by | Jul 3, 2014 | Fitness, Inspirations |
Are you tangled in the web of weight loss fads and endless contradicting information on the web? Hopefully you haven’t fallen victim to one of these fads, wasting money and time with the hopes to lose a few pounds, only to gain more back in return. I know, it’s frustrating and millions of people share your pain. Below I explain several myths that you might be doing right now to try and lose weight. If you are, then stop wasting your time and money.
JT drinking Naturade all in one nutritional shake
MYTH # 1) LOSING WEIGHT REQUIRES HUNGER PAINS
The fact is, what you eat is more important than how much you eat. If you don’t eat enough, your metabolism will slow down, making your body want to store fat. As a result, your initial weight loss will come from water and muscle, instead of fat.
You should try to consume healthy food choices and save those foods (and beverages) that are high in fat, sugar and calories for special occasions. Yes, you can have those unhealthy food choices from time to time, in fact, it’s encouraged. Without a cheat meal or snack every now and then, you will get frustrated and lose sight of your goal. Please note, I said a cheat meal, not a cheat day. I see too many people doing cheat days, which is way too much for your body to overcome on a weight loss plan.
MYTH # 2) EAT NO FAT WHATSOEVER
This is a very old and popular myth. Your fat intake should be limited to around 15% of your overall daily calorie intake. Fat is needed in any diet to lubricate your joints, keeps your skin smooth and elastic, provide a source of energy, help your nervous system function properly and more. Olive, flaxseed and fish oils are good sources of fats. Fats to avoid include saturated fats and hydrogenated fats (also known as trans fats).
MYTH # 3) AVOID CARBS
You’ve certainly heard this before, “Carbohydrates are bad for you and should be avoided”. This myth has been trending lately as fad diets like Atkins and its copycats become more and more popular. The truth is carbohydrates have a moderate amount of calories (about half as many as fat). Simple carbohydrates (sugar) should be limited, but complex carbohydrates: whole grain and starches are high in nutrients. The problem with carbohydrates is portion control. Too many people eat at restaurants with huge portion sizes loaded with 5 times the amount of carbs needed for a given meal. The best way to control your carb portions is to cook for yourself.
MYTH # 4) MEAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET ENOUGH PROTEIN
Meat is a great source of protein, but it certainly is not the only source. Meat can also be high in fat and sodium so many people look for alternative sources of protein. Egg whites are a prime source of protein and so are various vegetables and legumes like peas, spinach, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
MYTH #5: EXERCISE AT LEAST 30 CONSECUTIVE MINUTES TO GET AN EFFECTIVE CALORIE BURNING WORKOUT
Adults should engage in a workout regimen for at least 30 minutes a day at least 4 days a week. Research has shown that the activity does not need to be done all at once. The 30 minute routine can be split into two 15 minute intervals and provide the same health benefits.
MYTH #6: VEGETARIANS AND VEGANS ARE HEALTHIER EATERS THAN CARNIVORES
Vegetarians on average eat fewer calories and less fat than carnivores (non-vegetarians). However, vegetarians can make eating choices that contribute to weight gain by eating large amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods as well as food with little nutritional value. The term vegetarian is not synonymous with health.
The best way to be sure you are getting a well balanced, nutrient rich diet is to eat more whole foods and less processed, pre-packaged foods and to avoid eating out as much as possible. Make eating out an occasional treat, but try to prepare most of your meals yourself and you will be on your way to living a healthier, leaner lifestyle.
With your new found knowledge of weight loss, grab yourself a deck of my new invention, Weight Loss Stack 52, weight loss cards.
This guest post was written by Michael Volkin.
by | Jul 1, 2014 | Fitness, Inspirations |
Is your diet actually bad for your body? It’s possible! Diets that restrict calories, and even some fad diets, can be harmful to your health in many ways. Don’t let the appeal of quick weight loss take trick you into harming your health.
A starvation diet is where you don’t consume the required calories and nutrients your body needs on a day to day basis.The fad starvation diets that are popular now include the Master Cleanse, the Ultra Extreme Calorie Restriction Diet, and the Clear Liquid Diet. Among other health concerns, each of these diet plans can lead to malnutrition. Malnutrition can cause emotional swings in the near term and liver and heart issues in the long term.
As an alternative to a starvation diet, you could try a healthier detox diet. Some of these include the Dr. Oz’s 48 Hour Cleanse, Clean Program Diet and the MediFast Diet.
But let’s be honest, diets suck. Here is a general rule of thumb to help you know if the food you have on the plate in front of you will contribute to your weight gain, or help you lose weight: The more humans have monkeyed around with your food, the worse it is for your body. By that statement I mean, is your food processed? Does it contain ingredients on the label you can’t read easily? Is the expiration date on the package past the next scheduled Olympics?
To lose weight, and keep it off, don’t overthink it. A balanced diet of fresh foods containing healthy fats, protein and carbs, mixed with a little exercise will do the trick every time.
This guest post was written by Michael Volkin, inventor of Weight Loss Stack 52, the most unique and fun way to lose weight.
by | Jun 30, 2014 | Fashion, Fitness |
Hi Elegant Readers,
The Lady Rams Kickoff Event was a huge success. I was really excited to find out more about the program and meet other Lady Rams members.
The St. Louis Rams organization is encouraging ladies in the community to join the program that focuses on fashion, fitness and football. In my mind, a great combination.
My outfit was styled with a Ralph Lauren dress, a red fitted shirt jacket and my Guess satchel that I purchased on a Chicago trip. My wedge sandals from Clarks are the best and oh so comfortable.
JT getting ready for the Lady Rams event
It was so nice to be a part of the event and that I could invite a guest to attend with me. I brought my hubby who also co-writes on the blog with me. The Lady Rams Kick-off event was at the Budweiser Brewhouse restaurant and bar in the t the newly-opened Ballpark Village. Ballpark Village, which only opened this year, provides an incredible atmosphere right next to the Cardinals stadium, in the heart of Downtown. We parked and checked in and went up the stairs to the event. I was greeted by Rampage, the Rams mascot. Isn’t he adorable.
JT with Rampage
The event was packed and the crowd enjoyed themselves complimentary appetizers and drinks. Great turnout and everyone was pumped.
Lady Rams Kickoff event crowd
Players introduced themselves to the Lady Rams members. I got to meet Cory Harkey and Cody Davis of the St. Louis Rams.
Very cordial gentlemen and it is awesome that Rams organization does so much for the community.
JT meeting Rams players Cory Harkey (left) and Cody Davis (right)
My hubby and I throughly enjoyed ourselves and met some great people.
Hubby and JT
I got a goody bag and received the Lady Rams V-Neck T shirt. The front and the back of the shirt is in the pictures below.
Lady Rams V-Neck T Front and Back
The shirt was so cute that I had to style it with my newsprint skirt.
Lady Rams V neck T shirt styled with Newsprint skirt
I also received some awesome Rams blue nail polish, Rams print nail file, and coupons.
The event was a huge success. I am super excited to be a part of the upcoming events. There will be a Lady’s Training Camp in July and a Fashion Show / Girl’s Night Out in September. It’s not too late to join, CLICK HERE for more information.
JT
The St. Louis Rams has provided me with a complimentary membership for the Lady Rams Program.
Check out the Rams online at
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
by | Jun 30, 2014 | Fitness, Pets |
Hola Elegant Readers,
It’s a blistering 95 degrees in my neck of the woods. Thank the Lord for central air conditioning.
As I beat the heat by staying inside, I like to get my exercise on in full force.
I like to replicate the moves that I see my little Gio and Vinny do because I can benefit also.
Below are some suggestions that can increase your workout that are dog-inspired and fun.
I learned a few moves from Gio and Vinny (in the picture below).
Gio (0n the left) and Vinny (on the right)
I see them doing the downward dog and this picture I am doing the lift a leg. The leg lift works my hips and glutes and keeps it right and tight. The standing leg is also getting a good workout too.
Lifting leg move
One of my other favorite moves is running up and down the steps for resistance. Gio and Vinny will glide off the steps effortlessly and always get a good run in.
Running up steps
An important move from my doggies that I learn is that stretching is a must after finishing a workout. Stretching lengthens, elongates and helps prevents injury. Not a good idea to stretch on cold muscle.
Stretching my legs
Stretching correctly prepares you for your next workout and that’s why it’s so important. My fur babies are part of the family and it’s nice to know that when I am doing my exercises that some of the moves I get from them. Win Win!
by | Jun 28, 2014 | Inspirations |
Hi Bubbling Readers,
I have been out of town enjoying a much needed vacation and spending time with my family. Great fun and eye opening!
Be on the lookout for posts about my trip, coming soon!
Through Faith Village, I have the opportunity to review books. I am reading right now, The Measure of Success by Carolyn McCulley and Nora Shank.
I often have had questions about feminism and Christianity.
Can you be a Godly woman and be a successful woman? The answer is yes you can.
The authors provide detailed backgrounds of their lives and what they had to go through in their personal and professional lives.
On the back of the book questions are asked.
“Can a woman be feminine, godly, and ambitious?
Should a woman work?
Is work only for women who need the income?
Is there any sanctified ground between the stay-at-home mom and the aspiring executive?”
Some of other questions that come to mind have been:
Is a woman considered less successful if she has a career; but is child free?
Can a woman still be successful and be submissive to her husband?
McCulley and Shank address some of these questions and give detailed history and examples of women lives and how they achieved success from a biblical perspective which is so refreshing to me.
One of my favorite statements in the book is that a woman’s worth is not based on what you do, our purpose is to be a light and shine that light. Value and my worth is in Christ alone and daily putting him first in my life.
So many times we get caught up in our value for having this title, making this sum of money, riding this car, having a home in this trendy area and the list goes on. It is nothing wrong with having these things; however your sense of worth is not because of attaining them.
“Jesus says the day we should live for is when we hear, Well done thy good and faithful servant.”
I found that when I read the book I had to reread chapters sometimes because I wanted to make sure I understood what point was being addressed. Be prepared to underline in your book if you get a hard copy or highlight if you have a tablet.
One example that I reread in the book that stood out to me was the Chapter 7 on Identity.
“When your work is your identity, change can shake that sense of identity.”
Identity and sense of self worth?
The best identity to have is to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I totally agree with the authors that developing and cultivating a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior gives me the ability to manage all the different roles I have from day to day.
The scripture in the book resonates this message:
First Corinthians 4:7
“For who makes you superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it?”
The book makes you think about what really matters and really takes you through self-examination.
The book is planned out in three sections and flows very well.
The Story of Work
The Theology of Work
The Life Cycle of Work
I would recommend this book because if gives an overview of women and feminism from a biblical perspective and speaks to all women no matter what stage of life they are in at any given time.
Follow!