Dr. Oz: Top 100 Foods For Your Shopping Cart

shopping_cart_food

According to Dr. Oz, the following are the top 100 foods that Dr. Oz recommends you include on your shopping list.  These are foods that will keep you fit and healthy and thought would be worth mentioning in this article:

FRESH PRODUCE:

1 – Tree fruits – apples and pears

2 – Citrus – oranges, lemons, and limes

3 – Stone fruits – peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, and tangerines

4 – Bananas

5 – Grapes

6 – Melons

7 – Greens – romaine, arugula, iceberg, cabbage, collards, turnip greens, mustard greens, and swiss chard

8 – Baby carrots

9 – Celery

10 – Avocado

11 – Potatoes

 

FROZEN:

12 – Berries – strawberries, cranberries, rasberries, blueberries, and blackberries

13 – Frozen veggies – peppers, kale, asparagus, cauliflower, onions, spinach, broccoli, peas, green beans, corn, zucchini, and squash

 

SEAFOOD/MEATS:

14 – All white meat ground turkey

15 – Bison/buffalo burger (sirloin burger)

16 – Eye of the round steak

17 – Lean pork

18 – Lean ground beef

19 – Chicken(skinless thighs and breasts, whole chicken)

20 – Fish(salmon, cod or trout)

21 – Shrimp(frozen)

22 – Fully cooked pre-seasoned beef and chicken slices(refrigerated section)

23 – Fresh sliced meats (no nitrites or nitrates added), turkey, ham, chicken, and roast beef

24 – Salmon, tuna, and chicken (in can or pouch)

 

CANNED/BOTTLED ITEMS:

25 – Canned Beans (white, kidney, black, pinto, red, navy)

26 – Canned tomatoes (tomato sauce and tomato paste – no added salt)

27 – Low sodium salsa

28 – Canned artichokes

29 – Canned mushrooms

30 – Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

31- Natural Peanut Butter

32 – Jams: raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, apricot (no artificial sweeteners)

33 – Dill pickles

34 – Canned Beets

35 – Low-Sodium sauerkraut

36 – Sardines

37 – Anchovies

38 – Olives (Kalamata)

39 -Eggs

40 – Greek Yogurt (and drinkables)

41 – Milk (2% Organic/Almond/Soy)

42 – Butter

43 – Cheeses: part-skim mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, feta, ricotta, string

44 – Hummus

45 – Quinoa

46 – Microwavable Steel Cut Oatmeal

47 – Microwavable Brown Rice

48 – Whole Grain Cereals

49 – 100% Whole Wheat Pastas

50 – 100% Whole Wheat or 100% Whole Grain  (breads, buns, pitas, english muffins, bagel thins, sandwich thins)

51 – 100% Whole Wheat Flour

52 – 100% Whole Grain Crackers

53 – Whole Wheat Tortillas

54 – Quick Cooking Polenta

55 – Whole Grain Brown Puffed Rice

56 – 100% Whole Wheat Waffles (frozen)

57 – 100% Whole Wheat pre-made pizza crust

 

BEANS AND SOY:

58 – Edamame (Frozen or Dry)

59 – Tofu, Soy Milk, Soy Crumble

60 – ChickpeaS

61 – Lentils

62 – Frozen Soy Burgers

63 – Soy Hot Dogs

CONDIMENTS/HERBS/SPICES/DRESSINGS/OIL:

64 – Mustard

65 – Oils – bottles (olive, canola, flaxseed)

66 – Vegan Mayo

67 – Ginger

68 – Chia Seeds

69 – Black Peppercorns

70 – Agave Nectar

71 – Baking Spices:  cinnamon nutmeg, clove, ginger

72 – Raw sugar

73 – Honey

74 – Chile Pepper

75 – Curry

76 – Hot Sauce

77 – Red pepper flakes

78 – Balsamic Vinegar

79 – Sea Salt

80 – Low Sodium Soy Sauce

81 – Vinegar (malt, white, red)

82 – French Herbs (rosemary, marjoram, thyme, savory)

83 – Italian Seasoning (garlic marjoram, thyme, rosemary, savory, sage, oregano and basil)

 

SNACK FOODS/DESSERTS/TREATS:

84 – Nuts (almonds, walnuts, brazil, hazelnuts, pistachios

85 – Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin)

86 – Dried fruit (raisins, apricots, cranberries)

87 – 100% Whole Wheat Pita Chips

88 -100% Whole Wheat Pretzels

89 – Popcorn

90 – High Fiber, Granola or Protein Bars (no more than 5 gms added sugar)

91 – Sweet Potato Fries (baked)

92 – Bite size dark chocolate with or without almonds

93 – Slow Churned Ice Cream

94 – 100 calorie air popped potato chips

95 – Fruit Leather

96 – Frozen Fruit Popsicles

 

BEVERAGES:

97 – Tea

98 – Coffee

99 – 100% Orange Juice

100 – Sparkling Water/Seltzer

 

 

 

 

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Dr. Oz Catches Heat From The FDA About Apple Juice

dr_oz_apple_juice

Editor’s Note: The following article is from an alternate source. Since we write quite a bit about Dr. Oz on this size and the benefits we believe the Doctor has for average people, it’s only fair to also report when Dr. Oz comes under a bit of fire as well. There are always 2 sides to every story, and we’ll leave it up to you to decide which side you’re on!

The federal Food and Drug Administration and a leading doctor are disputing suggestions by television show host Dr. Mehmet Oz that trace amounts of arsenic in many apple juice products pose a health concern.

Oz said on his show Wednesday [September 2011] that testing by a New Jersey lab has found what he implied are troubling levels of arsenic in many juices.

However, the FDA says the lab methods were not appropriate and that its own tests show much lower arsenic levels. The agency warned “The Dr. Oz. Show” producers in advance that their testing was misleading.

Dr. Richard Besser, a pediatrician and former acting head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also scolded Oz Thursday on ABC’s “Good Morning America” show for scaring consumers with what Besser called an “extremely irresponsible” report, like “yelling `Fire!’ in a movie theater.”

The issue: arsenic is naturally present in water, air, food, and soil in organic and inorganic forms, according to the FDA.

“Organic arsenic is essentially harmless,” the agency says, and it passes through the body quickly. Inorganic arsenic is the type found in pesticides, and consuming it at high levels or over a long period can cause concern.

The testing “The Dr. Oz Show” did was for total arsenic, and the FDA even disputes those levels. The agency’s own tests found lower total arsenic from one of the same juice batches the show’s lab tested.

“There is no evidence of any public health risk from drinking these juices. And FDA has been testing them for years,” the statement says.

Note to consumers: They are talking about organic and inorganic arsenic – not organic versus non-organic fruits and vegetables.

An independent lab agreed with the FDA’s contention that the form of arsenic matters.

“A lot of things can have organically bound arsenic like kelp, but most of those flow right through you” and don’t accumulate, said William Obermeyer, a former FDA chemist who cofounded ConsumerLab.com. It is a company that tests dietary supplements and publishes ratings for subscribers, much as Consumer Reports does with household goods.

Tim Sullivan, a spokesman for Oz’s show, sent an email saying: “We don’t think the show is irresponsible. We think the public has a right to know what’s in their foods.”

Sullivan said Oz does not agree that organic arsenic is as safe as authorities believe, and that the show will do further tests to distinguish organic from inorganic arsenic in juice samples.

“The position of the show is that the total arsenic needs to be lower,” he said. “We did the tests. We stand by the results and we think the standards should be different.”

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/15/dr-oz-under-fire-from-fda_n_964464.html

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Dr. Oz: 5 Best anti-aging secrets to look younger

anti_aging_secrets

The following are 5 secrets to looking younger that Dr. Oz reveals on a recent episode of his show:

 

1 – Retinol – millions of women swear by this as there have been decades of research on this product and its amazing effects.  Use it nightly as it will significantly reduce the signs of aging.  No prescription is needed as it can be purchased over the counter!

2 – Wear high heels – altitude is attitude!  We all know that really high heels are not good for your feet and knees, however, there are ways around this.  You can still strut your stuff in a nice pair of heels, just wear straps so that you don’t have as much pressure on your toes.  Also, wear heels that are under 2 1/2 inches and don’t wear them for more than 3 hours at a time.  Look great, but be smart!

3 – Never go to bed without washing your face.  It is essential to having younger and healthier looking skin.  Develop good cleansing habits and stick with them on a nightly basis.  Make it part of your bedtime routine no matter how tired you may be.  Otherwise, you will risk looking even more tired as it will show all over your face when your skin begins to sag.

4 – Use olive oil on your hair since it has lots of Vitamin E and antioxidants for healthy looking hair.  Just spray a little or put a dab on your palm and massage it through your hair for an amazing look and feel.

5 – Use concealer/corrector on your skin to instantly make you look not tired and get rid of those dark circles under your eyes.  This is great for active moms!

 

 

 

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Dr. Oz – 4 new ways to burn fat faster

burn_fat

According to associates of Dr. Oz, there are 4 new ways to really burn fat faster so I thought they would be most definitely worth mentioning:

1 – Lateral bounding – move quickly from side to side using muscles you don’t typically use.  This use of alternate muscles will retrain your body and essentially burn fat at an incredible rate! It’s similar to sprinting sideways back and forth.

2 – Drink Choffy!  It is 100% brewed and roasted cocoa beans.  Drink 1 cup a day to get incredible energy and an amazing boost that will burn fat like no other!  It has no caffeine, but rather a natural stimulant to boost metabolism and block fat.  It’s my personal new favorite!!!

3 – The figure 8 exercise – this is the core basic of latin dance and develops flexibility in hips and thighs…not to mention burns lots of fat!

4 – Eat pasta!  It’s called Fiber Gourmet and has 18 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein.  Best of all, it has only 130 calories per serving.  It’s a wonderful food to eat if you like to eat a lot or if it takes you longer to get full.  You will feel so full eating this because of the amount of fiber that there won’t be any room left for seconds.  It is excellent if you are watching your portion control.

Suddenly, burning fat seems so easy!  Just trying a few new easy steps could put you well on your way to burning off that stubborn fat quicker.  It certainly doesn’t hurt to try and see the results!

 

 

 

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Speed up your metabolism

speed_up_metabolism

There are many ways to speed up your metabolism and it’s all about making positive changes.  Throw your body a curveball and make positive changes that you can actually see through.  Eat regularly throughout the day and if you tend to forget to eat because of your busy schedule, then set your watch or phone on a timer to remind you to eat every 4 hours.  This will definitely boost your metabolism.  If you skip meals, you will eventually pig out on your next and want to eat everything you see.  However, if you eat more frequently, you will eat lesser portions and boost your metabolism at the same time.

Throw out your bad foods and tempting foods that you cannot resist, especially when you are hungry.  Or, put them away in the freezer so they are not so easily accessible. Studies show that when you have tempting foods around, you eat more and don’t even realize it. Remove the temptation and you have successfully hurdled one battle.

Minimize salt in your diet and replace with lemon juice.  This helps speed up weight loss significantly.  It makes you feel full longer and therefore, take in fewer calories.    Just making a few changes such as these can make a huge difference that you will see over time.

Drink at least 8 ounces of ice water daily.  This is a well known metabolism booster and will keep you full longer.  Remove sugary drinks from your diet completely and stick with water!

Last but not least, eat carbs within 30 minutes of exercising.  Your body will burn it off much faster.

Try the above and you will be pleasantly surprised with how quickly you will start burning more fat.

 

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25 Fat Burning Workouts to Get You in Shape This Summer

outdoor_workouts

Shape.com came out with a phenomenal list of 25 GREAT fat burning workouts for the summer. If you are anywhere near the sun this summer, try some of these great “exercises” to look and feel great, while you are having fun at the same time!

  • Beach Volleyball – You’ll get “sand legs” and a full-body workout that will keep you looking (and feeling) hot in your bikini all summer. “The sand targets muscles you didn’t think you had. You’re working twice as hard to move,” says Jess Gysin, professional beach volleyball player. The short burst of energy and lateral jumps and moves “target every single muscle,” Gysin says. “It is definitely a full-body workout.”
  • Stand Up Paddle Surfing – Take up the newest trend in water sports and prepare to see full-body results. ACA Nationally Recognized Professional SUP Instructor and co-founder of Black Dog Paddle Camille Smith watched her body transform as she became enticed by the sport. In stand up paddle surfing, abs aren’t just “pretty muscles,” they’re “function muscles,” Smith says. Besides a solid core, you’ll improve your balance, coordination, strength, and endurance. “You get hooked on it!”
  • Kayaking – Kayaking may look like just an upper-body workout, but when done right it can work your entire body. Make sure your kayak is equipped with a foot brace for optimal results. “When athletes paddle in Olympic games, they pull and push with different feet on every stroke for maximum rotation,” says Olympic kayaker Cathy Marino. The rotation really works your abs for a great core workout. Say hello to washboard abs and goodbye to love handles!
  • Trampolining – When you bounce consistently, this high-cardio workout is comparable to “running very fast,” says Casey Moore, 1999 national champion on trampoline and level one instructor at the Trapeze School of New York. Find a gym near you with a trampoline or bring the gym to you and invest in a backyard version. Your quads (and kids) will love you for it.
  • Wakeboarding – Skip the weight room and get lean on the water wakeboarding. “When you wakeboard you have to flex, resist and hold positions for periods at a time. Often you also have to build on these held positions and then explode or move from these static flexed positions to execute tricks and techniques,” says Kyle Schmidt, head coach at The Wakeboard Camp in Clermont, Florida. “Each session on the water is a short intense work out that can really lean a person out in a short period of time if they ride frequently,” says Schmidt. Workout in the waves for a fun and effective workout.
  • Hooping – Hoop your way to a slim, bikini body with this cardiovascular workout. “In addition to strengthening your core muscles, you’re also promoting good posture,” says Rebecca Burton, hula hoop dance instructor at Dance New Amsterdam in New York. Hooping has mental benefits too. “It’s a stress reliever and can be meditative in the way it rolls across the belly,” Burton says. For a more intense hooping workout, try hoop dance. “I burn about 400 calories per hour if I’m rigorously into my hoop dance,” Burton says.
  • Tubing – This lake favorite is perfect for people of all ages. “Not only is water tubing fun, it’s a great way to engage your core muscles (for balance) and burn some calories. Plus, the more laughter involved, the better the abdominal benefit,” says fitness expert and Shape Sexy Summer Legs Challenge coach Jessica Smith.
  • Tennis – Who says you can’t get fit in a skirt? “The total distance covered on court during a typical tennis game can be up to 5 miles, with over 500 bursts of quick energy movement!” says Brian Hainline, Chief Medical Officer for the United States Tennis Association. Plus, in addition to improving your strength and endurance, tennis players “have a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease compared to individuals who played golf, football, baseball or basketball,” Hainline says.
  • Backpacking – One of the best things about backpacking is that you can do it anywhere. Hit a shaded trail in the summer to stay cool or find an area rich with fresh streams or nearby water. Remember to bring enough water and a snack, but be careful to not overdo your load. “You have to be careful with backpacking and make sure you are maintaining great posture when you add extra weight to your back,” Smith says.
  • Quidditch – Let your imagination and legs run wild with this trendy Harry Potter-inspired game. Quidditch is played competitively at more than 300 colleges worldwide and in recreational leagues across the nation. You don’t have to be an experienced athlete for this new sport. “My team had varying fitness levels and some people who had never played a sport,” says Jared Rohrer, a personal trainer and quidditch player in New York City. “Some could barely run 50 feet without running out of breath. Now they can run a whole mile,” he says.
  • Octopush – This underwater version of hockey is played wearing a diving mask, snorkel, and fins. The six-on-six match’s objective is similar to regular hockey—score in the opponent’s goal. You’ll get a toned swimmer’s bod and burn calories with the fast-paced movements in octopush . Add competition to any backyard pool party with this unique sport or search for local leagues if you’re looking for more serious play.
  • Surfing – Ever wonder why surfer’s seem to have the best bods? Now is the time to find out. Work your arms and core in the water with this summer workout that will keep you cool and fit. You’ll burn nearly 208 calories an hour as you balance your way to flat abs. Book a lesson on your next summer vacation or invest in a board if you’re near the beach!
  • Red Rover and Tag – Work like an adult and work out like a kid. “We forget that exercise doesn’t have to happen on a treadmill. Anytime you are running, walking fast, or even standing, you are working your entire body and burning calories,” Smith says. “Playing kids’ games is a great way for adults to reconnect to the fun side of fitness—and to remember how much activity they used to do automatically as kids. Most children don’t need a gym because they are naturally so active. Follow their lead!”
  • KronumKronum is a new team sport created in 2008 that mixes soccer, handball, basketball, rugby, and other sports. You’ll get the cardio workout of a soccer game and work your arms with all the dribbling and throwing used to move the ball towards an opponent’s goal. While Philadelphia is Kronum capital, new leagues are popping up all over the US. If you love team sports and want a challenge, look for a Kronum team near you!
  • Waterskiing – The pull of the boat makes this water sport like a constant tug-of-war, working your entire body “from your neck right down to your feet,” says professional water skier April Coble. The best part about this extreme sport is that you’re never too old or too young to try it. Coble has seen people ages two to 80 work a board. “My 67-year-old mother is better than ever!” she says.
  • Kickball – “Kickball is a great cardio sport—running after the ball is like doing cardio interval training. Plus, you are developing agility and coordination by following the ball and kicking it,” Smith says. Adult kickball leagues are popping up all over the US. Let your inner-child free and make new friends by joining a league, or get the whole office involved and create a league with co-workers.
  • Roller Derby – This full-contact team endurance race requires roller skates and a lot of core and leg strength. Gotham Girls Roller Derby coaching chair Tracey DeBenedictis, nicknamed “Aerial Assault,” describes the roller derby stance like “holding a squat for two hours.” The two 30-minute halves played in each bout will work your entire body. “It’s a lot of endurance,” DeBenedictis says. Build muscle and confidence with this tough sport
  • White Water Rafting – This extreme workout tones your arms, back, shoulders, and core while getting your adrenaline pumping. If you’re looking for a challenge and adventure, skip the swimming pool and try white water rafting to burn a whopping 300-350 calories per hour!
  • Explore A National Park – Stroll through one of the 393 National Park Units in the US to burn calories and get in touch with nature. And the best part: It’s completely free! You’ll knock out a workout and learn a bit about history. Pack a picnic and make it a date or go solo for some self-reflecting time.
  • Hantis – When it’s too hot to go outside, hit up your local community center and start a game of hantis . The four-player game is similar to four-square but adds tables, making it more like handball. Don’t let the tables and small playing field fool you—hantis is more than just a way to improve your coordination. “You have to sprint back and run fast at every play,” says hantis creator Ben Fatherree. “It’s more cardio than anything.”
  • Skating – Inline skating is an excellent cardio and strength workout. If it’s too hot outside and you have access to an ice rink, try speedskating instead! “Inline technique is better cardio training because you sit higher when you skate; you can get your heart rate higher,” says Shane Domer, strength and conditioning coach for US Speedskating. Speedskating is done on the ice in a crouched, lower position. “You have a lot of strength and stability in your lower body,” Domer says. Regardless of which one you try, you’ll be sure to see results with these full-body workouts.
  • Flag Football – If you struggle to stick with your workout routine, a team sport like flag football might be just the push you need to stay fit. “One of the best things about joining a recreational flag football league is the support of a group! If you know your team is counting on you for a game, you are more likely to show up and participate,” Smith says. What’s more motivating than having fun with your friends?
  • Walking Your Dog – Burn some calories and make your pooch happy at the same time. If your dog is up to it, try jogging to up the intensity. Keep in mind that your dog is packing an extra layer of fur and can easily overheat, so aim for morning jogs before 11am or evening walks after 4pm to avoid the hottest time of day.
  • Gardening or Yard Work – Take care of your yard and your body by working on your summer garden. “Just be sure not to stay in a hunched over position too long (as we often do while weeding or planting), as it can be stressful on your back,” Smith says. “I recommend standing up and changing positions often, and even doing back extensions if you are leaning over for too long.”
  • Volunteer – Among many other things, volunteering your time can also help you stay active. Build homes with Habitat for Humanity, walk dogs for the elderly, or help with disaster relief to get moving while you make a difference. Take up coaching a children’s sports team or sign up to walk or run in a charity race. There are so many options! The key is finding one that fits your interest and schedule.

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Diet Tips

samantha-wtf

I have many ask what does my diet consist of? Well this in itself is sometimes a loaded question and the reason that I say this is because if you are catching me during show prep time then it’s extremely strict and boring.  If you are catching me at pre-shoot time it may not be as severe but then again could be much more of a carb depleting diet and if it’s just during a normal everyday week (which doesn’t happen that often) THEN it may be something you are interested in :)

What I like to tell people or the advice that I give and this is to a fairly new “dieting” individual.  Although I much rather prefer “lifestyle change” than diet.  Diet assumes that it’s short-lived or not something that will continue on.  The advice that I prefer to give people is more to change the ways they eat, to benefit from it, and then to carry this throughout the rest of their lives and always better their life if possible.

This is basically what I give as a general guideline, this is what to cut out immediately right away as most people are trying to kickstart their metabolism again.  The majority of people that I have ask me questions have a problem with what to eat, what not to eat and how much, how many times a day to eat.  One piece of advice that I can give, the more meals you put in a day the BETTER!!! I do six meals a day, yes that sounds like a lot and for somebody who does 2 or 3 of course it is…it’s double..BUT it will work I promise!!

The major things that I tell a person when beginning on their diet is you HAVE  to cut out these major factors for at least 2 months, be very strict and then you can absolutely incorporate them back in to your diet (not all as some are just bad for you) but even the other things in MODERATION can be brought back in.  What you are basically doing with this diet is “jump starting” your metabolism again because more than likely if you aren’t seeing the results and you definitely aren’t following more strict guidelines..you have probably slowed down your metabolism.

The following items should absolutely be cut out for the period of time that you need your body to acclimate to the changes.  Number one you are probably cutting out a number of things that you shouldn’t be having anyway, number two you are adding more good to your body every single day (and you will feel like all you do is eat and you’re getting fat but trust me when I say YOU WILL NOT!!)   So here is what I would cut out for 2 months:  dairy, sugar, salt, white carbs and alcohol (I know crazy!!! lol) NO EXCEPTIONS…don’t try to switch this or that, etc just be strict for 2 months that’s all I ask :-)

Once you have done this you should see some very big changes and as you progress in your training and diet you can learn how to incorporate some of these things back into your diet, have a cheat meal (not a cheat day) and how to handle yourself in different social situations when it comes to food!

A few other tips that I can give in terms of diet are more replacement items for some things that you may be using now.  For example seasonings I always use Mrs. Dash, there is a huge variety now of flavors and it is all salt free.  I use splenda (obviously) instead of sugar.  Recently I was changing up somebody’s diet a bit and rather than him using wheat bread or bagel etc I recommended Ezekial bread (and it also comes in wraps, english muffins, etc so not limited to just bread).  I would always substitute a white potatoe with a sweet potatoe (unless you are following some sort of show diet guidelines and are in need of white).  Also of course your veggies stick with anything green and not colored (just for the initial stages of course) green beans, zucchini, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, etc.

I hope this mini guideline will help a few people out! As I stated before and I will ALWAYS say this…everyone’s body is different and along with that comes different changes and different outcomes but the initial guidelines for people can be similar.  Good luck with the dieting ladies or lifestyle changes as I like to say!!!

 

 

 

 

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Advice for 1st Time Figure Competitors

samantha-wtf

I have been asked a number of times what advice can I give first time figure competitors?  While I am not a “pro” yet there are certain things that I think I have learned and researched along the way that may be helpful.

First and foremost deciding on what organization to compete in is solely on the individual and that is something that you and you alone have to decide.  You should weigh out the pros and cons of each organization based on guidelines and personal goals that you are setting for yourself.  With that being said, any organization that you choose will be a good one!

It is hard to say what the judges are looking for at each show, sometimes they are going for a softer look and other times a harder look.  My advice on this, contact the promoter and ask.  There is always a number that is listed along with whoever is having the show.  When you contact them tell them you are very excited to do their show and you were just inquiring as to what look they were going for in this show and if they could let you know in terms of bodyfat percentage where you should fall.   Once you have this information it should help you in your quest to reach your goal!

For first time competitors it can be overwhelming trying to figure out your diet, your training and your schedule.  I strongly advice to get help!! Get a coach, somebody who can take you through the necessary training, the diet that is required of you and most importantly that can monitor you on a weekly basis.  It is very hard to do it all on your own (I should know!) and especially when you get down to those last critical weeks…your brain is fried!!!  You also need somebody who can look at you, really examine you and see what muscles you may need to bring up for the stage, which ones can stay as is or which may need to get leaner.  It is extremely hard to be your own judge and although we tend to always be more critical on ourselves, you need an outside set of eyes looking at you and preferably one who has experience in all of this!

Deciding on a figure suit can also be difficult and costly.  My best advice borrow!!! Between all the sites out there now and facebook and twitter network with girls! Ask to borrow a suit you will be surprised at the response you will get!!  If you do decide to invest in one, may it just that.  After you have competed put it up on one of the sites for sale or rent and make some of your money back.

One other great networking tool for first time competitors are the blogs! Go online to different competitors websites, different forums for the organizations (whichever one you are competing in), look at pictures from the most recent shows and do your research!!! Don’t be afraid to ask questions, to try and contact other competitors for advice, tips, again you will be surprised at the response you may get!!!!

My last and most important tip or advice….HAVE FUN WITH IT!!!!!!! It is so easy to get caught up in all of it, to get rundown from the diet, think you’re not coming in how you should…in the end remember this is a decision that YOU made because you wanted to take part in something!!!  Yes you will have tough days, yes you will be so so tired of your food, yes you will want that cheat, that last hour of sleep, not to do that last bit of cardio BUT this is a personal decision that YOU MADE!!!! So make sure you have fun with it or else what’s the point???

Good luck in your prep ladies you will all do AMAZING!!!!!!

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What Keeps You Motivated?

samantha-wtf

Many people ask how it is I stay motivated and what are some tips I can give them to do the same.  I have to say that one of my biggest motivations is you guys! For me, it’s a number of different things but a HUGE motivation for me is when I receive an email or a message on one of my sites saying that what I do, how I look, or how I train has motivated somebody else to want to change how they do things.

I find that another huge motivation for me is progress.  It is important for you to track your progress and you can do that however you want to.  Some people like to do it with weekly or bi-weekly pictures, some prefer to just write down notes on a routine basis, or you could even keep a journal…whatever works for you.  For me, once I start to see progress or change, no matter how big or small it is, that keeps me even more motivated to continue on the path that I have started!

Another way to stay motivated is to have images of what you would like to resemble, what you want certain parts of your body to look like, how you want your body to feel etc.  A way to do this is to create a motivation board or a goal board.  Whether you choose to set this up on your fridge, your kitchen wall, your bedroom wall…that’s all up to you :-)  To keep up motivation, put up pictures from magazines that you read in regards to who your role models may be – you may see certain exercises that depict a muscle (such as abs) that you would like to try to reach.   You can also just put up images, pictures, or cutouts of anything that reminds you of what you are doing, of where you want to be, and how you want to make it there!  It could be something that means absolutely nothing to anybody else – but that picture or image makes you smile and makes you remember the goals you are trying to reach!

I want to emphasize this point as well…it is wonderful to have role models, to have people that you would like to resemble - but remember to be happy with you and always still want to be you!!! Every single one of us is different. We have different genes and different shapes and sizes.  My biggest advice is to work with what you have to the best of your ability and keep motivating yourself with these positive steps forward. It is absolutely great to have role models or people that you look to to be like (not just because of what they look like but because of what they represent as a person), but never let yourself take away from wanting to be you because you would rather be somebody else.

I hope this has given you all a few tips as to how to stay motivated.  Always remember that you all have been a huge motivation for me and in turn I hope to do the same for you!!!  Keep pushing – you all are doing amazing!!!

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Natural Diuretics

samantha-wtf

I just want to explain briefly how diuretics work so everybody is on the same page.  I know that many know they “get rid of water” but it’s important to know how they do this as well!  Diuretics work by making your kidneys excrete more sodium in the urine. The body then tries to balance out this increased amount of sodium concentration, by adding more water to the urine from the blood stream during the process of urine formation.  By expelling the excess water in the urine there is now a decreased amount of fluid flowing through the blood vessels and pressure on the walls of the arteries is reduced.

There are prescription, non-prescription (over the counter water pills) and then there are also natural diuretics through foods, liquids or herbs.  Most people are aware that asparagus is a natural diuretic and most know this through competition diets or prepping for a shoot.  I get asked a lot though what are other natural diuretics or alternatives to asparagus.  I have prepared a list of several that I know of and the reasons behind why they work.

I also want to say  that diuretics, even natural ones, should not be used without consulting a medical professional. Due to the reduction in fluids this may influence the body’s balance of minerals and electrolytes as well as its basic hydration.  Always be very, very careful when deciding to do anything that changes the natural homeostasis of your body!

The following are some natural foods and herbs that exhibit diuretic qualities and promote the process:

  • Asparagus: It contains a chemical alkaloid called asparigine that promotes effective removal of wastes from the body by improving the functioning of the kidney.
  • Tomatoes: It’s a very rich source of Vitamin C that helps release excessive body fluids and improves metabolism.
  • Melon: Melons like watermelon ans muskmelon contains high levels of water, potassium and sodium that help eliminate toxins and stimulates urine production.
  • Carrots: Carrots are a rich source of carotene that increases metabolism and removal of waste and fat deposits. As a diuretic, carrots are good for people who suffer from gout, aiding in the disposal of uric acid which would otherwise crystallise, causing the pain of gout.
  • Lettuce: It helps flush out toxins and increases metabolism rate.
  • Brussels Sprouts: It helps in the cleansing of the body tissues and cells by stimulating the kidneys and pancreas.
  • Oats: It contains Silica which is a natural diuretic substance.
  • Dandelion leaf: It is high in potassium and mineral contents that aid the process of diuresis. It also helps in potassium retention.
  • Garlic: It contains mustard oils that have cleansing properties. They break down and flush out fats.
  • Cranberry Juice: It helps maintain the pH level of the urine, dilutes the urine and aids in increasing the frequency of urination. Its also helpful in improving and maintaining kidney functioning.
  • Parsley: It stimulates urination by flushing out toxins from the kidneys. Although adding fresh parsley to recipes may have some benefits, the most effective way to get the natural diuretic effects of parsley is to enjoy it as a tea.
  • Celery: Both the seed and the plant contain high levels of potassium and sodium that together stimulate urine production.
  • Green tea: It is being used in China, as a natural diuretic, since centuries.
  • Fennel: It exhibits diuretic and carminative properties.
  • Other natural diuretic foods and herbs include beets, cabbage, artichokes, watercress, Gingko Biloba, Buchu Extract, coffee and tea.

 

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