Lose Fat, Not Faith e-Zine
Volume II Issue 6
June 10, 2005

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1552-6151

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Table of Contents

  1. What's New
  2. Quotes
  3. Coach's Corner
  4. Nutrition: Smart Nutrition
  5. Training: Get Out and Play: Top 7 Outdoor Exercises
  6. Health News
  7. Motivation: The Major Key to Your Better Future is You
  8. Entrepreneur's Workshop
  9. Closing Thoughts

What's New

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Lose Fat Not Faith Paperback Happy Anniversary, Lose Fat, Not Faith. It was one year ago that we released this book in digital format as Become the Journey. I would personally like to extend my thanks and gratitude to our hundreds of customers around the world who have invested in the eBook and graciously provided your feedback and testimonials.

Lose Fat, Not Faith: A Transformation Guide will be released in print (paperback, approximately 300 pages) on July 4th, 2005! You can pre-order now to save $5 from the cover price of $24.99, receive a signed copy, and enjoy free shipping on any additional copies you place with that order! This title is still available as an eBook with bonus downloads for a limited time.

If you've read Lose Fat, Not Faith and would like to share your review, we have a special link to submit your review at Amazon.com.


Updated Articles: Check out Squat Variations, Core and Abdominal Training, and The Bench Has Many Faces to see our new, 3D animated exercise demonstrations.

Article: Postpartum Exercise: Abdominals And Other Exercises (by Beverley Brooke)

Article: The Natural Alternative to the Most Prescribed Hypertension Meds (by Frank Mangano)

Article: Exercise After Pregnancy (by Beverley Brooke)

Article: Top 5 Weight Loss Strategies (by Joey Atlas)

Article: Chase that Oreo (by Rich Butkevic)

Article: Ten User-Friendly Habits for Successful Fitness Training (by Kyle Battis)

Article: Seven Diet Myths and Tips for Effective Weight Loss (by Terri Levine)

Article: Eating Disorders Awareness (by Terri Levine)

Article: Cardio-Boxing for Super Fitness (by Gary Matthews)

Article: Get Rid of your Diabetes (by Gary Matthews)

FAQ: I've lost a ton of weight and now I have loose skin. How do I get rid of it?

Audios: Interview with Georgette Pann (Click here to listen to this audio)

Audios: Interview with Terri Levine (Click here to listen to this audio)

Audios: Interview with Trainer Joey Atlas (Click here to listen to this audio)


Quotes

All of these quotes relate to endurance and focus (inspired by the half marathon that I ran this past Sunday!)

I believe that man will not merely endure; he will prevail.
William Faulkner

By perseverance the snail reached the ark.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.
John Quincy Adams

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
Thomas Paine

Failure is the path of least persistence.
Unknown Author


Coach's Corner

Jeremy Likness

So, it is done ...

The evening before my run, I went to bed early. It was necessary — I had to wake up at 4am to prepare the next day! Whenever I know I must get some quality sleep, I take a few melatonin with a cup of chamomile tea. I was in bed by around 10:00pm.

4am came, and for once, it wasn't too soon. I was well-rested and sprang out of bed. I had a Clif Bar, a high fiber shake with some healthy fats, and some coffee. My wife dropped me off at the parking lot at 5:30am, and I was at the start by around 6:10am (we rode a bus). I made some new acquaintances on the ride, including a 54-year old who has been running for 30 years. He was going to do a 9-minute pace, which was my goal, so we teamed up at the start.

The run started in a valley where the temperature was around 40 degrees. My hands were numb until the first mile. It was ironic to see the mile go by, and realize it was just the beginning. I think the strangest experienc was passing the 4 mile marker. I still recall many years ago, when I first began my journey to lose fat, when I was able to jog a full 4 miles for the first time. I broke down in tears because I hadn't thought it was possible. It was ironic to pass that milestone and again know that I was only getting started.

I maintained the 9-minute pace with my friend, Marv, until we hit the first hill. It was 3/4 mile of a steep incline, and I told him to go ahead. I knew I was slowing down. I was determined not to stop, so I slowed my pace and craweled to the top. I picked up some speed on the backside, but wasn't able to catch up with Marv.

The next several miles were fine, until I reached the ninth mile. Perhaps this was psychological, because this was the farthest I had ever run in my life — just one week before in my training. I gritted my teeth and moved on. I began to feel a little nauseous from the fluids in my stomach, but kept on. Mile 10 passed me by, then the next. At mile 11 I knew I was close, but my legs felt like lead. The trail moved from gravel to blacktop and I could feel the pain shoot through my knees and hips with each jarring step. I actually was about to slow down and stop to walk when I was only about 1/2 mile out, when two older gentlemen (late 50s, early 60s) jogged past and said, "What are you doing? Come on, we're there!" This inspired me to dig in and keep going ... to the finish line. It was now 80 degrees — my jog had taken me from a valley, onto a ridge, into another valley and then out into the sunshine of the historic Deadwood Main Street. My first half mile event concluded in 2 hours and 15 minutes for a 10:19 pace, after 7 weeks of training. It was a major personal accomplishment.

So how did I train for it? The first key for me was realizing what my mentor Jeffery Combs has turned into a brand for himself: More Heart than Talent. Seven weeks was hardly enough time to develop master marathon-running skills, but I knew I had the heart and mindset to see it through. Then, I simply worked backwards. I knew I could probably run 3 to 4 miles, and the race was 13, so I spaced out intervals each week to increase my distance to reach it. I knew if I could hit 9 or 10 miles, that adrenaline and focus would carry me the remaining three. Then, I added a few short-distance runs and some bike work, with some body weight resistance training. A little bit of planning and a lot of heart and focus were the ingredients for success.

These same principles apply to virtually any area in your life. Are you getting soft? Feeling comfortable in your routine? Isn't it time to shake things up a bit? I believe the most positive change in our lives comes through setting new goals and realizing new accomplishments. Your mindset dictates your current reality ... to embrace a new reality, you must adopt a new mindset. Life is like going the opposite way on an escalator ... unless you are moving, you aren't standing still ... you are going backwards. Keep it in motion, find your passion, and plug into your new reality. What will your new reality be this summer?

Blessed be,

Jeremy Likness


Nutrition: Smart Nutrition (by Terri Levine)

Terri Levine Eating "smart" is not just about eating ONLY "healthy" food, eating less food, or eating certain types of foods in certain combinations. Eating smart is eating the right quantities of "healthy" foods, having not-so-healthy snacks in moderation, and eating just enough to fill you without overdoing it! Smart nutrition cannot be found in fad diets and is not gained by compensating poor eating habits with pills and supplements.

A smart and nutritious eating plan is one that has an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free milk products. It also includes lean meats, fish, poultry, beans, legumes, eggs and nuts. A smart diet is low in saturated fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugar. But of course, you probably already know this. Putting it into action is possibly where you slip up.

  • FRUITS: Don't just eat apples and think you're doing your bit for a nutritious eating plan. Vary your fruit intake - it is okay to eat fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruit, but do be wary with dried fruit. You can end up eating more fruit in its dried state than you would in its natural state. It is preferable that you do not consider fruit juice as a replacement for eating fruit. If you are on, for example, a 2000 calorie eating plan, you must include the equivalent of 2 "cups" of fruit each day. This would represent one small banana, 1/4 cup of dried apricots, or a large orange.
  • VEGETABLES: Think "color" - and include more dark green vegetables and leafy dark green vegetables (broccoli, spinach, kale), and orange vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, squash and even sweet potatos. Beans and peas are nutritious and should also be included - kidney beans, pinto, black, garbanzo, lentils. Do vary your vegetables and if you have more veggies on your plate than any other food, that is a good thing, not a bad thing.
  • CALCIUM/MILK PRODUCTS: Aim for 3 cups of milk (low or non-fat) per day, or have the equivalent in low-fat yoghurt or low-fat cheese. (You'd need to eat approx. 1-1/2 oz of cheese to equal one cup of milk). Young children should drink only full cream milk - do not give low or non-fat milk unless advised by a medical professional. If you have an allergy and cannot drink normal milk, try a lactose-free variety. You do need to find ways to include calcium in your daily diet - there are foods and drinks which are calcium fortified if you really cannot tolerate milk in any form.
  • GRAINS: Whole grains are best. Go for at least 3 oz of whole grain breads, cereals, rice or pasta each day. To help you here, 1 oz is the equivalent of one slice of whole grain bread, or half a cup of cooked rice/pasta, or 1 cup of cereal. You'll know you are eating the "right" type of grains because it will be listed as whole in the ingredients. It will say whole wheat, whole rice, whole oats - or a variation of this wording.
  • MEAT: Protein is a very important part of your daily eating plan. Don't choose fatty meats - choose lean meats and poultry. If you are watching your weight as well as your health, don't fry your food in oil. Try baking it or grilling it, or even broiling it. When people think "protein" they often think "steak" - but this is not your only source of protein. Do vary your 'meat' and protein choices by including more fish, beans, seeds, nuts, and peas in your daily diet.

In addition to this, don't include salt in your foods when cooking them. Allow people to add salt themselves if they really MUST have it. Try eating your food without it — you will soon discover it is just as tasty (and you'll prefer it saltless) as well as being much healthier for you.

Choose processed foods that are low in fat, salt and sugar — read the nutrition labels. Brands differ.

If your downfall is munching on the wrong things when you are out and about or allowing your "eyes" to do the shopping for you, here are some more tips:

  1. Don't do your grocery shopping on an empty stomach. You will find you are less tempted by things like chocolates, cakes and biscuits if your stomach is full.
  2. Keep a piece of fruit or a small bag (handful) of unsalted nuts in your bag for those times when you are hungry - eat that instead of buying a donut or hotdog!
  3. Drink more water throughout the day — you'll only be a frequent visitor to the bathroom for a few days before your body adjusts and you'll be back to normal. Water is essential to your daily eating plan - you don't have to drink gallons of it - aim for about 8 glasses a day. Put it in a water flask and carry it with you - when you sip on it now and then you will not even notice it and every sip counts.
  4. When you do your grocery shopping, include healthy snacks and fruits you can keep at home so you and your family always have these healthy options available for school, work and at home and will not be tempted to eat crisps, cakes, sweets, etc. If healthy option snacks are all that you have available, guess what they will eat if they're hungry!
  5. If you buy your lunch, choose a whole grain bread sandwich or roll with plenty of salad - skip the salt and mayo/sauces. Drink a low/non fat milk or water with it.
  6. When dining out, choose healthier meals. You CAN ask to have a dish served without sauce. Opt for steamed, broiled or grilled dishes rather than fried or sautéed dishes.

How much food you need to eat in each day depends on your size, age and lifestyle. If you are on a special eating plan to lose or maintain weight, you would eat up your entire day's allowance just by eating a few very high-calorie food items, and in so doing, you will miss out on the vitamins your body needs. This is why it is important to choose something from each food group. Choose the most nutritious foods from each group — you can buy books which identify which foods and vegetables are higher up the ladder than the others in terms of fiber, minerals, vitamins etc. as well as list how many calories are in each. If you are eating sensibly sized portions of fruits, veggies, fat free or low fat milk products, whole grained products throughout your day, you will be getting a nutritious, low-fat diet without hunger pangs.

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If you're choosing cereals or so-called "health bars", read the labels first. Choose items that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, salt/sodium, cholesterol and sugar. If they include vitamins, so much the better - vitamins C, A, iron and fiber are good ones to look for. Check if the label includes a % Daily Value (or DV) column. Anything from 5% or less is considered low. If it shows 20% DV or more, this is considered high - put it back on the shelf.

Labels also include serving sizes and tell you how many calories you will be eating if you eat that amount. Sometimes a food item might include 2 serves and you plan to eat the entire thing. That's okay, but check the label — if the quantities for calories and vitamin intake etc. is written for 1 serve, you need to double that to know exactly what you will be taking in.

Some foods might be labeled in such a way that you believe they are a healthy choice. Don't be fooled. Check the label. Compare how many calories you will be eating with how much "goodness" there really is in the food. If a single food item has, for example, over 300-400 calories per serving, that is very high in calories and probably not a wise choice. And watch out for "hidden" sugars. Again, read the label. Don't only look for the word "sugar" — look for sucrose, corn or maple syrup, fructose and glucose — all hidden sugars! Do the same for fats. You want food that is low in cholesterol, saturated and trans fats. Go for polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats.

Eating less fat and reducing your salt intake has proven health benefits: lowering your chances of heart attacks and high blood pressure. Don't add salt to your food. Unfortunately, if eating processed foods, you won't be able to avoid it — so again, look at the labels. Also look for foods that are high in potassium. Potassium counteracts some of the effects of salt on your blood pressure. So remember: salt — not good, potassium — good.

ALCOHOL — limit your intake! Need we say more? As with everything else, drink in moderation. Depending on which country you live in, "moderate" drinking can be either 1 drink or 2 drinks a day for women, and 2-4 drinks a day for men. Of course, this depends on what you are drinking. There is a big difference between low-alcohol beverages and high-alcohol beverages. If you are watching your weight, keep in mind that alcoholic beverages are very low in nutritional value and high in calories!

Finally, how you prepare your food plays a large part in it's nutritional value at serving time. Don't overcook your vegetables or boil in large pots of water. Much of the precious vitamins is lost during the cooking process. Use the water in soups and casseroles. Always wash your hands first before preparing meals and use clean utensils and preparation surfaces. Likewise, wash your fruits and veggies before eating them. Don't use the same knife/surface to cut your veggies up on that you have just cut meat or chicken on.

Terri Levine is the author of the Best Seller Create Your Ideal Body and many other titles. She is a Master Certified Coach and top trainer and keynote speaker. Her website is http://www.CreateYourIdealBody.Com and is full of resources, articles and wonderful information


Training: Get Out and Play: Top 7 Outdoor Exercises (by Aaron Potts)

Do you remember when our parents used to yell at us to go outside and play? They would get so tired of us running around the house munching junk food and fighting with our siblings that they would practically kick us out of the house!

Well, we may not have the same child-like activities lined up to get outside for anymore, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't still get out and enjoy the world! Exercising outdoors has many benefits, and they include the following:

  • Little or no equipment needed to get a good workout
  • No crowded gyms or obnoxious people to put up with
  • No driving time to the local fitness facility
  • No need to put on makeup or special clothing to workout at the gym
  • Vitamin D enhancing sunshine for our skin
  • The ability to workout anytime, anywhere — even on vacation
  • Two words: Fresh Air

There are probably other reasons that you can think of why an outdoor workout would fit into your particular lifestyle, so now all you have to do is learn what kind of activities can be done outside.

Refer to the following Top 7 list of exercises that are sure to leave you sweaty, worn out, and feeling great when it's all over!

LUNGES

Like all exercises, lunges should be done with absolutely perfect form. When done correctly, a lunge will work every single muscle in your legs at some point throughout the movement, including the all important Gluteus Maximus (that's the primary buttocks muscle, for those of you not anatomically inclined).

Variations on lunges that require no equipment include; Standing Lunges, Alternating Lunges, Elevated Lunges, Rear Lunges, and Walking Lunges.

PUSH UPS

Push ups have always been one of the most effective upper body exercises, but they have somehow gotten lost in the world of shiny chest press machines and fleets of various types of exercise benches. However, the push up is still an incredibly productive exercise, and it requires no equipment whatsoever.

The 3 basic push up movements include Standard Grip, Wide Grip, and Close Grip. Alternating those 3 types will ensure maximal stimulation to the chest, shoulders, and triceps. In addition, you can elevate your hands to make the movement somewhat easier, or elevate your feet to make the movement somewhat harder.

Also, if you are really feeling brave, you can even throw in some Bounce and Clap Push Ups!

SQUATS

Many people simply don't understand the incredible power of doing a Squat the right way. Through improper instruction, inappropriate form, and just plain laziness, the incredible effectiveness of the Squat has been lost in the mix.

Variations including Standing Squats, One-Leg Squats, Plie Squats, Wide-Stance Squats, and Overhead Squats. Think you can't get enough stimulus out of Squats? Try doing 50 perfectly formed repetitions and see how tired your legs are!

STEP UPS

Brutal is the best word to describe this exercise when done properly! Using nothing more than a picnic bench, a piece of playground equipment, or even just a decent size rock, you simply step up onto your elevated surface, step down, and then repeat on the other side alternating back and forth.

By keeping your back straight and your head up the entire time, you will maximize recruitment of all of your leg muscles, and you will get an incredible cardiovascular workout as well. Go for perfect form and you will quickly see the benefit of this great exercise.

CHIN UPS

The outdoor version of Chin Ups and Pull ups can be done using anything from a low-hanging tree branch to any number of different pieces of playground equipment.

When done properly, Chin Ups and Pull Ups will humble most people, even avid exercisers. Bring your body up completely until your chin is at or above your hands, and lower back to the start under control. Repeat for as many as you can do!

UPHILL SPRINTS

Don't try this one until you can run a good 100-yard dash on level ground! This exercise is just what it sounds like - running uphill. Run up a decent size hill as fast as you can, walk back to the bottom, and repeat. Bring oxygen, but leave your pride at home, or else the hill will take it from you!

DUCK WALKS

This exercise is so simple, yet about as hard as it gets.

Simply squat down until your thighs are at or below parallel to the ground, stay in that position, and start walking. Go about 10 steps and then walk backwards to your starting point. Repeat as many times as necessary (which won't be many) to reach total exhaustion!

As you can see, doing outdoor exercises has all of the benefits listed above including one benefit that wasn't listed - they are hard! If you are up to the challenge and sick of the gym, give your body and your mind an Earth-moment and get outside and play!

Aaron Potts is a Personal Trainer and Fitness Success Coach whose customers include consumers as well as other fitness professionals. Sign up for his free Fitness Journal at http://www.fitnessdestinations.com or visit his coaching site at http://www.ptsuccesscoach.com.


Health News

Paraben-free skin care This news is brought to you by the company that we partner with to provide high quality, pharmaceutical grade nutritionals and paraben-free skin care. Click on the image or follow one of the links for more information.

Nutritional supplements improve symptoms of peripheral vascular disease

A new study published in the June 2005 issue of the Journal of Nutrition indicates that a combination of nutrients known to help protect against cardiovascular disease also helps to improve the risk factors and symptoms of peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Peripheral vascular disease is a blockage of the arteries in the legs caused by atherosclerosis. Due to inadequate blood supply, the condition often causes cramping pain in the legs that occurs during walking.

Sixty men with PVD were divided into two groups. The treatment group received a daily fortified milk product that contained 200 milligrams eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 130 milligrams docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 5.12 grams oleic acid, 150 micrograms folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, D, and E. The control group received skimmed milk with added vitamins A and D. Blood samples were drawn at the beginning of the 12 month study and every three months until the study's conclusion.

Pain free walking distance progressively increased after the third month by up to 3.5 times in the group that received the supplements, while the group that received the skim milk experienced nonsignificant improvements. A measurement of blood pressure ratio between the ankle and brachial artery improved in the treatment group, but not in the control group. The treatment group experienced a drop in total cholesterol, ApoB, and homocysteine among those in whom it was previously elevated.

These findings provide evidence for the role of nutrition in reducing the symptoms PVD as well as general cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin D supplementation lowers fracture risk

The May 11 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association published the results of a meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials involving vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of fracture. The analysis concluded that supplementation with higher than the commonly recommended 400 international unit (IU) doses of vitamin D reduces the risk of hip and nonvertebral fractures in older individuals.

The vitamin D studies included a total of 19,114 men and women aged 60 and older. The trials used the form of the vitamin known as cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3, which, according to studies cited in the current review, may be much more effective than the dietary form of the vitamin.

The researchers found that doses of 700 to 800 IU of vitamin D3 per day reduced the risk of hip fracture by 26 percent and nonvertebral fracture by 23 percent. Studies that used 400 IU vitamin D3 or less found no significant benefit for either type of fracture.

The role of additional calcium supplementation could not clearly be defined from the studies, but it appears that at least 700 milligrams calcium per day may also be necessary for nonvertebral fracture prevention.

Vitamins E and C confirmed safe by leading experts

In a new article published in the April issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, fourteen leading safety and antioxidant experts reviewed the available scientific literature on vitamin E and C and concluded that high dosages commonly used in supplements are safe for the general population.

In reviewing the available scientific literature on vitamins E and C, the scientists evaluated clinical trials as well as epidemiological studies in humans, including the recent, controversial meta-analysis on vitamin E from Johns Hopkins University. Based on the 95 studies analyzed, the experts determined there was sufficient information from human data to support a conclusion on safety. The experts concluded that evidence of potential adverse effects of high vitamin E intakes in humans is not convincing and that supplements appear safe for most adults in amounts up to 1,600 IU.

With regard to vitamin C, the authors noted that other than occasional gastrointestinal upset or mild diarrhea, there is no pattern of evidence to support concerns about safety in dosages commonly consumed.

Vitamins E and C are among the most popular dietary supplements. Many studies suggest that these antioxidant supplements, either alone or in combination with other supplements, can help promote overall good health and be helpful in lowering the risk of certain chronic degenerative diseases.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 81, No. 4, 736-745, April 2005

CoEnzyme Q10 reduces oxidative damage to nerve cells

In a recent study published in the April 2005 volume of Neurobiology of Disease, researchers investigated the role of CoEnzyme Q10 in protecting nerve cells from oxidative damage.

Nerve cells depend on optimal mitochondrial function for energy. This study demonstrated that external oxidative stress causes mitochondria to increase production of free radicals, leading to nerve cell damage and destruction. Since CoEnzyme Q10 is a component of the mitochondrial energy process and is a potent anti-oxidant, CoEnzyme Q10 was evaluated as a neuroprotective agent.

In this study, CoEnzyme Q10 inhibited the production of free radicals by the mitochondria, suggesting that CoEnzyme Q10 acts to stabilize the mitochondrial membrane when nerve cells are subjected to oxidative stress. CoEnzyme Q10 may therefore have a potential benefit as a therapeutic intervention for neurodegenerative diseases.

Micronutrient deficiencies likely to be a major cause of cancer

The following abstract and conclusion were published by Dr. Bruce Ames of the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Ames is a leading expert in Molecular Toxicology and Nutrition. The research was published in two major journals: Micronutrient deficiencies. A major cause of DNA damage Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1999;889:87-106, and DNA damage from micronutrient deficiencies is likely to be a major cause of cancer Mutat Res. 2001 Apr 18;475(1-2):7-20.

ABSTRACT

DNA damage from micronutrient deficiencies is likely to be a major cause of cancer. A deficiency of any of the micronutrients: folic acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, iron, or zinc, mimics radiation in damaging DNA by causing single- and double-strand breaks, oxidative lesions, or both. For example, the percentage of the US population that has a low intake (<50% of the RDA) for each of these eight micronutrients ranges from 2 to >20%. A level of folate deficiency causing chromosome breaks was present in approximately 10% of the US population, and in a much higher percentage of the poor. Folate deficiency causes extensive incorporation of uracil into human DNA (4 million/cell), leading to chromosomal breaks. This mechanism is the likely cause of the increased colon cancer risk associated with low folate intake. Some evidence, and mechanistic considerations, suggest that Vitamin B12 (14% US elderly) and B6 (10% of US) deficiencies also cause high uracil and chromosome breaks. Micronutrient deficiency may explain, in good part, why the quarter of the population that eats the fewest fruits and vegetables (five portions a day is advised) has about double the cancer rate for most types of cancer when compared to the quarter with the highest intake. For example, 80% of American children and adolescents and 68% of adults do not eat five portions a day. Common micronutrient deficiencies are likely to damage DNA by the same mechanism as radiation and many chemicals, appear to be orders of magnitude more important, and should be compared for perspective. Remedying micronutrient deficiencies should lead to a major improvement in health and an increase in longevity at low cost.

CONCLUSION

Optimizing micronutrient intake (through better diets, fortification of foods, or multivitamin-mineral pills) can have a major impact on public health at low cost. Other micronutrients are likely to be added to the list of those whose deficiency causes DNA damage in the coming years. Tuning-up human metabolism, which varies with genetic constitution and changes with age, is likely to be a major way to minimize DNA damage, improve health and prolong healthy lifespan.


Motivation: The Major Key to Your Better Future is You (by Jim Rohn)

Jim Rohn Of all the things that can have an effect on your future, I believe personal growth is the greatest. We can talk about sales growth, profit growth, asset growth, but all of this probably will not happen without personal growth. It's really the open door to it all. In fact I'd like to have you memorize a most important phrase. Here it is, "The major key to your better future is YOU."

Let me repeat that. "The major key to your better future is YOU." Put that someplace you can see it everyday, in the bathroom, in the kitchen, at the office, anywhere where you can see it everyday. The major key to your better future is YOU. Try to remember that every day you live and think about it. The major key is YOU.

Now, there are many things that will help your better future. If you belong to a strong, dynamic and progressive company, that would help. If the company has good products, good services that you are proud of, that would certainly help. If there were good sales aids, that would help, good training would certainly help. If there is strong leadership that will certainly help. All of these things will help, and of course, if it doesn't storm, that will help. If your car doesn't break down, that will help. If the kids don't get sick, that will help. If the neighbors stay half way civil, that will help. If your relatives don't bug you, that will help. If it isn't too cold, if it isn't too hot, all those things will help your better future. And if prices don't go much higher and if taxes don't get much heavier, that will help. And if the economy stays stable, those things will all help. We could go on and on with the list; but remember this, the list of things that I've just covered and many more - all put together - play a minor role in your better future.

The major key to your better future is you. Lock your mind onto that. This is a super important point to remember. The major key is you. Mr. Shoaff always answered when asked, "How do you develop an above average income?" by saying "Simple, become an above average person. Work on you." Mr. Shoaff would say, "Develop an above average handshake." He would say, "A lot of people want to be successful, and they don't even work on their handshake. As easy as that would be to start, they let it slide. They don't understand." Mr. Shoaff would say, "Develop an above average smile. Develop an above average excitement. Develop an above average dedication. Develop an above average interest in other people." He would say, "To have more, become more." Remember; work harder on yourself than you do on your job. For a long time in my life, I didn't have this figured out.

Strangely enough, with two different people in the same company one may earn an extra $100 a month, and the other may earn a $1,000. What could possibly be the difference? If the products were the same, if the training was the same, if they both had the same literature, the same tools. If they both had the same teacher, the same compensation plan, if they both attended the same meetings, why would one person earn the $100 per month and the other person earn the $1000? Remember here is the difference...the difference is personal, inside, not outside, inside.

You see the real difference is inside you. In fact, the difference IS you. Someone once said, "The magic is not in the products. The magic is not in the literature. The magic is not in the film. There isn't a magic meeting, but the magic that makes things better is inside you, and personal growth makes this magic work for you.

The magic is in believing. The magic is in daring. The magic is in trying. The real magic is in persevering. The magic is in accepting. It's in working. The magic is in thinking. There is magic in a handshake. There is magic in a smile. There is magic in excitement and determination. There is real magic in compassion and caring and sharing. There is unusual magic in strong feeling and you see, all that comes from inside, not outside. So, the difference is inside you. The real difference is you. You are the major key to your better future.

To Your Success,
Jim Rohn

This article was submitted by Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business Philosopher. To subscribe to the Free Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine go to www.jimrohn.com.
Copyright © 2005 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide.


Entrepreneur's Workshop

Never Forget Your Dreams (by Jeremy Likness)

Are you living your life backwards?

Let me explain.

You've probably heard it before — the key to success. Go to school. Study hard. Get good grades. Grab that scholarship to the college of your choice and study for a degree. Leave, get a job, buy a house, a car, build a family, retire, and hopefully that company investment plan will pay to put your own children through the same cycle. Sound familiar?

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with school. I tried it myself. I did well in the classes I attended, and came close to a degree in Information Technology. There is a lot of value in what you can learn. In fact, I may go back to college now that I've discovered my true passion (health and wellness instead of computer science) to learn more about the subject.

But what is the problem with this model for success?

It doesn't take a genius to realize that while almost everyone tries to follow this model, very few actually succed. Some get stuck in a low-paying job they don't enjoy. Others may end up in a high-paying job they are passionate about, but soon realize they don't have the time to do much else. In fact, if you ask most people in the world today what top two things would make their life easier, the majority response is time freedom and financial security.

What about your dreams? Remember those? Almost all of us had them. We loved imagining where we would be some day. Then, as we started to grow older, people began to tell us that certain dreams were silly.

"You're not going to be a basketball star, so keep studying your calculus."

"The music industry is tough, you have to get a lucky break, why not teach piano lessons instead?"

"You want to be a motivational speaker? You can't even ask for directions without getting nervous and stuttering."

These are the little dream-stealers. Unfortunately, too many people listen to these voices. We can't really blame the people who tell us this, either. Whatever they say once, we take into our mind and tell ourselves a thousand times. So instead of focusing on our purpose in life, we go backwards, and focus on a trade and our education, hoping it will lead to the next step and the next step and beyond.

Of course, if this model worked well, then more people would be living the life of their dreams. When I lost 65 pounds of fat, my life transformed. I realized anything was possible. So when I felt a passion for health and wellness, I didn't look at school or certifications or try to seek external validation. Instead, I went on a search for mentors. I found individuals who were successful in the industry and offered whatever assistance I could provide in exchange for advice.

That is when I discovered that I was living backwards. You don't start with the school grades or the college education or the certifications or even the job. You start with your dreams. You imagine the life you deserve to live. I'm not talking about closing your eyes and daydreaming for a few seconds ... I'm talking about a full-length motion picture of what the perfect day in your life would be like.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, I'd like to share a little exercise that may help you figure out what that is. Often, when I ask people what their vision is, they tell me 20/20. Seriously, have you ever really sat down and created a blueprint for your life? One with detail and focus? Or do you focus instead on your daily routine, hoping that something will "happen" for you?

  1. Sit down with a piece of paper and write down 100 goals. Seriously! One hundred of them. Most people are hard-pressed to get two or even three on paper, but if you are serious about this, you'll lock yourself into a room and search deep within your soul until you have 100 items on that piece of paper. Spread them out. You can have financial goals, career goals, family goals, fun goals, spiritual goals, and charitable goals.
  2. Now, start to put a number beside each goal. If you had the right mentor, the right education and found yourself with the right people, how long would it realistically take for you to accomplish this goal? This is where you may struggle a bit, because you haven't allowed yourself to deserve some of these goals. You may decide you couldn't possible do it, or it's not for you, or any other number of excuses not to pursue your dreams. Leave those behind. Get focused.
  3. For your vision to really work, I think that between 2 to 5 years is realistic, because you will constantly be updating and improving your vision. So scratch off everything beyond 5 years to narrow down your list.
  4. Now, start the elimination process. Every goal is competing with the goal next to it, so pick which one is more important to you and "advance" it to the next round, like the charts you see for teams as they advance to the finals. You are ultimately seeking the goal that is your most important one.
  5. Finally, we have a set of five year goals and your most important one. With this in mind, it's time to construct your vision. If you were to accomplish all of those goals, especially your most important goal, what would your day be like? Write this down in the present tense. Say, "I wake up to the warmth of sunshine on my face ..." or however you plan to wake up. Where do you wake up? What is your house like? What is your routine? Who do you speak to and meet with? Where do you go? How do you feel? What is your family doing? Be very specific. Some people may write ten pages for their vision.

Now you have something we call vision. Vision is really your dreams, but with a deadline and the permission to make them real. Will you give yourself that permission? It's up to you. Being an entrepreneur requires a different method of thinking because ultimately, you are responsible for your own fate. The reason by being an entrepreneur can be so powerful for your dreams is that you are in charge — instead of being paid what a job is worth, you are compensated your your value on the free market. Want to give yourself a raise? Then increase your value. When the water gets rough, if you have no concrete vision, you will be swept away. With a passion, a dream, a rock-solid vision, you will be able to anchor yourself and move through the turbulance to the calm waters beyond.

How do you make a dream become real? You never give up. You never forget your dreams.


Closing Thoughts

It seems that my life is full of change. Like many people, I used to fear change. It did not take me long to realize, however, that my most fulfilling moments in life are all connected with change on some level. Now, I embrace change and know that wherever I feel fear is the potential to make a major, positive difference in my life. This is why I constantly take on new challenges and projects.

I already shared with you my half marathon project. Our family is also taking on a new project. After moving to the beautiful Black Hills, which we love for the skiing and hiking and clean air and warm community, we once again find ourselves about to move on. There are a number of reasons behind our decision: Doreen is now a real estate agent and wants to move into a more active market, I want to host my seminars somewhere that people have easier access and more to do, and we will be closer to our immediate family. We don't waste time over-analyzing situations or decisions. Instead, we share the idea, pray, and follow what's inside our heart. We know if it feels right, we will make it happen. So, I most likely will be writing the next issue of this newsletter from somewhere near St. Petersburg, Florida!

Another major change that I made was partnering with a cutting edge company to improve the online personal training service that I provide. I found that many clients were simply looking for professionally designed workout routines or specific nutrition advice and not necessarily the comprehensive, phone based coaching I provide that deals with permanent lifestyle changes and the personal development aspects of healthy living. MyNaturalPhysique.com is a project I am proud of because it offers so much — over 14,000 routines that are assigned based on your specific situation and goals, advanced tracking and logging features (you can even design and enter your own routines), 3d illustrated and animated exercise guides, a nutrition program that is based on my belief that nutrition should be fun and enjoyable, and support from world class elite and Olympic athletes and trainers. What's more exciting is the opportunity to offer a 14-day free trial so that you can "try before you buy."

After introducing this new service, I received a number of e-mails and calls asking me what happened to my personal, one-on-one, phone-based coaching. I am still taking on personal clients! We are in a transition phase and rolling out this option to the new system. With my own coaching, I use the technology to deliver the routines and nutrition advice that I create 100% custom for you. In addition to the online interaction, I also provide phone-based coaching (the standard package is 30 minutes every week), an advanced curriculum so that you can learn about fitness, nutrition, and the mind-body connection as you are losing fat and gaining muscle on your new progam, and unlimited e-mail support (I commit to responding within one business day). There is even an option for me to fly onsite and train you in person. If you would like to find out if this more customized and personalized approach is for you, sign up for a free assessment and we will spend 15 minutes to find out what the best fit for you will be.

Thank you for taking the time to share your journey with Natural Physiques™. We are committed to helping you Become Your Best. If you have any questions or if there is any way that I can assist you, don't hesitate to e-mail me or call me at one of the numbers listed below. Have a blessed, healthy, and abundant week!

Blessed be,

Jeremy Likness

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Jeremy Likness Jeremy Likness
weightlossexpert@naturalphysiques.com
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