laura lewis-related stories
Get Fit With These Quirky Tips
The Passion Principle, Motivation
If you are at the point of popping in workout videos and watching from the sofa while sipping on milkshakes and eating popcorn, or you're supplementing your healthy diet with handfuls of peanut M&Ms, french fries and margaritas, well, then some new motivation is in order!
Heck, on occasion even I need motivation -- and I am known as an enthusiastic health and fitness advocate and motivator. I am only human, after all. So I decided to conduct a bit of research on some common and not-so-common motivators. I gleaned information from my body-obsessed hair stylist and from the editor of a popular fitness magazine. Plus, I checked out a few online sources. I came up with some "interesting" motivational strategies. Read on!
Set an alarm clock in your living room. There was a fellow who had a hard time getting out of bed in the morning to go to the gym. Since his wife and small children were sleeping, he felt it was easier to sleep in with the rest of them. So he decided to set two alarm clocks -- one by the bed and one in the living room. If the one in the living room were to go off, it would wake his children at 5 a.m., which is something he did not want to happen since havoc would inevitably ensue. So he learned to hop up when the first alarm went off, he turned off the one in the living room, and then he headed to the gym.
The Forgiveness Diet - Let Go and Lose
The Passion Principle, Motivation
If you've tried all sorts of diets and nothing works, it might not be your "slow metabolism" getting in the way. It could be your inability to forgive.
Remember that gym teacher who called you lazy? How about the "ex" who called you fat and not worthy? A boss who fired you? Or perhaps you can't forgive yourself. As we live our lives, hurtful memories are inevitable. But the act of forgiving can be a powerful technique for decreasing stress and improving your overall health and well-being.
Personally, I've been though an extensive forgiveness process, and the relief I felt was unexpected. I honestly felt as if someone lifted a huge burden off of my shoulders. The stress we experience by holding on to feelings of anger, resentment, hatred and negativity can weigh us down in many ways, and in some cases, can lead to self-destructive behaviors, such as overeating, excessive drinking and other not-so-good-for-you activities.
Crank it Up - Tunes are Good For Your Heart
The Passion Principle, Fitness, Motivation
How do you feel when you listen to music? Do different types of music affect you on an emotional level? Physical level? Music is a simple way to infuse passion and energy into your life. I always use energizing music when I work out at the gym, while on the elliptical or treadmill machines. Blue Man Group is my choice right now. The music immediately makes me want to move and laugh as I recall the shows of theirs I've seen. So, it works for me. And I love using music to elevate my mood in the car. I have to admit I am a fan of Britney Spears, especially the song Pieces of Me. (Now you know one of my deepest secrets!) I crank it up in the car. There is just something about it that boosts my mood (not the words!) and makes me just want to move! Do you do that? Throw on music because you know it will make you feel better, like I do?
It turns out that music and health go hand in hand, and recent studies are now showing that indeed it can have an impact upon cardiovascular function!
You're going to love this information! So read on:
Being Fit Can Improve Your Orgasms? -- Yes, Yes, Yes!
The Passion Principle, Motivation
Does being fit mean you'll have a better sex life? Some think so. Hey listen, my ultimate goal is to motivate you to become healthier, happier and more physically fit. So think about this: If you knew your sex life would be much improved, would you be more inclined to get your "fluffy" self to the gym? Or to eat a healthier diet? Maybe even take a few "good for your sex life" supplements? Your answer should be yes, yes ... yes!
Here are six "Better Sex Tips" that might improve the big "O" and more:
The Daily Turn On!-7 Slow Down Strategies
Life is too short not to be fully "turned on." The Daily Turn On! energizes all aspects of "you." Every Monday, The Daily Turn On! with That's Fit Life Fit expert Laura Lewis will provide you with ideas and tips to awaken your mind, your body and your life as you journey through each day of the week! Check in each Monday to get your tip for Turning On every day of your life.It's time to SLOW down. Life will fly by too fast if you don't slow down and pay attention to being "in the moment." Think about it. When you rush, you become stressed. Stress leads to ill health because consistently pushing your own "pedal to the medal" elevates cortisol levels. I know, I bring up lowering cortisol levels quite often but some say it's easier said then done. To give you a little push in the right (and healthier) direction, here are Seven Slow Down Strategies you might want to implement this week. If I told you slowing down will help you to be leaner, would you do it? Then do it for weight reasons. Just slow down!
- Get up earlier. Set your alarm clock for 30 minutes earlier than normal and take your time getting ready. Who knows, you might actually enjoy sitting down to breakfast and drinking your morning cup of "joe" or tea along with an egg or two and a slice of whole grain bread and a bowl of berries. Have a "slow" breakfast!
- Take your time getting to work. There is no comparison to how you will feel if you slow down and take your time commuting to work. Make it a point to look around. Take in the sites. Look up at the sky. Smile at someone. Take it easy.
Ask Laura! Let go to lose weight
Ask Laura!, Diet & Weight Loss
Life Fitness is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Need motivation and guidance to facilitate positive changes in your life? Ask Life Fit Expert Laura Lewis!Dear Laura:
I have tried so many diets but end up going off of them because I miss my favorite foods. I don't know why I just can't stick to a program. Do you have any advice? I really want to lose the baby weight I gained during my last pregnancy. But that was three years ago and I am still thirty pounds overweight.
Signed,
Fran in Little Rock, Arkansas
Dear Fran,
Over the years, I have helped so many people get their health and their eating on track. The one commonality I have found between many of them is their unwillingness to let go of foods, beverages, candy, gum and even condiments that they "love." When you want to lose weight, get healthier, live longer and get more fit, you have to go through a process of what I like to call "Letting go to lose!"
The Daily Turn On! 6 ways to get high ... naturally
Life is too short not to be fully "turned on." The Daily Turn On! energizes all aspects of "you." Every Monday The Daily Turn On! with That's Fit Life Fit expert Laura Lewis will provide you with ideas and tips to awaken your mind, your body and your life as you journey through each day of the week! Check in each Monday to get your tip for Turning On every day of your life.You're an addict. You really are. As members of the human race, we naturally aspire to be happy, joyful, excited, buzzed, elated and "out-of-this-world-blissed out!" We love our "feel good" brain chemicals. Who wouldn't really? Whether we realize it or not, we all strive to attain just the right balance of dopamine, serotonin, cortisol, growth hormone, essential fats, insulin and other naturally occuring "bio"chemicals in our bodies. Fitness lovers, myself included, love the high that comes along with a great workout, right? I know I do. At the end of a particularly stressful day the "pre-workout" Laura looks very different before doing forty-five minutes of cardio and thirty minutes of free weights. I am all smiles ... and naturally high.
The hunger to feel good has a flip side. Hence addiction is a huge problem for many in our society. I should know. My genetic heritage is laden with those who have struggled with alcoholism and prescription drug abuse. My Grandpa Len died from it. He was such a great guy too and I adored him. It's too bad he died at age 57. I still miss him to this day.
Ask Laura! The real secret to the fountain of youth
Life Fitness is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Need motivation and guidance to facilitate positive changes in your life? Ask Life Fit Expert Laura Lewis!Dear Laura:
I am a woman in my 40s, married and have two kids in high school. I try to work out but my diet isn't the best. But I am doing better than others I know. My question is what do you think is the most important thing to focus upon if I want to live a long time yet feel and look great too?
Deborah K., Lexington, KY
Dear Deborah:
Great question! In other words, what is the fountain of youth? Remember the movie with Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn entitled "Death Becomes Her?" The comedy focuses upon the two rivals obtaining a youth elixir from the eternally beautiful Isabella Rossellini's character. They end up being beautiful on the outside while their bodies decay on the inside. Funny yet thought provoking movie. Does a fountain of youth exist? Maybe. It appears residents of a particular community in Europe seem to have found it.
The Daily Turn On! Cabernet, cranberries & cabbage ... oh my!
Life is too short not to be fully "turned on." The Daily Turn On! energizes all aspects of "you." Every Monday The Daily Turn On! with That's Fit Life Fit expert Laura Lewis will provide you with ideas and tips to awaken your mind, your body and your life as you journey through each day of the week! Check in each Monday to get your tip for Turning On every day of your life.Purple it up babe. Yup. Drink it up. Eat it up. And you may just be thinner, look younger, get healthier and live longer than "non-purple eaters." Is it important to ramp up these foods in your diet? You bet! Read on for some pretty cool reasons you need to include more fruits, veggies, herbs and even flowers rich in anthocyanins in your daily diet:
- Foods containing these natural red, purple, pink and blue pigments have been found to be powerful in fighting free radicals in the body. What do free radicals do? Cause disease, increase the aging process and cause a myriad of health problems. Foods with purple power are known "super foods!"
- Anthocyanins are involved in neurogenesis and have been found to enhance neuronal signaling capabilities and improve communication among neurons. Blueberries are known to enhance memory function. The blue pigments protect the brain and help neurons!
Ask Laura! Can you lose weight with affirmations?
Life Fitness is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Need motivation and guidance to facilitate positive changes in your life? Ask Life Fit Expert Laura Lewis!Dear Laura:
What is your opinion about affirmations? Do you think they work if you are trying to lose weight? I've tried them before and no luck.
Signed,
Curious in Webster, NY
Dear Curious,
By affirmations, I assume you are referring to where one speaks out loud a phrase related to specific goal. Yes, I believe they can work. But your mind and your heart need to be in the right places. Or you might as well be reading The Gettysburg Address out loud every day.
The Daily Turn On! Eat these bugs
Life is too short not to be fully "turned on." The Daily Turn On! energizes all aspects of "you." Every Monday The Daily Turn On! with That's Fit Life Fit expert Laura Lewis will provide you with ideas and tips to awaken your mind, your body and your life as you journey through each day of the week! Check in each Monday to get your tip for Turning On every day of your life.
What if I were to tell you your body depends upon good "bugs" to help you to stay healthy? To help you digest your food properly? To manufacture B vitamins in your gut? To prevent acne, lower cholesterol, ward off intruders? And would keep you happy, healthy and shore up your immune system? Would you eat them?
Now I am not talking about eating crickets, ants or larvae, although I understand that to some people in various parts of the globe these types of bugs may be considered a delicacy or even common dining fare. Heck, to get a glimpse of someone eating weird foods watch the Travel Channel's Andrew Zimmern's show ... I watch with one eye closed!
The kind of bugs I am referring to happen to be a part of a huge population of good bacteria (only three and a half pounds worth!) that lives in your digestive tract. I know you have seen the commercials for yogurt beverages that contain version of "good bacteria" to keep you healthy and frankly, I am thrilled to see the American public coming around to this very important food element that is essential to living a long and healthy life.
Ask Laura! Loneliness leads to belly fat
Ask Laura!, Diet & Weight Loss, Motivation
Life Fitness is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Need motivation and guidance to facilitate positive changes in your life? Ask Life Fit Expert Laura Lewis!Dear Laura,
I recently moved to a new city for a job and haven't really changed much in my routine at work since I am basically doing the same job. At home, I just don't have any one to hang out with like I used to in my home town. I don't think I am eating more but I am gaining weight anyway and I've gone up a pant size. Could the stress of moving make me gain weight? Can being lonely have anything to do with it?
Signed,
Bob P, Wayne, Pa.
Hi Bob,
Great question. And I am so sorry you are going through this adjustment in your life. It's tough moving to a new town, leaving familiar faces, friends and family behind. You move for the opportunity yet something is amiss. And it is natural to feel lonely in this type of circumstance. Physically, your body is reacting to being lonely. Did you know when you are feeling lonely the blood flow running through your cardiovascular system slows down? And that the feeling of being lonely may directly impact your waist line? Here's why:
The Daily Turn On! Drink water, don't exercise, lose fat!
Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
Life is too short not to be fully "turned on." The Daily Turn On! energizes all aspects of "you." Every Monday The Daily Turn On! with That's Fit Life Fit expert Laura Lewis will provide you with ideas and tips to awaken your mind, your body and your life as you journey through each day of the week! Check in each Monday to get your tip for Turning On every day of your life.Heads up to all you dieters who believe drinking non-calorie beverages such as diet soda, coffee, and tea instead of water will help you lose weight: With all calories and activity levels being the same, water drinkers win when it comes to weight loss!
Results of the first ever study to discover -- and validate -- that drinking water helps the body lose weight, independent of diet and physical activity, made it's debut this month in the journal of Obesity.
In a previous study, called the Stanford A to Z weight loss study, researchers enrolled 311 women and examined the effect of different types of diets (Atkins, Zone, Learn program, and the Ornish Diet) in an attempt to discern which was most effective for weight loss. Atkins was the winner, by the way. The study was highly-controlled and patients met regularly with dietitians.
Where did they come up with the results on why water is the winning weight loss elixir? Researchers went back to the same study for a secondary review and examined the data of 173 premenopausal overweight women (ages 25-50 years) and reanalyzed the impact of water intake and weight loss. The patients were divided into two groups, those who drank less than one liter of water per day and those that drank more than one liter of water per day. After the data was analyzed, researchers found that no matter what diet the women were on, an increase in drinking water to more than one liter of water per day was associated with a two kilogram or five pound weight loss over a twelve month time frame.
This week as your "Daily Turn On," turn up your metabolic furnace by drinking water instead of diet soda. Forgo the coffee, tea and other non-calorie beverages and drink up good ol' H2O! Before you know it, you just may drop a few pounds. A liter a day makes the pounds go away!
Ask Laura! Boost Bedroom Mojo with Exercise
Ask Laura!, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Motivation, Men's Health
Life Fitness is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Need motivation and guidance to facilitate positive changes in your life? Ask Life Fit Expert Laura Lewis!
Dear Laura:
My husband and I work full-time. By the time we get home and eat dinner, we really aren't interested in having sex. I know all I want to do is get ready for bed to sleep! My husband is usually asleep by the time I get into bed. I read somewhere that exercising might help by putting us "in the mood." Would joining a gym help us out in the love department?
Thanks a bunch!
"Feeling like a slug" in Chicago
Dear Feeling,So many people are low energy, depressed, stressed and just plain unhappy. Like you, there is not a lot of activity happening in the bedroom. Many are sedentary. Yet, did you know that simply exercising, specifically doing weight resistance exercise at least three times per week can naturally elevate your testosterone or "T" levels? And the higher your testosterone levels are the more you will be in the mood to hop in the sack with your honey. If you are interested in having some smoking hot activity in the boudoir with your sweetie pie, listen up! Check out these 5 "T" boosting tips on how to turn up the heat!
1. Join a gym. If you have never had a private session with a trainer, then book one. An experienced personal trainer can give you a thorough orientation on how to properly use all of the exercise equipment a gym has to offer. Most gyms will provide a free session upon request to help you get started.Then once you get going, really focus upon the goal of doing three high intensity sets on each piece of equipment with resting periods in between sets, of 30 seconds to three minutes. Workout hard and push yourself to go beyond your comfort zone. Higher intensity workouts result in higher elevation of testosterone. Also, the harder you workout, the longer you can rest before you move on to the next set!
The Daily Turn On! Feel Pain to See Gain in Metabolic Rate
Life is too short not to be fully "turned on." The Daily Turn On! energizes all aspects of "you." Every Monday The Daily Turn On! with That's Fit Life Fit expert Laura Lewis will provide you with ideas and tips to awaken your mind, your body and your life as you journey through each day of the week! Check in each Monday to get your tip for Turning On every day of your life.Warning: This post may change the way you work out in the gym forever! A recent article in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research shows the results of a study where individuals who worked out with weights, taking one second in the concentric or contracting phase of a "lift," such as in a bicep curl, but slowed down their eccentric or extension phase of the motion to THREE seconds, experienced a faster metabolic rate for up to 72 hours following their workout as compared to "normal lifters." Study participants with normal lifting behavior, executing one second "up" and one second "down" lifts, experienced a much shorter time span for an elevated metabolic burn! Why?
Those who took longer extending weights away from the body with a very slow motion were more sore than their "one second" up and down counterparts. And being more sore equates to an elevated metabolic rate as the body is working very hard to repair damaged tissues. Remember, when you work out with weights, you are purposefully breaking down muscle fibers so they will rebuild to become stronger. The slower extension of weights caused the most stress on muscles and in turn, had the most gain with cranking up the ol' metabolism!
Oh, and if you think spending all that time on the treadmill or elipitical will be just as effective, think again. Yes, you'll burn calories during that cardio workout while you are sweating bullets, however, things slow down much more quickly in the metabolic department as compared to when you are dedicating quality time to your muscles. In a typical cardio workout muscles are not as challenged or broken down as they are when you hit the weights.
This week, hit the gym at least three days and turn up and turn on your metabolism by slowing down those weight extensions!
*Want to know which exercise would be the best for you to do in order to burn off last night's splurge of creme brulee"? Check out AOL Health's "Exercise Estimator" to find out!
