Being Bruce -: June 2015

Saturday, June 27, 2015

The Best Workout Programs for Busy Women


Let’s face it…  Trying to figure out the best workout programs for busy women can be a HUGE challenge!  You have an active schedule and we know that you often have a busy life that keeps you dashing from place to place all day long. With a hectic schedule it is hard to fit in a visit to the gym. Plus the truth is, a lot of days you most likely don’t have the self-motivation get there. Waking up in the morning over an hour early just to cram in thirty minutes at the gym, doesn’t appeal to most.

Heading to the gym on your lunch break, how does that sound? We all know that only works if the gym is close enough to your office to make that realistic. Then you have the stay-at-home moms who try to fit their workouts in between nap times, snacks, and all the responsibilities that come with being the parent home with the children all day. We get it! Sometimes it feels like you’re never going to find the time to get back in the shape you desire.

Let’s get real! You need a workout that will fit into your schedule and allow you to tone your body, trim your waistline, and get in shape from the privacy of your own home. There’s no need to go to the gym and waste 30-60 minutes of your time round trip to sort of get a workout. So how do you get the best workout? Beachbody On-Demand!

The Best Workout Programs for Busy Women

It offers the best videos for women and men, all gathered in one place. You have easy access 24/7, and all you have to do is choose the routine that works best for you (or design your own routine based around a selection of several different videos). Beachbody On-Demand offers plenty of workouts that are easy to incorporate into any schedule. Your biggest decision is to choose the time that works best for you! You can pull up any of a selection of videos and get your workout in whenever and wherever you want. Yes that is what I said…You can work out anywhere. Beachbody On-Demand can be streamed on your smart phone, tablet, or laptop. Simply log-in and access the library of programs.

You can choose from some of the most popular programs like P90X®, P90X2®, P90X3®, INSANITY®, TurboFire®, ChaLEAN Extreme®, Brazil Butt Lift®, 10-Minute Trainer®, and Hip Hop Abs®. All of them are available in the library for you to stream at your convenience. Another great feature is you get insider sneak peeks. With these sneak peeks you get access to try programs like PiYo®, 21 Day Fix®, Body Beast®, or FOCUS T25®. Plus, new titles are added to the library each month, so you’ll never run out of fun, exciting new workout routines that will help you get results. You get all of this for one low monthly fee.

It is time to stop feeling like you will never find a workout program that works for you. It is time to stop wasting money on gym membership. It is time to stop wasting time driving to and from the gym. Beachbody and the Beachbody Challenge is what you need to get results and save you time and money. Beachbody programs allow you to work out from home (saving time and money), get access to nutrition and meal planning membership benefits, and provides you with a FREE health, fitness, and nutrition coach. Tell me what gym membership ever gave you a FREE Coach?

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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

What Is a Balanced Diet? Here’s Your Sign!

Great advice. Simple, easy to understand, and to the point. Eating healthy needn't be confusing. Good balance guidelines here.

Everyone knows that you and your kids are supposed to be eating a “healthy balanced diet”. That’s great, but “What Is A Balanced Diet?” How exactly is a healthy balanced diet different from what most people eat? While you ultimately have to decide what the best nutrition is for you based on your lifestyle, goals, and choices, but there are several things that hold true.

A healthy balanced diet is filled with as many “real foods” as possible. That means foods that haven’t been filled with chemicals, including artificial colors and flavorings. If it comes in a box, no matter how “all natural” it is, you’re probably better off not buying it.

What Is a Balanced Diet? Here’s Your Sign!

Choosing the path of a healthy balanced diet is a lifestyle change, and can take some practice. Here are some great suggestions to get you started on your path to a healthy balanced diet.

A good way to start is to slowly eliminate packaged food to foods and meals that you create. There are a number of recipes available that will allow you to make your own foods and meals that only take few minutes up front. Another idea to keep in mind is “mason jar” recipes. These recipes allow you to prepare your meals ahead for maximum convenience while still staying on your healthy balanced diet. These recipes include salads, oatmeal’s, and more. There are plenty of other options that will allow you to put together your favorite foods once and enjoy them for up to a week without any further effort.

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Never deprive yourself of any food group.
This doesn’t mean that you should be chowing down on unhealthy snacks and high-fat foods. It does mean that you shouldn’t limit yourself to fruits, vegetables, and lean meats all the time, either. It is okay to have a splurge item every once in a while. Rule of thumb eat balanced 90% of the time and you will be on the right track. Focus on eating a wide variety of foods so your body gets all of the nutrients it needs and that you are not depriving yourself of something that you really need in order to function at your optimal level.

Foods that you should be limiting are refined grains and added sugar.
Added sugar, in particular, can be hard to catch! Many foods that you buy prepackaged or at restaurants contain added sugar content to help them taste better or to cover up the taste of other additives, which is one of the reasons why it’s often better to cook your own when possible. Refined grains process through your body very quickly and are turned into sugar. Whole grains, on the other hand, will keep the nutritional content of the wheat intact.

Eat the rainbow.
No, not that popular candy that comes complete with a week’s supply of sugar and enough artificial colors to take you to the moon and back. Rather, eat a “rainbow” of fruits and vegetables. Different colors tend to indicate that the fruits or vegetables have similar nutrients in them. That means that you should fill your plate with all sorts of different tones. Not only is it pretty (which, according to research, will make you enjoy eating it even more), it also contains a variety of different nutrients.

Control your portion sizes
. A good rule of thumb is to start by dividing the portion you would normally eat in half. To help control your portions, pay attention when you’re eating. Don’t plop down in front of your television or computer screen; instead, concentrate on the process of eating. Enjoy the flavor and texture of your foods instead of mindlessly shoveling your meal down before going back for more. Also, use this old trick: use a smaller plate to help your portions seem larger.

Try not to drink your calories with soda and other similar drinks.
You often don’t realize how many calories there really are in your favorite coffee drink or that soda that you drink by the bottle, but it can pack on the pounds fast. When possible, drink water–and lots of it! Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do for your body. The only caloric drink that would be highly recommended is a total nutrition shake. These can be used for a healthy snack or meal replacement when used with a recipe.

Implement these suggestions and you will be on your way to creating a healthy balanced diet that fits your lifestyle.

http://www.gettingfittogether.com/what-is-a-balanced-diet-heres-your-sign/#!62

Friday, June 19, 2015

Eating Healthy On A Budget – Yes, It is Possible!

It's a common misconception that it costs too much to eat healthy. An easy cop out for people who really don't want to change. This article proves that. Good job.

Eating healthy on a budget may often feel like an impossible challenge when you start walking through the grocery store. You look at the cost of healthy food, and start to wonder whether or not it’s really worth it. It is worth it, and YOU can eat healthy on a budget. You can fill your shopping cart with food that will fuel your mind and body without breaking the bank. The trick is to know how to do it.

Eating Healthy On A Budget – Yes, It is Possible!

Here are a couple tips to get you headed in the right direction.
  1. Have vegetarian days. Reduce the amount of meat you’re eating. When you reduce your meat consumption, you also reduce the amount of money that you’re spending, which in turn frees up funds in your budget for other healthy choices.
  1. Don’t buy pre-packaged food if you can avoid it. The healthiest nutrition is one that consists of natural, whole foods that have been acquired in their original state. That “fat free” or “low fat” packaged foods might be tempting, but they are packed full of artificial colors and flavors, not to mention being high in sodium and high in chemical compositions that you cannot even pronounce. You will be surprised by the budget difference when you pick up the individual ingredients for your favorite healthy treats instead of buying them ready-made for you. A good example is a container of hummus that costs around $4 can be made from a can of low-sodium beans ($1) and a handful of other ingredients that you may already have sitting around your home. Ready-to-serve oatmeal packets cost twice as much per serving than if you buy a big canister of oatmeal and sweeten it with honey. Plus it is just flat out healthier for you.
  1. Eat more fruits and vegetables. The high fiber content of most fruits and vegetables will actually help you feel full longer, which means that you’ll be less likely to come back and snack later. By adding fruits and vegetables to your nutrition, you not only decrease the amount that you’re eating, you also substantially increase your consumption of healthy nutrients that your body needs to function at its optimal level.
  1. Explore alternative sources of protein. Try out nut butters, beans, and Tempeh for healthier alternatives to eating large amounts of meat. Beans and Tempeh, in particular, are much less expensive but still have great nutritional benefits.
There are plenty of ways to stay within your budget and eat healthy. These are just a few strategies you can use to reduce your total at the grocery store.

http://www.gettingfittogether.com/eating-healthy-on-a-budget-yes-it-is-possible/#!62

Monday, June 15, 2015

Understand Why You May Be Gaining Weight While on a Low Fat Diet

'Dieting' should be a dirty word. Healthy nutrition with a balanced diet is the only rational answer. Great that this article points out the flaw in all-or-nothing diets and also gives specific "do's" and "don'ts".

When it comes to losing weight, most people turn to a low fat diet thinking that is the best route to go. However there really is no reason to go on a low fat diet, or an all meat diet, or any other fad diet that is out there. Losing weight is about eating balanced nutrition. Fad diets will only create weight loss for a short period of time if at all. It typically just leads to yo-yoing, and most gain all their weight back or more.

First thing you want to be doing is paying attention to your nutrition and portion sizes even when you don’t have weight to lose. This helps you maintain your weight and prevention is always better than having to lose the weight. Ultimately you are here because you do have some weight to lose. Here are a few tips that will help you make sure that you have an understanding why you may have put on weight but also information about putting the right nutrition into your body.

Understand Why You May Be Gaining Weight While on a Low Fat Diet

The first thing you want to figure out is exactly why you’re gaining weight. What have you been doing or not been doing that could have led to the weight gain? Are you exercising or exercising less? Are you taking any new medications? Did you start taking birth control? Do you suffer from hypothyroidism? These are all things that can lead to gaining weight. Understanding where you weight gain is coming from will help you establish a path of nutrition that will work best for you.

Dos and Don’ts of Balanced Nutrition

Don’ts
  1. Fast Food. Everyone knows that eating fast food is bad for you. Most fast food meals contain more than a thousand calories, which would consist of half or more of your total calorie intake for a day.
  2. Fried Foods and Desserts. You need to think about whether you’re the kind of person who tends to splurge on fried foods or sweets. Figure out your weaknesses and you’ll know what you need to avoid most of the time.
  3. Late Night Snacking. A good recommendation is to not eat two hours prior to bedtime. Snacking late at night can pack on the pounds.
Dos
  1. Keeping a journal. If you’re not entirely sure where you’re going wrong, you can figure this out by keeping a journal of everything you eat.
  2. Eat 5-6 Smaller Meals Every 3-4 hours. This will keep your metabolism working properly and keep you from being very hungry, which can lead to unneeded snacking or choosing snacks that may not be healthy.
  3. Sleep 7-8 Hours Every Night. This will help to keep your hormone ghrelin at optimal levels. Excess levels may result in weight gain.
  4. Utilize a Total Nutrition Shake for a Snack or Meal Replacement. High quality total nutrition shakes can provide you all of your daily nutritional, and make a great snack or meal replacement when used in a recipe to meet your caloric needs. Shakeology is a high quality nutrition shake that has been known to increase your energy, make you feel healthier, as well as improve digestion and regularity. Plus Shakeology comes in six different flavors and tastes amazing.
  5. Cut out the unhealthy foods. With that said find replacements for those foods that really do satisfy you. Check out some of these healthy meal and snack ideas.
So no fad diet is needed. You will stop gaining weight and lose weight by creating a healthy balanced nutrition plan that you enjoy.

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http://www.gettingfittogether.com/understand-why-you-may-be-gaining-weight-while-on-a-low-fat-diet/#!62

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Workout Routines for Women: Change Focus from Thin to Toned

Simple but solid information in this article. Getting in shape and getting to the right weight doesn't need to be complicated.

So the question of the day is, what are the best Workout Routines for Women. Men and women seek out very different routes when looking to get healthy. Most men are look to lift weights, building muscle, and tone their bodies, while most women simply focus on cardio to get thin.
Unfortunately, it should not be focused this way. If you work out with the right program that combines lifting weights and cardio you will create a healthy body that is toned and the proper weight. When that is the focus, that will create the appropriate weight and a healthy toned body.

Remember success is not always the number on the scale, but really about how your clothes fit. As you lose weight and gain muscle your weight will fluctuate but it is what your body composition is doing that makes all the difference.

Workout Routines for Women: Change Focus from Thin to Toned

When you’re designing a workout plan, you should make sure that you incorporate weight lifting and other toning exercises. In fact, the most effective plan is to have cardio, resistance training, and a balanced nutrition plan.

Here’s good news, there are plenty of workouts that can be accomplished without the need to buy special workout equipment. If you have comfortable clothing that’s easy to move in and good athletic shoes, you’re already good to go! Using your body weight can be a good way to begin a training routine that will shape and tone your body.

So how do you get started?
 With a proper warm-up of course. A good warm up with calisthenics and dynamics moves is always the way to go. This means lightly jogging in place for a few minutes; do some jumping jacks; or turn on your favorite music and dance.

Now it is time to move on to an exercise routine that focuses on toning and cardio, or toning one day and cardio the next. The more you mix it up, the more likely you are to have results. A couple of options for fast results include the 21 Day Fix, which is designed to get you toned and back into shape fast. There is also Beachbody On-Demand which gives you access to a vast library of programs that allows you to find a workout that best suits your goals. Beachbody On-Demandallows you to change things up whenever you get bored. This will help keep you moving and motivate you to achieve your goals.

Finish it out with a Cool down. Once you’ve completed your worked out you don’t want to just stop. Instead, take a few minutes to stretch, relieving the tension in muscles that you’ve just worked hard.
Utilizing these program suggestions will help shift your focus from simply weight loss to toning. This shift will help you reach your goals and gain greater results.

Shakeology GFT Micro


http://www.gettingfittogether.com/workout-routines-for-women-change-focus-from-thin-to-toned/#!62

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Do It Now

You can't change the past and the only time you can do something that makes a difference in the future is now. http://bruceandmargebrown.com/the-silver-fox-challenge-group/

Sunday, June 7, 2015

How to Get Fit Fast: Yes It Is Possible!

Serious results require serious commitment, but it needn't take a lifetime. 21 days of balanced exercise routines and attention to a healthy meal plan can definitely pay off. It will work if you work it. Good review.

All of us want to be healthy and fit, but many of us would like to see some decent results in a shorter period of time. We want to know the tips and tricks to get some results. We want to know“How to Get Fit Fast”. Seeing results in a couple of weeks and seeing your body starting to change within a month or so, will help to keep you motivated and you will be more likely to keep going. At the same time, you need to make sure that you are keeping a balanced regimen and not overdoing it, as this can be counterproductive.
So what does it take to keep balance in nutrition and exercise, while still producing quick results? It really just comes down to your commitment and these few quick and easy tips.
A Balance of Cardio and Resistance Training: It has been scientifically proven time and again that having a balance of cardio exercise and resistance training, coupled with balance and flexibility training will create the greatest results. However, everyone is different so you will need to find the best balance for your body. The best way to do this is to utilize a program that has a pretty equal balance of cardio exercise days with strength/resistance training days.
Women, there is no reason to be worried about resistance training. You will not gain big bulky muscles with a balance cardio and resistance plan that utilizes the appropriate weights. Same goes for you men. Don’t think doing cardio is going to keep you from building the muscular physique that you desire. When you choose the right weights you can lose that fat, and put on the muscle you want.

How to Get Fit Fast: Yes It Is Possible!

It would be suggested that you spend a minimum of 21 days on a specific program to see how your body is responding. After the 21 days you may decide if your body seems to respond better to a few more days of cardio or resistance training and make changes to your program as necessary. Though it is highly suggested to have a minimum of two days per week that is resistance training. The 21 Day Fix is a great program to consider when starting out. It is perfectly balanced to provide results.
Consume a Balanced Nutrition Plan: If you want your muscles to repair and recover faster you need to have balanced nutrition. Balanced nutrition consists of portion control, and 4-6 servings of vegetables, 2-3 servings of fruit, 4-6 servings of lean proteins, 2-4 servings of high fiber grains, and 1-3 servings of healthy fats. The servings are determined by your total calorie consumption needed on a daily basis. A clean balanced nutrition plan will aid in weight loss, and help build lean muscle.
Within your balanced nutrition plan you will really want to put emphasis on vegetables and fruit. Remember that these should lead your plate. When your body has the nutrients it needs, your body can process the proteins better as well. This will create a healthier body inside and out, help keep your energy levels up, and overall aid in weight loss and muscle recovery.
Additionally, you could add a meal or snack replacement shake that also provides complete nutrition, like Shakeology. This will keep your nutrient levels at a proper level, increase your energy, provide you a high-quality source of lean protein, and all of your vitamins and minerals. You may want to consider some of these quality nutrition plans when to help you out. You will find complete balance in the 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, or other Beachbody Programs that offer similar nutrition plans.
Do Something You Enjoy: There are a number of different programs, regimens, and activities that you can do that could create results. However, choosing a program, regimen or activities that you enjoy will make all the difference. Keep in mind that having a regimen with numerous different activities and exercises may create greater results. Let’s face it, it gets boring you spend a full hour on a treadmill or elliptical trainer. It is much more effective to participate in a program/regimen that is 30-40 minutes of highly effective cardio and resistance training that you enjoy.
An incredible option would be to take a look at Beachbody On-Demand. You can subscribe and gain access to over 150 different streaming workout videos that you can choose based on your interests and do in any location. So there is no getting bored since you can just pick a different program or workout every day if you so choose. Beachbody On-Demand also gives you an incredible variety of on-line tools like meal planners, shopping list, workout logs, and support from a Beachbody Coach at no additional cost!
What are you waiting for! You now have these quick and easy tips to start getting results right away. Start losing weight or building muscle, and create that healthy body you have always wanted.

http://www.gettingfittogether.com/how-to-get-fit-fast-yes-it-is-possible/#!62

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss

Wow! Yogurt bark! I am so all over that. Healthy snacks are an essential in our household (which is also our workplace). I'd heard of a couple of the snacks in this article but yogurt bark is new to me! Can't wait to try it.

When you start on your weight loss journey, one of the greatest challenges you’ll face is learning how to find Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss. While you can alter your existing diet and remove unhealthy food all you want, you’ll find that if you’re exercising hard and eating smart, you’ll be hungry throughout the day–and that’s when you’re the most likely to reach for unhealthy snacks that are completely against your diet plan. Luckily, healthy snacks for weight loss don’t have to be complicated, nor do they have to require a lot of preparation.

Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss

If you’re looking for a fast, portable solution to healthy snacking, try Shakeology. There are dozens of recipes that you can check out, including the ones highlighted here. The linked article will let you check out more than a hundred different healthy shake recipes, so not only is there sure to be something there that you’ll like, there’s no chance that you’ll ever get bored with Shakeology! Prefer to keep it a little simpler and want to know that you’re getting the healthiest shakes available? Check out these Seven Healthiest Shake Recipes that will act as meal replacements or fill in as a post-workout snack.
The great thing about Shakeology is that it’s already designed with a perfect balance of all your nutrition needs. You don’t have to worry about designing that perfect balance, or about measuring out only the amount of peanut butter you’re allowed to have on top of your apple (when really, you’d rather be munching on a chocolate bar anyway). Instead, you can create a shake that fulfills your sweet tooth while still keeping you on track with your diet.
Prefer something a little bit more solid? Check out these ten healthy snacks for weight loss, or take a look at these homemade sweet potato fries that will knock your socks off and leave you feeling as though you’ve indulged in something naughty while keeping your diet on track. Or, if you’re looking for a healthy snack idea that is a break from the norm–something that doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve been munching on rabbit food when you really want something sweet and filled with fat, try these options:

Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss

  • Spread peanut butter on a banana, dip it in melted dark chocolate, and freeze. This is the perfect healthy snack to help kick that “sweet” craving!
  • Make a yogurt “bark” with the fruit of your choice: spread yogurt in a pan and sprinkle with fruit, then freeze. Once it’s frozen, break it into pieces and store in a bag in the freezer until you’re ready to indulge. It creates a wonderful bark much like the chocolate bark you love during the holidays, but for fewer calories.
  • Hard boil eggs and bring them to work each day to help ensure that you’re getting enough protein.
  • Make sweet hummus by placing chick peas or white beans, a tablespoon of coconut oil, and agave nectar or honey (to taste) in your food processor. Process until the texture is smooth, then add chocolate chips.
Preventing yourself from feeling deprived isn’t just about what you’re snacking on. It’s also about knowing when to snack. Immediately following an intense workout, you’re probably going to be hungry, and if you deny yourself until your next meal, you’re going to feel cranky and out of sorts–not to mention all too likely to break your diet as soon as someone walks through the door with a good suggestion.
Keep your Shakeology powder ready at hand so you can reach for a shake whenever you need one, or make sure that you’re keeping plenty of healthy, filling snacks right there with your gym bag. Know that you’re going to start craving junk food to keep you going when the three o’clock slump hits? Make sure that you snack around two or two thirty so that your body will still be going strong once that time rolls around. Healthy snacking is part of any good diet plan because it keeps you in tune with your body’s needs and demands. Don’t feel guilty about your snacks.
Just plan for them ahead of time so that you’re snacking the right way!


http://www.gettingfittogether.com/healthy-snacks-for-weight-loss/#!62

Monday, June 1, 2015

We're Glad We Added Kale to Our Diet

It's a kinda funny looking green vegetable that just happens to be at the top of the seriously-good-for-you-food list.

Fresh Kale Fresh Kale

If you haven't yet added kale to your diet, you might want to add it to your grocery list. It should top your list of healthy ingredients. Here's why:

1. Kale is low in calories, high in fiber, and has zero fat.

2. It supports your body's detoxification process.

3. It supports your cardiovascular system and helps to lower cholesterol, especially if steamed.

4. It contains powerful antioxidants that protect your cells from free radicals that cause cell oxidation.

5. It has anti-inflammatory properties that work with its antioxidants to help prevent and combat some types of cancer.

6. It's rich in Vitamins C, A, K, and iron, which provide a myriad of benefits, such as helping to lower blood pressure, protecting against eye diseases, helping to maintain healthy bones and teeth, and supporting your body's nervous system.

One of our favorite kale recipes is Kale Chips. They are so easy to make and work with just about any meal.

Rinse fresh kale. Rip the leaves only into chip-size pieces. Discard the stems. Toss with just a little extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. Spread in baking pan and bake in preheated 325 degree oven for about 30 minutes. They always disappear fast! I hope you enjoy them!

Kale Chips

Be alert for a new hybrid vegetable on your grocers' shelves. Kalettes are a cross between kale and brussels sprouts. They were developed in the U.K., where they are called Flower Sprouts. They merge the sweet and nutty tastes of kale and brussels sprouts and can be eaten raw, steamed, grilled, roasted or sautĂȘed.

Kalettes Kalettes

You can learn more about the benefits of kale here.

I'm going to be sure my family gets a heavy dose of kale each week, and I hope you do too!

http://bruceandmargebrown.com/nutrition/were-glad-we-added-kale-to-our-diet/