This has been the toughest year I can remember having since the mid 90's as far as emotional stress, in dealing with some family issues and husband's health concerns. I don't know why I always thought my life would get easier with age because it just seems to get more complicated!
Without a doubt, the only way I have been able to survive this year has been to focus on maintaining and improving my healthy diet, regular exercise and the daily support at Trim Up - from my daughter (my biggest fan!), friends and members. There are times that I start my day feeling a little discouraged and down but it doesn't take long for these wonderful ladies to lift my spirits and mood. Even though most of my members do not know details of my personal struggles, they have made such a difference in helping me cope and to keep a positive outlook - just by their good energy, laughter and show of concern. There is nothing like girlfriend therapy - we love to cheer each other on, celebrating the "ups" and reach out with understanding during each other's "downs".
Just like any other small business, it has been challenging to navigate this economy and to carve out a place for ourselves in today's fitness industry. Even though it can be stressful and a huge responsibility, the pay back is tremendous as I see the lives that are changing through our program. These women are so appreciative of my efforts to keep them fit, healthy and informed with the latest nutritional findings (that you won't get through the media). All of the positive feedback and steady growth shows me that our program is working, is very much needed and the most important job that I have ever had!
For all of those who are also struggling with stress from health, physical or emotional issues, here is what has helped me keep from totally losing it. While it is not possible to change people or circumstances, I think that it is important to focus on things that you are able to control and that support you physically and mentally:
1) Exercise - it will release endorphins (feel-good) hormones to ease or even prevent depression, counter the stress hormone (cortisol) that is surging and boost energy and immune system.
2) Diet - even though your brain may be pushing you towards "comfort food", what you need more than ever is a nutritious diet - eating junky carbs and sugar will only spike cortisol, creating even more stress in your body. And if you have health issues, it is critical to counter the effects of illness and medication with an alkaline diet of fruits, veggies, water and fibrous grains.
3) Support - it does help to talk through problems with friends or family and know that others care. I am also a big advocate of professional counseling.
4) Positivity/Faith - surround yourself with positive, upbeat people who help you remember that it may not be perfect, but no matter what, Life is Good! Daily positive affirmations or prayer help to keep the negative thoughts out of your head.
So this Thanksgiving my Trim Up family is included in my many blessings and joys in life. (And I can not
forget that none of this would be possible without the support and patience of my dear husband!) And I hope that TUF has been an important
part of our members' lives as well!
Debi :)
Monday, November 21, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Looks like it is time to VEG out!
I just got back from another AFPA Fitness Conference and am once again so inspired and excited to share what I've learned with others. I attended more nutritional lectures this year and only a few exercise workshops because the topics and information was so interesting and important to my business and personal
health. This year the buzz was about Plant protein vs Animal protein and that debate was addressed in several lectures including "Women's Health", "Anti-Cancer Diet", "Analyzing Popular Diets", "Eat to Win" and "Healthier Eating Habits".
The information presented are based on the latest published research and scientific fact but is not going to be available to the general population through media because it is controversial. The food industry is big business and politically connected so even scientifically-proven nutritional info that will benefit Americans'
health will not be public knowledge because it hurts corporate profits. The FDA is a very powerful and politically influenced organization - not exactly who we can count on to protect our health and well-being.
So, the things that were eye-openers for me that I will make an effort to change in my diet are:
1) Dairy - Cow's milk (casein) is the most carcinogenic (cancer growing) animal product that humans consume. Calcium is best absorbed by eating spinach and other leafy green vegetables. There is a reason why so many people are lactose-intolerant - animal milk is not meant for human diets (especially infants and children) And the high level of growth hormones in cows that we ingest accelerates weight gain and sex hormonal imbalances.
( I am sticking with almond milk, cutting back on cheese & yogurt and switching to brown rice protein powder)
2) Animal Based Foods - Are highly acidic and fight our natural pH, causing all kinds of inflammation from joint pain to allergies as well as weakened immune system and cancer cell growth. Over 25 grams of animal protein per day is considered toxic to our bodies.
(I am keeping animal protein servings to 4 oz at each meal, only 1x per day, and supplementing with more beans, grains and plant protein)
3) Plant Based Foods - Are alkaline, which supports our bodies healthy pH levels, and supply higher quality sources of protein that are more readily absorbed. Cancer can not thrive in an alkaline environment and alkaline foods support our immune system.
(I am going to try to eat more like a vegan and less like a carnivore)
4) Digestion - Chewing food fully releases enzymes that help digest food and absorb more nutrients. We should not drink with a meal to avoid "washing" down food.
( I am going to work on eating more slowly and chewing more like a cow!)
5) Liver - All toxins in animals end up in their liver first and then their fat cells.
(No more chicken liver for me!)
6) Peanuts - They are actually very moldy and toxic- not a good nut to snack on. No wonder there are so many people allergic to them!
(Sunflower Seed Butter is very good!)
7) Microwaving - Will destroy nutrients and anti-oxidants in fruits and vegetables.
(No more frozen microwave veggies!)
8) Exercise - If you exercise with a high acidic (animal based) diet, the increased oxygen creates an environment for cancer to grow.
(Need to remind my customers to eat their veggies!)
So, I know this new, research-based information can be hard to "digest" and many will not want to believe it. I feel like it is my responsibility as a fitness professional/business owner to pass along the facts to my customers (and any one else who will listen!) Having had 2 forms of skin cancer myself, I certainly want to do everything I can to stay cancer-free. And I want to be as healthy, active and disease-free as possible to enjoy my life to the fullest, as I head into my "Grandmother" years. Giving up certain foods to accomplish this is definitely worth it. I just finished the homeopathic hCG detox diet and know that I CAN survive without sugar, alcohol and processed foods after eliminating them for a whole month. It just takes some time to get the cravings out of your system but motivation and willpower helps!
Save a cow - eat your vegetables!
health. This year the buzz was about Plant protein vs Animal protein and that debate was addressed in several lectures including "Women's Health", "Anti-Cancer Diet", "Analyzing Popular Diets", "Eat to Win" and "Healthier Eating Habits".
The information presented are based on the latest published research and scientific fact but is not going to be available to the general population through media because it is controversial. The food industry is big business and politically connected so even scientifically-proven nutritional info that will benefit Americans'
health will not be public knowledge because it hurts corporate profits. The FDA is a very powerful and politically influenced organization - not exactly who we can count on to protect our health and well-being.
So, the things that were eye-openers for me that I will make an effort to change in my diet are:
1) Dairy - Cow's milk (casein) is the most carcinogenic (cancer growing) animal product that humans consume. Calcium is best absorbed by eating spinach and other leafy green vegetables. There is a reason why so many people are lactose-intolerant - animal milk is not meant for human diets (especially infants and children) And the high level of growth hormones in cows that we ingest accelerates weight gain and sex hormonal imbalances.
( I am sticking with almond milk, cutting back on cheese & yogurt and switching to brown rice protein powder)
2) Animal Based Foods - Are highly acidic and fight our natural pH, causing all kinds of inflammation from joint pain to allergies as well as weakened immune system and cancer cell growth. Over 25 grams of animal protein per day is considered toxic to our bodies.
(I am keeping animal protein servings to 4 oz at each meal, only 1x per day, and supplementing with more beans, grains and plant protein)
3) Plant Based Foods - Are alkaline, which supports our bodies healthy pH levels, and supply higher quality sources of protein that are more readily absorbed. Cancer can not thrive in an alkaline environment and alkaline foods support our immune system.
(I am going to try to eat more like a vegan and less like a carnivore)
4) Digestion - Chewing food fully releases enzymes that help digest food and absorb more nutrients. We should not drink with a meal to avoid "washing" down food.
( I am going to work on eating more slowly and chewing more like a cow!)
5) Liver - All toxins in animals end up in their liver first and then their fat cells.
(No more chicken liver for me!)
6) Peanuts - They are actually very moldy and toxic- not a good nut to snack on. No wonder there are so many people allergic to them!
(Sunflower Seed Butter is very good!)
7) Microwaving - Will destroy nutrients and anti-oxidants in fruits and vegetables.
(No more frozen microwave veggies!)
8) Exercise - If you exercise with a high acidic (animal based) diet, the increased oxygen creates an environment for cancer to grow.
(Need to remind my customers to eat their veggies!)
So, I know this new, research-based information can be hard to "digest" and many will not want to believe it. I feel like it is my responsibility as a fitness professional/business owner to pass along the facts to my customers (and any one else who will listen!) Having had 2 forms of skin cancer myself, I certainly want to do everything I can to stay cancer-free. And I want to be as healthy, active and disease-free as possible to enjoy my life to the fullest, as I head into my "Grandmother" years. Giving up certain foods to accomplish this is definitely worth it. I just finished the homeopathic hCG detox diet and know that I CAN survive without sugar, alcohol and processed foods after eliminating them for a whole month. It just takes some time to get the cravings out of your system but motivation and willpower helps!
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