92 and feeling like 50

If you read biographies of the famous you find that all great and successful people never stop learning. This is not only true for the famous, but also for the every day exceptional person. An excellent doctor, a home renovation contractor, a school teacher, a parent, and a top selling sales associate. If you do not continue to sharpen your skills, increase your knowledge, or improve your thinking, you will always get what you have always got. If you are not growing, then you are dying. For example, a plant; it grows from the day it is germinates as a seed until the day it dies. Have you ever seen a dying plant grow?

Unfortunately, and too often people die before they actually … well, die. Many people wither into shells of once they once were decades before their time. The only reason that a person is not as healthy in her 70’s as she was in her 20’s is because of her lifestyle. If you eat properly, exercise regularly, keep your muscles strong and toned, and keep your brain improving, you will be amazingly healthy in you “golden years.” Isn’t that what retirement is suppose to be about.

My neighbor (a few years and 2 houses ago), drove a beautiful white Jaguar convertible, and went out regularly to meet new people and always dated younger women. He was 92 and kept company with people in their 50’s. He loved to tell stories and he always talked about the future, the latest book he read, or new dance move he learned. He ate well and lived a balanced life and only kept company with those of a positive mental attitude. He didn’t look a day over 70. I think I will have to check in on John and see how he is doing. He will be turning 100 this year.

I think we can all learn a little from John.

John’s Lesson: “You are never too old to learn or try new things.”

Health Drink? Not so fast!

You might think that a drink with words like; Vitamin, Water, Juice, Power-C, Dragonfruit, and other spicy naming like “Water + Vitamins = All you need”, would be healthy. Not so quick.

I am talking about Glaceau VitaminWater. This is an unhealthy “health drink.” Maybe the unhealthiest of all. The second ingredient is Crystalline Fructose, AKA sugar. Where does processed sugar fall under the category of healthy? Who are they kidding? Actually … a lot of people because most do not read the label. Anything with glucose, fructose, corn syrup, or similar ingredients should be avoided in your diet, or limited. These are garbage-processed sugars that add body-fat to your waistline.

Be careful with fancy marketing words and phrases like; “nutrient enhance water beverage”, “natural”, “hydrate responsibly.”

Here’s the NOT-SO skinny on this health drink.
125 calories in the bottle
32.5 grams of sugar
Less than 1 percent juice
Includes Crystalline Fructose
and a bunch of chemical ingredients we can’t pronounce.

Drink lesson: Sounds healthy does not = healthy

It’s the little things!

I hear from many people, “It is so hard to make a radical lifestyle change.” I recommend making a radical change in your life if you want massive results. When you make a decision and cut off all other possibilities, then you will succeed at permanent weight loss. I understand that some prefer to dip their toe in the pool rather than jump in. This method can also be successful, but only if you implement one change, make it a ritual or your lifestyle; and then build on it with another change. You can change one thing a day, a week, or even one a month. The more the merrier and faster you will get to your Better Body and Better Life.

Here are 3 simple things you can do that will make a dramatic change:

1. Substitute seltzer (soda) water for soda. Zero calories and healthier than any type of soda.
2. Serve your meal onto a plate and then put away the extra for leftovers. You are much less likely to open the fridge, take the food back out and serve another plate. If you get the urge (usually out of habit) to eat more, then get up, wash the plates and go do something. Go for a walk, make a call, help your children with their homework. Do something to change your focus from food to an activity.
3. Lose 6 extra pounds free! Burn more calories by taking the stairs or parking far from your job or the mall. And walk with a purpose and speed. If you can add 4 events to your day that burns 15 calories extra each, you will burn 21,400 calories in a year or about 6 pounds of bodyfat. 6 pounds lighter by this time next year for doing almost nothing!
   

Combine all three tips and you may lose 20,30, or even 40 pounds in a year by making small and simple changes.

Change what you focus on and you will change your life!
With love … Croix

Fitness for a Fabulous Body

Remember how good it felt when you were a child and it was your birthday? I got to feel that way last week. I received my pre-publication proof of the BetterBody BetterLife “Fitness for a Fabulous Body” DVD. This is my copy of the DVD for final approval before it goes into production. AXA Media Group did an amazing job. I am absolutely thrilled with the video. The DVD is expected to be released in a next month.

There are two main reasons why I created a DVD to go with the Better Body BetterLife program. First, a video is a far better learning tool that a few illustrations in the back of a book showing you how to perform muscle-toning exercises, like you see in most programs. You will learn faster and better when you see the exercises in action. Second, it is an opportunity for us to meet, even if it is virtually.

Most health programs focus on dieting and cardiovascular exercise. Yes, your dietary intake is important (dieting is bad), in other words your nutrition, and so is cardio exercise. But, there is another essential component that must be incorporated into your life and it is muscle toning. Muscle burns more calories than fat. Tone and strengthen your muscles and it will be easier to create and keep the body of your dreams. Also, toned and strong muscles make you look better, feel better, and make it easier for you to do every activity in your life.

Toned and strong muscles are a foundation of a healthy life.