About Alcohol...

Things you should bear in mind about alcohol and its effects on your body:

Alcohol reduces insulin sensitivity, increases cortisol, suppresses growth hormone (youth/muscle hormone) release if drinking too soon before bed, has a direct toxic impact on type II muscle fibers, could potentially suppress lipolytic (fat burning) hormones, contains empty calories, causes a temporary halt of fat burning (body becomes an "alcohol burner" rather than "fat" burner). Red wine is the exception to all of this and an occasional glass of red wine can be good for your heart health!

Weight Loss Myths & Tips

Myth #1. Eat less calories than you burn off

You may still read online articles or magazines, or even a local aerobics instructor still preaching about ''calories in vs. calories out". Eating 1500 calories of vegetables & meat does not do the same thing to your body as eating 1500 calories of ice-cream. This simple example destroys the whole theory of calories immediately.

 

The real key lies in controlling your hormone levels, particularly

insulin and cortisol. Just remember - Quality (nutrients, vitamins, minerals) over Quantity (how many calories) every time!

 

Myth #2. Running is the best way to lose weight

 

Did you know that 65% of women who start a running regime become injured within 6 weeks? If you are unfit and overweight, running places massive stress on your joints, which is why you get knee and back pain. You get fit to run, don't run to get fit. This is a motto of many top Olympic athletes - take their advice.

 

Tip #1. Start your day with alkaline

 

Acid build up in your blood is likely to be the source of almost all problems. From stubborn fat, to low immune system, to arthritis and osteoporosis - it all starts with high acid levels. You can check your acid / alkaline balance with a simple 15-second PH strip test. An ideal reading is a score of 7, which means you have a good alkaline level. Anything below that is not good news, and means we have some oxygenating and alkalising to do.

 

The first step is to start every day with a glass of water with squeezed lemon. Contrary to popular belief, lemons have an alkaline effect on your body. This will give you more energy, stimulate metabolism and help cleanse your body each day.

 

Tip #2. Eat a banana to reduce cravings

Here's a great strategy if you find yourself having cravings for sugary foods. Eat one banana a day - the potassium in the banana will help reduce those cravings, making the journey a little easier.

Walking Tips

Not a runner? No sweat. Start a walking routine instead. The key is to perfect your form, so that walking feels good and doesn't become boring over time. Fast-track your fat burning while you walk with these easy tweaks.

 

Breathe fat away

It takes oxygen to keep all of your muscles firing and not run out of steam. Filling your lungs completely allows you to burn fat more efficiently and improve your endurance. To maximize your breathing, focus on exhaling as deeply as you can, the inhale will take care of itself.

   

Get your abs in on the action

Hinge slightly forward from your hips, not your waist, and you'll engage your core. The payoff is a stronger midsection, which will prevent aches in your back and hips.

   

Bend your elbows

You'll swing your arms faster, and your legs will automatically accelerate to keep up. To amp it up even more, swing your arms back until your hands are next to your ribs.

   

Step shorter

Don't be tempted to lengthen your stride to speed up. It sends a jolt to your joints and ultimately slows you and your calorie burn down.