Please Visit Our NEW Site!!!

 

    Fit Tip Daily is proud to announce it’s new site!  However, if you are viewing this… then you are at the old site.  SO, all you have to do is type in www.fittipdaily.com to view the new and improved site!  Check out all the free fitness tips, exercises, the skinny on celebrity diets, and much much more!  I hope you love the new site and don’t forget to write in!!!  

Thanks,

Adria Ali

NEW WEB SITE

     Fit Tip Daily is proud to announce the unveiling of it’s new web site!  If you haven’t noticed, not much has been written in the last couple of days.  This is due to some final touches being done on the NEW FIT TIP DAILY!  The site should be up in a day or 2.  I hope you love it as much as I do. 

Thanks for being loyal readers!

Adria Ali

Calorie Stats – Beer

 

    Summer is here and everyone is out enjoying the sun.  Along with June comes BBQs, graduations, weddings, and vacations.  Many of these events are celebrated with alcohol.  So here is the breakdown for many types of beer.  Choose wisely and remember to drink plenty of water when cosuming alcohol, so you don’t bloat!

 

Brand of Beer	Calories	Carbs (g)	Percent Alcohol
Amstel Light	95	5	3.5
Anchor Steam	155	16	4.9
Anheuser Busch Natural Light	95	3.2	5.9
Anheuser Busch Natural Ice	157	8.9	5.9
Beck’s Pilsner	138	9	5
Beck’s Premier Light	64	3.9	2.3
Budweiser	145	10.6	5
Bud Light	110	6.6	4.2
Budweiser Select	99	3.1	4.3
Busch	133	10.2	4.6
Busch Light	110	6.7	4.2
Coors	142	10.6	5
Coors Light	102	5	4.2
Corona Extra	148	14	4.6
Corona Light	105	5	4.5
Foster’s	146	11.4	5
Guinness Draught	126	10	4
Guinness Extra Stout	176	14	6
Harpoon IPA	170	15	5.9
Heineken	166	9.6	5.4
Heineken Light	99	6.8	3.5
Killian’s Irish Red	163	14.4	4.9
Labatt Blue	153	5	5
Labatt Blue Light	111	8	4
Long Trail	163	18.5	4.6
Magic Hat #9	146	12	4.6
Michelob	155	13.3	5
Michelob Ultra	95	2.6	4.1
Miller Genuine Draft	143	13.1	5
Miller Light	96	3.2	4.2
Milwaukee Best Ice	144	7.3	5.9
Molson	150	12	5
Molson Ice	160	12	5.6
Natural Light	95	3.2	4.2
Newcastle Brown Ale	150	15	4.7
O’Douls	70	13.3	.4
Pabst Blue Ribbon	145	12	4.7
Pabst Blue Ribbon Light	111	8	3.9
Pete’s Wicked Ale	174	17.7	5.3
Red Stripe	153	14	5
Rolling Rock Premium	120	10	4.5
Sam Adams Boston Lager	180	18.8	4.9
Sam Adams Light	124	9.7	4
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot	295	24.6	9.6
Stella Artois	154	11	5.5

(credit)

Adria Ali

The New Controversial Energy Drink – “Blow”

 

     I’m Sure the name of the drink got your attention.  This New diet drink comes delivered in white Styrofoam boxes.  Once inside the box, little vials of white powder await.  No one can deny that this new diet drink powder is shockingly similar to cocaine!!!  Should it be banned or merely laughed about?  To some, this is pure marketing genius, to others, the down fall of our new younger generations.  Watch the clip below and be amazed!

 

According to my inside source, who actually witnessed an interview with the creator of “Blow”…. 

    The new powdered energy drink is a “spoof on the 80’s and how popular cocain was.  To him it’s just a fun spin on such a great time period.”

 

   This new drink can even be snorted!!!!  If that’s too taboo then mix it into your water or favorite beverage for a huge energy boost!  Personally, I think I’ll stick to green tea for my caffeine fix.  No doubt I’ll keep this far away from my nieces and nephews.  For those of you who are trying to relive your glory “rocker” days, this might be a safer alternative to the real thing

For more information on this product, visit www.iloveblow.com

Adria Ali

 

El Pollo Loco – Calorie Breakdown

     Some of the restaurants out there advertise low fat foods.  Are you choosing the right foods on the menu to stay in line with your low fat diet? Read the list below and gauge whether your choices are correct! 

“STAY AWAY FROM THESE!!

Item	Calories	Fat (g)	Sat Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)
Original Pollo Bowl	540	4	1	1590	85	1
Chicken Wing (1)	90	5	2	2090	0	0
Chicken Thigh (1)	220	15	5	310	0	0
Chicken Tostada Salad	840	40	11	1390	76	4
Caesar Pollo Salad	520	38	7	980	17	6
Classic Chicken Burrito	500	14	6	1230	63	1
Grilled Chicken Nachos	1090	55	21	3040	99	7
French Fries	440	21	4	910	57	0
Ranch Dressing (1pkt)	230	24	4	390	2	2

CHOOSE THESE!!!

Item	Calories	Fat (g)	Sat Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)
Chicken Breast, Skinless	180	4	1	560	0	0
Caesar Pollo Salad w/o Dressing	220	7	2	580	15	4
Fresh Veggies w/o Margarine)	35	0	0	35	8	3
Chicken Tortilla Soup w/o Tortilla Strips	140	6	2	1040	8	2
Taco al Carbon	150	5	2	290	17	<1
BRC Burrito	390	10	5	880	61	0
Garden Salad w/o Tortilla Strips	80	5	3	290	5	3
Light Italian Dressing (1pkt)	20	1	0	770	2	2

(credit)

   This menu has A LOT more choices then taco bell!!!  This may be an easier way to eat healthy while on the go.

Adria Ali

Are You Holding Yourself Back?

     You’ve all seen those people at the gym… hanging out, leisurely doing their weights and cardio.  They seem to be there passing the time so they can say they “went to the gym.”  It’s almost as if going to the gym has become some status symbol.  However, going to the gym definitely doesn’t mean that you are getting results!  Are you your own worst enemy???  Are you haphazardly going through the motions without any destination or REAL goal? 

     You remember the times when you worked out hard… and had a vision of the body you wanted.  Working hard, most people achieved that type of body at one point in their lives; only to take it for granted.  Eventually, you began to eat more and more of what YOU wanted, instead of eating the foods you were supposed to eat.  Slowly but surely, you began to lose your definition and pack on the pounds.  Over this time you probably got older and more comfortable.  In this comfort state, (caused by marriage, relationships, work, or laziness) you LOST ALL MOTIVATION to be truly fit. 

      Many people lose their motivation at some time or another.  However, it’s up to you to regain control of your life and not lose focus of what makes you feel good about yourself.

RULES FOR SUCCESS

1. Leave your cell in the locker (unless you need it near for work related stuff)
2. Set at least one personal fitness goal for the day(BEFORE you get to the gym).  It could be something as simple as doing 2 extra minutes on cardio OR increasing your repetitions by 2 on each set.
3. Find a picture of YOU (not a model) where you looked your best.  Put it on your wall, or fridge … somewhere that you will see it everyday.
4. Allow for plenty of rest.  Not only do you need sleep, you also need to stager your workouts.  You can’t beat yourself into the ground every single time you go to the gym.  Pick days when you will REALLY push yourself to your breaking point at the gym.  Every other day is a good goal. 
5. Find ways to motivate yourself into better shape.  Buy a size smaller pair of jeans, buy something with each little goal you hit, keep track of your progress. 

     Everyone slacks off now and again.  As long as you don’t lose focus of your goals then you are sure to have success in fitness and SHOW IT.

Adria Ali

EAT Less With Portion Pals

     With all the large portions out there… very few people know what a “true” portion really is!  It’s very rare to see someone actually measure their food with measuring cups and weight scales.  When I ask people what they are eating and HOW MUCH they usually give me rough figures.  I always give tips for “eye balling” portion sizes, however these portion pals would make my job SO much easier!!  Change your portions, change you pants size…. they are directly related! 

“Deprivation isn’t the goal here- it’s eating the typical diet that you have but eating in proper proportions and also proper PORTIONS. A lot of what the diet aides— read programs like Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers— focus on is portion control.
Here’s an easier method that lots of celeb types (Halle Berry, Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Alba, Mya, Tori Spelling, Joey Fatone, Brooke Hogan and more) use to control their eating habits and also their weight. It’s Portionpals!!

Portionpals® are 5-pack translucent discs that show you the correct portion sizes for meat, chicken, fish, side dishes and dessert. You put a piece of chicken in the rectangle on the chicken portionpal®.

If it is larger than the portion indicated, you cut it to fit and get the proper serving size. Microwavable and dishwasher safe, these disks even double as cutting boards (credit).”

It’s so cool that it’s been featured on Extra!, the television show     This little tool could make losing weight MUCH easier!!!   If you are tacking your calories then all you would have to do is cut the meat to the size, weigh it ONCE, and then figure out the calories…. you should never have to measure again!  I am going to refer this to ALL my clients!

Adria Ali

If You’re Gonna Do It…. Pizza Hut

     We all know that we aren’t supposed to eat pizza BUT if you are out with friends and you don’t get to chose the restaurant; what should you do???  When going to pizza hut here is what to eat and what NOT to eat……

Eat This

Two Slices of THIN‘N Crispy Pizza (Canadian bacon & Pineapple)

    360 calories / 12 grams of fat / 1,140 mg of sodium

NOT THAT!!!

TWO Slices of Supreme Pan Pizza

    620 Calories / 32 grams of fat / 1,440 mg of sodium

(“Eat This Not That”)

      Everyone splurges now and again.  However, you can still be smart when you are out with friends and family.  REMEMBER, when eating pizza THIN crust will ALWAYS be a better choice.  Never underestimate how many calories and fat are in the crust of the pizza! 

Adria Ali

Feel The Burn In The Pool

      

     When you are faced with injuries, the best place to burn calories is in the Pool!  This form or exercise allows you to move somewhat weightless, without putting pressure on your joints.  If you know someone who HATES to workout because they can’t stand to be overheated .. then the pool could whip them into shape quick!  These new ankle weights for the pool could add that extra weight you need to mix up your cardio routine and keep it interesting. 

     ”Swimming is one of the greatest types of cardio because you can work your body, but you never have to worry about getting too hot. After doing laps, while my muscles are warmed up, I like to do some strength training moves while I’m still in the pool. If you strap on these Aqua Power Ankle Swim Weights ($38.33), you can feel an amazing burn with the water exercises you already do, like leg lifts, walking in the water, or you can hold onto the edge of the pool and kick. They’re great if you like running on the bottom of the pool, or deep water running. The cool thing about these weights is that they come with five, one pound weights for each ankle, so you can add or remove as many as you want, and change them easily between exercises. They’re great if you’re bored in the pool and want to try something new. You’ll strengthen and tone your muscles and make an already tough workout a little bit more challenging (credit)”

     If you have tried everything to get your loved one fit, but you just can’t seem to motivate them onto the elliptical; then maybe it’s time you enticed them with a “nice dip in the pool.”  They can still get a great workout and feel energized for their day.  If you are facing an injury, don’t stop working out… just work out smarter!!!  Low impact exercises can still give you great results without ruining your routine!

Adria Ali

An Easy Way To Consume Less Calories At Night

     The hardest calories to control (for most) are at night.  We all know that overeating your calories in the evening can either make or break your weight loss regiment.  So what is a girl (or guy) to do if they just can’t seem to manage their eating when the sun starts to goes down???  Here are a couple of tips to help you consume less and gain back yourself esteem for the spring. 

Whoa … how true is this commercial!???  It makes you think twice before “proceeding to the next window.”

• Eat more calories during the day.  Eating more calories during the day helps you to manage your calories at night.  Not to mention, that eating more calories during the day give you more time to burn them off so you don’t store them as fat!!!!
• Eat off of a BLUE plate (or dishes).  BLUE is the least appetising color.  

“Blue is one of the least appetising. Blue food is rare in nature. Blue-coloured food is repulsive to humans for the reason that when your ancestors searched for food, they learned to avoid toxic or spoiled objects, which were often blue, black, or purple. During experiments, when participants were served with food dyed blue, they lost appetite.

Blue relaxes your nervous system. It has a sobering effect on the mind and is capable of being the symptomatic cause of people to be more contemplative, which is the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue, which is a beneficial colour for bedrooms, causes the body to produce calming chemicals. Darker shades of blue, however, are capable of being experienced as cold and depressing.

Blue surroundings, if not too dark, increase productivity. Studies show that students score higher, weightlifters lift heavier weights in blue rooms. People retain more when reading information written in blue text (credit)”

• No one Really wants to take pills at night HOWEVER.  If you had the choice between a lean body, or a body covered by a layer of fat (due to excess eating).  Would you take the darn pill??!  Of course you would!!!  If the blue plate doesn’t curb your appetite then maybe it’s time you tried to use Hoodia at night.  This new supplement made from a succulent plant is all natural and has been used by the African bushmen for hundreds of years.  It has the ability to keep you full without any chemicals or stimulants… perfect for the night time when people tend to binge eat.  For more information on Hoodia … Check out the article I worte last month!  Just type Hoodia into the search engine in the right hand corner!
• Drink Your Water!  I know you have heard it a million times… but I’m telling you again.  Drinking water keeps you full and thin.  It also keep your body healthy (since you’re flushing out the toxins), and your skin clear! 
• GO TO BED EARLY!  People get hungry late in the evening because their body is struggling to stay awake.  It needs more energy to stay up late so it forces you to eat more. 

     My clients at the gym are my inspriration for most of my articles written on this web site.  This website is for the clients (you reading), by the clients.   I hope these tips help you on your way to a healthier leaner body… one tip at a time.

 Adria Ali

Picture Your Weight Loss

     When you start working out; people never fathom how much they are going to change.  When you get up in the morning and look at yourself in the mirror, day after day, you have no idea how much you’re REALLY changing.  Sure, people will comment on how much you have lost, how good you look, or how much muscle definition you have gained.  However, because you are so used to looking at “you,” it’s hard to see it in yourself.  The best way to measure your loss (besides the scale, inches and body fat), is through pictures! 

     There a many different ways to measure your progress through pictures.  One of the best ways is to do incremental pictures of yourself.  Before you start your life change; take a “before picture.”  I know it’s a painful thing to do BUT DO IT ANYWAY (you’ll thank me later).  Take a picture every three weeks to chart your success.  Three weeks is just enough time for your body to register a change. 

    If  you have already started working out, then take a picture of yourself at your heaviest weight (before starting your routine).  Find existing pictures to chart your weight/ body fat loss.  This shouldn’t be too hard.  Next, take a picture of where you are now.  Try to take a picture in either tight clothing or less clothing.  This will help you to see all of your changes.  Make sure that the pictures are full body shots.  If you don’t have any before pictures that show your whole body …. then just base it off of what you have. 

    Another smart idea (if you don’t want to do increments) is to take a picture of yourself at your heaviest weight (preferably a full body shot).  Next, look at the parts of your body you want to change.  Shade in the parts of your body that you want to get rid of.  Put that new shaded picture somewhere that you will see it often.  Continue with your routine….. and glance at that picture frequently through out your everyday life.  When you have lost a decent amount of inches/ body fat; take another picture.  You will be amazed at how your shaded picture starts to transform into your REAL body!!!!  Continue to take pictures every 3 weeks… you will have the “new you” in no time!

     To most, these pictures seem silly.  However, when you start losing weight, inches, and body fat; it’s such a fun, motivating tool to keep you going to the gym everyday!!!  Sometimes something as small as a picture can help change your life, your attitude, and perspective on fitness. 

Adria Ali

Virtual Fitness – Brought To You By Wii Fitness

       The age of sitting on the couch and playing video games IS OVER!!!  Now with the new Wii Nintendo system, kids and adults must get off the couch and into the virtual world of video games and FITNESS!  This invention is ingenious! 

       If you don’t know what the Wii is…. it is a new Nintendo system that integrates physical activity with video games.  Now, instead of controlling the game via joystick; you actually move your body and hands to control the game. 

      Nintendo has become even more high tech and added a fitness component to the Wii games.  Wii “Fit” is coming soon.  This new game integrates a new “balance board.”  This new system integrates a lot of CORE exercises as well as yoga, dance, strength training, etc.

      “The balance board will also take measurements of your body and plot your fitness level over time. If you are feeling extra competitive you can compare your progress with other members of your household. Sometimes a little friendly competition is in order (credit).”

      Watch the trailer… if you are anything like me you will want this new system as soon as possible!!

      If you are struggling to keep your kids active, then this is the system for you!  It’s a fun, interactive way to keep your kids moving without them hating you. 

Adria Ali

Getting Help At The Gym

     Gyms can be very confusing at times.  The average gym goer has no idea how to use the equipment to it’s fullest extent.  From the cables, to the machines, to the dumbbells and cardio equipment; how in the world would anyone know how to use this stuff?!  Even reading magazines and looking on line doesn’t seem to help very much.  If you are lacking the knowledge or the confidence to use equipment that is unfamiliar then maybe it’s time you admitted defeat and asked for help! 

    ASK AN EMPLOYEE!  Most gyms have trainers in the facilities now.  If yours doesn’t, then there should always be an employee around to help you out at some point. 

     * Trainer Tip – If a trainer is with a client…. chances are they aren’t going to have much time to really explain a machine or exercise.  Avoid asking them when they are training someone.  You will get a lot more information if you find one that isn’t busy.

    ASK A GYM MEMBER.  Gym members love to help others.  Not only does it boost their self esteem (because they know more then other gym members); they generally like helping others. 

     * Trainer Tip- Just because a gym member “looks good” doesn’t mean they actually know the proper form for the exercise.  If you are using something besides a machine, then go to a trainer so you know your form is correct.

      DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR A SPOTTER!  I can’t urge this enough!!!!  I don’t know how many times I have had to sprint to another member (while training); to pull a heavy barbell off another members chest.  If you are doing heavy weight then get a spotter (trainer or another gym member)

     *Trainer Tip-  If you know that the weight you are going to be lifting is challenging …. lighten the weight a little (if you are too embarassed to get a spotter).

     TAKE A CLASS.  If you aren’t familiar with the weights (dumbbells and barbells), then take one of the many weight training classes the gym offers.  This will help you to learn different free weight exercises so you can be confident on your own.  You might even like the class and continue to do it for fun!

     Working out at the gym shouldn’t be difficult!  If you are confused then maybe it’s time you opened up, let your guard down, and ask for help.  You never know, you might make some new friends, get a date, or find an trainer that is helpful and attentive! 

Adria Ali

Pizza Calorie Breakdown

 

      America loves pizza!  Whether it’s for dinner, lunch, or a late night snack; pizza is the junk food choice of many.  SO how bad is pizza?  Look at this article before you clog your arteries with this horrible comfort food this weekend!

Item	Calories	Fat (g)	Sat. Fat (g)	Sodium (mg.)	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	Protein (g)
2 of 8 equal slices of cheese pizza (14-inch Large)	480	18	7	940	84	8	24
1 of 8 equal slices of Oreo Dessert Pizza	120	4	1	110	20	8	2
TOTAL (2 slices cheese pizza, 1 slice Oreo Pizza)	600	22	8	1,050	104	16	26

    As if pizza wasn’t bad enough before; Domino’s created a dessert pizza!  Oreo pizza, is the newest addition to the Domino’s menu.  This calorie break down doesn’t seem that bad… however, how many people do you know that only eat 1 or 2 slices of pizza??  Most men can eat a whole medium pizza with now problem. 

    The worst thing about the pizza isn’t the calories or fat (even though they are pretty bad), it’s the SODIUM!!!  Your daily intake of sodium is  2,300 mg per day.  One slice of dessert pizza has 1,090 mgs!  If the fat doesn’t bloat you for several days after then the sodium will!  If you think you are doing 1 “cheat day,” it could take you 2-3 days to recover from the increased sodium!  

   Keep in mind that this is the calorie break down for cheese pizza without any meat toppings!  This is Pepperonie pizza….

Calories 250 (Kilojoules 1045)
		% DV**
Total Fat	10.5 g	16%
Sat. Fat	4 g	20%
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	15 mg	5%
Sodium	475 mg	20%
Total Carbs.	30 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugars	4 g
Protein	11 g
Calcium	80 mg

 Deep Dish Deluxe Pizza

Calories 450 (Kilojoules 1881)
		% DV**
Total Fat	24 g	37%
Sat. Fat	10 g	50%
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	35 mg	12%
Sodium	1240 mg	52%
Total Carbs.	45 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	6 g	24%
Sugars	3 g
Protein	18 g
Calcium	270 mg

       If you are going to eat pizza then try to get thin crust, cheese only.  Try to limit how many pieces you have and make sure to drink A LOT of water to flush out the sodium.  Personally, I’ll pass on the saturated fat, sodium, and excess calories!  Eat smart so you can eat more!

Adria Ali

Your Questions Answered!

      Since I have started this website I have received A LOT of questions from readers regarding fitness and diet.  I usually repond to these questions via email.  However I think that my readers would benefit from this information.  So here are some of your questions answered!!!

Judy wrote….

“Hi, I also have an inverted triangle shaped body and I find it to be truly challenging to make myself look proportioned. My upper body develops extremely quick and if I try to lose size in my upper my legs lose size as well, I guess because i carry more body fat on top and to lose it I diet , weight train and cardio. How can I keep the size on my legs or even put on more size and lose some of the upper? HELP”

Answer:     First of all, thanks for writing Judy.  In response to your question… The inverted triangle body shape is a tough body shape to work with.  However, I have trained a lot of people with this body type.  The best way to balance out your legs with your upper body is to train your legs with heavy weight.  Try to do 10-12 repetitions (3-4 sets).  Heavy weight will help you to increase the muscle mass in your legs.  As far as your upper body goes; do light weight with high amounts of repetitions.  High reps would be 15-20 reps.  The resting period will be longer when doing your legs (45 sec -1 min).  The upper body resting periods will be 20-30 sec.  Even though this sounds like a lot of work … it will benefit you in the end.   One more thing; don’t get im patient … you will lose body fat off your legs first… then lastly you will lose from your upper body… give your body time to change while you continue to add muscle to your legs.

Bianca Wrote…

“Hi Adria,Is it true that in order to gain muscle mass you must eat as much protein as your body weight?”

Answer:  Too much protein (if not used to build muscle) can cause weight gain (fat gain).  If you over eat your protein, and you aren’t hitting the weights hard enough to stimulate muscle gain then you can actually gain fat!!!  For women I would recommend eating about half of your body weight in protein.  This will ensure that you don’t over eat your protein.  For Men … eat a bit more… half your weight PLUS another 20 grams. 

Nee Nee Wrote….

” My dilemma is I work the graveyard shift and I go to sleep when I get home. I am confused about what to eat when. I have gained nearly 20 pounds in just 8 months due to this change in my work hours. I am looking for any suggestions and menu ideas. Thanks much

Answer:   If you work at night and have experienced weight gain then chances are… your eating too much due to your night schedual.  You should treat your day (night) the same as it was during the day shift.  Wake up .. eat breakfast.  Then have a small snack.  Lunch, snack, then dinner.  Chances are by the time you get off work you are craving comfort foods (high in carbs) so that you can fall asleep.  This is the WRONG MOVE.  Eating high carb, starchy foods before bed is a HUGE MISTAKE.  Cut the carbs out before you go to bed.  This way you won’t store them as body fat. 

     In the past, the clients that I have trained that work night shift… lack physcial exercise as well.  You need to work in exercise.  Treat your night as if it was a normal day.  Otherwise, the weight will continue to stack on with lack of exercise. 

Thank You for all your postive feed back… here are some comments from some loyal readers!

“Thank you Adria for the tip. Herbal is the way. I’ll replace Chayenne in my recipes that call for black pepper. The Cayenne will go on the dinner table tonight. Nothing like spicing up dinner! — Diane”

“That was a great article! Very informative!!!  — Allison  (Top Ten Worst Fast Food Choices)”

“That was so informative! You have the best fitness site! — Bianca (Is Lack Of Sleep Making You Fat?)”

” I must admit I tired Weight Watchers and losted over 70lbs and of course gained it all back. The points system does work wonders but you are not taught how to eat correctly, so if and when you stop the weight comes back. The only exercising I was doing was walking around the Rose Bowl,Golf Course and Soccer Field, which is about 3 1/2miles. Now I’m doing it totally different, working out at 24hr fitness with you Adria, watching my calories, carbs and fat, tracking my food and wearing the Bodybugg and Digital Watch. Both keep me on track, because I know you check up on me. I even got my sister to get them both and she loves them. Thanks, Adria for recommending that I get them both. You are my rock. —- Brenda (Weight Watchers Diet Review)”

“Did you have to ruin my day!!!! There are a couple of them that I wouldn’t eat but there are some that I would. I know there is a burger by Ruby Tuesday’s and I believe it is over 2000 calories just for the burger. Can I get a “HOLY CRAP”, well thanks for the info.  — Hank ( 10 Worst Fast Food Choices)

“This is a great tool!! I just received one for chirstmas from my husband. I had no idea I was supposed to drink 79oz of water a day. In the past if you would of told me that I would have just laughed. The first day I tested it out I drank only 21% of my intake and was amazed at how little I was drinking, but by the second day I challenged myself to reach the goal. Now only a few days later my husband mentioned how clear my skin looks. Who knew after years of prescriptions and facial cleansers all I really needed was to drink the appropriate amount of water!!—- Cherine (The Worlds Smartest Water Bottle).”

” OMG!!!   We love This Article!!!! — Alex (Black Book Of Hollywood)”

    Thank you for all of your comments and quesions; it makes writting these artical all worth while!  Keep on moving, and keep on reading! 

Adria Ali

Is Your Lack Of Sleep Making You Fat?

    

      It’s winter time and the sun goes down early.  People tend to curl up on the couch instead of doing bicep curls in the gym.  However, just because the sun is going to bed, doesn’t mean that Americans are.  Even with the recent writer’s strike… people still tend to find some way to stay up late.  What does lack of sleep do to your weight and waist line?  Is staying up late to watch your favorite re -run really worth your time; or is it just making you fat????

What Happens When YOU Fall Asleep:  Important hormones are released when you sleep.  Among them is a VERY important one called “human growth hormone.”  This is the one that all of the athletes and celebrities are taking to stay gorgeous and fit!  It is said that growth hormone is released in the highest quantities between the hours of 12 – 2.  If you aren’t sleeping at this time then you have REALLY missed out on your “beauty sleep.” 

     Other very important hormones are released in your sleep..Leptin and Ghrelin.  “Leptin, which is released by fat cells, signals the brain to stop eating. Ghrelin, which is made in the stomach, is a signal to keep eating. The two influence whether you go for a second helping or push yourself away from the table (credit).” 

“Studies have shown that leptin levels are lower and ghrelin levels are higher in people who sleep fewer hours,”

(That means that you seriously decrease your internal off switch….. your body doesn’t know when to stop eating!!! )

Research Has shown that lack of sleep can affect your childeren as well…..

“They were surprised to discover that it wasn’t how much TV a child watched, but how much sleep the child got, that best predicted whether he or she was overweight,” says Dinges. “The less children slept, the heavier they were.”

“Researchers at Columbia University in New York City found that people who slept six hours a night were 23 percent more likely to be obese than people who slept between seven and nine hours. Those who slept five hours were 50 percent more likely–while those who slept four hours or less were 73 percent more likely–to be obese (credit).”

Increased Blood Sugar Levels Have Been Related To Lack Of Sleep

     If you though America was in trouble before… they have linked High Blood sugar levels to people who suffer from lack of sleep. 

“When the University of Chicago’s Eve Van Cauter and her colleagues limited 11 healthy men in their 20s to four hours of sleep for six straight nights, “it brought them to a nearly prediabetic state.”

Their bodies were 40 percent less able to clear glucose from their blood and 30 percent slower in releasing insulin than when they were allowed to sleep for twelve hours. (3) In fact, four hours of sleep for six consecutive nights gave the young men the insulin sensitivity of 70- or 80-year-olds (credit).”

  Sometimes lack of sleep in unavoidable.  So what do you do if you just can’t relax enough at night to go to bed early? 

“Sleep problems generally are the result of a calcium/magnesium and/or a zinc/copper imbalance. These two ratios, of course, also determine your basal body metabolic rate (translate: how much fat you’ll burn every day.) If you get these two ratios into a healthy balance, you’ll have better ZZZZZs and lose Lbs. (as in pounds!)

Not Enough Magnesium

People with a magnesium deficiency suffer from “Type II insomnia.” They fall asleep easily but only experience a relatively short period of deep, restful sleep, that delicious time when your body is able to rebuild muscles, skin and bones. Most of the night they are trapped in light, useless sleep. They toss and they turn. Then, they wake up exhausted.

Ironically, people with too little magnesium in relation to calcium develop this trouble because they don’t have enough energy to sleep fitfully. Restful sleep requires a certain amount of energy to reach the stage of rejuvenating rest, which is characterized by rapid eye movement (REM). When you can’t maintain REM sleep for a prolonged period, fatigue eventually becomes chronic during your waking hours. (Your energy is zapped because you have too much calcium in relation to magnesium.)

People under stress are prone to this kind of insomnia because stress sops up all the magnesium it can find, creating a shortage.

Not Enough Calcium

Insomnia (the Type I kind) has been associated with calcium for centuries. Did your Momma serve you a warm glass of milk and cookies before bedtime?

People who don’t have enough calcium have two sleep-related problems. First, they have great difficulty falling asleep. In most cases this occurs because low tissue calcium produces irritability. They’re just too upset to be able to fall asleep.

Second, people with low calcium levels are plagued with muscle cramps at night. These painful cramps occur even without any real exertion during the day. A calcium to magnesium imbalance causes these muscles to remain in a constant state of contraction. Ouch!

Warm milk (without the cookies, of course) before bedtime can help people lacking calcium fall asleep faster. But more dietary changes are needed to deal with the muscle cramps.

Too much calcium:

Frequent urination at night is one symptom of too much calcium. When excess calcium settles in the muscles surrounding the bladder, it reduces the bladder’s holding capacity. Frequency and urgency are increased. It’s hard to have a good night’s sleep when you constantly have to get up and go.

Too much copper:

High copper levels affect the neurological system. They also stimulate the right side or creative hemisphere of the brain. (Artists typically have higher copper levels than electrical engineers.) Unfortunately, too much copper causes nightmares. Don’t eat chocolate, peanut butter or grapes before bedtime if you want to have sweet dreams.

So what’s weight loss have to do with this?

All four minerals are also crucial to the weight loss process. Calcium and copper can sedate or overstimulate the adrenal and thyroid glands, basically snuffing out your weight loss efforts with an ineffective metabolic rate. Fix the cal/mag and zinc/copper ratios and you can burn off those pounds, even while you sleep (credit).”

       If you’re worried about your overall health, weight, and mental well being, then it’s time you turned off the tv (use the DVR if you must) and cuddle up in bed with a book.  This will help to calm you down so you can get some restful sleep.  Two extra hours of tv a night are not worth the negative results you will have in the morning.  Keep yourself on a schedule.  Your body will thank you in the summer! 

Adria Ali

How Do YOU Weigh Up To The Stars?

      Everyone HATES the scale.  This one piece of equipment has the ability to either break OR make your day.  Some people detest the scale so much that they don’t even own one!  What if every time you stepped on the scale; instead of it telling you a number, it told you what celebrity weighs the same as you?  This new scale has hit the market and seems to have better reviews then the dreaded numeric scale. 

 ”It seems everyone is obsessed about their weight these days. Too fat, too thin, size zero this, obese that. The whole weight debate is enough to make you want to smash up the bathroom scales and start again.

And that’s pretty much what the makers of the hilarious Celebrity Weighing Scales have done, because they’ve dispensed with traditional units of measurement and replaced them with the names of celebrities, historical figures and even a few calorifically-challenged fictional characters.

With these deeply ironic scales you get to compare your weight with the likes of Fozzie Bear, Mr Ed (yes, the talking horse!), Donald Trump’s Combover and even the Baby Jesus. Just think, with the Celebrity Weighing Scales in the bathroom you’ll be itching to step aboard, not dreading the prospect. After all numbers are so final, aren’t they?

Even if you couldn’t give a fig about your weight, you’ll want to use these scales every day just to see which iconic figure you’re currently on par with. Of course most of us would prefer to achieve parity with Stephen Hawking ( sans wheelchair ) or Goldie Hawn, not Ron Jeremy or Half of John Candy. But even if the reading isn’t to your liking, at least you’ll have a giggle looking. Besides, in today’s celeb-centric society it’s rather comforting to know you weigh the same as King Kong or the Karate Kid. Sort of.

Featuring a non-slip rubber surface and easy-to-read dial, Celebrity Weighing Scales are the perfect gift for anyone who can’t stop going on about newfangled diets, expanding/decreasing waistlines and so-and-so’s latest cash-in…sorry, workout video (credit).”

     If the scale wasn’t your favorite thing before …  at least this one will give you a laugh first thing in the morning!!! 

 Adria Ali

Soak UP The Fat – With Grease Blotting Pads

     

     If you think your eating low fat now look at this new invention to lower your fat consumption even more.  This new invention created by mysticmaid literally sucks the fat out of your favorite foods through a blotting pad!  They even claim to soak up fat found in lean meats such as chicken breast.  Maybe the world won’t need alli pills if they buy this cost effective invention. 

“Grease Blotter by MysticMaid solves one of the messiest problems in the kitchen. It quickly and easily absorbs the surface grease, fats and oils as food cooks while leaving the rest of the liquids. No more paper towels and sloppy straining. Grease Blotter is so versatile that it works on soups, stews and broths of all kinds. It also works equally well on pizza and so much more (credit)”

• Removes grease and fat by-products from cooking.
• Use on stews, soups, sauces and greasy foods.
• Absorbs the grease and leaves the goodness.
• Each sheet absorbs up to two tablespoons of oil
• Each pack contains 10 original MysticMaid Grease Blotters
• FDA Approved

     Since these sheets are made out of polypropylene they soak up to 4 times the amount of a standard paper towel.  If you have used the paper towel trick in the past to soak up excess oils; then just think how much more fat could be avoided using these pads!  The “Black Book Of Hollywood,” claims that these pads “show you how unnecessary all that gut- growing fat is – once you soak the needless calories away, your food still tastes great.”

     If you already watch your fat intake, then maybe it would be smart to keep some of these pads in your purse.  Save them for times when you want to go out to eat, but you don’t want the unnecessary fat.  We all know that typical restaurants add unwanted fat to practically everything.  Butter and oil are mixed into almost everything so that the customer walks away satisfied and full.  However, this unwanted fat can make you feel bloated and sluggish days after. 

 

Adria Ali

    

Not Eating and STILL Overweight!

    

       We all know those people who really do eat practically nothing, yet they are still overweight!  How is it possible that someone who eats practically nothing can be so overweight?  If this is you, or someone you know, then it’s time you found out why!   

HOW THIS IS POSSIBLE……

     * AGING- When people are young they have a healthy, high metabolism.  So cutting their calories down to practically nothing worked to lose weight fast.  As you age your metabolism slows due to loss of muscle, which decreases your metabolism.  This decrease in your metabolism leads to increased fat gain. 

     * Starvation Mode:  When you don’t eat your body goes into “starvation” mode.”  Starvation mode causes your body to hold onto calories and store them as fat for famine. 

     *  Overeating The Wrong Foods:  When you wait 8-12 hours to eat, then when you do eat, you over consume the WRONG FOODS.  It doesn’t matter if you only ate 800 calories… if you waited all day to eat, then your body will hold on to all of those BAD calories. 

     *   LACK OF ENERGY:  Eating only 2 meals a day means you also lack energy.  You can’t have a productive, active day without fuel to move around.  This leads to bad cycles.  The cycle usually goes like this:  Wake up- drink caffeine>  wait till late afternoon- eat a high fat (late) lunch full of carbs >  work the rest of the day- eat a late , high fat, high carbs dinner > watch tv and fall asleep.  Then the cycle starts over.  4 out of 5 clients that come to the gym to train do this everyday! 

CHANGING YOUR ROUTINE MEANS FAT LOSS

      If this is you then it’s time you started eating 3 main meals (moderate to small) in size and 2 snacks.  Try to keep them close together … eat every 3- 4 hours to increase your metabolism.

     WORKOUT!!!  If you want to rid yourself of this problem then you MUST put some muscle on so you can increase your calorie burning! 

 Adria Ali

Speed Up Your Metabolism With Pyruvate

     

     So you have spent years abusing your body… eating bad food, not exercising, forgetting portion sizes, yo-yo dieting, and sometimes not eating at all.  Now, it’s the new year and you are ready to look your best!  If you’re looking for a fat loss product that works, but doesn’t send you into convulsions then maybe it’s time you looked into Pyruvate. 

     Pyruvate is a safe choice when it comes to fat burners.  It naturally occurs in your body.  In simple terms; pyruvate is fuel for your metabolism.  Since your body already has pyruvate in your system; by adding more, you just increase how many calories you are able to burn.  The calorie burning cycle takes place inside your cells through a process known as the Krebs Cycle. 

RESEARCH:

“Research indicates that pyruvate not only has great effects on weight loss by burning fat, but also stimulates energy for higher performance in exercise. Besides fat loss benefits, pyruvate enhances the transport of glucose and protein into muscle cells thereby boosting performance levels in exercise. It works by increasing amount of ATP available to the energy engines of cells, mitochondria, as well as inhibiting fat production. It can help bodybuilders get toned, cut, and have more energy.

“Whether you are looking for an endurance-boosting way to increase lean muscle mass, train harder at higher intensity, or trim off a few pounds (or more) by burning fat up to 48% faster (credit).”

 HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU TAKE?

      At least 6 grams per day should be taken in order to see results.  Although is huge controversy based on the dosage; this is a dose that I have used for years and I know it works!

NEGATIVE EFFECTS:

     Since pyruvate is naturally occurring, it has very few side effects.  The main side effect is increased hunger.  So just make sure that you pay attention to your calorie intake while using this product.  In order to lose body fat and weight you have to consume less then you burn.  If you take this product and over eat you will not see any changes.

  The great thing about this product is that it can work for anyone!  Wheather you sit behind a desk all day or not you can still benefit from this product.  As a personal trainer I have had hundreds of clients use this product with GREAT results and NO SIDE EFFECTS!  If you just trying to lose that last 10 pounds or you are just starting out…. this is the product for everyone! 

Adria Ali