What are carbohydrates? Yesterday I defined what a calorie was and that it did not display nutritional value, calorie measurement marks the energy units in foods. Once you break foods down they go into 3 categories Fat, Proteins and Carbohydrates. Within each of these three groups there are a numbers of subset groups in each. Today we will focus on one category and that is Carbohydrates. The simplest way to understand carbohydrates is to break down what they do for us. Our bodies break down... Go to BodyBlog

Myths that can frustrate and confuse you. Lets get the facts straight, ladies! Myth 1, Spot Reduction Let's start off with the theory of burning fat or toning a certain area of the body. Toning involves two constituents: adipose tissue (the subcutaneous body fat) and muscle tissue. In order to appear more toned, a reduction in body fat and increase in muscle mass will have to occur. The human body does not allow spot reducing, which would include losing fat exclusively in the abdominal area. If... Go to BodyBlog

Ten Steps to a better leaner YOU!!! 10. Take Measurements You'll never reach your destination if you don't know your starting point. A great place to begin is calculating your bodyfat percentage. This will allow you to set accurate goals and measure progress. The most accurate (and available) method of measuring body fat percent is the skin-fold method. This is a simple process that only requires a scale, a bodyfat caliper, and an equation. If you don't have body fat calipers, then take girth... Go to BodyBlog

Summer Foods to trim the tummy! With summer right around the corner, many of you are starting to think about what's going to be on the menu. Nights of barbecuing are approaching, along with days spent picnicking at the beach, and afternoons tanning on your deck with a cool, refreshing snack.There are many foods that we associate with summer memories that help to make these warmer months that much more enjoyable, but unfortunately, if you're on a fat loss diet, many of these classic... Go to BodyBlog

Trying to drop a few pounds? Do you feel hungry all the time? Here's a little help....... Strategies To Handle Hunger 1. Eat a lean protein with every meal. Lean protein foods suppress appetite better than any other macronutrient. A study from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle found that swapping out a small amount of carbs and putting lean protein in its place (increasing from 15% protein to 30% protein) improved weight loss by increasing leptin sensitivity and reducing... Go to BodyBlog

Making Exercise a habit.....We know that it’s not the easiest habit for most people, and most people’s experiences consist of starting and stopping and starting again. Which is fine — don’t beat yourself up about it. The important thing is starting again.The Main ProblemsSo why do most people have trouble making exercise a regular habit? Well, there are probably a number of factors, but here are a few of the obvious reasons exercise in not a habit for everyone.1. Too difficult. People set out... Go to BodyBlog

The Smart Way to Set Goals. WOW 2013 is moving fast we are already in the 5th month and summer heat is just a few weeks away! With summers being long and HOT here is South East Texas you still have ample time to look good by the pool. Now all you need to do is set your goals and stick to the plan. Here is a plan to help you plan! The SMART Goal Setting principles will help you reduce your chances of setting goals that you wouldn't be able to obtain even if you had some sort of superhuman powers.... Go to BodyBlog

Is Stretching Important........? YES, here's why....... Of all aspects of bodybuilding training, stretching is the one part that is most often ignored by the majority of people. It is just one of those things that seems to get pushed off to the side as not that important. You probably say to yourself in the back of your mind "I know I should stretch... blah, blah, blah... but why bother? I just want to get big and muscular. And besides I don't want to look like some skinny yoga... Go to BodyBlog

The importance of fruits and vegetables in your diet! I've seen people who think they've come up with the perfect diet program, have everything tailored out to the exact calorie and second they should be eating - only to forget one important aspect: fruits and sometimes even vegetables. We've all heard of the food guide and the different food groups - grains, dairy, meat and alternatives, fruit and vegetables, and fats and oils. Eliminating any of these food groups is never a good idea when... Go to BodyBlog