EVOLVE AND DEVELOP INTO YOUR BEST SELF

Celebrity life coach Lauren Zander was recently quoted in the Experience Life magazine in her response to the question, “What are the biggest barriers to change?” Her response,

“I think being human is an amazing privilege”
and I think we are often really bad at it. People don’t know how to get unstuck.
They don’t understand that they’re a creation and a mystery, and that they can evolve and develop. It’s just not something we’re taught.”


So where does one start? With a vision, a dream, a goal, and tangible arrival point. So often we limit ourselves to what we think we can do rather than focusing on the possibilities of what might be if we just allow ourselves the freedom to go beyond our limits.

From a young age, we define ourselves as good or bad at certain characteristics. We label ourselves as intelligent if we are good at reading or we label ourselves as athletic if we are fast runners. Based on our experiences and how others describe us, we begin to set boundaries and limits for ourselves.

I see this most often in everyday women who come to me with the goal of losing weight. They see themselves as overweight, undisciplined, and inactive.

These women, however, get stuck in the thought process. They either assume they “are” or they “are not.”

But, being healthy and fit is merely a direct result of daily choices just as being unhealthy and unfit is a direct result of daily choices. It’s that simple.

Those who are flexible, stretch. Those who are strong, lift weights. Those who are full of energy, eat healthy food. Those who are hydrated, drink water. Anyone can stretch, lift, drink water or eat healthy. Change, therefore, is simply taking action in the same direction. Here’s a small exercise to help make my point.

  1. Take a piece of paper and divide it into three columns.

  2. In the far right, make a list of characteristics you consider required of your “best self.” They may include a thin waist, firm thighs, pretty skin, etc.

  3. In the middle column, write the equivalent action required. For example, you might write: lift weights with Sandy 3 times per week, follow nutrition plan, or do cardio 5 times per week.

  4. Then, in the left column, write behaviors and choices the directly impact the action in the middle column. For example, schedule other appointments around workouts with Sandy, pack the entire week’s meals in advance, or wake up at 6:00 am an exercise before work.

You see, your "BEST SELF" is simply including daily choices and actions that magnifying those characteristics you like. If you start doing the activities in the first column you automatically get the results in the last column. It’s inevitable.

I’d love your comments about thoughts that “get you stuck” or “hold you back” as well as the simple action that can set you free to become your best self.

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you

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ONE SIZE FITS ALL DIETING MYTH

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ONE SIZE FITS ALL DIETING MYTH

It seems like every time you open a magazine or get an email from your favorite blog, there is another diet-to-end-all-diets.  Guaranteed to make you lose pounds and inches just by eating potato chips and drinking martini’s all day (wishful thinking!).

The reality is this, fad diets don’t work and there is no such thing as one-diet-fits-all. 

No one person is the same. We have different hair color, eye color, some of us are tall, some are short. Some of us can eat mac-n-cheese several times a month and not put on a pound, some of us look at a brownie and gain a pound.  We also have different genes and family history. With all these differences, why do we think we can follow the same diet and get the same results?  If that were the case, I refer you back to the potato chip and martini diet and wish you the best of luck.

What is important in finding your diet sweet spot is first throwing out the term ‘diet’ and learning what works best for your body and your lifestyle.

Stop dieting

First and foremost, if you want to sculpt your body, lose body fat—and maintain—you have to ditch the word “diet” and understand you’re making a life-long change. If you work hard to get the body you want by following a healthy whole food plan, you can’t abandon your meal plan and expect to keep the weight off or continue to feel as good. When you’ve taken the time and patience to find the right food for your body, it is important to continue to incorporate that into your lifestyle.  

Lets take Keto as an example.  As you probably know, Keto means substantially limiting your intake of carbs, instead packing your daily menu with protein. If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight on Keto—after trying a more balanced approach of cleaning eating—that probably indicates your body doesn’t process or burn carbs and it would be best to stay on a low carb way of eating.

We’ve all heard the stories and probably know people who have lost weight but end up gaining it all back and then some. The reason is usually because you’ve approached it as a diet and now that you’ve hit your goal weight, you go back to eating the way you used to. The trick is to learn how to make what worked a permanent part of your life so it doesn’t feel like a permanent diet.

Listen to your body

There are some things you can’t know without blood work. Things like a Vitamin D deficiency or low testosterone (yes, this is a thing for women too).  However, even without having your blood work done, your body does give you signs and if you listen to them and keep track of them, these signs can be extremely helpful in finding your best way of eating.

You could be very sensitive to gluten and therefore your bloated frequently. Or maybe you live with recurring heartburn. Or you hit a wall everyday at 2:00 pm. These are all signs you can learn from and adjust your diet to subside symptoms.

This is where a food journal can be extremely helpful.  If you don’t already do it, it’s very simple to get started. Grab a notebook or download and app (there are tons for iOS and Android) and start tracking what and how much you eat.  When I say track, I mean track everything. Include notes about how you felt—your energy levels, any physical symptoms, your mental focus, etc.  While you’re working on understanding what is right for you, its important to include as much detail as possible so you can evaluate what might be giving you heartburn or causing your energy to tank in the afternoon. 

Once you’ve gotten into the habit of keeping a food journal, it becomes second nature and will help you stay on track.

Stick with it

If you’ve ever worked with me, you know I like to work with new clients for a minimum of six months.  If you’re just starting out on a new workout program, it takes time to see results.  And just as it takes time to see results from exercise, it takes time to dial in the right nutrition plan. I ask my clients to weigh in every week, but we also do pictures, measurements and body fat percentage every three weeks. I also create a new meal plan every three weeks.

The reason I do this is because everyone is different and it takes a consistent effort to understand what works for each person. 

Its important to realize it may take time, especially if you’ve never evaluated your diet, what works for you. Be patient.

Everyone cheats

Everyone enjoys a treat now and then. And sometimes, temptations get the best of us.  Its important to accept that just because you had something that wasn’t on your new healthy nutrition plan doesn’t mean you failed and you should give up. It means your human and you need to accept the hiccup, get back on track and focus on the next day.

Case study

I’ve worked with thousands of women and no two are the same. For instance, I have one client where we tried several different strategies. We started with the basics of eliminating gluten and dairy to see if those were causing the problem of eliminate body fat. Then we tried different versions of carb cycling, we tried higher protein and fats and lower complex carbs, nothing worked until we tried Keto, which is no carbs, and to our surprise the weight and body fat started dropping.

Another client would be able to have high carbs, and continued to lean up and change body composition just by staying on her whole food meal plan. But she couldn’t have any cheats or her body wouldn’t shed body fat. But then another client would be able to stay high carb and have 1 to 2 free meals every weekend and continued to lean up. 

No two bodies are the same and that’s why I encourage my clients to stick to the meal plans I give them so we can figure out what is working and what is not. The only way to figure these things out is to be precise, consistent and patient. 

You know the term “if you do the same things, you get the same results”, therefore, “if you want different results, you need to do something different”. 

Figuring the nutrition out for my clients is what I am great at. It takes the pressure off of them so they can live life and not worry about the details. After it is figured out I teach them how to track and design their own nutrition so they can continued to be successful. That’s the goal, so when my clients have completed their programs they know how to maintain for life. 

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Avoid The Festive 15

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Tips for staying on track during the holidays

Having the willpower to avoid the cookie aisle at the grocery store on a “normal” day is tough. Avoiding the aisle, end caps, and impressive displays during the holiday season, well, that requires superhuman strength. If you’ve ever been tempted to skip a glass and drink straight from a bowl of eggnog at your company holiday party, fear not. I have some suggestions you can follow to help avoid the dreaded Festive 15 lbs!

Eat Regularly – Every 3 Hours

Eating every three hours keeps blood sugar balanced and keeps you satisfied, so you don’t have cravings. I have found this to be one of the easiest ways of avoiding sugar craving. Especially before hitting the grocery store! I promise, if you eat before grocery shopping or heading to the holiday party, you will have zero cravings and more willpower to stay away from the cookie aisle or dessert trays. 

Don’t Bring Home Party Leftovers

There is no doubt some foods are better the next day, but that is not true for your waistline. Party leftovers can do you in, so avoid the temptation and take a pass when the host offers you a to-go container.

Morning Workout

Studies have shown that people who work out in the morning tend to move more throughout the day and resist food temptations. Even if you can’t workout in the morning, make sure it’s on your calendar for later in the day. Plan ahead and don’t go off schedule just because it’s the holidays. If you stay on your routine, you will be less tempted to veer off your meal plan. Stay on your schedule and empower yourself to succeed during the holidays without weight gain. 

Avoid The “I Won’t Eat Until The Party” Strategy

If you’ve ever skipped breakfast and lunch, you know that by the time dinner rolls around, you’re starving, and you end up eating twice as much as you would—or should—if you ate throughout the day. The same is true about skipping meals before a party. If you want to avoid the Festive 15, aim for the lean protein, vegetables, and non-processed carbs throughout the day. Set yourself up as a winner, and during the holiday party, you won’t overeat and will choose healthy items because your blood sugar will be balanced throughout the day. 

The 30-Second Rule

I’m not talking about the dropping-food-on-the-floor rule. I’m talking about the willpower 30-second rule. If the holiday cookies in the break room are calling your name, wait 30 seconds. Go back to your desk and check email or return a phone call. Better yet, go for a short walk around the office. Nine times out of 10, the cookie monster in your head will stop talking, and you’ll have the willpower to leave the cookies alone.

Weigh In

If you want to make sure you don’t pack on extra pounds, don’t ignore the scale during the holidays. It’ is just a tool for keeping you accountable, and it’s an easy way to make sure you’re staying on track and not going to need a diet-related New Year’s Resolution.

Buffet Gauntlet

We’ve all done it. You pick up a plate at the start of a buffet, and halfway through the line, your plate is already full of things you’re not even sure you wanted. Instead of filling up with a taste of everything, have a look at the entire buffet before you get in line and decide what’s really worth the splurge. For example, try sticking to lean proteins and veggies and give yourself one splurge in the dessert section. 

Don’t Drink Your Calories

If you want to enjoy a glass of wine or holiday cocktail, keep it to a minimum and drink plenty of water. Aside from having to suffer through a hangover the next morning, mixed drinks pack a calorie punch—stay away from juices and syrupy mixers. Drinking alcohol also increases cravings, which means you’re more likely to eat more.

Holiday Activities Instead Of Holiday Dinners

I’m not trying to be the grinch when it comes to holiday parties, but there are tons of fun holiday activities you can do with family and friends that don’t include food as the centerpiece. Here are a few ideas; take a yoga class, go for a snowshoe hike, build a snowman outside with the kids, apply for a permit, and hike to cut down a Christmas tree. 

Don’t Throw In The Towel

If all else fails and you’re worried you have indulged a little too much, don’t give up and give in to the New Year’s Resolution. Getting back on track the next day is as easy as kicking off your day with a good workout and a healthy breakfast. Don’t throw in the towel and give in for the rest of the season. Remember, the extra pounds do not go away as easy as the holiday decorations.

GET SEXY TONED SHOULDERS

GET SEXY, TONED SHOULDERS

FULL GYM SHOULDER WORKOUT

Before starting any weight training always warm-up on a treadmill or elliptical for 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure your shoulders are warm before starting by using with a lighter weight and performing at least 15 reps. Increase your weight on your beginning set. Always watch yourself in the mirror for proper form. 

Shoulder Workout

1. Combo: Incline face down reverse d-bell flies with d-bell front raise
    3-4 sets of 10 reps each

2. Incline bench side d-bell lateral raise
    3-4 sets of 10 reps each side

3. Sitting single d-bell overhead press
     3-4 sets of 10-12 reps each side

4. Standing plate upright rows
    3-4 sets of 12-15 reps

Alway check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

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Sandy :)

BEGINNERS - FIRST STEPS TO EXERCISING

Getting fit! Becoming the best version of you! FINALLY having a booty! It all sounds awesome, but it can also all sound terribly intimidating. There are a lot of steps in the process of meeting your fitness goals; and it’s not just about getting to the goal. It’s about a total lifestyle overhaul. You’re not just committing to going to the gym three days a week. You’re making a promise to yourself to make healthy decisions everyday.

But accomplishing all of this can actually be a lot easier than it sounds… depending on how committed you are to making a genuine change in your life. So, if you’re committed, read on!

It’s understandable that everyone has to start somewhere so if you’re a total beginner here are a few tricks to make getting fit a little less scary and a little more fun:

Girl_In_Gym_Fotosearch_k23905848.jpg

  • Accountability Buddy: You don’t have to go it alone. Grab your best friend, your sister, or a trainer to go through the journey with you, so you have a cheerleader when things get tough and to hold each other accountable. Having a plan is number one, therefore after every workout, as your stretching, strategize your next workout, when, where and what you will train. Having a trainer, on the other hand keeps you accountable, on your toes and encourages you to get that last rep in. Because they know you can do it, and will remind you that you know you can do it too. 

  • Don’t Go Cold Turkey: Let’s talk about food. If you’re a beginner, we’re talking SUPER beginner, the food might be your biggest hurdle. Start simple by cutting out processed foods, like frozen dinners and/or dinners from a box. In place of those things add in whole foods, such as lean meat like chicken or fish, fresh in season veggies, and healthy carbs such as brown rice or sweet potatoes. Do that for a week or two and then cut out something else, like pop. You can do this by cutting in half what you normally drink for 3-4 days and then cutting that in half, and so on. The good news is, you don’t have to give up french fries, ice cream, or your favorite guilty pleasure all together right away, but saving those things for a free meal on the weekend will help you reach your goal much quicker.

  • Be Gentle With Yourself: Goal setting is a big part of understanding your fitness journey. You can use your goals to track progress and set benchmarks. However, it’s important to set goals that are realistic. People are different genetically and their bodies will respond to fitness as such. In other words, if you’re of Scandinavian descent don’t make your goal booty that of a naturally curvy Latina. Some things just aren’t physically possible. So, by all means reach for the stars but don’t reach for something impossible that may only leave you disappointed and feeling needlessly discouraged. Setting weekly goals to get to the gym and start eating clean whole foods are more attainable, and will help you reach your long term goals. Do what is needed on a daily basis will take the overwhelm out of the whole process.

  • Tracking/Journaling: It’s important to know what you have done and where you are going. Don’t be blind in the process and progress. Have a tracking journal or phone app where you can write what exercises you have done, what weight and how many reps. That way when you go the gym next time you will know your weights and reps and therefore, push yourself, and also pat yourself on the back as your strength and weight increases. Just has important is journaling your mood, water, sleep, calories, weight or body fat. Keeping track of all these things is higher knowledge when you have hit a plateau and you need to changes things up.  

  • Make An Investment: Being healthy is an investment, in YOU! It’s a lifestyle investment. You are worth the investment so take the time needed to plan your meals, your workouts, stretching, etc. Love yourself enough to take the time to invest in your health so you don’t have to pay for it later in life. Meaning in medication, doctors, being sick, unable to play with grandchildren, and unable to be active with friends, etc.

These are some simple strategies to help get you started on your fitness journey. If you need more guidance and support you might consider signing up for the 12 week Fit & Ageless weight loss program. 

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Meditation, Yoga, and Aging

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No matter how old you are and what healthy habits you have, meditation and yoga are great additions to a healthier and longer life. Both are ancient practices that can provide health benefits in many ways. Tai Chi, among other healing arts, can help in slowing down the aging process. Thus, both meditation and yoga are simple techniques that should be practiced on a daily basis in order to attain a youthful and healthy lifestyle. 

People have been meditating for thousands of years. But while the practice is not new, science is just catching up to its benefits. Recent studies show meditation and mindfulness can have a positive impact on stress, anxiety, focus, creativity and even relationships. The calming benefits of meditation are helpful in keeping the mind from wandering while also reducing stress. Here are some amazing benefits of meditation:

 

1.      Lowers stress and anxiety

The discipline of meditating can lead to an increase of positive thoughts in the brain and lower susceptibility to stress. Meditation is not only associated with feeling less stressed, but it’s also linked with decreased levels of stress hormone cortisol. 

2.      Changes the brain

A meditation technique can actually result in brain changes that may be protective against mental illness. The meditation practice was linked with increased signaling connections in the brain, called axonal density, as well as increased protective tissue (myelin) around the axons in the anterior cingulate brain region.

3.      Lowers depression

Those who are at especially high risk for depression may benefit from some mindfulness meditation. Teaching people of all ages how to practice mindfulness on a daily basis could help them experience less stress, anxiety and depression.

4.      Supports your weight-loss goals

Trying to shed a few pounds to get to a healthier weight? Mindfulness could be your best friend. Meditation training was considered an “excellent” or “good” strategy for weight loss by seven out of 10 psychologists in one related survey.

5.      Helps you sleep better

Meditation can not only help us better control our emotions and moods, but it can also help us sleep better at night. People who reported higher levels of mindfulness described better control over their emotions and behaviors during the day. In addition, higher mindfulness was associated with lower activation at bedtime, which could have benefits for sleep quality and future ability to manage stress.

Meditation

Yoga, on the other hand, is said to be more physical than spiritual. The practice can involve breathing meditation and some consider it to be a spiritual discipline as well. Despite living in times when scientific medicine was not as developed as today, many yogis have lived past 100 years of age. Yogis have been incredibly healthy individuals who were in better shape at age 80 than many people at age 40, which only proves beneficial effects of yoga. The regular exercise that yoga practice provides helps maintain muscle strength as well as bone density, flexibility of the joints and balance. Yoga exercises can also improve respiratory and circulatory health while reducing stress and anxiety. Spending an hour a day on yoga is sure to promote a healthier life.

Meditation and yoga are simple practices that should be essential part of your daily routine. The best times to meditate are first thing in the morning and just before you go to bed at night. Prepare to start the day with calm self and clear thoughts. At night, relax and anticipate a good night’s rest. Incorporate these highly beneficial techniques and you’ll see the results in no time. 

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you

Whole Food Nutrition Plan

Are you eager to turn back the clock on aging? Would you like to find a natural way to look your best without turning to plastic surgery?

Slowing down aging in your body starts with what you eat and drink on a daily basis. If you eat lots of processed low-nutrient foods, and sugar-filled or artificially sweetened beverages, your skin, hair, and nails will reflect these choices. Anti-aging foods will provide you with the all good nutrition you need to slow down the aging process. When you eat real foods with key anti-aging nutrients, you become healthy on the inside which is reflected on the outside by an outer glow of vibrant health that everyone will notice. Organic whole foods which contain the following key nutrients are the best choices for fighting the aging process. 

That’s why you should follow nutrition plan loaded with whole foods that will reverse aging. These foods are all packed with anti-aging properties. If you stick to these foods, not only will you look younger, but you will also be fit. You can follow nutrition plan that is set for a month in order to learn how to incorporate all these healthy foods into your diet. You will need to prep your food once a week for maximum success and make sure to follow each plan for one week. Make sure you have a digital scale to weigh your foods and remember that good and timely organization is the key to success.

Breakfast

Probably the best way to stay energized later in the day is to treat yourself to a super healthy breakfast! This will definitely give you energy, satisfy your appetite, and give you the best possible start of the day. You can start your day with a healthy and light breakfast that will include: 

● 4 egg whites with 1 yolk

● 2 white corn tortillas

● 1/3 avocado

● 2 Tbsp salsa

 
Lunch – Sandwich

Ah, the lunchbox. Sometimes you may face real challenges when thinking about the midday meal. There’s a high chance you want healthy options that keep you full enough to stay away from the vending machine come mid-afternoon, and won't leave you raiding the pantry a couple of hours later. So, here is an idea for a super healthy lunch that will satisfy your appetite and make you feel good at the same time.

● 2 slices toasted Ezekiel bread

● 3 oz Tuna (rinsed if from a can)

● Lettuce and tomato

● 1 Tbsp mustard

Dinner

You’ve tried to think of a nutritious dinner plan many times and you always fail to stick to it. But, that’s about to change. So, here is an example of nutritious dinner that is all about making weeknight meals a little easier, without giving up any of the big, bold flavors that make cooking and eating so fun.

● 4 oz fish of your choice

● ¾ cup quinoa or brown rice

● 1 cup chopped sautéed veggies of your choice mixed in with quinoa

Snack

What you eat between meals matters more than you think. These choices boost your metabolism and help you lose weight fast. Here are some snack choices you can combine between regular meals.

● ¼ cup almonds

● 25-gram protein shake blended

● with one cup unsweetened almond milk

If you're going to bulk up, lose fat, or stay healthy, you'll also need a goal-specific nutritious plan to get results. With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just one month. Make sure to follow this nutritious plan that includes super healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as snacks and the results will speak for themselves!

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you

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WHY EXERCISE RECOVERY DAYS ARE NECESSARY

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If you’re a fitness addict or even just super motivated to create your dream body, it can be easy to over do it at the gym. Rest days are just as important as the days you train. Not giving your body planned recovery days could turn into fatigue, pain in your muscles and joints, headaches or insomnia, muscle injury, and much more. Overtraining actually works against you and might end up setting you back in the long run. We salute your dive and dedication but being dedicated to having a healthy body and achieving your fitness goals encompasses more than killing yourself at the gym. Recognize and respect the importance of rest + recovery.

Woman doing yoga

Next time you’re mapping out your fitness schedule by yourself or with a trainer make it a priority to schedule rest days as part of the plan. Still not sure? Here are a few reasons why recovery days are an essential part of your fitness journey:

  • Muscle Repair - While working out you’re essentially breaking down muscle tissue. After your workout, your body repairs and replaces damaged muscle fibers through a cellular process where it fuses muscle fibers together to form new muscle protein strands. Therefore, planning 1-2 days off a week will give your body the recovery it needs for repair. For instance, one way to do this is to break it up during the week by taking Wednesday’s and Sunday’s off. Some like to get their training completed during the week and then taking the weekend off to be with their families. Choose what is best for your lifestyle and schedule. Give your body and muscles a chance to recover and go through the healing process that builds new muscle fibers and ultimately sculpts the body you’re working toward.

  • Meal Prep Time - In today’s fast paced world it’s necessary to plan time to get everything done. Look at your days off as an opportunity to be productive on the food front. Food is just as important, if not more, as the time you put in at the gym, and making sure meals are on point is crucial. Schedule it on your calendar and use your days off to prep your meals in advance. Be prepared no matter what comes at you during the week, you can grab your tupperware and go. You can also use that extra day off to re-evaluate your meal plan all together. What’s working, what’s not? Looking at your nutrients and how your body is being impacted by them is a great way to put your rest day to work to meet your fitness goals.

  • Mental Check-In - Your mind set also plays a huge role in your results and overall experience as you journey your way to your fitness goals. Ever heard of coaches urging their players to “have their head in the game?” well, if you’re not mentally there it’s not going to yield the results you want. Take rest days as the opportunity to seriously check in with yourself spiritually, emotionally, and truthfully. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you need an accountability partner?

Figure out what you need to do for YOU so you can succeed and feel positive about yourself right now and tomorrow. A balanced schedule with days scheduled off will help you focus on the things that will keep you on track while on your training days. 

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Foods That Make You Age and Foods That Stop the Aging Process

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What you eat affects you for better or worse.

You must have heard that sentence many times. And it really is true! What we eat and how we take care of our body will affect the way we feel and function on a daily basis. Aging is a normal part of the life process, but some foods are actually making you grow old faster. While a few indulgences won’t age you overnight, a continuously poor diet can accelerate the aging process over time. So, here is a list of some foods to consume in moderation in order to look as young as you feel.

1.      Sugar

Sugar is the number one food to avoid if you’re looking to slow down the aging process. Among all other bad things that it does to your body, sugar damages your skin’s collagen, a protein that keeps skin youthful and firm. Sugar as well as artificial sweetener will cause you to crave more sweets. As a result, too many sweets can damage your skin’s collagen, because of its inflammatory response. Unsurprisingly, too much sweet stuff is also bad for your smile. It doesn’t only increase the risk of cavities, but the phosphoric and citric acids in soft drinks, along with the huge amounts of acidic sugar will wear down tooth enamel. 

2.      Charred Meat

Charred meats contain pro-inflammatory hydrocarbons that damage the collagen in your skin.  Research shows AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products) absorbed into our bodies and when there’s too many of them, they can cause wrinkles and sagging skin because they damage collagen and elastin, which keep skin looking youthful. 

Charred meat also use up vitamin C, which is central to collagen formation. This, altogether, speeds up the aging process.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2167317/Is-BBQ-ageing-Why-delicious-char-grilled-food-giving-wrinkles.html#ixzz4NJeG9imU
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3.      Salt

Your body needs salt but over salting is a big NO if you want to slow down the aging process. It is widely known that prepackaged frozen foods are high in sodium that dehydrates the body and make you retain water, as well as cause so-called puffy look. 

4.      Alcohol

The ultimate dehydrator - alcohol also robs our bodies of B vitamins, as well as vitamins A and C, which are vital for youthful skin and overall health. Excessive alcohol completely exhausts minerals including magnesium and zinc, as well as essential fatty acids, all of which are needed to slow down the onset of premature ageing.

5.      Fried Food

Trans fats and hydrogenated fats are damaged fats that can be found in fast foods as well as deep fried foods. They reduce the fluidity of your cells, burden the liver and add to inflammation, thus resulting in ageing. They also contribute to damaging the collagen in the skin, making it look

 

On the other hand, foods that contain a rich source of nutrients will significantly slow down the aging process. Commonly called “Nutrient dense” foods are not processed and do not contain artificial or synthetic ingredients. Here are few examples of healthy and nutrient rich foods.

1.     Green vegetables

Green vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli are responsible for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. They are high in fiber and rich in essential nutrients.

2.      Blueberries and raspberries

They are very rich in antioxidants which have the ability to neutralize free radicals and help prevent cell damage. Antioxidants in blueberries also protect against inflammation, thought to be a leading factor in brain aging, Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative diseases.

3.      Nuts

Being rich in omega fatty acids, nuts are a perfect age fighting food. To add to that, nuts can strengthen your immune system due to their rich mineral count. 

4.      Fish

Fish is a food of excellent nutritional value, providing high quality protein and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and D, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and iodine in marine fish. It’s rich in fatty acids, which suppresses the discomfort of chronic inflammation. A proper amount of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, enhance the feeling of well-being.

While you can’t stop aging, you definitely can, slow it down. The first step toward good health is eating right. What we eat influences how we feel, so make sure to incorporate foods rich in antioxidants and healthy proteins in your diet and start living healthy!

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you

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4 Cheats To Make Going to the Gym Easier

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Getting your butt to the gym isn’t always the easiest thing in the world. Sometimes the gym feels like it’s all the way in Narnia and getting there is beyond what you have left to give that day. It’s totally understandable… everyone has been there. But rest assured that over time it gets easier. Eventually seeing results becomes an addiction and the gym will be the best part of your day. But, we know that isn’t where people start. Generally most start out at the “the gym sounds far and hard” place. So here are 4 cheats to make going to the gym and working out easier:

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1. Affirm: Positive thinking can help you out during your journey. Which is why maintaining a positive attitude through the gains, drops and plateaus is essential. Ways to keep a positive attitude include: Writing down 3 positive affirmations about how you will benefit from your workout. For example, “I can handle any situation better after a good workout”, “I know every time I workout it will get easier”, “If I workout my health will get better and I will have more energy”.

Vision boards are another way to reinforce where you want to be. Support from friends and family will also help. Just remember to be gentle with yourself, we all have bad days. But don’t let the excuses stop your progress. Consistency is what will make the changes. Simply move forward and don’t give up.

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2. Reward Yourself: In order to train new behaviors we give our pets treats for a job well done. If you do well at work you get a raise. Good habits are always rewarded; and that makes you want to work harder and keep doing whatever got you the reward in the first place. So, use this age old tactic to build some positive habits of your own. Reward yourself in little ways every day, and in bigger ways every week, and even bigger ways every month. And, eventually it will become a positive habit. If you went to the gym that day give yourself an extra five minutes in the shower, if you went several times that week buy that new dress you had your eye on. And, if you were REALLY good for a year, take that dream vacation you’ve always wanted to go on… and look great on the beach!

3. Go With A Friend: Now it’s not just about you anymore. You’ve made a plan, a commitment to another person. That means you can’t back out, bailing isn’t really an option, and excuses are out the window. You wouldn’t want to disappoint a friend, right? Going with a friend creates a sense of accountability that’s beyond you and your desire to skip a workout. It’s about spending time with someone you care about; helping each other be the best version of yourselves you can be!

4. Switch It Up: Here you go again on your own, to the treadmill. Day in and day out. Variety is the spice of life, sister! Switching up your workout or trying something new is a great way to keep yourself motivated and start looking forward to a new workout. To continue to improve you will need to change things up every 4 to 6 weeks. That’s the amount of time the body starts to plateau. Plan on creating a new workout every 4 weeks.  

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The Benefits of Weight Training For Women

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Exercising is extremely important for women, because the benefits far outweigh any other form of long-term weight-loss or ways to lead a healthy lifestyle. 

Weight training reason #1: Loss of body fat and increased muscle. Lean muscle increased metabolism, which in return keeps you lean.

Weight training reason #2: Decreases the risk of osteoporosis by increasing bone density.

Weight training reason #3: Helps you gain strength so you can stay active for a better quality of life.

Weight training reason #4: A strong body helps reduce the risk of injury and/or falls later in life. 

Weight training reason #5: Strengthens core and back to help reduce back pain and improves posture. A strong back helps keep shoulders back for proper posture as your age. 

Weight training reason #6: Research shows it can reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol, increasing good cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. Research also indicates that weight training may reduces the risk of diabetes because it improves the way the body processes sugar, according to Dr. Barry A. Franklin, of William Beaumont Hospital.

Weight training reason #7: Improves attitude, mood and reduces stress and depression.

Regular workouts are beneficial for your body in many ways and should be a part of your daily routine. Before you start exercising, it is essential to make a workout plan and choose workouts that are appropriate for your level. However, many women don’t have a slightest idea, which exercises to choose, and how to perform them.

Below are some example exercise programs that include all the main body parts. These are simple exercises that you can do at home, while on a vacation or with friends, basically anywhere. But, before you start any training program, make sure you do an active warm up for 5-10 minutes and always check with your doctor before starting any new workout program.

Arms

Next to six-pack abs, one of the most attractive body parts is the arms. Being a workout pro or a beginner, it is that muscle group that almost every woman wants to perfect. There are many arm exercises that are great for both biceps and triceps. One of them is the exercise called standing bicep curls. In order to do this exercise you should choose a band, d-bells or barbell where you can get 12-15 reps with each set. All you have to do is stand with a band under both feet, keep knees slightly bent, core tight and chest lifted. Then, grip the handles and start doing a bicep curl. Squeeze your biceps and then lower holding the resistance for a count of three, repeat 12-15 times. After incorporating this arm exercise into your workout routine, you’ll be able to see a difference. 

Back and Chest

A strong and firm back creates beautiful posture. Who wouldn’t want that? With a few simple back and chest exercises, you’ll no longer be dreaming of it. An exercise called sitting rows will help you acquire that. All you have to do is sit on the floor with your legs straight, core tight and chest lifted. Grip the handles and start doing a row. You should keep the elbows close to the body for a better effect and repeat the exercise 12-15 times. For a beautiful and firm chest you can do an exercise that involves pushups on feet or knees. 

Shoulders

Want to take your shoulders to the next level? An exercise called Upright Rows will help you with that. The instructions are very clear and straightforward. Stand with the band under both feet, with your knees slightly bent, core tight and chest lifted. Then, cross the bands so you are holding them in opposite hands. Start doing an upright row by lifting with elbows first. Remember to bring the elbows to shoulder height so there is no shoulder impingement. You should repeat the exercise 12-15 times with every set.

Legs & Booty

Great legs and booty are the essence of a perfect physique. If you’ve been struggling to find an appropriate exercise for legs, here’s a perfect one. It’s called Squatted Band Walks and all you have to do is sit back on your heels in a squat position, keeping your chest lifted. With the left side being first, take a big step out to the side. Keeping the resistance tight in the band, continue until you reach 15-20 reps and then change the direction. So simple and yet so efficient!

Abs

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Oh, the abs. You don’t have to work your abs to exhaustion before you can carve out your abs. Instead, you can try out a few simple exercises that will get your abs to pop. There’s a really great one with a 6-8 lb. medicine ball and it goes like this – lie on the floor face up, put the ball between your legs. Bring your legs up meeting your hands and reach with the ball in your hands overhead while the legs go back down to the floor. You will find this exercise will do miracles!

Keeping your body fit can be challenging sometimes. However, these few simple exercises will help you get the physique you always wanted. You can even make an exercise plan and perform these body part workouts in 4 separate days. Grab a medicine ball, band, d-bells or barbell, always remember to warm up and you’re ready for some action. Your body will thank you later.

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you

Where the Mind Goes, the Body Follows

Where the mind goes, the body follows.

To achieve your fitness goals, making a lifestyle change is a must. However, this can be more difficult than we think. We must approach things differently to make a change, and I feel a mind transformation will create continued success. Like most decisions that are worthwhile, having a positive outlook changes all the possibility of success.

Here a helpful tips to guide you in your weight-loss journey.

 

 

1.      SUPPORT SYSTEM:
You don’t have to go on the journey alone. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to make positive changes. Your new, chosen lifestyle involves eating healthy and staying active. Thus the need to avoid people who influence you to stray from your diet plan or skip activities that help you stay fit.

2.      GET SPECIFIC:
Take the guesswork out of your progress by getting into the details and tracking your macronutrients. Make a list of foods to avoid; those that will not help you lose the body fat required to be healthy. Aside from tracking your macronutrients, be specific and determined when making your shopping list and meal plans. The same goes with your fitness or workout routine. When setting goals. set the time it will take you to achieve them as well.

3.      FACING A BIGGER PROBLEM:
Your choice to lead a more fit and healthy lifestyle is not a means for you to run away from your past. Decide to break the hold of a deeper issue. You have to resolve what happened in the past within yourself in order to move forward. Face issues that are holding you back so you can achieve what you are truly capable of. If you are having difficulty doing this on your own, consult a therapist or even a hypnotherapist.

4.      VERBAL POSITIVITY:
Surround yourself with positive affirmations. Believing that you can do what you set your heart to, is the first step in achieving your goals. Continue this positive streak, and you are more than halfway there.
Thinking negative thoughts is counterproductive. Realizing what goes on in your head is the first step in taking charge of your mind.
 
Occasionally, negative thoughts will creep through. Try to be aware of these times, and the things that trigger it. Take a journal with you and write these negative thoughts down. Do this for at least five days. At the end of which, read the entries you have written and replace them with positive ones. 
 
The body follows where the mind goes. 
 
The next time you find yourself thinking or saying negative things, stop yourself. After doing this repeatedly, the negative statements and feelings will be taken over by positive ones.
 
Pretty soon your life will fall in line with the positive thoughts you are saying, and good things will happen.

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you

  

5 HABITS OF ENERGETIC PEOPLE

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You know the kind of people who always seem to have boundless amounts of energy? Those who glow with vivaciousness? Those kinds of people have a few behavior habits in common that help them stay on top of their energetic game. It can be easy to assume they were born that way, and some were, but others have to work for high energy levels; for that beautiful breezy blush. Here are the secrets to putting an extra spring in your step (or another rep in your set!)

  1. Drink Your Water - Our bodies are made up of 55% water (or more based on gender) which is why it’s essential to hydrate. Your body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions. And, one of those bodily functions is how energetic you look and feel. Some tricks to drink more water include: carry a gallon of water with you wherever you go. Invest in one of those fancy water bottles that automatically monitors how much you’ve had to drink that day. Find a water bottle with a motivational saying on it and bring it with you wherever you go.

  2. Eat Regular Meals - Skipping a meal means not fueling your body to perform at optimum energy levels. Additionally, it slows down your metabolism which encourages your body to gain extra weight. Some tricks to make every meal include: taking your food with you in tupperware wherever you go.

  3. Get Enough Sleep - Falling short on your sleep goals spells exhaustion, mind fog, and more the next day. Being vivacious isn’t easy if you’re continually running off of only a few hours of sleep a night. Give yourself a bedtime and stick to it with regularity to feel more energized on the daily. Tips to get more sleep include: setting an alarm on your phone for bedtime and having a rule no TV or computer pasted 9:00pm.

  4. Stay Positive - Laughter is the best medicine! No, really, it creates national endorphins that help your mood. But, we can’t be laughing all the time, and life can throw some serious curve balls. Learning how to keep our head above water is a wonderful life skill to hone. So to keep up with a positive attitude here are a few tips: write down positive affirmations, spend time with positive people, laugh more, and listen to positive music.

  5. They set realistic expectations with themselves and others - You’re going to feel totally drained if you’re continually trying to meet expectations that are above your capabilities or that you plain just don’t want to. Or, that aren’t fair to you that others have demanded. Say “no” to unrealistic expectations and “yes” to your own health. Say “yes” to giving yourself permission for stillness that empowers your soul.

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BENEFITS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

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Food is more than fuel to power your next workout. It’s how you maintain the parts of your body that keep daily life working like a well oiled machine. There are some foods that have incredible healing abilities should your body stop functioning properly. One of these is Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. Make sure you are buying organic raw unfiltered. As the name suggests, apple cider vinegar is a specific type of vinegar made by distilling apples. From effectively treating ulcers to minimizing the symptoms of acid reflux disease, this liquid can pack a real punch in advocating for your health. Here are just a few reasons you should put Apple Cider Vinegar in your daily diet:

  1. Detox For Your Body - This vinegar acts as a liver and lymphatic tonic. We put our livers through a lot, (especially if you’re a drinker) and though the liver naturally detoxes your system it won’t work as effectively if it becomes damaged or hindered in any manner. That’s where the vinegar comes in to ensure the body is removing toxins properly by aiding the liver.

  2. Regulate Your Body’s pH - Being balanced is a big deal; both mentally and physically. Your pH is responsible for a lot of the balance that chemically works through your system. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which is acidic in nature but has a more alkaline effect on the rest of your body. Which is a fancy way of saying it helps keep your pH balanced. Thus brings down the likeliness of cancer and dramatically increases your energy.

  3. Can Support Weight Loss - Many studies have shown that Apple Cider Vinegar could potentially help with weight loss; as for the exact reason why, we don’t know. It could be because of a reduction in sugar cravings. And, when you cut out sugar you cut out some fat! Additionally, Apple Cider Vinegar improves detoxification. For weight-loss use 1-2 Tbsp plus 8 oz water and drink before meals 3 times a day.

Here are a few recipes to make adding Apple Cider Vinegar to your diet easy:

Secret Detox Drink Recipe’s from Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/recipe/secret-detox-drink/

Feeling Bloated? Here’s a great recipe: http://betsylife.com/beat-bloat-apple-cider-vinegar/

If you’re passionate about taking your health and fitness to the next level but aren’t sure where to start, send me a message for a FREE consultation. You can save 10% by mentioning you found me through this article.

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Minimizing the Effects of Aging

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It’s true that when it comes to age, we can’t stop the numbers from adding up. But age is more than just a number. Age is how our bodies and minds respond to the passing of time. Fortunately through research, they have found ways to slow down the process of aging and optimize youthfulness.

The process of un-aging is simple if we follow the do’s and avoid the don’ts. If we are determined to lead a better life through maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we also have to maintain a positive outlook.

The Do’s of Un-aging:
 Do limit sweets.
 Do eat more vegetables.
 Do take time off or breaks.
 Do have sex.
 Do take the recommended daily dosage of Vitamin D3.

 

Limit Sweets
Let’s be truthful and say that we all know that excess sugar is harmful. Why exactly? Research shows that excess sugar counteracts essential proteins in our bodies. The buildup of abnormal proteins contributes to wrinkles and energy loss. Therefore, excess sugar can make us look and feel old, which is what most of us want to avoid.

Eat more vegetables
Vegetables are 95% water and contain phytonutrients and Vitamin C. The effects of which are unlike excess sugar, in fact quite the opposite, these help hydrate cells and reduce wrinkles. Phytonutrients guard against premature aging by preventing cell damage from stress and environmental toxins. Integrating more greens into your diet can do a lot of good as it can protect your bones, prevent
bloating, and reduce stress.

Take time off or breaks
Time off or taking breaks during the day are a means of reducing stress. High stress levels affects our health by making it difficult to lose body fat and makes us look and feel older. Make sure it's on your schedule to take a 20 minute nap, meditate or take a long bubble bath. If you don't plan it, it won't happen.

Have Sex
Studies suggest that those who orgasm at least twice a week live longer than anyone else. Sex gives you a Zen feeling that you otherwise cannot find throughout your day. Making love releases a variety of stress-relieving hormones similar to a workout.

Make sure to have the recommended amount of Vitamin D3. Studies show that women who have higher levels of Vitamin D have longer telomeres. These are protective caps at the end of your chromosomes, and are considered an excellent marker for aging. So the longer the telomeres, the younger the cells are.

By following the above suggestions, it is easy to determine the don’ts. The process of un-aging requires having balance in vital elements of your body. Namely,
 Your brain
 Hormone levels
 Body fat

Brain Exercises
Research shows that using your brain keeps your synapses firing. Synapses are tiny gaps across which a nerve cell can send an impulse to another nerve cell. When all synapses are firing, you become more focused and your mind feels electric. Challenge your mind by increasing brain activity. Challenge your mind by paying close attention to your reading list or learn new things.

Hormone levels
Hormones are chemical messengers that keep your body working properly. They regulate your metabolism, sexual reproduction, and immune function. Hormone levels decline as we age and manifest symptoms such as: feelings of sluggishness and fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and decreased sex drive. Keep your hormone levels in check by getting regular checkups and your blood workup done by a bio-identical hormone doctor. Remember that the quality of our life does not have to decline as we age. Checking your hormones regularly will help you feel energetic and excited about life again.

Body Fat
The average woman is expected to have a body fat range of 17% and 24% to be considered healthy. A weighing scale does not determine one’s body fat, though there are effective means to do so. These are: Dexa scan. Bod Pod, Hydrostatic, Plethysmography, Calipers. It is important that we measure body fat because it is the most accurate means to determine how healthy you are. Those who are high
in body fat are at risk for high blood pressure, cancer, and other cardiovascular diseases.

The secret to un-aging is not a miracle drug or a machine that takes you back in time, where you can undo what the passing years have done to your body and mind.

The fourth secret is to minimize the effects of un-aging by following tips and lessons learned from years of research and work done by professionals in the field of health and fitness. The path to a youthful and healthy future is achievable. Always maintain a positive outlook and know that by following the guidelines set, you can look forward to a youthful and better you.

BICEPS & TRICEPS WORKOUT

BICEPS & TRICEPS WORKOUT - SUPERSET

There's nothing better than a nice set of arms to show off in your tank top or cute sleeveless dress. You can get firm arms faster by supersetting biceps and triceps. Superset means you do two exercises for different muscle groups; for example, one for biceps and one for triceps. Do them back to back and then take a 30 second rest and repeat for 3-4 sets with 12-15 reps. 

Here is an example workout for you to follow: 4 exercises total

1. Incline barbell curls 12-15 reps.  Superset with Bench Dips 12-15 reps. Repeat 3 times

2. Concentration curls 12-15 reps. Superset with Single D-bell Kickbacks 12-15 reps each side. 

3. If you are more intermediate add another two exercises: Incline Supinated D-bell curls 12-15 reps. Superset with D-bell Overhead Triceps extensions 12-15 reps.

4. If you are move advanced add a fourth set: Standing biceps cable curls 10-12 reps. Superset with Cable triceps press down 10-12 reps. 

I hope you enjoy this workout! Let me know how you like it!

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Aging is Optional

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Aging is a natural process and each and every one of us will have to deal with it at some point in our life. However, you can slow the process! Here are 6 bad habits I recommend avoiding or significantly reducing in your life so you can slow the process:

6 Bad Habits that Speed Up the Aging Process

1. Lack of Sleep
Most adults do not get the recommended eight hours of sleep each night. In fact, many of us get only half of that per night. Obviously this not only influences your energy levels the next day, but sleeping less than six hours per night significantly contributes to high levels of inflammatory proteins which increase the process of aging.

2. Drinking and Smoking
These two habits are probably among the top three factors to blame for aging. Alcohol is not only high in calories, but can greatly damage the liver and kidneys. Smoking, on the other hand, is bad for every organ in your body. It significantly increases the risk of lung cancer and other types of cancer and diseases. Heart disease being the most deadly of these. Both alcohol and tobacco products greatly increase the aging of your skin as well. To stay beautiful, fit, and ageless throughout your life, steer clear of cigarettes and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.

3. Lack of Greens and Vegetables
Not consuming enough variety of greens and different vegetables in your diet can greatly influence the aging process. Greens and vegetables not only keep you energized and provide you with healthy nutrients, but they are also beneficial for your skin, hair and health overall. Including more vegetables such as kale, spinach, tomatoes, brocolli, brussell sprouts and many others, will decrease the aging process drastically.

4. Stress
Stress is the number one cause of disease in the 21st century. According to the National Academy of Sciences, immune system cells of highly stressed women caused them to age an additional 10 years. Minimizing stress by incorporating things such as meditation, yoga, hiking and other stress-reducing activities, can go a long way in keeping you young. 

6. Negative emotions
What bothers us inside will show on the outside. Keeping negative emotions such as anger and resentment to yourself will only make you feel worse and bring you down. It's important to let it out, and then let it go. Holding grudges can add to your stress and increase the aging process even more!

6. Passive lifestyle
Being passive or inactive can cause a number of different problems. Not keeping yourself active and moving can lead to several metabolic diseases, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. But, that’s not all. People who are less active are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, which also have a very bad influence on the aging process. 

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you

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5 Ways To Reverse Your Biological Age

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Studies show that if we break down the factors contributing to one’s longevity, a mere 25% is attributed to genetics or one’s biological makeup. The other 75% depends on the way we think and the choices we make. 

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Thus, the principle of Un-aging is based on the idea that—although our chronological age is a given since it refers to how many years we have lived on this earth, we can still control the rate at which we age or our biological age.


Un-aging addresses how to prevent, slow, or reverse the effects of aging. It not only includes nutrition, physical fitness, skin care, hormone replacements, and similar; it also includes anti-aging psychology, e.g., attitudes, beliefs, and coping skills for resiliently handling change, stress, and aging.


All of these factors contribute to the state of our internal body clock. 


Although most believe that a body clock is something intangible, on the contrary, it refers to something very tangible and specific because the measure or one’s body clock is related to the length of so-called telomeres.


Telomeres are the caps on the ends of our chromosomes or DNA strands. They are like the tips of shoelaces, Without these plastic tips on the ends of our shoelaces, the shoelaces quickly start unraveling. The same is true of our DNA. As we age our telomeres gradually get shorter and shorter. When our telomeres get too short our DNA is no longer protected. Thus, when cells divide, errors will be made causing cancer and other chronic medical conditions. Eventually, our telomeres get too short to maintain life.

Fortunately, there are things we can do now to lengthen our telomeres and reverse aging at the cellular level.  By making these changes now, we can reverse our biological age and dramatically slow the overall aging process.   

Here is a list of ways to reverse your biological age:


1.    Eat healthy.
Many studies have shown that a healthy diet can reverse or slow telomere aging. In particular, diets high in whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, seeds, and legumes can protect our telomeres from shortening. Sugar, processed foods, and processed meats have the opposite effect to our telomeres. 


2.    Lead an active lifestyle.
Studies show that regular exercising slowed telomere aging by about 10 years. The message here is clear, exercise can reverse or slow the aging process.


3.    Maintain an ideal weight. 
Being conscious of of our weight is more than just cosmetic or a means for us to have a positive self-image. Being overweight is another cause of premature aging. Carrying excessive weight causes oxidative stress, or “rusting,” to our cells resulting in telomere shortening and premature aging.


4.    Get enough sleep.
Ideally, we should sleep at least 7 hours a day. Sleep is when our bodies go into repair mode.  We need this repair process functioning optimally if we want to reverse our biologic age and “grow younger.”


5.    Manage stress and strive to be happy.
While we cannot avoid stress, we can change how we perceive stress and we can block the effects of stress on our telomeres through mindfulness, meditation, etc. Maintain a positive attitude by connecting with friends and family. Social connection was shown to be an additional way to keep our telomeres long and prevent loneliness, which is a powerful predictor of heart disease.

The decisions we make every day determine whether or not we grow old. By taking the steps outlined above, we can immediately reverse our biological age by about 10 years.