Starting my 2nd 90 Day Challenge

I officially started my 2nd 90 day Challenge yesterday. I am very excited. My first 90 Day Challenge I lost 11 pounds and 9 inches. I took my Day 1 pictures and did my measurements.
April 28, 2013 Day 1
Weight 187.2
Arm 15.2
Chest 36
Waist 38
Hips 44.5
Thigh 25.5

I am hoping to loose 30 pounds on this challenge. Today on top of my two shakes I also did a back and chest workout and about 14 minutes on the eliptical trainer. I cant wait to share my results. My breakfast shake was V8 Fusion Light (8 oz), 2 scoops of Vi shake mix and a handful of frozen tropical fruit. My dessert is going to be close to the same but instead of tropical fruit I am just using strawberries and bananas to mix.

Ready to start your 90 Day challenge? Click here at http://lanischweitzer.bodybyvi.com

You can't be perfect all the time

The last two days my son has been a little disappointed in himself. He read Huckelberry Finn at the beginning of spring break and took his test and only got four questions right on their little computer quizes he takes. Today he was upset he was having a hard time doing some of his math homework. I helped him and than sat him down to talk. I reminded him that even though he is a great kid and very smart it is practically impossible to be perfect all the time. You are going to make mistakes, you are going to mess up sometimes, and you will even get in trouble at times. It does not mean you are a not a good kid but you are human and that is just how it is.

So why on a diet blog do I bother mentioning this. Because I think more often than not we forget this. I eat good most days or most meals but I do still have the occasional Pepsi. I love Pepsi but it is not the best thing for me to have every single day. I still eat cookies, usually just one, eat pasta, and order pizza. I get chicken on my pizza and get the healthier version of noodles and try to have it with chicken but occasionally I have it with hamburger meat. 

I mess up, I sometimes get distracted by the kids and miss the occasional workout. Sometimes we are busy and I eat out. It doesn't overshadow all the good I have done it just means that it might take me a little longer to get to my goal. It did take several years to get this way and I expect it will take me more than a few months to undo the damage. My Vi shakes makes it easier to make healthier choices. Gives me plenty of alternatives so I dont get bored. 

So don't let the occasional "slip" up get you down or derail you. I tell my son all the time it's not how often you mess up but how often you keep trying. Tomorrow is another day, don't let your mistakes define your future. 

Are you ready to join me on the Challenge?? http://lanischweitzer.bodybyvi.com

Motivation??

I am not that girl who jumps out of bed excited to work out the next day. I would like to say I am motivated to get healthy or even look good in a bathing suit. But to be honest some days I put on my workout clothes and make myself. 

Today would be a great example of that. It was cloudy, raining off and on and I just wanted to sit around and do nothing. Soon it was almost 430 and I still hadn't even left the house let alone worked out. I knew if I didn't workout soon I never would. 

I never did find my motivation but my kids know I workout so I changed my clothes and than sat back on the couch. My son moved the table and rug for me and than finally I put the video in. Would love to say I found my motivation but it was literally a few steps that would make me follow through. Being a good example for my boys being the primary while the other is knowing once I stop it is easier to keep stopping. 

I know some of you know what I am talking about. While others have motivation in spades....I am a little jealous if you do, but some of us have to dig deep and make ourselves do it even when we don't want to. I just wanted you guys to know you are not alone when you feel that way and that if I can do it you can too.

Slow and Steady

I totally admit that I am one of those people that wants to loose weight instantly. I still want to loose about 60 lbs and a part of me thinks that it should disappear within a few days of deciding that I want to lose it. Since I have PCOS and a under active thyroid that is not possible. Sometimes it feels like I am walking the wrong way on an esculator. If any of you reading this have a hormonal issue that causes weight gain (I have two talk about an overachiever) you get what I am saying. 

I have really committed on this 90 Day Challenge to make sure I am doing my two shakes and just a 30 minute workout. Its a pretty intense workout so I shouldn't say just 30 minutes its a hard 30 minute workout. I am dripping sweat when I am done but I feel good. 

Yesterday marked the end of my 9th week. So let me update you and how I did

Weight down 7.6 pounds

Chest -1.25

waist -2

hips -1.75

thigh -0.5

arms -1

Down 6.5 inches overall off my body. 

Not bad if I do say so myself. Thanks to my protein I am loosing as many inches as I am pounds. I feel good and yeah I would love to drop crazy weight every day I am happy with my progress and feel myself practically beaming when someone says I can see a difference. 

Ready to start your own challenge? Do you have your own goal?? Its a three step process Click here http://lanischweitzer.bodybyvi.com  Make a goal and last but not least pick a kit!!!

My favorite Proten Shake recipes

I am terrible at measuring and figuring out what all goes into my food. I do not count calories, I do not weigh and measure my foods for points. I am lazy. I need to work on it. I do try and each day is a new day for me to get better at it. I am a total work in progress. But I keep working at it I am growing and learning. I do love my Body By Vi Shakes and I have been really enjoying a few recipes I thought I would share with everyone.

My absolute favorite breakfast is Body By Vi shake mix (2 scoops), 8 oz of 2% milk, banana, a dollop of peanut butter and 3 ice cubes and blend. This is my official "Elvis Shake"
A fun variation of the Elvis shake is:

So while I work on writing stuff down I feel that as long as I slowly replace my unhealthy meals with better meals I am moving in the right direction. I love fruit but starting next week I will start to see if I can find a yummy vegetable shake to add as my lunch.

Pick a goal, Pick a Kit, and lets get started on your own 90 Day Challenge!!
Http://lanischweitzer.bodybyvi.com

Diet Myths-Busted

Ok I get some fun articles sent to me and this one I really loved. Its from Spark people. Debunking Diet myths. The first one really caught my attention. 1. Do you have to eat less to lose weight? This is not true. No starving! No deprivation! and No Tiny Portions! Fill your plates with lots of healthy food, feeding both your eyes and your stomach. Making you feel more satisfied. You can eat water rich food, foods high in fiber, and plenty of healthy fats while staying in your calorie range 2. Plain vegetables are better.Fat free dressing may not be the way to go. Small amounts of healthy fat are important in helping you feel fuller faster plus is needed to help metabolize certain vitamins and antixodiants. Good option is to ditch the fat free dressing and dip your fork into an olive oil based dressing. 3. Low-Fat Low-Salt meals are flavorless. This is where your spice rack comes in handy guys. You can add plenty of flavor without having to add the extra calories. Make sure you check your labels. A lot of pre-made spices you get from the store are full of sodium so do a double check or mix and match your own flavors instead of opting for one that is pre mixed. 4. Fat free foods are the best choice. This sounds good in theory but when they remove the fat you have to think about what they ad. Most the time it is sugar or salt. To avoid this a good ideal is to try reduced fat instead of fat free. 5. Baking and Steaming are only healthy ways to cook. Not at all true. Grilling, sauteeing, sweating and broiling are a few other alternative ways to cook. These are a few other options for you to cook with and give your food some great taste. If you would like to read more from the article go to http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/slideshow.asp?show=93
Are you ready to join the challenge? What have you got to loose besides the weight?

Check out my site. Pick a kit and lets get started: http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

My Update

I need to upload them to my computer since I have a older camera that does not automatically share to Facebook or YouTube but I have video taped myself weighing in and later tonight I am going to video tape myself taking my measurements with my sons help.

I have been doing very well doing my two shakes a day and feel amazing. I usually use fruit but think next week I am going to try a few of the vegetable recipes as well. Good way to sneak more vegetables in my diet. If I like them they will be my lunch and keep the yummy fruit ones for my breakfast. Well update and post which ones I try next week.

I am sorry it has been so long between my updates. My husband is in the Coast Guard and he left for a week came home for a week and than left for three weeks. Heard to get your schedule down when it is constantly changing.

Anyways tomorrow I am going to be brave and post the videos.

Are all fats created equal?

So I was eating my yummy treats from Hawaii that my best friends sends me every year for Christmas and my birthday. So its a goodie box from Hawaii so you know there are going to be Macadamias nuts. I have not been very rigorous on my workouts during the holiday season and except for sticking to my two shakes a day (Body By Vi I love them) and despite munching on my goodies I still broke through this little plateau I was stuck in and lost a pound. So while snacking on a handful nuts I looked over the calorie and nutrition of my yummy nuts and WOW in a 1/4 cup these little guys have 230 calories. Most of which are of course fat 24 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbs and 2 grabs protein. The fat grams are broken down Saturated fat 3.5 grams, Trans fat 0, Polyunsaturated fat 0, and last but not least Monosaturated fat 20 grams. So how with stats like this did I still loose a pound while eating a few (I grab a handful and munch I don't eat a whole bag in one sitting just to clarify) of these covered in chocolate. 

First things first even sliding a bit on my diet replacing my breakfast and lunch with my Visuals shake kept my calorie intake down. The fact that I only maybe had two handfuls a day I am sure helped but to be honest that is not something I would normally have so I was having a hard time believing that replacing my granola bar (90 calorie) snack with this one that was full a fat still feels like I should have gained, right?

So are all fats created equal? Lets break it down a little each gram of fat has 9 calories, for a reference carbs and protein each have 4 calories a gram and alcohol has 7. Fats are essential in absorbing fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K and help provide energy. I have also read that it also helps you feel full longer and faster. 

Now lets see the differences between the different kinds of fat:

Saturated Fat: This type of fat is solid at room temperature. Typical found in animal foods, milk, cheese, and meat, and tropical oils for example coconut oil and palm oil. Saturated fat raises your cholesterol.

Trans Fat: This is the one most of my friends check for. This type of fat is found in processed foods to give them a longer shelf life and is also known for raising cholesterol. This is one that seems to be most stressed about and every where you look you are being told to stay away from it.

Unsaturated Fat: This type of fat is usually a liquid at room temperature. Unlike saturated fats may cause your cholesterol to go down. This type of fat is broken down to Polyunsaturated and Monounsaturated.

Polyunsaturated fat: Is found a lot in vegetable oils (ex. Sesame, soybean, and corn) and main fat in seafood. Eating Polyunsaturated fat is thought to help lower LDL Cholesterol. Two types of this fat are Omega-3 and Omega-6. From previous post you guys know knows omegas are very healthy.

Monounsaturated Fat: Mainly found in vegetable oils (ex canola, olive and peanut oils). This type of fat is though to lower the Bad LDL while raising the good HDL cholesterol levels, but only if you cut back on your saturated fat. NO eating both and hoping for results.

I am hoping with me eating my healthier Vi Shakes and eating a handful of these nuts that besides loosing weight and feeling better (oh and lets not forget my pants are getting loose so I am going to say looking better too) that I have helped lower cholesterol. I am not sure if that would have helped with my weight loss but I am sure it didnt hurt. 

Are you ready to get healthy this year? Dont put it off any longer. The only thing you have to loose is the weight  Click here to join the challange!

6 NEW Reasons to Take the Challenge in 2013

Almost everyone I know wants to get in better shape, loose weight, or just be more active. The Body By Vi Challenge helps with all that but if you need more reasons than your health to join let me give you the 6 new reasons to join the millions that have already joined.

1. 90 Day Money Back Guarantee. Insane 90 Day Challenge with a 90 Day money back guarantee. Dont get the results you want, start but dont stay with it....get your money back.

2. OVER 47 MILLION IN FREE PRODUCT AND PRIZES & VACATIONS!!!!!! That was how much was given away last year the goal to beat it this year. 

3. Project 10 Weekly Winners. Every week in 2013 they are giving away $10,000 to 10 people for loosing 10 pounds. Plus EVERYONE gets a "I lost it" T-shirt.

4. Monthy Challenge Finalist- Finalist will now receive a professional photo shoot and free Vi-Gear!

5. Ultimate Transformation Vacation. Your before and after party awaits. This comes complete a with a $5,000 Beverly Hills Wardrobe Shopping Spree!

6. Challenge Trainer. Get the resources you need on your personal challenge at challenge.com. Tools, apps expert tips and expert tips. 

For all these reasons dont forget the most important to join the challenge. YOU!! Feel better about yourself, take your confidence back and be the person you were meant to be. If you looked at these great rewards and you find yourself still thinking about it be honest with yourself, did you just come up with excuses because you are scared of change. That's ok we all do it but its time to get past your fear and live your life the way you want. Message me if you have any questions at leiworkfromhome@gmail.com. IF you are ready to start your challenge Pick a kit and lets get going http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

Foods that help your immune system

Almost all my friends are sick. I think I have been doing pretty good this year and I am sure a part of it is because I started my 90 Day Challenge and getting Vitamins and Mineral I would be normally missing from my diet. I did not eat a bunch of junk food but I was still missing a lot. Remember to get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and colorful fruits and vegetables. You should try to eat a rainbow of colors I am told but beside those tips are parents have told us over the years, here are a few food that will help you boost your immunity as well.

1. Yogurt: We have all seen these commercials raving about probiotics. Probiotics area  healthy bacteria that helps keeps your gut and intestines clean. You can take these in pill form but research has found that 7 oz of yogurt to be just as effective.

2. Oates and Barley: These particular types of grain contain beta-glucan. This type of fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities considered more potent than enchinea. In animals this fiber are less likely to get influenza, herpes and even athrax in humans it boost immunity, speeds up wound healing,  and is also thought to help antibiotics work better.

3. Garlic: Garlic contains allican. Allican fights infections and bacteria. In a study those who took garlic are 2/3 less likely to catch a cold.

4. Tea: People who drank four to five glasses of black tea for two weeks had ten times more virus fighting  interferon than those who just drank a hot placebo drink. The ingredient that helped with this is in green or black teas and also in decaf.

5. Chicken Soup: Mom was right, they did a test of 13 different brands and the only that didn't prove to be helpful was chicken flavored Ramen noodles. (I dont personally consider that chicken soup but interesting that they tried it) Chicken soup was found to block migration of inflamotory white cells. Which is good sense cells accumulate in the bronchial tubes.  The salty broth helps keeps mucus thin. Add some garlic and spices for added immunity boost.

6. Fish: Selenium which can be found plentiful in shellfish helps white blood cells produce cytokines. This protein helps clear flu virus from the system. Omega-3 is good for reducing inflammation and increasing air flow.

7. Beef: Zinc, this mineral found to be deficient in most adult diets espically for vegatarians. Zinc is important for white blood cells. White blood cells are what infections and help us heal so making sure you get enough zinc can greatly help boost your immune system.

8. Sweet potatoes: Your skin is your fist line of defense. To stay young and healthy it needs Vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene which your body turns into Vitamin A.

9. Mushrooms: This little fungus has proven to make white blood cells more aggressive. 

I hope this helps. I know lots are getting sick right now or are sick the article I got this from is http://www.organicgardening.com/living/9-foods-boost-immune-system

Are you ready to start your own 90 Day Challenge? Pick a goal, pick a kit and lets get started
http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

New Year and my New Years Resolution

The holidays are over, everyone in my house is feeling better and I am ready to get back to my own challenge. So this first post will be about me and I will try and update once a week on my progress with Body By Vi and the 90 Day Challenge. So between my fun articles on ways to loose weight, fun foods, yummy recipes you will get a more personal look at me.

Yesterday I did 30 minutes on the eliptical trainer. Today I started Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. Its great its just under 30 minutes and I will be able to do in the morning before I get ready for my kids to go to school. I have two boys, I was doing the Insanity workouts but when my schedule changed I needed a shorter workout. 

I hate taking pictures of me. When I was younger I used to love it, than I gained a little weight and had two very big boys. I love them to death but they were big boys and I carried them in front. I swear I looked like a giant egg. I still think I look pregnant but hopefully that will go away as the weight comes off. 

Here is Day 1, January 1, 2013:

Are you ready to start your challenge but have a few more questions? Ready to pick a kit and just get started on your own 90 Day Journey?  http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

Healthy and on budget

My Body By Vi diet allows me to lesson my grocery bill while eating healthier than I was but I also like to cook and still eat dinner since I actually replace my breakfast with a shake and a snack since I drink one after my workout. I still eat lunch and dinner. Since my goal is more than 30 lbs the total I spend per day a month is about eight dollars. Not bad for two those two meals plus my omega's and my metabolic booster.

Since I am new to eating healthy and hate spending a ton of money I thought I would share a few recipes that I have found. I love pasta so the first one I am sharing with you Chicken Piccata with Pasta and Mushrooms.  This recipe you can swap the chicken for a mild fish like Talipa or Shrimp. 

 

INGREDIENTS

• 6 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 4 chicken cutlets, (3/4-1 pound total), trimmed
• 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 10-ounce package mushrooms, sliced
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
• 2 teaspoons butter

• PREPARATION

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just tender, 4 to 6 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse.
  2. Meanwhile, whisk 5 teaspoons flour and broth in a small bowl until smooth. Place the remaining flour in a shallow dish. Season chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper and dredge both sides in the flour. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink in the middle, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate; cover and keep warm.
  3. Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until they release their juices and begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add garlic and wine to the pan and cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the reserved broth-flour mixture, lemon juice and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in parsley, capers, butter and the reserved mushrooms. Measure out 1/2 cup of the mushroom sauce. Toss the pasta in the pan with the remaining sauce. Serve the pasta topped with the chicken and the reserved sauce.

  NUTRITION

  Per serving: 397 calories; 9 g fat ( 3 g sat , 3 g mono ); 54 mg cholesterol; 45 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 28 g protein; 5 g fiber; 544 mg sodium; 609 mg potassium
  I made this a few weeks ago and it came out great. The kids and husband love it. My husband loves steak so I haven't tried this second one yet but think when he comes home we are going to try it. 
  

  INGREDIENTS

  • 8 ounces 1/2-inch-thick steaks, such as rib-eye, trimmed of fat and cut into 2 portions
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 plum tomatoes, diced
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

  • PREPARATION

    1. Sprinkle both sides of steak with chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and cook, turning once, 1 to 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer the steaks to a plate, cover with foil and let rest while you make the salsa.
    2. Add tomatoes, lime juice and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt to the pan and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes soften, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cilantro and any accumulated juices from the steaks. Serve the steaks topped with the salsa.

    NUTRITION

    Per serving: 192 calories; 8 g fat ( 2 g sat , 4 g mono ); 81 mg cholesterol; 4 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 26 g protein; 1 g fiber; 359 mg sodium; 515 mg potassium.
    
    
    I hope you guys like these recipes. There are many more to be found on web if you just look. Although I am meeting most my needs with my shakes I still love good food.
    Are you ready to start your 90 Day Challenge? What can you accomplish in 90 Days?
    http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

Benefits of Soy Protein

There are several types of protein out there but today I am focusing on Soy Protein. I am on my Body By Vi 90 Day Challenge trying to get in better shape and wanted to learn more about it and why it works so well in these shakes for those of us that are trying to loose weight or achieve a fitness goal. 

Soy protein is a vegetable protein. This type of protein is great for recovering after a workout. The reason it is great for recovery is that it contains glutamine (emino acid that aids in recovery), arginine (dialetes blood vessels so nutrients can get to the muscles faster, and BCAA's (one of nine essential amino acids that aids in recovery). 

Soy protein also helps support a healthy cholesterol and boost thyroid hormone output. For those of us with that suffer from low thyroid that alone is worth joining the challenge and drinking the shake mix. By increasing thyroid production it helps boost up metabolism and aids in fat loss. This type of protein can be taken both before and after your workout. 

Ready to start your own 90 Day Challenge? Contact me and we will pick a goal, pick a kit, and get started. 

http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

A few fruits you should add to your diet

I am lucky in that my kids love fruits. The other day after dinner my son came to the table with an apple. I started to laugh because generally my kids have to ask before they grab food and just start munching but it was an apple and not a piece of candy from the Halloween candy bag we have. I couldn't get mad but I became curious besides the usual fruits I buy is there one I should try.

I found an article on the 8 Healthiest fruits you should be eating from Ladies Home Journal. So here's the 411 according to this article.

1. Blueberries. This has been listed as one of the best super fruits for awhile. I have seen this on the cover of many magazines while in the checkout line. Rich in antioxidants helps in fighting cancer and in the prevention of muscle degeneration. Like cranberries they also help prevent urinary tract infections.

2. Oranges. A single orange has a full days worth of Vitamin C plus potassium. The scent is also supposed to be calming.

3. Apples. The skin of an apple is high in fiber both soluble and insoluble. These types of fiber help lower cholesterol and keeps you regular. It is also packed full of antioxidants.

4. Bananas. These by far are my sons favorite and have become my favorite thing to mix with my Body By Shake mix with a dab of peanut butter. Bananas are full of potassium and low in sodium. This can help reduce your chance of high blood pressure and strokes.

5. Kiwi. Kiwi has twice as vitamin C as an orange and is thought to help reduce risk of cataracts and might even help protect DNA from damage.

6. Red and Purple Grapes. For those of you with little kids these are always the easiest things for me to get mine to eat. At every party with a fruit platter I would find them stuffing their cheeks like little chipmunks. Grapes contain resveratrol. This antioxidants helps fight against heart disease. You can get this in a cup of dark grapes or a 5 oz glass of Merlot.

7. Strawberries. Another one of my favorites for my Body By Vi shakes. A handful of this yummy treat is expected to help control type 2 diabetes, help prevent heart disease, reduce inflammation, plus full of vitamin C and and other antioxidants.

8. Papayas. Papayas help in digestion. They are full of Vitamin C and a good source of folate.

My kids still won't eat Kiwi. Maybe later when they get over that it looks fury. I hope you all enjoy and find this information useful. If interested in the article check out http://www.lhj.com/recipes/healthy/eating/8-healthiest-fruits-you-should-be-eating/

Ready to start your own 90 Day Challenge? Pick a goal, pick a kit and lets get started. http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

Foods to help belly fat

Before I ever had kids I had a little pouch. I hated it. One time my little brother asked me if I was pregnant. Two c-sections later it has not gone away. I am proud to say that thanks to my 2 Body By Vi Shakes a day and my workouts I do notice that my stomach is starting to get some light definition. This might be a light trick caused by shadows but....I am hopeful.

So tonight I thought I would look up food that is supposed to help with that. I know that I am not the only one with that issue. There were lots of articles this one is based on one I found on Real Age. 

1. Black Beans. Legumes in general are high in fiber and protein which help reduce appetite. Black beans are the highest in flavonoids which is expected to help fight belly fat. 

2. Pears. Fresh pears are very low in calories and high in fiber that the articles actually states you can eat one at every meal and loose weight. Pears are loaded with two things that are supposed to help fight belly fat they are: catechins and flavonols. 

3. Popcorn. Ok for those of you that got excited this popcorn minus the butter and salt (and the oil they use at the movie theater sorry guys). Popcorn is a whole grain belief it or not and people who ate lots of whole grain have been proven to have smaller waist lines.

4. Cold Potatoes. If you put potatoes in the fridge overnight they form a resistant starch crystal. This is a fiber that triggers two hunger halting hormones. It also helps burn more fat while making less available to store. You can make a vinegar potato salad. 

5. Peanuts. The calories burned from peanuts are burned more readily than their less healthy alternatives such as cookies, crackers and chips.

6. Sunflower seeds. Tip to remember unsalted. You can toss them into your cereal, on your sandwhiches in your yoguart. This yummy little treat is high in monounsaturated fat, which is a healthy fat that inhibits waist spreading. 

7. Tea. White Tea to be exact. A study showed that cells that were treated with white tea absorbed 70% less fat than those weren't. The same cells also triggered fat break down. 

8. Apple Cider Vinegar. This yummy ingredient has a compound called acetic acid. This turbo boost the ability to burn fat while hindering fat storage. Double trouble for fat. 

9. Safflower Oil. This is used a lot in salad dressings and a few teaspoons of this a day seems to encourage belly fat to take a hike. It contains an omega-6 ingredient called linolic acid that causes your metabolic rate to rev up. 

Some of these foods are new to me. Some I realize I am getting thanks to my high fiber protein drink from Visuals and the omega-6 from my Omega Vitals. Some of these seem pretty easy to add to your diet. For instance maybe I should see if I can find a white tea that I like and that will also help increase my water intake and hopefully help me add more water to my day. 

Can you actually avoid gaining weight over the holidays?

So last year I have to admit I didnt gain weight on the holidays. I did avoid the scales the day directly after but the following day I did weight myself and my weight did not go up. I have two boys so a lot of it is the constant chasing after them since they are out of school and are board. I ate a little bit of everything for dinner and only had one slice of the most yummy look pie. This year we are away from both our families and I refuse to make more than one pie for the four of us. Espicially since my two boys are not quite big enough to be eating three or four slices of pie in one day. Maybe in a few years when they are teenagers but right now I luck out and we only need one.

Looking up tips and tricks I found a few and there was a lot of overlap. This particle article I choose has it narrowed down to eight ways to avoid the holiday bulge.

1. Move your body. Lots of us are busy on the holidays but a good 30-45 minutes of cardio wont ruin your day and might actually make you feel better. I know its hard I balance two boys, a husband in the military so his schedule changes on a minute notice, a job, writing, and I promote my Body By Vi Challenge. I get busy but a little me time might actually be what the doctor ordered and will help you work of some of those extra calories.

2. Aim for seven a day. This goes for fruits and vegtables. Try to feel up on these yummy alternatives (preferably without loading up on a ton of dressing on it) and its a great way to feel fuller without adding lots of extra calories. You will also get the benefits of the extra fiber.

3. Control risk or temptation. This for me means dont stand by the dessert table. If desserts aren't your thing but you love a good dip....don't hang out next to that table. Make a small plate and walk away. There is nothing wrong with a little bit its just making sure you dont over do that little bit.

4. Limit one a day. I am terrible of the "I will not eat sweets" I instantly want it. Well if you know you can have one than some of the pressure is off so have one cookie or one piece of the yummy cake you only have once a year anyways. Enjoy it. But only have one.

5. Always plan ahead. This is great advice for those of you that are busy running from one place to the next. Have a little something yummy and healthy before you go that party. This could be a small yogart, granola bar anything that will make you a little less hungry so your empty belly does not cause you to put more on your plate then you need.

6. Be in charge of your party choices. Little helpful hints can help. Choose a small plate to eat with, avoid the sauce, what you eat for dessert, and watch what you drink. These little things can save you a ton of calories.

7. Say no polietly. I married into latin family and they really hate when I say no. They consider it rude and will constnatly try to talk me into more. I always have to follow a no thank you with "I am so full if I eat another bite I will explode, it was so good." I love them dearly and I dont want to hurt there feelings so I have had to think of the nicest way to say no without huring anyones feeling.

8. Focus on Socializing. This means not hanging out at the food table but walking around talking to your friends and family and having a great time.

Hope this helps. I know I have at least two dinners to survive and two weekends of back to back gatherings.  For more on the article check out:  http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/nutrition/holidayeating12_01.aspx

Join me on my 90 Day Challenge at http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

Is your weight loss goal realistic?

So those of you that have been following my blog have read that I have switched my weightloss goal to a fitness goal since I have PCOS and an underactive thyroid. The inches are coming off and I have been builiding lean muscles since I have started working out and drinking my Body By Vi Shakes but my weight just seems to fluctuate. Super annoying for a girl that is partly scale obsessed switching my goal has been good (still checking the scale but as long as my pants keeping getting loser and loser I haven't broken the scale for being mean to me).

For those of you that have heard of the Body By Vi 90 Day Challenge I think this article is great. First of, if you haven't, I want to explain that the 90 Day Challenge is not about you picking a unrealistic goal of dropping 150 pounds in 90 Days and your life doing a complete 180. No the man or woman of your dreams is not guaranteed to show up in those 90 Days or your spouse that you are having problems with won't suddenly realize how lucky they and that you suddenly will be guaranteed a six figure income. 

I will say that I have heard of some people achieving some very high weightloss goal and there are a few people who became promoters and within 90 days are making a very, very lucrative income and have quit their day job. It is possible so I dont want anyone to get discouraged some of us take longer to get to that goal than others and that is ok, our journey is just meant to be different.

If you have a big weight loss goal start with a mini goal. Even a small change can have a big impact on your health. A good first goal is to lose 10% of your current weight. I would like to loose 60 lbs evenutally if I narrowed it down to 10% of my body weight that would be 19 pounds. That goal is a lot smaller and easier to achieve. Set up little rewards as you reach your mini goal. One thing to avoid though is to make your reward around food. What is one thing that you love but dont get to do very often or that you have wanted to buy but have put off for one reason or another. Those are great rewards. 

Make a change you can live with. I love my Body By Vi shakes so that is something I can live with. I get the protein I need plus fiber and a bunch of other vitamins and minerals I know I am missing in my daily diet. For me that is an easy change. That may or may not be you. This might be somehting more like adding more lean proteins, would you be able to comfortably adding more vegtables to your diet, or getting rid of soda (one of my weaknesses). This would be personal to you so dont let others tell you what you should or should do or give up. Only you know what you will be able to live with and stick with. 

Realisticly you may not loose every week or you may not reach your exact goal. Take stock. If you lost half a pound or didnt gain this week isn't that better than gaining half a pound. If you did gain weight is it because you started lifting weights and you gained a little muscle and have noticed that your clothes are looser but the scales said you gained a pound. Every day that you keep trying and push forward and not let your little slips discourage you from moving forward is a win. 

For more on the actual article: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/is-your-weight-loss-goal-realistic

Interested in joining me on my 90 Day Challenge? http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

Do I really need to give up on bread?

I have friends that swear to me that they quit eating bread and lost 50 or so pounds. I love bread and pasta. Oh and lets not forget garlic bread to eat with my pasta. So heres the question "Is bread my enemy?"

So today I read another great article on WebMd that talked about this very thing. Most of us that love bread and have weight issues over do it on the white bread. Bagels, which my mom loves and eats most mornings, are pretty high in calories not overly high in fiber and according the food pyrmaid uses at least half of her carb intake.

The main problem with bread is that those bread items that we like that are not made with whole grains cause us to have a spike in insulin produciton and raises our blood sugar level. The bright side is if we are more aware and opt for the healthier whole grain versions of our favorite bread products it will get absorbed slower and we wont see such a huge spike in our sugar level.

Another problem with bread is that there seem to be more people with celiac disease or those that are senstitive gluten. This is something people need to be aware of because it does cause bloating, abdonminal pain, and fatigue. This is something you should talk to your doctor if you notice and get tested and if this is the case you my find you feel better if you put yourself on a gluten free diet. I do know several people that are on a gluten free diet and have found great recipes for all the things that they love including cake so do not despair it might take a few tries and a few recipes but there are great alternatives.

For those of you that do not fit in that category but are struggling with their weight and love bread there are a few alternatives. If you love bagels maybe switching to the bagel thins or split it, I eat the smaller bottom half and usually half the top between my kids when I find myself craving a bagel. I also make my burgers open face I use the bottom portion of the bun and leave the top off. If you can switch to whole wheat alternatives for your sandwhiches. They are generally healthier and have more vitamins and minerals than their conterparts. Check the label since companies have gotten crafty and started adding molasses to trick the consumers.

I guess the thing that we should learn is that if you are senstive and notice that you do get tired or bloat after bread talk to your doctor. If not than remember portion control. Pay atteniton to how much bread or bread like products you eat any day. Find a good alternative. I am eating less bread by replacing two out of my five meals a day with a Body By Vi Shakes. That works for me. Find what works for you and remember small changes can eventually lead to a big impact.

For more on the article check out: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/truth-about-bread-and-diet

Want to join me on my 90 Day Challenge and see how one small change can impact your life. http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

Should you exercise with a Cold??

Ok its that time of year again and my kids have shared with me their cold. Well I just started my third week of the 90 Day Challenge. I made mine a physical challenge which means I work out everyday but Sunday. So the question becomes should you work or not? The lazy part of me is like lets skip but the other part of me says you have been doing good if you stop now you might not start again. So what do the expert says.

Researching this was pretty easy and found a article on Web MD here are the highlights:
First thing it goes into is how exercise is good to prevent chronic illness (on this I feel cheated I mean really I have been working out for two weeks that counts right?). Regular exercise is known to jump start your immune system. With exercise the number of aggressive cells (the ones that fight illness) increase by 50-300%.

This did not have to be hard core exerecise but even just walking regularly could increase your white blood cell count. The study compared women their 60's who walked at least 30 minurtes regularly to women in there 30's. White blood cell count for the active women were the same as those 30 years younger.

Now the question comes in "Should you exercise with a cold?" A majority of the time it usually is according to the article, as long as you listen to your body. If you do a very intesnse workout you need to make sure you give your body enough time to rest between workouts. Now if you suffer from asthma and have a cold you should definetly talk to your doctor.

If you are taking cold medicine you may cause your heart to work really hard so this again is a listen to your body. I dont usually take cold medicine so I can't use this excuse but if you are you may want to think about lowering intensity based on how your body feels.

So I am still working out but I have lessen the intensity a little by slowling the pace and taking more water breaks as needed. I hope this helps.
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/exercise-when-you-have-cold

Ready to start your own 90 Day Challenge?  Join me at http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

Why Diet and Exercise are Both important

I at one point have tried just dieting....than just exercising. Actually I just exercised while eating everything I wanted. I find that if I just diet but dont eat the right foods I am actaully starving most the day. I hope I am not the only one who has done this.....

So looking up other results I have found an article that discusses this. The article I found discusses a study she found that had 400 women participants between the ages of 50-75. They were broken down into four groups, diet only, exercise only, both, and those that did nothing. The study lasted a year which is I think great because how many of us loose weight in the first few weeks of our program just to turn around a quit long before we get to a year right.

The results were exercise only lost 2.4% of there starting weight, diet only 8.5%, both lost an everage of 10.8%.  Those that were the highest in that category also kept a food journal.

You dont have to make a big change to start but making one small change well lead to another. My small change was adding the Body By Vi protein drinks and than I slowly made another and than another.

Its not how you start but how you finish. Here's a link to the article if you want more information http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=both_diet_and_exercise_are_important_for_weight_loss_success

Ready to start the challenge?? http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net