I Want Thinner Legs!

Saddlebags?

Cellulite?

Love handles?

Think it's hopeless?

Think again!

There is a simple philosophy on weight loss that most people don't understand. You can get smooth, sexy legs without adopting a fitness model schedule. You don't have time to plan out six small meals a day or spend 3 hours at the gym every day. You can still lose that stubborn fat that piled up around your hips and thighs.

Here's what that philosophy boils down to. Your body stores toxins in fat cells. There are toxins in your body and it's constantly being pounded with more. They come from the food you eat, the air you breathe, they're even produced as a result of your body's natural functions and recovery processes.
Most of us produce more acidity and toxins than our bodies can handle. The same dietary problems that produce excess toxins also inhibit your body's ability to process those toxins out. The result is an unbalanced body with a bunch of toxins that it has to deal with.

In order to prevent these toxins from attacking your vital organs and functions, your body stores these excess toxins in fat cells! When these fat cells are full of toxins, they become swollen and inflamed. This swelling causes a lumpy appearance (cellulite).

This also makes your body resistant to weight loss. If your body thinks it needs more fat cells to protect itself, it will hold onto them! That's a major reason that you can lose a bunch of weight and have that stubborn 10-20 pounds that you just can't seem to get rid of. It's also the reason that many people think that once you have cellulite on your legs it never goes away!

The big secret is discovering how to detoxify the fat cells and balance the acidity/alkalinity levels in the body. Without the swelling and inflammation that comes from a toxic body, the fat cells will shrink, returning the surface above to a smooth appearance. It will also then allow the body to burn or break down those fat cells because they aren't necessary for protection.

So, what are some easy ways to detoxify those fat cells?

1. Drink more water

My first challenge to my weight loss clients is that they eliminate high-sugar beverages such as soda and sweet tea from their daily routines and replace them with water for 30 days. When they see the difference in the way they look and feel, it becomes easy to stay disciplined thereafter.

2. Eat more raw fruits and veggies

Raw fruits and vegetables contain the micro-nutrients necessary for a balanced body. They promote alkalinity in the body, and are key to disease prevention and healthy weight.

3. Find natural supplements that help balance the body

There are supplements available that use natural ingredients to detoxify and feed the body on a cellular level. There are also all-natural products that amp up the metabolism to burn extra calories every day. People who burn more calories and feed their cells with healthy micro-nutrients tend to burn fat at an all-time high.

My wife has lost about 25 pounds over the past three months by incorporating these principles. She had a serious problem with cellulite and her problem areas were her thighs and hips.

Today, her legs are smooth and cellulite-free. She doesn't have a special diet. She just avoids high levels of simple sugars and uses healthy supplements to maintain proper balance on a cellular level.
If your bounce has become a jiggle, and you'd like to get your sexy back, today is the day. If doing what you're doing isn't working, it's time to make a simple change. Try it for yourself.

How to Stay Sane During an Insanity Workout

The Insanity Workout. When exercise sounds this intimidating, you might wonder if you can survive Shaun T's 63 day challenge.

The good news is, it IS possible and countless people from all levels of fitness have managed to beat Insanity and stay sane. If you want to start this journey and last the distance, hold on to these 12 tips to keep you safe, strong and steady throughout the next 63 days.

1. Be honest with yourself.

Many people are so pumped up by the before & after photos posted online that they expect to look as buff as Shaun T by the end of it! Keep your goals high but within reach. Unrealistic expectations will only lead to disappointment which, in turn, derails your motivation. The amount of weight you lose and the extent of muscle definition you gain will depend on variables such as your starting weight, fitness level, genetic make up, the quality of your diet, the flexibility of your daily schedule and how much you can push yourself throughout each workout.

2. Get a medical check-up.

Coming from a sedentary lifestyle, I found Insanity manageable so long as I respected my own fitness limitations. It's always advisable, whatever fitness level you're at, to check that your heart and joints are equipped to deal with the physical demands that come from high impact interval training (HIIT).

3. Count your calories.

Too many calories will undo your hard work. Too little, and your body will hold onto your fat reserves for dear life! The Insanity pack includes a nutrition guide to help you plan calorie-controlled meals. If you can't afford to follow it exactly, make sure you calculate your calorific needs (the calorie calculation formula is printed in the guide) and plan how you will meet those needs within your own budget.

4. Take plenty of 'selfies'.

No matter how embarrassed or ashamed you might feel about your current shape, it's important to take photos of your body before you begin so that you can chart your progress. Take a full body picture of your front, side profile and back. There will come a time when you need a visual reminder of the physical changes that are going on in your body, especially when the scales tell you that nothing's happening. Plus you'll want that Insanity T-shirt when you finish, right? Comparing photographs from different time intervals can be a tremendous motivator. And you'll find that other people often see the changes in your shape even before you do.

5. Don't eat for at least one hour before your workout.

Insanity involves a lot of jumping and power and speed with minimal breaks in between. Don't fill up on food beforehand unless you plan to wear it! If you need to eat first, have a small light meal or better still, down a protein shake to fuel you for the workout.

6. Start slow and build from there.

Insanity workouts generally follow a pattern of warm-up, main circuits and then cool down, with at least three rounds of each drill. Take it easy on the first round and let your muscles warm up. Conserve your energy so that you can push a little harder in the second round and then go flat out in the third round. It's all about progression.

7. Go at YOUR best pace. No one else's.

It can be daunting to watch a team of super-fit people attack these workouts with such finesse and power. Remember, they're there to show you what you can achieve with the same hard work. Ignore how fast they're running. These people are in peak physical condition and you will see in the videos that even they struggle at times! Your only goal should be to push yourself to your own physical limits. This might mean doing more reps, taking less breaks during a particular drill or simply stretching a little further in yoga poses than you did yesterday. By respecting your own limits, you take care of yourself and increase your chances of making it through the next 63 days without injury.

8. Stop when you need to.

Despite Shaun T's constant urging that you should 'dig deeper', he also reminds you to stop when you need to. Digging deeper isn't about digging your own grave! Push when you know you have more to give. Stop when you run out of energy or feel pain. Don't allow yourself to be discouraged if you need to skip a day because of important life commitments. It's only a workout. Keep yourself healthy and protected. Remember, you're not in competition with anyone but yourself. Insanity isn't about being as fit as Shaun T. It's about being the best that you can be right now.

9. Take short swigs of water.

Insanity will make you sweat like never before! Keep yourself hydrated with short swigs of water during breaks. Don't be tempted to take large gulps - you'll feel sick or throw up during the workout. Save major rehydration for afterwards.

10. Write about it.

Keep a workout journal. Start a blog like I did. Share your agonies and triumphs. Do something that captures your thoughts, feelings, setbacks and achievements so that you have a visual reminder of how hard you're working and how much you're continuing to achieve. As you begin to repeat certain drills, you'll find yourself referring back to your first, second and third attempts at this very same workout and you will marvel at your progress!

11. Snub the Scales.

Scales are useful but they won't give you an accurate idea of your progress. Not only will you be shedding fat, you'll also be gaining muscle and your weight will typically go up and down. Don't let scales to discourage and mislead you - use a tape measure instead. This will give you a better idea of where and how the fat is being shed. Notice how your regular clothes fit and feel as you move deeper into the program and write about in your diary or blog. These are the details you need to pay attention to!

12. Get support.

Tell friends, family, co-workers or whoever else you trust that you are doing Insanity. Log onto the Team Beachbody website and join the forums. Direct people to your workout blog. Share your ever-changing profile photos. Supporters will keep you motivated by asking about your progress, keeping you accountable and heartily cheering you on.

So there you have it - 12 tips to survive Insanity. I hope you enjoy the adventure and get the healthy body you deserve!

How to Lose Weight and Get In Shape While Having Fun

You basically have two choices if you want to lose weight. You can change how you eat or increase your activity or exercise. The bottom line to the waistline is always going to be calories in versus calories burned. For most of us the idea of having to commit to an exercise program is difficult but it's the only option if you want to lose weight and get in shape. The fact is that we lose one-half of a percent of muscle per year after we pass the age of 30. That means our metabolism slows way down and it becomes even easier to gain weight. Most of us felt pretty good and looked pretty good all the way up until we didn't. So here is the best sleeping pill, diet pill, and anti-depressant that I know of and you don't need a prescription!

If you can think of exercise as a play date, then it can be something to look forward to rather than something to get done! Find something you enjoy doing, and do it. It could be tennis, swimming, hiking, jogging, walking the dog, weightlifting, Zumba aerobics, dancing, pole-dancing, kickboxing, boxing, cardio barre, Nia, yoga, biking, jump rope, hula hooping, climbing stairs or even just shooting baskets. Think about something you used to love doing and then do it again! If you can commit to anything physical for 20 minutes a day, you can make a big impact on your health and really boost your metabolism! There are so many fun ways to lose weight and get in shape while improving your heart health, reducing stress, increasing endorphins and building muscle.

Here are some statistics if you want to know how long it will take to lose a pound of fat when exercising. If you get on a bicycle for 20 minutes a day, at 70 revolutions per minute, it will take 35 days to lose a pound of fat for a total of 10 pounds per year. If you run on a treadmill for 20 minutes a day, at 4 mph, it will take 26 days for you to lose 1 pound of fat for a total of 14 pounds per year. If you run up and down stairs or use a stair master for 20 minutes daily, it will take 21 days to lose a pound of fat for a total of 17 pounds per year. Finally, if you do kickboxing or martial arts for 20 minutes a day, it will take 17 days to lose a pound of fat for a total of 21 pounds per year. Just by adding activity for 20 minutes a day, it can add up to several pounds of fat loss per year so you lose inches while you lose weight and get in shape.

The way I found a workout routine that I really enjoyed was by trying a whole bunch of different ones. I made a pact with myself that since there were about 10 different fitness centers in a 5-mile radius of my house that I would try something different every week. Most clubs offer at least one class for free or at a deep discount. So I started at one end of the busy boulevard by our home and made my way block by block. I finally discovered kickboxing, a sport I hadn't even thought of trying or knew anything about. It turned out to be a blast and I found a way to lose weight and get in shape while improving my endurance, strength, and muscle tone. I also felt better and had more energy. Working out doesn't have to be drudgery but something to look forward to!

What's the Best Whey Protein Powder for Women?

Whey protein is probably the most important post-workout supplement. This is how you re-fuel your muscles so that you can rebuild, stronger than before. The best part about whey protein, when compared to other protein powders, is that it is absorbed quickly. This means it can get to your muscles very quickly, just when it's needed. If you take it right after your workout, you can make much bigger gains in relation to your workout. This is why it's such a popular supplement for men and women.

In terms of what to look for, you'll want a whey protein powder with a 2:1 ration of carbs to protein. While it is called a "protein" powder, you still needs carbs since your body will be depleted after a workout. Make sure that whatever brand you buy has an appropriate ratio.

Men and women are different and they generally need different supplement products. You should always be cautious of the products that are marketed just towards men, because they are made with men in mind, so may not be as beneficial to women. However, men and women can use the same whey protein powder products. The biggest distinction is that they will need a different serving size.
Women just don't need as much as men. So when you get some of these products with 40 grams of protein, it's just too much. Women need more like 15-20 grams of protein. This is the ideal amount.
You'll generally want to take your protein within 30-45 minutes of your workout. I usually have it at the gym, right after my workout. You don't want to wait until you get home. But you can get specific containers that allow you to bring the protein to the gym, and mix it right there. I definitely recommend getting one of these, since they're so convenient.

Protein shakes shouldn't be overused. One a day is usually enough. They should form part of your diet - they shouldn't take it over. It's a very specific type of protein so you want to make sure you get protein from other sources as well. It's also very quickly absorbed, so you want to get protein from other sources, that are more slow-absorbing.

Overall, the best protein powder for women will be one with a good carb-protein ratio, and has about 15-20 grams of protein. you can pick this up at any health food store. Good luck!

How Drinking Water Helps With Weight Loss and Promotes Sleep

There are two simple things you can do immediately to impact weight loss right now.
First, drink a lot of water. I know you have heard this before, but do you know how drinking water helps with weight loss? Most people do not drink enough water and walk around in a "dehydrated state." Mild dehydration will cause a 3% drop in your baseline metabolism resulting in the gain of 1 pound of fat every 6 months (Perricone Prescription). Staying hydrated will boost your metabolism.

Another tip on how drinking water helps with weight loss is that it minimizes bloating and water retention in women. These symptoms are often a result of lack of hydration. Those extra "water weight" pounds can fluctuate quite a bit daily but can be regulated by consistent hydration throughout the day. You should be drinking one-half of your ideal body weight in ounces of water per day. Look for your ideal body weight using one of the many ideal body weight charts found on line. Hydration is especially important if you are exercising regularly and dieting at the same time. Drinking plenty of water is how you flush the fat and toxins stored in your fat cells, and also how you can prevent muscle cramps.

There is a condition called "mouth hungry." This is when your brain signals that you are hungry when you are actually thirsty. If you drink a glass of water, you may find that you weren't hungry after all. Try this first before reaching for food. I have seen, from several sources, the recommendation to drink a full glass of water prior to eating to curb your hunger. If you are going to do this, drink your water at least 15 minutes prior to your meal. Water dilutes your stomach acid and can negatively impact digestion. If you experience digestion issues, you might want to curb your water intake during a meal or wait until 15 minutes after eating.

Remember that, downing your 8-10 glasses of water all in one sitting doesn't cut it. For effectiveness, staying hydrated throughout the day is how our bodies metabolize fat and how drinking water helps with weight loss. Also, when exercising, you should try to drink 3-5 ounces of water every 20 minutes.

Some symptoms associated with mild dehydration are weakness, muscle cramps, headaches, irritability, fatigue, trouble concentrating, heart palpitations, and anxiety.

Second, get enough sleep. I know that this seems so elementary, but many people get less than five hours of sleep per night. Did you know you cannot lose weight if you sleep less than five hours a night? Lack of sleep impacts metabolism and hormones. When you don't get enough sleep, the body produces more ghrelin, which is the hormone that signals hunger, and doesn't produce as much leptin, the hormone that signals fullness. Therefore, inadequate sleep can cause an increase in appetite and a decrease in your feeling of fullness. Studies from Colorado University and the University of Chicago have shown that sleep effects what, when and how much you eat. Sleep deprived individuals tend to eat 6% more calories than people who get enough sleep.

If you have trouble sleeping, dehydration may be one of the causes. Dehydration can lead to a reduction in your production of melatonin. Melatonin regulates sleep and wake cycles. It is estimated that about 70% of Americans are dehydrated. There are a lot of opinions about the ideal amount of sleep. Most can agree that about seven hours per night is ideal. Promoting sleep is another example of how drinking water helps with weight loss.

Workout and Lose Weight While Watching Television

If you haven't been getting regular exercise 3-5 times per week, and one of your goals is to lose weight, then attending to this issue as soon as possible should be a top priority. For those of you having trouble finding time to exercise on a regular basis, or just exercising in general, one of the easiest ways to start working out is while you are watching television.

Healthy eating in conjunction with regular exercise is a recipe for weight loss success. One of the easiest ways to start getting some exercise into your life is to do it while you are watching television. You may find this to be the perfect opportunity to start developing healthy habits especially if you are limited on time.

Leisure television viewing provides a great opportunity to get in a decent workout. Most people generally sit or lie down to enjoy shows or movies on TV so why not do a little exercise instead? You will find that instead of snacking on potato chips and soda which most do while watching TV, you can do some exercise, workout those muscles, and then afterwards have a healthy snack and water.

An Easy Way To Workout and Lose Weight While You Are Watching Television

By doing this you will potentially prevent yourself from eating more than 500+ fat-riddled calories (if you usually snack while watching TV), plus take a step towards developing a healthier life by working out! That means you will burn 200-800 calories depending on the type and duration of the workout you do. Don't you think that is a much better way to spend your time while watching American Idol, the X Factor, or Two and a Half Men? You get entertainment and a workout both at the same time!

Here's how you can do it.

If you are watching a TV show or sporting event, you can choose to either do your exercise during the commercial breaks, or during the actual program. If you are watching a movie, you can breakup your workout into small 10-15 minute blocks. In other words, exercise while you are watching your movie for 10 minutes, take a short break, then repeat if you'd like.

In regards to the type of workouts you can do during your TV time, there are quite a number of options depending on your preference. There are calisthenic workouts, plyometrics, stretch band exercises, kettlebell workouts, even workouts using a stability ball. If you already have a routine that you would you like to do, ease into that one, or you can find a number of specific workouts that can be done right in front of the television by doing a simple Internet search.

If you would like a simple, straightforward, no equipment needed workout you can do while watching television, here are two for you to try out. Just be sure before you begin any exercise routine, check with your doctor for health clearance and be sure to warm up/stretch before starting any activity.

During Commercials Workout
1 set approx 3 minutes

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

30 Jumping Jacks
20 Squats
10 Pushups
30 Crunches
*stretch during the show
--
During Program Workout
1 set 8-10 minutes

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

30 Jumping Jacks
20 Alternating Lunges
10 Pushups
30 Crunches
30 Squats
10 Burpees
1 Minute Plank
*stretch for 2 minutes
repeat when comfortable

--

These simple, yet effective workouts are great to get you moving while your favorite programs are on. By developing this new workout routine, you can start changing your daily habits around especially if you are used to snacking on potato chips and soda while you watch television.

Weight Loss Smoothies

Being on a weight loss program has its ups and downs. One of those downs is eating the same foods over and over again.

 Sure, you may see results, but if you get bored with what you're doing, then the chances are better than average that you will stop dieting and go back to eating whatever you want. Before you give up, though, you may want to try some smoothies for weight loss. These will add variety to your diet, taste delicious, and will help you as you try to lose weight.

Smoothies and shakes are an ideal diet treat in the summer months because fresh produce is so plentiful and so are the weight loss smoothie recipes. However, with all of the frozen fruit available, you can enjoy tasty shakes and smoothies throughout the entire year. Frozen fruit tastes just about as good as fresh; add in some low fat yogurt, and the shake will have an even better taste and be more enjoyable.

Make sure you only drink healthy smoothies for weight loss and pay attention to the sugar content in the drink. One of the diet shake recipes that I like uses mandarin oranges, mango and ice. Then I add a scoop of protein powder and low fat yogurt. This makes a refreshing beverage that not only tastes good, but it will also fill your belly and help you lose weight at the same time. And for those times I just want to mix up something fast and go, I use the Acai Berry Smoothie Mix.

From time to time, when I want to mix things up, I will replace the yogurt with banana (sometimes I use both). Adding fruit juices is another way to give fresh flavor to your smoothies and weight loss drinks. For example, cranberry juice has positive health benefits for your kidneys. Add some cranberry juice, apple juice, blueberries, strawberries and banana together, then blend it until smooth. This makes an excellent breakfast drink and is a great way to start your day.

If you love the taste of chocolate, but can't eat it because it's too high in fat, then there is good news! You can add cocoa powder to your diet shake recipes. One good one is to mix cocoa powder, banana, low fat yogurt, honey and ice together. Now you can satisfy your chocolate craving without having to feel guilty about it. Of course you shouldn't drink a smoothie like this every day, but it makes for a nice change of pace that will help you stick to whatever diet plan you may be on. And there are plenty of weight loss shakes recipes and juicing recipes for weight loss for you to check out online.
While diet shake recipes and smoothies can be good for you.

 They are not the full solution to losing weight. If you are serious about shedding those excess pounds, then you need to do so from several different angles. You need to decrease your overall caloric intake. There are several ways to do this, but how you do it is less important than the fact that you're doing it. You also have to work on burning more calories. Again, doing it is what counts. You don't have to spend countless hours at the gym doing boring exercises. Just get moving and you will not only lose weight, but reduce body fat and even hit that stubborn belly fat.

Finally, feel free to experiment with diet shake recipes of your own. If you stick with low calorie foods, then the resulting shakes and smoothies should taste great and help you lose weight.