A Cool Page I Came Across

I am asked for weight management help more than anything else. I can safely expect to give out diet advice on average 6 times in 9 hours. If you have ever suffered from overplay from a song on the radio, you can imagine how that feels. Actually it is more like explaining things to whiny toddlers, who are not going to listen anyways. AARRGH!

So, to review, my standard short answer for this goes as follows:

Imagine your plate. Cup your left hand, that is the amount of good lean protein per meal. Cup your right hand, there go your carbs. The space between is filled with vegetables and fruit. Remember fresh, bright colors are best. Want a snack? Eat your fill of fruit or vegetables.

This gets the autoresponse “But my traaainer saaays No Fruit because it has Fructose and that is a sugar!” This is one of the reasons that we have laws about physical assault in this country, BELIEVE me. Just how many fat monkeys have you seen? MOTHER OF GOD PEOPLE!

FYI – In case it is not clear, carbs are not evil and do not enter the body with the intent of exponential ass expansion. They are the brain's primary source of energy, which kinda explains things. I once worked with a fitness athlete trying to go pro. When he was cutting for a show, his carb intake was so low, I think someone else tied his shoes for him.

Anyways, back to the page I happened across today  What are your 4 pounds made of?  It lays it out for you simply. Gives you some great examples of nutrient density facts. So there go, you can stop weighing monkeys.

VG

Shake Things Up

I frequently suggest protein shakes to aid people in meeting their health goals. Having tasted many more protein shakes than most, I can usually suggest some non-offensive mixes to use. The problem is protein tastes bad. It really does not matter what the original source is, it just does. I hear about how bad they can be every day.

Here is the thing: you don't have to just mix it in water and drink it. I am always shocked by people when I suggest mixing vanilla protein with orange juice to make an Dreamsicle shake. Or mixing chocolate protein with coconut milk, it's like drinking a Mounds Bar, but good for you. I can't drink milk, personally, so I often use almond milk to make my shakes.

Or, you could add stuff to the shakes by mixing them in a blender. Peanut butter, chocolate protein, and milk/water, maybe some ice equals a peanut butter cup. Try the same with vanilla protein and it is a fantastic surprise. You could use berries, bananas, and vanilla protein for a great smoothie. Use frozen berries and now it is an icy drink to beat the awful heat this year. Hell, just add banana and you are on your way to a better shake.

Want to use it a meal replacement? Add some ground flax or chia seed for omegas and fiber. Maybe some wheat, barley, or other greens to pack in more nutrients. At the end of the mix, you are still looking at fewer calories than anything you are likely to find at the coffee shop on the way to work.

There are many reasons supplement your diet with protein. As a calorie source that your body TENDS to not store as fat, it provides amino acids used for hundreds of bodily functions. It can help you recover from activity or get ready for the day. It helps your body's nitrogen balance which promotes muscle building and fat loss. Yada Yada Yada. You've heard all that before. If your reason for not using a protein shake in your diet has been taste. Well, give these suggestions a shot.

Chef VG

Don't Train for the Scale

I have said many times that if your goal is to either lose some weight or get in shape, you will get frustrated and fail. You will then blame the supplements, the gym, the trainer, or ME. Screw That! Seriously, I fluctuate 3-5 pounds every day or so, and some days I can't run around the block. If my goals were that vague, I would still be out of breath playing with the dogs.

I suggest that you pick an event that you would like to do and train for that. Conveniently, the MS Society has the perfect opportunity for you! I started my wellness journey with an MS Ride 4 years ago and have signed up for my fifth ride this summer.

Let me tell you: THIS IS THE MOST REWARDING THING I DO ALL YEAR!

The ride is fun and easy. Cycling is low impact, so it is easy on the joints. I have had team members who have spanned ages and weights, so everyone can do this. The money you raise stays in the community to help people with MS and their families cope with the trials it brings them. If that is not enough of a reason, you feel like a hero at every rest stop!

Need more? Damn you're needy, you are the one that wants to change your body! This is perfect for the beginner through the fully fit!

I have a team of my own and conduct training rides in the spring when the weather breaks. If you are interested in joining my team click the “ask the guru” link and let me know. I will contact you with the info. Those who are not local to me click here: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/raceMap.aspx

Now like Freddie said: Get On Your Bikes and Ride!

This Has Got to Be Stopped

“Could Stomach 'Pacemaker' Be NewWeight-Loss Tool?”

Please explain how invasive surgery is the go-to answer for weight management. The death rate for this type of surgery is about 0.5%, or 1 out of 200. 

That may sound good but I can look out my window and see that many people go by every minute or two. This is the number that are dieing to loose weight.

It must be said that for some incredibly small segment of the population, surgery is the correct and life saving option. However, I think that the source of most people's lack of success with weight control is given in this quote from the article:

"The first realization was that diets didn't work and actually made things worse, as after finishing the diet I put the weight I'd lost back on,"

You cannot go back to eating poorly and expect to stay healthy; after all that is how the weight problem started.

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein

Gonna get off my soapbox now.