Thursday, February 3, 2011

Weight Watchers, Jenny (formerly Jenny Craig), Atkins, The Zone and more


Before
 Have you see Jennifer Hudson lately? She looks wonderful!

After














Not too long ago, the beautiful, multi-talented artist once carried some extra weight. We loved her on American Idol and even though she did not win, somehow we knew that she would be fine. After all, she had made her mark. Ms. Hudson has wowed us many times since. Who can forget her amazing performance in Dreamgirls? She belted out that song, the song that Jennifer Holiday famously sang during the Broadway Show performances, the one that never failed to bring the audience to it's feet. Ms. Hudson impressed many audiences across the country with her on screen rendition of the song that there were reports of movie theater audiences applauding and rising to their feet. Now how's that for commanding the attention of your audience. Clearly, she is in control. However, there was another form of control that Ms. Hudson needed to gain -- her weight.  Signing up to be the spokesperson for Weight Watchers seemed to be the remedy of her success.


Success

So does Valerie Bertinelli who also looks magnificent! We were treated to the results of  her 40 pound weight loss when she appeared on a TV advertisement sporting a bikini. Wow! She looked great.
Before 
After

Many of us remember Ms. Bertinelli from the 70's sitcom One Day At A Time. We were so in like with her character, that we were caught by surprise to see her wed rocker Eddie Van Halen. She went on to join the successful television series Touched By An Angel. In 20007, Ms. Bertinelli signed up with Jenny (formerly Jenny Craig). It was the perfect match. The progress was impressive. It inspired others to sign up including actor Jason Alexander recognized by his character George Costanza on Seinfeld.  Jenny has proven by show and tell that it works. However, keeping in mind these celebrities are paid spokespersons. Will it work for you?

How effective are these weight loss methods Let's take a gander:

Weight Watchers has the point system. You are given a daily personalized Point Plus system which is aimed at helping you to lose weight.  The goal is to keep you satisfied while eating safely. There are meetings, weigh ins, food shopping plans, recipes, how to handle dining out and even an on line support system to keep you through the moments when you're out of town, etc. What's most intriguing is that you are told that you can eat whatever you want - not bad at all I'd say.

Now on to Jenny Craig which also has a personalized plan where they have a focused individualized plans for women, men, teens, Type 2 and more. They offer food and snacks and a consultant to monitor and keep you motivated. Understanding that one must face their demons (food other than of Jenny's Cuisine), there is a transitioning process. This is important as you may dine out or prepare your own dinners/meals. There is ongoing support to help you to meet your goal weight and even to maintain it once you've reached that goal.  

Which overweight person would not want to lose 15 pounds in 2 weeks? Sounds incredible doesn't it? Well, who said that? The Atkins Diet did and that's just the beginning. Yes they did! There are four phases to the program. In Phase 1, you will be in the Induction phase to kick your body into burning the fat. There are a list of foods that are acceptable to eat during this phase.  In Phase 2, you eat more adding more carbs and you will lose even more weight. In Phase 3, is the pre maintenance phase you should be about 10 pounds away from your goal weight (how do they know? I have no idea) with more carbs and more weight loss. Phase 4, you've made it and now you go on to a Lifetime Maintenance - and you'll never ever have to worry about dieting again. Why? Well, because they said so. You should have all the tools needed to successfully live the healthy life you've always wanted.

Welcome to The Zone where you can focus on weight loss, wellness or optimizing athletic performance. When you are in The Zone, you are eating foods that are in line with your hormones - keeping it all in balance will keep you on a healthy lean, energized life. There are dining out tips, recipes, foods, fruits, vegetables that once made you fat but with The Zone's method, you will not be the same.  The Zone Physicians have passed the anti inflammatory course and are certified to assist the clients even in the reduction on medication as health conditions improve.  The Zone does not give a specific weight loss amount like other diet programs. However, it mentions the fantastic news that your clothes will fit much better, you will feel energized, improving mental focus and acuity.  

Overall, the goal to lose weight is a personal one that requires your consistency and determination.  Admiration of the celebrities must also include the understanding that they have trainers and in some cases a cook. Most importantly, a big incentive to lose weight, they are also getting paid. Your incentive is to lead a healthier life with the right diet and exercise, you too can achieve success!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Winter Snow Storms



This winter season is proving to be quite the season. Many states are overwhelmed by the snow storms that just wont seem to let up. Much to the dismay of those who migrated to the south to escape the winters, the winter has made it a point to follow them. It has even caused people to question the Global Warming theory.

More importantly, we also know that this weather may cause an affect on various health related conditions and in worse case fatalities. Some may suffer from the winter blues or the hazards of snow storms . Today I woke up to the early morning reports of the snow storm coverage and suddenly I realized that there was no need for me to complain. After all, this is winter and this is what happens during the winter season. Now, if I can just accept it and begin to focus on the things I need to do to arm myself appropriately - gloves, scarf, hat, coat, boots and layer accordingly, I would be fine.

With that attitude, I began to count down the days to spring. January is almost gone, we have two more months to go. Before you know it Spring will be here and then we'll be complaining of the winter weight or the rain. How about using this time to make healthy choices, you'll be so proud of yourself ;-)

Monday, January 24, 2011

Living la vie des 40's


As a teenager, I could not wait to be 21. I just had to get there and life would be on. No thought of the years to come especially giving that 30 and beyond seemed so far away and old. I could not imagine what being 40 would be like as I found that being in my 30's was actually not such a big deal, it was surprisingly a lot of fun.

 Needless to say, 40 came and again I embraced the new decade with much pleasure.  I guess I'm just happy to be able to share my life with my loved ones. I've always enjoyed being a mother, watching my children grow. They make me smile, laugh, fill up with pride, cry tears of joy and at times seeing the choices they make I become disappointed and swoop down on them with the wrath of a Mother's Love
I also love being in love. It is an added bonus that makes life an enjoyable journey. I love traveling, it opens me up to new adventures, meeting new people, experiencing the culture and just having a good time. I love going to the museums, concerts, Broadway Shows, dining, weekend Get Aways, movies, singing, dancing, walking through the park, strolling around the city, relaxing on the beach and on and on.....

I love my assignment which is to serve others through health care. I developed a love for health care at a very young age. It gives me great joy to assist others and now my assignment has taken on a unique turn. It is evolving and I embrace it even when others question my judgment, it is what works for me and it does.

One of the things that I love is working out which I need to get back to because that's one thing that being in the 40's is not happening. I need to become consistent in the areas of meditation, yoga, jogging, eating healthy, leading the life I advise to others. Yes, I admit it all the time, I need to heed my own advice.

Looking back, I can tell you that life at any age should be embraced and enjoyed. I still feel like the same girl from way back when. Of course, I've matured somewhat with the experiences (good and bad) but I'm still a girl who wants to have fun and I do. Here's some advice which is really for your own good - take great care of yourself it will only serve to make your years even more wonderful.

Hear what these women over 40 have to say:
Life in the 40's 

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Keeping Up With 2011



One week into the New Year and you are motivated, now it's the second week and you're still excited. This is it! This is the year you will shed those excess pounds once and for all. It may be the year to give up drinking alcohol, smoking, using or abusing drugs, engaging in unsafe sex, fighting, cursing,texting while driving, etc.



What makes this time so different? The responses vary:

I mean it
I just know it
I've signed up for the gym
My doctor told me that I had to make a change
Once I make up my mind, I will do it, I've done it before
It's different this time trust me I know

and on and on............. whatever the motivation or reason for making it work this time, it will take a whole lot of consistency and determination to succeed.

You may need a support system. Ask someone to join you. If you cannot find anyone, consider signing up with your local support groups. Support groups gives serves as your very own cheering team. They help you with your goals to change. There are many out there:

Alcohol
Drugs
Alcohol & Drugs
YMCA
Safe Sex

You can also find support within your local communities:

Church - many churches have support groups
Health Clinics - check with your city or Department of Health State website
Community Center - often have services or referrals to assist/support you
Runners Club - some communities have run/walks within their parks




Whatever you need, there is something out there to assist you. Go for it!!