Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Simple Steps to Success

  • Believe while others are doubting
  • Plan while others are playing
  • Study while others are sleeping
  • Decide while others are delaying
  • Prepare while others are daydreaming
  • Begin while others are procrastinating
  • Work while others are wishing
  • Save while others are wasting
  • Listen while others are talking
  • Smile while others are frowning
  • Commend while others are criticizing
  • Persist while others are quitting

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Friday, March 19, 2010

Healthy Dessert? An Oxymoron?

Newsletters
Each week the Team Beachbody® newsletter brings you the latest health and fitness news, updates on new projects and upcoming releases, and tips and advice for getting in the best shape of your life. Don't worry if you missed a newsletter—you can catch up on back issues here.


Issue: #163, March 18, 2010
QUICK AND HEALTHY DESSERTS
7 Days, 7 Desserts
What's Your Problem? Abs? Butt? We've Got You Covered.
Climbing Michi's Ladder: Spelt
How to Prevent Wrinkles
Test Your Healthy Fats IQ!
Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.
—Ernestine Ulmer
7 Days, 7 Desserts
By Joe Wilkes
Sugary treats and drinks are so prevalent in American society that it's a real challenge to kick the white stuff, not to mention the high fructose corn syrup stuff. However, that doesn't mean that we should totally abandon our sweet tooth. After all, how could something that tastes so good be that bad for us? Our palates are conditioned to enjoy sweets because, in nature, sweetness can attract us to some of the healthiest foods, like fruits and berries. The trick is in learning to enjoy sweet foods that are closer to their natural states before all the vitamins and fiber are extracted, and we're left with just the diabetes and tooth decay. Here are some ideas for desserts that could actually be the healthiest part of the meal.


Note: All nutritional information is for one serving.

Sunday: Giant Fruit Salad

Sunday is a great day to make giant bowls of stuff you can eat all week. I like to make big pots of soup or other big entrées for healthy leftovers throughout the week. Fruit salad is super-easy to make; it's just a hassle to chop everything. I find it can be a nice Zen-like activity while I'm watching the Sunday news programs or sports. The best fruit salads use fruits that are in season and contain a variety of colors. It's not just that the colors make for a lovely presentation, but the more colors you have, the bigger range of antioxidants you have. By tossing the fruit in lemon juice, you can prevent the fruit from turning brown, so it will still be appetizing later in the week. You can layer the fruit with yogurt for a delicious parfait, or add some granola or nuts for a little crunch, too.

1 red apple, unpeeled, cored, and diced
1 Granny Smith apple, unpeeled, cored, and diced
1 cup green grapes, seedless
1 cup red grapes, seedless
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
2 cups cantaloupe, balled
2 cups honeydew, balled
2 cups pineapple, cut up
1 banana, sliced
Lemon juice
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with lemon juice to lightly coat all fruit. Serves 6.

Preparation time: 15 to 20 minutes, but it depends on how good a chopper you are!

Nutritional information (per serving):

Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
187 <1 gram 48 grams 6 grams 2 grams
Monday: Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Chocolate is full of great antioxidants and is actually pretty healthy in its unadulterated state. It's when we add cream, butter, and sugar that it starts to get unhealthy. It may not sound intuitive to add avocado, but it provides a delicious creamy texture, without all the saturated fat of actual cream. The flavor of avocado is usually mild enough that you won't even taste it with the chocolate, and you get all those heart-smart unsaturated fats with the antioxidants in your chocolate.

2 ounces dark unsweetened chocolate (70% to 85% cacao solids)
1 avocado
1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tbsp. agave nectar (could substitute maple syrup)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Microwave chocolate in large mixing bowl until melted. Add remaining ingredients, and mix until smooth. For best results, use a hand mixer or food processor. Serves 2.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Nutritional information (per serving):

Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
395 27 grams 39 grams 11 grams 5 grams
Tuesday: Apple Crisp

What's as American as apple pie? Well, the obesity rate for starters. Apples are certainly healthy, and apple pie flavorings like cinnamon are also healthy. In fact, some studies have shown that cinnamon may help stabilize blood sugar levels and even lower blood cholesterol. However, once you mix it all up in a shortening-laden crust with a cup or two of sugar, most of the health benefits go right out the window. Try this easy-to-make recipe for an apple crisp, and you'll get apple pie flavor without getting fat. For extra fiber, don't peel the apples. You can also experiment with other favorite fruits, like peaches or blueberries, instead of or in addition to the apples.

4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
2 Tbsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup rolled oats
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour, whole wheat (or soy flour)
2 Tbsp. butter, organic, from grass-fed dairy cow
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium baking dish, combine apples, maple syrup, and 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon. In a separate mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Top mixture in baking dish with mixture from bowl. Bake for about 30 minutes or until apples are soft. Serves 4.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Nutritional information (per serving):

Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
200 6 grams 31 grams 3 grams 3 grams
Wednesday: Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

You don't have to shell out the big bucks at Godiva® to make it a romantic evening with your sweetie. All you need is a microwave (or a double boiler), some dark chocolate (70% to 85% cacao solids), some strawberries, and some love. And if there's a better way to show your love than with these two great sources of antioxidants, I'd like to hear it. In fact, if you're single, this is a much better way to love yourself than with that pint of Ben and Jerry's® (4 servings, ha!)

1 dark chocolate bar (3 oz.), 70% to 85% cacao solids
1 pint large strawberries (about a dozen)
Microwave chocolate in microwave-safe bowl, or melt in double boiler on stove. Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip in melted chocolate to lightly coat. Set aside on plate or wax paper to cool. When chocolate has hardened, serve (or if you can't wait, dip and eat, and call it chocolate fondue!). Serves 2.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Nutritional information (per serving):

Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
360 22 grams 36 grams 9 grams 5 grams
Thursday: Black Bean Brownies

Well, if you didn't stop reading this article after the chocolate avocado mousse, you may be adventurous enough to try this next recipe. This is super-easy to make and actually delicious. For Christmas one year, my mother found a box of brownie mix of indeterminate origin in her pantry, and we decided to experiment with something we saw on one of the morning shows. Basically, instead of adding eggs and oil to the mix as directed on the box, you food-process a can of black beans (unseasoned, of course) and 1/4 cup of water. Add the mix and bake according to the directions on the box, and voilà! You have delicious chewy brownies—now with more fiber than fat. In fact, we even served them to my finicky nephews who declared them edible until my mom revealed the secret ingredient and ruined Christmas.

1 15-oz. can unseasoned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup water
1 package brownie mix (12 to 14 oz.—we recommend a healthy one with whole-grain ingredients)
Puree beans and water in food processor or blender. Add beans to brownie mix, and bake according to package instructions. Do not add any other ingredients. Serves 16.

Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus baking time

Nutritional information (per serving; will vary depending on brownie mix used):

Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
80 3 grams 8 grams 2 grams 5 grams
Friday: Fruit Kabobs

As fans of Strangers with Candy know, nothing makes a party like hot fruit! Grilling or broiling fruit can make the fruit taste sweeter without adding sugar. It's easy to prepare and makes for a dramatic presentation. You can experiment with different kinds of fruit, but the best ones are the ones that are a little firm and juicy, like pineapples, apples, and pears; or stone fruits, like peaches, nectarines, plums, and mangoes. You can serve with a spiced yogurt dipping sauce or just a sprinkle of cinnamon.

1/2 pineapple
2 mangoes
3 nectarines
3 peaches
3 pears
2 apples
Cut all fruit into chunks and thread onto water-soaked bamboo skewers. On hot grill or under the broiler, cook kabobs, turning often for about 5 to 7 minutes, being careful not to burn them.

Preparation time: 10 minutes (not counting chopping time)

Nutritional information (per serving):

Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
226 <1 gram 59 grams 9 grams 2 grams
Saturday: Chocolate Shakeology® Pie

So we've seen some pretty healthy desserts, but could dessert be the Healthiest Meal of the Day®? If it's made with Shakeology, it could be. The Team Beachbody® Message Boards are full of great recipe ideas. This one was found by juliefit, a Team Beachbody Coach. No one knows where the original recipe came from, but it tastes delicious and gives you a protein punch from the tofu—in addition to the more than 70 healthy ingredients in Shakeology.

1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter
1 container silken tofu (12 oz.)
1-1/2 scoops Chocolate Shakeology
2 Tbsp. soy milk
2 Tbsp. agave nectar (or maple syrup)
1 whole-grain graham cracker pie crust
Blend or food-process peanut butter, tofu, Shakeology, soy milk, and agave nectar until smooth and creamy, adding more soy milk if necessary. Pour into pie crust, and refrigerate until firm (about 1 hour). Serves 6.

Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus 60 minutes in fridge

Nutritional information (per serving):

Calories Fat Carbs Fiber Protein
307 17 grams 19 grams 3 grams 13 grams
Of course, you should feel free to eat any of these desserts on any day of the week. And repeat your favorites. Most of these can be integrated into your favorite Beachbody meal plan. If you missed parts one through four of the series, see the Related Articles section below. Bon appétit!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

You Don't Ever Have to Eat Carpet Again

Give up the Habit of
Eating Carpet Faster than You Think

You're probably asking yourself, "why would I eat carpet in the first place?"

Well...you probably wouldn't, at least not on purpose.

But...if you haven't been working out and staying in shape, I'd be willing to bet, if you went to do a push up right now...you'd probably end up eating some carpet...

...or getting a little rug burn on your forehead or cheek if you turn your head fast enough after your arms collapse.

No More Face Plants

It wasn't that long ago that I decided to get back in shape. I used to work out two hours a day...but who has that kind of time to exercise these days? I know I don't.

I also wanted to work out at home, because...just like you, my time is limited and I didn't want to waste twenty minutes just driving, one way, to a gym...plus the costs are getting really high to join those places...and the crowds...please, I'd like to use that piece of equipment before it rusts apart.

And One Night it Happened

I was surfing one night, channel surfing that is, and I came across the number one infomercial on t.v., Tony Horton's P90X.

Now I've always been a weight lifter...and had "weight lifter" mentality. I sat there watching this infomercial for thirty minutes thinking, this doesn't work...and then...it was probably around the thirty-first minute, I realized, if this didn't work, this guy wouldn't look like he does and be that ripped.

And I remember thinking, this infomercial has been on t.v. a long time. So, I did what most people do...I didn't order it.

But it wasn't long after that a friend was telling me about this community, Team Beach Body, where you get:
  • a fitness coach--FREE, just there to help you reach your goals, and be there for your support
  • meal planning/guidance--incredibly healthy recipes to help you get slim and trim, and keep you and your family healthy and fit
  • incredible supplements at a discount--Shakeology, the healthiest drink around...the world(find out for yourself), plus recovery drinks, pre-workout drinks, vitamins, protein bars, etc...
  • fitness friends--it's a lot more fun sharing a goal with someone; you'll find and make friends in no time that you can workout with and support each other in the online gym...WOWY(Work Out With You)
How could I not sign up after learning about all these benefits? Exactly, I had to do it. And I make a little cash if I help other coaches get started(more on that later if you're interested).

Wait a Minute Mr. Postman

A few days later, my package arrived in the mail...and I was raring to get fit. I opened it up, read the instructions, got prepared, and got ready for my first workout the next day. The next day I put in the dvd, followed the warm up...and was raring to go.

Ok, here we go, grab your push up stands...head up, and 1...2...3...4...holy crap...5...6...9...I'm done. Damn, I am out of shape. But, Tony said from the t.v., if you have to stop...stop. So, I did, just not forever. Then week two came...and I did fifteen pushups, and now I'm doing thirty or more depending on how strong my mind is and how hard I want to push myself. But I'm doing way more than nine.

I can even do a couple one arm pushups now before I have to put my knees down to stabilize me...but the first time I attempted these, I came really close to eating carpet...and I don't think that would've tasted to good.

Get Your Heart Rate Up

Yep, it's that time. If you didn't want to make a change or get in better shape, you wouldn't have read this far. We have the best trainers, health and wellness supplements, and fitness programs just a click away. You can literally transform your life in 90 days or less if you decide to take action and click here right now.

If you have any questions, just put your contact information in on the right and I'll gladly answer any questions you have. It's your life...it's up to you how you want or don't want to live it.


If you do nothing else, at least start drinking the healthiest shake in the world, Shakeology.
You'll look better...feel better...and have more energy. And if you don't think you like it after 30 days, just ask for you money back...it's guaranteed.









Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Fitness In a Bottle?

Discover How You Can Get Ripped in 90 Days or Less
Once You Chart Your Journey and Set Sail to Find
Your Hidden Treasure

Have you ever felt like you were stranded on an island...all alone, with no one to help you? If you did decide to swim towards civilization, there'd be no one to point you in the right direction anyway. Then all the sudden as you're wandering around aimlessly one day, you find a pen, a piece of paper, and a bottle.

Ah-ha!

You think to yourself, this is it, this is my ticket off this island. So you write a rescue letter...stuff it in the bottle...put the cork in and throw it out to sea, hoping the current takes it in the right direction, and you wait.

Guess what, more than likely you're going to wait forever. Because unless you come up with a plan and take action, you'll be stranded forever.

That's how it is with your health too. And you can't put if off until tomorrow either. If you were stranded on an island, you'd be doing something everyday to improve your circumstances. And that's what you should be doing with your health. Making it better everyday.

Let's face it, you're stuck with your body and you're the only one that can make it better or accept it as it is. And we all know, if we aren't improving something, it's getting worse.
Nothing stays the same.

If you're honest with yourself, I'd be willing to bet you don't like what you see in the mirror.
Most people don't. But you don't have to accept it...and you don't have to make it better alone.

Join the Team

At Team Beach Body we have a program for every fitness level and fitness goal. You can go hard-core, or you can just tone it up. Whatever you want, we've got a program for you. Some people want to get as lean and mean as they can, while others are just looking to lose a few pounds and tone up...so when they wave good-bye their arm isn't waving back. You can choose from:
  • P90X with Tony Horton
  • Insanity with Sean T. (this takes fitness to a whole new level)
  • ChaLEAN Extreme with Chalene Johnson
  • 10 Minute Trainer with Tony Horton(for those days you're really short on time)
  • RevAbs with Brett Hoebel
  • Turbo Jam with Chalene Johnson
  • Hip Hop Abs with Sean T.
And many more incredible exercise programs.

Of course, with your new health and fitness goals, you're going to have to change what you put in your mouth. You know what they say, garbage in...garbage out. But don't worry, Team Beach Body has formulated the world's greatest meal replacement shake. Shakeology!

I guarantee it.

I've never had a meal replacement shake that...taste this good...has this much nutrition...and actually stays with you so you don't have to eat anything else before the next meal.

I dare you to try it.

But this isn't the only diet help you get. You'll find all the vitamins and supplements you need, plus recovery drinks, protein bars, etc. There are meal plans & food recommendations galore.
Meals that taste good and are healthy. And these recipes are FREE. I'm telling you, Team Beach Body is just that, a team.

Everything is Better with a Friend

Also, when you decide to decide, you aren't alone. Team Beach Body has an online "gym" WOWY(Work Out With You), so you log in your workouts, and see all the other people like you that are working out, real time, online. You can make friends and share your fitness goals, or get tips from other people involved in the same program you are doing. Oh yeah, and you get a free fitness coach. No, it's not someone that's going to be watching your every move...just someone to help you reach your goals, encourage you along the way and be a friend for you.

Your Ship has Come In

So...climb aboard and let's sail into the sunset looking and feeling better than ever. Haven't you been stranded long enough, out of energy and lethargic? You'll sit there forever waiting for that magic pill to wash up on shore and save you. I found your bottle, got your message and I'm hear to help. But you need to get on board now.

Come on, it's free to take a look and see how much fun it can be when you're fit and healthy. If it's not for you, you can get off at anytime, but if you stay on board, you're going to live like you've never lived before.




Monday, March 1, 2010