Get Fit, Get Paid!

How would you like to get fit, get paid and help others do the same? Take a moment to check out this informative video. If you have any questions about the opportunity, be sure to contact me at laura@exercise2day.com.

Eat Your Way to Great Abs

By Ben Kallen

A few weeks ago, we gave you tips "on building great-looking abs (refer to "5 Ways to Speed Up Your Six-Pack" in the Related Articles section below). Now we're going to focus on the other half of the equation: your diet. When it comes to creating incredible abs, even the most effective workout programs can only bring you so far. That's because you can't get a flat, hard midsection without losing body fat. Here's how to eat your way to great abs.


No matter how much effort you put into creating a six-pack, no one's going to see it if it's covered by a layer of flab. (The good news? While it's impossible to "spot-reduce," abdominal fat is often the first to go when you start losing weight.)

If you're following the dietary guidelines of a Beachbody® fitness program or a personalized meal plan from TeamBeachbody.com, you'll automatically be eating the right foods to lose fat as you get in shape. But the following seven principles can give you an extra edge, and will help ensure that the effort you're putting into your abs will bring you the results you want.

1.Get plenty of protein. Eating enough lean protein promotes fat loss and muscle gain, the two most important elements for developing great abs. It also helps keep you from getting hungry while you're eating right. You don't have to gobble down 12-ounce steaks—just eat a normal portion of lean meat, fish, low-fat dairy, or vegetarian protein with every meal, and make sure your snacks contain some protein, too. If you still have a hard time getting enough in your diet, a daily shake made with Whey Protein Powder or Shakeology® can be a perfect addition.

By the way, protein is especially important in the morning, when a lot of people don't get as much as they should. A protein-rich breakfast will help keep your blood sugar steady for hours, preventing the dips that can lead to cravings later in the day. (Try some low-fat chicken sausage, or an omelet with one whole egg and three egg whites, along with fruit or whole-grain toast.)

2.Reconsider your carbs. Despite the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets, the average American meal is still too high in sugar and fast-burning starches to bring body fat down to ab-baring levels. It's time to say goodbye to sweetened soda, ditch the Doritos®, and save the cake for your birthday. If your fitness plan calls for a sports drink before a long cardio workout, or a carb-and-protein recovery drink after resistance training, that's fine. But the rest of the time, stick with foods that are on the low end of the glycemic index (refer to GlycemicIndex.com for more information)—these foods burn more slowly, so they won't spike your blood sugar and insulin levels.

3.Have fun with fiber. Something about the word "fiber" just doesn't sound appetizing. But high-fiber foods can actually be quite delicious: fresh berries and other fruits, salads loaded with colorful produce, your favorite steamed vegetables or vegetable soup, stews or chili made with beans, chewy whole-grain breads and cereals . . . You get the picture. (These foods just happen to be loaded with nutrients as well.) High-fiber foods keep you fuller with fewer calories, and they help keep your digestive system working at its best—a double-whammy for getting rid of belly bulge.

4.Enjoy some yogurt. Probiotics, the healthful bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented foods, have been proven to help reduce belly fat. In a recent study in Finland, new mothers who took probiotic supplements averaged smaller waist circumferences, and lower body fat in general, than those who didn't take probiotic supplements. And while the topic is still controversial, studies have found that eating lots of calcium-rich dairy foods like yogurt may increase overall weight loss.

5.Don't forget to eat. Tempted to lower your daily calorie count by skipping meals? Don't. Going hungry can raise your levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol, which research has found can increase belly fat even in otherwise thin women. And eating too infrequently can lower your metabolism and energy levels, while increasing the chance that you'll get too hungry and decide to chuck your meal plan entirely. If you're eating the right foods, regular meals and snacks will keep your body fueled while you're working toward that strong core.

6.Drink more fluids. Hydration is important when you're on a fitness plan, but drinking plenty of water has particular benefits for your midsection. It helps keep your stomach full, so you don't overeat, and it helps flush out excess sodium to prevent belly bloating. (Eating more potassium-rich foods, such as tomatoes and bananas, will also help in this area.)

Plain ol' H20 can't be beat, but you can also switch it up with flavored waters, iced tea, and anything else you like to drink that isn't full of sweeteners. How much do you need? The old rule of 8 glasses a day is a good start, but everyone is different: drink more if you're exercising or it's hot out, and drink less if you're running to the bathroom every 5 minutes.

7.. . . With two exceptions. It's time to cut down on those mood-altering substances, coffee and alcohol. Too much caffeine raises your cortisol levels and can impair your sleep, which can lower the production of fitness-promoting hormones. Meanwhile, the proverbial "beer belly" isn't just the result of extra calories—alcohol actually makes it more difficult for your body to metabolize carbs and fat. Booze also stimulates your appetite and lowers your inhibitions, which can lead to bingeing. The best road to flat abs is no alcohol at all, but if you really like a drink now and then, just have one at a time (and no more than a few a week), and stay away from higher-calorie beers and sugary mixed drinks.

If you add these rules to your fitness plan, you're sure to see faster improvements in your midsection. Of course, there's an added bonus to eating this way: it'll keep you healthier, too. That may not be as big an inducement as great abs, but we're throwing it in for free.

It pays to be fit!

Have you missed one of the Beachbody Coaching Opportunity webinars over the last few weeks? Here is the schedule for the rest of the month. Remember that this is a no pressure, no strings attached presentation. Just sit back, relax and listen. As always, if you can't make this or any of the other webinars, let me know and I can discuss it with you individually.

This Thursday, Feb 4, 8:30pm EST may change your life...if you let it!

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/678670930

Beachbody Coaching....is it right for you?

Have you missed one of the Beachbody Coaching Opportunity webinars over the last few weeks? Here is the schedule for the rest of the month. Remember that this is a no pressure, no strings attached presentation. Just sit back, relax and listen. As always, if you can't make this or any of the other webinars, let me know and I can discuss it with you individually.

Thu, Jan 21, 2010 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM EST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/125525106

Thu, Jan 28, 2010 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM EST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/451561826

Beachbody Opportunity Webinar

Come listen to a Team Beachbody Opportunity Presentation. Do it from the comfort of your home with no obligation and no pressure.

When: Thursday, the 17th at 8:30pm EST.

Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/131550419

Come watch Team Beachbody!

Last Chance to rock your Million Dollar Body (R)

If you or someone you know has made the transformation of a lifetime and IS the Million Dollar Body, Beachbody is seeking, now's the time to send us your story. Beachbody is transitioning to a series of exciting NEW contests, and after December 1, 2009, we'll no longer be accepting submissions for the Million Dollar Body Game®.
However, all of 2009's current Million Dollar Body contests (including the December monthly, the quarterly, and the annual contests) will continue as normal—with winners announced on schedule.

Meanwhile, we're still giving away up to $1,000 every day in the WOWY SuperGym® sweepstakes and would love to hear any and all of your Success Stories! Send them to us at SuccessStories@Beachbody.com, and we'll evaluate each and every one for our future contests and giveaways!

Alternating Shakeology!

You asked and we delivered! Starting November 6th, Beachbody has added the option to order Shakeology on Home Direct with monthly alternating flavors. Your initial shipment will arrive as chocolate, with the second month as Greenberry, then Chocolate, etc. At the moment, this applies to the 30-day supply bag only—and not the sample-size packets. However, the offer is good for both the Starter Pack and non-Starter Pack varieties.

To order, simply visit the Team Beachbody® store by selecting an option below and choosing "Monthly Alternating Flavor" in the dropdown.

If your heart desires both flavors at once, you can always order the combo packs of sample-size Shakeology!

R U Ready???

Want to learn more about Beachbody? Have you heard about the Coaching program but want more info? Please join me for a no pressure, no strings attached presentation. Here you will learn how you can get paid to get fit, stay in shape and help others achieve their fitness and weight loss goals.

When: Thu, Nov 12, 2009 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM EST

Where: Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/468905954

If you want this info but are unable to make the presentation, please contact me via email (laura@exercise2day.com) so that we can set up a time to discuss this GREAT opportunity.

What is a Beachbody Coach?

Mark your calendar!

Come see what the Beachbody Coaching Opportunity is all about.

Thu, Nov 5, 2009 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM EST

Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/976603634

This is a no pressure, no strings attached presentation. Learn how you can change your life both physically and financially by helping others.

If you are unable to attend but still interested in learning more than please contact me or visit my website.

Carl's Personal Invite to you.....

Please listen to a personal message from Carl Daikeler, founder and CEO of Beachbody.

I've got a brand new look!

I am so excited to be able to share with you that my website has a new look! Check it out!!!! Once there, you can check out my profile, shop and learn about Team Beachbody and also read success stories of folks just like you! Just a few of the MANY things that are available to you. You can even sign up to become a coach just like me. Hope to see ya there!