Accountability Can Help With Weight-loss

Accountability is important factor in being successful with your weight-loss goals. Many people try to lose weight on their own only to find themselves back where they started. We need that voice of reason, stability, and rationality encouraging us to persevere and not give up. That is why having a friend or a coach is a vital component in helping you reach your goals.

A friend can usher you to a place of break through when you want to give in to that chocolate cake or bag of chips. When that inevitable time comes, it can be hard to stay focused and get back on track. Accountability partners encourage you to move forward when quitting would be the easiest route. 

Here are some ways to stay accountable:

·         Set up a healthy eating plan. Ask your accountability partner to check with you every day to see if you are sticking with it and to not allow you to cheat. If you need education on nutrition and what you should be eating, hire an expert to help you

·         Journal. Record your meals, snacks as well as, feelings that trigger your unhealthy eating. A coach can bring authority and expertise where as a friend may only offer suggestions.

·         Create a Timeline. When setting up accountability for yourself, establishing a realistic but aggressive timeline will help you succeed. For example, "I want to lose 10 pounds" is not as effective as "I want to lose 10 pounds by my birthday." For large goals, benchmarks are an important part of the timeline. Instead of deciding to lose 48 lbs. in a year, commit to losing 4 lbs. per month for 12 months. This keeps you on track for success instead of pushing hard in the last weeks of your timeline.

·         Rewards. Building rewards into your weight-loss accountability may help keep you on track also.  Give yourself some kind of recognition as you reach different benchmarks. For some, this may mean a new outfit in the size you are striving to reach, or a spa day. I recommend for weight-loss goals, not to have food-based rewards. This sets you up for defeat.

After you begin seeing results, momentum will build and you may not need to have an accountability partner although, it doesn't hurt to have someone asking you every now and then how you’re doing.  If you could use accountability, support and education, consider joining my Transitions Lifestyle class. Contact me for more information. 

Healthy Living as a Deterrent to Hearing Loss

Note: This is an article from a fellow blogger- John O'Connor

It used to be that many people assumed that little could be done to prevent hearing loss.  They believed that hearing loss was inevitable as they grew older and that their everyday lifestyles contributed nothing toward losing the ability to hear.  However, doctors today argue that a person's lifestyle directly influences how well that person can hear as he or she grows older.  Certain habits can be discarded or altered if people want to protect their sense of hearing.  

In fact, loud noises continue to be the greatest risk to one's hearing.  People who work in noisy conditions or listen to loud music compromise their ability to hear well.  Frequent exposure to loud noises damages a person's eardrums and sometimes causes it to rupture.  For that reason, doctors urge people to limit their exposure to such noises or wear ear plugs if they work in noisy environments.

Likewise, people can take preventative measures to protect their hearing by eating a healthy diet.  Diabetes has been identified as one of the conditions that contribute to hearing loss.  In fact, many diabetics report that they no longer hear as well as they did before they developed this condition.  While many people are not aware of the link between diet and hearing loss, doctors note that people who eat healthy, get plenty of exercise, and avoid gaining too much weight overtime often hear better and keep their sense of hearing longer.

Moreover, people who smoke also put themselves at risk for losing their ability to hear well as they grow older.  More than 70% of smokers report hearing loss, leading doctors to believe that smoking has a direct effect on people's inability to hear.  Even individuals who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke indicate a compromised hearing ability.  For that reason, physicians also encourage people to quit smoking if they value their sense of hearing.

Aside from watching one's diet, exercising, and avoiding cigarette use, many doctors recommend that people clean out their ears regularly.  This suggestion would appear to be common sense; however, some people do not think to remove excess wax from their ear canals and when doing so, remove wax in a harmful way.   Even so, periodically washing one's ears out with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide helps remove wax build up in the ear canals.  To ensure safety, visit your doctor to have wax properly removed from your ear canals.

If you feel you are beginning to lose your hearing, a trip to the audiologist could be very helpful.  An audiologist will be able to run certain tests to determine base line hearing levels.  With these results, they will be able to provide tips on how to further protect your hearing or in some cases recommend the use of a hearing aid to help better hearing.  Following the tips mentioned above and making healthy lifestyle changes not only will improve your health but also protect your hearing. 

Supplementation and ADHD

Many people that have children who have been diagnosed with ADHD or that have it themselves have wandered if vitamins and supplements can help with ADHD as an alternative to medication. This has been a question I seem to get asked often so I thought I would share what I’ve learned about supplementation and ADHD with my training and research. Since I am not a health professional, I recommend you seek help with one that is open to alternative medicine.

What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) seems to be a common developmental and behavioral disorder characterized by lack of concentration, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness that are inappropriate for the child’s age. 

Over the past few decades, alternative or complementary medicine has grown in popularity. More and more people are looking for nontraditional approaches to personal health and healing. These diverse remedies are sometimes used in the place of typical medical approaches. Several alternative remedies are safe, relatively affordable, and easily accessible. They also very rarely have the harmful side effects.

It is important to get educated on what works and what doesn’t even if it is a natural supplement, there is no guarantee its safe. Here are a few supplements that have been researched and have shown to be beneficial with ADHD as well as ADD:

·         Zinc – Some studies have shown that children with ADHD have lower levels of Zinc in their body.  And some scientists have reported improved symptoms in children with ADHD who took zinc supplements along with traditional medicine.

·         Omega 3 - There is some evidence that fish oil can help improve ADHD symptoms. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies suggest, in children with ADHD who are 8 to 12 years old, fish oil supplementation could improve mental skills. For instance, it may help improve a child's ability to organize activities.

In a study published in a 2007 issue of the "Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics," researchers studied the affect of fish oil and evening primrose oil on children aged between 7 to 12 years with ADHD. In the background to their study they explain that various developmental problems including ADHD have been linked to deficiencies in polyunsaturated fatty acids.

·         Carnitine – Is an amino acid which is important for energy production.
The University of Michigan recommends taking 100mg of carnitine for each 2.2 pounds of body weight, up to a maximum of 4g daily, to help improve behavior.

·         Magnesium – According to the University of Michigan children with ADHD may have low levels of magnesium. A 1997 study published in "Magnesium Research" found that 200mg of magnesium daily for six months reduced hyperactive behavior in children with ADHD.

Finally, diet also plays a big part in reducing symptoms of ADHD. Children who have healthy diets; plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and organic meats, can also improve symptoms.

Time Management & Healthy Living Goes Hand in Hand

Many people that are successful in all areas of life are people who know how to manage their time. Not only are they organized, they accomplish what they set out to do. Do you ever look at highly successful people and wander how they do all that they do and still manage to exercise and eat healthy?

Here are some tips that may help you manage your time while including a health regimen:

1.      Daily track your time.  If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, a nutritionist may tell you to keep a food journal because it keeps you from eating mindlessly. It’s the same with time. Write down what you’re doing as often as you can so you know what to eliminate and how you can spend it more productively.

A lot of our time is spent unproductively for example; at night you may spend time watching TV. Instead of just sitting there, use this time to get on your elliptical while your favorite show is on or record it later so you can watch while you exercise in the morning.

2.      It all starts in the morning.  What you do in the morning usually determines what the rest of your day looks like. When you have an unproductive morning, this seems to dictate the rest of your day.

Start your day with some personal growth such as, reading a daily devotional or inspirational message. Praying for your day can keep you on track, and helps you set your priorities. Map out your day by writing in your day planner.

3.      Build your habits. Turning a desire into a ritual requires willpower. Use these steps to optimize your routine:

·         Start at a slow pace – Go to bed 15 minutes early so you can get your exercise regimen in. Then the next week increase it to 20 minutes earlier.

·         Monitor your energy – Eating right and exercising daily will give you the energy you need to have a productive day.

·         Choose one habit at a time to work on – If you want to run, pray and begin to eat healthier, pick one at a time until you have it accomplished and then begin the other.

·         Chart your progress – This will help you see how you are doing and what you need to change to form your habit. When you feel as if you’ve forgotten something such as brushing your teeth, then you know you have formed a habit.

·         Use external motivations – Promise yourself something you really enjoy once you’ve successfully formed a habit.

In conclusion, if you will learn how to manage your time, and set priorities you are on your way to a healthier and more productive life! 

Five Ways Exercise Can Lead To a Healthier Lifestyle

The next time you begin craving sweets or want to down half a pizza, go take a hike or a jog. Exercise, especially cardio exercise can help decrease your cravings. Here are five ways exercise can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle:

1.      In a recent study that was published by Appetite, people who took a brisk fifteen minute walk, cut their cravings for chocolate by 12%. Not only does it cut cravings for sweets, but it also can cause you to crave healthier foods. Why ruin a great workout by eating junk food!

2.      Lose the belly fat. A study in the journal Obesity found that just 80 minutes of cardio a week slows weight gain and even stopped participants from gaining visceral fat which is the dangerous kind inside the abdomen, and has been linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

3.      Exercise can diffuse nicotine cravings. Research shows that 10-15 minute aerobic sessions triggers changes in the brain which decreases cravings in smokers. Cardio exercise has also been found to decrease thoughts of smoking.

4.      Vigorous activity can help maintain healthy vision. It has also been discovered that people who ran 1.2 – 2.5 miles a day had a 19 percent lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, while those who ran more cut their chance by 42 to 54 percent, according to a study from Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Cardio exercise may also decrease cataract risk.

5.      Exercise can decrease the risk of breast cancer. In study done by Medicine & Science Sports & Exercise it has been found that women who do moderate exercise for 2.5 hours a week or rigorous activity for 75 minutes a week decrease their chance of dying of breast cancer by a third.

Aerobic exercise and sweat also helps your body release toxins that are stored in fat. When toxins are built up in our body, we experience various health issues. Many people, who only do mild to moderate exercise, are not getting the benefits of a vigorous workout.

In conclusion, cardio exercise is important to maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Not only will you feel better and have more energy, you will also decrease your risk of several diseases, obesity and other health issues.

 So put on your sneakers and take a vigorous walk or run today.  Think of all the benefits of exercise; enjoy your heart pumping, your legs moving and your body sweating!  You may not feel good at first but you will be thankful you did! 

Preventing the Cycle of Childhood Obesity

In my previous article I gave some daunting statistics on childhood obesity, one of them being that over nine million children over the age of nine are considered extremely overweight or obese.

Many times I hear my clients tell me that it’s impossible to get their children to eat healthy. In our day and age children are inundated with poor food choices not only in school, fast food restaurants or a friend’s house but also because of what we as parents provide. We have a choice and a responsibility to be the parent and provide healthy food for our children, but it can be a challenge.

That is why I decided to share how one of my client’s has overcome the cycle of obesity by being strong enough to change poor eating habits that have caused herself and her children to become overweight. Here is Margaret’s story:

When you have a child, you are entrusted to be their protector and their provider.  Three square meals a day and a warm bed to sleep in are two basics and the list grows from there.  The problem is that three square meals a day is a title that does not come with a manual.  Is that Macaroni and cheese from a box?  Is that Ravioli from a can?  Is that a bologna sandwich loaded with catsup and pickles?  As mothers we depend on that happy satisfied smile on our little ones face to tell us that they are satisfied with what they have consumed.  Three pieces of pizza and a soda pop has never been good for the body but it will bring a smile out of a child in a quick minute.  And when we believe they are content then we are content. 

My family and I were facing this.  They only ate what I fed them.  I was totally responsible for their diet so the extra weight that they were carrying around was my issue and not so much theirs.  It was quickly becoming theirs, however.

When I started Transitions Lifestyle I realized that their diet was all wrong.  They should be eating five times a day, not three and they should never eat canned or prepackaged meals.   Changing what I provided for them and then packing their lunches for school were necessary.  I cannot say that they did not oppose the change.  They wanted the candy bars and lunchables back in the house, but I stood my ground and before you know it, in a matter of a few weeks, the extra weight that they were starting to show, was coming off. 

Next week I will continue Margaret’s story because I believe it can help parents who struggle with convincing their children to eat healthy.  Don’t get discouraged, and be persistent – you can win the battle!

Overcome a Loser Mentality

There are many people who desperately want to lead a healthier lifestyle but are not sure how to get started or are afraid to try because they have failed before. They have tried several different diets, or they keep trying to do the same one, only to end up with the same results and are now even more discouraged. This is usually when they give up and figure their lot in life is to be overweight, and unhealthy.

So what is holding them back from seeking help and moving forward? Here are some of the reasons or excuses I have heard from people:

• I don’t think I can do it

• It’s too hard

• I can’t afford it

• I don’t feel like it

• I don’t have the time

We often do things based on feelings. If we don’t “feel” like it, we don’t do it, even when we know it’s healthier. If we can learn to focus on the consequences verses rewards of not doing something or doing something, then we are more apt to follow through. For example, I don’t always feel like exercising, but I know it’s good for me and I will feel much better afterwards. This motivates me to exercise again, and I now love to do it!

Many times we defeat ourselves before we even get started. We’ve already convinced ourselves we can’t do it so we don’t even try. Set your mind to determine decisively what you will think, what you believe and what you will or will not do. Establish that you will become healthier no matter what it takes and don’t give up!

I have seen many of my clients succeed when they at first lacked the confidence to even try. Once they started they got more and more confidence, while getting encouragement and support from the group and coach, which lead to their success. This wouldn’t have happened if they wouldn’t have taken that step of faith and overcome that loser mentality.

If you seriously want to improve your lifestyle, you may consider joining my group competition – “TLS Lose to Win.” I am looking for four people to coach who need to lose weight and make a change. The group will be entered in a national competition and can win large cash prizes. Contact me by February 25th if you are interested.

In conclusion, as one of my clients so adequately put it: “Champions make decisions to birth a better future; losers make excuses to stay the same as today.” I believe God has placed champions in each of us; it’s up to us to start living it out!

Are You at Risk for Sitting Disease?

How much do you sit throughout the day? Medical experts have started referring to long periods of inactivity and its negative consequences as “Sitting Disease.” People can spend up to half of their day sitting, whether it is at their work station or on their couch. New studies are saying what has been suspected for a while; if you’re sitting for long periods of time, you may be at risk for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

In fact, in a study presented at the American Institute for Cancer Research’s annual conference, there have been 90,000 cancer deaths that can be attributed to the fact that people are exercising less than ever. Breast cancer has also been linked to inactivity.

Consequently, when you’re seated your muscles’ electrical activity drops, which incites a flow of unwanted metabolic effects. The body’s calorie-burning mechanisms slow and insulin efficiency drops, escalating the risk of diabetes. Obesity becomes a concern because enzymes that break down lipids and triglycerides also drop, bringing levels of good (HDL) cholesterol down with them (Dr. Neil Baum’s blog). What’s more, even regular exercise doesn’t seem to outweigh the ills of sitting through the workday.

Here are some tips to help you revamp your lifestyle to become more physically active:

• (NEAT) Nonexercise Activity Thermogenesis. If you sit at a desk all day, you may consider stretching, bending and turning several times throughout the day. Also, try mixing standing and sitting.

• Take regular breaks. Most people know lack of exercising will cause weight gain, but this doesn’t usually motivate them to become more active. It helps to get moving often with small goals. Stretch out your entire body, all the muscles that are cramped. If you do it five or six times a day, you'll start to notice a difference."

• Exercise while watching television. It’s time to bring the treadmill, bike or elliptical out of the basement and put it in front of your TV. This is how a client told me they lost weight. They made the commitment to get on their treadmill every time they watched TV for at least an hour.

• End your workday with more energy. Prolonged sitting at work can tire you out, which makes you fill exhausted by the time 5 p.m. approaches. If you take a brisk, 15-minute walk in the afternoon, you'll be far more productive in your last two hours. Making time to get a little exercise in will give you more energy all day long.

Lastly, whatever you can do to move more do it! Walk, stretch, stand, ride a bike or get on an elliptical. Not only will you feel more energetic, improve your moods and decrease your chance for several diseases, you will also prolong your life span and quality of life! So what are you waiting for?

Can Supplements Help Boost Your Energy -Part Two

Last week I gave some information on supplements that may help you get an energy boost. With today’s hurried lifestyles we need all the energy we can get!

Here are some other substances that may affect energy metabolism:

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - is the vital nutrient that initiates energy production at the cellular level that powers the heart and acts as a powerful antioxidant when combined with vitamin E. It plays a vital role in health maintenance. It contributes to a healthy cardiovascular system, periodontal health, healthy blood sugar levels, and maintenance of cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations.

• B vitamins, like vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, thiamine, niacian- these are necessary to take because they are water soluble and our bodies do not produce them. They help decrease stress and improve mood, and maintain healthy levels of serotonin.

• Creatine, carnitine - might actually decrease athletic performance in longer-term physical activity and carries some risk. Some experts say it can interfere with sweating, thus contributing to dehydration, muscle strain, and cramps.

Deficiencies in these vitamins are common. People who are deficient in CoQ10 and B vitamins can definitely benefit from taking supplements. Who is likely to be deficient? Athletes who push themselves hard might be depleted in these nutrients. Also, people who have poor diets or take regular medications, such as acid blockers, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, blood pressure, cholesterol lowering medication and several more can become deficient.

Also, we can no longer get all the vitamins in our foods any longer since our soil is depleted, and pesticides and chemicals have been added to our fruits, vegetables and meats. Not to mention the poor diet most Americans have.

Some other energy supplements that are popular with my clients are Mochatonix which contains an ingredient – Advantra Z. When combined with exercise, can help to the body burn fat, build lean muscle mass, and increase physical performance. Not only does it provide additional energy, it can help the body use more efficiently the energy stored in fat.

In conclusion, there is a lot to learn about supplementation and how it can truly help you feel more energetic and stay healthy.

Can Supplements Help Boost Your Energy

Energy supplements have become one of the most popular categories of supplements. It seems like everyone these days needs an energy boost. Hectic lifestyles seem to be one of the main reasons for lack of energy and a desire for something that can help.

But do they work? Some energy supplements may help but you need to know what you are looking for. Otherwise, supplements you buy could just leave you hundreds of dollars poorer and no less sluggish.

Here is some information that may help guide you to the supplements that can benefit you the most. It’s also important to get advice from a physician who has been educated on supplementation:

To help break it down, I will divide these energy supplement ingredients into three categories:

1. Stimulants – Can help rev up the metabolism. Here are lists of energy supplements which contain these:

• Caffeine - is a common ingredient in just about any product marketed for energy, while an energy drink might have 20 other ingredients, the one you really feel is likely to be caffeine. Caffeine can step up your metabolism and can even give you greater mental clarity. Although, most experts say to have no more than 2 cups a day.

• Herbal sources of caffeine and related compounds like guarana, yerba mate, and kola nut

• Green tea (also a source of caffeine) - also provides a related compound, theophylline, as well as the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Possibly, because of these specific compounds, green tea may have unique effects on mental and physical energy.

• Capsaicin (red pepper) - the ingredient that makes chili peppers hot; is sometimes used for its alleged stimulant properties, but more for a metabolic boost than for improvements in physical or mental energy.

• Asian Ginseng - is not a caffeine derivative, but it may also serve as a mild stimulant. There is some scientific research that shows it can have positive effects on psychological and physical health.

• Bitter Orange (specifically, the ingredient synephrine) – is an extract from the rind of a different citrus species than that used for classic orange juice, is another energy supplement unrelated to caffeine. Though it has not been studied much, some experts fear there could be some risks taking it. Its active ingredient- synephrine is chemically similar to ephedrine which was pulled off the market in 2004 because of some serious health risks.

For lack of space, I will need to continue the other categories next week. The bottom line: Will these supplements boost energy? Yes, stimulants like these most likely will rev up your metabolism temporarily, but the key is eating healthy, exercising as well as taking a superior line of supplements.

Don’t Make a Resolution – Make a Lifestyle Change!

It’s that time of year again when many of us makes a resolution to lose weight and live healthier- but why don’t these resolutions last? In this article I will give you a few reasons why resolutions to lose weight don’t work.

1. Diets don’t work. Diets are a temporary way of life. On the quest to lose weight many people try quick fix diets such as, shakes, low calorie foods, fad diets, health clubs and other weight loss attempts. Being overweight is like wearing a bull’s eye — you are a target for companies trying to make money from your condition. Restrictive diets do not work; you must make a lifestyle change.

"Lifestyle change will work if you have realistic expectations, good support, and choose a plan that you can stick with -- a plan that will give you moderate change over a long time Fernstrom tells WebMD.

2. Behaviors do not change automatically. Instead of riding the diet roller coaster up and down, you need to make a constant effort to change. If you don’t change your lifestyle behaviors, don’t expect to achieve or maintain a healthy weight. That is why most diet plans don’t work; you are not taught how to eat for a lifetime, change your behavior or incorporate exercise.

3. Diet is affected by social issues. This happens when you are with your family and friends. In the American setting, unhealthy eating and dietary patterns is often encouraged. This makes it very difficult to keep healthy lifestyle changes going. Don’t allow others to discourage you and cause you to give up; keep your focus to accomplish what you set out to, no matter the cost.

4. Lack of accountability. Many people try to reach their weight loss goals on their own. Usually, they quickly give up because no one is there to inspire or encourage them to press past the challenges. Having a coach is crucial for success. Just as a good coach helps their team win the game with education, encouragement and inspiration, so a Lifestyle Coach can help you achieve your goals of weight-loss and a healthy lifestyle

It’s time for a different approach. It’s time to find the answer that’s right for you. That answer is making a lifestyle change that will last, not a temporary solution that will fail. Start with a positive attitude and determination to stop the diet roller coaster!