Health and fitness tips, articles, and opinions by Larry Wasserman, Owner of Body Basics Boot Camps located in Warren and Mountainside, New Jersey
Showing posts with label fat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fat. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The 7 Factors Of Fat Loss

If you have opened this email to read this newsletter, the first thing I want to say is congratulations! At this point in time you are either curious by nature or you truly want to change your body.

Have you struggled with your weight?

Do you want to be slimmer and to tone your body, but your weight won't budge?

Have you been on one diet after another having gained temporary success, but in the end you are still in pursuit of a leaner body?

So what gives?

I mean is this really that difficult?

Why does it seem so easy for some people?

Read the following 7 Factors of Fatness to discover what is standing in your way and how to quickly and easily begin your weight loss journey.

Factor #1: It's All In Your Head

Your mind is your number one ally (or enemy) when it comes to achieving your goals. However, until your mind has been programmed for success, it will do more to derail your efforts than to help you.

o Take a few moments each day to visualize yourself at your ideal weight. Imagine how it feels to look the way you've always wanted.

o Protect your mind from any negative self talk. If a
negative thought comes to mind, immediately reject it.

o You want to be thin and fit, and yet you think of
yourself as out-of-shape and fat. Re-program your mind to think of yourself as fit and attractive, and you will be well on your way toward achieving your goal.

o Give up the belief that you can't achieve the body
you've always dreamed of. See it first in your mind, and then in the mirror.

Factor #2: Don't Be A Scaredy Cat

You may not be consciously aware of the fear you have of getting into shape. Until you conquer this fear, your weight loss efforts will be blocked by self sabotage.

Professional speaker and author, Anthony Robbins, has outlined three specific beliefs that you must have in order to conquer your fear and instantly create a lasting change.

o Believe that something MUST change. You can't be wishy-washy about it. You can't be considering it. You can't even be pretty sure about it. You've got to be rock solid.

o Believe that YOU must change it. You can't pass the
buck of responsibility and expect to lose weight. It's on your shoulders. Other people will prove to be great assets in your journey, but in the end you are the one who is going to make it
happen. You have to want this weight loss enough to make it your personal mission.

o Believe you CAN change it. You may have failed in the
past, but that doesn't matter. When you put your mind to it, you're able to do amazing things. Do you believe that you are capable of losing weight? Once you own the belief that you can, you'll be unstoppable.

Factor #3: Excuses, Excuses. No More Excuses!

Your excuses for being out-of-shape are getting old. An excuse takes less immediate effort than an action, but in the long run the action taker always has the advantage. Don't allow excuses to ruin your life any longer.

o Don't skip out on your responsibilities with excuses, instead expect more from yourself.

o Focus on the big reason why you are losing the weight.
Make a list of the benefits you'll enjoy once you achieve your goal, and read them first thing each morning.

o Remember that you can only have two things in life:
excuses or results. Which do you want?

Factor #4: Are You Truly Committed?

How many times have you tried to lose weight, only to give up a week or two later? We live in a commitment-phobic world, so it's no wonder that you routinely abandon your goals. If you truly want to lose weight then your commitment to the process is a must.

o The margin between success and failure is bridged by your commitment. Don't give up until your goal has been achieved.

o Treat exercise with the same importance as a work
meeting, and you'll never skip it at the last minute. Find three available 60-minute time slots in your schedule and mark them (in pen) on your calendar. Now stick to your schedule!!!

o If you don't give up, then you'll never fail.


Factor #5: Your Diet Sucks

If you consistently eat the wrong food, then you're weight loss efforts will all be in vain. To put it bluntly, you need to stop eating junk. Processed foods, refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup do not belong in your diet if you want to be in great shape. Cut these items out of your diet and replace them with real whole foods like lean meats, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fruits.

o Don't eat processed foods. Even though processed foods are accepted by our society, they contain tons of chemicals and empty calories that will make you sick and fat.

o Fat contains twice the caloric density of protein and
carbohydrates, so make sure to limit the amount that you consume. Eat lots of lean proteins and wholesome carbohydrates from plants and whole grains.

o Vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts and seeds are
filled with fiber and antioxidants which are vital for healthy weight loss. Snack on these instead of packaged treats.

Factor #6: Patience Is A Virtue

It takes time to transform your body from fat to fit, even though you want it to happen overnight. Remind yourself that it took time to put the weight on, so it will take time to take the weight off. When you find your patience wavering, or when you encounter a frustrating plateau, do the following:

o Review your goal. Is it specific and measurable? Is it small and attainable, rather than monumental? Focus on your goal when the going gets tough.

o Make each workout a new experience. Challenge your body
with different resistance, new exercises and a varied pace.

o Remember that anyone can have one great workout, but
that won't get you the body you want. The only way to achieve your goal is by consistently exercising and eating right, plain and simple.

Factor #7: Don't Go It Alone

People who exercise alone are less challenged, less accountable and are more likely to fail. It makes sense. Who would rush to the gym if no one is was waiting for them? Who would push themselves if no one was paying attention? Exercising alone is a recipe for disaster.

o Find a workout partner who is in better shape than you, or better yet, work with your local fitness expert, to guarantee your results.


If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know. We have a variety
of fitness options for a wide range of schedules and budgets. In the end there is only one thing that matters, which is getting you the results you are looking for.

Get serious about your results and begin the last weight loss program that you'll ever do!

Press on!
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Thursday, January 29, 2009

A Heathier Super Bowl Sunday


If you haven't done your food shopping yet here's a smorgasbord of goodies for your football party. As long as you are at it, why not make a few tweaks to some of the more traditional party food recipes to make them healthier and more "figure-friendly"?

The following is a comprehensive list of both approved food choices and/or healthier substitutes for traditional party foods. Use this list to satisfy your taste buds while saving at least hundreds if not thousands of calories in the process. If you use these strategies consistently for parties and social gatherings over the course of the year, this could prevent 5-10 lbs of fat gain easily!

Appetizers

• Naked Sandwiches (preferably bun-less, only use whole grain bun option if absolutely needed)
• Thin Crust Whole Grain Pizza
• Fruit Salad (throw low-carb whipped cream and dash of Splenda or Stevia on top as desired)
• Super Salad Bowl (use unlimited veggies and meats, dip dressing on the side or use low calorie substitutes)
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Tuna or Chicken Salad
• Nut Butter on Celery Sticks
• Mixed Nuts (no sugar, unroasted, low in salt)
• Cheese, Eggs, and Meat Tray
• Raw Veggies (use dip sparingly)
• Grilled/Sauteed Veggies (use extra virgin olive or coconut oil)
• Figure-Friendly Nachos (see “accessories” below for ingredients: tortillas, cheese, salsa, and guacamole)
• Buffalo Chicken Bites (skinless, no breading, use low calorie buffalo sauce sparingly)
• Pasta Salad (use whole grain pasta and go easy on the dressings, avoid creamier versions)

Accessories

• Natural Whole Grain Tortillas
• Natural Baked Chips
• Natural Cheetohs
• Diet Lipton Green Teas (or other low-calorie/carb beverages)
• Water
• Natural Salsa
• Guacamole
• Salad Dressings: Vinegars of choice (apple cider, red wine, balsamic, etc.)
• Other Low Calorie Condiments of Choice: mustard, hot sauce, horseradish, etc.

Main Courses

• Lettuce Burgers (use extra lean sirloin or bison, preferably bun-less only using whole grain bun option if absolutely needed)
• Rotisserie Chicken (choose “plain” and remove skin and dab off any grease as needed with paper towel)
• Extra Lean Kosher Hot Dogs (preferably bun-less, only use whole grain bun option if absolutely needed)
• Chili (preferably meat-less, only use if absolutely needed and feel free to swap extra lean turkey for the beef version to cut down fat intake)
• Pizza (see “appetizers” above or use whole grain/thin crust options from restaurants or frozen food isles)

Desserts

• Edy’s Grand Light Ice Cream
• Prograde Cravers (100% organic chocolate snacks bars - got2getprograde.com
• Larabars
• Low Carb Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory
• Protein Cookies (swap in protein powder for flour)

BONUS - Top 10 Tips to Save Thousands of Calories on Super Bowl Sunday

1.) Go Naked:
Replace all buns or breading for sandwiches with a lettuce wrap alternative to cut calories, stabilize blood sugar, and boost fiber and micro-nutrient intake.

2.) Hydrate: Drink at least two to four cups of water before eating AND one to two cups every 15-30 minutes after you start eating to fill your stomach and prevent overeating that can be triggers by dehydration.

3.) Eliminate Empty Liquid Calories: Minimize or eliminate all fruit juices, regular sodas, and alcohol. Opt for water, tea, or low calorie/carb beverages in moderation to leave more room for whole food choices that have more nutritional value and better fill you up.

4.) Do not fast in preparation for a feast as it will turn your body into a famished fat-storing machine the next time you eat. The resulting low blood sugar levels that come from not eating for four hours or more make you crave junk foods high in both fat and refined sugars.

5.) Replace All White with Brown (Or Better Yet... Green!): Be sure to use the whole grain alternatives for any starch you serve at your party (e.g. chips, tortillas, breads, rice, pasta). Whole grains have more vitamins and minerals and are high in fiber which means they won’t have as negative of an impact on your blood sugar compared to its white counterparts. However, if you want to be a nutritional boy or girl scout, go one step further by replacing all brown with green in the form of green veggies (see “Go Naked” above).

6.) Focus on eating lean proteins and fruits and veggies first. Use these in unlimited amounts as needed to fill you up and best prevent the typical party “killshot” of high carb and high fat meals (e.g. thick crust pizza with extra full-fat cheese).

7.) Never eat directly out of the bag
or community bowl and use smaller plates to put your food on while limiting yourself to a pre-set plate total (e.g. four plate maximum during a three-hour football game).

8.) Replace Gold With Green:
Opt for guacamole over cheese for your salads and chips. Guacamole is not only low in saturated fat and high in heart healthy monounsaturated fats but it also has a ton of fiber that will help fill you up fast and prevent overeating. Though cheese is a true super food in moderation, it is very easy to overeat especially when mixed with refined carb sources like white chips and pizza.

9.) Replace Flour with Protein Powder:
Few people know that protein powder makes a great cooking or baking substitute for flour (e.g. protein cookies). By adding protein and reducing carb intake you will boost metabolism.

10.) 20 Chews: Eat slowly and require a certain number of chews before you swallow to allow your brain enough time to get the “I’m full” signal (e.g. 20 pre-swallow chews).