Push by Chalene Johnson

I want to tell you about a book I am reading right now. It is called PUSH by Chalene Johnson.  In the book she talks about how to set goals that are true to your lives values. Then she goes on to teach you how to achieve the goals. As part of the book she includes how to achieve fitness goals too. I like how she says in the book, “Fully 80 percent of results will come from your nutrition. Exercise accounts for only about 20 percent.”

One of the big things she teaches is to keep a daily to do list and always have 2 things relating to your big goal for the year on that list. The other things you should always include in your daily to do list are 3 health and fitness related items: one physical activity, one nutritional habit, and once knowledge/skill/ tools-related task.

If you are serious about finally achieving your goals in life and losing the weight or toning up; then this is the book that I would recommend for you. She makes it simple and tells you exactly what you need to be doing to work towards those goals daily.

http://www.chalenejohnson.com/pushjumpstart/

Katie's Story

Here is a story from my friend Katie, who transformed her body, and now looks like she did in High School! Thanks for sharing Katie!

In July 2009, I hiked with my church’s youth group. I was 70 pounds overweight, and boy, did I feel it! I was drenched in sweat as I huffed up the mountain. The rest of the group climbed the trail with ease. One man about twice my age was kind enough to slow down hang out with me behind everyone else. As he easily chatted, I gasped for air between words. I thought to myself, “This is not the kind of life a 26-year-old should be living!” I was trapped in my own body beneath layers of fat.

I finally decided to free myself from the bodily prison I created. I wanted the freedom to feel energetic, productive and attractive. I wanted the freedom to fit comfortably in tight spaces like stadium seating and crowded places. I wanted the freedom to shop in the misses’ department rather than the plus-size section. I wanted the freedom to enjoy—rather than dread—outdoor and physical recreation. Most of all, I wanted the freedom to thrive rather than merely survive.

I joined a structured nutrition program and called my friend, Julie, who is a Beachbody Coach. I started exercising daily to Hip HopAbs. I loved – and still do – shaking my booty with Shaun T. It’s easy to stay with a workout program when you enjoy it, and Beachbody has a wide variety of programs.

In about 8 months, I reached my goal of becoming 70 pounds freer. I now enjoy all the freedoms I wanted. I no longer trail behind others while hiking. I LEAD the group now!

P90X works!

It really works! I have had 3 kids, and have had amazing results too!

Health Benefits of the Tomato

You’ve heard that the tomato is good for you, but why? You might be surprised to know that eating a processed or heated tomato is better for you than a fresh tomato. The bright red and orange colors of the tomato are tell-tell sign of Lycopene. Lycopene is reported to help prevent many kinds of cancer including: Prostate, cervical, skin, breast, and lung. It also helps prevent macular degeneration of the eyes and other degenerative diseases. With those benefits and the vitamin C content, they offer a great immune benefit.

The reason that processed tomatoes are healthier than fresh is because the Lycopene is stored in the cell walls of the tomato and are released for easier absorption when the tomato is heated. It is also of benefit of vitamin C to help boost your immune.

When eating tomatoes be sure to them with some fat, because lycopene is fat-soluble. Olive oil is always a great choice, or your favorite cheese.

A fun side note: Historically the tomato was thought to be poisonous because it is part of the nightshade family whose plants are poisonous. But did you know that the stems and leaves of the tomato are in fact poisonous? Only about 200 years ago was the stigma of the tomato being poisonous was changed. I am awfully glad it was I don’t know if I could live without the tomato.