Showing posts with label 6 week challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 6 week challenge. Show all posts

Saturday, June 9, 2018

Busting Belly Fat!



Many people find that they have problem areas where they just cannot get fat to budge.  

It’s frustrating that, although you may be making an effort with your diet and trying to exercise more, sometimes it feels impossible to reduce fat around your belly. With an active lifestyle there are several steps you can take to help you become or remain trim all over.


Breaking down the fat loss myth

I’m sorry to say that there is no such thing as spot reduction, we just don’t get to choose where our body stores fat and we can’t remove it from particular places when we decide we don’t want it.  It’s a disheartening fact but hundreds of sit-ups and stomach crunches on their own won’t immediately help you lose that spare tire. The good news is that with diet and exercise together, you can burn your excess fat and by following my  three belly fat busting tips that spare tire will soon deflate.


Three simple tips to help you reduce the appearance of belly fat

Here are my three go-to belly busters that help keep me stress free and in control of my figure.

Belly buster tip 1:  Make time to be active
Although you can’t spot reduce and only target a flabby tummy, you shouldn’t discount the benefits of general exercise.  If you can find time for a physical activity every day, then you’ll soon find yourself firming up all over.
I know you’ve heard it before but being active and becoming physically fit is also wonderful way to cut through the stress in your life.  Spending time exercising can give you a time out and help you reprioritize.   Even better, the time you spend exercising is time when you can’t be eating!

Belly buster tip 2:  Take a deep breath
Practice conscious breathing by inhaling through your nose and letting the air expand into your tummy, then breathe out through your mouth. Stopping work and taking 5-10 conscious breaths can calm your mind and give you a rejuvenating time out. Don’t let stress creep up and leave you feeling frazzled by the end of the day, that way may lead to comfort eating.  Try this breathing technique as often as  you remember (you may even want to stick up a post-it note to yourself).  Take the time to think about your body and how you want it to look.  This mindful technique may help you avoid a donut or re-prioritize a trip to the gym.

Belly buster tip 3:  Pull your shoulders back and your tummy in
Schedule a stretching break instead of a coffee break. You can do simple stretches and exercises from the comfort of your office chair or while you’re on the phone.  Try pulling in your tummy when your sitting or standing for 30 seconds at a time and you’ll be strengthening your core stomach muscles. And, if you have a minute, then take a moment to stand up straight, pull your shoulders back and walk tall. Improving your posture can help make you feel more alert and in better shape.

Although there are no quick-fix solutions, you’ll instantly feel better if you begin to exercise, take control of your figure and make the time to think about you.  Whatever your problem area – be it a wobbly belly, thunder thighs or a double chin – with a consistent exercise routine and patience you can improve your physique.



Faux Fried Chicken Apple Skillet



Is there anything better than single skillet dinners? I wish every meal only required a single pot, pan or skillet! That would sure save us some clean up time. This recipe, for Skillet Fried Chicken with Apple, is everything that a comforting, cold weather dinner should be. The chicken is lightly coated in coconut flour, giving it the feel of fried chicken without the extra fat, calories and guilt. Apple cider and fresh apples along with fresh sage bring seasonal flavors and close-your-eyes worthy taste. 
Servings: 6
Here’s what you need
  • 2 pounds chicken tenders
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • ¼ cup coconut flour
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup broth (chicken or bone)
  • ¾ cup Apple Cider
  • 2 apples, seeded and diced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, minced (use the smallest leaves intact as garnish)
Instructions
  1. Season the chicken tenders on both sides with salt and pepper. Set 1 Tablespoon of the coconut flour aside, and dredge the chicken through the remaining coconut flour, shaking off the excess.
  2. In a 12-inch skillet place 2 Tablespoons of the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Add the remaining 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic; cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 Tablespoon of coconut flour and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Deglaze the skillet with the broth and cider and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the apples, vinegar and sage. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer until the apples soften, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken back to the skillet, and cover with the sauce. Garnish with fresh sage leaves. Enjoy!
Nutritional Analysis
One serving equals: 216 calories, 12g fat, 21g carbohydrate, 12g sugar, 265mg sodium, 3g fiber, and 29g protein
.
Spread the word. Use the social media links below to share this blog your friends, family, and coworkers.

Call Us Today or visit our Website for more information.


Thursday, April 5, 2018

Monthly Client Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Tom Yogan!

April 2018!!


                                                                  Before 6 Week Challenge

                                                                After 6 Week Challenge!! 


                     

My name is Tom Yogan and I have been a member of the Valparaiso community since 1993.  

During that time, I’ve had the good fortune to work with an excellent, innovative, and growing company while my wife and I raised our wonderful children.  Little-by-little, as my growing responsibilities took over more of my time, I found it difficult to keep a consistent workout schedule. As a result, at 59 years old I found myself 30 lbs. overweight with borderline high cholesterol and hypertension.  A few times over the years I was able to keep an evening weight training routine, but it never lasted long due to conflicting commitments with dinners, meetings, and children’s activities – all beginning at 6 or 7 pm.  

But fortunately I had the good sense to listen (finally) to my wife as she described the great benefits and fun(!) she was having 2 to 3 times per week in the early morning at Pumps Fitness!   She came home telling me often about Ian’s encouraging leadership, how good she was feeling, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with getting her workout done at the beginning of the day.  

One day my wife told me about a 6-week “fitness challenge” due to start and finish before the holidays, and I finally took her advice and signed up for the small group at 6:30am M-W-F. And I think I ended up enjoying the early morning workout even more she did!  As an over-the-hill athlete I enjoyed exerting my body again, as well as that good feeling of tiredness and slight soreness that comes along with it. 

I lost over 10 lbs. during the challenge, and I continue to lose weight at a healthy, gradual pace. After the challenge, I signed up to work out with Daniel three times a week and he is great!  At my last physical exam, my cholesterol was back into the normal range and my blood pressure much lower.  My finicky lower back hasn’t felt this good in a long time as I’ve learned to engage dormant core muscles.

I think the real secrets to my keeping this up are:

·     It’s only 30 minutes first thing in the morning, so if I’m in town, I will never miss.
·     It’s only 30 minutes, and I can certainly handle the focused exertion for 30 minutes.
·     The session is broken into 30 second to 1 minute exercise periods – and I can do almost anything for 30 seconds.
·     It’s a cross-fit program that Daniel tailors to individual and group goals. 
·     The exercises always change – so both mind and body are never bored.
·     You meet some very nice and interesting people.
·     Maybe the most important – Daniel and Ian are committed to mine and everyone’s success!

So naturally, I wish I would have started this routine years ago – but then again – I am definitely glad I didn’t wait any longer to begin.  God-willing, I’ve got many more years to enjoy in good health and fitness.

Simply stated, I highly recommendPumps Fitness for anyone at any fitness level.

And thanks to Daniel & Ian at Pumps Fitness!