Tag: boost metabolism

This Is Better Than Aerobics

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Warning: before you kick off your New Year’s resolution to work out and get in better shape, please read this message. It could save you a lot of time, wasted energy and frustration.

Did you know that your lung capacity is the best predictor of how long you will live?

A number of studies, including the very highly regarded Framingham Heart Study (which has been going on for over 50 years), have found that lung capacity is the best predictor of longevity.

The bigger your lungs, the more air they can process, the longer you live. Unfortunately, once you hit your 30s, your lung capacity begins to decline. In fact, depending on how active you remain, by the time you hit 70 you’ll lose about 50 percent of your lung capacity.

In order to improve and preserve lung capacity, you’ve got to build up a reserve of capacity.

You may think this means jumping into an aerobic exercise program.

No!

Aerobic exercise to a certain point is OK. But unless you are a marathon runner, there is no need to do that much aerobic exercising.

You will make a superior investment of time if you focus on your breathing exercises; perform shorter, more intense interval training two to three times per week; and include two brief, well-rounded strength training sessions per week.

In fact, you can even program your strength training so that it provides strength and lean muscle building effects while also giving you the cardiovascular work you need to improve lung capacity.

The truth is, aerobics can actually decrease lung size. Sure, your lungs may become more efficient. But their overall capacity declines.

On the other hand, focusing directly on your breathing – as with the exercises in the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course, Volume II: The Dynamic Energy Routine is the surest way to build lung capacity.

These exercises tone and strengthen the muscles and structures that support healthy, proper breathing. Proper breathing can also  lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and help you burn more calories.

Bottom line: you don’t have to subject yourself to long, boring bouts of “cardio” or aerobic exercise.

Whether you’re overweight and need to lose some L-B’s….or you are trying to gain weight and are having trouble putting on lean mass….a solid program of deep breathing, intervals and well-rounded resistance training is the way to go for optimal results.

You Can Do It!

Karen

“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with Dynamic Energy Exercise!”

P.S. The combination of deep breathing with specific exercises in the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course, Volume 2: The Dynamic Energy Routine, is a powerhouse. For even faster results, especially if you wish to lose weight and melt off fat, go with the Fire Up Your Metabolism Program. This program provides you with an excellent workout centered around breathing, dynamic tension, and movements that work the large muscles of the body. Visit the Best Breathing Exercises website  for more information or to get your copy today.

Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2011

Three Easy Steps You Can Take Now…to Help You Accomplish Your Goals in 2012

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What is the most common activity of people this time of year? Other than shopping, I mean.

It’s assessing – either consciously or subconsciously – how this past year has gone.

You look back at what has happened, what you have accomplished, and what you have left undone.

If you are consciously doing this, you are actually taking stock, either in your head or on paper.

If you are unconsciously doing this, you probably are feeling either really good about life….or you have a sense of unease or disappointment that you can’t quite shake.

Of course, as part of this process, a lot of people skip over what they didn’t get done this year, and move right into thinking about the new year. That’s because the new year is fresh and full of promise. So…they make resolutions. Probably the same resolution they made a year ago. Losing weight and getting more fit is one of the most common.

But you don’t have to wait until New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to set your goals. Nor do you have to wait to begin preparing yourself for beginning to work toward your goals.

Yes, there’s nothing like momentum. If you can get clear on what you want to do in 2012 now, and begin to do a few simple things to prepare yourself…you will hit the ground running on January 1st.

Even if you are a little hungover.

Well, in that spirit, here are three simple things you can begin doing now, even during the hub bub of the holidays, to improve your health and explode into the new year with momentum:

(1)Drink lots of purified or quality bottled water. At least half your bodyweight in ounces, every day. Water purifies and detoxifies your body. It helps maintain your metabolism and energy at high levels.

(2)Take a daily multi-vitamin/mineral, vitamin C, and fish oil. If there were a law passed that limited me to only three supplements, these are the three I would focus on for general health.

Vitamin C provides so many benefits, I could write a book about it. Fish oil is a natural anti-inflammatory. And inflammation has been implicated as a root cause or contributor to a number of different ailments and diseases, from arthritis and asthma to heart disease and Alzheimers.

(3)Do some deep breathing and/or dynamic energy exercises each day. Preferably first thing in the morning, to expand your energy and set yourself up for a productive and successful day.

Morning breathing and energy exercises are one of the cornerstones of the fitness and health principles I teach and follow.

Learning to breathe properly and developing greater vital capacity are two of the most significant steps you can take to ensure high levels of health and energy today….and years from now.

You can also do some deep breathing and light stretching in the evening. I tell you, there is no better way to relax after a tough day. Just a few minutes will have you sleeping like a baby.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-learn, fun to do series of exercises, consider one of the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course volumes. Or, if one of your goals for 2012 is to lose weight and get in shape, you can try the exercises and other recommendations in the “Fire Up Your Metabolism” Program.

All of these programs are available at the Best Breathing Exercises web site – check em out at http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/productspage.html.

Like I said, these are simple things you can begin doing now. You’ll feel better, you’ll be healthier…and you will hit the ground in full gear for the New Year!

You Can Do It!

Karen Van Ness

“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with Dynamic Energy Exercise!” http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com

Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2011

The Case For Mindfulness

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I was driving around yesterday, running some errands. I realized
at one point that I had totally zoned out.

You know how it is when you are in the car, perhaps listening to
some good music, and you get completely tranced out.

Before you know it, you are five miles down the road and don’t
remember one bit about your trip.

This was brought to my attention by none other than my son, Miguel.

He notices everything. He often sees something that I have not
attended to, then asks me questions about it. of course, this
compels me to respond and pay better attention.

The adult is tranced out, while the child is totally excited and
immersed in the world around him.

Hmmmm….I think Miguel is trying to teach me something.

Not that it’s wrong to daydream or lose yourself in your thoughts.
Quite often, you are working out problems and coming up with
solutions to challenges during these ruminative periods.

But there’s a lot to be said for mindfulness as well.

For example, I believe that the more focus and concentration you
put into your workout – whether it’s breathing exercises, or
cardio, or lifting weights, or yoga – the better the results you
will achieve.

If, as you exercise, you think about the beautiful physique you
are sculpting, or the high levels of energy and health you are
developing, or your increased ability to handle challenges and
manage stress…well, not only will you enjoy your workout more.
You will also create a positive energy that will stay with you
after your workout.

And you will truly feel your body as you put it through its paces.
This body awareness, this sense of self, is very empowering.

One of the reasons I admire the Japanese is because they practice
mindfulness as part of their daily lives.

Let’s take something as simple as a cup of tea.

Here’s my method: boil the water as I do something else. Let the
tea steep for five minutes as I do something else. Drink the tea
as I read or work or watch TV. Finish it within five minutes
and move on to something else.

Contrast this with the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Everything is choreographed down to the smallest detail. The host
and the guest each have a role. Nothing is hurried.

The participants enjoy the delicious tea. And they benefit from
this wonderfully tranquil and uplifting respite from their hectic
lives.

See if you can create these wonderful moments of total attention
and mindfulness for yourself. Totally focus on the activity of
your choice – whether it’s drinking a cup of tea, or reading a
good book, or exercising.

I think you’ll find these moments will add to your appreciation
for, and enjoyment of, life.

You Can Do It!

Karen

“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with
Dynamic Energy Exercise!”
www.BestBreathingExercises.com

P.S. Would you like to improve your energy levels…better
manage and even transform stress…or “finally” lose the weight
you’ve been trying to take off?

Your best strategy is to begin by getting centered and focused
with the power of deep breathing. The Best Breathing Exercises
programs can help you do just that. For more information on the
program that could be just right for you, visit
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com.

Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2011

Psychology Over Mechanics

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Recently we enrolled our son Miguel, who just turned 7, in
tae kwon do classes.

He’s excited and enthusiastic. And I’m quite proud, since one of
my life-long loves and passions has been martial arts. A chip off
the old block, as they say!

Miguel in his fighting stance, ready for action. How's that for enthusiasm?
Miguel in his fighting stance, ready for action. How's that for enthusiasm?

One of the most important lessons we are seeking to teach Miguel,
with his TKD lessons as well as with his other activities, such
as soccer, is the importance of showing up.

You’ve heard that saying, “Ninety percent of success in life is
just showing up”.

It’s attributed to Woody Allen, and I believe he actually said
50 percent. People grabbed hold of the thought and embellished
a little.

But he has a great point. It’s true that, very often, we avoid,
dismiss, or shy away from the meetings, classes, events and so
forth that could really make a difference in our lives.

Could be that we think we are too busy. Or we are intimidated or
afraid. Or we are not ready or willing to make the commitment
required.

I know the feeling well. There have been plenty of times over the
years when I didn’t feel like participating in a meeting. I knew
it would be boring, would go on for too long, and might not
achieve any sort of resolution.

But I went anyways, because I knew I might have one piece of
information that could move things forward, or get others thinking.
Or I could add moral support to someone else’s position. Or I
might make a new contact that would prove to be beneficial.

Same thing happens when it comes to your efforts to improve your
fitness or health, lose weight, or better manage the stress in your
life.

You may avoid doing anything because you are afraid of “showing up”.

You are not yet ready to make the commitment to follow through –
to be an active participant and put forth your best effort into
getting better.

Well, when you find yourself hiding or retreating from the
meetings, the classes, the workouts…or from getting the
information and programs you need…or from making the lifestyle
changes that could really move you forward….think about what
Woody had to say.

Just show up. Attend that meeting or class. Do that workout. Order
that book or program. Make a few simple changes to your diet.

Don’t put excess pressure on yourself. And don’t expect perfection.

Guess what: you don’t have to be perfect. In fact, you don’t even
have to be that good to begin reaping the benefits.

For example, Miguel isn’t that good yet. Although he and I have
“trained” together and I’ve shown him some basic stuff, in truth
he is just startigng out. He has a lot to learn.

BUT — he’s enthusiastic. If he shows up regularly for classes,
if he focuses and participates during class, and if he practices
a little each day outside of class…the sky’s the limit!

The truth is, all achievement, all self-development rests on a
very basic principle: “Psychology is 80 percent, mechanics is
20 percent.”

The mindset and attitude that you bring into the endeavour is far
more crucial to its outcome than the specific skills or knowledge
you bring.

Holding positive expectancy firmly in place can help accelerate
your efforts, especially when it comes to the major challenges
that so many of us face, like improving our breathing, losing
weight, better managing our busy lives, or regaining that vital
energy we used to have.

I’ve seen it time and again when working directly with clients
and students.

The ones who are positive and excited get the best results. They
improve their breathing. They reduce their levels of stress. They
lose weight (or gain weight if that is their goal). They feel
energetic and alive again. They begin achieving major goals in
other important areas of their lives.

AND — they enjoy the process.

The ones who are negative or feel like they are being imposed
upon do not get as good results – even if they are already in
better shape to begin with.

And they are the ones I very quickly cut loose. I have better
things to do, and other people to help.

I’ll leave you with some words of wisdom by Norman Cousins, from
“Head First: The Biology of Hope” (1989):

“Hope, purpose, and determination are not merely mental states.
They have electrochemical connections that play a large part in
the workings of the immune system and, indeed, in the entire
economy of the total human organism….

“The modern physician, therefore, will prescribe not just out of
the pharmacy or his little black bag, but out of the magnificent
apothecary that is the human brain, which can activate and
potentiate the healing system.

“The rosters of emotion are hope, faith, love, will to live,
festivity, playfulness, purpose, and determination. These are
powerful biochemical prescriptions.”

You Can Do It!

Karen

“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with
Dynamic Energy Exercise!”
www.BestBreathingExercises.com

Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2011

Harness The Force of Frustration

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When it comes to your fitness and health, you’d probably say that
they are important to you.

Yet how committed and consistent are you at taking action in these
two areas, each and every day?

It takes a lot to make significant changes in your lifestyle, your
schedule, and your attitude and outlook…changes that will propel
you towards greater things in your life.

It’s a lot more comfortable to stay where you are, with what you
know, and dream about “If only…”

If only I were thinner. If only I could put on more muscle. If only
I could get control of this stress and anxiety and live in a more
relaxed manner. And so forth…

Seeing the need to change, thinking you ought to change, even
wanting to change are all good. But they don’t quite get it done
when it comes to actually taking the consistent, sustained action
that will enable you to reach your goals.

No, it takes something much stronger. And that something
is…frustration.

Yes, that negative, nasty emotion. But it’s true, something very
negative can help you make positive changes.

I used to abhor frustration. I hated the feeling. I think frustration
and boredom are the two states I seek to avoid the most.

However, I’ve realized from my own experiences, as well as working
with others, that you’re not really ready to do the things and think
the thoughts you need to until you are at the end of your rope, and
ready and willing to do what it takes to get out of the situation
you are in.

If, for example, you get to the point that you are really
frustrated with your anxiety and levels of stress, and you don’t
feel like you are improving or getting a handle in this area…or
you are frustrated with your appearance and inability to lose the
weight you want to lose….then celebrate.

Get happy! Put your hands in the air and shout “Hur-rah!”

I’m serious. Because when you get truly frustrated, you are ready
for a breakthrough.

You are at the point where you begin to ask yourself the right
questions and look for the information or resources that can help
you.

So leverage the frustration you may be feeling and use it to
energize and support your efforts to change or improve.

Here’s one more thought on frustration: it can also trip you up.

Once you are on the path to losing weight, or gaining the upper
hand on stress, or improving your energy levels and sense of
control, you may at times experience little or no progress.

You may get frustrated at how slowly things are changing. Or you
may get frustrated at yourself for slipping up or backsliding.
You may think you’ll never reach your goals.

Well, once again, use this frustration as a tool to energize
yourself.

Don’t let it put you into a funk, or get so down that you give up.

Here’s a great quote I heard a long time ago, that helps describe
this point:

“How long would you give the average baby to learn how to walk
before you didn’t let him or her try anymore?”

That’s a crazy question, isn’t it? You’ll give your kid as long
as it takes, and all the love and support to help them, until
he or she learns how to walk.

And think how frustrated babies and toddlers can be at times,
when they are trying to master a new motor skill. But they keep
at it, again and again and again, until they finally get it.

Why not apply this same approach to yourself?

You are a goal-seeking mechanism. Your natural state is to
succeed.

However, your natural state is also inertia. Kinda like a “good
guy/gal – bad guy/gal” thing. This is the duality of our nature
as human beings.

Therefore, you have to get creative sometimes and use the power
of a strong emotion, such as frustration, to get you off your
you-know-what and into taking action each day toward your goals.

You Can Do It!

Karen

“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with
Dynamic Energy Exercise!”
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/

P.S

. I’d love to help as you leverage your frustration into
action with information and inspiration that can help you take
smarter steps towards your energy, fitness and life goals. Visit the
Best Breathing Exercises website for more on the products
and programs that can help you transform your health.

Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2011

Prevention Versus Problems

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They say that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to “sell”
prevention to people.

We don’t respond to appeals based on preventing disease or health
problems, because we think they won’t happen to us….OR the
possibility seems so far off in the future, we just can’t get too
worked up about it.

But when the you-know-what hits the fan, and you are faced with a
health crisis – boy, does that get your attention.

You’ve probably faced a health crisis of your own. Perhaps it was
becoming overweight. Or being diagnosed as pre-diabetic or diabetic.
Or finding out you have high blood pressure.

It could be anxiety, which everyone experiences from time to time,
which suddenly becomes overwhelming and limits your ability to
function.

When you reached this point, chances are you were in disbelief.
Especially if you had experienced no major health problems prior
to the diagnosis.

I remember how incredulous I was when I was first diagnosed with
asthma. And I hear this from many people who write in. They can’t
believe it when they find out they have a chronic disease such as
asthma, or high blood pressure, or diabetes.

One typical reaction is to go into denial, at least to a certain
extent. Many people diagnosed with very treatable illnesses or
health problems don’t take them seriously, so they may not take
their medications or follow recommendations on lifestyle changes.

Doctors complain quite a lot about compliance – or more accurately,
non-compliance  – with the medical and lifestyle regimens which
they recommend to their patients.

Hence the issue with prevention.

We often know what we should and could be doing. But we remain in
a state of denial. We have trouble visualizing what the long-term
outcomes could be for us if we don’t get in gear and make changes.
So we push off to tomorrow what we could be doing for ourselves
today.

Well, I know better than to fight against the current. The
programs available through the Best Breathing Exercises web site
are designed to help you improve your breathing, your fitness and
your health, as well as help you bust through any limitations that
current conditions or challenges may be placing on your life.
(Visit www.bestbreathingexercises.com to learn more.)

But – and perhaps I shouldn’t say this,’cuz I’ll blow the secret –
everything in my programs is also congruent with the most effective
and proven habits and practices that can help you achieve more
robust health and avoid or prevent illness and disease.

Whether you want to lose weight, or are looking for relief from
stress, high blood pressure, chronic pain, or anxiety….What I
teach and share with you will help you in your efforts to
transform your health and enjoy a more fulfilling life. It can
even help you age more gracefully.

Here’s a remarkable fact: researchers have determined that less
than one third of the loss of physical function and mental acuity
as we age is due to heredity, or our genes. More than two thirds
is due to lifestyle habits.

Habits such as regular physical activity, eating well, watching
your weight, getting enough sleep, and not smoking, can help you
live longer – AND have more vim and vigor throughout your time on
the planet.

You Can Do It!

Karen

“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with
Dynamic Energy Exercise!”
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/

Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2011

To Lose Weight, Stop Dieting

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If you want to get into great shape, or back into shape, you’ll
find your best friends are a solid set of goals. Weight goals
(including interim milestones as well as your ideal weight); weight
loss (or more accurately, fat loss) goals, waist size, etc. You
can also set more subjective goals such as fitting into your
old jeans, looking great in your bathing suit, and so forth.

These types of goals can motivate you because you are “beginning
with the end in mind” and are visualizing yourself looking fabulous
in those jeans.

When we decide to lose weight, many of us fall into the trap of
radical or fad dieting.

I know because I have done this myself in the past, as have my
friends, as have many with whom I have worked.

Problem is, most people (as in 99%) crash and burn with this type
of approach.

So, in an effort to dissuade you from starting that crazy diet
you have in mind, I’d like to introduce a little rationality.

An important step towards lasting weight loss, as well as better
health, is to take an honest look at what you are eating. But the
key is not to focus on what you can’t have.

The key is to focus on eating more of the healthy foods: berries,
fruits and vegetables; lean meat and poultry (organic if possible);
fish; eggs; nuts and seeds; organic dairy, especially yogurt and
cottage cheese; and whole grain breads and cereals.

Don’t deny yourself any particular food (unless you have allergies
to it). Saying you “can’t eat chocolate cake” inevitably causes
you to crave it…until you feel like tearing into an entire cake
in one sitting.

On the other hand, allowing yourself a piece of chocolate, perhaps
with a cup of coffee or tea as an endpoint to a meal, can keep you
feeling satiated and happy.

Especially us women. We need our chocolate. Guys tend to lean
more toward cookies. So have a cookie or two, if that’s what
makes you happy.

Here’s a key point: don’t think about diets or dieting any more.

Instead, think “eating plan”.

“Diet” includes the word “die”. It’s associated with deprivation
and hardship.

On the other hand, “eating plan” sounds more like something good,
something to build you up, give you more energy, and make you
healthier.

Plan out your meals for each day (at a high level at least), and
fill your plate and stomach with healthy foods. Focus on feeding
yourself well.

View what you eat in the context of building yourself up — your
health, your vitality and energy levels, your muscles, and so
forth.

If you are an athlete, have a hectic schedule, or are dealing
with a chronic health condition, you especially need to view the
food and drink you are taking into your body as part of your
overall program to build yourself up and gain (or regain) strength
and stamina.

Set a goal of eating well 75% of the time. See how you do and, more
importantly, how you feel. Eating well most of the time, but not
expecting perfection or adherence to a strict diet, gives you the
leeway you need. When you don’t have to adhere perfectly to a diet,
you will find that you stick to your eating plan.

Later, as you get a grip on things AND experience some results,
you will find you are motivated to eat well 80%, or even 90%, of
the time.

I know this flies in the face of “dieting” conventional wisdom,
which dictates that you can’t get into good shape and good health
without deprivation, denial, food restrictions, and so forth.

But you know what? That deprivation stuff works for a very, very
small percentage of people. The rest of us may lose some weight.
But eventualy we gain it all back again, and then some.

More importantly, we end up being obsessed with food and our
weight.

If you’ve been on this treadmill, make the decision today to hit
STOP, step off, and embrace a more rational plan. Along with
exercise, this the most important step you can take to get in
shape and ensure robust health and energy.

You Can Do It!

Karen

“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with
Dynamic Energy Exercise!”
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/

P.S. If you’re not in shape now, and are starting to worry about
the summer, don’t fret. You can get started the sensible way by
getting a copy of the “Fire Up Your Metabolism” Program. If you’re
ready to do it this year and finally achieve the weight loss you’ve
been dreaming of, you will get the jumpstart you need from this
this program. For more information or to acquire your own copy, click here.

Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2011

Follow Your Body’s Wisdom for Better Breathing, Faster Weight Loss

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“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

This well known phrase has been a staple of nutritional advice
since the 1700’s, when it was coined by Benjamin Franklin.

I’ve been told by friends from other countries that they have their
own originator of this little piece of advice. Ben was a pretty
smart guy, though, so my money is on him as the “original”
originator.

Regardless of who first said it, this is valuable advice for all
of us.

When it comes to breathing, you should know that some recent
studies have shown that eating one apple per day can help improve
lung function by keeping the airways open and clear.

Eating apples can also help with weight loss.

As I recall, a few years back there was a program called the
“Apple Diet”, or something like that, which became somewhat
popular for awhile. I normally avoid and ignore the fad diets
that seem to proliferate, especially around this time of year.

But this diet was actually on to something.

The basic approach of the diet is to eat an apple before every
meal. This helps reduce your appetite so you eat less. Also, the
malic acid in apples is thought to help with weight reduction.

The Vitamin C found in apples and other fruits and vegetables
contributes to improved airway function. It’s an antioxidant and
helps reduce inflammation. Vitamin C also contributes to tissue
repair.

Yet another reason to eat more fruits and vegetables!

Just in case you need it, here’s one more reason:

A number of doctors, including specialists in complementary
medicine, believe that overconsumption of foods, in particular
refined carbohydrates, can negatively affect your breathing.

The culprit is too much insulin in the body.

The body secretes insulin as part of the digestive process. If
you eat too much, or eat the wrong kinds of foods, your body
secretes excess amounts of insulin to help break down the food.

Insulin has been shown to produce bronchoconstrictors, which
narrow your airways and make breathing more difficult. It can
also restrict blood flow in the lungs, which reduces oxygen
flow at the cellular level.

By the way, excess insulin is also associated with weight
gain – as in fat gain and fat deposition in all the wrong
places.

So, if you want to make your breathing worse (and/or get
fatter), eat an excessive amount of refined carbs such as cakes,
cookies, white bread products, and so forth.

If you would like to improve your breathing, AND improve your
body composition – both of which go hand in glove with improved
energy, focus, productivity, health and longevity — eat more
healthy foods…like apples.

Here’s a simple way to control spikes in insulin: always pair
a portion of protein with a portion of carbohydrate in every
meal and snack. Also, include healthy fats in at least two
meals per day.

The protein and healthy fats help prevent insulin spikes that
would otherwise be caused by the carbs. Eating foods rich in
fiber also helps reduce the insulin response.

I discuss what I call the “complete meal” approach, as well as
other powerful nutrition strategies, in the “Fire Up Your
Metabolism” Program, available at the Best Breathing site.

It’s not a diet plan.

It’s simply some common sense principles and strategies to help
you eat more intelligently without feeling deprived. AND
without having to measure and weigh portions, count calories,
keep track of grams of carbohydrates, and so forth.

If you are serious about improving your energy levels and health,
take a hard look at your eating habits.

When you’re younger, your body has such vast reserves of energy.
It can function well no matter what you put into it.

As you get older, your body starts to rebel against the poor
nutritional choices you may have been making. It begins to
assert its own wisdom.

Best that you listen to it!

Your body will guide you in the right direction, if you will
just pay attention.

You Can Do It!

Karen

“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with
Dynamic Energy Exercise!”
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/

P.S. Summer is already upon us here in Texas! We’re talking 101
degrees today…and it’s still early June. Summer is fast
approaching in your neck of the woods too. If you’re worried about
not being in shape for the beach or the pool, don’t fret. Get
started the sensible way with the “Fire Up Your Metabolism” Program.

Yes, you can do it this year! You can get into great shape and
achieve the weight loss you’ve been dreaming of. Without having
to follow some crazy fad diet or ineffective exercise regimen.
This program will give you the jumpstart you need. Get your copy
today.

Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2011

Save Yourself From the Scrap Heap

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“Many men and women go to the human scrap heap….They have not
known just how to pump the human bellows – the lungs; get energy
out of every ounce of fuel, keep their arteries and veins clean,
kidneys and liver from being poisoned.”

That’s a quote from an old book on breathing.

Even in the “old days”, when the importance of breathing for good
health was more widely accepted, the doctor who wrote this book
felt compelled to do so. He was concerned about the diseases and
conditions he observed in his patients, as well as the people
around him.

Today, it seems like we are even more removed from the natural
healing and invigorating results of proper breathing.

I think a lot of this has to do with the advent of modern medicine,
and all the wonderful medications and drugs that have been
developed.

Coming down with a cold? First action for many people is to take
medicine to help tamp down the symptoms.

Got a headache? Take two aspirin, or extra strength this or that.

There’s even a headache product you roll on your forehead, like
deodorant. Not sure how it works, but the commercials sure are
funny.

I’m very grateful for the wonder drugs and medicines that help
relieve our illnesses, whether acute or chronic. They have reduced
much suffering and helped alleviate much pain and discomfort.

But they have also caused us to forget about our own natural
instincts and intuitions..to move away from more natural methods
of handling illness and pain.

They tend to make us focus on the symptoms, and treat those,
rather than determine the cause of the symptoms and take care
of that.

If you have headaches on a regular basis, taking aspirin or
Tylenol may help you get through your day. But you better be
concerned about what is causing those headaches, and what you
can do to prevent them.

One chronic illness that hits home with me is asthma. When I
was first diagnosed, I was totally into the “give me medicine,
and more medicine, until this thing is controlled”.

Problem was, the more medicines I took, the worse my health
became.

Mortality rates from asthma are increasing in modern times,
compared to times when they did not have asthma medications.

Why is that?

Given all the fancy medicines used to treat asthma, shouldn’t
mortality rates be declining? What did the oldtimers know, and
do, that we don’t?

One thing they knew about was the importance of deep breathing,
and regularly practicing proper breathing and getting lots of
fresh air.

Seems simple, but it’s true: you can live longer and live
better by knowing how to breathe properly.

Learning – and regularly performing – proper breathing is almost
an art in itself. But it’s actually not hard to do.

It just takes a little time and patience. But it’s time well
invested.

No scrap heap for you!

You Can Do It!

Karen

“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with
Dynamic Energy Exercise!”
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/

P.S. Get a crash course in proper breathing and how to breathe
completely and fully with the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy
Exercise Course, Volume I. You’ll relax and rejuvenate, and feel
more calm and in control, within minutes. For more details, click
here.

P.P.S. AND – To build better lung power, stamina and vitality,
try the second volume of the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy
Exercise Course: The Dynamic Energy Routine. Right now, you can
acquire  BOTH volumes for one special price. Click here
for more details.
Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2011

Turn On Something Positive Inside

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Article first published as Turn On Something Positive Inside on Technorati.

In my previous blog post, we discussed the importance of keeping things simple
when you are beginning a fitness program.

If you’re trying to get in better shape…trying to get BACK into
shape after months or years of relative inactivity…or thinking
about getting back into shape…focus on three key numbers:

(1) Your weight

(2) Your waist size

(3) Your body fat percentage (or, alternatively, your lean
mass percentage).

I also mentioned a “magic ingredient” you should add to your “get
into awesome shape” program.

When sprinkled in and over your efforts, this ingredient will
almost guarantee good results.

What is it?

It’s enthusiasm.

Did you know the word enthusiasm comes from the Greek “en theos”,
which means “filled with the divine” or “God within”?

When you get excited about your life and your work, you bring a
powerful , divine energy to everything you do. And when you are
excited about something, you attract other people to your cause
as well. They want to be around you because enthusiasm is a
winning feeling, a warm feeling, a fun feeling.

Enthusiasm is power. With faith, it can transform adversity,
failure, or temporary setbacks into action – action that moves
you forward toward your goals and dreams.

Seems like many of us in our 40’s and 50’s often lose the
enthusiasm we recall from our youth. It can be hard to muster
up excitement and energy. It’s easy to get caught up in the
schedule, the to-do’s, the responsibilities….and lose sight of
our ultimate vision for our lives, as well as the importance of
having some fun along the way.

For example, it becomes easy to make excuses for not exercising
regularly.

“Too busy…change in schedule messed up my day…no energy at the
end of the day”. And we forfeit one of the most effective ways
to supply energy and enthusiasm into our lives.

Yes, exercising regularly – even for short to moderate amounts
of time – can have a huge impact on your energy levels, your
productivity, your confidence, and your mood. Once you embark
on a program of regular, consistent exercise – even if it’s
only 15 minutes a day – something changes inside you.

It’s tough to put your finger on. But the constructive change
you achieve by exercising regularly, as a daily habit, results
in a feeling of control, of power, of charting your own positive
destiny. In turn, this feeling permeates the rest of your life.

I can’t tell you how many people I have spoken with over the
years who have told me how much more productive they are when
they exercise regularly. And how much more confident they feel.

And guess what.

This observation often comes from people who still need to lose
weight. They aren’t even close to their ultimate goal. Yet they
feel like something mysterious and wonderful has “turned on”
inside.

You can turn on this mysterious power for yourself.

It only takes a small investment of time and effort to do so.
But it’s an investment that will reward you time and again
throughout your life.

You Can Do It!

Karen

“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with
Dynamic Energy Exercise!”
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com/

P.S. For more tips and tactics on simple things you can do
each day to help you lose weight, or maintain your ideal
weight, get the “Fire Up Your Metabolism” Program. This
program is simple, fast and effective. It can help jumpstart
your “get back into shape” program so you make more progress,
sooner…and keep your enthusiasm levels high. Claim your
copy today.
Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2011