Quote of the Day

The weather in Portland, Oregon is finally starting to look like spring (even though it was just a week ago that my garden was covered with four to five inches of snow!), but day to day I come across people who are in a "down" mood due to either the weather or frame of mind. One's mood has so much to do with their health and daily success. It is one's decision alone to be happy and exude cheer; one's unhappiness, although it is an easy crutch, cannot be blamed on the weather, the stock market or many other negatives that befall all of us. Everyday wake up, smile, and tell yourself that nothing will get under your skin. Pray, and believe me, nothing will.

"When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong; when he is cheerful (and full of hope), everything seems right." Proverbs 15:15

Quote of the Day

"Can God go to the gym to workout for you?

God helps those that help themselves.

You have to do it! God or some omnipotent power

or whatever you want to believe in gives you the energy,

the will to do it, but you have to do it yourself."

                                                                                   -Jack Lalanne

Rock n' Roll Marathon 2011

Yesterday I signed up for the Seattle Rock n' Roll Marathon, June 25th, 2011! I am participating in it under Team In Training, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I hope to raise over $2800.00 and have ran 26.2 miles by the end of the day of the event. For the next five months I am going to be focusing most of my blogs recording my fitness progress, new recipes and meal plans that aid in achieving my goal and various exercises and workouts routines that hopefully will help me cross the finish line without stress or injury. Please join and assist me with your input facing the challenge of my first marathon! I need all the advice that I can get!

Obesity and Depression May be Linked

It is rational to assume that those who are obese are likely to become more depressed than those in a healthy weight and body composition range because they are dissatisfied with their appearance, mobility and health. Likewise, it is safe to hypothesize that those with depression may become obese due to motivation to eat nutritionally, exercise and embrace a healthy lifestyle. It is a viscious cycle, that for many, is hard to escape. However, there is scientific evidence that the obesity of those with depression may also be the result of an influx of physiological and psychological components of the immune and hormonal system.

The following scientific article, "Obesity and Depression May be Linked", Science Daily, June 6, 2008, gives an excellent educational viewpoint of the superficial and dynamic relationships between obesity and depression and several ways to combat the disease.

Lower Crossed Syndrome

Is this your body shape?




Looking at the photo above, you can see what is happening to a lot of us that sit too much during our day. As you can see there are some pretty significant changes that happen over time, when the body is put into the same position over and over again.
The same can be true to reverse this process. By putting your body into the proper position over and over again, the body will respond by correcting that incorrect pattern of movement. Want that to happen a bit faster and hold a bit better?Add weight training. The effects of Lower Crossed Syndrome is especially effective for golfers, who generally generate power and control through their hips and legs. Below is a great article that pertains to treating a golfer's case of Lower Crossed Syndrome, but the exercises work well for all athletes or those that tend to sit throughout the day.


GET RID OF LOWER CROSSED SYNDROME

The Worst Food in America

I, of course, try to provide information to increase and encourage a healthy lifestyle, whether it be a nutritious recipe or ingredient of the day, however, I believe that we all need to be informed about foods that are detrimental to our health and our waistline, many of them hidden behind rich and delicious flavors and deceptive advertising. 

Worst "Healthy" Burger: Ruby Tuesday Bella Turkey Burger

 

1,145 calories

71 grams of fat
55 grams of carbs

Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing

2,900 calories

182 grams of fat
240 grams of carbs

Worst Sandwich: Quizno's Classic Italian

1,370 calories

86 grams of fat
4460 mg of sodium

 

Shakeology Protein Shake Recipe

In addition to a personal training student, I am also a Coach at Beachbody; the company known for Tony Horton's P90X, Turbo Jam, Slim in Six and a variety or amazing DVD's and workout products. In addition, we provide Shakeology, an ultra-premium nutritional health shake, which provides the widest array of nutrients from around the world in a nutrient-dense but low-calorie formula. One that can't be replicated anywhere. Please refer to my Beachbody website at http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/brinkfitness for extensive dietary information, recipes and the ability to order either Greenberry or Chocolate Flavor. I have sampled almost every protein-rich nutritional shake on the market, and there has not been one compared to this product. I consider it the perfect meal.

Carl Daikeler Special*
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
1 banana
¾ cup water
½ cup nonfat milk or soy, rice, or almond milk
Ice to taste
Blend on high until creamy

* Carl Daikeler is the CEO of Beachbody