Bathing Suit Season, it's HERE

It's that time of year again - BATHING SUIT SEASON! Are you ready?

I have several clients, including me, getting ready for the first pool party of the year. But wait, before making an appearance, how do you get that flat stomach and less flab here, and less flab there? Though genetics play a major role in whether or not you, or me, can have a "6 pack" stomach and less flab, there are 2 types of exercises that will help sculpt your beach (or pool) body: STRENGTH TRAINING & CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE.

For that oh so desired definition in the abdominals, they have to grow larger and the fat laying over them must decrease. To achieve this, you must combine strength training AND cardio. Also, don't forget about your diet! These 3 components must be included in your workout regime for results. So, just as doing 500 crunches a day alone won't provide a "6 pack", neither will doing a million tricep pulldowns or a million knee extensions provide toned arms and thighs. "Spot reducing" and "spot toning" is unsuccessful - fat just doesn't turn into muscle. Any exercise that decreases body fat will not only help you lose the fat covering your abdominals, but also help decrease the fat around your arms, legs and everywhere else!

11 hour workday today! For most people this would be awful, but for me, I'm looking forward to all 11 hours. Why? Because I have the best clients; so proud of all of them - Thanks to all of my clients that make my job so enjoyable! Love you all!

"Hungry Girl"

Here is a great website my client, Maggie, introduced me to. Thanks for sharing Maggie!

You can subscribe to receive free daily emails - Monday you'll receive an email with nutritional news updates; Tuesday will suggest to "chew the right thing"; Wednesday is "ask hungry girl day"; Thursday provides diet content; and Friday you'll receive survival tips for the weekend.

Click here if you're "hungry for daily tips and tricks"

GREAT GROCERY FIND

I love having a variety of Boca products in my freezer. It's a healthy satisfying way to increase protein intake while decreasing total caloric intake. Total calories range from 70 - 160 per patty, so they can serve as a great snack or make a great dinner. In fact, I had one this evening - I put a chicken patty over mixed greens and topped it with sliced strawberries. It was a great, quick and easy healthy meal. Try them out and let me know what you think! Also share your Boca recipes as I may need a fresh new idea...as long as it's easy ;)

Mark your calendar for the Katy Trail 5K run or walk -- May 13!

Katy Trail 5K

I went to the dentist yesterday for routine cleaning. I have not been to a dentist in Dallas yet, so I was nervous about my visit - for many reasons. I am very happy to say that I actually enjoyed my visit and was very pleased with my hygienist and her performance. I usually hate getting my teeth cleaned, but it wasn't as bad as I expected :) The receptionists were so friendly and welcoming. If you're due for a cleaning and don't know where to go, I highly recommend the office I went to:

Dr Richard Zweig

8117 Preston #150W
Dallas, TX 75225
(214) 361-6302

www.wecreatedallassmiles.com

"Oral health is integral to overall health..."

Oral Health in America, A Report of the Surgeon General 2000

Coffee before your workouts?

Recently I was asked if it was okay to have coffee before working out. Absolutely! It actually enhances your workout.

Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system, improving energy levels, alertness, concentration and reaction time. Its effects are similar to amphetamines (but weaker). Caffeine increases muscular endurance, delaying the onset of fatigue; so you can work harder, longer. It improves sprint and strength activities as well. Having a cup of coffee appears to decrease pain during exercise.

So, before you hit the gym, stimulate your central nervous system and enhance your workout with a cup of coffee.

Avoid adding heavy creams, whole milk and sugar, as this increases calories per serving and sabotages weight loss. Focus on the caffeine, not the sugar high!