Well, I wanted to get to everyone today and just touch on a few subjects. First, I came back from my 10-day long vacation and found that I had lost 2 pounds! That’s pretty good considering I didn’t do a lot of working out over those 10 days, other than some taking some walks and moving a lot of furniture. It just goes to show that so long as you stay dedicated to your diet, and do just a little bit of exercise, you can still lose weight. Now, to be fair, I would have loved to lose more than 2 pounds over those 10 days, but without access to a decent gym (yes, I’m a little spoiled!) it was difficult for me to get a proper workout. And, I didn’t take my running shoes, since I already had a full suitcase, so that didn’t help me either. But the important thing is that I stayed focused on my goals and I was able to shed a couple of pounds, which kept me going in the right direction. So for all of you that are planning late-summer vacations, feel free to keep up that diet and do a little exercise, and your summer strives towards skinniness won’t be shot down the drain.

Next, a matter of relaxing by the TV. I do it A LOT! To be completely honest, I probably watch way to much TV to be healthy, but I really enjoying keeping up with all of my favorite TV shows, even if they are re-runs during the summer. But that doesn’t mean I can’t get a good workout in. My best friend Jessi is always telling me to add a workout to my couch potato time, and I’ve finally taken her advice. I do 20 push-ups during the commercial break, which takes me 20-30 seconds. It may not sound like a lot, but with the average 30-minute TV show having 3 commercial breaks, 1 every 7-8 minutes or so, watching TV for a couple of hours will also bring in well over 100 push-ups in a night, with plenty of rest in between. The first couple of sets go by pretty easy, but once I’m at that 4th or 5th set, they get a lot harder, and that’s when you’re getting your benefits. All put together, those push-ups will work the majority of your upper-body muscles, burning calories while sitting on your bum, and if you’re watching TV at night like me, it’ll burn calories while you sleep too, using calories to rebuild the muscle tissue. How about that, losing weight while you sleep! Nobel Prize, please!

Another thing to think about is that diet. I struggle probably more than anyone with overeating, because I’ve been doing it for years. I can out-eat almost anyone (except Joey Chestnut, the world-record setting Nathan’s Hot Dog eating champion), and I’ve been known to put down an entire large meat-lovers pizza by myself, in one sitting. Now, it doesn’t take an expert to tell me that that is neither healthy nor good for my weight loss plan. However, I’ve done it, and there’s nothing that can be done about it now. But that doesn’t mean I should keep doing it! That goes with everything bad for you, like eating a bucket of ice cream or tons of cookies. That little bit of cheating on your diet will take you several steps backwards in your weight loss goals, and you’ll only feel guilt and shame afterwords. Instead, you have to find something to snack on in between meals, and your meals need to be sensibly sized and portioned in order to keep up your weight loss. In the long run you’ll be a lot happier that you had a turkey sandwich instead of a whole pizza.

Finally, just to put everyone in a positive mood and the right frame of mind, as of today I am down 30 pounds from when I started my diet and exercise plan! I’ve had my share of downfalls, pitfalls and stumbling blocks, as well as a few “I quits” in there, but overall I’ve kept at it and have continued to lose weight in the long run, and that’s the important part. I am much, much lighter than I was in January. I may not be where I wanted to be as part of my original plan, but I’m still headed in the right direction, and that’s what really matters! So, even if you didn’t lose your 20 pounds in 21 days (which was my goal over my summer break from school, which I didn’t meet), having lost weight over that time period is still a success, so take pride in that and keep going. Eventually, you’ll reach that goal, and when you do, you’ll be more proud of yourself then you thought possible. Keep it up everyone!

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1) The first thing you need to do is find a 5K. Summer and fall are the most popular seasons for road races, but you can find ones all year in some areas. Active.com is a great resource for finding a race in your area. Once you register, make sure you tell everyone you know that you’re running your fist 5K. It’ll be easier to stick to your goal once you make it public.

If you haven’t had a recent physical, visit your doctor to get cleared for running.

Notes about the schedule:

Mondays and Fridays: Mondays and Fridays are rest days. Rest is critical to your recovery and injury prevention efforts, so don’t ignore rest days. Your muscles actually build and repair themselves during your rest days. So if you run every day without taking days off, you won’t see much improvement.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays: After you warm up, run at a comfortable pace for the designated mileage. Make sure you cool down and stretch after your run.

Each week, you’ll increase your runs by a quarter mile, which is a lap on most outdoor tracks. If most of your runs are on the road and you’re not sure how far you run, you can figure out the mileage by using sites such as MapMyRun.com. Or, you can always drive your route in your car and measure the mileage using your car odometer.

Wednesdays: Do a cross-training (CT) activity (biking, swimming, elliptical trainer) at easy to moderate effort for 30 to 40 minutes. If you’re feeling very sluggish or sore, take a rest day.

Sundays: This is an active recovery day. Your run should be at an easy, comfortable pace, which helps loosen up your muscles. Or, you can do a run/walk combination.

Note:
You can switch days to accommodate your schedule. So if you’re busy on another day and prefer to workout on a Monday or Friday, it’s fine to swap a rest day for a run day.

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Designer Whey is joining the ranks of socially responsible companies who are reducing their packaging, thereby reducing their carbon footprint.  Coming soon, look for your favorite Designer Whey products in new packaging. Yes it’s a different look, but it’s the same great product.

Sometimes making a difference isn’t just about looking good. It is about doing good. Designer Whey’s new eco-friendly design now uses 25% less packaging. And because the new packaging is smaller and the walls are thinner, it requires less energy to make – resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.  

So let’s all do our part to reduce, reuse and recycle. Designer Whey…good for you, good for the planet.

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For most of us, including myself, the 4th of July is a time for vacation and relaxation, a time for cold beers and grilling out.  And that’s all fine and dandy.  But what about that strict diet that you’ve been on for some time now?  Like for me, I don’t drink alcohol any more.  Now, I fully enjoy a burger or two (so long as they take longer than 30 seconds to make), but overeating during the holiday relaxation period is really easy.  Couple that with the easy excuse of “I’m on vacation” to not work out also, and you’re whole weight loss routine is completely out the window, and you’ll likely find startling results when you step on the scale the next time.  All that beer and all those burgers, brats and buns will do a number on your bum, especially if you’re not running a couple miles or swimming a few laps before your days of sun and indulgence.  So here’s my “intra-mural” advice for you: don’t over-do it! It’s perfectly fine to have a burger or two, but don’t pig out on 5 burgers and 30 hot dogs.  Also, when you’re packing all that wonderful beer into the cooler, perhaps grab a few of the beers designed to not have as many calories, like an MGD 64 or Michelob Ultra (just some suggestions, not a product endorsement).  At least that way you won’t be drinking 150-200 calories per beer, and the effects will be minimized.  Or, better yet, don’t drink at all! Volunteer to be the designated driver for everyone you can, and let them pack on the pounds while you drink Protein Waters, staying hydrated and nurished, all the while not working up a killer hangover.  Just a thought.
 
And, just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean you can’t work out! I may have left my running shoes at home while I came to visit the parents, but with all the work around the house I’ve been doing I definitely haven’t been skipping my workouts.  And even on top of that, with some of the time I’ve had off while they were at work, I walked around the neighborhood a few times, getting at least a little exercise.  It may not have been the 3 miles I ran the other day (yeah me!), but it was healthier than “I’m on vacation.” Which everyone knows is a cop-out, and that those calories still count.  So watch the food and the cookie intake, walk around the block a few times, and enjoy your 4th of July weekend.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

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Q: Tell us what your current eating plan looks like. Did you look at several diets (i.e. Atkins, Weight Watchers, South Beach, etc)? If so, how did you decide which one to go with?

A: There isn’t a diet I haven’t tried or a plan that I haven’t been on, but because I have decided to make a total lifestyle transformation I knew it was vital to start with my diet and focus of the quality of the foods I was using to fuel my body.  Right now I am sticking to a diet of 1200-1400 calories a day. I created a meal plan document that I print out and write in each meal and snack by day for the week using the meal/snack blueprint provided in The Biggest Loser Fitness Program book. It breaks down your meals into the following segments: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Snack, Dinner and 200 calories for additional foods, healthy fats and condiments. They tell you what different types of proteins, whole grains and fruits and veggies you need to eat with each meal and snack. It’s super helpful and because it’s a generic structure I can pick foods from those food groups and tailor my meals to the healthy kind of foods I love to eat!

Q: Everyone has days when they just want to blow off going to the gym or swing by their favorite fast food joint. How do you stay motivated to stay on track?

A: 2 HUGE motivators would be music and the support from my fans on Facebook and Twitter! I think there is really something to be said about accountability and having a support system around you. In addition to the outpouring of comments on my fan page and Twitter, if I have a moment of weakness, I can ask my fans for support at that very moment and they are right there to cheer me on and it pushes me to get through that tough time. For example, one night a few weeks ago it was after 10pm and my gym was closing at 11. I was so tired, so I posted a quick impromptu video on my fan page and instantly I got comments and messages reminding me of how much I was inspiring other to keep on going and that I need to do the same and get my butt downstairs to the gym! LOL! Another key motivator for me is definitely music. I’ve been singing since I was a little kid. And I literally incorporate it into almost every aspect of my life! Most importantly, I have always used music in the gym to push me and drive my workouts. So back in 2006, I decided to take the same club hit “Don’t Stop Movin’” that motivated me to lose over 80lbs, went into the studio to reproduce, record and release the single on iTunes in addition to performing it at health and wellness events in hopes to motivate others to believe in themselves that they can achieve great things if they put their mind to it and stay focused.

Q: Tell us about the ups and downs you’ve experienced with your weight since childhood.

A: As a little kid I always chubby and you could definitely tell I had a weight problem. In 4th grade, I weighed 144 pounds and was obviously the biggest kid in my class. I’ve always gone through life being heavy and most of the time dieting and exercising to try to lose the weight. I can’t even imagine the amount of weight I have lost and gained in my lifetime, and through it all what I have come to realize is that even with all the hard work and going up and down on the scale, I have absolutely no idea what it’s like to be at a healthy weight for my age and height.

Follow Jennifer on Facebook

Q: Did your weight loss journey start when you decided to audition for The Biggest Loser, or were you trying to lose weight before the audition?

A: I’ve been on a weight loss roller coaster since I was in 5th grade, way before Biggest Loser even existed. I’ve tried every diet or plan imaginable! And now in hindsight, I realized it’s not the plan you follow, or the diet you are on, it’s all in your head. You have to want the change and see the change in your mind in order to get there in your body. And before Biggest Loser, I had spent years trying to do anything possible to lose the weight that has followed me my entire life. It’s been a dream of mine to be known as a beautiful person on the inside and out, instead of being know as a beautiful person on the inside with such a pretty face as I’ve been told my entire life!

Q: How did auditioning for The Biggest Loser change your life?

A: First of all, let me say I had no idea that going out for the Biggest Loser would have literally changed my life without even being cast for Season 10! Throughout the entire process I had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and from all walks of life. From Season 10 hopefuls, past contestants and the wonderful people that make the show possible, each one of them has really touched my life in one way or another. It really was after being connected with all these people and hearing their stories and having their support that it made a light bulb go off in my head! I realized that we all have similar struggles and things in life to overcome, and that it all comes down to one simple thought, “What’s most secret is most common.” While obesity may be a global epidemic, before that light bulb had gone off in my head, I always felt very much alone in my struggles to lose weight and overcome them so I could live the healthy and vibrant life that I have always wanted to live! Inspired, I am now so determined and super motivated to use myself as an example and take control of my life to put it out there for people to realize that they aren’t in this alone, and that they have support and people all around them that will help them if they just ask for it!

Follow Jennifer on Facebook

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1,350 Calories. 90 grams of fat, 40 of which are saturated and 3.5 of which are trans.  2,780 mg of sodium.  That’s what’s in my go-to burger at Wendy’s, the 3/4 lb Baconator.  Add the large fries, large Coke along with it, and I’m looking at probably over 2,000 calories in all.  For 1 meal.  That costs me around $10.00.  What am I thinking? Well, specifically the fact that I don’t like to make food, especially complex meals like lasagna or meatloaf (both of which I love) because I’m a terrible cook and I’m lazy in general.  But what about thawing out some burgers and firing up the grill and making my own? Well, that requires at least some planning in advance, which as a bachelor I tend to not do very well (you can ask my BFF Jessi, she’ll tell you all about it).  So instead I walk over to Wendy’s every couple of days or so, and guiltily order up a serving of heart attack with a side of obesity.  Let’s be honest people, I’m about 75 pounds overweight right now, and I personally keep the fast food industry afloat.  That’s not good.  So, I’ve stopped.  At first I said I just wasn’t going to eat beef for a while.  Well….that didn’t work because my roommate kept firing up the grill and grilling burgers.  Which was great, because he’s a way better cook/grill person than me, and his burgers taste way better than mine.  So the whole “no beef” thing didn’t pan out.  Then I said, “I’ll just eat less fast food.”  Well, when one of your meals is over 2,000 Calories then less is still not enough, especially when you want to lose weight.  So for the last couple days I’ve eaten no fast food, and less in general, and my weight loss has picked up again.  So hurray for me!

Furthermore, the whole fast food thing is expensive. Over the past month or so, I’ve spent over $382 at fast food places.  That’s disgusting! That’s almost 2 months worth of food at the grocery store for my whole apartment, which has 4 people in it! What am I thinking?!? Well, it ends today.  I’m back on my no-fast-food diet in an effort to save money and lose weight.  I’ve also stumbled upon an article that says that fast food can actually become addictive, decreasing dopamine receptors or something, so that’s probably not good either.  Regardless, the amount of science and nutritional information and financial information is all overwelmingly against fast food, and my only justification is laziness.  Well, laziness never got anyone anywhere in this life, so I’m going to stop.  Time for me to turn the page over and start a new chapter in my life.  I mean, I just turned 28, what better time?  See you all later when I rant and rave some more about how I suck at dieting.

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My name is Callie, I’m 23, and I am fluffy.

I wasn’t always fluffy. In fact, I used to be pretty skinny! I played basketball (or tried to, at least- I definitely wasn’t very good) and jogged almost every day. Then I got lazy. I noticed a very gradual increase in my weight over the years – it was never more than ten pounds a year, so I just didn’t care enough to do anything about it. Then, about a year and a half ago, I went through a very painful divorce. Some people stop eating when something traumatic happens; I do the opposite. I live in the kitchen! Food becomes my source of comfort… ohhh and I definitely comforted myself! I got all the way up to 180 pounds – definitely the heaviest I have ever been.

About a month ago, I realized how unhealthy my lifestyle is. My clothes are all tight because I’m too proud to go up to the next size in the store. Sometimes I’ll put on an outfit to go somewhere and just decide not to go because I look too fat. Yikes.

So I decided to do something about it. I’m tired of being the big girl when I’m out with friends. I want to feel confident. That doesn’t mean being rail-thin… it means looking healthy and fit.

I started a new job recently which allows me access to a free gym and personal trainer here at work, so I grudgingly decided to take advantage of that. I started working out a few weeks ago and noticed that I wasn’t gaining weight anymore – but I wasn’t losing, either. That’s when I realized that I needed to change my horrible eating habits. I was going out to eat 3-5 nights a week and ordering whatever was cheap… hello, $0.89 beefy 5-layer burrito from Taco Bell! Not so good.

So now I am on a quest to get healthy and fit! I am ready to feel confident about myself and feel great about my health. I have lost ten pounds so far and am completely motivated to lose the other 40 that need to hit the road!

As the weeks progress, I’m going to post tips that I’ve found helpful, keep track of my progress, post fun recipes, etc. I hope you’ll join me on my mission to get healthy!!

Callie

Follow Callie’s weight loss success: calliegetsskinny.blogspot.com

Posted in DESIGNER WHEY Healthy Minute | 1 Comment

Travelling the country speaking to people about regaining control of their lives through controlling the only thing we have control over is what has become my mission. I realized through my experience that I can create anything I want in my life by taking the little steps that in turn make the big difference. The best way I am able to judge my progress and stay in the moment is by staying on top of my diet and exercise, which allows me the energy to stay active and feel GREAT about myself. I may not be able to control many things in life but myself I can control.

Travelling adds lots of unexpected turns in the road that I don’t always plan for and the key is to have a plan. Some of the ways that I stay prepared for the unexpected is make sure that I always have my go to items in my carry on baggage. You never know when weather is going to come in play and change the course of your day. I travel with a jump rope, workout clothes, my laptop, lots of snacks, and my Protein 2Go packs. The jump rope allows me to have an opportunity to do cardio wherever I might be as well as jumping jacks, step ups, mountain climbers, and burp-pees. I love having my laptop so that I can pull up a workout no matter where I am through many online services like exercisetv.com.

If my travel plans go as expected then that is a bonus and I always stay in hotels with a gym. Most hotels these days have gyms so check them out ahead of time, to inspect what you expect…not all hotel gyms are created equally . Make sure you pack enough 2Go packs so that you are able to get your protein needs met before and after workouts.

My snacks allow me to have the fuel I need regardless of my options. When I leave home I always have popcorn, chicken breast, hard boiled eggs (which I always warn the person sitting on the airplane next to me about), fruit, almonds, and my 2Go Packs. As soon as I pass through security I go immediately and buy bottled water for the flight.  

Ali "On The Road"; GNC Show, June 2010

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I put 110% in my workout, nutrition and recovery and I am satisfied at the end my workout!!

In the years of training I have seen more people fail to reach their goals because of the fact they aren’t willing to make life adjustments to better their life and live a healthly balanced life.  You don’t have to be the biggest, leanest body in the gym but when you look in the mirror ask yourself…are you happy with your results? If not, STEP IT UP.

So lets make it happen:

1. Do cardio in the morning to burn off any extra carbs you ate
2. Consume more meals a day (add acouple of BLITZ SHAKES bewteen meals and before bed)
3. Change your workout style confuse your body
4. Drink lots of water
5. Get 6hrs to 8hrs of sleep
6. BE HAPPY!!!
7. DONT GIVE UP IT DOESNT HAPPEN OVER NIGHT!!!

- Rick Hagen

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In the beginning, life on the Ranch wasn’t easy, but being away from all my loved ones, food, problems, work and everyday stress was actually good. For the first time I found myself working hard, for me. Looking back, there were moments I wanted to leave the Ranch, even though deep down inside I didn’t want to leave and tried to stay on the Ranch as long as I could.

Then came the return home. It was completely different from being on the Ranch. I went through a great period of adjustment. This is where the Biggest Loser Protein products came into play. I used them at the Ranch but once I came home I implemented the Biggest Loser Protein products to my routine and continued writing in my journal. I knew I had to work harder at home so I used the protein shakes with fruit or milk before and after workouts. I drank my protein all day to replenish my muscles. Because I was working out 6 to 8 hours a day, I needed to stay strong. My desire was to reach my goal weight which I did. And I surpassed it!!  Now I am on my way to bodybuilding and sculpting. The Biggest Loser products will help me succeed, improve and show that we can turn a body around.

Now that the weight is off, toning and tightening my muscles is my next challenge. Thank you for all your attention and products. I couldn’t have achieved 22% BMI (the lowest of Season 9!!) without them. I now have beautiful toned legs and arms. It was definitely worth the hard work and sweat. Although I didn’t win the monetary prize, being the healthiest contestant at 22% BMI after surgery is the biggest and best prize of all.

Getting my life back internally, externally, physically, and emotionally is the biggest reward anyone can ask for. I am so grateful to The Biggest Loser, my trainer Desmond Thompson, my family and friends. Again, thank you. 

- MIGGY

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