![]() Atlanta: 770.456.5580 Northern Black Hills: 605.717.2386 Toll-free Voice Mail: 888.472.2829 Fax: 678.921.5216 Address: 628 Ridge Rd Lead, SD, USA 57754 Our mission is to empower individuals who wish to lose weight and/or improve their health with knowledge and internal, sustainable motivation to transform into the person they deserve to be. We do this by providing articles, tools, products, and services from industry leaders that share easy to understand information and guidance. Our core values are honesty and integrity so that we may offer value by giving our customers a comfortable and convenient place to find everything needed to achieve their fitness and lifestyle goals. Lose Fat, Not Faith e-Zine1552-6151 |
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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
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:
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!
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 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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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,


weightlossexpert@naturalphysiques.com
770-456-5580 (direct)
888-472-2829 (toll-free voice mail)
678-921-5216 (fax)
628 Ridge Rd
Lead, SD, USA
57754