Archive for April, 2012
Thursday, April 26th, 2012
“We must break the cycle before it breaks us” – Angela Bininger (via Empowerers.com)
Patterns are difficult to change. Frankly, any kind of change is a challenge.
But all too often, we see the effects of not changing. We see people fall into the same patterns that their parents and families repeat over and over. Whether it’s an addiction, abusive behavior, etc., far too often, people succumb to the patterns of the past.
But there are always exceptions to the rule. We hear about people who break the cycle all the time. And we’re inspired by their courage and determination.
They remind us that people are not bound absolutely to their pasts. Each individual has the potential, the very real possibility of breaking destructive patterns and changing their fate.
We are not our parents. We are not our families. We are individuals who can be influenced by our pasts and environment. But we can also find the strength and fortitude to forge our own fresh paths.
Vicious cycles can emerge without us even realizing it. And the person who succumbs to such a cycle may be staring back at you in the mirror.
Ultimately, obesity is a killer. It’s a slow abuse of the physical and spiritual self. The body is beaten down. Confidence is killed. The spirit is smothered.
If you are obese, you may feel hopeless. You may feel like you have tried everything – and failed at everything. Maybe even more than once.
But there is hope. There is a help to make changes. You are not trapped. You hold the key to your own shackles. And many have successfully broken their own cycles.
It takes courage to change. It’s not easy, but you are not alone. You have tools and resources available to help break the vicious cycle. You have the strength deep within you. You are not a victim. You are a victor.
Find out what you can do to break the cycle today. Contact Team:Bariatrics now!
Photo by Toni Lozano via Wikimedia.
Tags: Break the Cycle, change, decide, encouragement, inspiration, journey, life changing, lifestyle, motivation
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Friday, April 20th, 2012
We’re all familiar with the phrase “There’s an app for that” and when it comes to weight loss and health, there are literally hundreds of apps to choose from. But it can be difficult to know which app is the right tool for your weight loss journey.
We’ve scoured the web, reading reviews and talking to fitness and nutrition pros to find you the best in health and fitness apps. Below you’ll find the top 4 apps for Android phones, and the top 4 apps for iPhones. Most of them are free, but some could cost up to a few dollars. Whether you’re looking to keep a food journal, or you’re looking for a virtual personal trainer, we’ve got the right app for you.
Android:
1. Adidas miCoach – FREE
This app gives you your own personal coach! It also uses GPS and has real time audible coaching to keep you going. You can also customize your training plan based on workout and sports activities.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adidas.micoach&hl=en
2. Fast Food Calorie Counter Lite – FREE
With all of the healthier options available at fast food restaurants these days, its okay to stop in for a quick lunch. This app lets you see how many calories are in your fast food meal (you can even compare the healthier options to the unhealthier versions to see how many calories you can save in one meal). There is also an upgraded version of this app for $1.99.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.concretesoftware.caloriecounter&hl=en
3. Instant Heart Rate – FREE
Did you know you burn the most calories when you’re at your target heart rate? Simply place your finger over your camera, and the color changes in the light that passes through your finger will show your heart rate.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.azumio.instantheartrate.full
4. VirtuaGym – FREE
This virtual gym is great for a workout at home or at the gym! It offers 3D demonstrations, clear instructions, and a virtual personal trainer (Brad Fit)! There are even Beginner and Newbie settings.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digifit.virtuagym.client.android&hl=en
iPhone:
1. Jillian Michaels Slim Down Solution- FREE
This app is great whether you are just starting to workout or if you’re looking to spice up your workouts. Workout videos, record your progress, there’s even a GPS to help you track routes for jogging.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jillian-michaels-slim-down/id399841706?mt=8
2. Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker by MyFitness Pal – FREE
Organize your dieting plans and track your weight and exercise with this app. Use the barcode feature to scan items into the app to track calories instantly!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/calorie-counter-diet-tracker/id341232718?mt=8
3. Nutrition Menu – .99
Find nutritional information about the food at some of your favorite restaurants using this app. What makes this app special is that it does not require 3G or WiFi to work, so you always have access to the information.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nutrition-menu-calorie-exercise/id294692235?mt=8
4. Get Running (Couch to 5K) – $2.99
This app has 5 star reviews from many users and it boasts “you’ll be running continuously for half an hour straight in 3 weeks, even if you can’t get off the couch today”. There’s a forum where you can talk to fellow running rookies, and there is an audible coach that encourages you along the way. We featured this app before but we thought it deserved a second mention!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/get-running-couch-to-5k/id319043985?mt=8
Tags: Android, Blackberry, cell phone, change, decision, encouragement, exercise, fitness, health, iPhone, life changing, lifestyle, motivation, weight loss
Posted in Lifestyle | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to wake from winter’s hibernation and welcome the new season. It’s also a chance to start fresh.
One of the best rituals of the season is Spring Cleaning. This time of renewal can inspire us to clean up our living spaces. Pack away the winter clothes and clear out space for the warmer weather ones. Wash windows so that we might see clearer and allow light to shine in. Clear out cobwebs, shake the rugs, prepare the house for a season of sun. This ritual can be very satisfying and rewarding.
But don’t stop with your home. This year, consider celebrating the season with a spring-cleaning of the mind.
Old ways of thinking and behavioral patterns can keep us locked or stuck in one season. But every spring reminds us of a chance to start anew.
This spring, give yourself the chance to bloom – to burst through and blossom into your full potential. Start by asking yourself some questions:
• What no longer fits? What can you let go of?
• What old habits can you banish?
• What patterns or routines no longer serve you?
• What steps can you take right now to let go of the old to make room for the new?
One way to get a sparkling new attitude is to make a clean sweep of your health. Find out how Team:Bariatrics can help. Take the step toward health and begin anew.
It’s not just about making a change for a single season. It’s about spring-cleaning for a lifetime of good health and happiness.
Happy Spring!
Photo by Connor McCourtney via Flickr.
Tags: care, change, decision, encouragement, health, journey, life changing, lifestyle, motivation, support
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Monday, April 2nd, 2012
Coming soon to a mail box near you is LIVEWELL MAGAZINE! Here’s one of the articles we’ll be featuring in the magazine about making good choices in the morning.
If you grab a cereal bar and a coffee on your way to work every morning, you probably anticipate Sunday brunch all week. Everyone loves a warm, comforting meal at home or at a restaurant, eaten with family and friends.
The only downside to brunch is its potential to promote unhealthy eating: Bacon, Eggs, Croissants loaded with butter. Chocolate-chip muffins. These mouth-watering morsels might sound delicious, but eating them regularly can lead to weight gain, high cholesterol and heart disease.
A heart-healthy meal doesn’t have to be bland. Try these recipes for a nutritious take on brunch.
Banana Yogurt shake
11⁄2 cups fat-free milk
4 small bananas, peeled 1 cup low-fat plain yogurt 1 tsp. vanilla
1⁄2 tsp. cinnamon
1⁄8 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup ice cubes
Combine all ingredients except ice cubes in blender or food processor; process until thick and creamy. With motor running, add ice cubes; process until smooth. Pour into tall glasses.
MAKES 4 SHAKES
Per serving: 160 calories,
2 g fat (1 g saturated fat),
5 mg cholesterol, 85 mg sodium, 32 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber
Red and Yellow Pepper Omelets
1 tsp. olive oil
1 sweet red pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced
4 egg whites
1⁄2 tsp. dried basil
1⁄4 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. grated Parmesan cheese,
divided
in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat, warm oil; add the pep- pers. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes. keep warm over low heat. in a small bowl, lightly whisk together the egg whites, basil and black pepper. Coat a small nonstick frying pan with nonstick spray. Warm over medium-
high heat for 1 minute. add half the egg mixture, swirling the pan to evenly coat the bottom. Cook for 30 seconds or until the eggs are set. Carefully loosen and flip; cook for 1 minute, or until firm. Sprinkle half of the peppers over the eggs. fold to enclose the fill- ing. Transfer to a plate. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. of the cheese. repeat with the remaining egg mixture, peppers and
1 tsp. of cheese.
MAKES 2 SERvinGS
Per serving: 90 calories, 3 g fat
(1 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol,
140 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tags: food, gastric bypass, health, holiday, lifestyle, nutrition
Posted in Nutrition | No Comments »
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