Do you want to be one in 66 million?

Currently there are over 66 million Americans who are classified as obese.

Do you want to be one in 66 million?

How much is your health worth to you?

Is it worth 30 minutes a day?

Is it worth an additional five years with your family and friends? Another ten?

Think about it.

How much is your life worth to you?

In 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine reported that individuals concerned about their excessive weight gain should look to their inner circle for clues. "The study showed that obesity spreads within social networks and that the closer the social connection — even if people live in different households many miles apart — the greater the influence on developing obesity," (Christakis and Fowler, 2007).

According to an article by the National Institute of Health, findings include:

-A key participant’s chances of becoming obese increased by 57 percent if he or she had a close friend who became obese.

-In same-sex friendships, a close friend becoming obese increased a key participant’s chance of becoming obese by 71 percent. However, no such association was found in opposite-sex friendships.

-The perception of friendship also was an important factor. When two people identified each other as close friends, the key participant’s risk of becoming obese increased by 171 percent if his or her friend became obese. In contrast, a key participant was not likely to become obese if someone claimed a close friendship with him or her but the key participant did not report the friendship.

-Among pairs of siblings, one’s becoming obese increased the other’s chance of becoming obese by 40 percent. This finding was more marked among same-sex siblings than opposite-sex siblings.

-In married couples, one spouse’s becoming obese increased the likelihood of the other spouse becoming obese by 37 percent. Husbands and wives appeared to affect each other equally.

-Obesity spread across social ties, despite geographic distance from one person to another. Further, social distance — the degree of social separation between two people in the network — appeared to make more of a difference than geographic distance in the spread of behaviors and norms associated with obesity.

-An immediate neighbor’s becoming obese did not affect a person’s risk of becoming obese.

-Smoking behavior was not associated with the spread of obesity from person to person.
While this may be troubling news, there is good news as well. Inner circles can influence weight, yes, this is true; however, just as they can be a factor in weight gain, they can also be a factor in weight loss!

Creating a strong, focused support network devoted to weight loss and good health can slowly reverse the increasing numbers of overweight Americans.

How many are taking their health into their own hands?

Many dieters fail because they approach weight loss with the wrong attitude. Looking for a quick fix with dieting pills or fad diets may give you immediate results, but they will not help maintain a healthy weight. While some individuals may need medical assistance, surgery should always be considered an absolute last resort, unless directed by your physician.

The average American's weight loss can be managed through proper diet and exercise; however, in today's society of instant gratification, everyone is looking for that quick fix.

Sorry, it just isn't out there. But, solid diet and exercise programs are available, which can not only change your body, but your mental outlook too.

First, you have to begin with a support group. Building a strong foundation can help individuals maintain their proper, balanced diets, maintain their work out programs, and seek healthy alternatives which will benefit their goals, not destroy them.

Secondly, step up a schedule that you can follow, until the program becomes routine. Research shows that forming a new habit takes at least 21 days, so set a schedule for your new program that consists of 21 days. This will help re-train your mind to include healthy eating and exercise.

Third, time. Yes, it will take time to loss the weight, depending on how much you have to lose. I have a friend who told me it took him three years to lose the weight he desired, but he kept at it, kept working out, because it was important to him to get his health and fitness in shape. This is where your support system will be essential. In times when you are feeling in doubt about your weight loss, they can help keep you motivated.

When you decide (and I do hope that you decide to get fit and take care of your health) to get fit, develop a support system. Enlist your friends, family members, co-workers, associates, anyone you know to join you to get fit. This will help keep you and your network accountable for exercising. People join people, so the more people you have joining you, the more responsibility you feel to meet goals and help keep you motivated.

Local groups may have networks built for a specific audience, like new moms or seniors, which you can join. Gyms may offer groups as well. Health and Wellness companies, like Beachbody, offer online fitness coaches and team forums to help keep you motivated to your goals and inspire you to keep moving forward.

However you go, developing a network will help you reach your goals.

It is true that your inner circle is indicative of your fitness; however, you do have a choice as to what that fitness is.


Join the Revolution!



Reference:

Christakis, N.A., and Fowler, J.H. The spread of obesity in a large social network over 32 years. New England Journal of Medicine (2007), 357(4):370-379.

Farrer, Susan. New NIH-Supported Study Characterizes Social Networks of Family, Friends Influencing Obesity. National Institute of Health (2007). Retrieved on May 27, 2009 from http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jul2007/nia-25.htm

A prick of the finger

I went to the doctor today, not expecting the reception I received. Imagine my surprise when she did just that. I have watched those medical shows where the doctors dismiss a crazed mother of a newborn when she complains that there is something wrong with her child, only to discover years later, she had been correct all along and the doctors ignored her. In defense of doctors, I understand it is a subjective thing when someone walks in and tells a story which could or couldn't be a certain illness. Suddenly, it becomes a story of 'you must believe me.' Unfortunately, in certain cases, patients have to be resilient and persistent.

I plan to be so.

From my previous post, I spoke about an "attack" I had, a case of the "vapors," a "spell" if you will. Basically, my blood sugar went way too low and my body reacted poorly, as any body would. So I went to my doctor today, and she immediately dismissed my claims. Yes, dismissed. She asked, do you think it could have been the fumes in the salon?

Fumes do not cause what I went through, unless I was breathing in some sort of neurotoxin, of which case, that would be the end of my story. I simply wouldn't be here to tell it.

I told her about the family history, how this was something that has plagued me most of my life, but just enough that I notice it happening more. Finally, I had convinced her to at least let me monitor my blood sugar for a month and then come back. Then I could have evidence. Then she would see. I'm not making this up.

Imagine--I now have to be even more conscious of my body and my health, which makes being a part of Beachbody that much more important. Not only do I have excellent exercise programs at my disposal, including a diabetes program by Kathy Smith (should it be discovered that I have diabetes), but I have an excellent nutritional program through the Team Beachbody membership which I can customize to my needs. Plus, I have an entire forum of people who are like me, trying to get healthy, trying to lose weight and trying to do so with different medical conditions.

I've never felt so supported.

Oh, and after one day of testing, my blood sugar has been around 80 mg/l all day, even with a soda (normal is from 70 to 150), though before I ate dinner this evening, it was 62 and that was 2 hours after eating when the sugar levels are suppose to even out.

Gee, do you think I have low blood sugar?


Join the Revolution!

Skipping out means slipping down

We are all knowledgeable in diets. Many of us have dieted at some point in time. You just cut back food, increase exercise, and voila! You're on your way to fitness! But dieting goes well beyond that. Dieting means you must chose the appropriate foods to properly energize and maintain your system. Choosing the wrong foods, or limiting foods, could result in devastating effects.

While my diet, admittedly, needs work, I'm not starving myself and most likely there's an underlining medical condition, like hypoglycemia or diabetes that I don't know about yet, but I was so fortunate (and said with sticky sarcasm there) to have a "spell" yesterday. That's the only way to explain it, I had a spell. I feel like such a Southern Belle saying that. I got a case of the vapors.

I was at the nail salon when it hit, and thankfully there was a very lovely woman there who knew what she was doing. I started feeling sick to my stomach, and immediately I knew I need to eat, but I had nothing with me. Then the vision started going, right after the hands began to shake violently. Before I knew it, I had cold rags on my neck and forehead, and a very nice lady trying to keep me alert with questions. I really don't remember what happened in those few minutes, but someone gave me a piece of candy and a glass of water. Slowly I started feeling better.

While this is most likely a case of an underlying medical condition, I wanted to tell this story because the same thing can happen someone who isn't eating a proper and balanced diet. Skipping one meal can give anyone these symptoms, so it is of the utmost important that you eat on a regular schedule and not skip a meal. I didn't technically skip a meal, but I went too long with eating something, even a protein bar.

This is why I like Shakeology. Shakeology, while it is a meal replacement, is packed with so many proteins, amino acids, prebiotics, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that it is perfect to keep blood sugar at a steady, healthy level.

I am feeling better and I do have an appointment with the doctor to get checked out, as this is a problem I have had in the past. I'll let you know how it turns out, but please, try to eat on a regular schedule and make sure you have something on you at all times, in case the blood sugar gets too low.

You can read all about Shakeology and all its goodness on their site.

Find your inner goddess!

The program of my choice: Yoga Booty Ballet. Work out without it feeling like work.

Don't be stopped!

I'll admit, I've never been one to stick to things, particularly an exercise program. I really need someone there telling me where to go, what to do, how much to work. Its the mentality of a team sports player. You get used to being told what to do, how to do it and not ask questions. It is also this mentality which got me into Beachbody. Their coaching opportunity and their online forums help keep me accountable to my work out. I'm still working on the diet (again, that team sports mentality: I can eat anything and not gain weight. I need to realize I'm not 16 anymore) but the work outs are now habit. In fact, I become quiet cranky if I know that I can't get a work out in. I will arrange my schedule around my work out so that I can make sure I get at least 30 minutes of something in.

30 minutes is better than nothing.

I really need to pump it up to an hour. That may be next month's goal. Start getting up to an hour a day.

I was recently speaking with a friend about working out and I told her that I had lumbospondylosis, which is an arthritic spinal condition and along with it, I have a herniated disc. About three years ago, I bent over to pick something up, and felt a strain across my lower back like nothing I had ever felt before. With minutes, I couldn't feel my two outer toes. Within days, I couldn't feel my foot. After several weeks, I couldn't feel my leg. How I didn't break anything I still don't know, because I was walking around, not feeling the ground below me and not sure if the leg I was walking on was going to give underneath me. Eventually, it got to the point where I was unable to move. I was walking around on a cane. I had to go in for an MRI where I discovered that I had a herniated/bulging disc. And by the look of the MRI, there wasn't much of the disc left.

So I had to stop working out, because, well, I couldn't feel my leg. I eventually went in for cortisone shots, which helped tremendously and really haven't had problems since. Oh sure, my leg will get all pins and needly sometimes, but it usually goes away within an hour or so.

My friend was amazed that I had come from this point where I was walking with a cane to working out every day. I told her that I could very easily sit on my butt and say, I can't do this. But there are people who are in worse conditions than me, and do they say 'I can't do this'? NO! So why should I? Its all about having the will to get up and say I'm not going to be stopped.

I'm not going to be stopped, and I'm not going to stop. That's why I love Yoga Booty Ballet, because it is easy on my joints but gives me a great work out. Believe it or not, I'm dripping with sweat when I get done.

So, no matter what, don't be stopped. You can modify your plans to fit your life, but don't be stopped. Don't ever be stopped. Keep getting off the couch, keep sweating and keep living healthy. Don't we owe it to ourselves to be healthy?

My Beachbody Page

Beachbody Products

Wonder what Beachbody has to offer, take a quick look at all the great products that are helping millions get in shape and look great!

Sugar, we're going down...

As I sit down to drink my glass of water, I silently lament the lack of soda in my hand. Yes, it is true. I am a soda addict. There is something so soothing about the taste of that sugery goodness flowing. But it is so bad for you.

Isn't the good stuff always bad for you? It's like bad boys, you know you should stay away, but there's just something...

Anyway, I'm limiting, if not removing all trace of Dr. Pepper from my life. It's nothing personal, Dr. P, I just can't afford the sugar intake anymore. Eventually you would lead me so far down the road of excessive fat and caloric intake, I would end up in a dibetic coma. Okay, so I exaggerate but it could happen.

Do you honestly know how much sugar is really in those sodas you drink? Let's take a look:









It's safe to assume that each of those sugar cubes are equal to 4 grams of sugar. The can of soda has 39 grams of sugar, the 12 oz has 65 grams and the 20 oz has 108 grams. That's how much sugar you are drinking when you enjoy one of those delicious sodas.

For a 2000 calorie diet, a person should not take in more than 40 grams of sugar. You get that in one can of soda. And that's the recommended sugar intake in ONE can. This isn't counting the sugar found naturally in food, which would mean, drinking one can of soda with a balanced diet can push your sugar intake for the day well over the recommended amount.

Excessive sugar is stored within the body as fat, for future consumption. If you are not excerising to a point where excessive sugar converted to fat is quickly used up, it means you are storing fat, creating unwanted weight gain.

From ONE can of soda!

Think of the calories and the fat you can shed if you eliminate that ONE can of soda a day.

Isn't it worth it?

I will admit, I probably won't give up soda altogether. It's like ice cream, every once in a while is fine. A daily habit will kill me, literally.

But I know whenever I sit down to enjoy that soda, that image of sugar cubes will come to my head. Somehow, I'm not sure how much I will enjoy that soda...

Carolyn's Beachbody Site

Changing times (finally?)

The New York Times reported over the weekend that Congress is going to pass legislation which will promote a healthier lifestyle. Legislation which will allow employers to reward employees for healthy living, healthy diets, and exercising. It would seem that our government and our President is taking the health of our nation seriously.

Are you taking your health seriously? Perhaps it's time you do. I know I am.

We are given this physical body, and much like any of our possessions, it needs to be maintained and cared for. Eating junk and sitting on a couch will cause nothing but havoc on your system. Why not go for a walk, go outside and garden, or push play on an exercise dvd? Just get up and move.

Let's face it, there is no magic cure for obesity or ill health except a balance diet and exercise. If tax cuts is what it takes to get Americans up and moving for better health, then I'm all for it. What the motivation is, I just hope that everyone gets up and takes that first step.

There is nothing better than that first step.

Here's to your health!

Coach Caro's Profile

Why am I doing this thing called BeachBody?

Honestly, why? When I joined BeachBody, I wasn’t sure I had an answer, other than the fact that I didn’t want to go to work in an office anymore. Oh, sure, losing weight would be nice, and making money? Well, bonus! But, as I grew with this opportunity, I started asking myself seriously, just why am I doing this?

The answer I got was numbing.

It all started long time ago, in a galaxy..wait, that’s not right. It all started when I was younger, when I would find myself wanting to try new things, and being told no. I wanted to participate in the talent show. I was told I had no talent. I wanted to take gymnastics. I was told I would just quit. I wanted to take violin lessons. I was told it was too loud. I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I was told its a nice hobby, but I needed a real job. My entire life has been dictated by someone else’s negative, limiting beliefs. I said I would be a successful writer one day. I was told it wouldn’t happen, because Lawrence was my last name. We aren’t successful. It isn’t our luck.

Even if that was a joke, imagine being told that almost every day for your entire life. Don’t you think at some point, you would actually start believing it to be true? It’s the power of suggestion, used on an innocent mind.

That’s when it hit me. That is why I joined. It was something all the naysayers would balk at, but if I could prove I was a success (as well as lose weight and make money!), then there would be nothing that could ever be said to make me feel insignificant, unimportant, and more importantly, a failure, ever again. They wouldn’t be able to touch me. I joined BeachBody, maybe not for the reasons most do, but a reason which is important to me. It is my motivation.

I know that with BeachBody I can be a success. I have a wonderful team around me that constantly supports me, even when I start ruminating in the negative. They believe in me, which in turn, reaffirms my belief in myself.

However, I joined BeachBody also because I believe in the products. I have been a customer for years, and when I saw the opportunity, I knew this was something I could get behind and support. I use the products. I know the company. It isn’t like I’m investing time and energy into some random company. It is BeachBody. I know them.

Additionally, I joined to lose the weight, but I think in my discovery, I will be losing weight — emotional weight. And I think it is this emotional weight which has been plaguing me for years. Weight I’ve been carrying around for no reason. It wasn’t even my thoughts, it was someone else’s and I let their negative thinking affect me! I could just beat my head against the wall. How could I be so blind? All these years, right in front of me!!

But this is why I joined BeachBody. This is why I will be successful. This is why I want to help others find their own BeachBodyRevolution. Getting healthy is so much more than eating right and exercising. Its about getting to the root of physical, emotional and mental stressors which trigger the accumulation of weight. Honestly, weight is just a way of putting boundaries between your inner self and the outside world (at least, that’s how I see it).

I am my own Revolution!!

Team BeachBody

Eating emotions

The last few days I have been doing some soul searching, trying to figure out just what was keeping me from losing weight, keeping me from maintaining motivation. Whether you believe in the Law of Attraction, it doesn’t matter, but something I read on the Abraham Hicks website got me to thinking. What if my weight gain and subsequent difficulties in losing weight was actually an emotional weight I was carrying?

So I started thinking. When did I begin to gain weight? Determined the time period. What were the major stressors? Determined those as well. So what was the common thread?

I have always been an emotional eater, but before, I would deny myself food to deny emotions, now I was feeding my emotions because I was tired of hearing them. If I could eat, then I couldn’t think. I couldn’t focus on my emotions. So, now that I know, I can stop it.

Granted it goes deeper than that, but all in good time. Everything will unveil itself, all in good time.

So what is triggering you?

Team BeachBody

May means Motivating and Yearning

What motivates you? What are you yearning for? A better looking body? Inner peace? Financial freedom? Why not take the month of May and discover what motivates you and what it is you are yearning for.

31 days. That’s all. Just take the next 31 days to focus on exactly what you want. Pick a goal. Say you want to lose weight. Great goal, indeed it is. But why? What is it that is motivating you to lose weight? When you locate what motivates you and your goals, you understand your goals and yourself so much better, that you are likely to stick with your goals.

brings us to yearning. What are you yearning for? Are you yearning to fit back into those jeans that you gave up on years ago, or that bikini? Sitting down and focusing on your goal will help you to fully embrace and reach your goal.

So what does May mean for you?

What did you do today?

As I am discovering as a fitness coach for BeachBody and as a fitness nut, it is true that it takes a team effort to see results. BeachBody has team beachbody which is a forum where members can discuss their workouts, weight loss, motivations, etc with others who have the same issues. It is a great way to keep yourself accountable and make friends who are happy to see you lose.

I just joined the forums, mostly to help me find people who will WOWY with me (another beachbody program), so that I have someone asking, hey what did you do today? In fact, that is exactly what happened. I have been talking with another member who is a YBB junkie like me, and she asked, which work out did you do today? Even though I had an unfortunate run in with an Asian chicken salad from a food chain who will remain nameless and I was sick pretty much all morning long, I decided to work out, because I didn’t want to wuss out.

I’m glad I did.

I actually feel better now, and my illness has subsided.

The only problem is my village (aka my cats) decided that my clothing hanging down while I was in downward dog pose was too entertaining to pass up. So while I’m trying to center, they are attacking the ties on my belt. That’s cats for you.

Regardless of the program you do, try to find friends to do it with you. You will find that you have more success and enjoy your work out even more. Just watch out for the ties.

BeachBody Products
My BeachBody Profile

Spring is in the air

I decided today that instead of being indoors and sweating, I would go outside to enjoy the nice (82 degree) weather. I went down to the park, which has a track that follows by the river and curves behing the recreational fields. It was a rather nice afternoon, as I watched the little league games and the little kids trying to keep up with their running parents. It was rather nice seeing families out exercising together. I felt my heart skip when I saw the older couple walking in the afternoon sun. So sweet.

But in my mile and a half walk, I thought about a lot of things, which is why I so enjoy exercising. It so freeing to thoughts, just let it go and let it think. I thought my goals and dreams, the things that have been weighing me down, the things that I should be placing my energies into. The mind got such a clarity that I felt as if I was walking in the clouds. The sun against skin, the slight breeze over the river, it just reaffirmed my belief that the best therapy for an individual is exercise.

If I could bring YBB outside, I totally would.

I enjoyed my time outside, which I don’t do during this time that much (due to me being allergic to just about everything that blooms), it was a nice little adventure into a lovely spring afternoon.

So what did you do today?

Team BeachBody

Getting back on the (exercise) horse

So, after feeling sorry for myself for several days now, and fighting a nasty sinus thing, I decided even if I couldn’t breathe, I was exercising. So out came Yoga Booty Ballet Live Cardio Cabaret and I brought the sexy back, in all my sinus glory.

I really can’t tell you how wonderful YBB is, nor can I fully explain the beauty of yoga. There is something so peaceful about, something that makes me feel connect to the world around me.

When I do yoga, I feel like I finally belong. Everything makes sense.

A little eccentric, yes, but, that’s me. I tell it like it is.

It was rather enjoyable to do YBB with my cats, as they have a tendency to join in during the warm up and cool down. They are particularly fond of savasana, though my little man express an interest in the breath of fire this evening, and I have the scratches to prove it. Apparently the rapid motion was too interesting to ignore.

During this brief hiatus, I realized just how important exercise was to my mental health. Simply not doing some sort of activity for a few days sent me into a spiral quick. I began to doubt myself. I began to question everything. I realized that I had been suffering the last few years, going through bouts of depression, all because I wasn’t engaging my mind-body-spirit connection enough. Now that I’m exercising more, I can feel the connection re-emerging and I feel healthier, more whole, more alive.

In my family, exercise has been a side effect of medical conditions. No one really exercised for mental and emotional well being. It was either to lose weight, or keep a disease in control. While I would like to lose weight, I would rather lose the weight of the mental and emotional baggage I’m carrying, rather than lose 25 pounds so I can get a guy to wink at me.

Though I have a sneaking feeling that when the emotional baggage is gone, the weight will be too. Bonus!

I’ve readjusted my attitude. I don’t care about the numbers. I don’t care about the size of my jeans. I care about being healthy, happy and stable. Exercise is not a solution, it is a way of life. It is now my life.

It can be yours too, if you choose.

Yoga Booty Ballet

Finding motivation when there's none there

I admit, I’ve been feeling less than motivated lately. Perhaps I tried to do too much the first week. I was on a roll. It was an awesome feeling. I enjoyed it. But then my body went ‘yeah I don’t think so.’ And I went into a valley of lack of energy and motivation. It happens, but we have to fight through it. I’ve been fighting through it, even if it isn’t at 100 percent, I’ve been sticking to a schedule, incorporating some bit of cardio or weight training in my day in some way.

That’s the key to it.

It also helps to have friends around to help motivate and inspire you. That’s one thing I like about BeachBody, they have plenty of forums for you to join to find people who are going through the same thing as you are. I’ve come to rely on the forums, as a means of keeping me accountable for my actions.

Maybe that’s all that I needed.

http://www.beachbodycoach.com/coachcaro

Shakin' your booty and burnin' the fat away

So, I brought Yoga Booty Ballet Hip Hop and Cabaret into my workout, and I was so exhausted afterwards. I would have never thought I would have worked out so hard with a video at home, but the YBB work outs are incredible. Even my cat Ferris gets into it, well, he’s more into the savasana pose, but what cat isn’t? He did seem to master Bhujangasana (cobra) pose pretty well, but I can’t seem to get him to incorporate the ballet portion into his daily work out program.

The cabaret was the first time I did it the other day, and the next day, I was slightly stiff. I could tell I had worked out muscles that needed to be moved. I loved it. Its entertaining, its fast paced, and I felt like I had accomplished a strong program when I was done. If you want a program that doesn’t feel like a work out, YBB caberet or any YBB program is for you.

The great thing about YBB is that it incorporates the principles of centering and breathing that is central to yoga. I love the sense of peace I get from not only a strong work out, but a work out that has such relaxing yoga poses. I can’t go on about YBB enough. I just love it.
It’s like meditating the fat away.

For more information, visit my profile: http://www.beachbodycoach.com/coachcaro

Shakeology

I really don’t like taking vitamins. I do, but I hate taking the eight different vitamins and minerals first thing in the morning to help me feel better and be healthier. Well I found a replacement, and I love it. Its tasty and refreshing and its so filling. Shakeology is so good, and I love making it into this thick, cold smoothie. It’s almost so filling I can’t finish it.

Okay, now there is a lot of good stuff packed into this one little shake. Anti-oxidants. A great serving of daily vitamins. Loads of fiber and protein. It is after all, the healthiest meal of the day!
If you have a problem with swallowing those giant horse pills, you should try Shakeology. I promise you won’t be sorry.

In addition to the Shakeology, I’ve also started taking BeachBody supplements (yes, I’m still choking down pills, some things just wouldn’t taste right in a shake!!). I’ve added the Slimming Pack and the Joint Renewal to my diet. I have to admit, I’ve been using them for only a week, but I’ve already lost five pounds and I’ve never felt better. My knees, which I have really bad arthritis in those joints, hasn’t bothered me at all. Between the Shakeology and the additional supplements, I have had so much energy and want to get out to work out. I enjoy work outs more, because I do have energy, I don’t have pain and I’m seeing results.

I mean, come on, five pounds in basically 10 days? That’s incredible. I owe it all to BeachBody.

Day Six

I just finished Yoga Booty Ballet Hip Hop Abs, and I’m beat. The program really works up a sweat while helping you maintain a goddess balance. I think that’s what I love most about YBB is that it really incorporates the principles of yoga with great cardio and ab work out. My thighs and gluts are killing me.

I’m happy to say I’ve lost 1 pound. While I wish it was more, one pound is normal and natural.
Check out the video and see if YBB is for you. If so, let me know. Visit my profile at BeachBody to get more information and place an order. I promise you won’t regret it, YBB is awesome! I love Gillian and Teigh.

Yoga Booty Ballet

Day Four

Well now that the migraine has subsided, I stepped up the work out a bit. Though my knees are killing me. I started adding lunges and squats, which are hard for me to do because I have beginning arthitis from playing competitive sports for so many years. Granted, I was also the idiot who believed if I wasn’t bruised and bloodied, it wasn’t a good day. But I started doing them.

I’m anxious about getting my supplements from BeachBody. I ordered the slimming set and the rejuvenating set to help with my weight loss and arthitis problems. I’m considering ordering the Shakeology too, to help with the process.

If you don’t know what Shakeology is, here’s a video to tell you about Shakeology.

If you are interested in trying Shakeology, visit my BeachBody site or contact me for more information: info@carolyn-lawrence.com

Day Five

Yesterday was a stressful day and I just don’t think I put the energy into working out as I should have. And to be honest, when I finally tried to go to sleep, the notion of not getting a proper work out weighed on me. I’m finding that I really enjoy working out, it’s a part of who I am. It helps me to focus and center, so that I can be more productive. I know I probably should take time off to allow my muscles to heal, but I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished anything unless I’ve worked out.

I’ve only been working out solidly for a week, and most experts will tell you that it takes at least a month to create a habit. That’s the key to being successful with working out, making it a habit. Creating a schedule that you can stick with so that you don’t feel like its an effort to include working out into your schedule. It should come naturally, just another part of your day. I know its only been a week, but I already feel like its a habit, which is great.

Day Three

I feel terribly, partly because I didn’t work out today, but mostly because I’m fighting a migraine, which kept me from working out.

While some people will tell you that working out can in fact reduce migraine pressue, it isn’t always the best remedy. Yes, exercising, light exercise can in fact reduce the intensity of a migraine, but there is a fine line between relief and relapse. Working out can also increase the intensity of your migraine with a rebound effect.

Fearing a rebound, I decided that today would be a rest day. I’ve been trying to fight the migraine with homeopathic medicines, such as inflammation reducation pills and the rub-on migraine medication, applied directly to my forehead! It is still giving me problems, but it is easing off.

Tomorrow I will return to my routine. Migraine or no.

Day Two

I have successfully worked out for the second day in a row, which for me is quite an achievement. I’m actually enjoying the feeling of sweat on my brow, listening to my ipod on the treadmill. My biggest problem is with food. I can exercising all I want, but the food I ingest is going to make or break me. Tonight I was bad and had pizza, but I feel that the rest of the day was balanced enough that I can have a little badness at one meal. I just can’t restrict certain foods from my diet immediately, and I would not advise doing the cold turkey method.

Most fitness trainers will tell you to allot for cheat foods in your diet, so that you don’t feel deprived. When you set yourself into the mindset of deprivation, you can also create a lack within your diet, causing you to falter. But, if you can master mind over matter, you can restrict items from your diet without creating a lack. I would suggest just slowly removing certain items from your diet if you feel you just simply cannot live without something. Allow yourself one meal where you have that item, so you feel that you are not dieting completely. Think of it as a treat.

However, this does not mean that you can eat whatever you want at every meal without consideration. Being healthy means being fit within your exercising regime and your diet. Increasing the consumption of healthier foods, good fats and removing all the high caloric, high (bad) fat, high cholesterol and foods low in essential vitamins and minerals (i.e. junk food) can ruin any hope you have for weight loss.

As with anything, you have to work your way up to your goals. I know I can do it, I just don’t want to give up certain foods just yet….can you blame me? But if I want to be healthy, they will have to be limited. Sad, but true.

Day One

Weight: 176

Today I decided to make the change. The change that will dictate how I feel about myself and how I will continue on in this life. I decided to get healthy. With several health problems in my immediate family, including heart disease and diabetes, I knew that I could accept that this could and would be my fate, or I could change how I ate, how I worked out and basically, how I lived.

I have always had body image issues, that date back to my late teens. I can clearly remember the first time I “dieted,” even though I didn’t need to. I was 130 lbs. and I played sports constantly. Even when practice was over, I continued to practice. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to. At some point, I got too busy for sports and that’s when the weight slowly started coming on. Eventually I grew so discontent with my life and how I looked, that I just ate, hoping that it would just all go away.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Unfortunately, you have to exercise and you have to eat well to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I’m finally to a point where I want to be healthy, not for anyone else, but for myself. I want to stay in this life and contribute to it. To do so, I have to be healthy.

Here’s to health!

Hellow World!

Hello all. My name is Carolyn and I’m starting on the path of health and well-being. Join me as I blog about my trials of weight loss, fitness, spiritual well-being and everything else in between. If you’re currently getting fit, or just thinking about it, you’re not alone. I’m here too. Welcome.