Wednesday, March 31, 2010

WHOLE FOODS FOR WEIGHTLOSS



If you want to lose weight or simply feel better by eating healthier, consider the source of what you eat. Do most of your foods come out of a box, bag or jar or do they still resemble something that grew? The best diets are ones rich in whole foods and which contain few processed foods.

A whole food is just what it sounds like - a food that you eat whole, just the way nature intended. When foods are processed they are often stripped of nutrients and filled with additives, and so you want to eat things that are as close to their natural state as possible. Fruits and vegetables are perfect examples. You can eat them fresh from the garden, skin and all. Whole grains are healthy because the most nutritious part of the grain is still intact.

GOOD EATING = GOOD CYCLING

Eating a diet rich with fruits, vegetables and whole grains will support the loss of extra pounds while fueling your body during those long rides. The vitamins and minerals in these foods are not only the best for building muscle, but have been shown to protect the body against a variety of chronic diseases including cancer and heart disease.

Start today by adding a fruit or vegetable to every meal. Keep fresh fruit around and out on the table where it is easy to snack on. I always have a bowl of oranges, bananas, apples and grapes on my kitchen table, so if I have the urge to snack I grab a piece of fruit not the fridge!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

LIMIT STARCHES!

Hey guys! I know we are all making strides to improve our nutrition. The tip of the day is to limit starches. Starches include bread, pasta, potatoes, corn, green peas, and rice. If you consume these do so in small amounts and DO NOT INCLUDE THEM IN DINNER. You can get the 'healthy' carbs you need from fresh fruits and vegetables. So if you eat out... especially like Qdoba or Panera... limit the starches. I love Qdoba burritos! When I went to their calorie counter online I learned that the Peach Salsa, Veggies, Meat, and no tortilla yielded me almost half the calories of having the tortilla with cheese with corn with rice. Just makes sense!!! Good luck campers! - Den

Monday, March 29, 2010

Make It Another Great Week

We are heading into another fabulous week of FitCamp. Take a minute today to reflect on how you have been doing so far. Set two goals for yourself this week, one fitness and one nutrition goal.

For Example,
Nutrition Goal: Eat more vegetables with dinner. Load up my plate with green leafy veggies or broccoli/green beans.

Fitness Goal: Add bursts of higher intensity intervals to the workouts I do on my own this week. When on the treadmill, increase the incline to a 15 for at least one minute every three minutes. When outside walking, run for one minute intervals every two minutes.

All of the trainers are very impressed with everyone's dedication so far. You are all putting in so much effort. Remember it is 100% diet, 100% exercise, and 100% determination. If you are looking to win, you are going to have to give it your all. Don't slip up for a second, I promise there is a competitor out there who will pass you if you do!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Getting the Most From Your...(SELF)

Hey gang!

Happy thursday. Today's blog is about keeping yourself in the GAME. Are you keeping yourself where you want to be as we finish week 2? Have you made it to your 6 trainings as of this saturday? Have you been working cardio on your off days? Is that nutrition tuned up a notch from last week? If you need more help and motivation you should be contacting your team's trainer ASAP. That's what we are here for .. to help you stay on track and be motivated! If you are stressed from work and life today... come to the evening's group training or just come in and get in a good 30-45 minutes of cardio on your own.. or take a class! There are plenty to choose from.

Three tips to get you going farther in the direction you desire...

1. Improve one or more portions of your nutrition. What junk can you cut out and replace with fresh raw veggies or nuts?
2. Go to bed just 30 minutes earlier than usual tonight. A little extra good sleep will energize you for tomorrow!
3. Add 5 minutes or 3/4 of a mile more to your next cardio routine. The push will give you an extra sense of accomplishment!

You can do it gang! "May the force be with you."

:) Den

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

IT IS HARD TO STAY MOTIVATED




One of the hardest things about exercise, the constant need for motivation may be the most frustrating. Every day, you have to wake up and find a reason to exercise, all while talking yourself out of all the things that stand in your way.

HOW TO GET OVER IT!

Set Realistic Goals: Having something to work for can give you that extra nudge you need to get moving.

Don't Wait for It: Motivation doesn't just happen, it's something you create. What do you really want for yourself and your future? Answering that may get you moving.

Think Before You Skip: Don't allow yourself to skip a workout without careful thought and consequences.

Make Exercise Easy: Having your workouts scheduled, your gear handy and a plan makes it easier to follow through.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Self Evaluate? - STEP IT UP!

Hey Gang! Was great to see everyone that came to the Team Challenge on Sunday. You should have had or today should be your first weigh in since we started. Are you happy with your loss so far? If you are ... GREAT!... keep working hard... eating well, working out often and feeling good. If you are NOT... what is your ROAD BLOCK? What is keeping you from your success? Eating habits not the best? Not getting enough workouts in? Are you not mentally "IN THE ZONE?"

For those who are on track and happy.. keep going! You can blow those goals out of the water! Get in cardio on your off days from the group trainings. Push yourself on a mile run on the treadmill this week. Shave a minute each week off that starting time. You will be surprised how much you can improve!

For those hitting ROAD BLOCKS here are some suggestions. If it is eating related.. you must push to eat healthier! STOP THE ALCOHOL ALTOGETHER FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE CAMP! Drink more water. Cut out the salty and sweet snacks. Replace with fresh fruits and raw veggies! You can do it! Get mentally in the "ZONE." Take 15 minutes before bed today and read part of a book... Clear your mind. Start tomorrow fresh and tell yourself " IT IS MY DAY. I AM GOING TO LOSE MORE WEIGHT AND BECOME MORE HEALTHY."

Keep on guys! Let's rock during week 2!

:) Den

Sunday, March 21, 2010

The Second Week Begins!

You are all off to a strong start! Your trainers are very impressed with your hard work. 10 out of 13 of you showed for the Sunday group training. It was awesome seeing you all work together. You all saw how determined your competition is. If you want to win, you are going to have to give it 100% for 5 more weeks.

As you head into the second week, remember CONSISTENCY is key. You need to continue to plan out your meals and workouts. "If you fail to plan, plan to fail." We know you all have busy lives, but you should never be too busy to take care of yourself. When you signed up for the FitCamp, you made it apparent you care about yourself. Be willing to make sacrifices day after day.

This Week's To Do's
#1 Dejunk your cabinets. Get rid off all the junk food and/or food items that are too tempting to resist.
#2 Put sabotagers in their place! Do you have any friends/family members who say thinks like, "just one cookie is ok, just one drink is fine, you can miss a workout, I baked you your favorite brownies, juts one..." If so, you need to let them know your goals. Let them know if they care about you and are truly a friend they will support you.

Friday, March 19, 2010

How to Keep Your Diet Especially During the Weekend

Regardless of how focused you are on losing weight and dieting, during the weekend there are many distractions that can break your focus. Breaking the rules of your diet during the weekend is really easy. This goes double if you go out with your friends during the weekend. Here are some tips you can use to get past the weekend without breaking your diet.

Plan your meals for the whole week in advance and buy all the necessary ingredients before the weekend. That way you won’t go grocery shopping in the weekend and get tempted by all those weekend food promotions and offers. Make sure your fridge is full of fruits, vegetables and nuts for a fast healthy snack.

Eat lots of raw vegetables and fruits: celery, pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, pears, peaches, strawberries… Prepare fresh salads and drink lots of water. It is recommended that you eat your salad in small portions and drink a big glass of water before each meal. That way you will feel full faster.


Exercising is important for your weight loss success. Go to the gym! A long walk with your loved one or even your friends is a great way to exercise during the weekend. Go to a park or you can even get outside the city and enjoy the wildlife. You should exercise at least 30 minutes daily.

Everyone have a great weekend!
Go outside and enjoy the warm weather........take a jog, work in your garden, whatever it takes to stay busy!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Managing Your Week - No Excuses!

Hey campers! How is your week going? Hope you have made it two a couple of sessions with the trainers this week so far. Remember sunday is the BIG GROUP CHALLENGE. Hope to see you all there!

Just some notes on how to manage your week with your busy schedule. We need to make sure we are not taking two days in a row off from exercise. That increased metabolism from eating more properly needs to go somewhere (meaning burn it off baby!) If you are having trouble getting in enough workouts in the week besides the group trainings, I suggest you find at least 30-45 minutes to do an increased cardio pumping activity. If you can get to the gym.. at least do 30 minutes of cardio on the machine of your choice. Get that heart pumping! At least you got in and burned some good calories! If you can't make it to the gym... other suggestions include jogging outside. (The weather is getting to 70+ degrees this weekend... NO EXCUSES!) With your kids if you have them or your significant other, get out and kick or toss a ball around. Be active!!!!! Heck... since it's going to be so nice out this weekend you have no excuse to workout both days. Even if you can't come to the gym you can burn calories. Get outside. Get the heart rate up. Hydrate- drink plenty of water.

See you soon!
:) Den

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

WAYS TO CUT 100 CALORIES

Calories can be cruel. Sweat through a 30 minute workout and you can torch 200. Take three gulps of a foamy frappuccino and you're right back where you started. But slashing those suckers can be as effortless as piling them on. Here you will find ways you can cut 100 or more calories at a pop.

AT BREAKFAST

Ditch the Pop-Tart for a slice of high-fiber toast with strawberry jam.

Drink your two cups of joe black. Or order a single espresso instead of your usual latte.

Swap OJ for the real deal - one fresh orange.

Scramble together 4 egg whites instead of 2 whole eggs.

AT LUNCH

Leave the Swiss cheese out of your sandwich.

Instead of mayo - put a couple slices of Avocado on your turkey sandwich

Pass up croutons at the salad bar.

Take your iced tea unsweetened.

Go bunless - shed your hamburger roll.

AT HAPPY HOUR

Nurse a single glass of wine instead of downing 2 beers.

Ask for your rum and diet cokes - not regular coke.

Drizzle extra hot sauce, not blue cheese or ranch dressing, on your wings.

Ask for your cocktails on the rocks instead of frozen. Slushy fruit drinks tend to be made of bottled mixers that contain added sugar and syrups.


Happy St. Patty's Day to All!

If you are planning on drinking tonight - drink in moderation. Drink one large glass of water per drink!
DON'T PACK ON THE CALORIES!



Tuesday, March 16, 2010

P.S. - Tuesday Night with Den - KICKBOXING!

Hey gang!

Quick note again. Tonight we will be doing a great cardio pumping kickboxing workout. Meet me in the lobby at 7pm and be ready to sweat and pump it!

:) Den

Happy Tuesday!

Hello Campers! Hope everyone is off to a great start with their workouts!!!!

Remember that you need three combinations for success in this program...

1. Improved Proper Nutrition
2. Great, Regular Workouts (burn off more calories than you take in within the day to burn fat)
3. Rest- Are you getting a good night's sleep? And alternating body parts each day that you workout? Rest sore muscles and work different ones. The rest you get from sleep and the rest you give your muscles will rejuvenate and rebuild you.

Drink plenty of water. Come on guys! Cut down to ONE CUP of coffee.

Lastly, this is YOUR FIT CAMP! You have to WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT. We will keep you motivated.. but be in the right mind set. You can so do this!

Have a great day guys!

:) Den

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Nutrition 101

When you are watching your caloric intake, eating out can be a nightmare. You have to plan ahead. Research the menu, look for online nutritional information, and do not be afraid to ask the server to make substitutions. Do not feel bad to order your food the way you want it prepared!

If you are are frequent Panera visitor, please check out http://www.paneranutrition.com/ on the Internet and learn about the calories you are consuming. You may be very SHOCKED to find what you thought was a healthy option is really 1200 calories.

Two Recommendations at Panera
Breakfast
Breakfast Power Sandwich- Hold the cheese!

Lunch or Dinner
Customize a Frontego Chicken Hot Panini: Instead of the 860 calorie as is version, try this 300 calorie version!

First of all the Foccio bread should be replaced by the White Whole Grain Bread and worse case scenario the rye but that would add another 110 calories to the overall sandwich.

Second, hold the cheese and the mayo!

"Eat to live, don't live to eat"

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Let the FUN BEGIN!

Welcome to the FitCamp blog. Monday through Friday, one of the FitCamp trainers will post a blog. The purpose of the blog is to provide motivation, fitness tips, and nutritional ideas. Also, the blog is your sounding board and support network with other FitCamp participants.

The FitCamp officially starts on Saturday, March 13th. Initial weigh ins and measurements can be taken starting Friday, March 12th with your assigned trainer. Weekly group trainings will be held on the following days and times:

Monday at 7 pm with Jacki
Tuesday at 7 pm with Den
Wednesday 5 pm with Angie
Wednesday at 6:30 pm with Jacki
Thursday at 6 pm with AngieFriday 6 pm with Den
Saturday 10:30 am with Angie
Sunday 1 PM with Den

Please let your assigned trainer know when you will be coming each week. Knowing who and how many participants will be coming to a group training will help trainers plan their workouts to meet your needs.

All the trainers are looking forward to the first FitCamp at Canton Club.

May the biggest loser win!

Cheers,
Jacki