How to make a low fat SUPERBOWL Party

Looking for ways to cut out the fat at this year's SUPERBOWL party? Try some of these tips...


* Take chili, for instance: all those beans and tomatoes that form the base of this versatile dish are wonderfully nutritious by themselves. So choose extra-lean beef or turkey to accompany them, or forgo meat altogether and add an extra can or two of reduced-sodium beans instead. Provide reduced-fat cheese to sprinkle on the chili, and reduced-fat or fat-free sour cream for garnish.


* Make cornbread with part whole-wheat flour, and use low-fat or fat-free buttermilk and canola oil in your recipe for a healthy, low fat version.


* Load your potato skins with salsa or just a sprinkling of reduced-fat cheese and fat-free sour cream. Add some paprika or even some cayenne pepper to spice them up a bit.


* Oven fry some skinless chicken pieces dipped in egg white, or buttermilk, and dredged in breadcrumbs, cornmeal or crushed cornflakes. Serve with a honey-mustard or barbecue sauce.


* Serve home-made baked tortilla chips or pita crisps, and serve them with low-fat dips that use fat-free or reduced-fat sour cream, yogurt or cream cheese as their base.


* Make fresh salsa. Add some chopped peach or mango for something different.


Have a large plate of cut veggies to go with the dips, too: include different colored sweet peppers and jicama, as well the usual carrots and celery.


* Serve a big salad platter featuring groups of black beans, sweet corn, chopped red onion or scallions, chopped tomatoes, artichoke hearts, diced avocado, chopped green pepper and shredded reduced-fat Jack cheese. Make a lime-based vinaigrette to go with it.


* Instead of buying one of those huge over-filled subs, have your guests make their own lower-fat sandwiches. Provide a variety of lean (and low-sodium) meats and reduced-fat cheeses, a variety of whole-grain breads, wraps, rolls and bagels, plus some fat-free or low-fat mayos and dressings. Have pickles, sliced tomatoes, shredded carrots, salad leaves, roasted red peppers, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes, all of which can help make a satisfying sandwich. Make tuna or chicken salad with fat-free mayo or low-fat plain yogurt. Use herbs and black pepper for seasoning, and omit the salt.


* Provide reduced-fat potato chips or the baked variety. Make your own snack mixes using whole-grain cereals, dried fruit, unsalted nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and pretzels.


* Don't forget the sweets. Bake a batch of low-fat brownies or some carrot cake. Have plenty of chopped fresh fruit on hand, too.


* As for beverages, keep the coffee pot full, and do have plenty of water and fruit juices available as alternatives to beer and soda.


* Don't eat too much! It's all very well cutting fat here and there, but if you pile your plate high with party food, you won't be doing yourself any favors.

Have a great night and GO STEELERS!!

source: about.com/F. Haynes

Not just your ordinary online biz!

From Carl Daikeler, CEO of Beachbody

This is a reprint from Carl's Blog. Please be sure to read the very bottom where I included one of the comments and Carl's answer.

I love creating things, building something that will be productive and solve a problem. I also like building income over the long term. Creativity, contribution, and constant steady year-over-year growth... that's how I approach what I do.

Beachbody exceeded $300 million in sales last year, largely due to the success of infomercials like Turbo Jam, P90X, Ten Minute Trainer, Slim in 6 and Hip Hop Abs. We have the most compelling pipeline of new products and infomercial since we launched the company. So, why network marketing?

I believe the real opportunity in fitness is not in building a huge monolithic company that simply sells product to people. Companies have been trying to leverage fitness to build huge businesses for decades. Yet the obesity trend grows, and no fitness company has really succeeded in getting people to REALLY embrace what it takes to get healthy and fit. Not the equipment makers. Not the gym chains. Not the weight loss centers. Not even Beachbody. Yes, we continue to grow, infomercial by infomercial, selling great product to people, and we've had some amazing success stories. But many people still will start-then-quit just like everything else they've tried unless there is another dynamic at work.

That's what the Beachbody Coach Network is about -- adding the powerful dynamic of peer-support, the "Share" of "Play, Shake and Share", to help people stay accountable to their desire to get healthy and fit.

Our network marketing business is 16,000 coach-distributors strong and growing fast. We assign customer leads to qualified coaches (for free) when one of our TV customers says they want support to succeed with their program. The coach helps that customer set their start date, and stay accountable to consistency. Our coaches are not fitness experts or nutritionists -- but friends who care about revolutionizing how people approach their own health and fitness.

In exchange, in the future when those customer leads purchase another product from Beachbody, the coach gets the commission.

And it's a win-win that will continue to grow. I know that because I get so many emails like this one from part-time coach Joey Petri. While many coaches are still working their way to their first check and income is always a factor of skill and effort, here's a young coach who is one of the many people who are turning this opportunity into a dream job:
============
I just wanted to share this with you guys because I'm super excited.

I added up all my commission checks from 2008 and I earned $13,394.98!!! This is amazing to me and I know that 2009 will be an ever bigger and better year. This money allowed me to go to school full time and pursue a 2nd degree in Phys Ed, this allowed me to live in my place and not move home, this paid my bills and my gas. (Disclaimer I also had some help from my savings as a pharma rep.) This is going to make 2009 an amazing and exciting year. Thanks again for all of your support!!

Joey
============

So when people ask me "Why Network Marketing", I respond that it is an imperative. Growth is one thing, contribution is another. This business model has both, and instead of one giant company, we're going to be a company of a million coaches, each their own independent company, helping 100 million people get healthy and fit. That's what we will achieve, and that's why network marketing is a priority!

Comments:

At 11:52 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Though there may be certain benefits of the coach network, I think it's a net loser for Beachbody. Even for die hard, loyal customers like me, the whole coach thing wreaks of a multi-level marketing scam. I believe you're well-intentioned, but the coach set-up appears unscrupulous from the outside. In the end, I think it leads to people doubting the integrity of your fitness programs, and that's too bad because they are absolutely the best DVD workouts available. If I were you, I'd ditch the coach network and put more resources into keeping your customers happy by improving customer service and shipping.

At 1:39 PM, Blogger Carl Daikeler said...

First, thanks for your business. As far as looking like a scam goes, that's what they said about infomercials... but we've shown that a marketing medium of ill-repute isn't what's guilty, it's simply misused by unscrupulous people. Look at the P90X infomercial. It's more entertaining than most of the stuff I see on TV! And it's promoting a product that's getting people into incredible shape.

Network marketing as a business model has been abused for decades. But the power of people-helping-people is undeniable. The last the society needs is a giant "Wal-Mart of fitness". What I think is needed is a million people with an incentive to help those around them incorporate fitness and portion control into their lives. We've created that incentive. And that incentive, combined with "absolutely the best DVD workouts available" (thank you!) plus constant improvements in customer service and shipping equals a revolution in health and fitness.

All I know for sure is, many of the people who get involved are making money helping people succeed where they failed with fitness and weight loss for years. That's a win worth perpetuating. And that's why this is so important to see through.

My prediction is that in five years, people will look at this business model and wonder why gyms were ever so popular in the first place.

Great Results e-course 1

_{How to get the most of your Beachbody fitness program!}

_{Lesson 1: Decide * Commit * Succeed}

<sub>Allow me to be the first to congratulate you! If you've decided to lose weight and get in shape then you are already on your way. Making the decision is the most important part.

Don't believe me? Ask these people:
"The first step to becoming is to will it." --Mother Teresa
"The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want." --Ben Stein</sub>

_{"You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight." --Jim Rohn}

_{You've done it! You've made the decision to improve your health, your fitness, and your life. Now you just need to push play, eat right, and you'll see results. It's that simple. Really.}

<sub>Ah, but if it was that easy, why do so many people have a hard time?

Many people find that staying consistent with a healthy lifestyle is the hardest part. Now you have help in that department! You are receiving this e-course because Coach Laura, your personal Team Beachbody coach cares about you and your success. Coach Laura is just an email away for support, motivation, and to help you get the absolute best results possible.</sub>

_{When I talk about results, I mean RESULTS!! Thousands and thousands of people have already used Beachbody to improve their health, lose weight and keep it off. I know, because at age 40, I lost nearly 20 pounds and found (for the first time in my life) a six pack in my abs and not in my fridge.}

_{Over the next several weeks, I'll introduce you do some of my friends who have done the same thing. Some have lost 30, 50, even 100 pounds and kept it off without surgery. These aren't Supermen and Superwomen. They are real, regular folks who wanted to improve their lives and lose weight. They've succeeded and kept the weight off by doing the same things that we will teach you will do!}

_{You may have tried a fitness program before and quit in the middle, or maybe you've dieted to lose weight only to see it come right back with interest!}

_{This time, it is different.}

_{Beachbody has created a group of the most fun, effective workout programs ever. What's more, they have paired them with world class nutrition and online support that is the best in the world!}

_{As I had mentioned, part of that world class support is your own personal coach to help keep you motivated. Coach Laura, your Team Beachbody coach is committed to helping you get reach your health and fitness goals. Working together with your coach and all the great tools that Beachbody has to offer, you will not only reach those goals, but you can achieve the body and shape you've only dreamed about. (And by the way, access to your personal Team Beachbody coach comes at my favorite price - FR*EE*!)}

_{This is not about magic pills, cellulite crème, or the latest ab-busting lounge chair (complete with dual action cup-holders!). It isn't easy. It takes time. It takes effort. But you CAN do it and we can help make it fun. You'll see that when you follow the plan you will get PHENOMENAL results. Your body, your health, and your life will change in all kinds of ways that you've never imagined.}

_{If you stick with us, you'll see MEASURABLE RESULTS WITHIN 30 DAYS.}

_{Laura will be sending you this email course, once a week for the next 13 weeks. Each one will cover a different topic to help you get the absolute BEST RESULTS POSSIBLE- at any price. (But BTW, did I mention- this coaching is all FR*EE*! )}

_{You will learn about fitness, nutrition, and all the great support tools available for you. You will meet inspiring real people with unbelievable results. Many of them have struggled with weight all their lives, only to finally get the body and lasting health they have dreamed about with Team Beachbody.}

_{I'm excited for you.}

_{Here's your homework. (You didn't think you'd get off that easy, did you?)}

_{1. Make sure to save this email address in your address book. That way, Doc's Great Results E-Course will not get lost in you junk box and you won't miss a thing.}

_{2. Take your before pictures and measurements. I can't express to you how important this step is. You don't have to show anyone, but you only get one chance to take a before picture. When your belly starts melting away, you'll want to see how far you've come. Before pictures are a great motivator! You'll thank me later. I promise!}

_{3. Set up your profile on Team Beachbody. This is the first step in getting connected to the community for support. Just go to www.exercise2day.com, and then log in. Fill out a few words about yourself and upload a picture. Don't worry, if you don't want you’re before picture, just upload a head-shot. If you don't want to write much, just write "transformation in progress, come back soon to see the new me!"}

<sub>We'll come back to the Team Beachbody website in a few weeks, for now I just want you to set up a basic profile and have some fun driving around the Team Beachbody and WOWY websites.

To contact your coach, email laura@exercise2day.com

Next lesson: Burn your Ships: The power of declaring your intention.</sub>

_{To your success!}

_{Kevin Kane, MD}

<sub>The Fit Doc


Kevin Kane MD, The Fit Doc is a practicing physician and home exercise fan. He started with P90X in 2005, and has since done programs including Slim in 6, P90X+, Ten-Minute Trainer. His current exercise interest is Project:YOU! Type 2 and helping people with Type 2 diabetes use lifestyle change to help manage their disease.


Kevin Kane, The Fit Doc LLC, and your coach are independent Beachbody coaches not employed by Beachbody.</sub>

_{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.}

Top 5 Bun Moves

Top 5 Buns Moves
By Kathy Smith

During an interview the other day, a reporter asked me what my all-time favorite exercise move is. This is a somewhat stressful question for someone like me because there are so many moves I love! However, as I started to name a few, I realized several favorites revolved around working my glutes. Let's face it . . . there's nothing like feeling good in your blue jeans! And since this is an area of the body that so many women ask me about, I thought I'd share some of my favorite moves, as well as some little tricks you can use to achieve a toned derriere!

1. Maximize a flight of stairs.

Take advantage of a flight of stairs by thinking about putting your weight in your heels as you ascend. This will engage your gluteal muscles more than just climbing alone. Walking up hills or on an inclined treadmill is also a great way to tone your glutes. Try shifting your weight to your heels as you walk and you'll get a little more toning action.

2. Squats.

Squats are an excellent glute move, and if you've done my Project: YOU™ workouts, you may already know my squat mantra. To really target your glutes in a squat, make sure you put your weight on your heels, so much that you should be able to lift your toes off the floor. In our Project: YOU test group, I went around and put my fingers under people's toes, asking that they not crush them, of course! Risky, I know, but it got the point across (and thankfully, I walked away with no bruises). By shifting your weight to your heels, not only will you challenge your glutes more (and hamstrings, or the back of your legs), you'll also take pressure off your knees.

3. Squats 101.

Still having problems with achieving proper form in a squat? Practice with a chair. Start by sitting in the chair and then standing up. Repeat this a few times. Then, squat as if you're going to sit back down, but instead of sitting down, just hover slightly above the chair and then come back up. Now, repeat the hover-squat a few times while keeping your weight on your heels as you really think about squeezing the muscles in your butt and your inner thighs.

4. Lunges.

This is another one of my favorite moves for working the glutes. Again, a slight shift in body weight during a lunge will help lift and tone the buttocks. So, when doing lunges, first make sure that you have enough distance between your front foot and your back foot so the front knee does not jut out over the front foot. In fact, the knee should be in line over the ankle when you are in the deepest part of the lunge. Then, put your weight on the heel of the front foot so that you're really working those gluteal muscles. Remember, in order to get the glutes to fire, you need to go down deep enough in the lunge. As you approach a 90-degree bend in the knee, the glutes will start to contract and be used in the exercise. If you do not go down far enough, the exercise will stay in the quads or thighs, and you will not get the benefit of working your butt.

5. Add some imbalance.

Once you've mastered basic lunges or squats, challenge yourself by placing your front foot (for a lunge) or both feet (for a squat) on an unstable surface such as a pillow to add a little instability. This advanced move will call on other muscle fibers to fire and increase muscle toning while burning a few extra calories as well.

Online Fitness Party

Come join me at my Online Fitness Party!

Saturday, January 31, 2009
11 am - 1 pm est

Let's try getting healthy and fit together!

If you are not a member of the Beachbody community, please log on to www.exercise2day.com, select the join tab and then register for FREE as part of the community! There are also other options to choose from. When you do, you will then be able to log into WOWY (Work out with you) and be eligible to win free prizes. (Please see details for further info. on prizes at the website.) Be sure to create a screen name for yourself. Any kind of exercise is acceptable. Let's get moving....

Shrimp Scampi

A friend of mine shared this dish with me. Yum!

Shrimp Scampi

Dietitian's tip: Traditionally, "scampi" refers to large shrimp that have been covered in garlic oil or butter and broiled. Here the shrimp are sauteed in a small amount of olive oil and tossed together with shallots, lemon juice and brandy or sherry. Served over pasta, this lighter version cuts out 325 calories and 28 grams of fat per serving.

SERVES 6

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 pounds large shrimp (prawns), peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/4 cup chopped shallots or green onions

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons brandy or sherry, optional

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1/4 teaspoon salt

Ground black pepper, to taste

4 tablespoons trans-free margarine

Directions: Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (tender), about 10 to 12 minutes, or according to package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add the shrimp and cook for about 3 minutes. Turn the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque throughout, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm. Add the garlic and shallots to the saucepan and cook until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add the lemon juice, brandy or sherry if desired, parsley, salt and pepper. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the margarine and cooked shrimp. Toss to coat with the sauce. Divide the pasta among warmed individual bowls. Top each serving with shrimp sauce and serve immediately.

Nutritional Analysis (per serving) Calories 335 Cholesterol 233 mg Protein 36 g Sodium 405 mg Carbohydrate 30 g Fiber 2 g Total fat 8 g Potassium 401 mg Saturated fat 1 g Calcium 101 mg Monounsaturated fat 4 g

Wine...love it or leave it?

Will drinking Red Wine keep the Doctor away? View this video to find out.

Laughter is the best medicine!

Quick & Easy Hamburger Buddy

Makes 6 servings, about 1 1/3 cups each

TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

3 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
10 ounces white mushrooms, large ones cut in half
1 large onion, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 pound 90%-lean ground beef
2 teaspoons dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 cups water
1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium beef broth, divided
8 ounces whole-wheat elbow noodles (2 cups)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

1. Fit a food processor with the steel blade attachment. With the motor running, drop garlic through the feed tube and process until minced, then add carrots and mushrooms and process until finely chopped. Turn it off, add onion, and pulse until roughly chopped.

2. Cook beef in a large straight-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped vegetables, thyme, salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables start to soften and the mushrooms release their juices, 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Stir in water, 1 1/2 cups broth, noodles and Worcestershire sauce; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

4. Whisk flour with the remaining 1/4 cup broth in a small bowl until smooth; stir into the hamburger mixture. Stir in the sour cream. Simmer, stirring often, until the sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve sprinkled with parsley (or chives), if desired.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 326 calories; 10 g fat (4 g sat, 3 g mono); 54 mg cholesterol; 38 g carbohydrate; 23 g protein; 4 g fiber; 431 mg sodium; 644 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (70% daily value), Zinc (33% dv), Iron (20% dv), Potassium (18% dv). 2 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings. Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 2 medium-fat meats

How much extra weight do you carry?

Over the course of the last few weeks, I've had some back pain. I took a look back at when it initially began to find the cause of this problem. A lot of it I know was stress induced. I also began a new work out program that may have aggravated what was already there. But I found out that the extra weight that I am carrying could be the cause too. Each day, I take two bags to work with me. My purse and then my work bag. I need my purse but I don't need all of the junk that's in it. While going through it, I found that I had duplicates of a lot of the items in there or what I even had at work. For example, lipsticks that were the same color, tons of pens, 3 mini notebooks, a box (yes, a whole box) of business cards and lots and lots of pennies. These were things that I didn't necessarily need in multiple quantities. So, I removed the duplicates, found a business card holder for my cards and put all of my pennies in my change jar. As far as my work bag goes, I still need it but I too, removed things that I have in the office or could find online. It's really helped me a lot removing the excess. Take a look at what you carry each day and see if you can find a way to remove the extra weight that you carry. Your body will thank you!

A tiny tip for today....

People.....make sure you are getting enough water each day. Let's strive for at least 8-8 oz glasses. It may be tough but I know that you can do it. Add cucumbers and oranges to it or lemon juice for extra flavor. There is also Special K Protein packs that you can add. Let's get into the habit of this if you aren't already. It will help you in so many ways!

Your time to shine!

If you have ever been a consultant for another direct sales company, you already have the skills to start you own business with Beachbody. Check out this link. If you would like to discuss how you can do this too, please shoot me an email..laura@exercise2day.com.

Muscle vs. Fat

Here is a picture of one pound of fat and one pound of muscle. Which do you think weighs more?

Answer: THEY WEIGH THE SAME!

Muscles takes up less SPACE than fat! One pound of fat burns 1-3 calories per day whereas one pound of muscle burns 30-60 calories per day. That's quite a difference! Now tell me, which would you rather have? I'm working towards muscle.

source: Beachbody Message Boards - Ro's Newbie Forum

Why Massage?

For thousands of years, massage has been practiced worldwide. It's known as one of the most therapeutic forms of treatments available. It typically is performed at spas and by Licensed Massage Therapists. Some Therapists do work out of their own home, office or even come to your home. For the most part, it has been thought of being a "luxury" by most folks. Most people do not realize the health benefits associated with massage. Here are a few.

Health Benefits:

* Massage reduces tension and anxiety.

* Massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

* Massage calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.

* Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.

* Massage prevents and relieve muscles cramps and spasms.

* Massage therapy can also help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms.

Fees vary for this service as there are many types of massage available. As someone who LOVES massage, I would treat myself each week if I could. It feels so good and I always walk away with a smile. I typically get a massage for stress reduction and relaxation. I should remind you that as with any health related service, you should always consult your physician prior to starting this or any other program.

Source: about.com

Are you Type 2?

Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise! With proper nutrition and exercise, we can fight it!

Kathy Smith’s Project:YOU! Type 2™ is a step-by-step guide to creating a healthy lifestyle for people with type 2 diabetes and anyone who wants to reduce his or her chance of getting diabetes.

Developed in conjunction with doctors, certified diabetes educators, and the American Diabetes Association, this is a comprehensive program to help you take control of your health and your life!

The Healthy approach to help fight type 2 diabetes:

Good2Eat! Cookbook – Take charge of weight control and blood glucose management, and get
to know the many healthy food choices you have with mouthwatering real food. Learn when to eat as well as what to eat. Choose a preplanned week of meals and snacks; create your own meals by choosing from a selection of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks; get guidelines on eating out; or delve into some scrumptious recipes for entertaining. Plus, the unique food COMBO system simplifies carb counting by doing it for you.

Good2Eat! Mix-and-Match Meal Cards – A set of color-coded cards with delicious
meals and simple snacks that you can shuffle and mix and match to create a meal
planned to satisfy the tastes and nutritional needs of a person with type 2 diabetes.
Good2Go! Program Guide and 12-Week Food & Fitness Journal – A motivational
guidebook that takes the fear and confusion out of diabetes by explaining it in
non medical terms. From beginning to end, it takes the guesswork out of how to live a healthy
lifestyle. It lays out this comprehensive program, with at-a-glance summaries of the fitness, healthy eating, and journaling components in one convenient guide. With the 90-day journal, you’ll track your food, exercise, blood glucose readings, and your weight. This essential information helps you and your health care team quickly evaluate your progress.

Good2Move! 12-Week Workout Calendar – This 12-week calendar explains step by step which workouts to do, and which days to rest. It provides a daily checklist, plus it links you to Kathy’s Corner, where you will find all the support you need to reach your goals.

Good2Move! 12-Week Workout Guide – This is your guide to get moving. It
gives you an in-depth explanation of each of the 10 workouts and how they fit together, plus
innovative Fit Tips to help you get the most out of your workouts. Now you can reach your goals
with a fun, easy-to-follow program that is great for all fitness levels.

Good2Move! Workout Wallet, with DVDs and a CD – This 12-week fitness program
takes you from start to success! These eight workouts plus two audio walking programs
provide a balanced progression incorporating the most effective fat-burning, strength training,
and core/flexibility moves Kathy’s ever developed. Follow Kathy’s plan and
you’ll quickly see a slimmer, healthier new you.

Always seek the advice of your health provider if you have diabetes or with any questions you may have regarding your unique needs and medical condition.

Want to learn more about this product? Click here.

Join my group!

For all of you Facebook folks, I've formed a group that you can join if your into health and fitness. Check it out. It's called Chicks get Fit!

There will not be a broken bone on Monday....

Where I live, today is a day that you really don't want to go out unless you are all bundled up. It's cold and there is lots of snow that's fallen over the last day. It does however, give me the opportunity to do something that I typically don't get the chance to do. This weekend, my girls and I will attempt to go sled riding. (I am hoping that there will not be a broken bone on Monday when I post again! )We live in the hills and when you get the right amount of snow, it can be a perfect family outing. You would be surprised at how many calories that can be burned up walking back up that hill to take another ride down. It's a great form of exercise, as is skiing and snow boarding. The last two, take a little more coordination and skill than what I have at the moment. If going outside in weather like this isn't your thing, there are many other things that you can do with your family indoors that burn calories. Here are a couple of suggestions. If you have one that isn't on this list, please leave a comment with your suggestion.

- Roller skating (you can do it too!)
- Swimming or playing at an indoor water park
- Bowling
- Hold a Dance party for you and your kids....turn the music up and boogie!
- Indoor golf
- Indoor walking at your local mall
- Wii games

Happy Friday to all!

It really wasn't that bad!

For dinner last night, I tried something new. I'm not one for fish. I don't know why and probably never will. I grew up near the ocean so it wasn't that uncommon to have it for a meal. It was healthy, inexpensive and abundant. I guess that it's strange that I didn't care for it.


On Sunday, my husband and I were grocery shopping and ran across a display of Seapak's Seasoned Ahi Tuna. I've wanted for a long time to incorporate fish into my diet because of all of the healthy benefits. We decided to give it a try and put it into the cart. I figured, worst case scenario would be giving it to our cats and then making a PB&J sandwich.

When I put it on our plates, all three cats were there. They were circling me as if they were sharks and I were the bait! Even the dog had to make it known that she would take whatever I wouldn't eat. It smelled good, not real fishy like I expected. I had made a salad for our side, using lots of delicious veggies. In the end, it turned out good. I'm glad that I tried it, It really wasn't that bad! I'll be looking at some other fishes to try as well. If you have any suggestions for a mild fish, I'd love for you to comment or post a recipe.

R u getting the right stuff?

Is your body getting the right stuff? Check out this informative video on Beachbody's supplements!

Yummy Mexican Lasagna

Mexican Lasagna

1Lb lean gr. beef or turkey
1 can refried beans (nonfat)
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin
3/4 tsp garlic powder
uncooked lasagna noodles (whole wheat)
26 oz Thick and Chunky salsa (or approx 2 1/2 C.)
1 3/4 c. water

1 c cheese (weight watchers shredded Mexican or Kraft 2% is good)
2/3 c sour cream (nonfat)
1/4 c sliced black olives (optional)
1/4 c sliced gr. onions

Combine uncooked beef, refried beans, oregano, cumin and garlic powder in large bowl.
Layer 3 or 4 uncooked lasagna noodles in bottom of lasagna pan or 9x13 pan. Spread half of meat mixture on noodles. Add another layer noodles, spread rest of meat mixture then top with remaining noodles (just lay them side by side, no need to overlap).
Combine salsa and water and pour over lasagna. Cover with foil and bake 350 for about 1 hour or until noodles are tender.
Remove foil, spread sour cream on top, sprinkle cheese, olives and onions and return to oven to melt cheese about 5 min.

Six Servings:
382 cals
11 g fat
57 g carbs (a little high for most dinners, but okay on days where you do a lot of resistance training)
29 g protein

I'm ready, are you?

I'm ready to start day 1 of the New Year, New You challenge! Tonight, after work and after I have my girls settled down, done with dinner and homework, I'll pull out my DVD's and dumb bells and get started. I'm ready for the days ahead, knowing that it won't be easy but that it's all worth the effort that I am putting into it. I am hoping that my Rheumatoid arthritis will start to decrease too as exercise is a great way to combat it. I'm working on my meal plan for today now. I need to make sure that I eat enough for my workout. Most folks cut back way too much and sabotage their efforts. You must make sure that you are getting enough fuel to feed your body! If you haven't signed up for the New Year, New You contest, then there is still time to do it. Just let me know and I will get the details to ya. Let's start together! I'm ready, are you?

Tomorrow is the day!

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the day that we are starting our New Year, New You contest. If you haven't signed up yet, please take a moment and check out the details under the "New Year, New You Contest" post and then sign up. It's a great way to get started and there are some great prizes to pick from if you win!

I finally realized...

My motivation to loose weight has fluctuated throughout the years. I always wanted it but not enough to work for it. I've tried all sorts of things to get thin quick. I've bought pills, detoxes and bought ridiculous stuff, spending lots of money and time on a bunch of junk that failed me.

A few years back, I contacted weight watchers at work and they started a program there for us. I learned so much about eating healthy but didn't exercise. I would hit a plateau and would just change what I ate, hoping that more would come off. One day I finally realized that my problem had to do with my lack of exercise. For me, I could eat healthy but because I live such a sedentary life, the exercise gave me the little push to make the scale drop even more. As an added bonus, I haven't felt this good in years.

If you are having trouble getting those last few pounds off or just starting, please be sure to incorporate exercise into your weight loss program. There are so many things out there that you can do. Find something that you enjoy so that it doesn't feel like work. If you start out and find that you can only do a little, that is okay! Do what you can and gradually increase it. You can do it and I have faith in you!

Need help?

I've been asked what I do as a Coach. Well, simply put, a coach is:

-someone who can help motivate and direct you as you move towards your fitness goals.

-someone who provides guidance with meal plans, troubleshoots issues with you, and supports your endeavor to improve your fitness level.

-someone who pushes you to do your very best to achieve the level of health that you desire.

You can use any workout program to achieve your results. Personally, I use Beachbody products because they work great for me. I want to help you achieve your goals. I can help you do that, all for FREE! Just check my story out here, then sign up in our FREE community.

If you need help and want me to be your coach for FREE, then click here. You can't go wrong with having an online Coach to support you each step of the way.

Enroll now...

Have you made a resolution to loose weight, tighten or tone in '09?

Sign up to start a FREE 14 week e-course to help keep you motivated and on your path to success. If you would like to receive these weekly emails, please contact me by sending me an email with your info so that I can add you to your mailing list.

If you haven't signed up for the New Year, New You contest, please do. There is still plenty of time and I have some great prizes out there for you to win.

Happy New Year!