weight loss Archives - K.V. Fischer

GETTING FIT — TAKE IT UP A NOTCH!

Getting fit… . Are you ready to take it up a notch? In my last article, Fitness — Moving to the Next Level, I shared a little bit about my background and these wonderful ladies who took me on as their project (yes, in this case, instead of completing the project, I am the project). With Physical Therapist, Diane Foley, I will share two paths — one for the newbie (that’s me), and the other for the more advanced. As a reminder, please talk to your physician before making any changes to your regular health care routine. If anything you do hurts, please STOP immediately! The purpose of this series is to move our fitness to the next level and improve our health, not detract from it.

physical therapist, Diane Foley — Diane Foley, Physical Therapist

Rules of the workout:

Frequency: 2-3 times a week. Take 2 days off between workouts to give your muscles time to recover.
Time: one minute on each station (unless otherwise noted)
Intensity: Pick a weight that you can lift for the entire minute and is moderately difficult on the last repetition. The weight may be very light for some of the exercises. This is okay!

First Set of Stations:

fitness, exercise, aerobic exercise, weights, body beautiful, weight control, weight loss — Getting Fit – Karen on the Elliptical

Ride a stationary bike or elliptical (for advanced and newbies). If you do not have access to either, march in place at a quick pace making sure you bring your legs up high enough to hit your hands as you hold your arms at the elbow straight out at a 90 degree angle.

2. Wall Squat:

Newbie: Using a large exercise ball, place the ball between your lower back and the wall while move your feet comfortably away from the wall. Slide into a squat moving up and down, keeping the knees behind the toes. Hold each squat for 5 seconds and return to beginning position.
Advanced: Do the Wall Squat as noted above, however, add weights and lift overhead on the way up.
Getting Fit: Karen – Wall Squat with Overhead Lift

The first exercise is more like a warm up to get things going. What is your favorite exercise to get that heart rate up?

Stay tuned for next week’s article with the second set. Because this series makes up an entire workout routine, these articles will be published weekly rather than biweekly.

Exercise Is Key: A Tribute to Our Military!

The health benefits of exercise is a well known fact including its importance in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. It is also critical for our military who is tasked with maintaining the safety of our country as well as others. This article is a tribute to our military — THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

With the time constraints we are all faced with in our busy lives, more than one looming question remains: 1) What type of exercise do I need to do to make a difference? and 2) How much time do I need to spend exercising?

In the United States, the average adult takes 5,117 steps per day. While that may sound significant, according to the American College of Sports Medicine, that number must be doubled to be considered physically active.

Walking has been found to decrease your risk of heart disease, raise the “good” HDL cholesterol levels, balance stress hormones, and help improve both blood sugar and blood pressure. Moreover, research in the journal of Neurology (Oct. 19, 2010 issue) found that walking can improve brain function and decrease a person’s risk in developing memory problems. According to the study’s lead author, Kirk I. Ericsson, Ph.D., “It appears there are some fairly rapid cognitive benefits, so starting to exercise in late age isn’t futile.”

Try to add 20 to 25 minutes of walking to your daily routine for an initial goal. Even if you are already active, that’s a good plan. You’ll add approximately 2000 steps per day which is about a mile, and burn typically 100 calories. This is enough exercise to prevent the average yearly weight gain of 1 to 2 pounds. If this seems too taxing, start with just 10 minutes of daily walking and build from there. Even that amount can be a life-saver. According to David R. Bassett, Jr., Ph.D., a director of the Obesity Research Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, research has found that women who walk just an hour a week are more likely to live longer when they are compared with their less-active peers.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that the injury rates for overweight and obese people in walking programs were comparable to the rates for overweight and obese people who were sedentary. Just make sure that you see your doctor before you increase your activity. Also, invest in a good pair of walking shoes.

I watched a neighbor take control of her life, and her weight. She walked. She started her day walking her dogs, took her break walking, and ended her day walking. Less than one year later, she walked off 100 pounds. That is dedication. That is the power of walking.

How about you? What has walking done for you? Do you know someone in the military that you would like to pay tribute to?

TIP: Use an app. Research has shown they make a difference.

Low Calorie Alternatives Count

We’ve learned the importance of lean bellies, and one of the keys to successful weight loss – portion control. But there is something else we can do to expedite the weight loss process. Replacing high calorie foods with low calorie alternatives will reduce the time it takes to reach our weight loss goals. This article will provide some of those alternatives and the calories you save. Pike Place Market (6)

REPLACE: 1/2 cup green bean-mushroom casserole WITH: 1/2 cup cooked green beans CALORIES SAVED: 50.
REPLACE: 1/2 cup home-fried potatoes WITH: 1 medium baked potato CALORIES SAVED:65.
REPLACE: 1/2 cup potato salad WITH: 1/2 cup raw vegetable salad CALORIES SAVED: 140.

REPLACE: 1/2 batter-fried chicken breast WITH: 1/2 broiled chicken breast (with lemon) CALORIES SAVED: 175.
REPLACE: 3 oz prime rib (well-marbled) WITH: 3 oz lean meat (eye of round) CALORIES SAVED: 140.
REPLACE: 1/2 cup beef stroganoff WITH: 3 oz lean roast beef (or try a reduced fat recipe) CALORIES SAVED: 210.
REPLACE: 2 tbsp French dressing (bottled) WITH: 2 tbsp low-calorie French dressing CALORIES SAVED: 150.
REPLACE: 1-oz bag potato chips WITH: 1 cup plain popcorn CALORIES SAVED: 120.

REPLACE: 1 cup whole milk 1 cup WITH: 1% low-fat milk CALORIES SAVED: 45.
REPLACE: 1 cup sugar-coated corn flakes WITH: 1 cup plain corn flakes CALORIES SAVED: 60.
REPLACE: 1/8 9-inch apple pie WITH: 1 baked apple, unsweetened CALORIES SAVED: 308.

REPLACE: 1/12 8-inch while layer cake with chocolate icing WITH: 1/12 angel food cake, 10-inch tube CALORIES SAVED: 185.
REPLACE: 3 oatmeal-raisin cookies WITH: 1 oatmeal-raisin cookie CALORIES SAVED: 125.
REPLACE: 1/2 cup ice cream WITH: 1/2 cup ice milk CALORIES SAVED: 45.
REPLACE: 1 danish pastry WITH: 1/2 English muffin CALORIES SAVED: 150.
REPLACE: 12 fluid ounce cola WITH: 12 fluid ounce diet cola CALORIES SAVED: 150.

The choices we make in the foods we buy, how they are prepared, and what we consume can make a big difference to our bottom line — not only reaching our weight loss goals, but developing a healthier lifestyle. What alternative low calorie choices do you recommend?

TIP #9: THINK SMALLER. Use smaller utensils and dishes to help with portion control. Putting your serving size on a smaller plate makes it look like you are eating more food than you actually are.

TIP #10: AFTER EXERCISING EAT PROTEIN. In the last blog, Lean Bellies and Body Type, we learned that your body uses more energy in the digestion of protein. Studies show that consuming protein after exercise increases your bodies metabolism. Make sure the protein you choose is lean. I exercise every morning and eat 2 egg whites after to increase my metabolism. Egg whites have only 20 calories per egg. What would you choose as a high protein food after exercise?

On the Road to Healthy Living: Foolproof Your Plan!

Health and nutrition are foremost in our minds. With the changes in healthcare, most people avoid seeing the doctor – the high deductibles make the cost prohibitive for the average American. It is proven that obesity is a risk factor in a number of life threatening illnesses. Undernutrition is also a serious problem. You may be at your ideal body weight, but perhaps you don’t eat right. We’ve all heard the adage, “You are what you eat.” We only have one life, let’s take care of it with a healthy living plan!

Take Control

You’ve made the decision to take control of your life. Congratulations! If you have a family, you not only have a responsibility to yourself, but you have a responsibility to your family as well. Studies show that success doesn’t just happen overnight. You need to set your goals and follow a realistic plan.

Set Your Goals

Be realistic in setting your goals. Make sure it’s one you can achieve within a reasonable time period. Realistic, achievable, reasonable goals are more likely to succeed. Get ready to ask yourself the following questions and make a list.

What outcome would you like to achieve? If you are trying to eat healthier, list your reasons why.
What steps are necessary to achieve your goals? Remember, it’s easier to change a few behaviors at a time rather than get overwhelmed with a long “to do/to change” list. Many helpful tips are forthcoming, so stay tuned!
Be committed. It’s critical to success. I suggest making it official with a contract.

List objectives & behavioral goals.
Measure your progress with milestones.
Reward yourself for meeting contract terms.
Sign it in front of witnesses who care (family or friends).
Initially, you may want to reward positive behaviors, but after you start to progress, focus your reward on positive results.

TIP #3: FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER. Find a friend or family member who also want to make healthy changes. Share your goals and plans and check in with each other on a regular basis. Hold each other accountable!

TIP #4: CUT OUT DISTRACTIONS. Eating while preoccupied impairs your brain’s ability to watch your food intake, according to a 2009 review of studies. Turn off the TV, close the laptop, and stop playing games with your smartphone. Your stomach will thank you.

(For Tips #1 & #2 see Start Over/Take Charge!)

What do you see as the biggest challenge?

Now that you’ve made the decision to start and take control, next we’ll take a look at an important weight management strategy. It just may be the most effective tip you can use to reach your goals.

Rules of the workout:

First Set of Stations:

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Take Control

Set Your Goals

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