino acid leucine in your body, which is essential for maintaining muscle and burning calories. Here are some solutions for those who want a quick healthy source of protein, and those who want to increase their leucine levels for even faster break down of fat.



5. Consider Caffeine - A Harvard study of more than 19,000 participants found that those who consumed 200mg of caffeine on a daily basis were less likely to gain weight than those who did not. Caffeine helps stimulate fat use, especially during exercise. My favorite source of caffeine is also packed full of vitamins and choline for good mental focus, great for before starting a workout!

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

Probiotic - What?

Probiotic - what? What are probiotics, why does everyone need them?

Probiotics - simply put, are the good micro-organisms that grow in our bodies.

Probiotics consist of a variety of micro-organisms that have evolved and adapted to live in a balanced, mutually beneficial way within most regions of our bodies, including our skin and gastro-intestinal tract. Most of the time you're not even aware they are present. But when one part of this delicately balanced system is becomes unbalanced or another multiplies to excess our health and wellness can be adversely affected. That's where the inclusion of supplemental probiotics in our daily diets can help support the normal healthy balance of bacteria in our bodies.

Probiotics provide:

Aids in healthy intestinal function and digestion. Probiotics help rebuild your body's natural balance and wellness, you'll benefit from added intestinal function and stability, leading to more productive bowel movements and digestion. Probiotics help relieve symptoms of occasional constipation or diarrhea, helping you absorb more effectively the nutrients you consume.

Aids in immune system support. Probiotics help support your immune system by helping to rid the body of harmful toxins and by doing so decreases the threats to your immune system.

Aids in preventing yeast infections caused by antibiotics. Probiotics help maintain the "good" bacteria in the body, preventing the overgrowth of the bacteria vaginosis that results from taking antibiotics, thus helping to prevent yeast infections.

Supports better weight management. Many times when you start losing the bacteria and toxins that your body doesn't need, you also start to lose weight as a result. Probiotics support better weight management by helping with normal elimination and optimizing nutrient absorption.

Other benefits. Probiotics support antioxidant activity, participate in the synthesis of selected vitamins, and support epithelial health.

ProBiotic Restore is the formulation I recommend, it has been formulated to contain two kinds of probiotics, along with accompanying probiotic food know as FOS, the powerful antioxidant resveratrol and a high power artichoke extract. This combination of probiotics in effective levels and specially selected botanical ingredients strongly support your body's overall health by helping maintain the normal, healthy bacteria your body needs.

My digestive tract is much happier now then it was before I started ProBiotic Restore, yours will be too!

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

What's On Your Salad?

What's on your salad?

Most people automatically think that a salad is diet food. They are a great way to get more vegetable and fruits in your diet, but they can also cause you to gain weight if your not careful. In order to eat the salads that will be figure flattering follow these tips:

Apply the "quarter" rule

Many people wanting to lose weight think that as long as it is served over something green and leafy, it's healthy. That's not necessarily true, loading up on full-fat cheeses, pastas, croutons, and iceberg lettuce add a lot of calories. Instead of full-fat cheeses, have low-fat cheese - such as cottage cheese. Instead of croutons try adding crunch and flavor with nuts, that way you get your good fats (omega-3's), olives and avocados are sources of good fats also. Also instead of iceberg lettuce, try fresh spinach, leafy lettuces, and cabbage. Don't forget the other veggies like raw carrots, cucumbers, or broccoli. Follow the rule of filling your plate 3/4 full of green leafy or raw veggies and 1/4 full of small portions of higher-calorie ingredients.

Dressing on the side good or not

Salad dressings can add hundreds of unwanted calories to a salad if you let a restaurant put it on for you so always ask for dressing on the side, that way you control how many calories go on your salad. When you ask for the salad dressing on the side rather than dipping your salad in the dressing, pour a small amount over your salad and put the remainder out your reach, that way it is less tempting to keep adding more. If you are like me you can eat your salad without any dressing and cut out even more calories, just me personal preference, not everyone likes a plain salad.

Don't get in a rut

Don't eat the same salad day after day, you'll eventually get tired of it and not want salads anymore. Try adding different ingredients, like fruits, lean meats, all sorts of fresh veggies. I love this time of the year when there is a farmer's market every place you look. Be sure to wash all the fresh ingredients thoroughly to remove any dirt, pesticides, or bugs.

Here's one of my favorites

I love fresh spinach leafs, tuna (canned in water) that is drained, mandarin oranges, and sliced almonds, no dressing.

Blessings for a Glorious Day!