IS STRESS MAKING YOU FAT?


Can Stress Make You Fat?
We all experience it -Stress! It's a part of daily life; however, if it gets out of control then it can play havoc on your body in many ways.
Stress management can be a powerful tool for health & wellness. Studies show that too much pressure is not just bad for your health but also for your waistline. People who are under constant stress are more susceptible to ill health from colds to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Have you noticed that when you’re extra stressed your pants are a bit more snug than usual? If so, you’re not alone.

Stress causes unwanted weight gain. It causes a stress hormone called cortisol which then causes our middles to enlarge. When we’re under stress, the fight or flight response is triggered in our bodies, leading to the release of various hormones that cause fat stores and depression, both of which have an emotional rippling effect on the body.

WHAT DOES STRESS DO?

Stress can cause a long list of health issues. It affects your metabolism to slow down even if you’re exercising and eating a low calorie diet. Too much cotisol slows down the metabolism causing you to gain weight faster and more than you normally would. Stress is a major reason for emotional eating or binging which will guarantee a wider waistline.

Stress also causes you to not sleep well. People who get less than 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep will have more cravings and will be too tired to stay on a healthy diet. When you’re stressed you’ll also crave sugary comfort foods which are higher in calories and fat.

Stress can also alter your blood sugar levels which can make you tired, depressed or lethargic and fatigued. If stress is unmanaged and leads to chronic stress it can lead to metabolic syndrome, a more serious health consequence.

Extra stress causes abdominal fat! Yuck! Not only is abdominal fat unattractive but it is much higher health risk than other fat stores in different parts of the body. The fat will wrap around organs and can cause diabetes and heart disease.

People under major stress also reach for fast foods; obesity is a major epidemic which is contributed to stress. People that are constantly stressed are usually too busy to stay home and make a healthy meal.

Stress also interferes with finding time to exercise which makes for a sedentary lifestyle. Without daily exercise our bodies can’t handle stress as well, thus in turn it makes you fat!

R&R TO THE RESCUE

If you are over stressed take time to slowdown and smell the roses. Having quality rest & relaxation daily will release stress and will allow you to regroup and restore energy.

Make time for meditation even if you only do it for 5 to 10 minutes. Exercise slowly if you’re just starting an exercise routine; try to get at least 30 minutes of cardio or strength training in daily. And get to bed on time, aim for at least 7 to 8 hours every night.

Doing these simple changes along with eating healthy meals and focusing on the positive you will be able to keep stress & fat at bay and you’ll lose weight easier too!

Reduce stress by taking time for you. Read a good book, take a walk with your pet or call a close friend who makes you laugh & smile. Living in a state of happiness will make for a healthier way of life!
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Organic Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss & Digestion




Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss


Did you know that apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for health benefits for centuries? It's amazing how long the list goes on and on when reading about the health benefits of drinking ACV daily. Not all ACV are created equal, for optimal results use organic, non pasteurized vinegar with Mother. Bragg's is my choice, it's delicious when mixed as a hot drink with raw honey & cinnamon.

Studies done by Dr D. C. Jarvis, M.D., call for the taking of one or two teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water before each meal. Patricia Bragg recommends adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of raw honey to this mixture.

Adding honey & cinnamon have additional health properties; honey strengthens the immune system and cinnamon keeps blood sugar level. Drinking ACV warm also aids in digestion. Drink a cup first thing in the morning and again at night to keep you digestive track running smoothly. Be sure to sip it with a straw and drink water following to protect teeth enamel.

Whichever way you take it, don't expect a rapid weight loss, the weight will be lost gradually, as it should be to allow the body's fat cells to adjust to their new size.

How Does ACV Work?

There are a number of theories how ACV works in aiding weight loss. It is believed that the nutrients, enzymes, and organic acids in ACV cause weight reduction by acting as an appetite suppressant, helps break down fats, by increasing your body's metabolic rate, by reducing water retention due to the potassium and minerals found in ACV, and by helping you maintain a feeling of well being. It also balances blood sugar and keeps the body alkalized.

ACV is a ancient health secret, you may want to try some today for improved health, energy and weight loss. Be sure only to use ACV with Mother, any other type will be too acidic.

As with any healthy living lifestyle you must eat diets low in fat, preservatives, sodium and sugars. Eating too much fat, sugars & sodium will cause increased fat stores and are very hard on the body.
Permanent Weight Loss

Eating small balanced meals every few hours in addition to exercising daily will enable you to lose weight steadily and maintain a fit, lean body for life. Be sure to drink plenty of water in addition to eating healthy, drink at least 80 oz a day with Liv Sxinney to remove toxins and to boost your metabolism.

To truly live a fit life take charge of your life. Eating smart and exercising daily will ensure permanent weight loss for good! And that makes for a healthier more joyful way of life!
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THOUGHTS OF THE DAY...


LIVE LIFE ABUNDANTLY

I love these quotes and the inspiration it ignites to live & give abundantly. Live Well, Laugh Often & Love Much makes for a beautiful life & body!

That man is successful who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of the intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
— Robert Louis Stevenson
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BlogTalkRadio LivFit Now with Carol Whitaker


LivFit Now with Carol Whitaker

I recently started a BlogTalkRadio show with my dear friend, Kathy, that will be Live every Saturday at 12 noon MST. We will specialize in motivating people around the world to improve their quality of life through connecting the body, mind & spirit. My co-host, Kathy Hamilton, and I are excited to share our time with those seeking to live a happier, healthier way of life.
"Embrace Your Journey to Success!" --Carol Whitaker

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LivFit-Now.rss

Shared via AddThis

Join us in learning how to Take Charge of Your life Now! I look forward to hearing from You! We welcome caller's live participation as we discuss how to live a joyful, LivFit Lifesyle in a fun, entertaining way! ~ Carol
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FITNESS MODEL'S WEIGHT LOSS SECRETS


TURBO-CHARGE YOUR FAT-BURNING MACHINE!
Everyone I know hits a plateau every now and again, including me... Most everyone I know either fit, slim, over weight or feeling depressed needs a bit of a push to jump-start their fat-burning machine aka their metabolism.
When I have a photo shoot coming up and I don't feel camera ready I have to get my body fat down fast! To reach my weight loss goals within two weeks, which is usually lowering my body fat 3 to 5% I have to mentally prepare my winning game plan first.
My modeling weight loss secrets are actually not secrets at all... It all comes down to hard work in the gym, eating right and having a positive mental attitude. I begin by writing my short-term goals, making powerful success affirmations and creating a fitness plan to create rock hard abs and glutes - it all comes down to self mastery, willpower and discipline.
POWERFUL FUEL YOUR BODY NEEDS
Eating a healthy diet low in Glycemic Index always puts my metabolism in over-drive and will will for you too. I eat small meals every 3 hours consisting of lean protein, complex carbs (before noon), good fats (afternoon) and lots of fresh veggies and salads. My last meal is by 7 pm - ensuring that I go to bed feeling light and well nourished.
A healthy diet is critical to turbo-charge your metabolism. Here is a list of fat burning foods that when used in the right combination shown above will fuel your metabolism even without working out... Of course doing cardio and weight lifting 5 to 6 days a week will sky-rocket you to achieving weight loss success as well as build a sexy, lean physique!
FivFit POWER FOODS FOR SUCCESS

Avoid ALL processed foods. Watch out for hidden High Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated Oils, High Sodium & Preservatives. Drink 80 to 100 oz of purified water daily. Eat meats with only seasoning, stay away from sauces high in sugar.

By eating LivFit Power Foods consistently YOU WILL turbo-charge your fat-burning machine!

Proteins
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast/Chicken Tenders, White Albacore Tuna (in water)Salmon, Halibut, Tilapia, sushi (without rice), Mahi Mahi, Swordfish Extra Lean Ground Beef or Ground Round (92-96% - eat sparingly), Buffalo, High Quality Protein Powder (Whey, Casein, Egg), Eggs Whites, Top Round Steaks or Roast (eat sparingly) Top Sirloin (eat sparingly) Ground Turkey, Turkey Breast (no processed deli)
Complex Carbohydrates
Oatmeal (Old fashioned or Irish steal cut) Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Brown Rice, Ezekial Bread, Whole Wheat Bread (with at least 3 to 4 grams of fiber per slice)
Fresh Vegetables/Fibrous Carbs
Green Leafy lettuce (red, green, romaine) Broccoli, Asparagus, String Beans, Spinach, Bell Peppers (Green or Red) Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Celery, Cucumber, Carrots (steamed), Eggplant, Onions, Pumpkin, Garlic, Tomatoes, Zucchini
Fruits & Berries
Mixed Berries, Oranges, Apples, Grapefruit,Peaches, Strawberries, Blueberries,
Healthy Fats
Omega’s 3, 6 & 9, Natural Style Peanut Butter, Olive Oil, Safflower Oil, Flax seed Oil, Fish Oil, Avocado
Nuts & Seeds
Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios, Flax Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Soy Nuts
Condiments
Mustard Garlic Mushrooms Onions - raw, Dry Seasonings, Fresh Herbs, Scallions, Sea Salt, Pepper

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QUOTES OF THE DAY...




SUCCESS IS UP TO YOU...

Choose today to be successful in all areas of your life. Be all you can be by living your life on purpose! Have a definiteness of purpose is a must to accomplish any dream. Know what you want both in health & wealth. Have a burning desire to achieve your dreams then set a plan on how you will accomplish your dreams. Believe in your dreams, have a powerful desire to succeed and then allow your dreams to come true! You can have it all; living a fit lifestyle filled with joy, happiness & great abundance!
The choice is yours...

“Success is a mindset, a choice, a desire. Success comes to those willing to act upon their dreams, willing to sacrifice, willing to overcome objectives. Success is a journey not a destination. Decide now to embrace Your journey to success.” – Carol Whitaker


"Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful." --Mark Victor Hansen

"Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be." --Zig Ziglar
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COMPULSIVE EATING GOT YOU DOWN?


GET HELP BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

Are You Stuck In Quicksand?
Million of Americans struggle with health issues such as diabetes, depression and heart disease; most of which can be cured naturally by living a healthy lifestyle. Obesity kills! Why do so many people suffer when all they have to do is take charge of their health and thoughts.
It's obviously not as easy as it sounds... Learning to manage stress, having a positive mental attitude and embracing daily exercise may seem daunting to some people; if you're one of these people don't dispair.
Hiring a Fitness expert can literally save your life! Too many people have habitual negative self-talk that keeps them stuck in their own self-made quicksand. What they don't realize is that a safety rope is lying next to them, all they have to do is reach out and pull themselves out of their desperation and fears. Many need a more than a safety rope, the need someone with leadership and unconditional love to extend the rope to them and reach out their hand to pull them out.
That is what a Fitness Coach or Personal Trainer can do for you if you're feeling trapped in your world. As a fitness coach I teach my clients how to focus on balancing their body, mind and spirit to create a powerful, positive mind-set. By doing so well defined goals become a reality by living my LivFit Lifestyle.
Do You Love You?

I believe to achieve ultimate health and fitness you have to begin by loving who you are right now! By focusing on and learning how to have a positive mind-set dreams can come true!
I ask my clients to take time to sit down and write out what they really want I ask them why they want to lose weight. What are reasons for change? Whatever it is I have them write it down and create a powerful vision by setting attainable goals. Then I ask them to focus on their goals daily.
Emotional Eating Vanished!

To curb & ultimately vanish emotional compulsive eating you need to learn how to cope with stress. I teach how to focus on pampering yourself instead of indulging in high fats, sodium and sugar packed foods. When you binge you're actually reaching for comfort, not nutrition.
I'll explain how to overcome those powerful urges. Rather than turning to foods that will make you feel out of control and pack on the fat. I train how to reach for what makes you feel happy and loved. I also teach how to be prepared when those high calorie emotional cravings hit like a out of control freight train - you'll be able to hit the breaks and have an exit strategy out of the kitchen!
Supplements For Success

Living my LivFit Lifestyle is how I live my life everyday! I have loads of energy for my tough workouts and have maintain my lean physique for almost 20 years . To assist my muscle building, fat burning goals I take supplements twice daily. I take high quality supplements to aid in muscle recovery and fat burning that work all day long.
I take LIMUPlus (an immune building juice), VitaOne (an excellent multivitamin, vitamins and minerals) each morning with Go (a pharmaceutical quality L-Arginine supplement). I have had phenomenal results by also drinking Liv Sxinney throughout the day with my gallon of water. I also include BCAA's, VitaCleanse (enzymes for digestion) L-Carnitine and Cal-Mag supplements. And when I need extra energy I add Crave (a energy drink by Vitamark) to my water for that extra boost my mind and body needs.
My Morning Routine
I start each morning off with thinking powerful, creative thoughts of gratitude before getting out of bed. I visualize how I want my physique to look and how great it feels to be fit& strong.
After getting my workout clothes on I drink Go & take VitaOne supplements before my workouts on an empty stomach. I do interval training on my stationary bike or do step aerobics for my cardio 6 days a week for 30 to 60 minutes.
I then do my weight lifting 4 to 5 days a week alternating upper and lower muscle groups. During my workout I hydrate with Liv Sxinney and Crave; it gives me the added energy and nutrients (chlorophyllins and trace fulvic minerals) my tired muscles need to finish strong during my tough workouts.
I always have a recovery whey protein shake directly after my workouts to ensure my ready and hungry muscles receive the much needed nutrients within 30 minutes post exercise.
Clean Eating Is The Key

Healthy eating is a vital key to fitness success. Without proper nutrient you can do all the crunches you want but will never see the desired 6 pack.
I eat a small meal every 3 hours consisting of a lean protein, complex carbohydrate, fresh veggies and some omega fat. I have my last meal between 6 and 7 pm. If I get hungry later in the evening I have some cRave (a fiber supplement by Liv International) and drink Liv Sxinney. It’s very satisfying and takes the hunger pangs away.
Right before bed, I take Go and vitamins again to ensure I build lean muscle tissue and burn fat during the night.
Taking high-quality supplements will turbo-charge you to achieving your fitness goals and dreams. Foods today are lacking the proper nutrients due to depleted soils. I’ll always take my recommended supplements and highly recommend that you do too. By doing so you ill be able to reach your fitness goals sooner. Supplements have changed my life in remarkable ways.
LivFit Now - No More Excuses!!!
By living my LivFit Lifestyle I have transformed my physique as well as assisted many others around the globe. I walk my talk, I don't ask you to do anything I don't do on a daily basis. I have accomplished my own fitness goals & dreams - at the age of 39 I’m in the best shape of my life!
You too can be in incredible shape at any age... The choice is yours. If you're like more than half the population on earth you're intention to get in shape is drowned out by your fear of failure and endless excuses.
Don't give in to your limiting thoughts and beliefs that hold you back from having the willpower to take charge of your life and health. If you need assistance and someone to be accountable to then contact me or a local trainer in your area.
I'll gladly lend you my hand to pull you out of your quicksand. I'll give you the needed skills to transform your life & physique for life. If you don't call me then call someone else who you trust and feel comfortable with that can teach you how to live a health lifestyle. Choose a trainer you believe in to educate, motivate and inspire you to accomplish true Fitness Success!
I BELIEVE in YOU! Do you?
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Cigi - ForeverYoung.Org

ForeverYoung.Org

Below is a link to Cigi's online interview with me of ForeverYoung.org. I wanted to personally thank her for asking me to do the interview, she is a delight & treasure. ForeverYoung.org offers life changing articles and products. Below is a link to her site, I'm sure you will enjoy visiting it as I do...

Have a fabulous holiday weekend everyone!

http://www.cigiforeveryoung.org/interview-entry.htm
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RECENT INTERVIEW




CAROL WHITAKER FITNESS INTERVIEW WITH CIGI

I was asked to do an interview for an wellness sight. Cigi asked some great questions I want to share....

1. How did you get started? What prompted you?
I started my fitness career over 15 years ago. I struggled with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after years of antibiotics due to Rheumatic Fever in my youth. I wanted to be a strong, vibrant wife and mother so I started researching health and nutrition like crazy. I began exercising regularly, I soon realized that I felt healthier and my self-esteem improved as well – I felt empowered! From there I was hooked! My family was thrilled with my improved health & wellness. I was happier and had more patience; it was literally a divine gift in my life. I did all I could to learn and become the best I could be. I continue to strive each day to improve my physique, it’s fun & highly rewarding when I reach my goals & dreams.

2. How long have you been living this lifestyle?
I’ve been living a healthy lifestyle for over 15 years. As I started seeing my physique change I become more passionate about fitness.

3. How do I begin an exercise program?
Starting an exercise program may be overwhelming to some people, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re a beginner then take baby steps, you can begin with a brisk walk 10 to 20 minutes a day. You will soon have more energy, as you do increase your time and pace. Exercising is a joy to embrace! Once you are living a more active lifestyle you’ll find that you’ll have more energy, will-power and unconditional love for yourself & others.

4. What are the best exercises to maximize fat loss?
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) along with weight lifting. Interval training is going from low to high intensity on any cardio machine every 5 minutes. For example, start out at a slow jog and each minute for 4 minutes increase your intensity, at minute 5 sprint for 1 minute, then repeat 3 or 4 more times. By doing HIIT you will reach the deep fat stores for energy. Strength training is also a must to maximize fat loss. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so the more muscle tissue you have the higher your metabolism. Each form of exercise has to be accompanied by a proper muscle building, fat burning diet – otherwise known as “clean eating”.

5. What is your secret to your healthy diet?
I look at my way of eating as a lifestyle – NOT a diet! (I don’t believe in dieting.) I eat a small nutritious meal I know my body wants and needs every 3 to 4 hours. Each meal & snack consists of lean protein (at least 25 grams), a complex carb, fresh fruit & veggies. The subconscious mind will do everything possible to get what the conscious mind says it can’t have. That is why when people say they’re going off of sugar they suddenly feel huge cravings for sugar. By thinking “I desire to eat lots of delicious fruits and vegetables” the subconscious agrees and the sugar cravings stop. It really is all about having a positive mindset, a happy disposition and unconditional love for oneself.

6. How do I get a six pack?
I am very blessed with good genetics to start with; I take after my father who is tall and thin. I’ve had a six pack for 15 years now. I work out hard almost daily it to sustain my six pack. I do my abs only twice a week. I keep my core tight during all weight lifting exercises which creates tight abs without out doing endless crunches. I could easily lose my six pack if I didn’t maintain my healthy LivFit Lifestyle. My routine is to work out 5 to 6 days a week, eat a small meal every 3 hours, drink a gallon of water daily and get plenty of sleep.

7. How to build a lean physique?
Building a lean physique takes time, energy and a positive mindset. I exercise almost daily consisting of HIIT & weight lifting. I alternate upper and lower body parts when lifting weights. I do high reps (15 to 20) with medium to heavy weights. I use dumbbells for most of my strength training exercises. I also have to eat clean; a couple of days of eating “off the wagon” will create a week’s worth of “damage control”. I like to say, “Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.” It’s so true! Eating clean truly is 85% of the lean physique equation.

8. How to build shapely arms?
Building shapely arms is an art. I have to eat high protein meals, lift weights 4 to 5 days a week and take the proper supplements to sustain muscle growth and fat burning. I’m big into nutrition and supplements. I take supplements morning and night. I found the greatest benefits in taking BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acids), L-Carnitine, L-Glutamine, VitaOne (an excellent multivitamin pack), Liv Sxinney (a weight loss supplement made of Chlorophyll and fulvic mineral), Go (L-arginine supplement) and Calcium & Magnesium. I also drink LIMUPlus for my immune system and digestion. I’ve had phenomenal success using these products in addition to living my LivFit Lifestyle. I’m known for my shapely arms actually, I have people come up and touch them in “awe” at stores, it’s pretty funny…

9. How to live a fit lifestyle?
By maintaining a positive mindset daily with regards to regular exercise and healthy eating. I look at exercising as “my time”, I work out alone in my home gym. When I exercise I study fitness & nutrition during cardio on my bike and I focus on my body, mind control while lifting weights. I love it so much! I also share my knowledge freely with others which is highly rewarding to see them implement what I teach and watch their lives change… I’m passionate about fitness so living a fit lifestyle is easy; it’s a way of life.

10. How to set goals and change the way of thinking to a positive mind-set?
Setting goals creates change. Thinking in a powerful creative way is a gift that only you can give yourself. I teach my clients to begin with writing a list of all the things in their life past and present that causes them to overeat. I then have them throw that paper away, which is releasing it from the subconscious mind. They then replace those limiting thoughts with a new list of “all the good and bountiful blessings” they’ve been blessed with and receive daily. I teach them to love every inch of their body and to think and speak only loving, kind thoughts. I then ask them to write down 5 short term goals and affirmation in the present tense and to place them where they can read them with enthusiasm aloud daily. I teach more techniques in addition as well… Having a positive mindset is imperative to creating the body & life of your dreams.

11. What is your best kept secret that has made you such a success?
I wouldn’t call it a secret, more like an honor… I serve others daily. I gladly offer my fitness tips and tricks to anyone who asks. I also have a blog dedicated the health and fitness (http://liveskinnynow.com/). I began my fitness & speaking career talking to ladies in their homes with their family & friends. As I shared my experiences and gifts that I had learned along the way my world opened up in miraculous ways.
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