My Sweet Tooth is Killing Me

"I just have to have a little something sweet as a quick snack."  How many times have you heard that?  Better yet, how many times have you made the same proclamation?  

Here's another one:  "I have GOT to lose a few pounds!" 

Well, there's good news.  You absolutely can lose a few pounds... and you can curb that "sweet tooth...and quickly.  But there's no magic pill, or even a secret magic formula. It's the same as it always has been: eat better, exercise, drink water, etc., etc., etc.

So let's be real for a moment and admit that it sounds simple, yet is actually harder than we imagined because (1) we don't put forth the effort and (2) our body continues to crave the bad stuff.

For example:  Too many sweets feed a fungus called candida. It forms yeast in an overabundance. And what does your body need to feed the yeast and grow the candida?  More sugar... Thus the "Sweet Tooth" and more calories.

So here's a suggestion to losing a few pounds quickly and in a healthy way:

(1)  Greatly reduce the carbohydrate and sugar intake.  Try no soft drinks and reduce sugar from your diet this week.

(2) Greatly reduce salt intake. Sodium intake causes bloating and water weight gain.

(3) Walk, bike, or treadmill at least twice this week. Start with 10 minutes and increase it as you go.

(4)  Drink more water:  Start with 3-4 (8) ounce servings a day and gradually increase to 6-8 servings.

(5) Fool Yourself:  Try making a low sugar/low calorie/protein drink around 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm...then put it in a plastic cup and pop it in the freezer.  Stir it ever 30-45 minutes.  Around 9:00 pm, when your having a craving for something sweet" you can take out your now "milkshake" or "ice cream" treat and enjoy without the guilt and without the extra bad stuff.

Try these simple steps with a renewed commitment and see if you don't lose a few pounds.

Get Fit. Stay Fit.

Keith

For more info on Candida and how to recognize and treat it, visit:

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8376/10-signs-you-have-candida-overgrowth-what-to-do-about-it.html

When is the BEST Time to Start a Wellness Program?

When is the Best Time to Start a Wellness Program?  I have heard many, many people over the years talk about “starting” their wellness program.  Most have great intentions, but lack the “follow through” part.  I often hear things like, “I HAVE to do something about my weight.” “I have GOT to start walking some.” And I am definitely going to start back doing something about my health on Monday.”  Lots of people seem to set “Monday” as their start date, but less than 20% actually do stat something on the next Monday.

Data shows that 41% of Americans will set New Year’s Resolutions.  Of that percentage, 24% are wellness or weight loss related.  Data also shows that of all the people who stat a program that is set for 12 weeks, 94% will NOT finish the whole 12 weeks…IF…they work alone.

With that being said, here are a few tips that might help you get started and follow through with a Wellness Plan:

 - Set a realistic start date.

 - Get a check up to make sure all of good before you start a program…or at least CONSULT with your Doctor.

 - Hold YOURSELF accountable. (Do what you say!)

 - Get an accountability partner.

 - Start with realistic goals.

 - Try to take 8,000-10,000 steps a day.

 - Stretch before you begin physical activity.

 - Don’t try to do too much in the beginning.  You’ll be sore enough as it is.

 - Don’t weigh in every day.

 - Celebrate your Successes!

So when is the BEST time to start a wellness program?  Now!