Tag: Weight Loss

She Had Arthritis–Check Out What Her Doctor Told Her!

I had a conversation with a nurse today, who told me about one of her friends. This friend was very overweight, crippled with arthritis and had several other health problems. One day her doctor called her and asked her to come to his office that same day. She struggled to get out of bed and dressed. With her severe arthritis, hurrying was not an option. When she arrived, the doctor told her he had just been at a seminar and he thought he had the answer to her arthritis and problems walking—and something to help with other health problems also.

She was excited—wanted to know if it was an injection or a new medicine! Could she get started that same day? The doctor told her she must start walking every day—4 times a day. The woman was dismayed—she was expecting a magical cure. She had great difficulty just getting from her bed to the bathroom. The doctor said—that is fine. Just get someone to help you and walk a short distance inside your house 4 times a day and increase the distance just a little as you are able. The woman followed the doctor’s suggestion and it was slow progress—but progress!!

Today she is the picture of health—has lost weight—other health conditions improved—and she still walks 4 times a day—outside with her dog! My friend saw her recently and said she is beautiful and obviously very happy. She has even started her own business! Her dog seems to have an internal clock because he comes to her and barks 4 times a day for their walk.

We often think we must do big things to get fit and improve our health while just STARTING is the answer.

Keep watching for our blog posts. In a few days you will see an article on Walking With Arthritis that is based on info from Mayo Clinic and the Arthritis Foundation.

 

Nourishing Your Body, Mind & Spirit.

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Why Should You Walk?

We know we need activity-exercise in our lives! But what kind of exercise? Most experts agree that we need Aerobic (Cardio), Strength,  Balance and Flexibility. Many people emphasize only one type of exercise—like Aerobic or Strength, but to stay strong and healthy, incorporate all four into your life.

In this Blog article, let’s discuss Aerobic, or Cardio, Exercise.  These could include, walking, running, swimming, biking, dancing – actually anything that will get your heart rate up and cause you to breathe harder. Even such activities as playing with your children or working in your yard could be part of your Aerobic activity. Web MD reports that walking can lower your risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is also good for those who have type 2 Diabetes. If you have Arthritis, walking strengthens your leg and core muscles. As your strengthened muscles do more of the work, your joints will hurt less. Walking is also a weight bearing exercise and those of us with osteopenia or osteoporosis need to consider walking to strengthen our bones.

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Weight Loss Goals for 2018–Let’s Be Real!

Okay, let’s be REAL. We are not perfect! Starting a diet or exercise program and expecting perfection is a set-up for failure! I cannot tell you how many times I set up unrealistic goals and because I couldn’t be 100% perfect 24/7, I got discouraged and quit! We need to make lifestyle changes—ones we can live with!!

Here are some ways to achieve your new, realistic goals!!

Tell others your goal—make yourself accountable!! If possible get a buddy and support each other. At one time, I had a friend who went to the gym with me. On days I would have preferred to stay home, I got up and put on my exercise clothes….because my friend was waiting for me. I enjoyed exercising and working really hard because I had a friend who was doing the same!!

Make small changes—in your diet or in your exercise goals. Don’t get overwhelmed by trying to make too many changes all at once. Yes, staying on your food plan 7 days a week is best, but eating right 2 or 3 days a week is a start and much better than eating right 0 days. Exercising 1 or 2 days is certainly better than no exercise. Don’t set yourself up for failure by planning to exercise an hour 7 days a week!!

You won’t be perfect!! When you slip, forgive yourself and start over. Learn from those mistakes. If having Oreos in the house makes you crazy—and they call your name—don’t buy them. Bring in your favorite treats—but only ONE. Stop at the bakery and purchase ONE of your favorite pastries or cookies.

If you have a long term goal, break it up into smaller goals and reward yourself when you reach on of the goals.Love yourself!! Be good to yourself. Be thankful daily for your blessings.

Need some more healthy tips? Check out our blog articles, Shape Up In 2018!  and  Shape Up By Making Small Changes

 

Nourishing Your Body, Mind & Spirit.

Are you an UltaLifer? Learn about the many supplements designed to make you stronger and healthier!

Click Here to check out all of our great products

Shape Up In 2018!

One easy weight loss trick I learned years ago is to eat at least 5 fruits/vegetables in a day. Think about a typical day for you. Do you sometimes get to the end of a day and have included few, if any, fruits or vegetables in your diet? When I realize that is happening to me, I have to re-evaluate my eating habits. Adding at least 5 servings is a healthy thing to do and it fills me up…so hopefully I won’t eat so many of the empty calorie snacks.

Here are some great reasons to start eating more fruits and vegetables:

Continue reading Shape Up In 2018!

Shape Up By Making Small Changes

 

It’s that time of the year! About now we begin realizing we have gained some pounds because of all the eating we do between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Whether you need to lose 10 pounds, 25, 50 or more – it is time to start eating healthy and lose those pounds. Why do you want to lose weight? Is it for your appearance—so your clothes will fit comfortably again—or is it for your health?

Here are a few tips—and we will include more motivational tips in next week’s email:Incorporate strength and cardio training into your daily routine. You need both to tone muscles and rev up your metabolism. Do exercises to work your largest muscle (butt muscles—glutes) and your abs (for that flat belly). One thing that can derail your efforts is an injury so be sure to warm up before every exercise session. Use a tracker and you will tend to challenge yourself and increase your normal activity. I even have a tracker on my phone that measures steps taken in a day. Aim for 10,000 steps. Is that way more than you are now walking? Start where you are now and add 1000 steps. Challenge yourself and try to increase your goal each week.

Drink your water—some experts say to drink ½ of your body weight in ounces. If you weight 140—that will be 70 ounces of water a day. Did you know that many of us walk round in a state of dehydration most of the time? If you are increasing your physical activity, it is important to stay hydrated. And drink a glass of water before eating a meal—it really works!!

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Why Exercise After 50?

Are you over 50? Remember when we were in our 20’s and 30’s? I would exercise with my main goal being to fit into a certain size clothes…be able to proudly go to the beach…look as good as my friends. How about you?

Now that I am a little older, my priorities have changed. At 50 plus, my health and well-being are my main concerns. My body is not the same as it was in my younger years so the way I exercise has had to change. I have a good life now and I am independent of needing help to enjoy my life…and I want it to stay that way!

I will list a few reasons we need to exercise and the best things to do. I am sure you can add to this list. Exercise to build or maintain muscle mass. Our metabolism slows as we age and muscles burn more calories than fat. Exercise can help with illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis and many more.

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What Are Additives and Pesticides Doing To Your Body?

We live in a TOXIC WORLD!  Have you checked ingredients on your favorite foods in the grocery store to see how many additives are in them? What about the pesticides used on our crops? Additives, pesticides and pollution can take their toll on your colon and cause problems Your whole body can become sluggish.

Constipation can cause waste products to stay in your body and result in a lack of energy and decreased immune function. Bowels can hold 5-10 lbs of undigested food and toxins at any time.

How can you detoxify your body? Start with a healthy diet and add
exercise to your daily routine. Then consider adding a gentle, natural Colon Cleansing Supplement.

Continue reading What Are Additives and Pesticides Doing To Your Body?

Are You Getting Enough Water?

Water—how much do we need? Our body uses water in all its cells, organs and tissues. I am told that humans can live without food for several days or even weeks, but we can only live a few days without water.

I am not a big water drinker so I checked several sources trying to determine how much water I need and how to get it into my diet. I read that drinking enough fluids is crucial to staying healthy…to maintaining all the functions of our bodies. Also older adults (who might not sense thirst as much as younger people) need to be especially careful to stay hydrated in the summer!

I read another place that we need 30-50 ounces of fluids a day—our body size… how active we are—the heat factor….many things can contribute to determining how much we really need. But I was relieved to see that not all of this had to come from plain water.

Continue reading Are You Getting Enough Water?

Sweat-Free Ways to Look Thinner

Summer is quickly approaching and we will have many hot, humid days. We cannot cover up with baggy sweatshirts and sweaters—unless we want to live in air conditioning!! NO!! We want to be active and enjoy outside activities including swimming. Let’s get ready for summer so we can be proud of our bodies. Are they perfect bodies? Probably not, but we want to be in the best shape possible. All it takes is making a few changes in our daily routines.

Have you read our last two articles for hints on getting in shape? If you missed those, get some inspiration by reading these two blog articles:

Shed Winter Weight Now

Little Changes to Shed Winter Weight

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Little Changes to Shed Winter Weight

Last week we started on a journey…our journey to losing weight and getting our summer bodies! How are you doing? I made a few changes and any step towards achieving our goals is a positive one.

By the way, if you missed last week’s blog, you can get read about it by going to http://ultalife.co/blog/shed-winter-weight-now/

Continue reading Little Changes to Shed Winter Weight