billnad's blog

Biggest Loser So Far This Season

I think we are three or four episodes into the new season of the Biggest Loser and so far I am really enjoying it. This year we again have three trainers, Dolvett Quince, Jillian Michaels, and Bob Harper and a new format and rules as well as a much shorter episode every week. I will dive in with my views, but they matter a lot less then everyones views overall as the show will only succeed with big ratings. New One Hour Biggest Loser Episodes This is a big one. I have complained for years that they were dragging things out and making us watch long workouts with no knowledge gain for the viewer and this year with a one hour episode I think the show moves along a lot better with a lot more punch to the segments and no dragging out the "Last Chance Workout". I know that it is nice to see the different sides of the characters and this season they seem to be trying to pull that together for few people per episode and faster and that is nice. We still get to see a lot of the struggles of the contestants and some tears and pain, but no recaps after commercial breaks (very great) More About the Trainers Lets face it, for a crazy show like the Biggest Loser where the goal is to lose 100 pounds or more in a very short period of time it really has to come down to the trainers and their methods and the way they either train or motivate and we are getting to see a lot of that. Just the idea that each trainer was allowed a save of one player was a big step. I am also liking the fact the the trainers are really getting into the heads of their team and explaining why instead of trying to build up the drama of someone always failing and having to be picked up. Great Contestants this season I'm not sure but it seems like the people this season are not as big as in past seasons except for a notable singer, Ruben Studdard, so all of the people have a background but it is more about their battle than their terrible past. I like seeing people work really hard against adversity but the

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Rapid Weight Loss

Rapid weight loss is a goal of many people these days. Are you one of them? Losing weight in the best of times is not easy. But aiming for rapid weight loss adds the extra burden of doing it with a deadline. Asking for more means you have to put more into it. On the mental side, you'll need determination, specific targets, a detailed plan, and extra discipline to stick to the plan. On the physical side, you'll have to do even more exercise than you would if there was no hurry. You'll also need to make changes in what you eat. (Note: Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any weight loss program.)

Rapid Weight Loss - Planning is Critical

First the mental items. Determination and discipline. If you want to achieve your weight loss goal in a limited time, you have to make up your mind that there will be no backsliding. Either you consistently do what it takes to get the weight off, or the weight stays on. You won't have time to catch up if you let yourself slip. Success will be your only reward. You need to set targets or goals that you can measure so there's no guessing involved. Your target is not 'lose weight quick' but more like 'lose 50 pounds in 4 weeks by doing X and Y exercises and eating A, B, C foods consistently, no breaks allowed' (adjust for your needs). Lay out a daily plan with short-term targets that you can keep aiming for. If you start with 50 pounds in 4 weeks, you can spread it out over the 4 weeks so that you aim for 12½  pounds each week, or just under 2 pounds a day. Do the same for the food and exercise changes you will need.

What to Eat for Rapid Weight Loss

In your plan, you don't have to list out your menus for each meal every day, but you do have to make shopping lists with fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods, and lean meat or fish, and only bring home those items, no exceptions. You need to plan on breakfast every day, since that speeds up your metabolism for the whole day. You'll also have to arrange for many small meals instead of a few big ones, to keep your blood sugar from spiking. And don't forget to drink a lot of water to fill up your stomach before meals and suppress your appetite.

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Fat Loss for Idiots Complete Review

As a fitness and health enthusiast I know that there are no easy ways out of  weight losing so when I first saw all of the hype around fat loss for idiots I was of course initially skeptical. I have scoured the internet looking for more information on the Fat Loss For Idiots program and would like to present this to you here so that you can make an informed decision when you visit the Fat Loss For Idiots site.

Lose Weight Fast with Fat Loss for Idiots?

Fat Loss for Idiots claims you can lose 9 pounds lost in 11 days.Wow, is this possible? You probably have your doubts but I know because I have seen it happen, with the right diet and exercise program you can lose weight and lose it quickly.

The basics of Fat Loss for Idiots are based around four basic principles:

1. The Food that you eat is decided by a special Diet Generator on the website 2. You Eat 4 or 5 times a day until you are satisfied but not overfull 3. You go on the diet for 11 days and then take three days off and eat what you want 4. You do a bit of walking everyday

You do not live on this diet for life but instead Fat Loss 4 Idiots teaches you how to eat correctly and after you have lost your weight you know how to maintain at a good healthy weight. After that quick weight loss it is important that you continue eating according to the plan and get some exercise of any kind and you will continue losing weight. The way the diet cycles means that you should lose weight every week with no bad weeks at all.

My Fat Loss for Idiots Recommendation

I am a big fan of Fat loss for idiots for no other reason than it is nice and simple, and it really does work, if you follow a diet that changes what you eat and moves you in a better direction nutritionally than what you are now. And hey if it does not work you can just get a refund, 60 day no hassle guarantee! No Risk and a great plan to lose weight with Fat loss 4 idiots!

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Biggest Loser Resort

We have all heard that you can't put a price on good health. Well while watching the Biggest Loser last night I noticed that they were plugging the Biggest Loser Resort. We are all used to all the cross promotion that the Biggest Loser does so it should not have surprised me that they had moved into the resort business. I had not heard of the Biggest Loser Resort so I had to Google it to learn more. Well it seems that there are four locations and it is basically the same experience as the Biggest Loser TV Show without the celebrity coaches. They have workout facilities, recovery facilities,nutrition classes and even cooking classes.

Expensive Biggest Loser Experience

When I first looked at the website the first thing I looked at was the price. I am kind of a bottom lie guy which is a bit of a problem and the price is quite a bit $3,000 a week. I was thinking "$3,000? What the hell? That is a crapload of money" Well maybe I jumped against the price a bit quick. I always look at these kinds of things as compared to a vacation. usually an all inclusive vaction would cost between $1,000 and $2,000 for a week but this would probably be a much less relaxing but much better vacation even though it is really expensive. So the "vacation" itself would be a lot different. My last all inclusive vacation my family went on was in Mexico and included room, food, booze, workout facilities, concierge and entertainment.

What Does Biggest Loser Resort Offer?

The Biggest Loser Resort by comparison has all of that plus courses on meal planning, eating, exercising, cooking, in home workout planning. Also the gym workouts have great trainers and many different kinds of training classes. Really the idea of the Biggest Loser Resort seems to be an all inclusive Biggest Loser TV show type experience where you

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Exercising and Anti Aging

Exercising and Anti Aging are totally related. One thing everyone has in common is that everyone grows older. There is no way around it, given current technology; the body will age. Naturally, the majority of people would prefer to slow down the process. Who wouldn't want to look younger than their age? So let's look to lifestyle choices, specifically exercise and anti-aging.

Exercising and Anti Aging

Some form of exercise can be done by just about everyone and it has huge potential to help with anti-aging. Exercise may help by strengthening your muscles and allowing you more flexibility, which can mean a better quality of life. Exercise can also help keep additional weight off that would otherwise put a lot of stress on joints and organs. Additionally, exercise might have another benefit by giving you a healthy outlet from stress in your life. It is important to consult your physician first before starting an exercise program. Ask the doctor all the questions you may have regarding what kind of exercise you can safely do and what is recommended. Also have your doctor's office perform any tests first, depending on your age, which might include a stress EKG. As you start an exercise program, there are a few things to keep in mind. 1. Start slowly. Nothing kills your desire to exercise like going full-out on the first day and winding up so sore you can hardly get out of bed the next. Moderation is key. 2. Keep it regular. To have lasting benefits, you should ideally do some form of exercise every week for... ever. If that sounds intimidating, just take it week by week until it's a regular part of your life. Sometimes you need to remind yourself why you're doing it and other times you'll want to do it because it feels so good. 3. Make it interesting. There is no "should" do this or that. If you are getting some cardiovascular or muscle strengthening benefit from your workout, then do it. If you find doing the same thing day in and day out is boring, then change it up. Walk, ride a bike, lift some weights, use a rowing machine, try hot yoga, do kick-boxing, or whatever sounds interesting to you.

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30 Minute Workout

I was not feeling well over the last couple of weeks and Wednesday was my first day back at the gym. Everyone knows that crappy feeling after getting better from any sickness; the sore muscles, listlessness, down energy. I wanted to ease back into the gym and used the same workout for Wednesday and Friday. So first, you need criteria for your workout and I had the above plus really I wanted to push my muscles a bit, I wanted to to get some cardio just to get my blood pumping and I wanted to stretch, all in 30 minutes or so. I thought this would be a great opportunity to talk about my 30 minute workout.

Here is my 30 minute workout

Cardio for 15 minutes

• 5 minutes on stationary Bike or rowing.
• 10 minutes on Elliptical Trainer

Weights for 15 minutes

• Bench Press 1 set of 8 to failure, dropped weight for another 4 reps
• Seated Row 1 set of 10 to failure (guessed the weight to use well)
• One armed lateral raise  with cable 1 set of 12 for each arm
• 7-2-1 for Biceps (this is 7 reps going from bottom to half way up, 7 from half way up to the top, and 7 full reps
• Tricep pushdowns 1 set of 10
• Squats 1 set of 10
• Hamstring curls 1 set of 10 heavy weight
• 10 minutes of stretching, stetching every muscle group a minimum of two times for 10 seconds each.

OK, so probably 35 minutes but this workout did a few things well. It stretched my muscles really well, it woke me up with cardio and I really pushed my muscles quickly.

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Drinking Green Drinks

With the new year in full swing, I am thinking about drinking green drinks. I've turned to juicing expert and founder of Juice Generation in NYC and Cooler Cleanse, Eric Helms, for the best ways to drink your greens and have them taste great. Packed with essential vitamins, nutrients, incorporating “green drinks” into your diet will keep you feeling and looking great this summer.

The Benefits of Drinking Green Drinks

[caption id="attachment_10793" align="alignleft" width="231"] Drinking Green Drinks[/caption] Dark green vegetables contain a rainbow of vitamins and minerals essential for the cleansing functions of the kidneys and liver. Dark, leafy greens also give the system loads of water-soluble fiber to sweep toxins out. These greens are highly alkalizing to your cells—countering the damage done by the corrosive acidic waste products from meat, sugar, dairy and other common foods. Helms says, “Customers are typically intimidated by the idea of a green drink” and that he and his team are constantly thinking of new ways to encourage customers to give green a chance.

Green Drink Recipes

Hale To Kale- from the menu at Juice Generation’s new Equinox location in NYC Ingredients of Hale to Kale

• 2 handfuls of kale
• 1 apple
• 1/4 lemon
• 8oz watermelon juice

Instructions for Hale to Kale Bunch up kale and push through juicer with apple.  Follow with watermelon and lemon. Scrape off the foam and serve over ice. Makes 12oz serving.  

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Fat Sick and Nearly Dead

Last night my wife, daughter, and I finally watched Fat Sick and Near Dead (our son wasn't interested, playing Minecraft). What a great Dodumentary it was. The whole premise of the movie is the idea of doing juice fasts. I am not sure if Juice fasting is really fasting as you are getting carbs and protein, and probably a bit of fat but you are in fact getting more micronutrients that you have ever gotten in your life.

What is Fat Sick and Nearly Dead about?

[caption id="attachment_33389" align="alignright" width="300"] Fat Sick and Nearly Dead[/caption] Joe Cross is the maker and how to this film and as it is setup he is suffering from an autoimmune condition where his immune system just fires up and gives him rashes all the time, in addition to this he is quite a few pounds overweight. Starting in New York and driving across the US to California, meeting people, talking about juicing, and not eating anything but only drinking juices for 61 days. In the end Joe loses about 60 pounds or so and convinces a few people to try his juice with mixed results. One very interesting meeting on the road though was when Joe ran into a trucker with the same problem as him who weighed just over 400 pounds his name is Phil. Once Joe gets back home to Australia he gets a call from Phil asking him if he can help. Phil has decided that he is very out of shape, unhealthy and scared for his life so Joe Cross flies back to the US to help him out. Phil is just another regular guy and tries that fast, starts exercising and I was super inspired by the way that he took hold of his life.

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Meditation in 8 Weeks Can Create Huge Change

[caption id="attachment_3257" align="alignleft" width="250"] 8 week meditation study[/caption] Cool new 8 week meditation study came out today. I have mentioned before that I have meditated a fair amount in the past. Nothing like Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love, but enough to know the affect that it can have. Meditation is great. Anyway one of the big things that meditation does is still the mind so that you are much better able to keep your concentration as well as creativity. Studies tend to be inconclusive on the physical effect to your brain from meditation but a new report seems to show that in just 8 weeks it can make a big difference.

8 Week Meditation Study

An eight-week pro­gram of medita­t­ion led to brain struc­ture changes in peo­ple par­ti­ci­pat­ing in a stu­dy, re­search­ers say. It’s the first time that medita­t­ion, a prac­tice ad­vo­cat­ed by a range of re­li­gious tra­di­tions, has been shown to lead to such changes, ac­cord­ing to the sci­en­tists. Pre­vi­ous re­search, they said, had re­vealed struc­tur­al dif­fer­ences in the brains of med­i­ta­tors, but could­n’t doc­u­ment that medita­t­ion had ac­tu­ally caused those changes. The re­search­ers re­ported that par­ti­ci­pat­ing in an eight-week medita­t­ion pro­gram ap­peared to make meas­ur­a­ble changes in brain re­gions as­so­ci­at­ed with mem­o­ry, sense of self, em­pa­thy and stress.

“Al­though the prac­tice of medita­t­ion is as­so­ci­at­ed with a sense of peace­ful­ness and phys­i­cal re­laxa­t­ion, prac­ti­tion­ers have long claimed that medita­t­ion al­so pro­vides cog­ni­tive and psy­cho­log­i­cal ben­e­fits that per­sist through­out the day,” said Sara Laz­ar of the Mas­sa­chu­setts Gen­er­al Hos­pi­tal’s Psy­chi­at­ric Neu­roimag­ing Re­search Pro­gram, the stu­dy’s sen­ior au­thor. “This study demon­strates that changes in brain struc­ture may un­der­lie some of these re­ported im­prove­ments and that peo­ple are not just feel­ing bet­ter be­cause they are spend­ing time re­laxing.”

The study is to ap­pear in the Jan. 30 is­sue of the jour­nal Psy­chi­a­try Re­search: Neu­ro­imag­ing.

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Importance of Healthy and Natural Foods

Until quite recently, 'healthy' shopping meant shopping in a health food store, sometimes called a natural foods store. Now, however, most major supermarkets have extensive health foods and organics sections. This shows that the demand for these products is way up; healthy eating and natural foods is finally going mainstream! While this is a good thing, it also means more choices, which can be confusing, especially if you are new to the field.

Importance of Healthy and Natural Foods

[caption id="attachment_4947" align="alignright" width="249"] Healthy and Natural Foods[/caption] While it's not my job to tell you where to shop, you may want to familiarize yourself with a well-stocked health food store and do most of your shopping there for a while. You may be tempted to stick with your supermarket, thinking it's more convenient (such as for nonfood purchases) and cheaper. This can be true, but a store that specializes in natural foods can be an easier way to get yourself comfortable with the many choices in this realm. Furthermore, you will not be tempted by the vast amounts of unhealthy foods sold by the truckload at regular supermarkets! Once you are more familiar with natural foods and know what you are looking for, you can always price shop and return to the regular markets. Healthy, Natural and Organic: what's in a name? First of all, if you want to eat healthy, and help you in losing weight you're going to have to start reading ingredient labels, as dull and time-consuming as this can be. You don't really have to spend a lot of time going over every line of an ingredient list; you can quickly learn to 'speed read' and learn what to watch for. When you start shopping for natural foods, you will quickly learn that many foods are labeled 'natural,' 'all natural' and 'organic.' These can be tricky to even the most savvy shopper. 'All natural' simply means that the product does not contain ingredients deemed 'artificial' by the FDA. Such products can still contain lots of ingredients you may want to avoid or limit such as excessive sugar or salt, the two biggies. If a product has the world 'natural' on the package but doesn't say 'all natural,' be careful. It might very well have a combination of natural and artificial ingredients, which means it's not all natural foods.

What is Organic Food?

'Organic' is even trickier, as there are various standards used to allow this description. In general, however, organic means that no harmful pesticides were used in the creation of the product. In the case of vegetables or fruits, it means that they weren't sprayed with such chemicals. In the case of dairy or meat, it means the animals were fed on an organic diet. 'Organic,' like 'all natural' doesn't mean it's necessarily good for you. Organic products can and often do contain large quantities of sugars and sodium. More on this later. In general, it's a good idea to buy as much all natural, preferably organic diet, though an all organic diet can be difficult and expensive to adhere to; there is no need to be a purist. This is not as hard as it might sound, especially now, when so many companies are clamoring to meet the demand for healthier products.

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