Excuses

Ask yourself this question when you are tempted to give up on your goals.

That Doughnut Will Cost You 88 Minutes of Cruches ... and More Bad News!!!

This chart really DOES make me think!!!  Now that I am exercising regularly, I am much more careful about my food choices!!

Why Isagenix? Your Body Will Love You!!! -- Video

I am so grateful that I found Isagrenix. My husband and I have lost a ton of weight, I have turned my poor health around so now I am healtier and more vibrant. We have also supplemented our income to we can live a life of comfort.

 If you would like to know a little more about our products and and company, please watch this video.  If it sounds like something you would like to know more about write to me at newtraditions99@yahoo.com or log on to my website: http://www.thehealthyhelms.com.

 

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What is High Intensity Interval Training and What Are The Benefits?



Image from WhyExercise.com

No Time for Exercise? Try High-Intensity Interval Training (HIT)

FROM: Isagenix Health

April 24, 2013

 With high-intensity interval training, you reap the benefits of exercise without spending hours at the gym.

We all know that exercise is good for us, and we’ve heard that we should be getting 30 to 60 minutes per day most days of the week. But in today’s fast-paced world, where the demands of work, child care, and home maintenance seem to endlessly steal from our ever-shrinking depot of availability, finding the time to meet these recommendations can be quite a challenge.

What if there was a form of exercise that would allow you to reap the many health benefits of regular physical activity in just a quarter of the time? According to a recent review written by Australian researchers, high-intensity interval training (HIT) is a form of exercise that may do exactly that. Mounting evidence cited by the authors suggests that HIT is a time-efficient and effective alternative to traditional endurance exercise for boosting weight loss, aerobic stamina, and cardiovascular and metabolic health (1).

What is HIT?

HIT involves alternating intense bouts of exercise, ranging from 30 seconds to several minutes, with recovery periods spanning one to five minutes. For example, a cyclist might incorporate HIT by pedaling as fast as possible for 30 seconds against a strong resistance, lowering the resistance and leisurely cycling for 4 minutes, and then repeating this alternating schedule 4 to 6 times per session.

Such a training regimen adds up to about 20 to 25 minutes of exercise, which has shown substantial benefits when performed as few as three times per week (2). Just 2.5 hours of HIT completed over a total of 2 weeks has demonstrated benefits that are equivalent to 10.5 hours of continuous moderate exercise.

What are the benefits of HIT?

1. Improved Body Composition

Many turn to traditional endurance exercise in the attempt to lose weight and improve their physical appearance, yet HIT may deliver even better results. HIT has been shown to reduce body fat, particularly abdominal fat (1, 3). In comparison with continuous moderate exercise, HIT increases energy expenditure and fat burning to a greater extent in the minutes and hours after a workout (1). This “after burn” is formally known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and reflects the body’s extra use of energy to replenish depleted fuel stores, repair cells, and restore hormonal and other body systems to their pre-exercise state. (This is also prime time for consuming IsaLean Shake or IsaLean Pro to fuel greater muscle growth!)

In addition to increasing EPOC to a greater extent than traditional endurance exercise, HIT also promotes greater releases of growth hormone (4). This transient increase in growth hormone may be important during the post-workout period when muscles are primed for growth. During exercise, muscle damage occurs and muscle synthesis stops. Spikes of growth hormone promoted by HIT may quickly mitigate protein breakdown after exercise and serve as a signal for muscle growth (5).

HIT may also help preserve muscle mass in other ways. During long bouts of steady-state exercise, glycogen (the storage form of sugar) becomes depleted, and the body begins to break into its muscle reserves to get protein that can be used for energy. Because HIT relies on intervals of intense exercise broken up by intervals of more leisure, less intense exercise, muscle reserves are better preserved. Together, increases in growth hormone and the protection of muscle protein results in the preservation of muscle mass, which keeps metabolism running high and supports greater fat loss over the long term.

2. Improved Cardiovascular Health

It is well known that several different markers of cardiovascular health—such as VO2 max, blood vessel wall elasticity, and blood pressure— can be improved by steady-state endurance training. HIT has also demonstrated equivalence or superiority over traditional endurance training in improving these markers (1). VO2 max is a measurement that determines the physical fitness of a person. It detects the maximum ability of the body to transport and use oxygen during exercise. The higher the VO2 max, the more efficiently a person can get oxygen to working muscle, and the more rapidly this oxygen can be used to power performance. Because the heart is a muscle that can be strengthened by exercise, HIT can improve the heart’s ability to contract, increasing the amount of blood and oxygen that can be pumped to muscle. HIT has been shown to increase VO2 max to an even greater extent than traditional endurance training (1).

An important indicator of cardiovascular health is blood vessel wall elasticity, often referred to as endothelial function; the better the endothelial function, the greater the capacity of the blood vessel to expand or contract when necessary. Unhealthy arteries tend to be harder and less flexible. HIT has also demonstrated improvement in endothelial function and in reduction of blood pressure (1).

In addition to increasing VO2 max, improving endothelial function, and lowering blood pressure, HIT may help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), while also increasing blood levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) when combined with a balanced diet. Improved levels of cholesterol, as well as better blood pressure and endothelial function, can lead to reduced cardiovascular disease risk.

3. Improved Metabolic Health

Another well-known benefit of regular exercise is improved blood sugar control. Exercising muscle has a high demand for sugar as a fuel source. The more intense the exercise, the more muscle relies on sugar from the bloodstream and stored forms of sugar (glycogen) for energy. HIT has been shown to be effective in reducing blood sugar, and has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity (1).

As a gatekeeper of sugar’s entry into body cells, the hormone insulin has a primary role in keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Resistance to insulin ultimately leads to high blood sugar levels and impaired energy production. The ability of HIT to enhance insulin sensitivity helps ensure the delivery of sugar to the cells that need it as well as proper blood sugar control.

4. Improved Aerobic Stamina and Exercise Performance

Although steady-state endurance training is notorious for improving aerobic stamina and conditioning, studies show that HIT is also an effective exercise strategy for achieving this goal. Not only does HIT increase VO2 max, it also increases time to exhaustion during exercise. In one study, the length of time that a group of eight athletes were able to cycle at 80 percent VO2 max nearly doubled—from 26 minutes to 51 minutes—after undergoing six HIT sessions over two weeks (6).

Another factor that contributes to endurance performance is the ability of the muscle to store sugar as glycogen. Glycogen is used for energy as exercise progresses. There is a limit to the amount of glycogen that each person can store, but HIT has been shown to increase this amount (1, 2, 7). HIT also causes muscle to lower the rate at which it uses glycogen for energy, resulting in a greater reliance on the use of fat for fuel. Increasing and preserving energy stores in the form of glycogen will extend time to exhaustion, ultimately improving exercise performance (1, 2, 7).

HIT is for (Almost) Everyone

Most people can benefit from HIT. Studies have shown that it is safe and effective for those with health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and offers numerous advantages for healthy people simply looking to save time or switch up their workouts (1). Even professional endurance athletes are using HIT to improve performance by incorporating it alongside traditional endurance exercise in a comprehensive training program.

HIT is a fun way to break up the monotony of conventional workouts, and according to the Australian researchers, may even be easier to stick to than traditional endurance training. HIT can yield substantial health and fitness benefits with minimal time commitments, making it the perfect prescription for those who don’t have 30 to 60 minutes every day to meet the current exercise recommendations. However, before starting HIT or any other exercise program, a consultation with a person’s physician is advised to determine if appropriate.

References

1. Shiraev T, Barclay G. Evidence based exercise – clinical benefits of high intensity interval training. Aust Fam Physician. 2012 Dec;41(12):960-2.

2. Gibala MJ. High-intensity interval training: a time-efficient strategy for health promotion? Curr Sports Med Rep. 2007 Jul;6(4):211-3. Review.

3. Boutcher SH. High-intensity intermittent exercise and fat loss. J Obes. 2011;2011:868305.

4. Pritzlaff CJ et al. Impact of acute exercise intensity on pulsatile growth hormone release in men. J Appl Physiol. 1999 Aug;87(2):498-504.

5. Post-exercise hypertrophic adaptations: A re-examination of the hormone hypothesis and its applicability to resistance training program design. J Strength Cond Res. 2013 Feb 25. [Epub ahead of print]

6. Burgomaster KA, et al. Six sessions of sprint interval training increases muscle oxidative potential and cycle endurance capacity in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2005 Jun;98(6):1985-90. Epub 2005 Feb 10.

7. Gibala MJ, McGee SL. Metabolic adaptations to short-term high-intensity interval training: a little pain for a lot of gain? Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2008 Apr;36(2):58-63.

Wanting to get into shape? 

Contact me at newtraditions99@yahoo.com

or go to http://thehealthyhelms.com

 

Isagenix Success Story: Amy Hanson

Amy Hanson, Isagenix distributor and user said she has never seen her abs since she was in her 20s.  Here is how she looks at 40!!!

 

Congratulations Amy!!!!

EFT Video for Weight Loss Self-Sabotage -- Video

I had a little problem yesterday by eating something that was not in my game plan for the day.  I realized that this has happened to me often as I near my goals.  I decided to tap (use EFT techniques) on the issue of self-sabotage.  Here is a video you can tap along with if you are also experiencing self-sabbage within your weight loss program.

Ending Self-Sabotage with Kim

 

 

How the Detoxification Process Works

Image from Isagenix

For those of you who, like my husband, need a scientific explanation for everything, here is an article from Isagenix Health which gives a great explanation of the detoxification process.

 

The Basics of Detoxification

April 18, 2013 from Isagenix Health

 

Whether out for a run, grilling your favorite meats on a hot summer day, or spring cleaning the house, our bodies are exposed to millions of chemicals considered “toxins”. These toxins in our environment (exotoxins) and that our bodies produce (endotoxins) have the ability to disrupt the essential biological structures needed for the body to function such as DNA, cellular membranes, and protein. Repeated exposure to various toxins can contribute to adverse health effects in the short-term such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue; and in the long-term can contribute to weight gain and chronic health outcomes.

Detoxification is essential for ridding the body of toxins and preventing their “health robbing” effects. Although all cells have the ability to detoxify toxins, the most important organ for detoxification is the liver–known as the body’s filter and purification system.

Fat Cells House Toxins

Toxins enter the liver as either water- or fat-soluble molecules. Water-soluble toxins are rather easily metabolized and excreted into the urine. In contrast, fat-soluble toxins can be stored in fat cells where they are protected from the body’s detoxification systems.

Excess fat stores, especially organ-bathing visceral fat, are linked to several diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction. The addition of toxin exposure to an overweight or obese individual may only serve to increase these risks (1).

Three Phases of Detoxification

There are three phases of detoxification (2). In the first step, the toxin is metabolized by phase I detoxifying enzymes resulting in an intermediary metabolite. Although there are several phase I enzymes, the most abundant and important are the cytochrome P-450s (P-450s).

During detoxification, P-450s perform two functions: 1) they make toxins more water-soluble, and 2) they convert the toxin into a molecule usually less toxic and, therefore, less reactive towards our DNA, proteins, etc. (Interestingly, sometimes this reaction converts a less toxic molecule into a more toxic molecule, which is where phase II detoxification steps in.) The result is a more water-soluble, less toxic molecule easily transported into the blood, through our kidneys, and out into the urine for elimination.

After undergoing phase I detoxification many toxins are then subject to phase II detoxification. At its most basic level, phase II enzymes place a water-soluble small molecule onto the toxin.

One of the most important phase II detoxifying enzymes is known as glutathione (GSH) transferase. As the name implies, the GSH transferases transfer a GSH molecule onto the toxin. Like phase I detoxification, this step also serves to make the toxin water-soluble and less toxic to the body.
Besides GSH, the body uses several other molecules to bind to the toxin and increase its solubility including sulfates, amino acids, and glucuronic acid. The use of these water-soluble small molecules makes sense considering that our cells have a surplus of these molecules inside or outside the cell. However, if we’re exposed to excessive amounts of toxins they could rapidly deplete our GSH levels resulting in too little GSH to do what it does best, which is to protect against free radicals and detoxify toxins.

Finally, phase III of detoxification involves the elimination of toxins from cells. In this step, the products of phase I and II reactions are transported out of cells and into the bloodstream for elimination.

Proper Nutrition Essential for Detoxification

To ensure optimal functioning of our detoxification systems it is essential to have an adequate dietary intake of vitamins (B vitamins, vitamins C, and E), minerals (selenium, zinc, copper), and other bioactive nutrients such as coenzyme Q10 and polyphenols. These nutrients bolster our detoxification defenses either through their roles in phases I, II or III of detoxification or by providing antioxidant support (3). Nutritional support is essential in the detoxification process because some toxins are produced as the result of free radicals. Additionally, nutritional support is needed to counteract the oxidative damage caused by toxins.

Plant botanicals including ashwagandha, aloe vera, and turmeric (Cleanse for Life), milk thistle (Product B), resveratrol, and other antioxidant vitamins and botanicals (Ageless Essential Daily Pak) have all been shown to improve detoxification. Beyond these micronutrients, the detoxification system also needs an adequate source of the amino acid cysteine, the sulfur-containing amino acid essential for GSH production. Luckily, cysteine is abundant in whey protein found in IsaLean Shakes, Bars, and Soups.

Calorie Restriction and Intermittent Fasting Stimulate Detoxification

Although not yet extensively examined in humans, subjecting animals to calorie restriction (CR) or intermittent fasting (IF) has also been shown to increase efficiency of detoxification pathways. The precise mechanisms responsible for the benefits of CR or IF on detoxification are unclear, but it’s thought that these two cleansing protocols “turn on” genes that increase synthesis of our detoxification enzymes within the phase I, II or III pathways.
Additionally, the reduction of fat mass—the primary target for toxin storage—stimulates the release of toxins into the circulation. Once in the bloodstream toxins are more easily metabolized and excreted from the body. When the body has the additional nutritional support of amino acids, vitamins, polyphenols, and other bioactive ingredients, the detoxification enzymes can perform at peak function.

The Isagenix system ingeniously incorporates both intermittent fasting on Cleanse Days and calorie restriction on Shake Days to help you burn fat and stimulate the release of fat-stored toxins. The polyphenol-rich nutrients and plant extracts found in Cleanse For Life provide plant-based antioxidants (4-7) that support the detoxification enzymes responsible for toxin elimination. Also, the whey protein in IsaLean Shake supplies essential amino acids such as cysteine that can boost GSH production (8,9) and facilitate toxin removal.

References:
1. Holtcamp W. Obesogens: an environmental link to obesity. Environ Health Perspect 2012;120:a62-a68.
2. Liska DJ. The detoxification enzyme systems. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:187-98.
3. Yang YM, Noh K, Han CY, Kim SG. Transactivation of genes encoding for phase II enzymes and phase III transporters by phytochemical antioxidants. Molecules 2010;15:6332-48.
4. Vinson JA, Al KH, Andreoli L. Effect of Aloe vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and E. Phytomedicine 2005;12:760-5.
5. Kim BH, Hong SS, Kwon SW et al. Diarctigenin, a lignan constituent from Arctium lappa, down-regulated zymosan-induced transcription of inflammatory genes through suppression of DNA binding ability of nuclear factor-kappaB in macrophages. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008;327:393-401.
6. Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK et al. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fertil Steril 2010;94:989-96.
7. Krikorian R, Shidler MD, Nash TA et al. Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. J Agric Food Chem 2010;58:3996-4000.
8. Bounous G, Gold P. The biological activity of undenatured dietary whey proteins: role of glutathione. Clin Invest Med 1991;14:296-309.
9. Sekhar RV, Patel SG, Guthikonda AP et al. Deficient synthesis of glutathione underlies oxidative stress in aging and can be corrected by dietary cysteine and glycine supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;94:847-53.