Chi Machines

When beginning to lose weight you need to develop a road map,  if you will, detailing how you plan to do this and you need to learn about and use the tools that will most benefit you in this endeavor.  Start with the first step.  Develop a plan of action.  Start by evaluating your goals  and keep them realistic.  Do you want to fit into your old jeans or keep up with your younger friends in a pickup basketball game?  Maybe you just want to feel better about yourself.

After setting goals, you should begin to consider how to make your goals come to life.  For most people, a change in lifestyle, through diet and/or exercise, is needed to reach long term weight loss goals.  An option for some may be using different tools to assist you.  A Chi Machine can make a great addition to your new, healthy lifestyle.  Chi Machines are perfect for the disabled and for patients that are on oxygen and/or have circulation problems in their feet, such as from diabetes or steroid usage. They provide passive exercise through an elliptical motion that can help to increase circulation and lymphatic system drainage.  This can help to eliminate toxins from the body and increase metabolism, helping to make your dietary and active exercise programs that much more effective.

A potential benefit of using a Chi Machine after a long, hard day is that it can help you to relax and keep you from overeating as a response to the stresses in your life.  Making a Chi Machine a regular part of your weight loss plan can create structure that allows you to stick to the other parts of your diet as well.  Consider using your Chi Machine for 5ᆣ minutes a day, either before or after your other exercises or before eating a healthy snack.  A lack of exercise and increasing weight can become part of a never-ending spiral.  Using a Chi Machine can help you to increase your anabolic metabolism and decrease catabolic metabolism.  Catabolic metabolism is a negative force that can inhibit weight loss and contribute to the negative spiral of weight gain and poor health.  Read more about Anabolic and Catabolic Metabolisms at AllAboutMassagers.com. Creating a routine and sticking to it is the most important aspect of weight loss success and a Chi Machine can help you achieve your goals and begin a new, healthy lifestyle.

Lindsay’s Recipes Day 1

Breakfast:

Garden Frittata (can be used for brunch or for a twist as dinner… good summer recipe.)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup julienned zucchini
�€¢Ł cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup freshly chopped basil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup soy milk
• 8 free range chicken eggs, beaten
• 1 large fresh tomato, sliced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 cup plain yogurt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Mix the first six ingredients in large bowl. Pour into 8″ baking dish. Place in oven for five minutes until the mixture begins to set.

Cover top with single layer of tomato slices. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Spoon yogurt over the top.

Place under broiler until browned and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Yields: 6 servings

Lunch:

Southwestern Tofu Wraps

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 8 ounces firm tofu, drained, patted dry, crumbled
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4  7 to 8-inch-diameter flour tortillas
• 2 cups thinly sliced lettuce leaves
• 1 cup spicy tomato salsa
Directions:
Whisk 3 tablespoons lime juice and oil in medium bowl. Add tofu, onion, cilantro and garlic and toss to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let marinate 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 3Ȓ°F. Wrap tortillas in foil. Place in oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, toss lettuce with 1 tablespoon lime juice in small bowl.
Place 1 tortilla on each of 4 plates. Place layer of lettuce down center of each tortilla. Top with tofu mixture, dividing equally. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons salsa over each. Roll up tortillas. Serve, passing remaining salsa separately.
Yields: 4 servings
Snack:
Granola Bars
Ingredients:
• 8 ounces old-fashioned rolled oats, about 2 cups (you could sub puffed brown rice, or millet or barley)
• 1 1/2 ounces raw sunflower seeds, about 1/2 cup
• 3 ounces sliced almonds, about 1 cup
• 1 1/2 ounces wheat germ, about 1/2 cup
�¢ 6 ounces honey, about 1/2 cup
• 1 3/4 ounces dark brown sugar, about 1/4 cup packed (you can leave this out or sub dried unsweetened coconut)
��� 1-ounce unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
��� 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 1/2 ounces chopped dried fruit, any combination of apricots, cherries, blueberries or cranberries
• add some flax seeds, amount to your liking – it’s good for you and will give the bars a nice chewy texture

Directions:

Butter a 9 by 9-inch glass baking dish and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread the oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, and wheat germ onto a half-sheet pan. Place in the oven and toast for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In the meantime, combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, extract and salt in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.

Once the oat mixture is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the heat to 300F. Immediately add the oat mixture to the liquid mixture, add the dried fruit, and stir to combine. Turn mixture out into the prepared baking dish and press down, evenly distributing the mixture in the dish and place in the oven to bake for 25 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

You can vary this recipe with other nut and fruit mixtures. For example, I like to use pecans and cinnamon and the basics for one spin on the recipe.

Yields: 16 bars

Dinner:

Chicken Tikka

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt (any fat level)
• 4 skinless breasts of chicken
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional for kebabs – slices of red, yellow, or green bell pepper, mushrooms, squash, zucchini and onion

Directions:

Create a marinade for the chicken – mix cumin, salt, paprika, garlic, black pepper and yogurt in a bowl.

Cut the chicken breasts into 2″ cubes. Marinate the chicken in the yogurt for about 1 hour- not more than that. The yogurt imparts a wonderful tenderness to the chicken, and the paprika will soak into it, making it a lovely red color!

Put chicken pieces on skewers, optionally interspersed with veggies. Good tip: use a veggie at each end of the kebab like “bookends” to keep the chicken from sliding off when you put it on the grill.

Yields: 6 chicken kebabs

Six steps in six days to win the battle over ‘Boomeritis’

(ARA) – If you are one of the 27 million Americans who suffer with joint pain from osteoarthritis (OA), you are not alone.

Eighty-four percent of OA sufferers report joint pain as an intrusive part of their daily lives, which prevents them from participating in activities including yard work, driving and household chores. Additionally, over half haven’t been able to participate in sports as much as they’d like, according to a new independent study funded by Elations, a fruit-flavored glucosamine and chondroitin drink.

These daily experiences of aches and pains can be attributed to �œBoomeritis,” an increase of joint aches, pains, injuries and ailments experienced by older active adults as they reach their 40s, 50s and beyond. The term Boomeritis was coined in 1999 by Dr. Nicholas A. DiNubile, an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

“This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Boomeritis, and it’s time to take action,” says Andrea Metcalf, nationally recognized baby boomer fitness expert and trainer. “Overcoming OA and battling the effects of Boomeritis means making the effort to exercise, supplement and practice small steps daily to help your body slow down the deterioration of joint and bone strength that naturally comes with aging.”

To win the battle over Boomeritis, Metcalf recommends six steps:

* Practice anti-inflammatory living. Reduce joint inflammation and discomfort by eating a diet that includes lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables and highly absorbable glucosamine and chondroitin supplements such as Elations. When taken daily it can help relieve joint discomfort in just six days. Learn more at www.elations.com.

* Do two yoga poses. Tree pose and downward dog really help balance your body. Yoga in general helps calm the body. The tree pose (standing on one leg, place left foot on the inside of the right leg with hands in a prayer position at chest) helps strengthen the lower body and core while the downward dog (hands on ground out in front with hips high and heels down) helps stretch the hamstrings and lower back.

* Get moving. Try to move your body at least 10 minutes after each meal or three times a day. Everyone needs regular exercise, which helps keep your muscles toned and joints flexible.

* Stretch on all fours. The “pointer” is a move done on hands and knees involving one arm reaching forward and the opposite leg reaching back. Hold for at least four counts and repeat on the other side. This move helps strengthen the core and the back for better posture.

* Get your five-a-day. Make sure you are getting your five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. They contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases and help you maintain your weight. Go to www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov for helpful tips on how you can get your daily servings.

* Get at least six hours of sleep per night. Proper rest and recovery aids the body’s ability to rebuild and rejuvenate. Studies have shown that adults who sleep six to seven hours a night live longer.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Navigating the health aisle — 4 supplements everyone should take

---

Want to know what Supplement is right for you? Don’t take our word for it – Check out over 10,000 Bodybuilding.com Customer Reviews NOW!

Leading expert says healthful aging depends on current daily habits

(ARA) – When it comes to healthful aging, a preventive approach is the key to success. By implementing some simple healthy habits today, we can achieve a healthier future. â��Our bodies’ health — particularly as we age — requires that we take precautionary measures to strengthen ourselves,” explains Donnica L. Moore, MD, women’s health expert and advocate, and editor in chief of Women’s Health for Life (DK 2009). Consider her tips for healthful aging as part of an improved wellness plan.

Sleep Smart: Sleep not only helps revive the body, but also the mind. Research shows that skimping on sleep can have serious effects such as an increased risk of developing memory loss, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Getting enough rest encourages a positive mood, healthy weight and better skin elasticity. If falling asleep is challenging, try lighting a soothing lavender candle or lowering the room temperature to help cool the body’s core temperature to a comfortable sleeping level.

Lather Up: Warm weather entices many people outdoors, but sun safety is essential. Aside from same-day dangers, like sunburn and heat exhaustion, overexposure to the sun can cause premature aging and, in some cases, skin cancer. To safely enjoy the summer season, apply — and reapply — an oil-free, anti-aging sun block every day for skin that is properly moisturized and protected from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Also, remember to wear a hat and sunglasses to help protect the scalp and eyes.

Shield Your Smile: The health of your smile is influenced by daily dental health routines, as well as dietary factors. Enamel loss can occur when acids from everyday food and beverages, such as fruit, yogurt, salsa, orange juice and sports drinks, attack the tooth surface. If left untreated, the result can be irreversible enamel loss, which can lead to larger issues such as cavities, sensitivity, veneers, dentures and even oral surgery. New Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield toothpaste contains the active ingredient stannous fluoride, which binds to enamel to create a micro-thin shield against acid attack. It protects all these areas dentists check most: cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, tartar, fresh breath and whitening.

Exercise and Energize: People who exercise frequently not only look better, but they feel better too. The short-term effects of exercise include better stress management and increased energy. Long-term benefits include easier weight control, stronger bones and muscles and a decreased risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Consider tennis, golf, yoga and walking as these activities can be catered to any fitness level and age.

Aging is unavoidable, but the transition can be made easier — and healthier — by implementing a few small daily habits that have positive effects on the body and overall wellness.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Fitness Product Free Trials

Revitol Anti Aging Free Trial
Resveratrol Select

Beginning Your Fitness Journey

OK.  You finally decided to make good on your resolution. Or you’re tired of getting tired carrying around the extra weight.  Or maybe you’ve just decided to give in and live the fitness lifestyle.  Now where do you start?

Alright, I know that this sounds cliche, but, you need to start by consulting your physician.  A lot of people overlook this step, and because of that they end up injured, or just don’t get the full benefit their workouts.  Your doctor can advise you on everything from where to keep your heart rate during a workout to what type of diet you should be on to what type of shoes you should wear.  Doctors can also refer nutritionist, workouts and possibly personal trainers.  This is not a step you want to skip.

Next you want to do what a lot of people have a hard time doing…measure and weigh yourself.  You need to get proper measurements of your body from the beginning so that you can accurately track your progress.  You may feel like you don’t need to track anything but let me tell you from my own personal experience, anytime I didn’t track my progress, I would end up giving up because “nothing seemed to work.”  Remember, those numbers you start with are just a starting point.  Once you get going you’ll never see those numbers again.

Make sure you have proper workout apparel.  This doesn’t mean you have to go out and get a whole new personal trainers wardrobe, and nothing has to be name brand name.  You’re not doing a fitness magazine photo shoot, you’re working out and you want to be comfortable while doing so.  Loose fitting clothes made from light fabrics are what I prefer.  A t-shirt and shorts are perfect.  Some people like spandex or fleece, the point is, find what is comfortable to you.  Remember you’ll be sweating and getting really active in these clothes so you might want to sort of “break them in” before you begin any heavy lifting.

Shoes:  For a number of reasons this should be the most expensive part of you workout gear.  Generally speaking, with shoes you get what you pay for.  If you skimp here you may regret it later.  Start by going to a store and having your foot measured (I know, the measurements are hell).  Improper fitting shoes cause injuries, problems with posture, and general discomfort.  This is not how you want to start you fitness journey.  Read reviews of different shoes, and then go try some on.  Find the ones that feel best for you and make the purchase.

These are the things you need to know to get started.  I future articles I’ll follow up with workouts for beginners, and diet information.  Starting on the right foot will lead to continued success and enjoyment of the fitness lifestyle.  Make sure you start right.

Osteoporosis and the case for a Vegetarian Diet

You know that eating a vegetarian diet can decrease the incidence of heart disease and certain types of cancers. You also know that it can make you leaner and healthier. But so many of the health studies are done on men? What about women and the impact of a vegetarian diet on their health as they age?

Diets that are high in protein, especially animal protein, tend to cause the body to excrete more calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. These three substances are the main components of urinary tract stones. British researchers have advised that persons with a tendency to form kidney stones should follow a vegetarian diet. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that high animal protein intake is largely responsible for the high prevalence of kidney stones in the United States and other developed countries and recommends protein restriction for the prevention of recurrent kidney stones.

For many of the same reasons, vegetarians are at a lower risk for osteoporosis. Since animal products force calcium out of the body, eating meat can promote bone loss. In nations with mainly vegetable diets (and without dairy product consumption), osteoporosis is less common than in the U.S., even when calcium intake is also less than in the U.S. Calcium is important, but there is no need to get calcium from dairy products.

We continue to consume meat, while at the same time downing calcium supplements and prescription drugs to prevent osteoporosis, that often have drastic side effects. And most experts agree that calcium supplements are inferior to calcium derived from natural food sources. Doesn’t it make more sense (and cents) to get your calcium from eating a healthier diet?

What are some good vegetarian sources of calcium? Orange juice, for one. Dry beans, such as black-eyed peas, kidney beans and black beans are another good source, as are dark leafy vegetables such as broccoli and kale. Tofu is also a good source of calcium.

This is only one idea about fighting osteoporosis.  If you maintain good eating habits, have a healthy lifestyle, and focus on fitness you reduce the risk of a lot of ailments as you age.  Work with your doctor and get regular check ups, ask about vitamins, and study nutrition.  This is your health we’re talking about.  Don’t take it for granted.

Nutrisystem Products

How Does the Bodylastics Home Gym Resistance Bands System Compare to Bowflex and Total Gym?

Next Page »