How to (not) lose 10 pounds in 10 days.

Losing weight is never easy. If you go to the internet and try to look for weight loss programs or diets you will be astounded by how much material is actually out there. I guess you'd have to ask yourself if it really works and those testimonials can come in handy. Well, the whole objective of losing weight, at least for most people, is to lose as much as possible in as little time as possible. The whole notion of an exercise program is simply to adjust the body's ability to take up food and burn it for energy. Our Metabolic Rate is entirely dependent on how much ( or how little ) activity we do. Exercising enables us to burn our body's fuel reserves because it allows our body to metabolize these fuels faster. As we exercise our body uses up these metabolic fuels and gives off heat. We perspire in order to help our body cool down from heat produced by metabolism.

How much fat can we actually burn? Well, our body has its own preference on which fuel to utilize first. Carbohydrates get used up first but so does protein when carbohydrates start to dwindle. Our body will use protein over fat because our metabolic pathways are not always 2 way streets. By that I mean we can't always convert a fuel source to another without having to convert it to something else first. We do burn the fat, mind you, but not in the way we thought we are going to burn it.

You also have to remember that we are made of 70% water. If we were going to lose 10 pounds in 10 days, it is very possible but at the cost of depriving ourselves of adequate hydration (water). It's not only unsafe but can be life-threatening as well. Dehydration can kill,folks. Remember that we can survive a month without food but we can't survive a week without water. So can we lose 10 pounds in 10 days? No, not safely. The best way to lose weight as I have alluded to in one of my previous posts is to slowly train our minds in registering stimuli from our favorite foods. We need to be more conscious of What we eat as well as HOW MUCH we eat. We also need to be aware of how our body adjusts to the type of exercises we do as well as their intensity. Remember that there is no specific exercise program for anyone. Your instructor may tailor a program for you in terms of what your goals are but the truth is there is no better teacher than your own body. Take things in moderation. Don't starve yourself just because you felt guilty. The hunger pang will be so much more that you'd end up eating more and more.

Here's a tip for you; before you try to lose weight cleanse your body first. Water cleansing is effective but can only clean you so far. Cleansing tea is also an alternative, if you can stand the taste. The purpose of cleansing is to prime our bodies to the changes in our eating habits that we will be implementing. Removal of wastes and toxins can also improve our absorption of nutrients. Here's another tip; fiber adds bulk and, therefore, satiety. It also helps in "sponging up" some of the fats in our diets before they get absorbed. So use more of fiber and be intimate with your favorite chair once again.

Consult your physician before attempting to undergo any exercise program. Learn the nutritional value of the foods you eat. Learn to eat to sustain your body of what it needs. Natural foods are best. Until our next post,folks. Do take care and thank you for your time.

The 7 Pertinent Things

There are really only several things that matter in life. They make up the core of who you are.Remember that the fundamental things in life never change; they are as they are now as they always were. Don't complicate your life by putting a lot of effort and energy in misdirected priorities. The funny thing about human nature is that we, as human beings, tend to lose interest in many of the things we start and over time we search and yearn for more. A lot of us start something and fail to see it through because we tend to lose interest or find out later on that what we were engaged in isn't really for us. This same concept is seen in almost all forms of endeavor whether they relate to your personal life, your work, or any field of interest that you happen to like. We tend to be whimsical and easily get restless. Why is that do you often wonder? Well, as we evolve, as we grow, and as we strive in a constantly changing world we have this need to be essentially in control in almost all aspects of our lives. We feel that we need to stay on top of things in order to achieve that level of security we constantly strive for. The sad fact is in all of this is that we often times miss out or only have a vague idea of the things that really matter. Wouldn't you be more happier if you try to live a simpler life, making the most of any situation, being always positive and focused. Let me tell you that money is essential for our survival but it isn't the key to our survival. The concept about money revolves around the fact that as you make more, your needs increase dramatically, and with that so does your need to make more money. What if, for instance, everything you worked so hard for including all of your money was taken from you. Where would you be then? We would feel at a complete loss is that not true?

The first thing that matters is your Faith.

•  How well do you practice your faith? 
• What do you really mean when you say to yourself that you believe? 

The second thing that matters is your Health

•  We have already talked about this in one of our past posts. Do remember that Healthy means physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally healthy.
• Be conscious and proactive in implementing a healthy lifestyle. Remember that everything starts and ends with you.

The third thing that matters is your Family.

•  I know it's often hard to spend some time together with your family but make it a priority in your life to actually be there for them in their time of need. 
• Learn how to talk to your kids so they don't feel uneasy whenever they want to consult you for anything whether its advice or as simple as an opinion.
• If tension exists in your family try to work towards a solution.

The fourth thing that matters is your Love.

•  How well do you love?
• Remember that ALL COMES FROM LOVE. Think about that one.
• Let the people in your life know that you love them. Show them that you do and let them feel that. Saying you love someone isn't enough if they don't feel your love.

The fifth thing that matters is your Principles in life.

•  What foundations have you set for yourself? I don't just mean your work ethic here.
• Try to go back in the beginning posts and read about the 4 basic principles I have cited; AN OPEN MIND, AN UNDERSTANDING HEART, CLARITY OF VISION, SINGULARITY OF PURPOSE.

The sixth thing that matters is your Social Obligations.

• How well do you function in the workplace?
• Are you a good friend? 
• Do you radiate positivity to your colleagues?

The seventh thing that matters is the Legacy you will leave behind.

• How do you want to be remembered?

The 7 Pertinent Things are rather simple are they not? If you were to write down on a piece of paper your thoughts on the question "What matters most in you life?" do you think one or several of the above would be included in your list? What I am driving at here is the beauty of arriving to a level of contentment in your life where you feel connected to the people around you, to your faith, to the world  outside, and most importantly to yourself. Rekindle or reassess what's important to you. Who cares if the next door neighbor's car is more expensive than yours. There are many things in life that we lack but there are more things in life we didn't know we had. Remember that.

Don't trap yourself in a life where you feel you constantly have to strive in order to belong. Take a step back and rethink your priorities. Try to remember who you are, what you are, and why you are here. Never short change yourself. Always take the path of least resistance and always fight the good fight. We only got one take,folks and let's make this one count not only for us but also for the people we love, the people who complete us. Until our next post then...take care of yourselves...and do love one another.