Month: January 2012

What’s in That Soda?

As I was researching soda and the affect on our bodies, I ran across a very shocking statistic.  Research shows that the average American drinks 239 gallons of soda per year!!  WOW!  In a 12 ounce can of coke there are 39 grams of sugar.  So what does this mean?  If you consume a can of coke you are literally “eating” the equivalent of 9 teaspoons of sugar / 3 tablespoons.  Pretty shocking huh?  For every 4 grams of sugar that ‘s the equivalent of 1 teaspoon of sugar.  Some sodas have more sugar than that.  No wonder it is so hard to break free from our addictions to sodas and sugary drinks.  Our bodies continue to crave more as we fill it with the caffeine and sugar.

So what do we do to break free from the sugar addiction from our drinks?  One thing is ~ WATER WATER WATER!  Your body will thank you for it.  So why is water important?  Take a look at this article: http://www.livestrong.com/article/78550-water-important-weight-loss/

So what are your struggles with your water intake?  Come on over to the forums and let’s discuss it or share your opinion online!

How to Measure

Not only is the number on the scale important, but your measurements are important too.  Sometimes during our weight loss journey, we will see the inches decrease before the number on the scale drops.  This often happens when you’ve been on your program for a while.  It can be very discouraging if you don’t see the scale number decreasing, but if you see the inches dropping – then you know you are moving in the right direction!  That’s why it’s important before you begin your program, to measure.

Start by wearing tight fitting clothing (or no clothing) and make a note of what you’re wearing so you know to wear the same clothes the next time you measure.  Grab your measuring tape, pen, and paper……here’s how to do it ~

  • Bust:  Measure around the chest right at the nipple line, but don’t pull the tape too tight.
  • Chest:  Measure just under your bust
  • Waist:  Measure a half-inch above your belly button or at the smallest part of your waist
  • Hips:  Place tape measure around the biggest part of your hips
  • Thighs:  Measure around the biggest part of each thigh
  • Calves:  Measure around the largest part of each calf
  • Upper arm:  Measure around the largest part of each arm above the elbow
  • Forearm:  Measure around the largest part of the arm below the elbow.

You will need to measure every four weeks and track your progress.  You will be amazed at how fast those inches will melt off of your body as you eat healthy and exercise!

We created a Body Measurement Chart for you to print so that you can track your progress.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

 

Making goals – NOT deadlines

Here’s something for you to chew on…..

Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting deadlines for your weight loss!  Instead focus on those small increments of weight loss or those small changes that you make.  If you go into any program saying, “I’m going to lose 100 pounds this year”, you may set yourself up for disappointment.

I believe it’s important to instead set small goals.  Focus on the first 5 or 10 pounds.  If you have a lot of weight to lose, it’s much more attainable when focusing on those first 5 or 10 pounds.  Take it from someone who knows!  We don’t all have the luxury (if you want to call it that!) of heading to the ranch on The Biggest Loser and dropping an astounding amount of weight in 12 weeks.

So, instead of focusing on a deadline, lets focus on a start date and stay determined to reach the goal, no matter how long it takes.  Join us in the forums or online and share your goals.

START OVER

If you have started out in pursuit of your goal
 And you have really tried with your heart and your soul,
But somehow things got out of control
START OVER.
When you have tried your best to do what you should
 And you thought this time that you surely would,
But once again, you did not do good
START OVER.
When you have worked so hard to follow a dieters way
And you fought to win a victory each day.
But one more time you went astray
START OVER.
When you have tried so hard to yourself to be true
And do the things that you know you should do,
But once again you failed to come through
START OVER.
When the road to success seemed much too long
And each temptation was oh so strong
 And once again you gave in to wrong
START OVER.
When you have told your friends what you planned to do
And trusted them to help you through
But soon discovered it is up to you
START OVER.
When you know you must be physically fit,
But your hope seems gone and you are stuck in a pit
That is not the time for you to quit
START OVER.
When the week seems long and successes few
 And at weigh in time you are feeling blue,
Remember tomorrow is just for you
START OVER.
To start again means a victory has been won
And starting over again means a race well run
And starting over again proves it can be done
So do not just sit there
START OVER.

Author Unknown

You Have the Time

I love watching The Doctor’s show.  I watched an episode recently which I thought was very good – check it out here:

http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_synopsis/928?section=synopsis

Weight loss and exercise goes hand in hand.  If you want to lose weight, you need to exercise. Please don’t tell me you don’t have time, that’s just an excuse.  Excuses do NOT lead to results. You must make time!  Nothing looks better or feels better than a toned lean body.

I personally love going to the gym now, but it wasn’t always that way. Sadly millions of Americans buy gym memberships and rarely go.   I sometimes have to go to the gym at 9pm when I would rather relax on the couch.  But, I make myself get up and go.  Thankfully my gym is 24 hr access – Thank you “The New You” of Blairsville!

Come on over to the forums and let’s discuss the priorities and time management, or comment online.

Searching for Something?

Are you looking for something and just can’t find it? Well, be sure to use our search feature in the toolbar at the top of the page. Just click on the magnifying glass, type in your search term , hit enter (or click the icon) and your results will be revealed. If you still can’t find the answer to what you’re looking for, contact us, and we will be happy to help.

How Much Information Should I Reveal?

Well, the answer to that is simple ~ no more than you feel comfortable with revealing. We are not going to ask anyone about their personal information from their address to their weight and display that publicly. We respect your privacy at all times. At the same time, you are free to reveal anything you like about yourself. However, we do want to remind all members that we do NOT run any type of background check on our members, so what you tell, if you ever meet anyone in person and any other activities are strictly at your own risk. Please see our complete Terms of Service Policy for all of the details.

Choosing a Screen Name

Choosing a screen name can be very important for any site. Screen names are often written in stone so to speak (or the database, in reality), so they are not easily changed. A screen name or log~in name must be unique for every user of a site. That means that if 2 people have the same first name and they both want to use their first name, then only the original user will get to choose that name.

This also brings up another good point, sometimes people want to use their real name and sometimes they want to make up a name or use a nick name. If you want to remain anonymous, then you should chose a screen name or username that is cute or funny (but not vulgar). Something like SkinnyMe or TheNewMe. Names like this will allow you to be more open without worrying about the wrong person reading your post and judging you. Whatever name you pick, we’re glad to have you on board!