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So, I have had some serious posts lately.  I thought I would add a bit of humor to this blog.  Enjoy watching the Simpsons.

It’s here-just look at the seasonal shelves in your favorite store. Retailers refer to this time as the holiday season, but I like to be more accurate.

Weight Gain season starts now and runs straight through New Year’s.

The next two months will bring ample opportunity for you to indulge, to enjoy and to expand your waistline. Of course the choice is yours.

Why do I bring this up now and not mid way through December? Quite frankly now is the time for you to plan for the weeks ahead. Once the whirlwind of holiday activities and obligations begins, you’ll be too caught up to put a plan into action.

So in this moment of clarity, this calm before the storm, let’s outline a plan that will save you from unwanted holiday pounds.

1) Put Your Feet to the Fire: Exercise is the first thing to go when people get busy, and the holiday season is notorious for deserted gyms. This year do something drastic-obligate yourself to exercise. Promising to yourself isn’t enough, you need to promise to others so that you won’t drop the ball.

• Commit to working with a fitness expert – the perfect solution for consistent, challenging and effective workouts. You’ll get the attention and assistance that you need to power through the holidays in better shape than ever – talk about motivating!
• Join a class – we’ve determined that you simply won’t be as effective on your own during the busy holiday season, so joining a class would lend accountability. Stick with something challenging that gets your heart rate elevated and incorporates strength training.
• Find a serious exercise buddy – some friends can be the biggest help while others end up pulling you down. When looking for an exercise buddy choose carefully and consider the following questions:
  - Do they share your fitness goals?
  - Are they typically encouraging?
  - Do they stick with things?
  - Are you at the same fitness level?
• Get your spouse involved – what a great way to spend more time together during this busy season, and you’ll be able to support each other in your shared quest for fitness. Decide on an exercise activity that you can both enjoy and set a schedule for your workout dates.

2) Cut the Fat: I mean this literally. I’m not going to imply that you shouldn’t indulge in any seasonal treats, but think moderation. So often the holidays are used as an excuse to eat until the point of being uncomfortable – would you really miss that bloated feeling? Decide on a few fattening treats to cut out this year.

• Do you really need to bring sweets for everyone in the office, especially since you know that you will end up with the leftovers? How about a fruit basket or flower arrangement?
• At holiday parties load your plate first with greens, vegetables and lean meats before breads and heavier foods. Also drink water with your meal and keep alcoholic beverages to a minimum.
• Watch what you drink, most beverages are filled to the brim with calories. Hot drinks from Starbucks, cocktails at parties and eggnog around a crackling fire-all very enjoyable and all filled with empty calories.
• At no other time in the year are we faced with so many sweets. To avoid being a Scrooge, but without adding pounds to your frame, try the one treat rule. Each time you’re in a social situation that involves sweets just eat one, and enjoy your treat slowly.

If you truly want to enjoy the coming festivities without dealing with added pounds it is all in your hands. The key is your mindset.

Most people approach the holidays with the mindset that says ‘I deserve to indulge and I shouldn’t have to exercise since it’s the holidays.’ This is fine if you don’t mind entering 2009 a few pounds heavier, a little less healthy, and with lower energy than ever before.

I believe that you deserve better. I believe that you should enter 2009 in better shape than you are today, healthier than you’ve been in a long time, and with more energy that you thought possible.

I’m always available to help – call or reply to this email to set up a fitness and consultation with me and I’ll show you how you can see a lot of change over the next few weeks to come.

How often do you check the clock while doing cardio? Doesn’t time crawl when you’re busy staring down those last ten minutes? Instead of focusing on every remaining second think of how great it feels to get into shape. Here’s a great way to enjoy cardio: load an enjoyable audio book onto your IPod – you may even end up doing a longer workout!

What a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. These homemade protein bars are quick to make, about 20 minutes from start to end, and they make a healthy on-the-go snack. You may want to make a double batch and store extras in the freezer.
Servings: 8 bars

Here’s what you need…

• 2 1/2 cups oats
• 1/2 cup chocolate whey protein powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons organic peanut butter
• 3 egg whites
• 2 mashed bananas
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 tablespoons nonfat milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat an 8×8 pan with non-stick spray.
2. Mix the oats, protein powder and cinnamon. Add peanut butter and stir until well combined. Add egg whites, bananas, honey and milk.
3. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until set. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before cutting into 8 bars.

Nutritional Analysis: One bar equals: 185 calories, 4g fat, 27g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, and 11g protein.

Do you know the absolute BEST way to GAIN weight? Not eating. Does that come as a surprise? Fasting for extended periods of time actually slows your metabolism (your body’s rate of calorie burning). Add to that the fact that you will lose muscle and energy by not supplying your body with proper nutrients. Instead eat small healthy meals every 4 hours.

The next time that you plan a night out, take your time when choosing the restaurant. Steer clear of buffet style restaurants that encourage overeating or fast food restaurants that don’t offer healthy choices. Pick a restaurant that caters to your healthy side.

This recipe pulls tantalizing flavor from rosemary, garlic and pepper. Broiling is a healthy cooking method since it doesn’t require that you add fat. Remember to trim any visible fat from the meat before cooking. Servings: 4

Here’s what you need…

• 8 (4oz) loin lamb chops, trimmed of fat
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Heat broiler. Generously pierce lamb chops with fork. Place in shallow dish; add wine. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes to marinate.
2. In a small bowl combine Worcestershire sauce, rosemary and garlic; mix well. Set aside.
3. Remove lamb from marinade; discard marinade. Place lamb on broiler pan. Spoon half of sauce mixture evenly over chops; sprinkle generously with pepper. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until browned.
4. Turn chops. Spoon remaining sauce over lamb; sprinkle with pepper. Cook an additional 4 to 5 minutes or to desired doneness. Sprinkle lamb with salt.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 190 calories, 9g fat, 1g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, and 26g protein.

Motivate your friends, family and co-workers! Use the “refer a friend” link below to forward this newsletter and subscribe your friends.

These days you can’t go anywhere without hearing about a new weight loss breakthrough. A pill, a cream, or a new fad diet - you name it and it’s going to solve all of your weight loss problems in 30 days or less. Or not.

The truth is that most of the things you hear about weight loss are hype. Plain and simple.

Here are the top 5 myths about weight loss:

Myth #1: You can spot reduce fat from specific areas of your body

This myth is as old as the hills, yet it persists. It must be that the thought of melting fat from any desired part of the body is so appealing, however untrue it may be.

In reality your body will lose weight wherever it wants to. It’s safe to assume that you’ll lose fat ‘last place on, first place off’. So if you put on weight first in your thighs and then on your waist, then expect it to come off your waist first and then your thighs.

Myth #2: You have to count calories for weight loss

There are so many fad diets out there that paint the picture that weight loss is a complicated process. You have to eat certain foods at certain times and avoid other foods at all costs. Of course all of these popular diets conflict over which foods you should or shouldn’t eat.

The truth is that you don’t have to make weight loss such a science. Simply eat healthy fresh foods that haven’t been processed, and eat smaller amounts than you’re eating today.

No brain science there, just results.

Myth #3: You will bulk up with resistance training

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard women tell me that they won’t do resistance training because they don’t want to bulk up. Each time I have to hide my smile.

You see, the process of bulking your muscles takes a lot of hard work. You have to consume high amounts of protein and you have to consistently tax your muscles to fatigue. And you have to have the male hormone testosterone coursing through your body. In short, there is no way to accidentally bulk up.

Myth #4: You can get a six pack from crunches

Just focusing on crunches will not make your midsection chiseled. Hey, ab crunches are great, and you should do them, but don’t rely on them to get into great shape.

A trim midsection will only come as a result of proper nutrition, effective cardio and consistent resistance training.

Myth #5: Cardio is the most important exercise for fat loss

Most people think of cardiovascular activities when they think of working out. Going for a run, riding a stationary bike, or taking an aerobics class. Well, times have changed and so should your workout.

The benefits of resistance training now trump straight cardiovascular training. Resistance training strengthens your heart while toning muscles and increasing bone density.

Cardio workouts are not completely a thing of the past, they should fit into your overall plan for health and wellness. The benefits of resistance training, especially in fat loss, are astounding.

Do you have other weight loss beliefs that simply aren’t delivering results? Call or email me today and I’ll help you bust the myths, discover the truth, and create a fitness and fat loss program that will give you the body that you deserve.

Losing weight may seem anything but simple. With all of the trendy diet plans and new workout fads-it is easy to become confused. The good news is that the basics of weight loss have not changed over the years. It all boils down to Calories In versus Calories Out. Too many Calories In, and you will gain weight. Extra Calories Out and you will lose it. Keep in mind that 3,500 calories equals one pound and every single calorie counts!

This delicious dish is made with egg whites and sautéed vegetables and makes a wonderful light breakfast. Enjoy with salsa for an added kick. Servings: 2

Here’s what you need…

• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 3/4 cup egg whites (about 4 large egg whites)
• 2 wheat tortillas
• 1/4 of a small avocado
• A dash of Paprika
• A dash of Garlic salt

Spray a medium frying pan with cooking spray. Sauté the onion, bell pepper and garlic until soft. Add the tomato and egg whites. Cook until the egg whites have set.
Divide the egg and veggie mixture between the tortillas and fold like a taco.
Slice the avocado and sprinkle it with paprika and garlic salt. Arrange the avocado on each taco and serve.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 243 calories, 5g fat, 35g carbohydrate, 6g fiber, and 15g protein.

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