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Saturday, October 29, 2011

John Is Fit

John Is Fit


Physical and Mental Benefits of Playing Paintball

Posted: 29 Oct 2011 04:11 AM PDT

This is a guest post by Annabelle.

Paintball has been a popular sport for a long time. Even though it is called an extreme sport, paintball is one activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family. This sport has a plethora of benefits that bring about an all-round development in players. Apart from the physical exercise, paintball also offers mental health benefits. Paintball's popularity also lies in the simplicity of the game. All you need is the required protective gear and a paintball gun and you are ready to go.

Spicing up your exercise regime

Paintball is a great activity for those who do not have time to hit the gym or are simply lazy. Regular exercisers can also benefits from paintball as it adds variety to their workout routine. It is believed that following the same workout routine for a long time can become less effective over time. Paintball is a great way to shake things up and get an intense exercise routine. This sport does not include monotonous motions like a treadmill, and allows the players to experience a whole range of movements like running, climbing, ducking and tip toeing behind enemies.

Weight loss and immunity

Needless to say, paintball also aids in weight loss. The intense exercise gained from a session of paintball can improve sleep cycles and boost metabolism. Intense workouts also result in the release of endorphins that elevates the mood of the player. Apart from burning more calories, regular exercise through paintball also reduces risk of heart diseases, blood pressure and depression.

Stress relief

Working professionals have more and more to worry about in this fast paced world. Sometimes the stress can deeply affect the mental state of the person and resurface at inappropriate times. Playing a rough game of paintball is one of the best ways to vent out your frustration without risking hurting others. Sometimes, venting your anger in the game can also help you improve your skills as a paintballer. The endorphins released during intense exercise also eliminate mental stress brings a sense of calm.

Teamwork and leadership

Paintball is primarily a team sport with a goal. In order to win the game, one team should defeat other teams and fulfill the objective. This requires some amount of strategizing and execution which can be done only when all the players work together as a team. It is this aspect of paintballing that promotes team spirit. You could also use paintball to improve your leadership skills. Tense situations in the game often bring out the best in many players and boost their self confidence.

Absolute entertainment

Paintball is becoming increasingly popular not because it aids weight loss or improves team building skills, but simply because it is so entertaining. The rush of adrenaline gained from simply running around a field and shooting opponents with dye pellets makes stressed out adults feel like a child again. A game of paintball always includes a fair amount of laughter and excitement which makes it the perfect group activity on a lazy Sunday morning.

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Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Physical and Mental Benefits of Playing Paintball

Use Interval Training To Burn Off Winter Fat

Posted: 29 Oct 2011 03:22 AM PDT

This is a guest post by Dr. Ron Fritzke.

Some of us sun-loving people who live in an area of the country that gets four distinct seasons are getting a little edgy about now. Fall is in the air and there's no denying what comes next.

The short days and cold winds of winter will be here before we know it.

For me that means not being able to get outside to do the types of exercise I prefer, and therefore a lot more exercise indoors on my bicycle stationary trainer. Even more disturbing…winter holidays get me started eating too many sweets.

All of this results in regaining some of the body fat I worked so hard to shed over the summer.

A Tool In The Arsenal…HIIT

There's been quite a buzz in the fitness world lately about a type of exercise called High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT for short). This concept of exercising in a 'hard-easy-hard-easy' pattern isn't new. It's just been appreciated lately by those outside of the hardcore track and field, swimming, and cycling worlds.

Interval training was essential to getting into peak conditioning as far back as the 1950's.

Now you can use these same concepts to more effectively utilize exercise in your efforts to keep the weight off during the winter.

A Personal Story, Intervals, and Shedding Weight

After my last race in 1984, I hung up my racing shoes and restricted my fitness running to cardio workouts. That's the type of exercise that can be sustained for long periods of time without going into 'oxygen debt'. For me, it was a series of runs between 5 and 10 miles, done approximately 5 times weekly.

Sounds like something that should be adequate to combat weight loss, doesn't it?

But over the years my weight was inching upward, and it wasn't until my kids got old enough to start running competitively that I rediscovered a secret weapon of the fitness world. I began running intervals with them.

Then I noticed a few things.

First off, my heart rate remained relatively elevated for hours after the workout. Of course it wasn't beating as hard as during the workout. But it was certainly tapping along at 15 to 20 beats above my normal resting heart rate.

And that was when I was sitting on the couch…sitting on the couch burning off fat while I watched the 49ers get whipped by any number of better football teams.

How do you like that…free fat burning time!

Which brings me to my second observation…you guessed it, my weight started to drop.

Serving Up A Couple Of Interval Workouts

Have you ever noticed the little disclaimers advising you to check with your doctor before initiating a new exercise protocol? Well, in the case of interval training the disclaimer is even more appropriate since this form of exercise can be very strenuous.

Without further ado, here's a couple of interval workouts I do on my Kurt Kinetic Road Machine trainer.

This first example is a classic HIIT workout (very short and very intense on the hard parts):

  • 5 minute warm-up.
  • 10 minutes alternating ten seconds of 'all out' pedaling with easy pedaling.
  • 5 minute warm-down.

This second interval workout is the type that would be done by an athlete getting ready to optimize conditioning for their sport:

  • 10 minute warm-up.
  • 2 minutes hard, followed by one minute easy pedaling.
  • 3 minutes hard, followed by one and a half minutes easy pedaling.
  • 4 minutes hard, followed by two minutes easy pedaling.
  • 5 minutes hard, followed by two and a half minutes easy pedaling.
  • 6 minutes hard, followed by three minutes easy pedaling.
  • 5 minutes hard, followed by two and a half minutes easy pedaling.
  • 4 minutes hard, followed by two minutes easy pedaling.
  • 3 minutes hard, followed by one and a half minutes easy pedaling.
  • 2 minutes hard.
  • 10 minute warm-down.

This second workout is most likely not appropriate for a 'casual' fitness buff, but I've included it as an insight into the kinds of interval training that professional- and Olympic-level athletes have been doing for years.

Give Interval Training A Try

There's nothing very magical about the formulas of interval training. If your intention is to restrict yourself to HIIT, there are some guidelines outlined in this Wikipedia article.

But if you'd like to lose some weight using a looser form of interval training, just throw in a series of efforts that you can't sustain for more than a few minutes…follow them up with a 'rest' interval…and repeat the cycle.

Whatever style of intervals you choose, they'll add variety to your workouts…and no doubt allow you to drop those few stubborn pounds.

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Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Use Interval Training To Burn Off Winter Fat

Friday, October 28, 2011

John Is Fit

John Is Fit


BTB Sports Optics Sunglasses Review

Posted: 27 Oct 2011 06:29 PM PDT

Disclaimer: BTB Sports Optics sent me this product to review, however I am under no obligation to do so nor to make the review positive. This review reflects my personal opinion about this product.

We took a short vacation to Chicago last week and I figured it would be a good opportunity to put my new BTB2100 Foam sunglasses to the test. Wednesday and Thursday were a little drizzly but the sun came out for Friday, Saturday and Sunday so I was able to get a little testing in.

BTB Sunglasses

BTB Sports Optics

BTB was founded with the mission to introduce a line of sport and recreational sunglasses that provided the following:

  • Superior Optic Quality
  • Complete UVA & UVB Protection
  • Frame Construction Materials of the Highest Quality and Durability
  • Complimentary Styles and "Formed Fit" for Comfort
  • Diverse Usage Applications for the Consumer
  • Aggressive and Affordable Price Point

The company says that BTB Sports Optics are the best $100 sunglasses you can buy for under $50.

BTB2100 Foam Sunglasses

Willis Tower

Willis Tower, Chicago

The glasses that I chose to review were the BTB2100 Foam sunglasses. Why? Frankly, because I liked the red color – that's about the degree of my knowledge when it comes to sunglasses selection. List price of these are $39.95, their other glasses range from $34.95 to $49.95. They came shipped in a nice box and included a good quality draw-string bag for the sunglasses themselves.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe Sculpture, Chicago

Here are a few observations I had about the glasses after wearing them in Chicago for a couple of days. First of all, the fit was absolutely perfect. Other sunglasses I have purchased over the years are invariably too small for my fat head. Not this – frame didn't have to stretch at all, very comfortable fit.

While I didn't benefit from the foam lining in this model during a walk in Chicago, I could see where having that nice snug fit along along the edges of the glasses would be great in dusty conditions, biking, or perhaps during water sports. I did feel a little out of place wearing these on the streets of Chicago because of that and in fact my kids said they thought I looked a little silly. But they also both tried the pair on!

Cloud Gate

Cloud Gate (The Bean), Chicago

I really don't know of any great way to properly evaluate the degree to which any pair of sunglasses blocks out the sun, but certainly they felt like they did the job.

Check out their blog for some cool videos of their sunglasses being shot by a shotgun and a .22 caliber rifle. I don't plan to need that kind of protection but it's pretty cool to watch.

They've also got a post called 10 Things You Didn't Know About Sunglasses with, if they are real, some pretty radical sunglasses used by the Alaskan Intuit's. They didn't use lenses like the current standard sunglasses. Instead they were flattened pieces of walrus ivory with small slits carved out of the eye sections. Very cool!

Overall, I'm a fan of BTB Sports Optics and I will be spending some of my own money on another pair for every day use.

Interested in obtaining a pair of BTB sunglasses for yourself? They have a lot of models to choose from. Shop at BTB Sports Optics, pick a pair or two of your favorite sunglasses, and then use the promotional code JOHNISFIT20 at checkout to receive a 20% discount!

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Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

BTB Sports Optics Sunglasses Review

Sunday, October 23, 2011

John Is Fit

John Is Fit


Tips for Shedding the Freshman 15

Posted: 22 Oct 2011 05:31 AM PDT

This is a guest post by Pat Singer.

Going away to college is a dream for a lot of high school students. Being out on your own, and not responsible for anybody but yourself, is something to look forward to. Unfortunately, there may be a negative side to that freedom–the dreaded Freshman 15. For some unexplained reason many college students tend to gain weight quickly during their first year in college. If you're one of them, you may be wondering how to lose those unwanted pounds. Following are a few tips for shedding the Freshman 15.

What Is the Freshman 15?

Due to the fact that you're out on your own, probably for the first time, you may have a tendency to eat at irregular times. You most likely opt for foods that are quick and easy to fix, or take-out fast foods such as pizza or hamburgers, simply because they're time savers and you have a busy schedule. Eating habits that you learned as a child may go out the window for the sake of expediency, or simply as a form of freedom of expression. The problem is that most people gain weight eating that way, and studies show that quite a few college freshmen do as well. Add to that the stress of studying and maintaining decent grades and you have the perfect recipe for weight gain–up to 15 pounds.

Watch Your Eating Habits

Most people were raised in a home environment where eating healthy food was simply part of their daily life. In order to shed those extra pounds brought on by a change in your eating habits, you need to return to the basics–eat healthy. Forego those after-hour trips to the pizza shop or the burger joint and eat your meals at meal time. When you're in the cafeteria don't just pick out the food that looks good, make healthy choices. You know what's good for you and what isn't. Instead of fries, pick up a salad, and go easy on the dressing. Eat fruit and whole-grain cereal for breakfast, and skip fried foods for lunch and dinner. You should instead opt for eating fish, fresh fruit, and vegetables.

Get a Small Refrigerator for Your Room

Because college life is hectic, you may not be able to get to the cafeteria at mealtime. In order to maintain your healthy eating habits when your study or class schedule won't allow you to eat at your usual times, it may be a good idea to buy a small refrigerator for your dorm room. If you do, make sure to stock it with healthy foodstuff and not cookies and cake. Keeping snack food on hand is a good idea for those late night study sessions, but your choice of snack should lean toward yogurt and fresh fruit, and not consist of candy bars and ice cream.

Hot Plates are Useful

Since you're getting a small refrigerator you may as well get a small hot plate as well. That way you can actually cook your meals instead of interrupting a study session to run to the cafeteria. Keep in mind that this option can be detrimental to your diet if you don't exercise self control. If you keep your fridge stocked with healthy food you won't be tempted to indulge in a meal of fried sausages and biscuits with gravy. Keep cans of soup, the ones whose labels clearly state they're low-calorie, on hand for quick meals.

Snack Time

College students live a hectic lifestyle. The typical student is constantly on the run from one class to another, or to the next study session. That means you may not be able to eat regular meals or return to your dorm room for a healthy snack. For times like that you should carry a pick-me-up snack with you. Things such as energy bars or rice cakes make a good, healthy snack, as do fresh fruit or fresh bread. Stay away from the ever-present vending machines, which are filled with high-calorie snacks that are loaded with preservatives.

Stay Away From Alcohol

Although you'll probably be tempted to indulge your freedom by consuming a few beers, for the sake of your diet, and your overall health, resist the urge. Alcohol is loaded with calories that will go straight to your belly, hips, and other areas of your body that don't need the excess poundage.

Exercise

Even though you may feel exhausted from all the running around associated with college life, it would be a good idea to exercise on a regular basis. A routine workout will not only help keep the pounds off, but it will tone the muscles and make you more able to withstand the rigors of late night study sessions.

Following some or all of these tips will surely help you avoid that Freshman 15.

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Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Tips for Shedding the Freshman 15

Saturday, October 22, 2011

John Is Fit

John Is Fit


Excellent Eating After Exercise

Posted: 21 Oct 2011 06:38 AM PDT

This is a guest post by Denis Faye.

Whether you're trotting up the stairs to your apartment after a ten-mile jog or pounding out that last set of curls, there's nothing like that post-workout feeling. You've busted your tail and now it's time to relax.

Or is it? A little couch time might seem in order, but that doesn't mean the work is done. After a hard workout, your body becomes super receptive to nutrients, so you've got about an hour here when proper eating is crucial. Don't slack off now. Hit the kitchen for your recovery snack!

When Nietzsche said, "That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger," he could have been talking about a good workout. First of all, exercise burns through your blood sugar as well as your glycogen, your body's back-up sugar supply. Meanwhile, it drains your electrolytes and fluids and causes micro-trauma to your muscles. That last one typically happens more often with weight training, but just about any intense exercise breaks down (and subsequently builds) muscle to some degree. Just look at a swimmer's shoulders or a jogger's legs if you doubt this.

It may seem like a whole lotta bad to happen at once, in truth, the combo is a good thing. To replenish the blood sugar, you need carbs. To fix the muscles, you need protein. When you consume the two together, they can work in tandem to do good things.

But before I go any further, let's talk about sports nutrition theory. In short, it's a Wild West science. Every day, new research comes out that completely blows the doors off of accepted protocols. What I'm about to explain comes largely from the work of Drs. John Ivy and Robert Portman, as reported in their book Nutrient Timing: The Future of Sports Nutrition. Their theories are currently the accepted standard for recovery foods. There have since been plenty of other studies that cast doubt on their work. While I've read scores of them and I have yet to be swayed, that could change any day. In the meantime, I encourage you to read this post, then read Nutrient Timing, then with that foundation, explore other research and make your own choices.

Also be mindful that this protocol pertains to intense exercise. If you're just playing a little foosball or walking around the block, there's no need for specialized, timed eating. However, when it comes to a serious workout, because your body is in a state of depletion, the rules of nutrition shift a little. Usually, you want to take in your carbs with some fiber, or at least with a balanced amount of fat and protein, to slow absorption. That way, you avoid sugar spikes and the result insulin issues can lead to things like type 2 diabetes. But post exercise, it's okay to get unregulated carbohydrates in there quickly. You're not going to cause a sugar spike because you're out of blood sugar. You're just refilling the tank.

And while you're at it, throw in some protein. Protein is comprised of amino acids, which are the building blocks for muscle. If you can get some in there fast, it can jump-start the recovery process. The trick, however, is to get enough for it to work without overwhelming the carbs and slowing absorption. The magic balance is a source of much controversy, largely stemming from the fact that many people find the concept of unregulated carbs hard to, ahem, swallow. According to Portman and Ivy, and in my experience, 4-to-1 carbohydrates-to-protein works pretty consistently. That said, you might want to experiment between 2-to-1 and 6-to-1 to see what works for you.

As for what to put in this recovery cocktail, there are no shortage of supplements on the market that hit these numbers, but there are also several (semi) real food sources that work, including non/low-fat chocolate milk, fruity yogurts, and apple juice with a little protein powder added. Just remember to avoid fiber and fat because they'll slow absorption.

How much of this you take depends on your size and how hard you blasted it. The general range is 100 to 250 calories. Drink/eat it within the first 10 minutes of wrapping up and allow 30 to 45 minutes for it to absorb before eating anything else.

If your primary reason for working out is to burn fat, and you're still interested in a recovery snack's effect on your muscles, I say go for it. Yeah, I know the current thinking that fasting for an hour post-exercise will "augment lipid mobilization" or burn extra fat, but there's a loophole. According to the latest research (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2838634/?tool=pubmed), those lipids will mobilize as long as your post-exercise calories are lesser than the calories you burned, so considering a solid 60 minute workout can blow through 400 to 800 calories, a little 100-200 calorie replenishment shouldn't be a problem.

The final two pieces of the recovery puzzle are electrolytes (specifically potassium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride) and water, all of which you'll lose when you sweat. Most liquid-based recovery supplements cover these bases, but you can also recharge those vital minerals with a banana – usually in amounts that far exceed most sports drinks.

As for rehydrating, I hear there's a new thing out there called "water." You might want to research it.

Hmmm… Bananas? Yogurt? A cool glass of water? Man, post-exercise nutrition by eating after exercise is starting to sound delicious. Maybe it's not the arduous task I thought it was. I'm going for a jog right now.

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Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Excellent Eating After Exercise

News Flash: Starving Yourself Makes You Hungrier

Posted: 21 Oct 2011 05:28 AM PDT

This is a guest post by Trina Cleary.

Ever been on a weight loss diet and felt like you were losing your mind, rather than fat? Well, you probably were.

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism shows that dieting can force the brain to consume small parts of itself for energy. How's that for a visual to convince you that healthy eating is a better choice than dieting?

The brain cells being eaten are responsible for regulating appetite. As these brain cells break down more of the free fatty acids that signal your body to eat are generated.

The result, that starving yourself makes you even hungrier, is no surprise.

Yet diet books and fad diets abound. And despite the glut of fat-free, low-calorie and sugar free foods, obesity rates are at an all time high. A much more effective, enjoyable, and sustainable approach to weight loss is to simply eat a balanced and abundant diet of healthier foods.

Diets might trick you, but they can't trick your body.

When you reduce your food intake, your body puts itself on alert, preparing for what it thinks is a dangerous impending famine. It gets the sense that food may be scarce, so it is smart and drastically slows down its rate of metabolizing food and fat stores. This way your body is able to make the most of the food it is given and to protect its energy stores. Your body would much rather break down muscle tissue than let go of its fat reserves, which are a precious gold mine of secure future energy.

A diet that has you losing a lot of weight rapidly is probably first draining you of water stores, and secondly eating into your muscle tissue. It is physically and scientifically impossible to lose more than 2 lbs of actual fat in one week.

Keep in mind that if you go on a diet then return to more normal eating habits, the food you consume has a higher chance of being stored into fat as your body is nervous that a famine may happen again. Sensibly enough, your body wants to make sure it has enough fat stored up to protect you.

A diet not only puts your body in a state of anxiety, but your mind as well. There is nothing like telling yourself that you can't or shouldn't have something to make you want that certain something even more. It is a much healthier option, both physically and emotionally, to quit "dieting" and focus on all the healthy foods you can have. This empowers you to eat with a mentality of abundance as opposed to restriction.

Eat a healthy diet instead of "dieting".

You can lose a lot of weight by shifting to a diet absolutely filled with delicious foods all day long, as long as most of those foods are natural whole grains, veggies and fruits. A study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that overweight people who avoided high-fat food and increased the amount of fruits and veggies that they ate actually lost 20% more weight than those who just cut out the high-fat foods.

Also, a diet filled with whole foods inherently contains a lot of fiber and water. This helps you to clear out any accumulated toxins that have been stored in your intestines. These toxins can account for a constantly bloated belly and many of the pounds that you may have been carrying around for years.

When you consume food, your body has a choice to convert it either into fat or use it for immediate energy. Which it decides is determined by chemical reactions that are activated by enzymes, which are largely determined by a precise balance of vitamins and minerals.

If your body is even slightly vitamin or mineral deficient, this can interfere with sensitive chemical reactions, making it more likely that your body chooses to store the food as fat. Eating a healthy diet filled with whole foods can also help you lose weight because your chances of being nutritionally deficient are much lower than if you are on a restricted regimen or a diet filled with empty diet foods.

When wanting to lose weight, you have to be realistic about whether the program you choose is something that you can actually sustain for the long term. If you can't picture yourself maintaining and enjoying what you consume, your plan will probably not last too long. What's the point of putting yourself through a rigid diet only to gain back the weight down the road?

By making a commitment to whole foods you can enjoy the process of losing weight as well as gaining better health. You can also ensure that your weight loss efforts will be maintained for years to come.

Have you given up on "dieting" yet?

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

News Flash: Starving Yourself Makes You Hungrier

Friday, October 21, 2011

John Is Fit

John Is Fit


How to Get a Good Deal on Fitness Equipment

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 06:17 AM PDT

This is a guest post by Adam.

If you are overweight, out of shape, or simply interested in being more health conscious, you may be thinking of buying some kind of fitness equipment. Unfortunately, most equipment doesn't come cheap. So, if you're looking to get a good deal on fitness equipment there are a few things you should think about before you buy.

Does It Work?

It seems like there is always some new kind of fitness equipment coming out that is supposed to make you lose a ridiculous amount of weight in a short period of time. You want to be wary when buying these kinds of things. Do your research. Read reviews online. Talk to friends and family, and find out what equipment worked and didn't work for them. Remember, you can't always believe the hype of infomercials and other advertisements. You are much better off listening to someone who has used a product than someone who is trying to sell a product.

What Type of Equipment Is Right for You?

Everyone is different. Your goal (losing weight, bulking up, building lean muscle, etc.) will determine what kind of equipment is best for you. If you are looking to burn fat, you should probably go with something like a treadmill or an elliptical–equipment that will give you a cardio workout. If you are looking to gain some muscle, you should go with something a little more weight oriented. It is important to figure out what your personal goals are so that you don't waste money purchasing equipment that can't give you the results you desire.

Do You Have to Have It?

Before you go and spend a fortune on workout equipment, make sure that you really have to have it. There are exercises that you can do without equipment that could produce the same results. So check things out–talk to a trainer or someone you know that has lost weight. See if they have any advice, and if they think you need specialized equipment to achieve your goals.

Shop Around

It's never really a good idea to go to only one store or look at one website. You should always look around to see what kinds of deals different companies are offering. While you are at the store, you may want to ask a sales associate if they know if there are going to be any sales coming soon. It can be upsetting to make a big purchase and then see it on sale just a week or two later. Consumer reports can also allow you to easily compare the different products that are on the market to find what you are looking for. Finally, don't forget to visit comparison shopping sites, such as Google Shopping or Pricegrabber. These sites can show you which stores carry a product and how much they charge for it.

Garage Sales and Thrift Stores

There are a lot of places to find used fitness equipment, namely garage sales and thrift stores. Many people lose their motivation after buying fitness equipment. When this happens, they will often sell the lightly used equipment for a very good price. You may also be able to find deals at pawn shops and other stores that sell used merchandise.

Shop Online

While shopping, you should definitely check out Craigslist, auction sites and other sites where people sell their own merchandise. Craigslist is a good place to look because there is a variety of equipment. When looking at thrift stores you usually won't have much of a selection. Craigslist, on the other hand, has a lot of people selling a lot of different things. It's convenient too–you don't have to go to 10 different stores hoping to find what you are looking for. It's all right there on your computer screen. Other online marketplaces, such as Amazon.com, also provide good prices and often offer free shipping and other coupons or promotions.

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Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

How to Get a Good Deal on Fitness Equipment

What to Do When All You Can Think of is FOOD!

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 05:18 AM PDT

This is a guest post by Jocelyn Anne.

I think we've all been in this place at some point in our lives. You can think one thing and one thing only: FOOD. When is the next meal? What will I make for the next meal! When can I snack again? Oh man, I'm staaaaaaaaarving. You wake up feeling hungry; you feel hungry all day in spite of eating even more than normal, and you go to bed hungry and disgusted with yourself for having eaten more than you intended to. It's a pretty miserable place to be in. Sometimes these phases are triggered by overly limiting calories for a significant period of time, sometimes they can come on the coat tails of a major stress, and sometimes you just won't have any logical reason whatsoever. All you know is you're miserable and want it to just go away. Right? Right. If you've tried everything you can think of, to no avail, let me suggest something you likely haven't tried: the one-food-plan.

Someone else probably does this same plan and has deemed it something much fancier and more sophisticated sounding, but I'm for anything basic that just works, and that's exactly what this plan does. So, here's what you do: you pick one food that has a balance of both carbs and proteins and that can deliver basic nutrients to you over a period of days. Pick a food you can eat because you like it relatively well, but not a food you love. Number one, chances are if you love this food at the beginning of this, you aren't going to love it at the end, and I'd hate to see you lose a food you love! Second, if you really love it that much, you might crave it enough that this plan will never work. Here's what I mean: cake and pizza are not good options.

Things that are good options are basic, bland staples like: oatmeal (plain!), buckwheat pancakes, yogurt, etc. If you want, you can also consider combining two foods into one "item," like an egg on toast. This gives you more nutrients, all your protein and carbs, plus some fat. But just remember, there's no dressing anything up to make it taste "better." This includes salt, cream, milk, syrup, sugar (even calorie-free sweetener), etc. The goal is that you develop distaste for the food, because as you do, you'll come back in tune with when you are truly hungry and when you just think you are. By day 5, when you are starving, you will eat a bowl of oatmeal. But by day 5 when you are not hungry, you won't be able to stomach thinking about a bowl of oatmeal.

The problem with our mind and overeating often comes from simple over-stimulation. We get so excited about new foods as we realize that we could have that caramel apple! And this chicken fillet! And that cheesy burrito too! And, oh, we've never even heard of those new pretzel crackers, when can we have those!? And somehow, in some way, our mind starts to register this excitement and desire as "hunger." When you suddenly take away that immense variety and your mind realizes that it can have all it wants of one food, but that one food is all there is, you will be amazed at how quickly your appetite starts to fade out.

I recommend doing this for a week and seeing how you feel. I can nearly guarantee that you'll gain control over your appetite again. If not, stretch it out to seven days. Never go overboard on this plan, or you'll go back to "normal" eating and find yourself coming out of an overly deprived state and right back where you were. If 7 days doesn't cut it, this plan isn't for you. But, I'm pretty sure that won't be the case.

It's not a miracle diet plan; it's simply a way for you to get in tune with hunger. When is it legitimate, and when is not? It will be miserable to go through, yes, but so is always being hungry. So, next time you find yourself starving all day, every day, for no good reason, give the one-food-plan a try and see what it can do for you!

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Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

What to Do When All You Can Think of is FOOD!