Freshen up your Water

7 Great Ways to Freshen Up Your Water
By Denis Faye

Thirsty? You should be. If you're reading this, it probably means you're working your tush off every day with Slim in 6®, P90X®, ChaLEAN Extreme®, or another fine Beachbody® program. And when you do that, you perspire. And when you perspire, you need to replenish the water in your system.

Sadly, you may be one of those lost souls who can't stand the taste of water. Sure, you could hydrate with juice or sports drinks, but then you'd be adding a bunch of sugar or artificial sweeteners into the mix. Yes, these drinks can play a role in a healthy diet, but 8 glasses a day of orange juice would be far more vitamin C than you need, as well as hundreds of sugar calories that you shouldn't be consuming—calories completely unchecked by the fiber you get from eating actual oranges.

Actually, water is the way to go, so to help you get the stuff down, we've come up with a few simple tips. But before we get started, we'd like to make a preemptive response to all of you who will write in to "inform" us about that widely touted 2002 study in the American Journal of Physiology that discounts the old 8-ounce-glass-of-water, eight-times-a-day rule. According to the study, a normal, healthy adult just needs to drink when he or she is thirsty to stay hydrated.

Well, before you hang up your squirt bottle, keep in mind that the study includes a huge disclaimer: the light-and-easy hydration rule doesn't apply to people with medical conditions requiring fluid control, athletes, people living in extreme conditions, and people involved in prolonged physical activity. The way I see it, if you're doing P90X, that's going to put you in at least one of those groups, if not two or three.

In other words, here are seven ways to make water more palatable. Use 'em.

1. Get fruity. A squish of lemon, lime, or orange goes a long way toward giving water a little zing. It's almost calorie free, and you get a bonus blast of vitamin C. Furthermore, if you happen to be doing our programs while you're out at sea, it can help with any unwanted scurvy.

2. Herbify yourself. Make yourself a big tub of caffeine-free, herbal tea, or "tisane," as the French call it. Technically, it isn't made from the Camellia sinensis (aka "tea") plant, which means it doesn't have the antioxidants of tea, but it tastes good and has no negative effects. There are hundreds of flavors to choose from. Mint and raspberry are a couple of our favorites.

3. Bubble up! According to a 2001 study out of the Creighton University Osteoporosis Research Center in Nebraska, the notion that carbonated water leaches calcium from your bones is completely untrue. So, if you want to hydrate with a big glass of Perrier, go for it.

4. Minty fresh. Crushed mint is another great way to liven up your water. If you want to get the most out of the leaves, put them in the glass first and grind them down. This will release a ton of flavor. Mint is also known to soothe upset stomachs and, more importantly, freshen your breath. Mix the mint with the lemon for a real taste sensation!

5. Filter flavor. It's a subtle shift, but sometimes the filtration process can alter the taste of tap water. Get yourself a Brita filter or similar brand and give it a go. Even if the flavor doesn't change, you'll be drinking purer stuff.
Brush your teeth. A good scrub of your teeth and tongue overpowers the taste of almost everything you put in your mouth for several minutes afterward. Take this opportunity to knock back a glass of H2O. You won't taste a thing.

6. Cuke you. This one is a little wacky, but if you like new tastes, give it a shot. Chop up a cucumber (yes, a cucumber). Add it to a pitcher of water and chill it for 2to 3 hours so that the cucumber flavor can permeate. Serve the water with ice. It's the perfect refreshing drink for a hot, summer day.

Pico de Gallo

I just love Mexican cuisine and this is a great side dish. I like to eat it as a snack or along with my meal. It's great with tortilla chips and is so quick and easy to make. Enjoy!




Ingredients:

* 1 medium tomato, diced
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
* 2 sprigs fresh cilantro, finely chopped
* 1 green onion, finely chopped
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper


Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine tomato, onion, jalapeno pepper (to taste,) cilantro and green onion. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir until evenly distributed. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serves 4.

Source: Allrecipies

Ways to incorporate fruit into your meals

I came across this post of one of the Beachbody message boards about how to add fruit into your meals. There are some really great ideas here and you can find more by registering for free at my site. These boards can be extremely helpful with your weight loss and nutrition needs.

~Grilled fruit slices. Cut apples, pears or peaches into chunks, brush lightly with canola oil and sprinkle with cinnamon. Place on skewers or wrap in foil. Grill on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes.

~Peach honey spread. In a bowl, add 1 sliced peach, 2 tablespoons honey and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Mash with a fork until the mixture is the consistency of chunky applesauce. Serve as a topping for pancakes or French toast, or serve it over roast chicken or pork.

~Lemon-lime fruit dip. Mix together 1/2 cup low-fat, sugar-free lemon yogurt, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon lime zest. Serve with pineapple chunks, strawberries, diced kiwi, sliced bananas and grapes.

~Frozen fruity pops. In a blender, add sliced strawberries and bananas, 1/4 cup orange juice, and 3/4 cup low-fat strawberry yogurt. Blend until smooth. Pour into 2- to 3-ounce molds or paper cups with sticks placed in the centers. Freeze for 3 hours or until completely frozen.

~Romaine and fresh strawberry salad. Combine 2 cups romaine lettuce and 1/2 cup sliced strawberries in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 1/2 tablespoons raspberry vinaigrette dressing and toss well. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon cashews.

~Blueberry-banana smoothie. In a blender, add 2 fresh or frozen bananas, 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, and 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt. Blend until smooth.

~Plum salsa. Mix together 1 cup chopped plum, 1 teaspoon dried cilantro, 2 tablespoons chopped onion, 2 teaspoons cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Serve with roasted or grilled chicken breasts.

~Broiled fruit kebabs. Place cubed fruit, such as cantaloupe, pineapple, mango or honeydew, onto skewers. Place skewers on a baking sheet and sprinkle with brown sugar. Broil until slightly bubbly, about 2 minutes on each side.

~Berries a la mode. Place 2 cup berries, such as raspberries, blueberries or strawberries, in a baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/3 cup low-fat granola. Bake at 350 F until fruit is bubbling, about 30 minutes. Top each serving with 1/2 cup fat-free vanilla ice cream.

~Mango salsa pizza. Mix together 1 cup chopped red or green bell peppers, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped mango, 1/2 cup chopped pineapple, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1/2 cup fresh cilantro. Spread over a 12-inch prepared pizza crust. Bake at 425 F until the toppings are hot and the crust is browned, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Recession-Proof Ingredients

Cooking meals at home is a healthy way to save money, but what ingredients should you buy? Watch this video to find out which common groceries will support your budget and your fitness goals.

A great recipe

I got this in my email inbox this week and thought it was worth sharing. I'm not sure who wrote it but it really makes you think. Hope you enjoy it!


A GREAT RECIPE


1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the
ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what
is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My
purpose is to __________ today. I am thankful for ______________ '.

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is
manufactured in plants.

5.. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan
salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of
the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest
your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a College
kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to
disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will
this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.
Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am
thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be
smiling before you know it.

Look Ma....she really does work out!

Yep, it's me in full kick! Here I am working out to Ten Minute Trainer while Bailey's birthday lasagna was in the oven. Don't mind the messy kitchen in the back. I do well at multi-tasking and this was definitely a night in which I had to do it. That's why one of the reasons that I love this product. I can do one workout in 10 minutes or all 5 in less than an hour. I customize it to work for me and my family and I am seeing my body tighten and tone. It's a very exciting time for me!

Oh the Temptation of Birthday Cake....

As I am sitting here writing this, it is my oldest daughter's birthday. Everyone knows what usually happens on a birthday, you eat cake. I hate to tell her and she will not know, but cake is not an approved item on my diet. The good thing about it is that I prefer a second helping of dinner over dessert. The bad thing about it though is that we are having lasagna. It happens to be one of my favorites. How am I going to deal with such a temptation? Well, for starters, I am fixing a big salad. . Also, I'll make sure to drink a glass of water half an hour prior to my meal and I'll have one serving of my lasagna and then walk away. I have to realize that even though I might still feel like I need more to eat, that I already had a portion and that I can have an evening snack later on.

So what do you do if you would rather have the cake than a second helping? Go ahead but stick to the proper portion amount or eat less if you can. It's okay to have something like this for a treat. When making Bailey's cake, I found a box of reduced sugar cake and icing. This will really lower what we are consuming and it doesn't really taste any different. So go out, enjoy your birthday without any guilt.

My 2 day fast review

This weekend, I had decided to try a 2 day fast so that I could shed a few pounds. I wanted to "jump start" my metabolism. I must admit that when I started it that I had every intention of not cheating and holding out until Monday morning when I could eat again. I had purchased chocolate and it was delicious.

I made it through Saturday afternoon and then I had to eat something. Most of the day, I had tried sleeping it away and my husband cooked for everyone so I didn't have to. Eventually, I did give in and did have a few things to eat; nothing substantial though. It was okay to have fruit, water or diluted juice. I had Cheese-Its, a glass of wine and some corned beef.

I felt guilty for cheating so I started it again on Sunday, thinking that I could finish it and I did. I'm proud of myself for giving it a try but wish that I could have done better.

So, what were my results? When I weighed in, it had shown that I lost nothing. Isn't that a bummer!? Now, I have to tell you...I didn't follow the plan exactly and I am bloated from it being that time of the month. Tomorrow might yield better results. So you're asking yourself, "Should I try the 2 day fast?" I think it's worth a try but I also think that you can lose weight by making healthy choices and exercise.

5 Minutes for Mom 2009 Ultimate Blog Party

Have a blog? Don't have a blog? Either way you are covered by this really cool event! Starting today, March 20th - March 27th, 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting their 2009 Ultimate Blog Party. Be sure to check out their site for additional details and leave a comment here too.

Great Results e-course 8

Doc's Great Results E-Course8

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Pre-lesson notice: You should be nearing day 60. Don't forget those progress pictures, and if you need a hand, your coach is just an email away!


Lesson 8: No Whey? No Way!
Protein: The Secret Fat Blaster!

You are reading this lesson so I KNOW that you are working hard on your fitness and diet plan. With the next few lessons I want to make sure all your hard work doesn't go to waste. I want to help you work smart, as well as hard!

Today we'll talk about protein and why it is essential for fat-blasting. Next week we'll get into protein for muscle-building.

Protein for fat loss.

We all know people, maybe even you, who have lost weight on a diet, only to have it come back a few months later it all comes with interest!

A big reason is that your body's metabolism slows after weight loss unless you do certain things to keep it humming.

You need to build or maintain your muscle mass in order to lose fat faster and keep it far far away from you belly (or backside, thighs, or wherever your trouble spot may be.)

Working out with weights or bands (resistance training) is an important tool to help you maintain your muscle mass.

On top of that, however, is new evidence about the benefits of high protein of fat loss. Click to see a short video for some background, then come back to learn why!

As the study in the video shows, it is also vitally important to get enough high quality protein in your diet.

High protein meals help you lose weight in 3 ways.

They are more satisfying than meals high in protein and fat. The effect even lasts to the following meal! People eating high protein have been shown to eat less at the next meal compared to people who ate a high fat or high carb first meal. Protein stimulates the release of hormones in your gut that keep you feeling satisfied.

Not only that, protein increases your metabolism after a meal. When eat food, some calories are burned in processing, digesting, and storing the food. When you eat carbs or fat, about 10% of the calories you are burned in processing. When you eat protein, on the other hand, up to 25% of the calories in the food are burned in processing. The reason is that while we can store extra carbs or fat in the body, we have no way to store extra protein. Your body has to convert it to something else, and that burns energy. This "thermogenic effect" of protein can help you burn an extra 160 calories every day before you ever do one lunge, kick, or plyometric pushup!!

The third way protein burns fat is by building muscle. As Chalene tells us, "Muscle burns fat." Dieting without weights or with low protein causes you to lose muscle along with fat, slowing your metabolism. Adding protein and resistance training to your diet keeps your muscles strong, revs your metabolism, and turns your body into a 24/7 Calorie burning furnace!

According to a recent review in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, "Evidence is accumulating that diets with reduced carbohydrates and increased levels of high quality protein are effective for weight loss. These diets (target) increased loss of body fat while reducing loss of lean tissue".

So, yes, Virginia, you can build muscle at the same time you lose fat!

How much do you need?

Current research suggests we get about 0.8 gm/pound of body weight per day with at least 30 grams at breakfast because a key protein levels are lowest after going without food all night. A typical American breakfast has only about 12 gm protein.

Weight (pounds) Optimal daily protein (0.8 g/lb/day)
140 112
160 128
180 144
200 160
225 180
250 200


Protein has one problem- the company it keeps. Many dietary sources of protein keep fat and cholesterol in their posse. Make sure that you are choosing lean sources like low-fat dairy, lean meats, and egg whites.

I also recommend whey powder to make sure you are getting your protein without it's little buddies. Adding chocolate whey powder to my to my shredded wheat every morning tastes great and gives me 32 grams of muscle building, fat shredding protein* to power through my morning workout! Be careful with the whey you choose. Some can have pretty high levels of cholesterol. A scoop of Beachbody's Whey Protein Powder has 18 grams high quality protein with just 10% of the RDA for cholesterol.

*whey 18 gm, shredded wheat 6 gm, fat-free milk 8 gm. I also have a glass of low sodium V-8 with 2 more grams protein.

Since whey is naturally found in dairy foods, it has few side effects. If you have liver or kidney disease, check with your physician before increasing your protein intake. Taking more than recommended can stress these organs if they are not functioning normally.

Your homework:

1. Make sure you are getting adequate protein in your diet, especially at breakfast. Design a breakfast with at least 30 grams protein that is low in fat.

Consider whey protein to get quality protein without much added sugar, fat, cholesterol, or extra calories. It can be added to your cereal, alone as a drink, as a protein smoothie, or as a complete meal replacement using Beachbody's meal replacement shake.

If you need help deciding on whey protein or meal replacement, drop your coach an email.

2. Keep pushing play!



To YOUR Great Results,

-Doc


Kevin Kane MD, and The Fit Doc LLC, are independent Beachbody coaches not employed by Beachbody. This e-course and all contents are for informational and motivational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult with your physician with medical questions and before starting this or any exercise program.

Citris Chicken

This spicy sauce works equally well with fish or pork.
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast cutlets
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking spray
6 cups bagged prewashed baby spinach

Preparation

Combine first 8 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Pour 1/4 cup juice mixture into a large zip-top plastic bag. Add chicken to bag. Seal; let stand 5 minutes. Add oil to remaining juice mixture; stir well with a whisk.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Remove chicken from bag; discard marinade. Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Place 1 1/2 cups spinach on each of 4 plates. Divide chicken evenly among servings; top each serving with 1 tablespoon juice mixture.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 183 (24% from fat)
Fat: 4.9g (sat 0.9g,mono 2.8g,poly 0.7g)
Protein: 27.4g
Carbohydrate: 7.1g
Fiber: 2.1g
Cholesterol: 66mg
Iron: 2.3mg
Sodium: 278mg
Calcium: 50mg

Source: Cooking Light

Shakeology: The Healthiest Meal of the Day

Shakeology is here and can help you:
1. Lose Weight
2. Feel Energized
3. Improve Digestion and Regularity
4. Lower Cholesterol*
5. Tastes Delicious

Click here for more information on this product. Try Greenberry or chocolate today!

Wishing you all a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Be safe and have fun.....

Calling all tweens, teens or folks with tweens or teens....

On a big day like prom, we sometimes stress with how we are going to look. (Well, I don't think it's sometimes, we do!) I can remember for my prom, I had this huge zit on my forehead. Trying to cover it up was a nightmare. I had no one to show me how to properly apply my makeup so it wouldn't look as bad and I think I just kept applying more to try to cover it up. I don't know if my date even saw it. At this point in life, it doesn't really matter. It was an eternity ago. Now that my daughter's are getting older and are starting to mess around with make up and are in need of skin care products, I am thankful that I have the ability and products to be able to show them. I want to show you too!!! If you are interested in learning how to properly apply your make up or clear your complexion, please email me so that we can set up some one on one time to do this. This offer is open to anyone who wants to learn. I would love to help you.

We did it!

Last week, I had asked that you all meet me in WOWY (work out with you)on Saturday, March 7th. I want to thank you for joining me there! We had a terrific response to this invitation. 982 folks worked out together to try and beat the previous record. If you had never worked out there before, you saw how easy it was to do it. I'm hoping that one of my readers won the daily prize and that you all will keep coming back to join me regardless of how long you have been a member. If you haven't signed up yet to work out in WOWY, please click here where you can register for free and begin immediately using your membership. Let's keep pushing play!

Best Beauty Secret

A few weeks ago on Twitter, I had tweeted a question and got a few replies back. I had asked "What is your best beauty secret?" There were a few that I had heard of and then some not so common ones too. It ranged from over the counter lotions and creams to using toothpaste and hemorrhoid cream for quick fixes. Some of these I had tried and others not. Out of all of the replies though, there was one that really stood out. This beauty secret took no time and was free. There was very little effort needed and could be used by anyone, young or old. Want to know what it was.....a smile! A smile to brighten your day. A smile to brighten another persons. When a person smiles, it makes all the difference in their appearance. I'm not telling you to go out with a permanent smile on your face but take a moment when you are out today and smile at someone. It's the best wrinkle cream, anti-aging product or thing that you can do.

Great Results e-course 7

Doc's Great Results e-Course Lesson 7

This is lesson 7 of a multi-week e-course. If you have ever heard of WOWY and didn't know what it was, you will learn today. Take a look and take a change of putting some money in your pocket!

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Pre-lesson notice: You should be seeing some results by now. If you aren't having the success you want, email your coach for ideas and suggestions to help you get back on track. You can do it, we are here for you!
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Lesson 7: WOWY and Win!
The Team Beachbody Virtual Supergym

Do you WOWY?

Today I'm going to tell you about the WOWY Online Supergym.

Be sure to read the whole thing because later in the lesson you'll learn how you could win up to $1000!


Soon after Beachbody started, its founders Carl Daikeler and Jon Congden noticed something interesting. Customers started setting appointments with each other on the message boards to work out at the same time, even though they exercised in living rooms on opposite sides of the country. Through this inspiration, WOWY was born.

WOWY, which stands for Work Out With You, is Beachbody's online supergym. It allows you to virtually workout with friends anywhere in the world and "see" them in real time sweating alongside you.

The beauty of WOWY is its accountability. You simply invite a friend to be your success buddy, log in at your scheduled time, and look for your friend. If you don't show, you better believe they will notice and hopefully call you on it!

Friends don't do Beachbody? That's fine. Everyone's invited under the fitness tent. There's a spot where you can log in workouts such as walking, running, swimming, or other! (So while running to the fridge doesn't count, virtually any other workout does!)

Don't have friends who work out? We got your back. Just plan your workout in advance with the WOWY workout calendar, then either select a success buddy from the people already scheduled at that time, or allow yourself to be chosen by someone else as a success buddy. It's that simple. Laura will work out with you too. Just let her know.

With Team Beachbody and WOWY, you may work out by yourself, but you never have to work out alone!

Beachbody can help you succeed in your fitness journey in several ways. I already mentioned the accountability and the monthly calendar. But there are other tools as well. WOWY has a diary where you can write down your workouts, diet, how you are feeling, or what song you liked while you were exercising, or anything you like. Studies have shown people who keep fitness diaries lose more weight and keep it off. It's right there for you in WOWY.

Another really cool tool (under the 'Other Tools' tab) is the Transformation Tracker. Just plug in your fitness and weight loss goals, and update your tracker weekly. It automatically graphs your progress! Now you can literally SEE THE POUNDS SLIP AWAY as you watch your pull-up numbers go up!

Also in the 'Other Tools' section are the WOWY workout groups. When you join a group, friends from that group are shown at the top of your screen, making it easy to find them when you log in!

And now, the money question. How can WOWY make your belly skinny but your wallet fat? In the Supergym Sweepstakes, every day you log in to WOWY, you have a chance to win an i-pod, digital camera, or cash prize of up to $1000!! How's that for incentive?

To enter the daily Supergym Sweepstakes, at the end of your workout, when you click 'done', you'll see a link. Follow that to the electronic entry form. Simply fill it out and you'll be notified the next day if you are the lucky winner.

Club members have it even easier! As a Team Beachbody Club member, every day you workout in WOWY, you are automatically entered in to the daily drawing, no form required.

I won $300 in WOWY a little over a year ago, and I have plenty of other friends from the community who have won as well! You could be next, so log your workouts in every day!!


Your Homework:

1. If you are not already a member, click here to join for free!
2. If you are already a Team Beachbody member, log in and click the WOWY button on the left side of the screen. Then sign up. To win the sweepstakes, you must have a picture uploaded, so don't forget to do that, too!
3. Schedule your workouts for the next month in advance. Treat them as an important appointment every day and watch your results skyrocket!!
4. Join some WOWY workout groups. My favorite group is cleverly named The Fit Doc Group. I'd love to have you join us! Ask your coach if he or she has a favorite group, too! (Mine is Angels Get Fit!)

As always, be consistent, make good decisions, and email your coach if you need a little nudge. We are here to help you get Great Results!

Keep Pushing Play,

-Doc

The Fit Doc Group
"We'll Make It Fit!"


Kevin Kane MD, and The Fit Doc LLC, are independent Beachbody coaches not employed by Beachbody. This e-course and all contents are for informational and motivational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult with your physician with medical questions and before starting this or any exercise program.

A little Green Goddess goes a long way!

Here is one way that you can get a big serving of veggies in a quick, easy and delicious shake.

Don't Quit

I received this poem the other day and wanted to share with you. Sometimes we want to throw in the towel when we workout and have hit a plateau for instance. Maybe because life is just busy and you don't know how to fir anything more in. Whatever the reason, Don't quit!

Don't Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low
and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a person turns about
When they might have won had they stuck it out.

Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.

Mr. Harry Knowles, Sr. (1904-1979)

The American Diabetes Association, Fitness Expert Kathy Smith and Beachbody� Join Forces to Combat Type 2 Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association, Fitness Expert Kathy Smith and Beachbody� Join Forces to Combat Type 2 Diabetes

Do you or someone you know suffer from Type 2 Diabetes? Take a look at how Kathy Smith and Beachbody have teamed up with the American Diabetes Association are working together.

When was the last time you checked.....

When was the last time that you checked your make up? These days it's hard to throw things out because money can be tight but you really should reconsider that because you aren't getting the full effects of the product that you bought. If you have had any eye infections, for example, do yourself a favor and discard all products that you used prior to. Days off, co-pays, antibiotics, etc. are far more expensive than replacing it all.

According to a March 9, 2000, FDA report (revised October 15, 2002), “Consumers should be aware that expiration dates are simply ‘rules of thumb,’ and that a product’s safety may expire long before the expiration date if the product has not been properly stored. Cosmetics that have been improperly stored - for example, exposed to high temperatures or sunlight, or opened and examined by consumers prior to final sale - may deteriorate substantially before the expiration date. On the other hand, products stored under ideal conditions may be acceptable long after the expiration date has been reached.”

Here is a guideline to help you determine when it’s time to toss out old makeup:

Foundation: 3-6 months

Concealer: Wand applicator concealers should be tossed within 6 months since they’re likely to grow bacteria. Stick, twist-up tubes, or compact concealers can last up to 12 months, especially if you use a makeup brush to apply the product.

Pressed powder cosmetics: Facial powder, blush and eyeshadow should be thrown out after one year. If you get an eye infection, however, you’ll have to toss out any eyeshadow you’ve used, to avoid re-infecting yourself.

Lip gloss and lipstick: 1 year

Mascara: You should always replace mascara after 3 months. And toss it immediately if it becomes dry, or you develop an eye infection. Remember: Never, ever
share mascara!

Eye and lip pencils: If you sharpen them every few days, makeup pencils can last a year or longer. It’s time to trash them when they become dry, crumbly, and hard to apply.

All-natural cosmetics: Because these products do not contain preservatives, they should be used or discarded within 6 months.

Here are some more tips that will help you make the most of your makeup:
1. Don’t ever share cosmetics.
2. Don’t put your fingers into the product. Use the applicator
provided, or a makeup sponge.
3. Keep containers tightly closed, and store them in a cool, dry place.
4. Don’t use water or saliva to ease the application of a product. Doing so
introduces bacteria into the product, which can cause a host of problems.
5. Immediately toss the product out if there is a change of color, texture,
or consistency; if the ingredients settle or separate; or if an odor develops.

Need to replace anything after reading this article? If so, click here for budget friendly products. Get an additional 10% off your order.

Make a date with me!

Let's break a WOWY record!

Carl Daikeler, Beachbody CEO is asking for our help. Here is his post from his blog earlier this week.

I want to see if we can surpass the WOWY Super Gym record at 11AM ET/8AMPT Saturday March 7th.

It's the official start of "Dream Extreme Week" leading up to the big Beachbody Summit. And it's a symbolic test to see if this bold idea of the Beachbody Revolution has yet achieved the power to get people engaged in their health and fitness.

Out of a network of over 16,000 coaches, thousands more of Team Beachbody members, plus friends, family and co-workers, can we get more than 522 people to workout at the same time?

I actually don't know. I think so. But I also know that it will take more than me blogging here about it. It will take more than me contacting a few key coaches about it. It will take real leadership from our founders. It will take leadership from our Diamonds. And it will take the enthusiasm of our Ruby and Emerald coaches to get the word out in every way possible from today through the event.


One workout on one Saturday. What's possible when we pull together? What's possible when at a minimum, everyone who reads this shows up and brings one person?


We'll find out when we kick it off in the WOWY Super Gym at 11AM ET/8AMPT Saturday March 7th for the official start of "Dream Extreme Week".



Will I see you there?
CEO of Product Partners, owner of Beachbody Carl Daikeler

If aren't already registered at a Beachbody site, please join the FREE community at http://www.exercise2day.com so that you can participate. Let's do it and break the WOWY record. Who knows, you may even with the daily prize!

Great Results e-course 6

Doc's Great Results E-Course

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Pre-lesson notice: If you have fallen off the wagon, don't worry. Just pick yourself up and start over again. Your coach and the whole Beachbody community are here to support you! You can do it, we are here for you!
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Lesson 6: Learn From Success
Success story #1 - Courtney M.

It is said that the easiest way to be succeed, in weight-loss or in life, is simply to find successful people and do what they do!

Today you'll meet an inspiring woman named Courtney. Her story is incredible. It shows that determination and a powerful WHY can help you make big changes to your health in an amazingly short period of time!

This is an excerpt from a recent email from her:

I am passionate about BB as I have lost 30lbs in 3 months and also have lowered my blood pressure drastically so I don't have to take the 3 medications that I was taking before I started this journey anymore. I know that there programs work and I want to share that with everyone.

I wanted to learn more, so I called her. What I learned blew me away.

Courtney is a 30 year old single mom taking care of a beautiful 3 year old boy. Taking care of her son is the most important thing in her life. "He has truly shown me what is important in life and gave me the faith to dream again."

Several months ago, Courtney went to her doctor because she was having severe, debilitating headaches. The headaches would literally disable her for days on end! While normal blood pressure is 120/80, the doctor found Courtney's blood pressure to be dangerously high at 170/120. He told her it was so high that a blood vessel in her brain could burst at any time. She needed to get it down. If she didn't lose weight, he said, Courtney would not live to see her son's sixth birthday!

Talk about a powerful WHY!

The doctor put Courtney on 3 different blood pressure meds. Courtney knew her life had to change.

"Team Beachbody saved my life!"

Courtney tells the her story, "A friend told me about Slim In 6 and then I happened to see an infomercial. I ordered immediately. I figured 'Hey if she is doing this why not? I have to do something so I might as well start here.' I was uncomfortable going to a gym as I didn't want people staring at the 'fat girl' so to speak. I started the program as soon as it came in the mail, which didn't take long."

It wasn't easy for her at first. "It took some getting used to when you are used to doing nothing but sitting on your butt on the couch. The eating was the hard part and still is to be honest. I remember having McDonald's withdrawals. I was strict with myself though and before I knew it I couldn't stand the smell of it just driving by."

She continues, "When I started this journey on August 11t I was 210lbs, very sedentary, and taking 3 blood pressure pills a day that were doing nothing for the problem. I completed Slim in 6 on September 22nd. I lost a total of 18 pounds and 12 inches in just 6 weeks!"

Courtney wasn't done there. She was a woman on a mission! She then started Turbo Jam and lost another 15 pounds.

As she started moving, her blood pressure began to drop. Within 3 months Courtney had lost 33 pounds, and her blood pressure had dropped all the way back to normal. Not normal while taking three medications, mind you. I mean NORMAL normal. Her doc was able to take her off ALL three blood pressure medications. That bears repeating. Her doctor took her off all her medications!

"I went from severely high blood pressure and not knowing if I would see my three year old son grow up to normal blood pressure in 3 months. My doctor was in shock, as I am still!"

Because of her dedication backed by an incredible new sense of purpose- her WHY- Courtney's entire life spun around in a remarkably short time. She not only changed her health, but her energy level, attitude, and whole outlook on life!

"To know that in three months time everything has changed is a miracle to me. I went from not being able to wrestle on the floor with my little man to him telling Momma to leave him alone! I am so excited that I can't put words to what I am feeling.

It was a hard road and I still have problems with eating clean every day. I will be the first one to say that it's not easy. I have so much energy and a passion to live life now that I want to share that with others and improve their quality of life also."

Courtney's Secrets to Success:

1. Use the Message boards. "I found the message boards when I first ordered Slim In 6….I hadn't even received it yet. I found a group of girls that were very supportive and motivational. They helped me through the times when I wanted to give up and encouraged me that no matter how tired or sore I was to keep Bringing It".

2. Play, Shake, and Share. "I make sure that on a daily basis I take my Activit Multi-Vitamin and have my Meal Replacement Shake. I love the chocolate! I also use Beachbody's Whey Protein Powder when I am really sore after a workout. It seems to help with that muscle soreness and getting back to normal quickly."

3. Take advantage of the Club tools. "I am a Beachbody Club member and love the benefits it gives. At any time I can go in and create a weekly meal plan and shopping list that are within my recommended calories which are tailored to my program of choice. I also love the Trainer Tips and Trainer Corners and chat rooms."

I'll close this lesson with a special note from Courtney to you:

With Team Beachbody you literally change your body, change your health, and change your life. If you stick with it your dreams will come true. And because of my own determination to see my little man grow up I can finally say I am in WONEDERLAND and financially free! The feeling is indescribable! I cant wait to see where this journey continue to takes me…and you!

Best wishes,
Courtney M.


Your homework:

1. Push play 6 times this week. Remember, a crummy workout is 1000 times better than no workout at all!

2. If you have not taken your 30-day progress pictures and measurements, do it this week.


Enjoy your week!
Keep Pushing Play.

-Doc

Kevin Kane MD, and The Fit Doc LLC, are independent Beachbody coaches not employed by Beachbody. This e-course and all contents are for informational and motivational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult with your physician with medical questions and before starting this or any exercise program.

Low Fat Mac and Cheese

On a cold day like today, there is nothing better than a hearty and hot meal. One of my favorites is Mac and Cheese. Allrecipies has taken a classic dish and turned it into a yummy low fat one. If you would like to make a meal out of it, try adding brocolli and chicken cubes.


INGREDIENTS
1 cup fat-free milk
1 1/4 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
2/3 cup fat-free cottage cheese
pepper to taste
2 1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon grated onion
Paprika

DIRECTIONS
In a blender or food processor, combine the milk, cheeses and pepper. Cover and process until creamy. Pour into a bowl; stir in macaroni and onion. Transfer to a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until heated through.

Nutritional Analysis: One 3/4-cup serving equals 233 calories, 3 g fat (0 saturated fat), 12 mg cholesterol, 372 mg sodium, 30 g carbohydrate, 0 fiber, 20 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 very lean meat.

Source: Allrecipies

Update

If you have been following my blog, you know that I love ChaLean Extreme and mentioned following the 90 day schedule. It's a wonderful program! Unfortunately though, I haven't been able to follow it as my guidebook states. We have had so many illnesses in my family over the last 2 months that I have had no structured workout time. It's been more of a mix of whatever I could fit in. Thankfully, I have been maintaining my weight. No gain, no loss but just the same. I'm really sad that I haven't lost anything more but also realize that it is me, not the programs that are the reason. I haven't been giving it my all and hence the reason my body isn't changing like I want it to. If you want to loose weight, you have to stick with it and make sure that you are eating right too. That is one thing that I have been doing. Eating right actually comes easy for me. I've done it for so long that it feels weird to not eat healthy. Don't get me wrong, I still eat/drink things like chips and dips, wine, etc. but just try to cut back so that we I do, it is more of a treat. This week, I am working on putting a workout each day back into my schedule. Taking some "Me" time. If you are struggling with your weight, take a look at what you are doing to see where you might need to tweak. If you need help, I would be happy to talk to you. Just let me know! We can work together to find the solution.