10 TIPS TO STAY ON TRACK DURING THE HOLIDAYS

10 TIPS TO STAY ON TRACK DURING THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays are here, staying lean is up to you to achieve and sustain. You can obtain your fitness goals & dreams no matter what festive time it is in the year.

You have to begin a fitness plan in order to have your dream body. Starting an exercise routine can seem like diving head first into icy cold water. It may feel overwhelming and challenging, but it doesn’t have to be.

Living a LivFit Lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight, it takes motivation, dedication and determination to follow through with your goals.

Unfortunately too many people lack the motivation needed to commit to starting a fitness routine. It takes time, you don’t have to jump in with both feet; you can start off slow. Starting is half the battle; you can begin by walking briskly for 20 minutes 5 days a week or jogging on a treadmill for 15 minutes. And in time you find that you’ll want to exercise longer than you did the day or week before.

It all begins with loving yourself enough to want to improve your quality of life. Living a healthy lifestyle makes for a happier life, everyone around you will benefit. You’ll feel happier and healthier, you’ll have more energy to play with your family and friends and you’ll have a sense empowerment.

Motivation is the key to success! Staying motivated will boost your determination to live a healthier lifestyle. Here are 10 motivational tips that have helped me stay on track year after year. These tips have also been highly beneficial for my clients who used them to achieve their weight loss goals and dreams.


TOP 10 FITNESS MOTIVATIONAL TIPS


1. MAKE YOUR WORKOUTS A HIGH PRIORITY

Schedule your workouts on your calendar as you would a business meeting. Pack your gym bag and have it ready to go or place your workout clothes on your dresser the night before. If you can workout first thing in the morning that’s perfect! You’ll have it done for the day and you’ll feel proud of yourself for accomplishing your goal, it’s a great feeling. You’ll also have extra energy to get you through your busy schedule.

2. SET ATTAINABLE GOALS

Write down 5 short term goals in the present tense. Write goals that you know you can achieve within a week or a month time period. Create a detailed plan for success. Be specific such as "I workout 30 minutes each day" or "I eat a small balanced meal every 3 hours." Place your goals where you can read them often. Keep your goals in mind at all times. See yourself as though you have already accomplished your goals and dreams. Feel what it feels like to be at your ideal body weight, imagine your physique as you want it to be.

3. LOVE AND BELIEVE IN YOU

Loving yourself unconditionally will open your heart to believing in you! I always say "Dream big dreams because dreams really do come true!" If it’s your dream to be fit and thin then believe you can be. Visualize yourself lean and strong. Our minds are very powerful in creating our habitual thoughts. So think uplifting thoughts throughout the day. By loving and believing in you all things are possible.

4. CHOOSE A LOCATION TO WORKOUT

Choose a gym close to home, you’ll be more inclined to make it to the gym more often if it’s convenient. Or create your own gym, all you need are varies sizes of dumbbells, a bench and a mirror to watch your form (always lift weights in front of a mirror) and you’ll have your very own gym in the comforts of your own home! Make your gym a place where you want to be. Make it fun, have a fitness poster to motivate you, have a TV & a DVD player to follow along with your favorite workouts, or a radio/CD player to play upbeat music loudly to add energy to your workouts.

5. STAY POSITIVE & HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Be grateful for your body as it is now. Give thanks for all that it does for you. Visualize yourself as though you have already accomplished your fitness and wellness goals. With gratitude in your heart imagine yourself as the size, shape and weight as you aspire to be. Your body will literally transform more easily by focusing on love and appreciation. The more you are grateful for the more you'll have to be grateful for!

6. KEEP A FITNESS JOURNAL

Journal keeping is imperative for fitness and weight loss success. Having a journal for your meals and exercise routines is a great way to track your accomplishments and improvements. Log your workouts by writing down how much weight you used and how many reps you did. Also write how you felt that day. You’ll be able amazed at how rewarding it is to keep a record of your fitness journey.

Plan your meals ahead of time. Write down your meal plan the night before and prepare your meals ahead of time so you’ll be ready to go the next day. Using a diet journal holds you accountable for everything you eat & drink, it will help you immensely. Be honest and write down everything you eat. You'll begin to think twice about what you put in your mouth.

7. CREATE A SUPPORT GROUP

Having a buddy system is a huge benefit to assist you in your weight loss efforts. Tell all of your family and friends of your weight loss goals and then you will feel less likely to overeat at a family gathering and social events. Exercise with a close friend, it’s so much more fun to workout with a friend. Surround yourself with people that believe in you and that will support you in your fitness goals and dreams. Avoid pessimistic people and choose to spend time with those that inspire you to be a better person.

8. HIRE A FITNESS COACH OR PERSONALTRAINER

Hire a fitness guru to help you learn how to properly chart your meals and exercise routines. Be selective; follow your heart in choosing the right coach or trainer. There are all sorts of trainers and coaches from yoga to bodybuilding. Having a coach or trainer will educate, motivate and inspire you. You’ll have more self-confidence in the gym and needed will-power at home. Being accountable to someone whom you look up to will skyrocket you to success.

9. GET ENOUGH SLEEP

Getting enough Zzz’s is essential to achieving a lean, shapely physique. Your body repairs worked torn muscle tissues from your earlier workout during sleep. Try to get to bed by 10:30 pm each evening so your body can fully recover. You’ll not only have more energy for your next workout but you’ll feel stronger too!

10. FOLLOW THROUGH

Start your fitness plan today! Take action and follow through with your goals. Be sure to implement journal writing and daily exercise to ensure success. Write down a timeline on your calendar when you will reach your goals, then reward yourself when you do. Get a massage, go to a movie, or read a good book; do what makes you happy.

Commit today to living a healthier lifestyle. If you follow these simple motivational tips and incorporate them into your daily routine you'll soon discover that fitness will become a way of life. Staying motivated is a mindset. Be true to you; exercise often, eat healthy foods and believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Until next time... Embrace Life, Love Much & Train Hard!

~Carol Whitaker

Sexy Arms Workout

Build SEXY Arms at Home

There's nothing sexier or more impressive than having toned, sculpted arms; the only way to achieve a fit physique is to exercise 5 to 6 days a week which includes 45 minutes of cardio - preferably intervals, weight lifting and a clean diet. Anyone can achieve their fitness goals and dreams - including YOU!

I attained my fitness goals & dreams by working out in my home gym using dumbbells, I haven't stepped foot in a gym since I got married which was nearly 20 years ago. All you need are some dumbbells, a mirror and a bench or chair.

Here are a few of my favorite exercises that I do weekly. Take time for YOU each day - make You a TOP PRIORITY! Set a side an hour a day to pamper yourself by stretching and exercising. Take time to laser-in on your fitness goals by visualising your success 5 to 10 minutes daily; doing so will expedite your results by using the creative powers of the mind.

WHAT YOU EAT DOES MATTER

Remember you won't have results if you eat white flour, sugar, high sodium and preservatives - So eat clean every few hours along with drinking plenty of purified water. Incorporating Liv Sxinney, Go & cRave into your healthy eating will turbo-charge your fat-burning machine... aka your metabolism! Fill your small plate with lean protein, a complex carb & fresh veggies or a salad. Have 1 tablespoon of good fats daily along with eating plenty of fiber which will aid in energy and slow digestion of carbs and fats.

Stay away from the kitchen during the hours of 1 and 4pm, studies show that's when the body is most tired, during mid afternoon one's willpower is lower than in the first part of the day. Plan ahead and prepare small meals the night before so you'll be well prepared to handle afternoon cravings. Before long you'll soon find that your body will no longer crave junk food when maintaining a healthy diet for at least 21 days.

HOME GYM ARM WORKOUT

Fitness Tip: If you want size do 3 to 5 sets of 8 to 10 reps with heavy dumbbells; if you want toned do 15 to 20 reps with medium heavy dumbbells.

Triceps Kick-Back: Fitness Tip - keep your back flat, knees bent & arms straight throughout the exercise.

Triceps Extension: Drop body down to work the quads, hamstrings and glutes for an added burn.

Shoulder Press: Keep elbows straight as you power up the press.

Fitness Tip: Focus on each muscle group, feel it getting stronger with each rep.

In & Out Bicep Curls: Move slowly throughout the exercise.

Fitness Tip: Keep your abs taught throughout the exercises.

Static Arm Curls: Begin with both hands down. Lift one arm and keep stationary while doing a full curl with the opposite arm, do 5 reps 3 times alternating each arm - I love this exercise!

LOG YOUR SUCCESS

Log your workouts so you can follow your progress. Think happy, loving thoughts about yourself and see yourself as you wish to be! Be honest when logging your daily meals, write down everything that you eat and drink. Have your last meal of the day by 7 pm. For muscle development and fat burning during sleep, take Go just before you go to sleep. Your body repairs during sleeping hours, giving it L-Arginine (Go) will turbo-charge your results - it's a beautiful thing! =)

Until next time - be happy, workout hard and eat clean... Happy Training!

METABOLISM MAKEOVER

MAKEOVER YOUR METABOLISM BEFORE HOLIDAYS

I can't believe Halloween is just around the corner, before we know it Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here; with the holidays come family parties, social gatherings which means delicious, tempting treats and that too often equals weight gain!

This year you can literally makeover your metabolism before the holidays. Creating a fast metabolism is all about working with your body rather than against it. Having small meals throughout the day will not only give you more energy but it will also raise your metabolic rate each time you eat.

Low-Carb & Carb-Loading Timing

You can eat delicious foods and lose weight. To jump start a lazy metabolism you just neet to eat the right food combinations to get your metabolism burning. Rotating through carbs cycles will ensure your body does not go into starvation mode which will result in fat stores. Eating small meals often will keep your blood sugars level as well as raise your metabolic rate as you digests the food. And eating low-carb will induce deep fat stores to be burned for energy. So combining low-car & carb-loading during the week will ensure that your metabolism will burn at it's optimal level.

Here's a rundown of how to rotate carbs throughout the week. Four days a week eat 1 complex carb a day, I recommend having oatmeal and a why protein drink for breakfast; eat lean protein and salads & fresh veggies the rest of the day; that's considered low-carb eating. Two days a week have 2 to 3 complex carbs before 3 pm with your small meals. And 1 day a week do carb-load eating which means you can have complex carbs all day long with your meals, including eating a yummy dessert, this is considered a free day. Each day have at least one tablespoon of good fats such as olive oil, flax seed or omega's, it will assist in burning fat, building muscle as well as digestion.

Portion Control is a Must

Portion control is critical in jump starting your metabolism. Have 30 percent protein, 30 percent complex carbs (on carb-load days) and 40 percent fresh veggies and salads. You can also have whey protein shakes for between meal snacks. Use the palm of your hand as a portion guideline to keep you on track.

Hydrate for Metabolic Rate Increase

Along with eating a healthy diet aim for drinking at least 60 to 80 oz of purified water with Liv Sxinney daily, staying hydrated will increase your metabolic rate along with keeping hunger at bay. I recently did my own little Liv Sxinney test, I stopped using Liv Sxinney for two weeks without changing my clean eating or exercise routine. I gained weight and went from a ripped physique to a lean physique - needless to say I was NOT pleased!

Thankful I'm using the Liv Sxinney products again and I'm already feeling fitter and leaner. I literally can't believe how fast my body changed... I will never go without using Liv Sxinney, Go & Crave daily. I love the products and have benefited not only by getting ripped but my health has improved too!

So you can indeed super charge your metabolism before the holidays, if you follow these simple guidelines and drink Liv Sxinney daily you can lose weight, enjoy holiday treats and have a happier holiday season this year.

FITNESS TIP OF THE DAY

LIVFIT TIPS & TRICKS

As the holiday's creep upon us it's a time to have a few diet tricks up our sleeves to ward of the unwanted holiday weight gain. Did you know on average people gain anywhere from 10 to 15 lbs during the sweet season of family parties and social gatherings? That's a lot of fat!

But you can be ahead of the game by using these tips and tricks to get you through the holiday season without the extra baggage around your waist, hips & thighs...

TIPS THAT WORK!

Everyone knows that eating a low fat diet and exercising daily will shed fat as well as keep a lean physique. But a lot of people don't know how to cut down on fat & extra calories. Here are a few examples of how to eat smarter without sacrificing taste.

Low-Fat Cooking

• Use Pam cooking spray instead of butter.
• Use Wishbone Salad Spritzers on salads & fresh veggies, it has only one calorie per spray and zero fat.
• Use 1 Tbs of Extra Virgin Olive Oil & balsamic vinegar for salad dressing, it has the good fats that your body needs.
• Rather than using sugar in your baking us Agave Nectar, it's a low glycemic index food that's sweeter than sugar! And you only need 1/2 the amount of the sugar called for in a recipe.
• When baking always use butter in place of Crisco (your body knows how to process butter) and use only 1/4 to 1/2 the fat called for in any recipe.
• Use applesauce in place of butter when baking, it makes for a light fluffy texture.
• Use whole wheat flour in place of all flour called for in recipes. You'll have more flavor and extra fiber and nutrients to keep your system moving.
• Use Cinnamon to add flavor and keep your blood sugar level.
• Use dark brown sugar or Agave nectar in baking, white sugar is loaded with chemicals and will spike insulin. Remember sugar leads to fat! Period! So try to stay away from the sugary snacks that will only make you self sabotage your efforts and goals.
• Use spices and herbs in place of sauces, be creative and mix various spices for more flavors.
• Use low-calorie Almond milk in place of milk, it has fewer calories as well as less sugar.
• Use fresh salsa mixed with fat-free cottage cheese or canned tuna or chicken and use fresh cut veggies for chips and salsa, it's delicious and filled with protein, fiber and nutrients!
• Eat clean lean meats in place of high-fatty meats. Cut off all excess fat off of chicken and red meats. Cook hamburger in water and drain off all the fat and rinse; add spices and sea salt to add flavor.
• For a sweet tooth snack have frozen berries mixed with vanilla protein powder or low-fat yogurt. If you are craving crunchy foods too add a tablespoon of slivered almonds, it's a yummy treat!
• For a salty snack use air popcorn with fat-free butter spray and cinnamon. It's high in fiber, light and also has antioxidant benefits.

These are just a few examples of how to eat fewer calories without feeling deprived. You'll not only lose weight and feel great but you'll find that you'll begin to feel younger too. Many foods mentioned are anti-aging foods that improve your skin, hair and vitality. Use these simple tips & tricks and you'll find that you can enjoy the holidays without gaining weight!

~Carol Whitaker

DIMENSIONS WEEKLY MAGAZINE COVER

DIMENSIONS Weekly Cover Girl

I was asked to be the cover girl for an online men's fitness magazine written by women called DIMENSIONS Weekly.

I was honored to be featured as well and look forward to doing a workout routine article for next weeks magazine. Craig & Erica were incredibly nice and great to work with. Visit http://www.dimensionsweekly.net, click on my image to read their article.

LIVING FIT

I'm passionate about motivating others to improve their quality of life through proper nutrition and fitness. Living a LivFit Lifestyle effects all aspects of live.

I encourage people who want to start a fitness program to start off slow if necessary otherwise it could be too overwhelming and they'll give up before they even get started.

If you want to improve your heath and don't feel like you have the time to exercise daily then start with just 2 to 3 times a week 20 minutes each day. As you do you'll find that you'll begin to have more energy and you'll be able to workout longer each week.

And be sure to eat whole foods. Processed foods and sugars = unwanted fat! Literally! So if you want to shed a few pounds or if you want to see what your six pack actually looks like then stop eating mindlessly and stay away from empty calories found in candy and most comfort foods. Reach for a delicious crisp apple and a handful of raw almonds instead. By taking charge of your health and wellness you can turn back the clock - you'll look younger, feel stronger, and have a better love life too! What more could you want???

Choose today to eat clean whole foods, exercise and see yourself as already had accomplished your fitness dreams. Before long you'll actually see desired results and that is my friends is a great feeling! So train hard, eat well & be grateful for all that you are!

Take Charge of Your Health & Wellness by Loving You

Take Charge of Your Health & Wellness by Loving You

Shared via AddThis

Burn Unwanted Fat by Eating More

Blast Fat Fast

Most everyone I know who wants to lose weight fast goes on a crazy diet for a few weeks hoping the scale will drop dramatically. Some reach they're goals only to gain the pounds back and more only a few weeks later, while others give up within the first couple of days.

Diets don't work! They may at first but in the end the fat soon ends up right where it started and then some... That becomes a vicious cycle of self sabotage and deep frustrations.

Losing weight isn't as difficult as it may seem, it all comes down to understanding how the body works to supercharge your metabolism to blast fat fast.

Eating whole foods every few hours will keep your body running at optimal levels. By eating lean protein, a complex carb, fresh veggies and salads you'll turn your body into a energy efficient machine.

Eating at least 5- 7 servings of protein, 1 fruit, 1 complex carb, 5 -7 servings of veggies & salads along with 1 T of Omega's will jump start your metabolism and will fuel your body with proper energy to restore glycogen, balance blood sugar levels and build muscle throughout the day.

Eating on a schedule will also aid in burning fat. Studies have shown that eating a small meal (that means practicing portion control) every 3 to 4 hours the same time each day will burn energy stores faster and build muscle which will burn more calories at rest.

Drink Up

Also, drinking plenty of purified water will enhance your health and wellness along with raising your metabolic rate. Have your last meal by 7:30 pm to ensure your body does not store carbohydrates as glycogen (fat) during the night.

Exercise Daily

In addition to eating more often be sure to get your daily exercise in. If you want to blast fat then you have to get your heart rate up each day. Alternate cardio and weight lifting during the week.

Log your meals and workouts, doing so will eliminate the guessing game of what did or did not work. Also keep track of your emotions and write down how your feel. You'll find that when you're down your meals are also down in nutrition.

So get moving, eat more and believe in yourself. You can lose weight. You can have more energy. You can exercise. The choice is yours... Decide today to take charge of your health. You deserve a happier, healthier way of life!

My Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Sunday's My Favorite Family Day

Today was a wonderful day... I woke up to rain hitting the windows, it was a perfect day to sleep in and snuggle... It was heavenly to wake up to the sounds of our children talking and laughing as they made a hot breakfast together.

Generally on Sundays we go to church, but today we stayed home and watched General Conference on TV. I love learning from our church leaders, I always feel uplifted and inspired to improve my life to become the best I can be. I also love General Conference weekend (they're held each Oct & April) because we spend the weekend together as a family. We stay in our pj's all day playing games and baking delicious meals together, it's a bit of heaven on earth. =)

Today my youngest wanted to bake pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, (he loves to bake) so we made our favorite cookies, and I must say that they turned out yummy! I always use fresh whole wheat flour that I grind with a grinder, it makes for extra nutritious cookies and best of all my kids love them as much as I do.

Sundays are also one of my favorite days because I eat more freely. I don't eat as clean as I do throughout the week, it's so nice to enjoy sweets with my family and to know that my body is restoring its glycogen stores to ensure I have the needed energy for my workouts the following week.

I re-create all recipes to be more healthy & nutritious. I use natural ingredients that the body can process, half the fat and high fiber whenever possible. For those of you that love pumpkin as much as I do this time of year here is my Pumpkin (low- fat) Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. If you make them let me know how you like them.... I absolutely love them!!!

Carol's Whole Wheat Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 stick soft butter (can substitute 1/2 c applesauce with 1/4 stick butter)
1 c dark brown sugar
1/2 c agave
4 egg whites
1 1/2 c pumpkin puree
2 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c wheat germ
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 c dark chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 c walnuts (optional)

1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (optional)

Mix butter, sugar & aguve. Mix in eggs and pumpkin. Add flour and wheat germ mix well. Add baking powder, baking soda and spices, and optional ingredients. Mix well.

Grease cookie sheets. Drop batter by spoonful. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, yields about 24 cookies. Serve warm and enjoy!

BlogTalkRadio Share Show Widget

BlogTalkRadio Share Show Widget

"LivFit with Carol Whitaker" on BlogTalkRadio.com
Join me on my new show "LivFit with Carol Whitaker" Live Blog every Saturday at 12 noon MST. My co-host Kathy Hamilton & I specialize in how-to create a happier, healthier, more abundant lifestyle. Call-in Number: (347) 989-1027

Learn how to take charge of your live now! We spur action and inspire others to improve their quality of life. We welcome participation! Feel free to call in and talk to us Live!

If you would like to be interviewed please email Carol directly at carol@liveskinnynow.com for more information. "LivFit Now with Carol Whitaker" focuses on positive, powerful life changing tips to assist you in taking charge of your life to become the best you can be.


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LivFit

QUOTES OF THE DAY...

MOTIVATIONAL FITNESS QUOTES

If you find it difficult to stay motivated to exercise daily use motivational quotes to keep you focused on your goals.

After all, YOU are the most important person on earth! You deserve the very Best in life. So get moving today and believe in YOU! ~ Carol Whitaker

QUOTES OF THE DAY

"Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness." ~ Earl of Derby

"True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are united." ~ Alexander von Humboldt

"Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states." ~ Carol Welch

"Eat, Train, Rest, = Growth." ~ Karen Sessions

"Above all challenge yourself. You may well surprise yourself at what strengths you have, what you can accomplish." ~ Cecile Springer

THOUGHT OF THE DAY...

HAPPINESS

Living a happy life filled with abundance of love, joy & good health is literally up to you to achieve.

I'm passionate about motivating others to improve their quality of life by assisting them to balance the body, mind & spirit.

Living in a state of gratitude and having a positive mental attitude will literally transform your life as well as your physique. Your body is truly a reflection of your daily thoughts & feelings you have about yourself.

Decide today to create powerful thoughts of gratitude and love for all the goodness in your life, including your greatest gift, your body. Think of all the phenomenal things it does for you day after day. Feelings of appreciation and unconditional love will improve your quality of life.

Take 30 minutes for you to get your heart rate up each day. Doing so your body will release endorphins which will make you feel happy & energized. Then be sure to take time to do something that you love to do such as a hobby. I love spending time with my horses, I'm with them everyday to renew and recharge my spirit - they fill my heart with pure love & joy.

Below are a few quotes to ponder and internalize to create more happiness & success. Until next time, "Embrace Your Journey to Success".

QUOTES by NORMAN VINCENT PEALE

Watch your manner of speech if you wish to develop a peaceful state of mind. Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful. --Norman Vincent Peale

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. --Norman Vincent Peale

If you paint in your mind a picture of bright and happy expectations, you put yourself into a condition conducive to your goal. --Norman Vincent Peale

IS STRESS MAKING YOU FAT?

Can Stress Make You Fat?

We all experience it -Stress! It's a part of daily life; however, if it gets out of control then it can play havoc on your body in many ways.

Stress management can be a powerful tool for health & wellness. Studies show that too much pressure is not just bad for your health but also for your waistline. People who are under constant stress are more susceptible to ill health from colds to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Have you noticed that when you’re extra stressed your pants are a bit more snug than usual? If so, you’re not alone.

Stress causes unwanted weight gain. It causes a stress hormone called cortisol which then causes our middles to enlarge. When we’re under stress, the fight or flight response is triggered in our bodies, leading to the release of various hormones that cause fat stores and depression, both of which have an emotional rippling effect on the body.

WHAT DOES STRESS DO?

Stress can cause a long list of health issues. It affects your metabolism to slow down even if you’re exercising and eating a low calorie diet. Too much cotisol slows down the metabolism causing you to gain weight faster and more than you normally would. Stress is a major reason for emotional eating or binging which will guarantee a wider waistline.

Stress also causes you to not sleep well. People who get less than 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep will have more cravings and will be too tired to stay on a healthy diet. When you’re stressed you’ll also crave sugary comfort foods which are higher in calories and fat.

Stress can also alter your blood sugar levels which can make you tired, depressed or lethargic and fatigued. If stress is unmanaged and leads to chronic stress it can lead to metabolic syndrome, a more serious health consequence.

Extra stress causes abdominal fat! Yuck! Not only is abdominal fat unattractive but it is much higher health risk than other fat stores in different parts of the body. The fat will wrap around organs and can cause diabetes and heart disease.

People under major stress also reach for fast foods; obesity is a major epidemic which is contributed to stress. People that are constantly stressed are usually too busy to stay home and make a healthy meal.

Stress also interferes with finding time to exercise which makes for a sedentary lifestyle. Without daily exercise our bodies can’t handle stress as well, thus in turn it makes you fat!

R&R TO THE RESCUE

If you are over stressed take time to slowdown and smell the roses. Having quality rest & relaxation daily will release stress and will allow you to regroup and restore energy.

Make time for meditation even if you only do it for 5 to 10 minutes. Exercise slowly if you’re just starting an exercise routine; try to get at least 30 minutes of cardio or strength training in daily. And get to bed on time, aim for at least 7 to 8 hours every night.

Doing these simple changes along with eating healthy meals and focusing on the positive you will be able to keep stress & fat at bay and you’ll lose weight easier too!

Reduce stress by taking time for you. Read a good book, take a walk with your pet or call a close friend who makes you laugh & smile. Living in a state of happiness will make for a healthier way of life!

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss & Digestion

Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss

Did you know that apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for health benefits for centuries? It's amazing how long the list goes on and on when reading about the health benefits of drinking ACV daily. Not all ACV are created equal, for optimal results use organic, non pasteurized vinegar with Mother. Bragg's is my choice, it's delicious when mixed as a hot drink with raw honey & cinnamon.

Studies done by Dr D. C. Jarvis, M.D., call for the taking of one or two teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water before each meal. Patricia Bragg recommends adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of raw honey to this mixture.

Adding honey & cinnamon have additional health properties; honey strengthens the immune system and cinnamon keeps blood sugar level. Drinking ACV warm also aids in digestion. Drink a cup first thing in the morning and again at night to keep you digestive track running smoothly. Be sure to sip it with a straw and drink water following to protect teeth enamel.

Whichever way you take it, don't expect a rapid weight loss, the weight will be lost gradually, as it should be to allow the body's fat cells to adjust to their new size.

How Does ACV Work?

There are a number of theories how ACV works in aiding weight loss. It is believed that the nutrients, enzymes, and organic acids in ACV cause weight reduction by acting as an appetite suppressant, helps break down fats, by increasing your body's metabolic rate, by reducing water retention due to the potassium and minerals found in ACV, and by helping you maintain a feeling of well being. It also balances blood sugar and keeps the body alkalized.

ACV is a ancient health secret, you may want to try some today for improved health, energy and weight loss. Be sure only to use ACV with Mother, any other type will be too acidic.

As with any healthy living lifestyle you must eat diets low in fat, preservatives, sodium and sugars. Eating too much fat, sugars & sodium will cause increased fat stores and are very hard on the body.

Permanent Weight Loss

Eating small balanced meals every few hours in addition to exercising daily will enable you to lose weight steadily and maintain a fit, lean body for life. Be sure to drink plenty of water in addition to eating healthy, drink at least 80 oz a day with Liv Sxinney to remove toxins and to boost your metabolism.

To truly live a fit life take charge of your life. Eating smart and exercising daily will ensure permanent weight loss for good! And that makes for a healthier more joyful way of life!

THOUGHTS OF THE DAY...

LIVE LIFE ABUNDANTLY

I love these quotes and the inspiration it ignites to live & give abundantly. Live Well, Laugh Often & Love Much makes for a beautiful life & body!

That man is successful who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of the intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
— Robert Louis Stevenson

BlogTalkRadio LivFit Now with Carol Whitaker

LivFit Now with Carol Whitaker

I recently started a BlogTalkRadio show with my dear friend, Kathy, that will be Live every Saturday at 12 noon MST. We will specialize in motivating people around the world to improve their quality of life through connecting the body, mind & spirit. My co-host, Kathy Hamilton, and I are excited to share our time with those seeking to live a happier, healthier way of life.

"Embrace Your Journey to Success!" --Carol Whitaker

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LivFit-Now.rss

Shared via AddThis

Join us in learning how to Take Charge of Your life Now! I look forward to hearing from You! We welcome caller's live participation as we discuss how to live a joyful, LivFit Lifesyle in a fun, entertaining way! ~ Carol

FITNESS MODEL'S WEIGHT LOSS SECRETS

TURBO-CHARGE YOUR FAT-BURNING MACHINE!

Everyone I know hits a plateau every now and again, including me... Most everyone I know either fit, slim, over weight or feeling depressed needs a bit of a push to jump-start their fat-burning machine aka their metabolism.

When I have a photo shoot coming up and I don't feel camera ready I have to get my body fat down fast! To reach my weight loss goals within two weeks, which is usually lowering my body fat 3 to 5% I have to mentally prepare my winning game plan first.

My modeling weight loss secrets are actually not secrets at all... It all comes down to hard work in the gym, eating right and having a positive mental attitude. I begin by writing my short-term goals, making powerful success affirmations and creating a fitness plan to create rock hard abs and glutes - it all comes down to self mastery, willpower and discipline.

POWERFUL FUEL YOUR BODY NEEDS

Eating a healthy diet low in Glycemic Index always puts my metabolism in over-drive and will will for you too. I eat small meals every 3 hours consisting of lean protein, complex carbs (before noon), good fats (afternoon) and lots of fresh veggies and salads. My last meal is by 7 pm - ensuring that I go to bed feeling light and well nourished.

A healthy diet is critical to turbo-charge your metabolism. Here is a list of fat burning foods that when used in the right combination shown above will fuel your metabolism even without working out... Of course doing cardio and weight lifting 5 to 6 days a week will sky-rocket you to achieving weight loss success as well as build a sexy, lean physique!

FivFit POWER FOODS FOR SUCCESS

Avoid ALL processed foods. Watch out for hidden High Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated Oils, High Sodium & Preservatives. Drink 80 to 100 oz of purified water daily. Eat meats with only seasoning, stay away from sauces high in sugar.

By eating LivFit Power Foods consistently YOU WILL turbo-charge your fat-burning machine!

Proteins

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast/Chicken Tenders, White Albacore Tuna (in water)Salmon, Halibut, Tilapia, sushi (without rice), Mahi Mahi, Swordfish Extra Lean Ground Beef or Ground Round (92-96% - eat sparingly), Buffalo, High Quality Protein Powder (Whey, Casein, Egg), Eggs Whites, Top Round Steaks or Roast (eat sparingly) Top Sirloin (eat sparingly) Ground Turkey, Turkey Breast (no processed deli)

Complex Carbohydrates

Oatmeal (Old fashioned or Irish steal cut) Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Brown Rice, Ezekial Bread, Whole Wheat Bread (with at least 3 to 4 grams of fiber per slice)

Fresh Vegetables/Fibrous Carbs
Green Leafy lettuce (red, green, romaine) Broccoli, Asparagus, String Beans, Spinach, Bell Peppers (Green or Red) Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Celery, Cucumber, Carrots (steamed), Eggplant, Onions, Pumpkin, Garlic, Tomatoes, Zucchini

Fruits & Berries
Mixed Berries, Oranges, Apples, Grapefruit,Peaches, Strawberries, Blueberries,

Healthy Fats
Omega’s 3, 6 & 9, Natural Style Peanut Butter, Olive Oil, Safflower Oil, Flax seed Oil, Fish Oil, Avocado

Nuts & Seeds

Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios, Flax Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Soy Nuts

Condiments
Mustard Garlic Mushrooms Onions - raw, Dry Seasonings, Fresh Herbs, Scallions, Sea Salt, Pepper

QUOTES OF THE DAY...

SUCCESS IS UP TO YOU...

Choose today to be successful in all areas of your life. Be all you can be by living your life on purpose! Have a definiteness of purpose is a must to accomplish any dream. Know what you want both in health & wealth. Have a burning desire to achieve your dreams then set a plan on how you will accomplish your dreams. Believe in your dreams, have a powerful desire to succeed and then allow your dreams to come true! You can have it all; living a fit lifestyle filled with joy, happiness & great abundance!

The choice is yours...

“Success is a mindset, a choice, a desire. Success comes to those willing to act upon their dreams, willing to sacrifice, willing to overcome objectives. Success is a journey not a destination. Decide now to embrace Your journey to success.” – Carol Whitaker


"Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful." --Mark Victor Hansen

"Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be." --Zig Ziglar