Dieting can be so difficult! There are always new fads claiming them to be the easiest way to losing weight. But we all know that if a diet was so easy, it wouldn’t be a four letter word, #$@!. If you have not heard of the new up and coming diet called, the HCG diet, then it’s time to get the facts straight. Is it safe? Does it really work? Continue reading to get some answers.. [More]

I know you have heard that 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day' and partially because I have many posts revolving around it, but also because it’s true! Breakfast wakes your body up by jump starting your metabolism, which is essential for losing or maintaining weight. Yet not all breakfast choices are smart ones, and can send you packing on those pounds. Here are 6 fast food breakfast items that Fitbie found you should stay away from, and alternatives supported by Prevention magazine that you can make in the comfort of your own home.. [More]

Many people know that in order to lose weight you have to decrease calories in, and increase calories burned. It sounds simple in theory, but for many people it will take several failed attempts to get the desired effect. Now think about trying to keep track of calories while having to worry about your blood sugar. It may be difficult but it will have a great impact on those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. A person can see major progress with their diabetes control and risk of implications just by cutting 5-10% of their original weight. Losing weight while living with diabetes will take some careful preparation, but here is a list from a recent MSN Health article with simple steps you can take to lose weight while properly managing your diabetes.. [More]

When traveling on the road, you often have limited dinner options, let alone healthy ones and especially if you want keep moving. This Fitbie article looks into some of America’s most popular food chains and exposes the secrets that many restaurants would not want you to know. The ones referenced below are some of the few that you might find throughout Wisconsin. Read on to see the key to America’s weight gain, and unlock the secrets of these food giants.. [More]

Health clubs, fitness centers, workout whatsits… I don’t care what you call it, I don’t like going! Something about paying to exercise just doesn’t jive with me. I know exercising is very important, and I do it (almost) every day, but here are some tips on how to get your heart pumping without emptying your wallet.. [More]

Superfoods… what are they really? You hear about acai berries, pomegranate, salmon and the list changes daily. They do not make you lose weight, kill disease or give you super powers like the name implies. These foods along with many others are called ‘superfoods’ because they hold nutrients that help ward off disease and build up immunity. Just like any other avenue taken to help improve your life, healthy eating only works when you have the knowledge and consistency needed to aide in a lifestyle change. It doesn’t work alone or happen overnight.. [More]

Ever heard of a purple potato? For those of you who channel your inner Emeril or Paula, you might have. But if you’re like me – more like Chef Boy-ar-dee, you may be saying, “a PURPLE potato?!” That’s right, a new study on purple potatoes has found consumption of these pretty little spuds can help to reduce blood pressure WITHOUT causing weight gain. Being a rather small study (only 18 subjects) more research is definitely needed in this area, but preliminary data displayed a decrease is systolic blood pressure of 3.5 percent and a decrease in diastolic pressure of 4.3 percent after only four weeks!. [More]

Recently I got to participate in a 195 mile relay with a group of 11 other people. It was my first year doing this so I didn’t know quite what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was more fun than I thought it was going to be, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. One of my favorite parts of this relay was the run I got to do at night. Well, technically it was morning-2:30 a.m., but it was the most fun I’ve had on a run in a long time. Besides a few other runners, I was out there alone. I saw tons of stars, the air was crisp, and there was a slight mist that helped keep me cool.. [More]

Stuck in an exercise rut at your local gym? Check to see if BODYPUMP is offered and give it a try! During a BODYPUMP class, the instructor leads the entire class through a total-body strength training routine, with a different muscle group serving as the focus during different songs. Participants use a barbell (dumbbells if you prefer) when lifting. Lifting techniques vary but always have very high repetitions. Each class incorporates the same movement for each muscle group; however, the intensity varies between sets. For example, when on the bicep portion of the class, you will be lifting consecutive bicep curls; you may lift slow (4 second count upward phase- 4 second count downward phase) to complete one bicep curl or you may lift faster (2 count up- 2 count down) to complete another bicep curl. The order of the class is always the same:. [More]

Remember the Chia Pet? These ceramic pets come in a variety of shapes (Chia Kung Fu Panda, Chia Homer Simpson, Chia SpongeBob…. the list goes on and on!) I always wanted the Scooby Doo one. You’ll never believe it, but chia seeds (the seeds that make your Chia pet grow ‘fur’) are now being sold online and in health food stores and they are edible!. [More]