Ever wonder why all that time in the gym hasn't really paid off?
Have you tried all diets, read countless books and articles on nutrition, exercised, and to no avail?
Have you only lost a couple pounds that really don't justify all that time?
Are you about to call it quits or have already done so?
If so, allow me to enlighten you!
It's a vicious cycle. Most individuals that attempt to lose weight fail! It's definitely not coincidence and although some have legitimate medical reasons, most don't! What's the common denominator? Here's a list of my top 10 reasons why you may not be seeing the results you were hoping for:
#10 Drugs: Alcohol, Cigarettes, Sodium Fluoride and Pesticides
One of the main reasons most younger individuals or extremely social people fail is in their consumption of their "every once in a while" drink, their daily glass of wine, weekend tailgating drink-athons, or their weekend night escapades. The worse thing is most will have all four drugs on a date!!
Alcohol: Why is alcohol so bad? Well first and foremost you need to understand that it's almost certain that the majority of individuals will have a drink here and there, and that's fine... IF YOU ARE HEALTHY! That means that if you have any health problems, inlcuding obesity, you should stay away and most definitely if you are trying to lose weight. Plain and simple, that ONE glass of wine, beer, or shot of hard liquor will undo ALL of your hard work at the gym. NO it's not about the calories, but about the chemical reactions that occur within your body at the cellular level that ultimately lead to weight gain and/or weight loss prevention. Simply put: Alcohol slows down metabolism, prevents/delays tissue repair, dehydrates body which leads to poor performance mentally and physically (during and after the effect), and tricks your brain to produce the wrong hormones -which is what ultimately mandates whether or not you lose weight. For example, high production of estrogen in males which leads to higher cortisol levels that trigger your body to burn your fat-incinerating lean tissue (muscle) instead of the fat itself!!
Cigarettes: Common sense. These will prevent your body from maximizing oxygen consumption which is one of the most important "ingredients" to burn FAT! Smoking leads to poor breathing which in itself will prevent you from performing exercise at high intensities-which is necessary to speed up fat loss. Poor breathing and bad lungs will prevent you from getting stronger, leaner, and healthier. PERIOD.
Sodium Flouride and Pesticides: Found in your drinking water, bathing water, vegetables, fruits, meats, basically anything you consume that is not purified (water) or grown organically AND local! What's the big deal? Sodium flouride is a poison!!! It kills rats, organisms, and obviously YOU. So purify your water! This includes bathing water as well; hot baths open up skin pores that absorb all chemicals that you come into contact, leading to greater quantities absorbed trough skin then when you consume them. Pesticides on the other hand are utilized to kill pests (as the name suggests). Well if it's a poison that kills bugs, why are humans allowed to consume them? Supporters of pesticides claim that the quantities utilized are harmless. Ok, understandable. But what happens if you consume large quantities of these foods daily and over an extended period of time? Exactly, it's not just the one apple that will kill you, it's the accumulation of pesticides in your body that ultimately lead to weight loss prevention, cancer, and ultimately death. Something to note: individuals with higher amounts of body fat tend to carry and accumulate a lot more pesticide residue in their bodies than their skinnier counterparts. So do yourself a favor: INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH!...Purify and buy local organically grown foods!!!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Memories...
Recently I was speaking to an old friend of mine about fitness. He openly shared his thoughts on his life, marriage and the status of their ( his wife's and his) health. He was, to say the least, nostalgic.
He went on to share that the couples' desire for fitness, health, and physical image had faded over the years. Complacency had taken over- I told him. He agreed and continued to say that his partner's lack of interest in the matter affected his desire and prioritizing of fitness. Additionally, jealousy had started to creep into the relationship.
This happens to the best and the worst of us. My friend is not the only one with this problem. But it's how you chose to confront this issue that determines the outcome. You can either accept it and let your life partner deviate you from your desire or you can continue with your path and take on the additional challenge of influencing them to do the same. Don't shy away from the challenge. Step up to the plate and do what's right for you and them. Your body and marriage/relationship will thank you.
Remember that your partner is your first line of support and influence. If you feel that you care about your health and "physique" but they don't, change that! But know that it's not just about physiques- it's about life and long term health!
Have an open heart talk with them and let them know how you feel. Explain to them how this behavior, their actions, and lack of interest affects you and your relationship. If they truly care about the special bond you have with them they will respect that and not be detrimental to your goal/success-instead they will hopefully join you and serve as your main support.
As we get older and get complacent in our lives; we tend to forget about the small things that truly matter. Communication, trust, honesty, support and dedication are necessary qualities for a successful relationship and weight loss journey. Work on these as they will serve you well in the long run.
I've seen it time and time again. As partners get more comfortable in a marriage/relationship they tend to forget about their physiques. First it's 5 lbs, then 10, then 20, and sometimes even 100+. That's when they look back and wonder " what happened? I was athletic, attractive, and active!" They feel lost, not knowing where to start. But when they do find a way to begin on their redemption road they give up because of the unanticipated difficulty.
Now I'm not saying that physiques are everything and that you should have a superstar body. No, not at all. What I'm saying is that there should be no complacency in a relationship or health. You should always work at them as they are both directly related and one can affect the other. Look at the glass full and use your partner as support, motivation, and encouragement and stop using them as an excuse!! Instead of spending your time together dining and watching movies, mow the lawn, exercise, and jog together!
Now if you find yourself in this dilemma; nostalgic about your athletic days and wondering where that went, don't just sit and wonder. Do something about it! Get up and move, take your family out for fun days at the beach, play, find support, find a fitness trainer, educate yourself, eat right, and be persistent! All great things take time, effort, and will!
Don't dwell on the past, focus on the present for a better future!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
He went on to share that the couples' desire for fitness, health, and physical image had faded over the years. Complacency had taken over- I told him. He agreed and continued to say that his partner's lack of interest in the matter affected his desire and prioritizing of fitness. Additionally, jealousy had started to creep into the relationship.
This happens to the best and the worst of us. My friend is not the only one with this problem. But it's how you chose to confront this issue that determines the outcome. You can either accept it and let your life partner deviate you from your desire or you can continue with your path and take on the additional challenge of influencing them to do the same. Don't shy away from the challenge. Step up to the plate and do what's right for you and them. Your body and marriage/relationship will thank you.
Remember that your partner is your first line of support and influence. If you feel that you care about your health and "physique" but they don't, change that! But know that it's not just about physiques- it's about life and long term health!
Have an open heart talk with them and let them know how you feel. Explain to them how this behavior, their actions, and lack of interest affects you and your relationship. If they truly care about the special bond you have with them they will respect that and not be detrimental to your goal/success-instead they will hopefully join you and serve as your main support.
As we get older and get complacent in our lives; we tend to forget about the small things that truly matter. Communication, trust, honesty, support and dedication are necessary qualities for a successful relationship and weight loss journey. Work on these as they will serve you well in the long run.
I've seen it time and time again. As partners get more comfortable in a marriage/relationship they tend to forget about their physiques. First it's 5 lbs, then 10, then 20, and sometimes even 100+. That's when they look back and wonder " what happened? I was athletic, attractive, and active!" They feel lost, not knowing where to start. But when they do find a way to begin on their redemption road they give up because of the unanticipated difficulty.
Now I'm not saying that physiques are everything and that you should have a superstar body. No, not at all. What I'm saying is that there should be no complacency in a relationship or health. You should always work at them as they are both directly related and one can affect the other. Look at the glass full and use your partner as support, motivation, and encouragement and stop using them as an excuse!! Instead of spending your time together dining and watching movies, mow the lawn, exercise, and jog together!
Now if you find yourself in this dilemma; nostalgic about your athletic days and wondering where that went, don't just sit and wonder. Do something about it! Get up and move, take your family out for fun days at the beach, play, find support, find a fitness trainer, educate yourself, eat right, and be persistent! All great things take time, effort, and will!
Don't dwell on the past, focus on the present for a better future!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
College Nutrition
I'm on a college trip with my younger brother out in New England. Guess what I found? A cafeteria/ campus menu that offers mostly refined carbs, fried foods, and sweets! Now isn't that irritating? Even at the informed, educated, and professional level there are individuals that consume such "foods"! If the educated are mostly oblivious to the fact that they are eating inadequate foods that don't offer nutritious value to perform academically,then what does that say about the rest of Americans? Changes starts with the youth, if college students aren't learning about their health, we are in deep trouble...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, November 9, 2009
What happened?
America. The land of the free, the wealthy, and the sick. A land so obsessed with money, power, success, and productivity that's it's own recipee for superiority has backfired.
How? What happened to us? Why has obesity risen?
Health is not a priority in most of Americans' lives-it has taken the backseat. So overwhelmed with traffic, the "8 to 5" routine (more like 5-8), and the fast paced life, Americans opt to live unhealthy lifestyles because of its conveniency.
Corporations, realizing this, have taken advantage of the situation. Adding fuel to the fire, food corporations(not just fast food restaurants), agriculture companies, scientists and regulation agencies, have continued a never-ending cycle with means of creating superfoods! It's been these "super-covenient-foods" that have led to the demise of the welfare and health of every citizen.
In some states of this union, one of every three residents is considered overweight or obese; a number that has drastically increased since the early 1990's! Accross the country in schools, hospitals, clinics, you name it, people with nutrition related and most commonly, obese-related problems, are almost appearing spontaneously. Although it's speculated that 1 of every 5 Americans is obese, the scariest part is yet to come. More than ever before, we have obese toddlers and teenagers that find themselves helplessly walking down a road of self-destruction.
It's imperative to get Americans healthy; not just health insurance. It's a task that requires self-commitment, support, knowledge, medical professionals, and even goverment initiative. Unfortunately most might not have the latter four and that's where I come in...
A health guru, certified fitness trainer, nutrition specialist, athletic trainer, and motivator, I choose to help the ones in need.
Raised in a Latin American family, I was used to spending lots of quality time with the family. Birthdays were like weddings, and a simple get-together for a soccer game or Sunday football became a full blown celebration. Food was never in shortage, let alone the empty calories that were consumed.
The pillar strength of the family were my grandmothers, both whom were diagnosed with type II diabetes in my early teenage years. Soon after the news had been spread, one of them became increasingly ill. At that point in time I didn't fully comprehend the seriousness of the situation. It wasn't until my late teenage years that I had a reality check.
My grandmothers were in their current state because of a lifelong mistake. Their exessive consumption of saturated fats, refined carbs, sugar -combined with sedentary lifestyles- had led to their obesity.
Plagued with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney problems, heart problems, deteriorating vision, memory loss and other issues, my grandmother suffered. All these complications amounted to hundreds of days spent in hospitals, a dozen operations, thousands of dialysis hours, two amputated legs, one pacemaker, memory loss, and too many tears. The pain of my grandmother was felt by the entire family, her siblings, friends, and relatives. Our family get-togethers were never the same.
It was my grandmother's life that serves as a close and meaninful example that propels me to improve mine and those around me. To change a person's lifestyle into one that is healthy, meaningful, exciting and vibrant is the greatest feeling. At my young age, I'm proud to say that I've helped hundreds of people improve their lives and encouraged many more to become aware of their health and the critical choices that they must make. But my goal is to reach many more, that is why I'm writing this blog.
I write this blog with the intention of reaching a bigger audience with no boundaries: rich, poor, black or white, young and old, male and female. I hope that I can help many families overcome their health issues and thus improve their lives, and that of their loved ones.
By sharing my knowledge, experience, and all the challenges I encounter with my clients I hope that all can relate and learn. The road to a healthier lifestyle can be extremely tricky and challenging. I am here to encourage, support, and assist all those individuals that wish to be helped. I do this to honor my grandmothers and all those that have experienced similar events. Rest in peace nana...
With that being said, let this be the start of a new life. One that is based on healthier choices, smart nutrition, and an active lifestyle. Welcome!
How? What happened to us? Why has obesity risen?
Health is not a priority in most of Americans' lives-it has taken the backseat. So overwhelmed with traffic, the "8 to 5" routine (more like 5-8), and the fast paced life, Americans opt to live unhealthy lifestyles because of its conveniency.
Corporations, realizing this, have taken advantage of the situation. Adding fuel to the fire, food corporations(not just fast food restaurants), agriculture companies, scientists and regulation agencies, have continued a never-ending cycle with means of creating superfoods! It's been these "super-covenient-foods" that have led to the demise of the welfare and health of every citizen.
In some states of this union, one of every three residents is considered overweight or obese; a number that has drastically increased since the early 1990's! Accross the country in schools, hospitals, clinics, you name it, people with nutrition related and most commonly, obese-related problems, are almost appearing spontaneously. Although it's speculated that 1 of every 5 Americans is obese, the scariest part is yet to come. More than ever before, we have obese toddlers and teenagers that find themselves helplessly walking down a road of self-destruction.
It's imperative to get Americans healthy; not just health insurance. It's a task that requires self-commitment, support, knowledge, medical professionals, and even goverment initiative. Unfortunately most might not have the latter four and that's where I come in...
A health guru, certified fitness trainer, nutrition specialist, athletic trainer, and motivator, I choose to help the ones in need.
Raised in a Latin American family, I was used to spending lots of quality time with the family. Birthdays were like weddings, and a simple get-together for a soccer game or Sunday football became a full blown celebration. Food was never in shortage, let alone the empty calories that were consumed.
The pillar strength of the family were my grandmothers, both whom were diagnosed with type II diabetes in my early teenage years. Soon after the news had been spread, one of them became increasingly ill. At that point in time I didn't fully comprehend the seriousness of the situation. It wasn't until my late teenage years that I had a reality check.
My grandmothers were in their current state because of a lifelong mistake. Their exessive consumption of saturated fats, refined carbs, sugar -combined with sedentary lifestyles- had led to their obesity.
Plagued with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney problems, heart problems, deteriorating vision, memory loss and other issues, my grandmother suffered. All these complications amounted to hundreds of days spent in hospitals, a dozen operations, thousands of dialysis hours, two amputated legs, one pacemaker, memory loss, and too many tears. The pain of my grandmother was felt by the entire family, her siblings, friends, and relatives. Our family get-togethers were never the same.
It was my grandmother's life that serves as a close and meaninful example that propels me to improve mine and those around me. To change a person's lifestyle into one that is healthy, meaningful, exciting and vibrant is the greatest feeling. At my young age, I'm proud to say that I've helped hundreds of people improve their lives and encouraged many more to become aware of their health and the critical choices that they must make. But my goal is to reach many more, that is why I'm writing this blog.
I write this blog with the intention of reaching a bigger audience with no boundaries: rich, poor, black or white, young and old, male and female. I hope that I can help many families overcome their health issues and thus improve their lives, and that of their loved ones.
By sharing my knowledge, experience, and all the challenges I encounter with my clients I hope that all can relate and learn. The road to a healthier lifestyle can be extremely tricky and challenging. I am here to encourage, support, and assist all those individuals that wish to be helped. I do this to honor my grandmothers and all those that have experienced similar events. Rest in peace nana...
With that being said, let this be the start of a new life. One that is based on healthier choices, smart nutrition, and an active lifestyle. Welcome!
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