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

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

Why I Changed my 90 Day Goal to a Fitness Goal

I tease my mom all the time for not "shopping for genetics" before she got pregnant with me. I don't really mean anything by it but I do have to admit I was aware of my short comings before I hooked up with my husband and tease him that part of my attraction is he makes up for up them.

I am five feet two inches he is just around six feet, where I have an underactive thyroid and PCOS he has a fast metabolic rate. Both those problems I have main system is....weight gain. That is right ladies and gentlemen I have two medical diagnosis that systems cause me to gain weight.

When I started my 90 Day Challenge with Body By Vi I was determined to loose weight. My friend did and with it being the number one weight loss company in North America hundreds of others have done or are currently doing it.

The weight came off a little at first but than stopped. I was not happy but I kept on going and well since I did my measurements I kept on doing them and realized I was loosing more inches than pounds. Well to keep myself from getting depressed about the scale I shifted my focus and I am happy to say have officially finished two weeks of the Insanity workouts. I have never been able to do that much before. Healthy diet and shifting my focus have helped me physically be in better shape than I was before. With the extra benefits of great support from my Body By Vi Family and my friends and family that are cheering me on I feel good.

Want to join me on my 90 Day Challenge? Have a fitness or weight loss goal in mind? Contact me and lets get started.  http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

A few skinny Cocktails to get you through the holidays

Most of us are hosting at least one party this holiday season. For those of you that want to have a few drinks without ruining your diet here are a few things to try:

1. Watermelon Mojito: No sugar instead use cubes of watermelon gently crushed with a few mint leaves than add rum and sparkling water

2. Simple Margarita: Skip the syrups for color instead one shot tequila, lime juice to taste and splash of triple sec shake with ice and you have a simple low calorie margarita.

3. The skinny Pina Colada: Using rum infused with flavors will help cut out some of the calories so you wont need to add the coconut milk mixer instead use one shot coconut rum add fresh strawberries, splash of agave syrup and blend with ice. 

4. Slim Berry Daiquiri: 1 cup no sugar added berries, rum, ice and sweeten with 1 teaspoon stevia than blend.

5. Asian Flavor Fussion: Try Ginger Vodka with lime sparkling water. You can change the sparkling water flavor for a rich combination of Asian Flavor Fussions.

These are just a few of the skinny cocktails I found. For more recipes check the link http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-skinny-cocktails?ecd=wnl_wlw_110312&ctr=wnl-wlw-110312_ld-stry&mb=

Ready to start your 90 Day Challenge? http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net/

How to Handle Weight Loss Plateau

I have PCOS and under active thyroid so for me loosing weight seems to be a take one step forward and 2 or step backs. Lately I have been losing inches and no weight. That is not a terrible thing but I want both. That may sound greedy but most of us look at the scale as an indicator of how we are doing on the weight loss fight so must of you probably get that. Nothing worst than sticking to your diet to see the scale stay still....

So looking around I found an article on Web MD. To give credit were credit is due I am going to sum up the 10 steps it recomends and if you want more details click this link: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/10-ways-to-move-beyond-a-weight-loss-plateau  Most these ideals we have heard before but sometimes its good to have a little reminder

Step 1. Imagine your success. For those of you secret lovers this is right up your alley. It also points to think long term not just the 10lbs you want to look good in your dress because yo-yo dieting is bad for you and to always keep healthy snacks around.

Step 2. Understanding your weight-loss personality. For instance do you impulsively eat a thing ice cream, do you eat when out with your friends, or do you munch on snacks while watching TV. Knowing what you are will help you figure out your weak spots.

Step 3. Record all your food. (This is my weakness) This way you actually know how much food you are taking in. Also you can keep track of how you felt before you eat and if you were full after. I have seen some say to record how hungry you really were when you started to eat. That could help you notice patterns.

Step 4. Beware of Calorie Creep. If you do step 3 you will notice this more than if you do it on your own. Ways to easily avoid this, make an open face sandwich (when I make hamburgers I never eat the top bun it requires i use a fork most times but I am ok with that) snack size candy bar instead of full one etc.

Step 5. Watch Restaurant Overeating. Restaurants are known for huge portion sizes so if you are not really hungry have an appetizer or a salad. Also I know if I go to Cheesecake Factory I have enough for a big lunch the next day and instantly divide my plate in half. Or if you are going with a friend share everything one meal one share the price saving yourself some calories and some money.

Step 6. Eat Low Fat Protein Meals. Protein surpresses a hormone that stimulates your hunger. Foods high in fat are known to increase this hormone. So if you eat a meal that is low fat and high in protein....you get rid of one of the items that triggers the hormone at the same time taking in one of the items that helps surpress it. (Just a few numbers for you that are curious the Body By Vi protein drinks have 1 gram of Fat, less than a gram of sugar, and 12 grams of protein)

Step 7. Eat more Fruits and Vegetables. This adds many vitamins and minerals not to mention fiber. They are low calorie food that has lots of nutrional value.

Step 8. Push the envelop pass the plateau. Simply this means your body adepts to your workouts so if you have been going on a casual 30 min walk, make a small change carry weights, add more time, make it a jog or maybe try kickboxing.

Step 9. Wear a Pedometer. Make a goal for how many steps you are going to take and put it on in the morning.

Step 10. Try Yoga to avoid stress eating. They actually have a few poses listed if you want to read but the main goal for this goal is to find a better outlet for your stress than food. Most of us do it, I admit I do it to at times and if I am alone and at home have tried putting on my cardio kickboxing tape instead. Punching and kicking imagining pains in my butt is way better.

Hope that helps most of you or gives you a few ideals. I actually combine 6 and 7 by adding strawberries and bananas to my Body By Vi shakes. I love it and feel better. I still need to work on recording my foods but I am getting there.

Ready to start your own 90 Day Challenge? Curious to know more?  http://lanischweitzer.myvi.net

Kendra Lost 30 Pounds! Body by Vi Challenge Losers!

http://body-by-vi-shakes.com Kendra M lost 30 pounds with the Body by Vi Challenge! Go Kendra! Go Kendra!

Body By Vi Shakes Vs Lap Band Surgery - My Decision

Why I opted for the Body By Vi Challenge Vs Lap Band Surgery ( Before and After Photos Posted)

When you are extremely heavy, once you make the decision to lose weight, you want to lose the weight FAST.

I thought you might like to know that I actually considered Lap Band surgery when my doctor diagnosed me as being "morbidly obese". Before I actually tell you the reasons for making the decision to go a different route, I want to first tell you that my opinions expressed are in no way intended to slight those who have made the decision to opt for Lap Band Surgery-

In fact, I feel that in some cases, Lap Band Surgery is a great alternative for those who need to lose weight quickly for health reasons, and I'd want to also encourage those who have had Lap Band surgery by saying that the Body By Vi Shakes are a fantastic way of recieving all of the nutrition that you need, in a great tasting shake that has been proven to jump start a sluggish metabolism, AND the Visalus Shakes have been proven to improve the results of those who have reached a weight loss plateau, after having a gastric bypass or Lap Band Surgery.

After my primary care physician made the diagnosis of being Morbidly Obese, I knew that I had allowed my weight to get to the point that I had seriously jeopardized my health.

I started researching online, and began to read forum posts and any information that I could regarding having the Lap Band Surgery done.

I made an appointment with a well known clinic, known for performing several Lap Band Surgery procedures weekly, and decided that this would be the route I took in order to get the weight off.

I showed up for my initial consultation - and weighed in. After taking my vital signs, and reviewing all of my details, the consultant then began to outline what would be needed from me in order to qualify for the surgery due to medical reasons, and qualify to have the surgery paid for by my health insurance.