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01-10-12

Fruit: Natures Candy, Natures Cure.


By: Lindsey Cusey - Forget The Gym Personal Trainer

Many people avoid eating fruit because they believe it is too high in sugar and will keep them from losing weight or reaching fitness goals. What they might not know is that there several different varieties of fruit that can actually help you reach your perfect weight and optimal health. One or two fist size servings of fruit per day is perfect. Limit dried fruits since they seem to be higher in sugar than regular fruit. Fruit is an essential part of any healthy diet and is naturally alkalizing. Meaning it helps raise your pH levels, and your body becomes less acidic. When your body is more alkaline it thrives, disease doesn't stand a chance in an alkaline environment. Here are just a few of the benefits of certain fruits that you may not have known before:

  • Orange peel contains more vitamin C than the actual fruit itself, so grate the peel and use it on top of salads or other dishes.
  • Cherry juice is rich in antioxidants and can also reduce soreness after workouts. It also speeds up muscle recovery time after strength training. About an ounce of cherry juice concentrate pre-workout will do the trick!
  • Pears are high in Pectin, a kind of fiber that assists with weight loss
  • Grapefruit is known to be a "super-food" to many. They might not be the tastiest fruit but consuming them has numerous advantages. Studies have shown that they help people in weight loss efforts if they added half a grapefruit to every meal. They contain a lot of water and are highly alkalizing.
  • Blueberries are high in epicatechin which helps with focus. Any berries are good to combat stress, they have a lot of vitamin C and can aid in lowering blood pressure and levels of cortisol.
  • Peaches are high in vitamin C and can increase sperm count.
  • Plums decrease anxiety and studies have proven that they help with depression.
  • Watermelon has a high amount of an amino acid known as citrus-line which pumps out arginine that is related to vascular health and can increase libido.
  • Tomatoes, yes they are fruit, are high in fiber and contain a lot of water making you feel full. They also contain high amounts of lycopsid, an antioxidant that helps lower the chances of heart disease and other illness when high levels are found in your blood.

Try to buy fresh organic fruit when you can and from local farmers when it's available. Certain varieties that you should always try to buy organic include apples, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, nectarines, peaches and grapes. Other varieties should be fine to buy conventional so go ahead and save the money there. It is nature's candy, use fruit when you feel a sugar craving coming on, or if you have a sweet tooth. Avoid sprinkling sugar or artificial sweetener over fruit. A good alternative might be some strawberries with some organic cocoa coconut butter. It tastes similar to chocolate covered strawberries, with a hint of coconut. It will surely hit the spot!

 

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10-28-2011

Gluten Free Dieting

 

By: Lindsey Cusey - Forget The Gym Personal Trainer

 

You have probably noticed a plethora of Gluten-Free food products popping up at the local grocery store lately. Gluten-free products used to be found primarily in health food stores, but recently it seems like different companies are slapping a "Gluten-Free" label on their food products looking for a hefty return. That is because being on a diet sans Gluten has become quite the popular trend these days, but I am not so sure that everyone even understands what the evil Gluten monster is exactly. Gluten is actually the worst possible form of Lectin, which is an inflammatory protein resistant to digestion. Gluten is common in foods like rice, cereal, pasta, quinoa, most breads or foods containing wheat, oats or barley. Before we continue, one thing you need to know is that just because a loaf of bread or a box of cereal has the label "Gluten-Free" on it, does not mean it is necessarily "health" food. It may not contain Gluten, but make sure you know what you're eating and what the calorie count is. How much sugar does it have? How many carbs? Global food distributors are trying to cash in by marketing their products as an essential part of a Gluten-Free diet, but don't be fooled by these scammers, that same product might have a dump truck load of sugar in it as well. Read your nutrition labels, not just the front of the box with the smiling cartoon character.

The original reason Gluten-free products were created was for the estimated 2 million people in the United States suffering from Celiac Disease. When individuals with Celiac Disease consume foods containing Gluten their immune system causes havoc on the finger-like projections of the small intestine, not allowing nutrients to be absorbed properly causing malnutrition. Many people are unaware that they have Celiac Disease and carry on with life for decades suffering from severe stomach problems such as abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, vomiting, constant weight management problems and more. So pay attention to the things your body is telling you and be aware of any symptoms like these. You can talk to your healthcare professional if you think you might have Celiac Disease, and they will be able to order an assortment of antibody blood tests to detect it. Researchers have now discovered that it is actually a common genetic disorder, if you have close relatives with the disease you are more likely to have it. Unfortunately, those with celiac disease are more prone to develop other immune system diseases as well. The longer one goes not knowing, and leaving the disease untreated the greater the chance of developing these other health problems at a later age such as Thyroid disease, Type 1 Diabetes and Cancer. The only cure for Celiac Disease is a Gluten-Free diet.

Right about now I bet your thinking that it might be smart to avoid the nasty Gluten demon all together, Celiac Disease or not. Well you may be on to something. Research has proven that whether you have the disease or not Gluten can still cause inflammatory problems in your gut. Most grains contain Gluten and are able to break through the wall of your gut or colon allowing a variety of substances to improperly cross over and go everywhere the bloodstream goes. This process can cause a laundry list of health problems. As crazy as it may sound, people who have lived their whole lives suffering from things like asthma, joint problems, allergies, fertility issues, anxiety, depression, nosebleeds etc. might be able to cure their ailments by not eating grains or Gluten. I believe that everything that is going on in your body is a direct result of what you're putting into it. Also Gluten can cause your body to resist absorption of necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Things we all really need to achieve fitness goals and optimum performance levels. Unfortunately a lot of the foods we love contain Gluten, so it is not an easy thing to give up. Whether you decide to live a Gluten-Free life or not be sure to always listen to what your body is telling you, and you may want to look into having some tests done so you can avoid any future health problems that may be lurking, and so you can live to 110!

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." -Jim Rohn

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Monday, October 10, 2011

Fat doesn't make you fat..


By: Lindsey Cusey - Forget The Gym Trainer

Many people these days still believe the myth that the fat you eat turns into fat on your body. Of course, It sounds like it would be true but it is quite a contradiction. Actually fat is a dense, excellent source of energy and is essential for the proper functioning of the body. In reality it can help you lose weight by minimizing cravings and decreasing hunger. Fat slows down digestion, and makes you feel full. That is why it is good to have some source of fat in every meal... yes I said "every meal". If you are eating a healthy diet full of nutrient dense foods, such as lean meats and wholesome fruits and vegetables, it is a good idea to also include a healthy amount of fat into your meals. Some examples of good fat sources are: Macadamia nuts, avocado, avocado oil, hazelnuts, olives, olive oil, pumpkin seeds, and almond butter. All of these are just a few of the delicious things that you may have been avoiding due to your previous beliefs about fat.

Another healthy fat source is fish oil, it is high in omega 3 fatty acid and studies show that fish oil has been proven to help with fat loss, especially in stubborn areas on the body. I suggest using a high quality liquid fish oil instead of a capsule, it is faster absorbing and you will also know when it goes bad due to the fishy odor that you cannot detect with most capsules. This is important to know since rotten fish oil can be somewhat toxic. It should be stored in the refrigerator, you take 1-2 teaspoons of it per day, and it is available in a variety of different flavors. Here is a link to my favorite brand of fish oil. I use the lemon flavor, it is delightful . www.strongerfasterhealthier.com/products/omega-3oil

Most people cringe when they hear the term "saturated fat". That is because most people don't know what it can do for your body and the difference between different saturated fats. If you are eating well and exercising regularly small amounts of natural saturated fat will not have a negative effect on you. In contrary it can have a positive effect on your energy, overall health and well-being. Just make sure your body fat is in a healthy range and you are selecting natural sources of saturated fat like tropical oils such as coconut oil. That sluggish 2 o'clock feeling you get isn't caused by fat or saturated fat. It is caused by excess caloric intake, starchy forms of carbohydrate, and sugar. Whether you are eating carbs or sugar it makes no difference. During the digestive process the body actually breaks carbohydrate down into sugar, which spikes insulin levels and then later stores it as body fat. You can't go wrong with veggies but if you are wondering what a healthy alternative source of carbohydrate would be, try ½ of a sweet potato or some variety of squash. They are full of nutrients and usually will satisfy those annoying carb cravings, plus they don't have the negative effects on the body.

If you are not adding any fat into your meals you are missing out on the opportunity to use fat as fuel throughout the day and during your workouts. It is actually recommended that you eat a small amount of protein and a small amount of fat 15-75 minutes prior to your workouts for optimal performance. If you are trying to lose weight, I suggest be conscious of your caloric intake. Nobody likes counting calories but know on average what you are taking in on a daily basis. This can become easier by eating similar meals every day and limiting dining out. Avoid foods with a lot of carbs and sugar. Let's finally put a stop to the myths about fat; it will NOT make you fat as long as you are eating a low calorie and nutritious diet.

If you'd like to schedule a nutrition consultation or complimentary personal training session please check out www.ForgetTheGym.com or call (702) 480 -4218 today! Posted by Forget The Gym Team at 4:55 PM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook

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Saturday, September 3, 2011

By: David Vaughan BS, NSCA - CSCS, IHP - MMACSCS

HGH, Testosterone and other age management drugs (PEDS)


This is not your Larry David PED talk. There are a lot of men out there who enjoy their Cialis and Viagra benders and that's great, but the bottom line is they know the effect their magic blue pill will have and the possible side effects that require ER visits and loose athletic clothing.

A number of adults, male and female, age 40 + are really getting into Age Management Therapy. Which I believe needs to be called hormone therapy in the legal setting.

Many men are priming their bodies with Human growth hormone and testosterone in the hopes of feeling better, living longer and looking better. As fitness professional who has seen a number of clients use this regimen, under a doctor's care, over the past 10 years I can say their results match the advertising.

Are they miracle drugs, no? Are they increasing the amount of time you spend on earth that remains to be seen. One thing I do know for sure is that these gentlemen are experiencing a greater quality of life then they were before. So far, I have not had a client get diagnosed with any life threatening diseases or conditions. No heart attacks, no strokes. I have witnessed clients men shedding body fat though a commitment to healthy eating, regular exercise and the hormone regimen. I have seen self esteem improve, posture improve, skin conditions clear up and the overall mood of these subjects has definitely improved.

The question remains, are these drugs safe. I have talked to several doctors who have been prescribing and using this therapy for years and they all have the same consensus. If you take more than the prescribed dose then you heighten your odds for potential side effects. Isn't everything like that? What happens when you take too many Tylenol?

Most of my clients, that are 50 and older, are taking 1.0 IU a day of HGH and 200 mg of testosterone cypionate a week (split into 2 doses). These clients have become very lean and have shown a great improvement in their energy levels.

I do have some clients that are interested in building a lot more lean muscle mass and for that they consult the bodybuilding forums for their dosing guidelines. I must say that the stuff does work from the results I have witnessed. They usually take anywhere from 1.0 IU's - 4 IU's a day of HGH and 200mg - 1 gram of testosterone a week. I would not recommend doing that on a long term basis. There is very little information on long term HGH use in higher doses and you would basically be experimenting on yourself.

The best way for someone to obtain these prescriptions safely and legally is to consult with a doctor who specializes in this form of medicine. I do not suggest ordering it through the black market on the internet. You just never know what you are going to be injecting straight into your body. Usually black market HGH is counterfeit and is nothing more then HCG. A completely different hormone with a completely different dose.

This article is informative and the beliefs stated are my own. I am supplying those that are unfamiliar with this form of therapy a bit of information and mentioning real life experiences that I have had.

Any questions or comments please feel free to email me through our www.ForgetTheGym.com website. Posted by Forget The Gym Team at 8:15 AM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook

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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

"The Suicide" can be a great thing!

 

For those of you who are a little disturbed right now, please let me explain.

The Suicide is basically a running or skating activity that can be done, but is not limited to, the gym. Depending on your type of gym or field set up you will have to run to a line, touch it, and then run back to the beginning. Sprint to the next line, touch it, and then run back to the starting line. Repeat this until you have touched all lines in succession (minimum of 4 lines.).This is usually done in sets and can be done on a football field or soccer field, basketball or volleyball court, even on an ice rink or anywhere your sadistic trainer sets up the cones.

When The Suicide is done in sets, it can be just the exercise to help you take your conditioning to the next level. Ideally we would be sprinting the whole way from start to finish.

Newbies will experience a lot of burning in the lungs and Jell-o legs. More experienced athletes will be challenged, but not to the same extent.

For more advanced athletes I recommend doing more lines and setting a time limit on the exercise. For athletes where lateral movement needs to be challenged I recommend doing The Suicide as a lateral shuffle (always facing the same direction). For transition athletes I recommend sprinting forward to the cone and back pedaling to the starting line, then back pedal to the next cone and sprint to the starting line.

If you're looking to jump start your conditioning try doing this at the end of a hard practice or workout. If you're looking to change up your fitness, do The Suicide at the end of your weight, core or cardio training session.

Beginners should start with 1 - 2 sets. 60 seconds of rest in between attempts.


Intermediate and Advanced can do 3 - 5 sets. 60 seconds of rest in between attempts.

Athletes who can benefit from the suicide: basketball players, football players, hockey players, soccer players, wrestlers, mma fighters, baseball and softball players and many others.

 

Posted by Forget The Gym Team at 12:19 PM 0 comments Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Google Buzz Links to this post