Fad Diets: Why they don't work!

Fad diets come and go. Whether or not you've tried them I'm sure you've heard of them. Atkins, Cabbage soup, Lemon juice, SlimFast, the list goes on and on. A recent article in The Wall Street Journal talks about diets and how if most people just ate a normal balanced meal they would feel satisfied and would not overeat. Check out the article and tell me what you think.

Hungry? Your Stomach Really Does Have a Mind of Its Own

My New Favorite Snack!

Greek yogurt is high in protein, which provides a steady supply of energy, helping your brain stay charged all morning. Protein also increases levels of epinephrine and dopamine, two chemicals that make you more alert. The carbs in the cereal give you a dose of glucose, which gets you going. Blueberries are potent antioxidants that have been shown to spur brain-cell production and help improve memory. Referenced from Yahoo! Shine.

This particular brand has just about every flavor you can imagine. Try it! 

Gospel Workout Playlist

These songs have been very uplifting and have enough energy to keep me moving.

Giants - Donald Lawrence and Tri City

Your Love is a Wonder- Fred Hammond

Hold On- Tye Tribbet & G.A.

Hallelujah Is the Highest Praise- Dynamic Praise

Follow You- James Fortune & FIYA

Incredible- Mary Mary

I Smile-Kirk Franklin

Hold Out- Hezekiah Walker & LFC

I Will Bless The Lord- Byron Cage

Work on Me- Tonex

Endow Me- Coko cooldown <--- This is my testify, praise, worship, ready to have church song! Seriously I can listen to this anytime, anywhere and it still has the same effect. Powerful!

Putting together this playlist was way more fun than I expected. There will be more Gospel Playlists to come!

Mother Nature and My Workout

For years I would not exercise during that dreaded time (yes that's how I feel about it!) of the month. I have found that the more consistent my workout schedule is the easier that time is for me. So instead of skipping my workouts on those days I have felt more inclined to make sure I complete them. I came across an article on shape.com (my favorite fitness magazine!) for all those who suffer during those few days and need some moves that will ease your muscles and help you to relax and possibly get through a workout.

10 Moves to Ease the Symptoms of PMS

This is why I'm passionate about health and fitness.

I came across an article on yahoo.com and it took me back to the reason that I became passionate about health and fitness. Even if I never make any money from fitness this will still be my passion. Many diseases, including forms of cancer, joint problems, depression and many others can be caused my an unhealthy lifestyle. Obesity is truly a disease. Everyone has a choice, one life and one body. Cherish it.

Check out the article.

User Post: How I Woke Up One Morning THIS Fat ? - Healthy Living on Shine

 

FIT Person Award for August

Its been a while since I have highlighted a FIT Person of the Month. Sorry for the delay but wait no longer..

Natasha Charles is our FIT Person for August! She is being highlighted because I believe she is someone that many women can relate to. She has gone from being active, to having a baby and dealing with post baby weight, to running in local races! Here is her story in her own words.

In short, my journey has gone from one of maintaining fitness pre baby to one of weight loss post baby (2 years on!) I never thought it would have been difficult to 'snap back' and in a sense this journey has had its challenges. I have gone from 3 hrs, five days a week in the gym to a minimum of one hour with a toddler in tow or demanding attention or trying to sit on my back while I do pushups or rolling on her soccer ball trying to mimic the abdominal exercise she would see me do on the stability ball. All funny when you think about it really....

I have found running to be my best friend and the city of Chicago with its scenic lakefront and varying running paths provides ample opportunity for this. I have opted to participate in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon because it is an event I have always said I'd do one day (October 9th) as well as to continue on the journey mentioned above.

In the last year I have finished several 5k's, 10k's and a 10 miler . I am still getting the hang of a 'runner's diet' and the concept of a proper running form ( which becomes increasingly important the more mileage you rack up) My 1st half marathon was on Aug. 15 th. Until then, I'm gonna keep on running. :)

Please feel free to send me your fitness story!

Training Like Ali

Today I brought my client to train with another fellow trainer, Tori Solomon. The focus was on boxing along with a mix of cardio and resistance exercise.

 

 Boxers are some the best trained athletes. Boxing incorporates cardio and resistance exercises. Boxing helps you control your breathing and balance. Jumping rope, weight training and running (even up stairs like Rocky) are some of the exercises that boxers use to strengthen their bodies. 

I love Muhammad Ali! When I feel like I cannot do anything I post one of his pictures as the background of my phone or computer for motivation.