Can I Jump Start Fat Loss with a Detox or Cleanse?
By: Holly Rigsby

Detox for Fat Loss? Can I jump start fat loss with a Detox or Cleanse?  Feeling tired and sluggish?  Unable to lose weight?  Constipated?  Have a bulging belly? Suffer from acid reflux, acne, headaches, etc.?  Well the only thing that could be causing all of this must be the Toxins in your body or maybe you are infested with Parasites... right?

Wouldn't that be a relief - knowing that's all it is! All you need is an almighty cleanse or a powerful detox drink!  Then just choose which plan to follow - 3 day, 8 day, 30 day and get ready to pay $200-$300 a pop or more to get started.....plus factor in the maintenance. For after the cleanse is finished, there will be even more products to buy to help you continue to stay toxin and parasite free!

Can I just say.....stop the madness!

Here's the bottom line. When it comes to fat loss, the solutions - that have been proven time and time again, lie in making small changes to the way you live - the way you eat, think and move - each and every day.

Spending hundred of dollars on the latest Fad detox or cleanse is not going to solve the true reasons why you gained weight and are unhealthy in the first place.

You are not the victim of the symptoms described above or those found on many of the detox and cleansing  websites.

You are responsible for these symptoms.

A hard pill to swallow, I know.

But if you simply take a step back and take a look at how you are choosing to treat your body....  Filling it with overly processed, convenient foods - foods that are DEAD- devoid of nutrients.  Drinking pounds of sugar.  Drinking equal amounts of Artificial Sweeteners.  Not drinking enough water, if any.  Sitting all day long.  Not getting enough sleep.  Super stressed.  Taking too many medications.  Smoking.   Drinking Alcohol.

No Wonder our bodies are full of toxins! No wonder we have difficulty waking up each morning, getting through the day, feeling good about ourselves, having an inkling of energy, let alone seeing any type of weight loss!

A miracle drink, shake or cleanse is not going to do anything to help you permanently change the habits that created these results from the start.

Why not begin by taking a look at your daily habits and start from there.

So, is there a way to change the way you eat that can jump start your fat loss efforts?

Absolutely!

Here are 5 Nutrition Tips to initiate a Natural, Fat Burning "Cleanse"

1. Drink Water - Water is the ultimate detoxifier. It takes the burden off your liver and kidneys and gets you colon working. Choose filtered water and aim to drink at least 2 quarts a day. Not sure if you are drinking enough...your urine is the best indicator - it should be clear.

2. Eat whole, natural fruits, veggies, proteins and healthy fats. These are the foods our body craves. They are alive and filled with the nutrients to power your cells so you in turn have the right environment for a supercharged metabolism and the fat loss benefits that come with it.

3. Eat Often. Are you eating every 3 to 4 hours - a must if you want to boost your metabolism.

4. Eat Enough. You cannot starve fat off your body. In order to see results your body must stay fueled. Avoid eating less than 1200 calories a day to prevent a lack of energy, cravings, as well as the loss of lean muscle - which will slow your metabolism to a halt.

5. Eat more Fresh Produce. Are you getting 7 to 10 servings of fruits and veggies a day? Did you know you need at lest 25-30 grams of fiber a day? High fiber diets move food, toxins, and parasites through quickly and harmlessly.

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Before You Buy Athletic Shoes

By Elizabeth Quinn, an exercise physiologist and fitness consultant who has been writing and editing health information content and working with athletes for over a decade.

We all buy them. We all wear them. But how many of us really pay attention to the shoes we lace up for our sport, beyond their extreme good looks? Considering that about 25% of the population needs some type of specialized shoe due to their foot structure (flat-footed or very high arches), we should be paying attention to the athletic shoe design that matches our foot type.  Athletes with very high arches have very stiff feet and need shoes with additional cushioning.  Individuals who have flat feet tend to have excessive lateral motion so they benefit from a more rigid shoe that controls motion.  When buying shoes, use the following tips:

Plan Ahead
Buy your next pair of shoes before your old pair wears out. Exercising in worn-out shoes can cause (or contribute to) injuries. Start shopping early or buy two pairs at a time, so you always have a spare.

Alternate Shoes
If possible, have two pairs of exercise shoes you’re actively using. Alternating shoes every other day gives your feet a break. In wet weather you will have a dry pair waiting. Also, try to use workout shoes for working out only. They will last much longer if you aren't wearing them all day.

Other Shoe Buying Tips:

·         Shop late in the day because your feet swell during the day.

·         Measure your foot while standing.

·         Try on both shoes with the socks you will wear.

·         Buy for your larger foot (feet are rarely the same exact size).

·         Allow a thumbnail’s width between the shoe and your big toe.

·         Choose shoes that are comfortable immediately. If they hurt in the store, don’t buy them.

·        Look for a moderately priced shoe. Price is not necessarily an indication of quality.

·         Wear new shoes around the house before using them on short runs.

·         Consider getting an evaluation by a doctor, physical therapist, or podiatrist to learn your foot type.

For joggers and runners know your shoe needs.
Given that forces up to 7.9 times body weight are absorbed by the running foot, what you put on yours may be of interest to you. There are basically five shoe types and what you buy depends upon your foot type and training needs:

·         Motion-Control Shoes
The most rigid, durable, control-oriented running shoes that limit overpronation (ankle turning in). Buy these shoes if you wear orthotics and want a stable shoe, or you have flat feet.

·         Stability Shoes
A good blend of cushioning, support and durability. Buy these shoes if you are of average weight and don't have any severe pronation or supination (ankle turning outwards), but do need support and good durability.

·         Cushioned Shoes
The most cushioned shoes with the least support. Buy these shoes if you have a rigid foot (high arch) and don't need any extra support.

·         Lightweight Training Shoes
The lightest of the training shoes designed for fast-paced training or racing. Buy these shoes if you have no motion-control problems and are a fast, efficient runner.

·         Trail Shoes
These shoes offer the best traction, with stability and durability. Buy these shoes if you run off-road or in inclement weather and need extra traction, more durable uppers and a thicker soled shoe.

**As a side not, we, at My Body My Way, have always heard that runners should replace their shoes every 6 months and general exercises once per year, but here’s some additional advice for walkers from Bonnie Stein, a race walking coach in Redington Shores, FL:

Get calculating. Since looks can be deceiving, Stein suggests you rely on the following criteria to determine when your shoes are ready for retirement:

If you walk for 45 minutes to an hour a pop, three times a week, get a new pair of shoes every 5 months.

If you walk that distance four times a week, hit the shoe store every 4 months.

Walk that far five times a week? Get replacements every 3 months.

Date your treads. Not sure when you bought your last pair of sneaks--and, therefore, don't know when to replace them? Spring for a new set now, and write the purchase date in the instep (or somewhere else where it won't rub off) in ink as soon as you leave the store.