Start your fitness regime with the food you eat, it is important that food is a family orientated matter, this is vital not just to review what your kids are eating but you can really set a good example for your children in this scenario.

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But remember to give treats when they are deserved; everything in moderation will give your kids the best start and will give them a healthy outlook on food for the future.

Try to make food interesting and have your children try different cuisines from around the world, you could have themed nights for different countries, this not only broadens their horizons gastronomically but teaches them about other cultures.

Ditch the gym for a while. This might sound like a crazy tip but if you want your children to follow in your footsteps they have to see them first! If you disappear off to the gym for a couple of hours, they have no visual representation of exercise to strive for.

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Seek out neighbourhood and community health initiatives and sports clubs for kids. Nearly every community has them, from ballet to trampolining to tennis and team sports. Crazy golf is a great way to get children introduced to an adult’s sport while keeping it fun for them. Sports clubs keep your children active while teaching them the value of sportsmanship and the importance of being a team player. Teams and clubs also give children the opportunity to socialize with other children outside of school; exposure to an array of different people when you are younger makes you a rounder more tolerant adult.

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If your children really do love their video games there are loads of fitness and sports related options out there. Try to stick to ones that actually accelerate your heart rate through movement. Don’t let the game do all the work though, remember children learn by example and you don’t want a child raised by a games console. It is important to mix up the indoor and outdoor activities as well; one of the best things for a child is simply getting some good old fashioned fresh air!

This article was provided by Joan Waterhouse on behalf of premier golf holiday supplier YourGolfTravel.com. I’m a busy mother or three who loves to keep active. I also enjoy travelling and compete in various sports.

WHAT: 23^rd ANNUAL SUSAN G. KOMEN GLOBAL RACE FOR THE CURE®

 WHEN: SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2012 – 8:00 AM EST

 WHERE: NATIONAL MALL, WASHINGTON, D.C.

 REGISTER: www.globalraceforthecure.org

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure and Komen 3-Day for the Cure, we have invested more than $1.9 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

The sports space is one of the big areas where gadgetry is used massively to help with monitoring an athletes speed, strength and power. There’s already a multitude of products available, you only need to go down to your local supermarket and you’ll find loads of options when it comes to fitness devices.

For example a great device for helping one achieve their fitness goals are running watches it’s amazing just how many of these devices exists and each of them unique. There are a few companies that make these products however one that stands out is Sunnto. Not only do these manufacturers know exactly what the market wants they also know how to deliver the functionality people need.

There are numerous running watches on the market and 95% of them do everything that is expected. They are costly and I would suggest that you do your homework and read things like this Forerunner 210 review to get a better understanding of what to look for. The person who wrote this seems to know their stuff about these products and explains things in a very easy to understand way.

Runners are the biggest user of these products and you’ll find a lot of them will be wearing one of these devices on their wrists, you may even notice it more than you did before. There are several running watches which are 100% water-proof; such as the Forerunner 310 and the 910. These two GPS watches are a little more expensive than some of the others however they do give you that extra piece of mind.

As I said; running is typically where you’ll find most of these gadgets and historically only runners would make use of and own a running watch nowadays more and more people are taking the plunge and are wanting to wear these devices. There are a few who wear these GPS watches as their normal timepiece.

You can easily get a running watch from most shops however always go to somewhere well known. I touched upon a great place (http://www.gpswatchreviews.org/ ) for more info and they even show you where you can get one safely. However you get a GPS watch you’ll definitely be please with your purchase and you’ll soon find that they really are an amazing bit of kit.

1. Having a protein bar in place of a more calorific dessert could help. Available from retailers such as Predator Nutrition, they’re low in fat and sugar, and contain a high level of protein. As well as helping with weight loss, along with exercise, they could aid the building of lean muscle.
2. Some sports supplements could also help with weight loss. The use of legal, natural supplements like creatine supplements can, alongside a healthy diet, increase your chances of getting slimmer. Using them as meal replacements or snacks could help to cut a lot of fat, sugar and other junk out of your diet. If you decide to use sports supplements as part of your weight loss program, it’s important to read the label before taking them to check that all the ingredients are natural, especially when stories such as a lawsuit claims that some sports supplement have dangerous ingredients.
3. Include plenty of fruit in your diet. To beat any craving you have for sugary foods, an apple, banana or orange should help to beat it. It might be worth mixing several vegetables with honey to make a tasty fruit salad.
4. Eat your greens. Spinach, broccoli and other leafy greens can, if cooked correctly, be very tasty. Braising them in a pan brings out their natural flavour, which is much nicer than the bitter taste that comes with boiling.
5. Most cuts of meat, although high in protein, are also high in fat. Substituting meat for tofu is a great way round it. Tofu is a versatile food, which can be used in salads and as part of a main meal. As well as being surprisingly flavoursome, tofu has a naturally-occurring chemical called genistein which helps to reduce appetite. If it works, then you won’t feel the need to gorge yourself on junk food at any time of the day.
6. Avoid low-fat salad dressings. It may sound weird, but they often contain sugar to compensate for any loss of flavour, while full-fat dressings don’t have so much sugar, which reduces the overall calorie content.

I want to examine women’s nutritional needs that are breastfeeding and provide practical suggestions for vitamin supplements, drink recommendations and useful guidelines for helping breastfeeding moms lose the extra baby fat. I will touch upon foods, drinks and medications that should be limited while breastfeeding your child.

Breastfeeding and nutrition
One must always keep in mind while breastfeeding that nutritional and energy requirements exceed that of women who are not breastfeeding. Do you remember when you were expecting and you were consistently told “You are eating for two?” Well, breastfeeding is no different. Women who breastfeed typically require a higher calorie intake daily in obtaining the proper food to feed their babies on a daily basis.

How many fluids can I consume daily?
You are not alone with wondering how many fluids you can consume daily while breastfeeding. This issue proves popular with the population of breastfeeding moms. It proves prudent to say that women should drink when they are thirsty (this does not apply to alcohol, sugary beverages and energy drinks). Ensure you reduce daily caffeine intake. Caffeine has been known to make babies cranky, and this can make for a cranky mom.

Losing weight while breastfeeding
Most women will lose the extra weight gained after pregnancy. Some women lose the weight slowly with others experiencing a longer time to lose weight. Moderate exercise with adjusting to smaller eating habits will not affect the amount of breast milk you provide for your baby.

The following are excellent exercises that you can do with your baby that can help you lose weight while breastfeeding:
• Stroller walk/jog – Babies need to get out of the house just as much as mom does. Take the baby and put him or her in the stroller. Go for a walk with pushing the stroller and let the baby relax and enjoy the fresh air.
• Dancing with baby – Take a “snuggie” and put the baby inside. These products position the baby close to your body while placing them in fixed positions. Put on your favorite music and moderately dance. The baby is happy and mom is happy with listening to her favorite music. Tons of mothers have claimed that this practice puts their babies to sleep.
• Bench pressing with baby – Simply lie on your back and secure the baby above your chest. Your arms should prove straight. Lower your elbows and keep your arms to your side. Extend your arms up and repeat.

Foods to avoid or limit while breastfeeding
When the doctor informs you that you have to increase your calorie intake in order to produce healthy milk for your baby, this should never involve eating binges and eating virtually everything in sight. While breastfeeding your baby, you should ensure to eat foods that are beneficial for not only you, but the baby. There are also foods and beverages that one should avoid while breastfeeding.

Eating fish
Let us face it, fish is considered a delicacy with some, and it proves ok to eat fish but in moderation. The huge concern about breastfeeding mothers eating vast varieties of fish is that shellfish (popular with for anyone who enjoys Cajun food) and nearly all fish contain traces of what is called “mercury”. The average woman who is not breastfeeding does not have to concern themselves with the “mercury” factor, but for breast feeding women mercury can increase health risks for your baby.

It has been recommended by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) that breastfeeding or pregnant women:
• Avoid eating Mackerel, Tilefish, Swordfish and Shark. The fish contain high levels of mercury when compared to other popular fish delicacies.
• Breastfeeding moms can eat shrimp, light tuna, salmon and catfish. Avoid white tuna because it contains a higher level of mercury.

Other foods
Other foods to be avoided during pregnancy are soft cheeses, meat spreads and deli meats. The reasoning for this is due to what is called listeria bacteria. Listeria can cause illness in adults, and it can prove fatal for infants in the womb. If you are breastfeeding, there is no need to worry about Listeria because it cannot be passed through breast milk.

Vitamin requirements while breastfeeding
If you eat well-balanced meals and snacks, you typically will not require a vitamin supplement while breastfeeding. Let us face it, not everyone can eat healthy, and if this applies to you, then it is highly recommended that you ask your doctor, and pediatrician about taking a vitamin supplement to make up for nutrients not received on a daily basis for you and your baby.

Calcium
Breastfeeding can cause a temporary reduction in bone mass. You can make up for this loss with consuming more calcium while breastfeeding. Do not worry about the decrease in bone mass because as soon as you stop breastfeeding, your body will adapt and recover the mass lost during this period. Some wonderful sources of calcium are dairy products such as milk, yogurt, spinach, cottage cheese and hard cheese.

Iron
Women who have not been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia after giving birth and who breastfeed typically do not have menstrual cycles up to six months after delivery. If this is the case, iron supplements are not administered. On the other hand, women who are diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia require iron supplements. These supplements are sometimes over the counter or doctor prescribed.

Vitamin D
Breastfeeding women need minimally 800 IU daily of vitamin D. This proves beneficial for women who live in areas where the temperature proves cold, and dark. Milk is a significant source of Vitamin D and women can take a calcium supplement plus vitamin D supplementation to obtain the necessary nutrients warranted for breastfeeding.

Safe medications while breastfeeding
Medications are generally safe while breastfeeding, but there are exceptions. It proves best to consult a doctor about the possible implications of taking any medication (prescription or non-prescription) while breastfeeding.

Medications to avoid while breastfeeding
It has been proven that some medications can be hazardous to your baby while breastfeeding and should be avoided at all costs. Illegal drugs are not safe for breastfeeding mothers or any one for that matter. Women who are habitual drug users are asked by medical professionals not to breastfeed their babies. The reason behind this is because the drugs can be passed to babies during the breastfeeding process. It is advised that women who breastfeed avoid using illegal drugs. Breastfeeding mothers are warned against the repercussions of using certain birth control pills when breastfeeding their children. There are types of birth control that doctors prescribe to breastfeeding moms; progesterone-only birth control pills, injections and IUD’s have been found to affect milk supply.

Tobacco products
The repercussions from second-hand smoke have been in the limelight often in society. In the past, second hand smoke was not considered a health risk. Research has proven that second hand smoke can cause a variety of ailments that can be passed through the milk supply to infants. Ailments such as ear infections, bronchitis, SID (Sudden Infant Death), asthma and other serious ailments prove dangerous and sometimes fatal to breastfeeding babies. You must stop or minimally reduce your tobacco dependence in order to reduce the health risks involved for your baby.

Alcohol
Do not ever drink alcohol while breastfeeding your baby. If you do drink alcohol during this period, there is a small percentage of alcohol that can be transferred to the baby. Other medical sources have suggested that women can drink alcohol as long as they reduce the drink to one serving of alcohol while breastfeeding. If you enjoy drinking alcohol, you discuss this topic in full with your doctor.

Breastfeeding your baby is a joyous occasion and proves ideal for bonding with your little one. Please ensure that you take specific notes of the information in this article. Where this article is written as an unofficial guide to help breastfeeding mothers, do not overlook the opportunity to communicate with your doctor if you have any questions.

Author Bio: The article is written by Jeffery Morgan, Jeff is a health enthusiast and also and has great knowledge of diet and nutrition, If you want to know more about cardio, weight loss, weight gain then you should refer to how to get ripped fast and Get This Ripped.

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, childhood obesity is mainly caused as a result of children watching too much TV combined with a long periods of inactivity. If this is allowed to go unchecked, children can develop fatigue at an early age as well as early symptoms for diabetes. You can help keep your child active by speaking with them about their goals, developing a rewards system they are comfortable following, and if necessary, building your child’s confidence for social activities.

Speak openly with your child.
Talk to your child about their reasons for staying indoors most of their day. Some kids will address personal issues they have with peers or maybe even underlying issues about self-esteem. Try turning off the TV for a few hours and use this time as an opportunity to open up a dialogue with your child to find out from them who they are becoming in school, society and in life. It may sound harsh but you don’t want an iPad, Xbox 360 or Wii to be your child’s only friend at this point in their lives. If you know that they spend too long on these games or at a computer desk, consider breaking their attachments to technology to figure out if there are any underlying reasons behind their introverted behavior.
Develop a system to track progress and rewards.
After you have spoken with your child, you can look at developing a rewards system to help them reach their personal goals. You may learn that your child loves a certain TV show and enjoys playing sports. Combine the two and find other interesting activities to keep your child involved physically. Create a standard for grades, household chores and in-school behavior as points for getting TV time and/or joining friends after school. Make the rewards engaging by challenging the child to set his or her own targets, and then reaching them by a specific date.

Limit TV time to 30 minutes per day.
Allow your child to watch thoughtful, educating, and engaging TV shows for a maximum of 30 minutes per day. Choose TV shows that you are willing to watch with your child. If you allow your child to choose their own show, make sure it is educational and worth their time. Consider channels about history, health, learning and/or technology as a way to build their intellectual skills while having fun at home.

Become a role model for healthy and physical activities.
If you like to play tennis or basketball, invite your child to come to the park with you. Become a role model who helps your child understand that being healthy is also a lot of fun. Turn outdoor activities into games by including educational rules or expectations that your child can easily understand and engage with.

There are many ways to develop your children’s interest in outdoor activities. With a little patience and given time, your kids may even become the most active children in the neighborhood. Teach your child how to alternate between TV and outdoor fun to develop a healthy lifestyle at a young age. If you can tackle their current habits now, you will have less worry about the possibilities of any health problems in the future.

Guest post contributed on behalf of Wink Bingo by Samantha Harvey.

Now, you are probably wondering how it works, right? I was thinking the same thing when I opened it up. The Journey Gym “utilizes a proprietary resistance system which allows for you to have between 5 and 150 lbs. of resistance providing a real strength training workout for your shoulders, arms, chest, back, abdominals, and legs.” Still trying to figure it out? Let me show you.

Here is what the Journey Gym looks like when it’s opened. There are resistance bands on both sides with different colors & resistance:

Orange – The orange bands are the lights and provide approximately 5 pounds resistance at 200% extension.
Blue – The blue bands are in the medium and provide approximately 10 pounds resistance at 200% extension.
Green – The green bands are the heaviest offer approximately 15 pounds resistance at 200% extension.

I asked the husband to join in and show me how to use the Journey Gym. My husband regularly exercises at the gym and runs 2 1/2 miles a day. He understands equipment like this and I do not. We popped in the DVD, opened up the gym, and got started. Now, the DVD is fast paced, so go ahead and have your gym open and ready when you put the DVD in. I would recommend for Journey Gym to go a little slower when showing how to put everything together, because we had to pause the DVD a couple of times to catch up. The Journey Gym is not hard to put together once you do it once, it requires:

1.) Removing the handles
2.) Removing the legs to turn the gym into a stair stepper
3.) Attaching handles to resistance bands of choice
4.) Attaching full set of legs

Once you have this done, you can continue on with some of the sample exercises on the DVD. The DVD will explain how to adjust the handles for your height and how to do the exercises. My husband played around with it for awhile to get used to it. I suggest doing this so that you will feel comfortable when standing on the gym, moving around on it, and getting used to how the handles and bands work. Comfort is the key to a successful workout.

Although I am the main person going to be using the gym, it’s going to take me awhile to get comfortable using it. I completed the first set of a ten minute exercise and the video was easy to follow along with and great for beginners. Although the DVD only comes with two set of exercise programs, you can join journeygym.com and get more exercises with music. I haven’t had the opportunity to do this yet, as I am still getting used to things. You need to:

1.) Sign up at journeygym.com
2.) Choose exercises from 180 different exercises
3.) Add the exercises to your workout timeline
4.) Once video is created, choose your music (100 songs)
5.) Save video, share it, your rip it to a DVD

For the next two weeks I will be working out on the Journey Gym. I will be taking pictures and a video to show my progress. As I become more comfortable with the gym, the more I will be able to share with you. So far the only negativity I have about the gym is the noise. Now, the gym itself and while working out does not create any noise whatsoever. But when I first tried the gym I attempted it while my daughter was sleeping. When opening the gym there are two loud clicking noises, once the gym is open and you are removing things you will need to get started, it’s not loud at all. When putting things away and closing the gym is when it’s loud – so be careful doing this during bedtime of nap time as we woke my daughter up three times. Keep in mind this depends on where your child may be sleeping, if they are a light sleeper (like mine) or a heavy sleeper. You may have no issues with this in your household, I just wanted you to be prepared for a “just in case.”

After two weeks I will be updating more about the Journey Gym and will be hosting an one month long giveaway for Pajama Mommy Readers. Participants in the giveaway will also be entered into winning a grand prize from Journey Gym.

Disclosure

What I found was a different approach from what I have been told or shown.  It is a 28 day program that will teach you about Mind Body Syndrome (MBS). It shows you how it develops and why modern medicine is typically unable to solve the problem.  Most importantly, you’ll learn whether you suffer from this syndrome, and then guided through a comprehensive program to cure yourself.  Your pain is real, but you no longer have to put up with it.  This book helps you learn how to heal yourself.  With chapters like: 2) Medicine’s Blind Spot, 3) How Pain Develops: The Role of the Brain, 5) Do You Have Mind Body Syndrome? 6) Starting the program: The Power is in Your Hands, and many more.

Endorsed by his colleagues from the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School, ?Unlearn Your Pain, a new book from Dr. Howard Schubiner outlines a 28-day self-directed program that allows people to end chronic pain.

?People who suffer chronic pain have real pain, explains Dr. Schubiner. ?Doctor’s treat the part of the body that’s feeling the pain, but that is rarely the true source of the pain. If medical tests do not reveal any serious structural problem then chronic pain is due to overly sensitized connections between the brain and the body. Overtime they become wired into the brain’s circuitry. The nervous system learns to create chronic pain.

?Pain is a relatively common manifestation of stress and emotional reactions to stress. Mind body medicine has helped innumerable people yet only a relatively small number of physicians have incorporated this work into their practices. In fact, few physicians are even aware that syndromes such as back and neck pain, headaches, fatigue, fibromyalgia, temporo-mandibular joint syndrome, and irritable bowel and bladder syndromes can be caused by stress due to unresolved emotions such as worry, anxiety, fears, and anger.

Dr. Schubiner’s treatment and groundbreaking research supports the fact that the best way to cure pain is to retrain the brain and the nervous system. “Unlearn Your Pain” explains the science behind chronic pain in an easy-to-understand manner and gives people the same step-by-step approach that Dr. Schubiner has used for years in his own clinical practice to reverse his patient’s chronic pain.

Not only does Unlearn Your Pain explain chronic pain in a revolutionary way, it gives patients all the tools they need to rid themselves of their pain. It explains the science behind chronic pain in a common sense way that everyone will understand. Based upon his groundbreaking research this book is the answer to many who want to cure their pain.

Unlearn Your Pain is currently available on Amazon.com, and at unlearnyourpain.com.

About the Author: Dr. Howard Schubiner has practiced medicine for thirty-two years and has been listed on the Best Doctors in America list on numerous occasions. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Adolescent Medicine and is the director of the Mind Body Medicine Center at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. He is a Clinical Professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine where he teaches and conducts research. He has authored more than sixty scientific publications and lectures nationally and internationally may mark the beginning of a revolution in treating a disorder that has stumped the medical community for years.

“While there are other body wipes on the market, most are not as large or thick as ours but rather are glorified baby wipes,” notes Harvey Metro, inventor of QwikShower Wipes.  “Those that do compare are much more expensive.”

The next best thing to a shower, QwikShower Wipes appeal to kids and adults alike for many reasons:

–Convenient. Each wipe is individually wrapped for portability and to ensure it never dries out.  Kids can slip it into a backpack or purse and go!

–Effective. With a large 10” x 12” dimension and a resilient cloth-like material, QwikShower Wipes are big and study enough to clean the entire body – also leaving a slight fresh scent behind that’s been tested and well-received by teenagers and their parents.

–Green. Environmentally friendly, QwikShower Wipes are non-aerosol and emit zero fluorocarbon emissions unlike popular body sprays.  This also ensures the scent won’t invade the personal space of others or overwhelm a locker room.

–Economical. With an affordable price point starting at just 49 cents each coupled with the company’s free shipping policy, QwikShower Wipes have made it easier and more affordable than ever to keep kids clean and body odor-free.

–Versatile. QwikShower Wipes are not just for gym class! They’re great for use after sports practices and games, a day at the beach, or an impromptu restaurant outing with the family. Also a stellar solution for adults, the wipes are perfectly suited for boaters, campers and fitness enthusiasts. They are also a must for emergency preparedness kits in the event of water outages.

“In many school districts, children don’t get as much as a dry towel to wipe away their sweat after gym class,” Metro continues. “This prompts the kids to pull paper towels from the dispensers in a futile attempt to clean themselves, driving up the school’s supply costs and wasting a large amount of paper.  Trying to freshen a sweaty body with a dry paper towel just doesn’t work. This and other problematic situations underscore the need and value of QwikShower Wipes.”

About My Kids Stink, LLC

Based in Olney, MD, My Kids Stink, LLC was founded by Harvey Metro, a father of three active boys who loathed smelling the half-dozen stinky and sweaty teens who crammed in his car after school, practices and games. This ongoing problem prompted Harvey to create QwikShower Wipes – an affordable, environmentally friendly portable shower alternative suitable for kids and adults, alike. For more information about QwikShower Wipes visit www.QwikShower.com.

Want to try QuickShower for yourself? Enter to win a 10 count package by following the simple rules below.  Good luck!

Rules:

1. Contest is open to US residents only.

2. You MUST leave a comment.

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4. You may write about our contest on your blog.

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CONTEST ENDS ON: December 8, 2010 at MIDNIGHT EST

Fitness expert David Kirsch is launching his new cleanse: the new 48HR Super Charged Cleanse, a popular product amongst his celebrity clients like Liv Tyler, Anne Hathaway and Ellen Barkin.

David Kirsch’s 48HR Super Charged Cleanse is far from an ordinary detox. It’s a fool-proof 2-day plan that features the highest quality organ-cleansing antioxidants milk thistle, acai, and cranberry extract. With chromium picolinate to curb appetite, B12 for greater energy, and added fiber to help with the “flushing”, the result is a tasty pink-lemonade drink that goes above and beyond popular commercial cleanses.

This new detox is simple and effective – perfect for busy moms trying to juggle the demands of their kids and maintain a healthy lifestyle at the same time!

Now available for $29.99 at http://davidkirschwellness.com/_product_20001/48_HOUR_SUPER_CHARGED_CLEANSE , along with David’s One of a Kind® Omega-3.  These natural lemon-flavored fish oil capsules have been triple-filtered to produce the safest, purest, most concentrated Omega-3 forms of DHA and EPA—all with zero aftertaste and no “burp effect.”

I have tried quite a few Cleanse products.  I did try this and it was right up there with the more expensive brand cleanses.  It had a flavor that was very pleasant.  Most cleanses are so bad tasting that you literally have to plug you nose and chug really fast! This one I was able to swallow down without any problems, and that says a lot! Full of vitamins and omega3’s this can be your one stop daily intake! A definite must try item and also his additional products in the cleanse line are worth a look and try too!

Tara Zimliki, fitness expert and founder of Tara’s Boot Camp in Branchburg, New Jersey, teaches people every day how to maintain healthier lifestyles, no matter what their age or fitness level. Using her own family as an example, she helps families improve both their health and their confidence. “By making a commitment to family fitness, you can strengthen bonds and get yourself in shape, too,” says Tara. There’s also the added benefit of setting your kids on the right path for later in life, when being fit will lessen the risk of diabetes, some cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression.

Try these strategies to get your family moving — this fall and all year-round:

1. Start young. Tara advises parents to get kids moving early in life which will promote healthy development and keep sedentary habits at bay. Even your toddler needs at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity every day, and should not sit still for more than an hour at a time.
2. Set realistic goals. Not all children are star athletes. But keep in mind that your child may have never been given the chance to shine. You can help by being realistic about your child’s physical ability. For some kids, even a jog around the block can seem intimidating. “Running ability is mostly mental,” says Tara, “it’s important to keep your child motivated by breaking down each goal, step by step.”
3. Get animated. Running doesn’t have to be boring! Get creative with your workout. Form a conga line and play follow the leader. Flap your arms whenever you see a stop sign. Try running while hopping, pumping your arms, playing air guitar — whatever you and your kids can dream up!
4. Be a cheerleader. A recent study of 200 students in grades 2 through 11 showed that kids of all ages want their parents to help them stay active. Cheer them on frequently and show your child that activity is a priority every day. Tara says to make sure your children know that you would never be disappointed with their performance. “Remember, this is both a workout and a bonding activity,” says Tara.
5. Use community resources. Your family run doesn’t have to be confined to your block. Keep it interesting by visiting different parks or neighborhoods other than your own. You can also check out whether your child’s school, or a local university or community center, offers an indoor or outdoor track for public use.
6. Be vigilant. Although a family jog provides a convenient way for you to get out the door and run, the advantages don’t come without risks to your child. Try to avoid running at night when visibility is limited. “Your exercise should be satisfying and safe for both you and your new companions,” advises Tara. Also, leave distractions at home – including the iPod and the dog. Make this time simply about you and your kin.

About Tara Zimliki

Tara is a Certified Personal Trainer through The American Council on Exercise (ACE), and a Boot Camp Instructor. She has competed and trained with top athletes at the University of South Carolina where she was awarded a full cross-country scholarship. Tara has a B.A. from Rutgers University and specializes in fat loss and nutrition. She is passionate about helping people change both body and mind, believing positive results stem from positive attitudes. She helps clients maintain this attitude with fun, challenging and rewarding workouts.

Tara’s love of fitness started as a child when she began running at the young age of 7. She played numerous sports but running was her passion. Tara enjoyed it so much that she continued running right up until she had children, completing the New York Marathon 8 months pregnant and even ran 1 mile the day she gave birth to her first daughter and 3 miles the day she gave birth to her second daughter. Tara has completed 15 Marathons and hundreds of races worldwide. In addition, she has won many 5Ks and placed top in many long distance runs. In 2008, Tara placed in the top 500 women for the NYC Marathon. Recently, she won the USATF New Balance Long Distance Grand Prix for women 34 & under for the 4th consecutive year. Tara’s practices what she preaches in all aspects of fitness and health and for this reason she is a trusted trainer that produces results.

For more information on Tara’s Boot Camp, including registration details and full schedule, visit www.tarasbootcamp.com.

Dieters face situations that threaten their will power or even their ability to get the foods they are supposed to be eating. Catered business lunches, Sunday dinners at a relative’s home, birthday parties, lack of time to go to the supermarket: These are only a handful of the obstacles that stand between the dieter and her food plan. These problems are so common that advice on how to deal with them is standard in most weight-loss books and group programs.

But there is a threat to the female dieter that cannot be overcome by food lists and will-power and that is Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS.

PMS is a monthly disturbance in mood and appetite brought on by hormonal changes a few days before menstruation. Not all women experience it and even those who do may find that certain months are worse than others. But when it hits, it can be like a tidal wave, knocking down eating control, exercise programs and emotional stability. PMS removes a sense of emotional well-being and deposits in its place anger, irritability, confusion, exhaustion and depression. These unpleasant moods are often accompanied by an impulsive, uncontrollable need to eat. The foods craved during the last days of the menstrual cycle fall either into the greasy, salty, crunchy, starchy category or the fatty, creamy, sugary category.

Although it has been clear for millennium that something was happening to women each month that altered their mood, sleep, energy and eating, the explanations were often closer to witchcraft than science. Even in the latter part of the last century, remedies were suggested that turned out to be totally ineffective or actually worsened the condition. For instance, chocolate craving is a hallmark of PMS as in “I could kill for chocolate.” So well-meaning PMS therapists assumed chocolate was causing PMS and forbade it. It was believed that water on the brain (this was actually mentioned in the scientific literature) was affecting mood so diuretics were prescribed. Because the hormone progesterone increases in relation to estrogen at the end of the menstrual cycle, well-intentioned physicians prescribed even more to offset the PMS symptoms. This went on until carefully controlled research showed that progesterone made the symptoms worse. And even today, women’s magazines tell their readers to exercise, drink water, and eat fruits and vegetables to reduce the severity of the symptoms. This advice sounds good but it is impossible to follow by women who are exhausted, weepy, angry, and craving salty, greasy french fries.

Women with premenstrual syndrome do indeed eat more at that time than during the other weeks of their menstrual cycle. We monitored the calorie intake of women during their menstrual cycle in a study carried out at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Women lived in the Clinical Research Center during the first few days of their cycle and then returned three weeks later when they had PMS. The normal weight volunteers consumed about 1100 calories more when they were premenstrual than they did at other times of the month. And to no one’s surprise, the extra calories came from chocolate, potato chips, cookies and crackers.

Our volunteers had no problem returning to their healthy way of eating once the PMS passed and they easily lost the pound or two they may have gained from their premenstrual munching. But for dieters, PMS poses more than a temporary halt in their weight loss. Premenstrual syndrome may cause the dieter to abandon her diet.

One of our weight-loss clients described the effect of PMS on her weight loss: “For three weeks I am in control, and my food choices follow the diet plan exactly. Then one day, during the fourth week of my menstrual cycle, I wake up with an uncontrollable urge to eat junk food. I simply can’t stop myself. This goes on for three or four days until I get my period. So of course my diet is blown, and I am three or four pounds heavier than I was a week earlier.”

Yet it is possible to stop PMS from destroying a diet.

The solution is to increase the production of serotonin, the brain chemical involved in regulating mood and weight. We discovered at MIT that serotonin activity is diminished during PMS so simply increasing serotonin production reduces the unpleasant mood and overeating during this time of the month.

Increasing serotonin is easy. The brain chemical is made when a non-fruit carbohydrate is eaten. Here is all that needs to be done:

Twice a day (or more if necessary) eat a snack containing 30-35 grams of a starchy or sweet carbohydrate. Choose foods that have no more than 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fat. Protein prevents serotonin from being made, and fat just adds calories.

Eat the foods on an empty stomach or three hours after a meal.

The snacks should be regarded as edible therapy for the PMS, not as a source of nutrition. Make sure you take your usual vitamin and calcium supplements and eat as many fruits, vegetables, low or non-fat dairy products and lean protein as your PMS cravings will allow.

Good snack choices include popcorn, fat-free fudge sauce (for PMS chocolate cravers), sweetened breakfast cereal, an English muffin with jam, oatmeal with brown sugar, graham crackers, low-fat granola bars, very low-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt, low-fat rice or soy crackers, pretzels, low-fat meringue cookies, low-fat biscotti and cotton candy (in case you have PMS while at a county fair).

A few caveats:

• Alcohol is not a substitute for the carbohydrate.
• Eating fruit will not lead to serotonin production.
• Soda and other foods made with high fructose corn syrup sweeteners do not lead to serotonin production.
• Restrain yourself from munching on fat-filled brownies, chips, ice cream, and chocolate. Your brain doesn’t know the difference but your scale will.

The effects of eating a low or fat-free carbohydrate snack on your mood and appetite should be felt within 45 minutes or even sooner. After eating the snack, relax, meditate, read a book or contemplate that when you reach menopause, all this will be over.

© 2010 Judith J. Wurtman, PhD, co-author of The Serotonin Power Diet: Eat Carbs — Nature’s Own Appetite Suppressant — to Stop Emotional Overeating and Halt Antidepressant-Associated Weight Gain

Most of us have some bulges, roly-polys, or just lumps we don’t want the world or ourselves to have to see.  When you put on a pair of Marika’sit’s like stepping into a pair of “magic” pants.  Marika Miracles is made of speciality engineered Elasta-Tight fabric that contours, slims, provides support and control, improves core stability and posture and wicks away moisture.

So, on my venture to looking better while on my daily neighborhood walk, I traded in my beloved cottony fleece exercise pants and pulled on a pair of Marika.  I have to buy more because it is now my new “uniform” for walking, working out, and around town errands.  These pants are comfortable and extremely flattering.  Everyone who tries on a pair of Markia’swill buy them.  If I can look good in a pair of these than most definitely will too.

I rate these pants a 5 out of 5 stars.

Ginger Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry with Snow Peas:  Pineapple helps burn fat, reduce cellulite, and it has detoxifying and purifying properties. Pineapple boosts tons of flavor into this recipe that only has 243 Calories and 3.68 grams of fat per serving.

Roasted Cod Fillet with a Blueberry & Black Cherry Salsa: The blueberry and cherry season are short so find the best tasting berries now!  Blueberries help with digestion; they contain excellent antioxidants that help reduce bad cholesterol and they stimulate visual perception.

Blackberries are a revitalizing fruit that aid kidney function. This refreshing fruit combo recipe is only 190 calories and 1.75 grams of fat.

Strawberry Cantaloupe Soup: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and will keep your immune system strong. Melon is the perfect fruit to quench your summer thirst and it helps your skin maintain moisture. This delightful summer treat contains 146 calories and .4 grams of fat.

Keeping your family healthy and happy is important, and at Wellspring Camps they make it easy to include the season’s luscious fruit into satisfying meals. This July, try these low-fat and fruity recipes, or visit the Wellspring website   for more family friendly recipes!

Ginger Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry with Snow Peas – Servings (4)
1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast
1 red bell pepper
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
2 cups fresh snow peas
3/4 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
1 red onion roug chopped
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
½ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Method:
1.  Spray non-stick frying pan with a non-fat cooking spray. add to pan sesame seeds, chopped garlic, and chicken strips. saute for two minutes.
2. Add red pepper, onion, ginger, and mushrooms. continue to saute for 1 minute.
3. Add soy sauce, pineapple, red pepper flakes, and snow peas; cover and let cook for 1 minute.
4. Uncover and stir until chicken and vegetables are covered with sauce and chicken is fully cooked.

Roasted Cod Fillet with a Blueberry & Black Cherry Salsa- Servings – (4)
Ingredients:
4 – 4 oz. Atlantic cod fillets
1 pint fresh blueberries
1 black cherries, pits removed & quartered
2 tablespoons diced red onion
½ cup raspberry vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon fresh chopped garlic
1 medium yellow tomato diced
1 medium orange bell pepper diced
4 slices of lemon
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
½ teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method:
1. To make salsa, combine sugar and vinegar in a bowl and whisk until sugar is dissolved. in a separate bowl add blueberries, black cherries, red onion, yellow tomato, orange pepper basil, salt, and black pepper. Pour sweetened vinegar in bowl and allow to marinate for thirty minutes.
2. Next preheat oven to 400 degrees. arrange fish on a nonstick baking sheet and place a slice of lemon on each fillet. Roast for 12 – 15 minutes or until done.
3. Remove lemon slices, top with salsa, and serve.
190 Calories
21.23 grams Protein
1.75 grams Fat

Strawberry Cantaloupe Soup – Servings – (4)
Ingredients:
1 medium cantaloupe
1 pint strawberries
1 cup skim milk
1 cup fat free plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint
Method:

Peel cantaloupe and cut in half. Remove seeds and cut in chunks. In a blender or food processor add cantaloupe, strawberries, skim milk, fat free yogurt, sugar, and vanilla. Blend on medium high for about two minutes or until consistency is smooth. Remove soup from blender or processor and pour into a bowl. Next add cinnamon and chopped mint. whisk in until evenly throughout the soup. Cover and place in refrigerator for one to two hours. Serve chilled.
Calories – 146 .25
Protein – 6 . 48 grams
Fat – 0.4 grams

This is so NOT the average toothbrush, for the following reasons:

-It has a 2Minute electric timer in the handle with a 30 second quadrant guide
-3 month Wear Meter tells time for replacement head
-93% of waste is eliminated by replacing only the head, not the whole toothbrush
-Premium RADIUS Hex bristles with a radiating design to ensure accurate and effective brushing

The RADIUS toothbrushes have up to 300 percent more bristles and they are soft, fine bristles.  RADIUS has seven distinct and unique lines of toothbrushes for different styles and needs, which you can peruse on their website   http://www.radiustoothbrush.com/ The kids tootbrushes are great, and they have travel cases too.

I have sensitive teeth and wish I had brushed longer and more thoroughly many years ago.  However, with the RADIUS Toothbrush I have that clean, fresh feeling each time, each 2-minute time, I brush!  Of course they also come in an array of colors so you’re bound to find one you like.

On a scale from 1-5 with 5 being the highest, I give this toothbrush and honest to goodness 6, with a strong urging for you to check them out.  The toothbrush head is very comfortable and cleans my teeth better than any other I have used. (Even is I cheat and use it for less than 2 minutes!).

Tara’s Bootcamp encompasses both circuit and interval training held over a 4 week period with 3 classes per week. This program is unique because all members are given support both in and out of class. All classes are different so all will continue to see results. Tara works with members of bootcamp to help them reach their weight loss and/or toning goals. This class is for all ages and activity levels.

 Tara Zimliki, founder of Tara’s Bootcamp, is no stranger to getting the whole family involved in her workouts. As a mom of two young daughters, she has perfected the art of making “fitness into fun time” with her children. Below are some of her favorite tips for those looking to maximize their time at the playground.

Simple Exercises for the Playground:

Use the Monkey Bars for chin ups or pull-ups, which will effectively tone your triceps, biceps, core and back.

The swing set is a perfect tool to use for stability and core exercises. Try a one-leg squat with one foot in the seat of the swing. Target your abs by sitting on the swing and leaning back about 45 degrees. Hold your legs straight out in front of you and cross them over one another in a “scissor” motion.  Park Benches are not just for sitting! Target your shoulders and triceps with a bench dip. Place your hands on the edge of the bench seat and your feet angled in front of you.  Lower yourself off the bench with your hands until your elbows are at about a 90-degree angle, and lift back up.

Become a Jungle-Gym Jock. While your kids play on the jungle gym, use it to strengthen your arms with a standing push-up. The farther back you stand from the gym, the harder the push-ups become.

How to Turn Your Stroller Into a Personal Gym:

Lunges and Squats are made more fun for kids by using their strollers for support or added resistance.

Running with a Stroller is no picnic, but Tara suggests ramping up your workout with intervals to make your routine go from boring to exciting for your kids.

Noxicare‘s website product description:

Noxicare is a breakthrough natural, patent-pending pain relief formula that is a proprietary combination of 7 of the world’s most potent natural pain relievers that quickly and effectively alleviate inflammation, muscle aches and nerve pain—with NO known side effects and without a prescription.

Noxicare is available in tablets for all-over pain or in a topical cream for localized pain.

I have yet to use the tablets but I did enjoy the cream. I usually use the cream for my wrists, lower back and knee. I love the fact that I can wear it and it doesn’t stink up the car or my hands. The tube is only $19.95 and for the fact that it doesn’t smell and works is worth it!

Focus28 allows you to pick from several different food choices so you can creat a custom plan of shakes, puddings, snacks, full meals (yum) and beverages.  Here’s the thing – they even taste good.  How often can you really say that about weight-loss plan foods?  I’ve been snacking on the Cinna-Crunch ‘n Chocolate and it really curbs the appetite.  For a yummy, smooth shake I’ve had the Strawberry Cream- which comes in a packet so you can bring it to work with you for a nutritionally designed shake that has 15 grams of protein with vitamians and minerals.

Listen, I absolutely know that those last pounds are so frustrating to get rid of, but with all the help from Focus28 and at least 20 minutes of exercise each day you CAN do it and feel satisfied.  Plus, they offer a deal on free shipping!

Click on over their website and check it out.  Let us hear your success stories on how 28 is the new 10.

Tip 1- Take The Plung!
Poolside fat burner – approximately 400-800 calories burned!
At chest level about 80 to 90% of the body is supported due to buoyancy, therefore the joints and bones are well protected.  You will shape and tone up faster, as water provides more resistance. Flexibility and balance improves, as there are a wider range of motions, which can be performed in water. It is not healthy to run in higher temperatures, so why not warm up by walking the perimeter of the pool, then jogging it.  In the shallow end, do 60 seconds each of walking lunges, squats, and leg lifts to the front side and back, holding on to the edge. If you use an aqua free weight or flow tie it increase the feeling of resistance & will add the perfect intensity to your workout.

Finish working the lower body with flutter kicks holding the edge or using a kickboard.  Then submerge to the neck and do chest presses, reverse flies, bicep curls, and arm circles to work the upper body.

Tip 2 – Hit The Beach!
Aside from the beautiful view of the ocean and the great people watching there are many benefits of walking on the beach.  Walking in sand requires a greater effort than walking on a hard surface. Your muscles and tendons will work harder as your foot moves around.  Walking at a slower pace requires more effort than walking fast or even jogging.  Walking in sand requires 2.1 to 2.7 times more energy than walking on hard surfaces.  Jogging in sand uses 1.6 times more energy than jogging on hard surfaces!

Tip 3 – Drink Up!
Hydration is the key to wellness and weight loss.  It is recommended to drink 1 gallon of water a day or 1/2 your weight in ounces and in the summer months even more! Also, try sugar-free low-cal drinks next time you want to quench your thirst or have some great-tasting popsicles. For your most refreshing new weight loss flavored water go to http://www.focus28.com/

Tip 4-Take A 10 Minute Summer Vacation That Burns 100 Calories!
–At the carnival try 15 min. of Dance revolution burns 100 calories
–At the park try 30 min. of Frisbee or flying a kite burns 100 calories
–In your backyard try 10 min of jumping rope burn 100 calories
–Anywhere try a quickie-20 min. of vigorous sexual activity

Multivitamins and Water

Step 1:

Begin taking multivitamins on a daily basis.  Do your research, but take organic as opposed to synthetic.  I highly recommend Isagenix Women’s Essentials, as they were recommended to me by my doctor and I’ve have been taking them regularly for two years with excellent results.  My 80 year-old mother takes these vitamins and is off all medications.  That’s probably the best referral I know.

The human body needs vitamins to function properly. Each of the 13 essential vitamins (A, C, D, E, K, B12, and the 7 B-complex vitamins) provides the regulation of a crucial function. We acquire a majority of the vitamins our body needs from food. When there is a deficiency, we are in danger of becoming seriously ill or even dying. Vitamin supplementation can reverse illness caused by vitamin deficiency. Everyone can benefit from taking multivitamins. The obvious benefit of taking a multivitamin is to prevent deficiency.

You can be overweight and malnourished. Too much food does not mean too many vitamins.  A good multivitamin is the foundation of health and nutrition.

Step 2:

Drink water. Lots of it, plain and simple. Avoid those flavored, vitamin, or sugared waters. Run from anything with Splenda as an ingredient in any food you ingest.  Here are 6 reasons to drink water:

1. Keeps your brain healthy. Brain tissue contains about 85% water. Drinking water regularly will keep the brain functioning properly.
2. Water regulates body temperature
3. Flushes out the toxins. The function of our kidneys is to remove waste from our bodies. They help to flush toxins out of our blood stream.
4. Decreases risk of heart attacks
5. Raises your metabolism. Metabolism is the means by which the food we consume is turned into energy.
6. Fresh and healthy skin. Water primarily stimulates the circulation of blood, fluids, and the necessary elements inside our body.

Most health professionals will tell you to drink one half ounce (0.5 oz) of water a day for every pound of body weight. This means half your weight in water.  Therefore, if you weigh 200 pounds you need to drink 100 ounces of water per day.

So, get yourself some vitamins, fill your water bottles and begin.

After three successful series of The Naked Chef, Jamie Oliver could have easily retired from television and publishing, bought a little pub/restaurant in the Essex countryside and spent the rest of his life cooking and taking it easy. But there’s a part of Jamie that wants to make the world a better place, wants everyone to have the knowledge and the opportunity to enjoy good food, and wants to help people who perhaps haven’t had anyone there to help them before.

This side to Jamie was first seen in the Channel 4 series “Jamie’s Kitchen” which followed the setting up of Fifteen London restaurant and the Fifteen Foundation charity which helps young people not in education or employment to train for a good career in the catering industry.

Against the odds, Fifteen London became a success and was followed by similar projects in Amsterdam, Cornwall and Melbourne, all still training young people. Yet, Jamie wanted to do more, and around the middle of 2003, he started thinking about how to make bigger, more positive change happen; change that would affect not merely a handful of young people but millions…

Jamie has made a new series for American TV about food – how families eat, what kids get at school and why, like the UK, the diet of processed food and snacks is causing so many health and obesity problems. The series was filmed in Huntington, West Virginia.
Jamie’s challenge was to see if he can get a whole community cooking again. He worked with the school lunch ladies and local families to get everyone back in the kitchen and making tasty meals with fresh ingredients – no packets, no cheating. He’s started a Food Revolution: to get people all over America to reconnect with their food and change the way they eat.

This food revolution is about saving America’s health by changing the way you eat. It’s not just a TV show, it’s a movement for you, your family and your community. If you care about your kids and their future take this revolution and make it your own. Educate yourself about food and cooking. Find out what your child is eating at school. Make only a few small changes and magical things will happen. Switching from processed to fresh food will not only make you feel better but it will add years to your life.

Sign the petition to save America’s cooking skills and improve school food.

Join the Food Revolution community on Facebook.

Join by going to www.jamieoliver.com and be a part of this fantastic revolution!!

David has shaped some of the most beautiful “abs and arms” in Hollywood – including Heidi Klum, Faith Hill, Ellen Barkin, Liv Tyler, Kerry Washington, Anne Hathaway, Karolina Kurkova and Linda Evangelista to name a few.You are invited to attend David Kirsch’s first ever Butt Camp in New York City!  If your looking to get bikini ready super fast- then you wont want to miss this major event.

When: Thursday May 6 from 6-7PM

Where: Space NK Apothecary 99 Green Street NYC

What: 30 minutes of David’s easy- to -follow do -anywhere excersises designed to sculpt, shape or shrink your bum. Plus: A special focus on abs and arms from David’s new book Abs and Arms. David will also be signing books and sharing his tips on slimming down and staying energized and staying gorgeous from the inside out.

Wear: Comfortable workout clothing

How Much: $50.00 applicable fee towards product purchase

Space is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment: (212) 941-4200.

Hope to see you there!

Check out David’s website at:  www.davidkirschwellness.com

There is a newer website out there helping provide everyone with amazing options to living well it is calledwww.wellnessdaily.com. This website is extremely comprehensive there are tons of members just like you and me who are looking to better their lives. The website is sponsored by Jennie-O turkey products. So there are tons of coupons and rebates for their turkey product, which is extremely healthy and good for you.

They have extremely large sections on weight loss and stress relief which most of us can use a little of both in our lives. I especially can use a little of both. Jennnie-O is providing a coupon for the first 25,000 members to rebate you up to $5 dollars on any of their products.

We here at Pajama Mommy truly do understand how much effort and work it can take to live a healthier life. We are always trying to come up with simple ways that will work well with everyday hectic lives we all can live. We also know that there are hundreds of thousands of resources out there that are great. When we have the opportunity to test them we try our hardest to play around with the site, see the ins and outs of it. Look at the draw backs and the draw to’s. This definitely is a good site for everyone to use!

This is the first in a series of articles for pjmommy on how I am shedding pounds.   Along with my story there will be some recipes, exercises and tips.  A few points before I begin:  First off, I don’t say lose weight because I don’t want it back – it’s dropping or shedding weight, but never lose, losing or lost. And I’m never on a diet, I just don’t care for that word.  I eat healthier or consciously eat because we all know that standing at the cupboard shoving Oreos is our mouth is not exactly consciously eating. Also, here’s my disclaimer – seek a physician’s advice before starting this or any exercise program or regimen.  All right, with that out of the way, here goes. . .

Hello. My name is Linda and at 47 years old I was overweight – a lot overweight.  I was out of shape, miserable, cranky, and just not a happy person. It doesn’t much matter how I got there.  My wardrobe was becoming very limited. It was limited to anything that I could still fit into and if it covered up the bulges then I had one in every color. Yes I know that round is a shape but it’s not a shape I wanted to be.  Who doesn’t want to be an hourglass?   I procrastinated on buying new lingerie, especially bras and didn’t exactly feel sexy or romantic.  I had heartburn and indigestion almost everyday and couldn’t sleep a full night.  I was stressed from stressing myself out about the way I looked. The indigestion was probably from the fat pushing all my insides way up in my body and I don’t want to think about what was going on with my heart.  My problem was that I was uninspired, unmotivated and lacked self-esteem.  Being a lazy couch potato didn’t help nor did the fact that I own a cooking website and was constantly eating testing recipes. Moderation was not  my lifestyle.
My husband (God bless him) reviewed our finances and worked out in his magical way just how we could purchase one of those incline machines which is also a treadmill.  I truly believe he was tossing me a gentle hint but to this day still denies it.  So, we bought one and had so much fun putting it together.  It has electronic cards for three different levels of work-outs, a fan, and speakers so you could plug in an iPod and listen out loud or with headphones. It’s really cool. It also looked nice in the spare room where it collected dust for four months.
Most everybody I know has some sort of exercise equipment whether it’s a stationary bike, treadmill, elliptical, Total Gym, incline trainer, weights, stepper, exercise ball, etc., etc., etc.  The problem is that nobody uses them! I was warned to “Never, never, never hang clothes on the handles of the treadmill; it’ll become your most expensive coat rack.” ’  I also made sure to rarely step foot into that spare room for those four months.
But then something happened with a full length mirror and bathroom scale – Gasp! I did the unthinkable:  I weighed myself stark naked then looked in that mirror.  By the time I wiped my tears, got dressed and walked out of that bathroom, I officially became motivated and never looked back.

And that is how, on July 4th, I established my Independence From Fat .

I am 5’3″ and weighed 235 pounds.

]]> http://pjmommy.com/how-i-shed-65-pounds-of-weight-and-you-can-too/feed/ 6 http://pjmommy.com/pulse-yoga-reader-giveaway/ http://pjmommy.com/pulse-yoga-reader-giveaway/#comments Sun, 06 Dec 2009 11:00:43 +0000 Sandy http://pjmommy.com/?p=6609 Created by Argie Ligeros Tang and Prisca Boris.

Pulse Yoga is a result of my personal quest to find yoga routines that accomplish much more than other yoga styles. A few years ago I was diagnosed with osteopenia. This is almost osteoporosis, but not quite. I was shocked as I have been practicing yoga for so many years and consider myself to be in very good physical condition. The doctor told me that I needed to do some sort of weight training program. I have never really liked working out in a gym, always preferring yoga. I also did not want to give up precious time allotted to my yoga practice, so I decided to incorporate free weights into my yoga routines.

As a woman in my 50′s, I also wanted more toning, strengthening and increased muscle definition, again without using machines in the gym. So, in addition to the free weights, I added micro movements that primarily target areas such as the gluteus muscles, abdominals, upper arms and lower back. These micro movements within the yoga postures are highly effective with results that are noticeable immediately.

A basic yoga routine that introduces the Pulse concept of micro movements within a posture. Key areas such as abdominal, lower back and gluteous muscles are targeted. Alternating right/left pulse movements with free weights define and sculpt the upper body.

• Apply the use of free weights in novel ways to basic yoga postures
• Strengthen and tone key areas such as the abdominals, lower back upper arms and gluteus
• Teach core awareness
• Stretch chronically tight areas such as the hamstrings and hip flexors

KMR Communications, Inc is pleased to offer one reader a DVD of PulseYoga.com by following rules below:

Rules
1. Contest is open to U.S. residents only.

2. You must leave a comment.

Additional Entries:

1. You may join our RSS feed preferably through the email subscription having the same email address on the comment that you have in the RSS feed.

2. You may write about our contest on your blog!

3. Tweet about this contest and comment here to tell us!

CONTEST ENDS:  December 12, 2009 @ MIDNIGHT EST.

And now, I am pretty excited to tell you about the cLean Momma Lifestyle Program.  The cLean Momma Lifestyle Program is the product of Los Angeles-based SAHM Carolyn Barnes who created this amazing exercise routine that you can do while cleaning your house!  I know, it sounds almost too good to be true, but how awesome is it that you can tackle two important aspects of your life at once?

When I first heard of the cLean Momma Lifestyle Program, I thought there was no way this would ever work.  I was wrong!  When first starting this program, about a week ago, it kicked my butt.  Yes, I am that out of shape.  Multi-tasking is a key ingredient when taking on motherhood, so I love the fact that while doing my dishes, folding laundry or cleaning up a mountain of toys, I am also able to tone my tummy, thighs and booty at the same time.  The cLean Momma Lifestyle Program is divided into three sections:

• The “Clean” Routine: Perform a task while you exercise at the same time, or as she likes to call it: “taskersizing”
• The “Clean” Mindset: Learn to achieve anything you set your mind to and stay motivated
• The “Clean” Diet: Make “smart” food choices and learn the definition of moderation!

Along with the cLEAN Momma website, you can read Carolyn’s latest blog posts, sign up to follow cLEANMomma on Facebook and Twitter and purchase the DVD.  In this 45-minute workout, Carolyn takes you through each of her cLEAN Momma exercises while also showing you how to incorporate it into your busy day. The cLEAN Momma DVD is available now at www.cLEANMomma.com. Price: $14.99.

To see Carolyn in action, please click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/user/cleanmomma#p/f.

FITNESS TIPS:

1. MOVE MORE EVERY DAY – Make it a daily challenge to find more ways to move your body. Take the stairs over the elevator, walk your dog, take brief walks during lunch breaks, ride your bike to work – any small step goes a long way in improving your overall fitness.
2. MELT AWAY FAT WITH MUSCLE- Your metabolism is a direct reflection of your muscle mass to fat mass ratio. A good resistance training routine will supercharge your metabolism in just 90 minutes a week. Simply do 3, 30 minute sessions a week. Cardio is great for over all health and burns fat while you are doing it, but when you do resistance training you build muscle and muscle burns calories even at rest, hence supercharging your metabolism.
3. BE SMART, WORK YOUR HEART – There are many conflicting opinions on cardio vascular exercise and a study to back up each of them. Some say do very short, very intense interval training and others endorse going slower but for a longer time period. I know people that get great results doing both. I think the best form of cardio is the form you will do on a consistent basis. Getting your heart rate into the fat burning zone is important and the best way to judge this is that you are exercising hard enough that you can barely carry on a conversation, in other words you can speak but just barely but not so hard that you are gasping for air in order to finish a sentence.
4. THE POWER OF FLEXIBILITY – Keeping your muscles flexible is very important especially as you age. Today with yoga, Pilates, etc there are many fun ways to incorporate this into your fitness routine both at home and in the gym.
5. YOU ARE YOUR BEST INVESTMENT – Everyone today is worried about their investment portfolios, their income, their home, business’s, jobs and tend to over look their greatest asset…. themselves. You can have the most incredible God given talents, abilities and skills and the best education money can buy and still fall flat on your face, it happens every day. Action not assets is the key to an extraordinary life and by not taking care of yourself you are minimizing your greatest asset and your ability to take action. It is difficult to take action when you are exhausted. Also keep in mind that the same blood that flows through your body flows through your brain. Do you think you will be more aware and alert if the blood flowing through your brain is fat laden or if it is rich in oxygen and nutrients? Take care of your greatest asset by following some of these simple tips.

HEALTH AND DIET TIPS

1. CALORIC INTAKE IS IMPORTANT – This is simple math. Burn more than you consume. Your caloric intake must not exceed the amount you normally burn, since any excess would then be converted and stored energy into fats.
2. PUT SOMETHING WITH A FACE AND SOMETHING GREEN ON YOUR PLATE- If you don’t like counting calories you will like this. Eat something with a face…protein and green vegetables and avoid all the starchy carbohydrates like bread, cake, potatoes, rice,etc then your body will learn to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates and you will become a lean, mean fat burning machine, without counting calories. Then once a week have a victory meal or victory day when you eat what ever you want. THE SKINNY ON FAT – Cut out the bad fats but get some good fat in your diet. Avoid fried foods, food high in saturated fat and focus on lean proteins such as chicken and turkey breast, fish, egg whites, no fat cottage cheese. And make sure you get your good fats from fish and fish oil, olive oil, avocado and nuts like almonds.
3. WATCH YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE – While recent studies show a glass of wine a day can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. And one drink can pack in 100 calories or more and make it harder for you to reach your fitness goals.
4. DRINK WATER- Drinking water does several things, it keeps you hydrated, it helps flush your body of fat and toxins and it will also help curb your appetite. You should be drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water a day.
5. SET A REALISTIC GOAL – Weight loss and fitness goals should be three things: realistic, believable, and exciting. Despite what is seen on TV, losing more than 2 pounds a week can make permanent weight loss difficult, set a steady but realistic goal and reward yourself for reaching milestones along the way. Make goals believable but also exciting, challenge yourself and take everything one day at a time, towards an overall goal of a healthier life. The key is to make this part of your lifestyle to enhance your life.
6. CONSISTENCY IS KEY- Success in an endeavor follows consistent action. Remember it requires discipline to do the things today that you don’t necessarily want to do, so you can do the things you dream of doing tomorrow!

Nature Made is extending and offer for the holidays for all our readers of  $10 off your purchase of a 28-day supply of vitaminID products, and to redeem the code, you just have to complete your health survey on vitaminID.com and enter the code SMART2 at checkout and you’ll be good to go for receiving your customized daily regimen ! Oh and hurry as  the code expires 12/31/09!!

From Cheryl Jones, Creator of Sports Clubs for Kids at Town Sports International

1. Don’t be afraid of the cold: Bundle up and encourage outside play times. If there is snow on the ground…go sledding or tubing, have a snowball fight, build a snow man, make snow angels or just go for a fun hike. 
2. Enroll your child in an instructional class: swimming, dance, gymnastics or indoor sports classes. 
3. Find indoor activities at your local skating rink, bowling alley, laser tag center or rock climbing gym. 
4. Discover a local community center or health club with basketball courts, pools and/or tennis courts. Shoot hoops, swim or volley tennis balls across the net. 
5. Rent or purchase a children’s fitness video. Instead of watching cartoons and playing video games–push the couch and tables out of the way and workout together. 
6. Turn up the volume! Download your children’s favorite music and just dance. Have your kids re-enact their own music video, video tape them and play it back for hours of fun! 
7. Check out kids fitness classes or mommy and me group exercise classes at your local health club or gym. 
8. Create an obstacle course in your house. Set up stations in your family room or throughout your house. Tunnels, hula hoops, jump ropes, steps and physio balls are great props for an exciting playtime. 
9. Summer is not the only time for camp! Look for school’s out holiday camps and mini clinics at your local health club or community center. Kids can enroll in half day or full day activities. 
10.  Don’t forget the game of Twister. This game is an all time favorite for kids and adults!  And other classic games like Duck Duck Goose and Freeze Tag can be played at any time. 

Furthermore, even if you child isn’t participating in a fall sport this year, there is also a safety worry in the classroom! In order to combat the rising number of cases of childhood obesity, many schools are now enforcing a more vigorous physical education program, in turn leading to greater opportunities for injury. Recent findings from the Nationwide Children’s Hospital of Columbus, OH, show that gym class injuries increased 150% over the past ten years. The study also notes a national estimate of nearly 37,000 annual injuries on average, with fewer than 30,000 in 1997 and climbing to more than 60,000 injuries a year by 2007.

Sports physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons are taking note and spending more time discussing with parents, coaches and young athletes how to better prepare themselves in order to prevent severe injury. Below, renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr Eric A. Crone of the Gramercy Surgery Center and NY Ortho, Sports Medicine & Trauma Center, both in New York City, offers his advice on how help children, athletes and pupils steer clear of the doctor’s office this fall.

Sample Talking Points:

• Physical Examination: Before participating in any sports activities or rigorous physical education program, children should under-go a yearly physical examination provided by their family physician. The family doctor may be able to detect any possible bone, joint or muscle problems early on, so not to lead to a greater chance for injury later

• Physical Condition: Often I see young athletes come to see me with injuries that occurred because there muscles or stamina simply was not up to speed with the activity they were performing. Especially when entering the fall sports season, young athletes are often un-prepared for vigorous work-outs after not properly training their bodies over the summer. Coaches and teachers should offer their students daily work-out routines prior to tryouts so that they can come to their first day of practice prepared

• Proper Equipment: No matter what the activity, athletes must be provided with the correct equipment needed for their sports. Many of my patients come to me with injuries that resulted from improper gear (helmets, padding, sneakers) and or damaged equipment

• Stretching: Often coaches and teachers do not enforce or provide adequate stretching time before and after physical activity, which can in turn be detrimental to young athletes. Un-stretched muscles have a greater chance to be pulled as lactic acid builds up during physical activity as after physical activity is completed. Athletes must stretch prior to and after every practice, class or game in order to ensure that the correct warm-up and cool-down of the muscles occurs

• Technique: In my practice, improper technique is the leading cause of devastating sport’s related injuries. If children learn from an early age the wrong way to tackle, jump, kick or swing the pattern is embedded in muscle memory and hard to correct, which in the long run can cause serious injury

• Nutrition: Now that school has begun again, parents cannot always monitor a child’s food intake at all times, but proper nutrition is still a vital component when preventing sport’s injuries

• Rest: With the fall being a relatively short season, allowing a limited amount of time for pre-season training, young athletes will push themselves to meet the practice demands of their coaches and trainers. I always remind coaches and parents to offer their young athletes enough time for rest and recuperation, which give their muscles time to heal and ultimately make them stronger

• Treatment: Remember although your child may simply be sore from over-exertion, a small ache or pain could result in a larger problem down the road. If your child has on-going pain that does not go suppress over time, make sure to consult a sports medicine trainer or sports orthopedic surgeon for proper diagnosis