What can you do…? How can you prevent it…? Live longer for your loved ones!!!!

Last week I touched on signs, symptoms, and a little insight into dementia. This week I will go into a little more detail including exercises you can do to help you physically and cognitively. I will also explain what you can add or remove from your diet to try and prevent this terrible illness.

Of course everyone wants to keep their amazing figure and stay healthy. But now with all of the pesticides being added to our food, and the unhealthy conditions our food (meats) are being raised in you really need to be mindful of what goes into your body. You always want to have a hefty amount of vegetables and proteins in your diet, but try your best to go organic. Some say it is a little more costly but if you shop at your local farmers markets and look around at you neighborhood grocery stores it really isn’t that much more. Some foods that you really want to incorporate EVERYDAY are not too different from what you might already eat.

There are 10 main (brain) foods:

  1. green leafy vegetables
  2. other vegetables
  3. nuts
  4. berries
  5. beans
  6. whole grains
  7. fish
  8. poultry
  9. olive oil
  10. wine

And…I know what you’re thinking, WINE… really? But yes a little wine is good for the brain. (Only one glass a day)

Now I will list 5 foods you want to avoid that are doing more harm than good to your brain:

  1. Red meat
  2. Butter and margarine
  3. Cheese
  4. Pastries and sweets
  5. Fried food and fast food

You also need to exercise your brain to keep your gears moving. Incorporating some cognitive exercises on top of your physical full body workout is a great way to stay in a routine. Like they always say “a moving body is a healthy body” and the same goes for your mind.

Here are some great cognitive exercises:

  1. Stay curious and involved — commit to lifelong learning
  2. Read, write, crossword or other puzzles
  3. Attend lectures and plays
  4. Enroll in courses at your local adult education center, community college or other community group
  5. Play games
  6. Garden
  7. Try memory exercises

 

Notice anything strange about these activities? They look like some things you may do on a daily basis. But try to make them more challenging, really make your brain work.

 

With anything in life you have to work for it, but in this case don’t you think it’s important to work a little harder at this. Keep your body and your mind strong, live your life to the fullest.

 

What’s next?!!! Are you ready to keep going or get started?

Personal training sessions are coming soon!!!!

Let me help you set your fitness goals. Together we can make sure you get where you want to be.

I can offer you one on one time with me to set realistic goals (See testimonials below). If you are just starting out and need some guidance of what you can accomplish, if you need modified training due to injuries etc., or you would like help with meal plans, and the extra push that you don’t get working out alone.

Now that my second round of boot camp is coming to a close I want to make sure that I am as accessible as possible to my current clients, and can also help new clients.

Pricing, dates, locations, and available times will be posted here in my blog soon after the end of my boot camp. I will be available to answer any and all questions you may have via email.

I will post further information on how to book your exclusive training sessions with me VERY SOON so make sure you stay tuned to our weekly email and blog posts to make sure you don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity!

Next week I will be sharing actual results from clients who have worked with me, and how I have helped them reach their goals.

Happy reading,

CoachABC

I was scared too…. But, I took the chance, why can’t you?

I, like most people, have worked very hard to achieve my fitness goals. For more than 20 years I have always had a passion for making sure I was taking very good care of my health. I also went through all of the classic stages: soreness, eating off of my meal plan, felt like I just can’t do it anymore. But once you dedicate your whole life to living healthy it becomes a part of your routine. It doesn’t feel like “work” anymore. Fitness is not just something you do. Just like your health it is a lifestyle. There is saying in Taekwondo that a Black belt is not something you get, but something you become. This is the same as fitness. Fit and healthy are things you become.

After a few years on my own fitness journey I realized all of the knowledge I had gained. I really wanted to share what I had learned and start helping others and make them feel as good as I did. So that’s when I began my journey to seek further education in the fitness space.

I have been so blessed to be able to get through many classes, countless hours of studying, being exhausted. But….NEVER gave up and now I am proud to say I am a certified health and nutrition coach! Below are a few of my specific certifications, and I have already started to help so many men and women reach their goals and this is just the beginning. After hosting successful boot camp classes. I am very excited to continue spreading my knowledge and helping as many people as I can through my one on one programs.

Thank you so much for your continued support and I look forward to working with each and every one of you in the near future.

See you next week,

CoachABC

Rested and ready to go!!!

Hey everybody…..

So after two very successful boot camps with amazing people, I was blessed to enjoy a wonderful vacation in the Caribbean with family and friends. I had some much needed rest and relaxation. But now I’m back and ready to kick it into high gear.

Before resuming my regularly scheduled classes I was invited to join the ONE AND ONLY instructor of Insanity Mr. Shaun T for a very exciting group workout session and book signing. I met the man himself took lots of pictures and was able to meet old and new friends that are also so very passionate about their fitness journey as well. I was able to pick his brain, and he gave me some amazing suggestions on how to better serve you.

I am continuing to learn new things along this journey of fitness and by being able to attend these different events and health conferences I am able to pass on more know how to you. I love being able to share my passion with as many people as I can and that is why I am so very happy to be able to offer personal training sessions to give my clients a more personal hands on experience.

Services I will be offering soon:

Personalized meal plans

Private training sessions

Group training sessions

Modified workout regimens

I would love to work with you and help make your life a healthier and happier one. Soon I will be posting my available times for these personal sessions. I hope I will get the privilege to work with each and every one of you. If you have any questions about my services please don’t hesitate to send me an email and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

COCKTAILS, WINE, AND SPIKED EGG NOG

With all of the holiday parties and family gatherings there is so much food and along with all of that food there are also alcoholic beverages. We all know that you need to limit your calorie intake with food and during this season, it’s very easy to get off track, but, very few people know that alcohol can be just as bad for the healthy lifestyle that you are choosing as well. Did you know that alcohol contains just as many calories, if not more than you can imagine? Let’s take a look….

20-ounce serving of beer can pack 250 calories

6-ounce glass of wine contains 120 calories + additional sugar

1.5-ounce shot of liquor contains about 100

And that’s not including the mixed sugary mixes.  In addition, drinking alcohol while on a weight loss journey or just trying to get healthy affects your body’s metabolism, and effects your body’s ability to burn fat. Your liver usually metabolizes your body’s ability to burn fat and when you drink, your fat metabolism takes a back seat to the alcohol. It then in turn takes longer for your body to burn the fat off even when you work out right after a night of drinking.

So if you can refrain from drinking while seeking your healthy living journey, you will also see many other changes other than weight loss. Cutting your alcohol intake can also help your skin clear up, and can also aid in more energy in combination with your workouts. Alcohol can have both long term and short term effects. You should detox your body from all toxins while working out to give your body a break and the changes will amaze you.

If you want to have that one drink or mixed cocktail, then consider mixing your margarita with diet drinks instead, as they have less sugar, or consider having a glass of red wine it is proven to be very good for your heart and has less calories than a mixed drink or glass of beer. In addition to alcohol and the affect that it has on your body, it also hinders your ability when driving. The holiday season is upon us and celebrating with alcohol beverages is always included, but should you decide to drink, then DO NOT DRIVE, appoint a designated driver, or choose other means of travel for safety; take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or choose to stay where you are until the effects have worn off.

Happy Holidays to you all!!

Suntan lotion is NOT sunscreen!!!

          Suntan lotion is a GREAT way to get a little color. Unfortunately it doesn’t protect you as well from the sun like sunblock does. All suntan lotions do have a very minimal amount of sunblock in them to protect you from long exposure to UV rays, but you need to know your limits. You don’t want to over expose yourself; it can be harmful to your health and especially your skin later down the road. Suntan lotions are SPF 15 to 30 and are not recommended to block out the sun.

           The good thing to know is that even if you use sunblock you can still get a little bit of color without risking the chances of sunburn. You want to apply your sunblock 30-45 minutes prior to sun exposure. It is also a good idea to apply sunblock even when it is a little overcast outside the suns UV rays are still strong enough to burn your skin through the clouds. Sunblock’s are SPF 45 and above, these are recommended to protect your skin from harmful future problems.

           Make sure the whole family is protected ESPECIALLY babies and young children. No matter their skin color dark or light you are always at risk of the long term effects of the sun. Apply sunblock even if you aren’t spending the day at the pool, being outside in general is a risk to your skin. It is a good idea to purchase waterproof sunblock any time you can for swimming, and waterproof is better when you could possibly be sweating. Make sure to apply your sunblock as directed on the bottle. Fragrance free and hypoallergenic lotions are recommended for younger children.

           Precautions: Make sure to consult your doctor if; you or your child have any known skin problems, irritations, or allergies.  Sunblock’s that are recommended for best results:

  • AVEENO Baby Natural Protection Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50
  • Banana Boat  Kids Stick Sunscreen SPF 50
  • Coppertone Water BABIES Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50)
  • Coppertone KIDS Wet’n Clear Sunscreen Spray (SPF 50)
  • Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Faces Ultra Gentle Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45+

           Just a few problems the sun can cause to your skin:

  • Pre-cancerous (actinic keratosis) and cancerous (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma) skin lesions – due to decreases in the skin’s immune function
  • Benign tumors
  • Fine and coarse wrinkles
  • Freckles
  • Discolored areas of the skin, called mottled pigmentation
  • Sallowness — a yellow discoloration of the skin
  • Telangiectasia’s — the dilation of small blood vessels under the skin
  • Elastosis — the destruction of the elastic and collagen tissue (causing lines, wrinkles and sagging skin)

Coach ABC Summer Bootcamp

It’s been requested on several occasions and from several people, soooo here we go!!! Bootcamp is back!! Registration is now open as of  Monday June 19, 2017 and will close Monday, July 10. Classes start July 20, 2017. Classes are twice a week ;Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings for 6-weeks at a local park. You will register at coachabc1.com. Introductory price including Bootcamp T-Shirt are now posted!!! This Bootcamp will challenge you and take your goals to the next level. Are you ready?!!!

Coach ABC will also help you to continue your journey after the bootcamp to make sure you are confident and comfortable with your progress. Don’t miss out on this wonderful and limited opportunity to work with one of the best, most compassionate, and caring instructors in your area.

Wellness Wednesday Tip!!!! Apple Cider Vinegar… What’s ALL the hype about?

I’m sure if you have attempted any kind of weight loss program you have scrolled through Google looking for a quick fix… what can make the pounds fall off faster than just doing a workout or having to eat healthy and cut out your favorite fatty foods.

Most of you have probably seen the ads come up on your favorite social media site, seen and read articles about celebrities that swear by it, and also probably seen the famous Dr. OZ speak about it on his daytime talk show. Apple Cider Vinegar seems to be the new fad going on and everyone is rushing to try it…. BUT does it really work? What are the benefits? Is it really as good for you as they say it is? What else can apple cider vinegar do? AND the big main question CAN IT HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?

SO…. Here’s the scoop! Apple cider vinegar has been used in weight loss regiments for years. It is fermented apples that naturally produce their own acid that really your body needs to be able to sustain a healthy blood sugar level but of course the pharmaceutical companies don’t want you to know that. ACV also helps to suppress your appetite; apple cider vinegar makes you eat less by producing a feeling of satiety sooner. ACV also taps into psychological mechanisms that promote healthy weight loss. Of course with any new diet or weight loss regiment you should always consult your doctor.

ACV has so many other benefits not only for weight loss, it can help regulate your blood pressure, helps control your sugars if you are diabetic, helps with acid reflux. ACV also is very good for your skin and teeth. Of course excessive amounts can ruin the enamel on your teeth due to the acidic nature but as long as you rinse your mouth after or brush you will be ok. You can also wash your hair with ACV to help with growth and to make it fuller. It can too be used as a household cleaner and it doesn’t have all of the harmful chemicals like in other off the shelf cleaners.

So how do you take ACV? What are the measurements and mixture? There are MANY recipes you can find on line, it just depends on what you are looking to use ACV for. If you are looking for a weight loss mixture most of them call for 2 tablespoons of ACV in the morning mixed with some honey and lemon for taste in 8 ounces of water 30 minutes prior to consuming your first meal. It is said that it will give you an instant boost of energy and help suppress your hunger.

There are many different brands of ACV on the shelf; picking one can be a little overwhelming. The best is organic, and one that reads MOTHER on the front label that means that it is free of any and all artificial flavors and colors it is all natural. The taste is a little rough to get past but if you are willing to give it a try they say 30 days is the normal time period to start to see results in weight from the ACV but the benefits of your skin and energy levels can be within days.

SO….ARE YOU READY TO GIVE IT A TRY…..?

Wellness Wednesday Tip!!!!! Is fat free REALLY fat free?

Have you ever wondered if the fat free version of your favorite salad dressing is really fat free???? What really is the difference? Well… this week we are going to look into if it really is a good idea to buy that fat free version for a few more cents, or does it make sense to just be more mindful of your portion sizes?

When the food and marketing companies look into their sales and what sells more they look at numbers not the health of the customer. They want to make money. Most low-fat or fat-free foods will have more sugar and chemicals in them then the original version to make up for the taste which causes them to be poor nutritional choices. The labels don’t always tell the truth make sure you take a little time to read the ingredients. People don’t realize that they gain more fat on low-fat diets.

You are better off buying foods that are labeled reduced fat, or lite, because they take out the unnecessary fats and sugars.

And while it may taste a little different than what you are used to, you aren’t getting all the added chemicals and sugars just for taste. Your body NEEDS healthy fats while you are working out and being active because it helps build more muscles and keeps your muscles strong.

When trying to live and eat healthier it is all about portions and everyone knows processed foods are not healthy for you to begin with.

So…

If you have the option, making your own salad dressings and preparing your own weekly meals is better than buying those 100 calorie items just because they are in the frozen healthy eating section. It’s all a ploy from the big box retailers they want your money and with a lot of us it works because we are so crunched for time. But if you want amazing results and to feel good about what you are putting into your body then make the time to know your ingredients. If you must pick up that bottle of salad dressing or that TV dinner just grab the regular one and portion yourself it will save you money and your body from unwanted and unnecessary chemicals.

 

See you next week!!!

Coach ABC

 

 

Wellness Wednesday Tip!!!! Labels are important… do you know how to read them?

When wanting to change your lifestyle and get healthy there are a few things you should consider including in your plan. Exercise OF COURSE, a lot of sleep, LOTS of water, and eating a healthier diet. While trying to eat healthier you should really be conscious of what you are putting into your body. Raw foods cooked from scratch are a great way to go but if you have to buy off the shelf make sure you can and know how to read your labels to make sure you are getting the best nutrition possible.

 

When reading a label what is the first thing you look at? The fancy font, the color of the bottle, or do you actually turn it over and attempt to read the ingredients and the amount of calories and fats that are include in the food you are eating? The calories are always a go to as well as how much fat and how much sugar. You want to make sure that when portioning you read the label correctly, make sure you are getting the appropriate serving size and calculating the amount of sugar and calories for each serving. You always want to make sure you’re not getting too much sugared sodium when trying to eat better. Make sure it is a healthy fat you’re consuming and not a greasy one.

In the chart above it gives you a guide to what you should look for as well as what to stay away from and what is important to include in your healthy living and eating journey. Another good tip when reading your labels is making sure the ingredients are good for you. The less processed the better. Do you know what to look for in ingredients do you know what is healthy? Some of those big fancy words could get a little confusing and make you think it is healthy when all it is is a bunch of chemicals. In the list below are a few examples of ingredients you should try to stay away from. It is a little difficult because they seem to be in everything nowadays. Always use your better judgement it is hard work to eat better but the results and the outcome will have you feeling and looking amazing!

 

The following things you want to try to stay away from on an ingredients list are:

  • Artificial Colors (any color with a number next to it is artificial)
  • Artificial Flavors and/or Natural Flavors (can be toxic to your brain and nervous system)
  • Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose (Splenda), Aspartame (Nutrasweet and Equal), Saccharin (Sweet and low) )
  • Benzoate Preservatives
  • Brominated Vegetable Oil