Yes you read it correctly!

As an incentive for everyone to make the leap into a healthier lifestyle I’ve decided to offer an even Bigger BONUS on top of the ones you already get.

It’s simple and easy! Sign up Right NOW, Take the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge, Refer 3 to Get FREE Product and I will send you a FREE Gift Card valued at $20 to the business of your choice.

Yes it’s that easy!

Not Only are you drinking a Shake Mix that Taste like Cake Mix but you’re getting much Healthier by doing it!

Not Only are you Getting Healthier by doing it but you’re also Saving on Groceries!

NOT Only are you already Saving on Groceries but you can even get your Product Absolutely FREE!

NOT ONLY  can you get Product Absolutely FREE but NOW You can Receive a FREE $20 Gift Card for doing it!!

Who else is willing to PAY YOU to get FREE PRODUCT?  This is my gift card to you!

The Original Challenge Works!

Let me start by saying that I am not an expert when it comes to sweeteners. What I will say is that I have read many articles on them and now feel I know what to believe and what not to believe. In this article I make no claims as to what is or is not the best sweeteners to use. My only advice with this is their is much information and misinformation flying around the internet so be sure what you read is correct. Be sure proper research has been done to verify any and all claims. Most importantly remember the old saying “Don’t believe everything you read!” Don’t assume that just because you read it somewhere it’s 100% accurate. I attempt to make no claims of accuracy in this article

I just finished reading what I consider to be an inaccurate article on sweeteners. It was shown on a well known and fairly reputable website which is scary. It’s scary because there is already so much misinformation out there that people don’t know what to believe. So when a reputable site puts it out there the masses tend to automatically believe it. The article claims certain sweeteners which I consider “bad” as good and ones I consider “better” as bad. Notice I didn’t say I consider any sweeteners “good.”

In the article Sugar Alcohols, also known as xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol are considered good. It’s been shown sugar alcohols cause severe diarrhea in many people and is toxic to dogs. the article even mentions this! Sugar Alcohols are made from a fermentation process of corn or sugar cane.  I won’t say they are bad but I would certainly say anything which causes severe diarrhea and is toxic to any animal is far from good. The article also put sugar alcohols ahead of all natural Bee’s Honey which is just crazy to me.

The article claims Stevia as the best of all natural sweeteners. Now I don’t know if it’s great or not but what I do know is it has only recently been approved by the FDA. The same FDA which has approved so many dangerous drugs over the past few years. Stevia has not been approved by the World Health Organization as it feels more testing needs to be done and I agree! Stevia also does not do well in baked items. I have used stevia and have to say I personally don’t care for the bitter taste.

In the article it also claims Sucralose, better known as Splenda contains chlorine. From what I have read and believe is sucralose contains chlorides, not chlorine. Chlorides is the same thing found naturally in many vegetables and salt. The article did not show any negative side affects to people or animals. Again I’m not saying it’s good but if I had my choice between sugar alcohols and severe diarrhea or sucralose and no diarrhea it’s pretty obvious which I’ll choose. I will add also on this that sucralose has been approved by the World Health Organization.

The article goes on and discusses more sweeteners such as Agave, Aspartame, Blackstrap Cane Molasses of which I agree with some what is said. One humorous note about the post is in very small print at the bottom of the article they stated certain things in previous  post were “inaccurate.” The print was so small and lightly colored that if you weren’t paying attention you’d miss it altogether. I believe next weeks article should contain such statements at the bottom in regards to this article.

If you live your life in fear of “what if” might happen, you aren’t really living!

This is a philosophy I live by. I only wish more people did. So many people live in fear of “what if.” I personally know someone who will sit near an exit of a building just in case the building catches on fire. Really, how many buildings catch on fire on a daily bases? For that matter how many catch fire in one year?

Life is very short and the odds are “what if” will never happen. This doesn’t mean it’s okay to do something stupid and not expect consequences from it. It just means don’t assume the worst thing will happen in normal everyday life.

This same philosophy applies to taking chances on something when it’s right for you it even if others are saying don’t do it. Where would Donald Trump be right now if he never took chances? You’d say “Donald Trump, who’s that?”

Any chance you take means you may struggle in the beginning. Nothings easy and nothing in life worth having should be easy.

If you’re looking to take a chance on something don’t ask the people who you know will be negative about it. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and know you can do it! Tell yourself “I can do it, I will do it!” Create a plan and go for it. Work hard and never give up.

I’ve received a few questions from people about what to do on days when you’re too busy too exercise?

My first question is what is considered too busy? For most who say it it just sounds like an excuse to get out of exercising . If that’s the case don’t look to me for an answer because I won’t give it.  I will admit there are some cases where life gets in the way and it’s just not possible to exercise at certain times or on certain days.

One concern I received was from a young man who had purchased the P90X fitness program and had a problem. He was an intern for a company on Monday’s and Wednesday’s. His schedule was up at 5:30am and off to work as intern and didn’t get back home until around 9pm or later at night. Now obviously after a long busy day like that the last thing anyone would want to do is change into exercise clothes and jump into an hour long workout.

The best thing I can advise for anyone in this type of scenario is examine your workouts closely and see what each intends to accomplish. Then perhaps you can pair up a couple exercises in a routine on one day where you’re not as busy. If it’s possible to stick to a routine schedule and do one in the morning then one in the afternoon or perhaps even matching one difficult exercise with one that is not so difficult and do one right after the other.

Always remember when you’re able to pair up exercises and work out back to back you may be able to cut out certain things to save total time. One thing is you won’t have to cool down from the first exercise or warm up for the second one. That normal part of your workout routine can be eliminated thus cutting the total exercise time of two routines down.

One other option is to be sure you’ve chosen the right routine which will work with your schedule. Just because you want to do one particular routine doesn’t always mean it’s the right fit for your schedule.

Ask me if you’re not sure what exercise will work best for your particular schedule.

I can hear the comments now, “What? What kind of crazy talk is this?”

Yes that’s right I said it. Eat more to lose weight! What am I talking about? Metabolism, that’s what I’m talking about. Most have heard of metabolism but most don’t know it’s possible to control it to lose weight.

The big misconception is eat less to lose weight. This will work to a certain point. If you have a lot of weight to lose not eating enough will have the opposite affect. When you eat too much the body stores fat as energy reserves. When you stop eating too much and then don’t eat enough your metabolism slows down to keep energy reserves. Even if you exercise your body will just release enough reserves for energy during exercise then drop back down.

The ideal weight loss situation is to keep your metabolism high. The best way to do this is to eat the right amount for your body size and weight while performing an exercise routine. I always advise eating five small meals a day keeping the proper balance between carbohydrates and proteins for your fitness level.

To find your ideal calorie intake please use this BMI Plus Calculator. Use this tool to find your current BMI along with all the information needed for proper calorie intake.

If you need any help with your diet please contact me.

The word Accountability is defined by Merriam-Webster as : the quality or state of being accountable; especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.

Being held accountable by someone else for actions can either help deter you from doing something or push you to do something. Accountability is a part of life whether you want it to be or not.

We’re held accountable by someone everyday. At a job we’re held accountable by a boss. Don’t produce and we’re out of a job. In public we’re held accountable by law enforcement. Break a law and you might get a free ride in the back of a police car.

In some areas we have to hold ourselves accountable.  This is a problem, especially for self employed or independents. We know what we should be doing to get ahead, doing it is another story. Getting ahead means stepping out of the comfort zone and working hard. It might not ruin our business right now but chances are……

Another area we have to hold ourselves accountable is our health which means eating right and exercise. It’s easy to skip over healthy foods, go straight for “crap” and eat too much of it. We know what the consequences will be. It may not kill us today, tomorrow, or even the next day but it will eventually…..

If your mommy didn’t already teach you this then listen good, Nothing worth having is Easy! Their is NO substitute for hard work in anything. You have to Get off your ASS and do it!

One way to do this is hire a Coach for accountability. A coach can’t stand over you 24 hours a day, make you work harder, guard the refrigerator or check the spoon while you eat.

A coach can help set goals, provide motivation and even kick us in the ass a bit if needed. A coach can do what ever is needed for  Business & Personal Success Accountability.

How can a coach help with Business Success Accountability? Some of the most successful business people whether in a sole proprietorship, franchise owner or Independent agent completely understand the importance of having someone hold them accountable. A Business Performance Coach is that someone. From creating simple task to understanding complex goals and how to meet all.

How can a coach help with Personal Accountability? Many of the most well known celebrities have hired coaches to help with Life, Health and/or Fitness at some point. We all need some form of outside accountability.

If any of this sounds like you please feel free to contact me so we can discuss an option for you. Initial consultations and even some coaching is done FREE! Most coaching may not be free but ask yourself this “How much is my Life, Health or Business worth to me?”

Goals work.

In fact, it’s still the best way for getting what we desire in life.

A critical part of the process begins, however, before a single action is taken. You’ve got to write it down and get your brain to think about it.

This happens most effectively when you keep the list in front of you daily. It’s a reminder for your brain that trains it to work toward completing goals.

Remember, we didn’t learn to use the computer right away. It took practice to learn how to point, click and type.

Some people just say they want to list “success” as a goal, which, in addition to being vague, is not going to help you reach your goal.

Success is different to everyone. Getting specific on what success you want creates an attainable goal. If you haven’t gotten success yet, then listing success as a goal isn’t working for you.

Right?

But things were easier to just set them on the backburner and wait for those goals to be delivered to you.

I’m about to show you how to create goals you’ll not only meet, but exceed and create new ones despite any thing that stands in your way.

Let’s begin.

1. What do you want?

The first goal is crucial. It’s the main one you want right now in your life.

Do you want a house? A new car? Money for a vacation?

Without a belief that you can have these things, you won’t work toward your goal. Dream away.

Then write your goal down.

• State your goal in the present tense. “I have” instead of “I will have”
• Be specific. “I have a yellow ranch style house with four bedrooms on 2 acres with fruit trees” instead of “I have a house.”
• Put a date on it. “Excited about going on a Disney World cruise for an entire week with the kids in June of 2012.” See how I put an emotion into that sentence? Try that with your goals.

Take the time to figure out what you really want as your ultimate goal, which is likely a short-term one you can meet within 3 to 6 months to a year. Then and only then will you train your brain to start working toward meeting your goals.

2. What’s your learning style?

Your learning style is key to helping your brain learn and remember your goals.

Use video, audio and writing to see, hear and feel the excitement around your goals.

That means record yourself saying your goals on audio and video. Write your goals daily. Create a vision board. Put all of these things somewhere you see them everyday.

In many cases, you’ll find it working before you even get to your deadline.

Here’s how to do it:

Video

• Record yourself stating your goals and playing them back each day.
• Make videos using pictures and your favorite music, including text stating your goals and play each day.

Audio

• Make an mp3 of yourself stating your goals and play back every day.
• Sing your goals to background music
• Find song that help you channel that energy you feel around your goals.

Text

• Write your goals in a notebook every day
• Create a vision board with pictures of what you want and write your goals in the center
• Write goals on a sheet of paper and keep near your desk or someplace you look at every day

You don’t need to spend too much time on creating goals. All you need is one thing. It doesn’t have to be elaborate.

3. Can you think big?

No exceptions, you absolutely must have:

A big goal: You’ve got to think above the basics of food and a roof over your head.

The Reason: In this case, your big goal will propel you toward all the other things you need in basic, daily life.

For example, if you’re playing golf every weekend with your friends, you can bet that you’re able to pay the mortgage… or your significant other will be upset with you.

Goal Creation Made Easy

Often, people are well aware of things that keep them up at night. And yet they don’t listen to themselves because it causes pain.

They think they’re a failure or they think it’s too late to do anything about it.

Goal creation works. My coaching program makes creating goals and getting results a snap, and working with a coach helps you integrate the process to make it a habit.

Plus, you’ll get clear on what you want and start actively reaching your desire.

Check out my coaching programs here.

If you’re not reaching your goals, let me know what’s hanging you up in the comments section.

There was a line in “American Beauty” that always comes to mind when I hear reasons for losing weight.

“I want to look good naked.” – Lester from “American Beauty”

Let’s face facts. Who doesn’t want to look good naked?

You want your lover to get aroused on sight, turning to you and smiling while pulling you close. You want to see that look in his or her eyes that tells you that you’re sexy.

And you can look great naked.

If you’re willing to take some advice…

Here’s how:

1. Find an exercise you love

Having a daily fitness routine will help you burn lots of calories so you can shape up. If you’re exercising every now and again, that’s not going to help you lose weight. You can fluctuate up and down in your eating patterns on days that you don’t exercise. Eventually you’ll wind up making too many excuses and will stop altogether.

Do an exercise routine you love. Find a sport that you look forward to everyday. Do something fun so you’ll keep at it.

2. Throw out the junk food

Take a garbage can and throw out anything you have to question whether it’s healthy or not.

The more greens and veggies you put in your body, the faster you’ll get to look great naked. When you start eating more greens and natural foods in your diet, you’ll start feeling better about your body. You’ll also start losing weight a lot faster.

But no matter how committed you are, throw out the junk foods so that you won’t be tempted to eat them.

3. Eat less

There’s a saying that, “the difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” – Vince Lombardi

If you’re substituting food for something that’s missing in your life, you’re going to pack on the pounds. It’s a simple formula to help you lose weight. Just eat less. That doesn’t mean to starve yourself. You can create a meal plan and calculate calories all you’d like to get started. The rule here is basic…

Eat less but eat more green vegetables.

4. Drink water

You’d be surprised how water will help curb your appetite. Water helps flush toxins and fat from your system.  Drink as much of it you can each day. Yes, 8 glasses is recommended for a typical person. You don’t have to count unless you want to. Just carry a large cup or bottle with you all day and fill it with water every two hours.

Replace any sodas you drink with water. It might be tough to let go of the caffeine at first, but keep drinking water any time you get the jitters. They’ll go away.

5. Shake, rattle and roll to some tunes

Any chance you get, do some exercise. Whether it’s cleaning house or just listening to music.

6. Do serious workouts

After you found your favorite sport, danced to some tunes and started eating healthy, you should be looking forward to physical exercise everyday. Start a real workout that fits into your daily schedule. Even if you’ve been sitting on your butt for so long, find one that will work you fairly hard and jump into it as hard as you can. You might not be able to do much at first and you will be sore at first but over time you’ll be able to do more and the soreness will go away.

One that includes weights or bands to pump your muscles. By lifting weights along with cardio, you’ll tone and build your muscles.

7. Feel great

Along with losing weight, you’ll feel great. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you’re sexy. Do it five times a day.

Do you already feel great naked? Share your tips and success stories in the comments below.

Clip from “American Beauty”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Meal Plan for You:

Click to open in a new window or Right click and “Save as”

Meal Plan PDF

Meal Plan Excel

When: April 30th, 2011 Distance: Between 3.5 and 4 miles Spartan Sprints obstacle races are muddy 3+- mile events with 10 or more obstacles. The challenging sprint trail races are a great way to get off your couch and start living.

From beginner trail race…rs and mud run participants to hardcore warriors, tough guys and marathon runners, they all come out to test themselves on the insane obstacle races! 99.9% of all people who try this event will finish, and 100% will have their thirst for mud & trail racing fully satisfied!

My turkey spaghetti has become famous among family and friends. I am constantly asked when I am going to fix it again. It does take a bit of time to prepare since it is homemade and not from a jar but well worth the effort.

Lean turkey along with whole wheat noodles makes this spaghetti sauce delicious,  low fat and healthy! Learn to use ground turkey in all your meals instead of beef and you’ll reduce fat. You’ll be the only one who knows and I promise your family and friends will love it!

Prep Time: 15-25 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: 45-60 minutes

Total time will reduce s you become familiar

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 pkg lean turkey Italian sausage
• 2 can (10oz) diced tomatoes & green chilies
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 can sliced mushrooms
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Itallian seasoning blend (Thyme, Oregano)
• ½ tsp Basil leaves
• ½ tsp parsley flakes
• 2-3 whole dried Bay leaves
• pepper to taste
• Red pepper powder (optional)
• Sea salt to taste
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1 small pkg Whole Wheat Noodles

Preparation:

Lean Turkey sauce

1. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over med-high heat.
2. Add ground turkey and cook
3. Add ½ tsp Onion powder and garlic powder to meat stirring occasionally
4. Cook for about 5 minutes. Drain fat.
5. Stir in canned tomatoes, mushrooms and spices. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer covered about 15 minutes.
7. Remove cover and simmer another 15 minutes.
8. Remove whole bay leaves before serving (if you wish)

Preparation:

Lean Turkey Italian sausage

1. Heat a large skillet over high heat.
2. Add turkey sausage and cook.
3. Brown on one side for about 1 minute, rotate and repeat until all sides are cooked.
4. Add 1 cup water to pan and bring to a boil.
5. (Optional) For spicier sausage you may add Red pepper powder to the water while boiling.
6. Cook until all water is almost gone.
7. Remove sausage one at time from pan.
8. Cut sausage into pcs and add back to pan.
9. Reduce heat to low and simmer while you finish everything else.

Preparation:

Whole Wheat Noodles

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.

Once all is done serve the sauce over the noodles, sausage over the sauce. I typically have reduced fat (made from skim milk) parmesan cheese available for anyone who wants it.

Enjoy!