What can you do to motivate yourself?

You work out, reach your goal weight...and then what?

Sign up for a 1/2 marathon. Commit to becoming a fitness instructor. Run a whole marathon, or do a triathlon. Decide and commit to a main event that will require you to work out your hardest! Think about it, if we sit and look at the scale too long and not see those numbers move, then we've got to move a little harder. And what a better way, than to commit to some crazy, strenuous event of some kind. My wife is currently considering on doing the local 'Volkslauf'. It's a run, then obstacle course. The training for this will require her to work out harder, run faster, do more push-ups & pull-ups...and the end result will be two major achievements in one shot. 1 - She will have finished one of the hardest local courses around...keyword: finished. And 2 - She will beat her body into submission to look it's best.

So what can you do locally in your area that would require you to work out your hardest? Brainstorm, google, ask around...and then commit to it. You will be glad you did the moment you cross the finish line!

"Bad eating now can help me lose weight?" Really!

Your bad choices for food may prove to a be a great advantage....when you choose to lose the weight & get in shape.

What do I mean? Take me for example...I don't eat junk, fast food, candy, hardly any red meat, pastries, and I don't drink sugary drinks (Starbucks fraps, reg. sodas, lemonade, sweet tea). So when I want to drop a pound or two, I have to measure out my food, count each and every calorie, and work out w/ great intensity 4-5 days/week. This week, I'm cutting out Fiber 1 bars, just to help get the ball rolling for my lean-out goals.

Some of you are opposite ends of the spectrum than I. You eat the junk, fast food, sweets, Starbucks stuff, Ranch dressing/mayonnaise, etc. Your advantage? Anything you remove out of your diet completely is going to result in weight loss. I've watched it happen for others. And any type of exercise you add is going to multiply your efforts. Some of you are meal-skippers, and actually adding a healthy breakfast meal in the a.m. will get your metabolism rolling and the calories burning.

This is what I have suggested for people before and it helps. Keep track of what you eat for a week, write down everything you eat...and then, let's get together, talk about it, and we'll choose 2 things to eliminate from the start..and I'm certain you will see change on the scale. (NOTE: when you take away 2 unhealthy, high-calorie foods, you CANNOT add any others.) ;) After a week or 2, we'll pick something else to eliminate. And the accountability will help you stay reminded of your goals.

Now, if you're really brave enough, we can get you started on a low-instensity exercise program if you've been stuck in sedentary gear. Otherwise, if you're not afraid to sweat and burn calories...we'll find you something to shock that body in high-calorie burning mode.

Let me know when you are ready! (Summer is around the corner.)



Do you really want to be round when summer is here? Let me help you!



What makes Shakeology the best supplement to anyone's diet?

You keep hearing about all the stuff in Shakeology. It has 70+ ingredients, selected from around the world, grown in the fertile soils of remote regions of the earth. What is all this stuff? Maybe you don’t really care what it is …. you just trust the experts. Or maybe you want to know each and every ingredient and what it’s there for. If that’s you, this article is for you!


So here it is, a brief synopsis of about 46 of the ingredients in your little scoop of Shakeology — your gluten free, caffeine free, sweetener free, healthiest meal of the day!

AMARANTH – Amaranth a great source of vitamins and amino acids, but it’s also high in protein, fiber and helps to boost your immune system.

CAMU-CAMU – Camu-camu is a powerful antioxidant contains more vitamin C than any other plant in the world (30 to 60 times more than an orange)! The phytochemicals in camu camu are highly effective in curbing the effects of the herpes virus; in fact, on a list of plants with anti-herpetic compounds, camu camu takes the highest honors as most potent. It is effective against depression, and has even been used to wean users off dangerous anti-depressive medications (under medical supervision, of course.) Alternative medical practitioners have also been using it to combat attention deficit disorder. Provides immune system support, helps maintain good eyesight, reduces inflammation, supports collagen, tendons, and ligaments, helps fend off viral infection, improves respiratory health, helps maintain clarity of mind during stress.

GOJI BERRY — Goji berries contain 18 amino acids and are one of the richest sources of cartenoids of all known foods. Not only does goji berry improve eyesight, fertility and circulation but it supports your immune system and promotes a long life!

SACHA INCHI — Sacha Inchi has the highest concentration of omega 3 of any food on the planet and promotes a balance between omega 3 and 6 so your metabolism can work perfectly. Naturally rich in protein, good fats and fiber, Sacha Inchi acts as a strong natural appetite control and creates benefits you can feel right away!

SPROUTED QUINOA — Quinoa was once called “the gold of the Incas” for increasing the stamina of Incan warriors. The protein this seed supplies has all nine essential amino acids. These proteins are required by the body as building blocks for muscle. Quinoa is a good source of dietary fiber (to help ease elimination), magnesium (to rid your body of dangerous disease causing substances), phosphorous, folate and iron.

WHEY PROTEIN – Whey protein provides the body with the perfect amino acid profile for muscle building, strength and recovery. Also works as an antioxidant to boost the body’s immune system. Scientific studies have shown that regular supplementation with whey protein promotes a strong immune system.

ACEROLA CHERRY — Acerola Cherry has one of the highest concentrations per gram of natural vitamin C in any fruit. Rich in vitamin A, magnesium, niacin, potassium, thiamine, iron and calcium. Traditional healers used the leaves to fight dysentery and diarrhea and liver issues, while the fruit was used for the treatment of colds and infections.

BILBERRY – Bilberry is a deep blue fruit, bilberry is high in antioxidant-rich flavanoid compounds called anthocyanidins, which have been shown to play a supporting role in maintaining good cardiovascular health and a strong immune system. Bilberries are also linked to eye health, in particular the possibility of slowing or reversing the effects of macular degeneration. Helpful for supporting healthy blood sugar levels, bilberry is also used for its beneficial effects in improving blood circulation, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and relief for nausea and indigestion. Bilberries are also known to be helpful for joint health, kidney and urinary tract health, menstrual cramps and diarrhea.

GRAPE SEED EXTRACT — Grape seed extract is known as the secret anti-aging ingredient, this ingredient improves the elasticity of the skin, promotes healthy arteries and is beneficial for the eyes too!

BLUEBERRY – Blueberries are a good source of vitamins and dietary fiber, blueberries are believed to help reduce eyestrain and improve night vision. Blueberries are also high in the phytochemical resveratol, which has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.

MAITAKE MUSHROOM – Maitake regulates blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and blood clots, may help boost immunity, fend off infections and fight cancer.

REISHI MUSHROOM – Reishi is used as a tonic to help increase energy, improve digestion and sleep, strengthen resistance to disease, and regulate the immune system. It is widely used to improve the cardiovascular system, lower HDL (the ‘bad’ cholesterol), and reduce excess fatty acids. Also, Reishi has been shown to prevent and treat hardening of the arteries, angina, and shortness of breath associated with coronary heart disease. Japanese doctors routinely prescribe Reishi for memory loss, insomnia, hyperlipidemia, chronic bronchitis, and a whole range of degenerative diseases of the elderly, including disorders associated with senility. There is some evidence to suggest that Reishi can help treat altitude sickness and chronic hepatitis B. It has also been used in chemotherapy and HIV support treatments.

ROSE HIPS – Rose Hips are useful in the treatment of influenza-like infections, diarrhea, and various urinary tract disorders, shown to be useful in the treatment of patients suffering from knee or hip osteoarthritis.

GINGKO POWDER(LEAF) – Used to enhance a clear mind and improve the power of concentration, has been used to treat Alzheimer’s Disease, depression, impotence, memory, cognitive abilities, circulation problems and more!

APPLE PECTIN – Apple pectin is helpful in removing cholesterol out of the intestines and delaying glucose absorption. Pectin is one of the compounds that acts as a substrate for the production of short chain fatty acids that help maintain a healthy colonic mucosa. As a detoxifier, it is used to remove harmful metals and toxins. Acts as an antioxidant, protecting against the damaging LDL cholesterol found in the bloodstream.

GREEN TEA (DECAFFEINATED) – Green tea’s antioxidants, called catechins, scavenge for free radicals that can damage DNA and contribute to cancer, blood clots, and atherosclerosis. Its potential to fight cancer and heart disease — has been more than intriguing, as have limited studies about green tea’s role in lowering cholesterol, burning fat, preventing diabetes and stroke, and staving off dementia.

MACA ROOT – Maca Root is a nontoxic stabilizer is known to increase energy, endurance, physical strength, and libido. The ancient Incan warrior soldiers would consume this precious root before battle to make them fiercely strong, and then would be prohibited from taking it once into the city so the women would be protected from their heightened sexual appetite. Yikes! No wonder this fabulous superfood dons the nickname, “Andes Aphrodisiac”!

POMEGRANATE — Pomegranate promotes optimal blood flow to the heart. It has also shown to lessen the amount of plaque in the arteries which results in smooth blood flow and reduction in disease. Lastly it also helps to raise much needed levels of cholesterol whiling helping to lower bad cholesterol that can cause heart attacks. Pomegranate benefits your body as a whole because your body contains plenty of unstable molecules that can damage your DNA and your cells. This type of damage often leads to other diseases such as stroke and Alzheimer’s. The pomegranate benefits these areas by using its antioxidant powers to fight off the unstable molecules thereby preventing these diseases. Therefore when you eat pomegranates that contain antioxidants such as polypenols and tannins you are going to live a much healthier life and reduce your chance at catching a fatal disease such as cancer or a heart attack.

BARLEY GRASS – Barley grass is the only vegetation on the earth that can supply sole nutritional support from birth to old age. Barley grass is very high in organic sodium, which dissolves calcium deposited on the joints and also replenishes organic sodium in the lining of the stomach. This aids digestion by improving the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. People with arthritis have used celery juice for years because of the organic sodium it contains (28mg per 100grms), but compare this to the amount of organic sodium in barley grass (775mg per 100 grams)! When barley leaves are 12-14 inches high, they contain all the vitamins, minerals, and proteins necessary for the human diet, plus chlorophyll (a natural detoxifier that rids the intestines of stored toxins). These necessities are easily assimilated throughout the digestive tract, giving our bodies instant access to vital nutrients.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE – Blue-green algae is a power packed nutrient that can help to increase energy, improve memory, increase mental clarity, improve digestion, control cravings, heighten immune function, help relieve fatigue, PMS, anxiety and depression. It’s even recently been called a cure for ADD!

CHIA SEEDS – Chai seeds are coined as the Aztec running food, Chia seeds enhance stamina, endurance and help you stay hydrated. The seeds help you lose weight for 2 reasons. 1st, they are so filling that you will eat less. 2nd, they form into a gel and cleanse the old “junk” in your intestines. Lastly, they provide calcium & protein in your tissues & help regenerate body tissue. The Chia seed is revered for its highly nutritious properties, such as being rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which help protect against inflammation and heart disease.

CHLORELLA FLAX – Chlorella flax is known to be effective when attempting to eliminate poisonous substances from the body by improving digestion and acting as an ‘intestinal broom’. Chlorella has the highest chlorophyll content of any plant including spirulina and wheatgrass. Chlorophyll helps build the oxygen carrying red blood cells and this benefits our whole body. Chlorella helps to keep our nerves calm and helps us deal with stress better.

HYDRILLA – Hydrilla is rich in trace minerals and essential nutrients such as Calcium, Magnesium & B12. Enhances nutrient utilization, supports general well-being, natural blood builder, 100% Vegetarian!

SPINACH – Spinach contains a plethora of nutritional and medicinal properties which help to strengthen our immune system, boost energy levels, and it provides our bodies with necessary vitamins and minerals. In experiments, Spinach has shown to be effective for hypoglycemia, cataracts, heart disease, cancer, memory loss, stoke, osteoporosis and bone loss, increasing brain function, age-related cognitive problems, and circulation. The leaves are also used for their laxative and cooling properties, anemia, indigestion, to detoxify and cleanse the colon, in the treatment of difficult breathing, inflammation of the liver, jaundice, febrile conditions, urinary calculi, inflammation of the lungs, arthritis, and it relieves the temporary symptoms of asthma and allergies.

SPIRULINA – The protein in Spirulina contains all 8 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Spirulina is actually 65% complete protein, making it the world’s highest known source!

WHEAT GRASS – Wheatgrass is high in calcium, magnesium and potassium. Studies have shown it to have cleansing, detoxifying and healing effects on your body. Recommended as a way to stimulate metabolism, wheat grass can be helpful in correcting obesity and indigestion.

ASHWAGANDAHA — Ashwagandaha is an adaptogen herb for the mind that promotes clarity. Betterments include: improving mental acuity, learning and memory while also alleviating anxiety and depression.

CORDYCEPS – Cordyceps increase the number of the Natural Killer Cells, which are responsible for the body defense against viruses and bacteria. Some trials show that the fungus works effectively in the leukemia stricken individuals. Improving sexual function in men and increasing libido by stimulating the production of sex hormones. Providing anti-aging and fatigue reducing effects. The fungus works as an antioxidant and increases cellular formation, especially in the elderly patients. It also promotes more restful sleep, soothes the nervous system, and reduces anxiety. Improving the respiratory function. Benefiting vascular system by improving circulation, regulating blood pressure, and strengthening the heart muscle. Protecting liver and kidneys.

HOLY BASIL LEAF – Holy Basil Leaf may be beneficial for blood sugar reduction and oral care, relief from respiratory disorders, fever, asthma, lung disorders, heart diseases and stress.

SUMA ROOT – Suma Root act as an adaptogen, helping the body to cope with stress, increasing energy levels and resistance to disease. It is used to treat exhaustion resulting from debilitating viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr disease and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is a tonic that is helpful to people who are recovering from the flu, as well as anyone else who lacks energy and stamina. The herb promote healthy energy levels and combats the effects of fatigue and stress. As an anti-inflammatory, Suma is thought to be of help in easing the pain and inflammation of arthritis and other joint discomforts. Effective for the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and emotional swings. This same quality is believed to alleviate the discomforts of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

SCHISANDRA – Schisandra is used to treat a variety of medical conditions and is widely known as a longevity herb and aphrodisiac. It is used to treat lung and liver disorders, coughs, to relieve fatigue, depression and stress, increase stamina and for insomnia and helps with forgetfulness and night sweats. Helps with circulation and normalizing blood sugar and blood pressure. Normalizes body systems and speeds recovery after surgery. Aids irritable bowel syndrome.

PEA FIBER – Pea Fiber helps to reduce cholesterol, provides one of highest sources of natural dietary fiber. Maybe beneficial to diabetics as a way to stabilize their blood sugar levels, since fiber intake has been shown to control intestinal glucose absorption.. and fiber has been used in the area of weight management. It creates a feeling of fullness and satiety and naturally displaces sugar and fat calories. Fiber may work to reduce the risk for heart disease by lowering blood pressure, improving sugar metabolism, and lowering blood fats besides cholesterol, such as triglycerides.

YACON ROOT — Yacon Root is rich in oligofructose (fructooligosaccharide) also known as FOS. FOS is a dietary sugar that our bodies are unable to metabolize. Since the body is unable to fully digest the sugar it is classified as a nondigestable carbohydrate. Study’s show a diet rich in FOS can help with weight management, cardiovascular diseases, prevention and the risk of cancer, and support for the control and prevention of many chronic diseases. Yacon root is shown to help obesity, constipation, insomnia, arthritis, hypertension, kidney disease. Yacon root has also shown some properties to lower the formation of harmful blood clotting and can lower cholesterol levels. This root has been known to help the gut since it also known to be a bit of a colon cleanser, cleaning out the colon section of bad bacterias.

AMYLASE – Amylase is responsible in improving your digestive system quite instantly. You will burn quick carbohydrates and calories as you use it, also are considered as the naturally oriented anti-histamine. It’s the best mineral against many diseases, obesity, such as blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, asthma, allergies, depression (such as bipolar, obsessive compulsive disorder, hypo manic, panic disorder, etc.). Amylase successfully works in muscle building and improving immune system in order to burn the calories and fight against those chronic diseases.

BROMELAIN FROM PINEAPPLE – Bromelain is basically an enzyme that is able to break down proteins in the body. Also been found to have blood thinning properties, and this means that it is also effective in the prevention and treatment of clots in the blood and plaques in the arteries, which in turn can help to prevent cardiovascular problems. Also helpful in treating aches and pains, numbness and tingling, colds, asthma, hay fever, itching skin and some skin disorders, pains associated with varicose veins, sluggish immune systems, breast pain in mothers who were previously breast feeding.

CELLULASE – Cellulase enzyme is an outstanding antioxidant as it binds to profound metals and other contaminants, and it discharges them from your body. It’s responsible for the digestion of fiber from fruits and vegetables which are successful in binding to excess cholesterol, noxious substance and eliminating them from body for a proper muscle building.

LACTASE – ** IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND! Lactase is a common enzyme that exists in the small intestine of many people. It is essential for digestion of lactose, the naturally occurring sugar in milk. Most individuals of Asian, African, and Native American descent are lactose intolerant. In addition, half of Hispanics and about 20 percent of Caucasians do not produce lactase as adults. Benefits of Lactase –Lactase has been used in connection with the following conditions in lactose intolerant individuals: diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, and irritable bowel syndrome.

LIPASE – Lipase works on the fat that you eat; it breaks lipids (fats) down so that your body can use it. When your body doesn’t create enough Lipase to break down the fat, undigested fats can cause weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Additionally, Lipase helps your body better utilize omega fatty acids.

PAPAIN FROM PAPAYA – Papain helps ease digestion and constipation, also and soothes the stomach. It dissolves protein and break down fats and carbohydrates, promoting a healthy acidic enzyme environment.

PROTEASE – Protease is an elementary enzyme, is responsible for the digestion of proteins, protease is responsible for digesting proteins in your food, which is probably one of the most difficult substances to metabolize. The benefits of protease are considered to be one of the most important enzymes that we have. If the digestive process is incomplete, undigested protein can wind up in your circulatory system, as well as in other parts of your body. Supports the immune and respiratory systems, increases the absorption of nutrients, helps promote joint health and function, supports arterial health, activates macrophages and natural killer cells.

KAMUT GRASS – Coined nature’s most powerful detoxifier, Kamut grass cleanses the blood and detoxifies our cells to restore health and vitality. It’s pretty powerful stuff!

OAT GRASS – Oat Grass is a good source of beta-carotene, vitamins K and C, folic acid, B vitamins, protein, fiber and calcium. Helps reduce nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and “weakness of the nerves.” Oat Grass is useful in rheumatic conditions and to relieve water retention. Is used to treat the following conditions are High triglycerides, Anxiety, Eczema , Nicotine withdrawal.

FLAX SEED – Flax seeds have the potential to lower LDL cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, lower the risk of breast, prostate, and colon cancers, and reduce the inflammation of arthritis. Flaxseeds’ omega-3 fats are a good source of fiber, aid in digestion and help stabilize. Also, its combination of healthy fat and high fiber content make it great for weight loss! Flax is perhaps the best source of Lignans, which transform in our intestines to substances which may balance female hormones. Lignans may also promote fertility, reduce peri-menopausal symptoms and may even help prevent breast cancer. There is also evidence that lignans may help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

COCOA – Cocoa is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants which can help in flushing out harmful toxins that could cause cell damage, premature aging and a whole host of diseases and illnesses. It is also helpful in elevating the mood because of the phenylethylamine that it has. Cocoa is also a natural source of magnesium (Magnesium is necessary for the manufacture and action of insulin also),which can help in relieving pre-menstrual syndrome, preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases and in lowering blood pressure. Cocoa can also help in reducing the risk for developing type-2 diabetes and can also help in the manufacturing and the action of insulin.

CINNAMON – Cinnamon has extremely high anti-oxidant activity, and the oil of cinnamon has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Cinnamon is also a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium. Reducing blood sugar levels and treating Type 2 Diabetes, lowering cholesterol, aiding digestion, treating diarrhea, curing the common cold, reducing arthritis pain, boosting memory and cognitive function, treating toothaches, eliminating bad breath, curing headaches and migraine pain. It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood. It has been found to be effective in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers.

ACAI BERRY – Acai Berries are amongst the healthiest fruits on Earth. They’re packed with antioxidants, healthy omega fats, protein & fiber. They have a fatty acid ratio similar to olive oil which is considered to be a contributing factor to the low incidence of heart disease in Mediterranean populations.

A Mom's Permission to Dream

I realize I have many women followers, so this will be appropriate for them...for my male audience, tweek it a little for yourself if you like. My wife posted this on Facebook, and I thought I would steal it. We all need to hear this sometimes...I hope you enjoy!

Do you ever go through a dry season, no excitement, not a ton of demands...and then you commit to a few things all at once? Yes, I did that. Just all of the sudden dreams and ideas were just too much to just journal about (as I always have in the past). This time, I had to do something, and so I did.


I often think to myself, "If you wait for the perfect circumstances, you'll never get anything done, do anything, go anywhere". Most times, I still hold out for perfect circumstances. But this time instead of waiting, I threw my hat over the fence....and here I am trying to figure out the hows. And that's okay...


I am a person who does not like chaos, late dinners, baths skipped, running late due to interruptions. I don't have a strict routine necessarily, but there are certain things that need to happen at certain times, consistently for everyone to feel better and be in better moods. Always trying to stay in control of the uncontrollable? That would be me.


Playing it safe or lacking faith, whatever you call it, I've suffered from for.... oh, the last 4 years. Coincidently, I've been staying home for 4 years. My life came to a complete stop when Daniel was born. Yet, a new beginning all at the same time. While many easily embrace this mommy-thing, I have to be honest and tell you I struggle(d) a lot.


As I sit and observe others, I've witnessed some moms who completely lose themselves, they get depressed, gain weight, leave the home unmanaged and a wreck, and it's usually all in the name of 'the kids needing attention'...'keeping in touch w/ friends', right? So my thought is this, what if I let myself live a little, just enough to keep me feeling alive on the inside, and continue to add to humanity on the outside and help people change their lives, all while raising my kids. They'll probably learn a few things along the way too, right?


My kids are w/ me seriously 24/7...except maybe 1-3 hrs. week (not a day, a week). I make time for them, take 'em to the park, feed the ducks, arcades, bluffs, etc. We swing outside, write on the sidewalk, read, play, color, tickle & wrestle....we do a lot together. At the same, I have laundry, dishes, floors, carpet, a toilet, a shower, dust, ceiling fans to clean. I have meals to prepare and then a mess to clean up immediately following. I have groceries to buy, checkbooks to balance, bills to pay, and appointments to make...and well, the kids are going to have to entertain themselves while I do this, quite frankly.


When the house is dark and their eyes are closed, I am off the clock to pursue these dreams and ideas. I write, I google, I Bible study, I email...I remain me.
All this to say, if you are a mom (stay at home, work at home, work outside the home) for the sake of your family, don't lose you! Keep yourself healthy, exercise, eat good, sleep, and dream your dreams. Serve others, give, donate time & money to the needy...take care of your family? Yes! Take care of your husband? Yes! Take care of your home? Yes! But take care of YOU too!


If you're in the dumps in life and don't know how to get out....reach out...reach out to me. You'll probably have to come to my house, or meet me at a park to accomadate my life w/ my kids, but I will help you put a plan together to change the direction of your life. Some women have stopped living because they fear the appearance of 'living for themselves'. I'm not buying into that lie, cuz ain't nobody happy, if momma ain't happy! Amen?

So I am here to say, it's okay to be you. Your husband will appreciate you feeling good about yourself. Do the things you need to around the house, w/ the kids, w/ your husband, and then identify a dream you long for and find time to pursue it. It will give you wind beneath your wings! Your family will love you for it!

THE PAINS OF OBESITY

The Pains of Obesity....

Everyday, a person who is very overweight/obese faces pains of daily living...

- Fear of not fitting into the booth at a restuarant.

- Very little choices at a clothing store - nothing fits.

- Unable to reach down and tie your shoe.

- Unwilling to run and play with your kids/nieces/nephews.

- Seatbelts don't fit.

- Can't fit in theater seating or airplanes, etc.

- Can barely reach to 'wipe'.

- Fear of being stared at.

- Anxiety over getting fitted for a tux for a friend's wedding, let alone your own.

- Always sitting on the sidelines, never involved in activities.

- Being the 3rd wheel.

- Worry over what you are putting your family/loved ones through.

- Stressing out at doctor appointments, wondering if meds will be prescribed and a chronic illness diagnosed.

- Body aches and pains from the weight and pressure on your bones and joints.

- Lack of self-esteem.

- Despair. Discouragement. Disappointment.

The list goes on for those of us who deal/dealt with pains of being obese. When will your pain become greater than the pleasure the food brings???? I hope this blog brings new hope to you! This one's for you!

Share with anyone who you think may need some encouragement in any area in their life. I'm here to help you believe in yourself & that YOU CAN REACH YOUR GOALS!

Game Plans & Deadlines

Does your goals have a game plan? Does your goals have a deadline? If we're going to change our lives, we've got to have something to shoot for and a deadline to have it done by. This is when we will experience determination! We will push our limits and celebrate a major success!

When you set your goals, sit down and write out a game plan as to how to carry it out...and review it regularly. Stick it on your mirror where you brush your teeth, stick it somewhere to remind you daily on where your attention and focus needs to be. Reminding yourself daily what you ARE GOING TO DO, will get you there sooner!

What is your goal? What is the plan to accomplish it? And when is your deadline?

The Shakeology Arrived!

Here you have it folks, the Shakeology is in. If you guys care about being fit & your health, all I'm saying is check out this stuff. The proof is in the pudding. I've been on a mission to disprove this product & I just can't! After researching it & using it - the all-natural science & engineering behind it speaks for itself. It is so deliscious too! It's going to improve YOU from head to toe, how can you not consider it?

To see what it is all about go to: www.shakeology.com/JenniferMorin. Here you can read up on the science, ingredients, and what doctors are saying about it! When you do your research, you'll want some!

Do you have a speedometer...in your car?

Can you imagine driving through town, running late, going through yellow lights - all without a speedometer? Imagine it, you see the red lights in your rear view mirror and it's a cop right on your tail! You pull over, beads of sweat on your brow, mad that you are going to be even later now...the cop walks up to your window and asks, "Do you know how fast you were going?" What is your response? "No sir, I don't have a speedometer, I drive through town unknowing to how fast I am really going." Well that's just lame, and inexcusable right?

I see going to the gym without a heart rate monitor the same way. I jump on the treadmill without any way to track my heart rate. I am either going too slow and my 'cardio' is absolutely ineffective. Or I'm going way too fast and I'm unaware my heart is in a danger zone.

My point is this, if we were to use a tool that tracked our heart rate, one to let us know when we weren't working hard enough or too hard (or like my niece, her heart was working improperly & dangerously - read the old blog), our workouts would be so much more effective. Just in the last 4 days of going to the gym with my Polar Heart Rate Monitor on, I've burned over 4,000 calories this week. How do I know? The monitor tracks my heart rate the entire time. It's starts when my body starts, and ends when I stop. I come home, drop it on the "FlowLink" that's plugged into my computer and it tells me how well I did at the gym. And so I know to either step it  up for the next day or repeat the same amount of intensity.

Have you seen those people, who 'stroll' on the treadmill...or let their arms just flop on the elliptical, barely breaking a sweat? I see them all the time, and if they had a heart rate monitor, they'd realize they need to put much more serious effort on the machines. 

Didn't you like report cards and progress reports in school? They kept you well informed of how well (or bad) you were doing...and where you needed improvement. I've tried a variety ways to lose weight, and I mean it when I say that it's the heart rate monitor that has kept me focused & so successful at getting the weight off and keeping it off.  Since doing so, I've been invited to be part of the Polar Electro Ambassador Program. All the details of the program are in the mail & on their way to me. The point of the program to get people aware that there is a better way to get better results at the gym by working smarter, instead of harder. (Disclaimer: Working harder may be the smarter way!)