Get back on the horse...

The Holidays are behind us, and most of us are unhappy with the visible results of the last few months of excess! Now's the time to get back to our routines and schedules, especially the ones that help us with our health and wellness goals.

Since the winter began, I have hurt my knee 3 times. I'm still not walking or sleeping properly without pain so, needless to say, my fitness regimen is completely messed up. At a time like this, most people would simply give up on their goals and consider that they've had another failed attempt to lose weight or look better.

Rather than doing that, I have reduced my caloric intake by adding about 75% more fresh fruits and vegetables to my daily menu. While I know that my "fat loss program" is suffering because I can't do the cardio that I love and need, I also know that I'm doing all that I can do while I manage this setback.

I've had to forego the idea of competing in April but, if all goes well with the healing of my knee over the next few months, I will get back to the gym and into competition mode to prepare for November 2009.

I'm telling you this story to let you know that we all deal with life's curveballs; that the process of going after our goals is mostly about handling contingencies. Fitness goals are alot like relationships, "it's easy when it's easy". Real accomplishment happens in the face of challenge.

So, just in case you've given up on your self or your health and wellness goals, I'm here to tell you that you're exactly where you should be. And that every morning you have an opportunity to start fresh, to get back on the horse, and to keep moving forward.

I'm here to help you get back on that horse! All you have to do is believe in yourself one more time and reach out...

Sports Supplements Review - Part 9 of 9

Workout Formula

Workout Formula provides essential vitamins and nutrients, trace minerals, and key amino acids to support active involvement in sports and prolonged physical activity.

Also included:

*The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are considered essential amino acids because we couldn't survive without them.
* The amino acid glutamine, believed to play a role in several aspects of human physiology, including muscle and immune function
* Essential minerals, chromium, boron, and zinc
* Inlulin Analog, a complex carbohydrate which helps control blood sugar levels, reduces sugar cravings, and contributes to a consistent energy level, without sugar rushes and crashes
* Cytochrome C Oxidase, supplying a key enzyme in aerobic metabolism
* Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) which stimulates muscle growth and blocks the effects of catabolic hormones

Supporting healthy physical activity with a supplement like Workout Formula contributes to athletic performance, and overall health and well-being.

Sports Supplements Review - Part 8 of 9

Electro Aloe Hydration Crystals

Micronutrients and electrolytes are lost during intense exercise. Consuming a performance sports drink, like Electro Aloe, helps with energy levels and maintaining your electrolyte balance.

Electro Aloe supplies easily-absorbed carbohydrates , essential electrolytes, and trace minerals that are not found in plain water.

One serving of Electro Aloe contains 64% of the USDV for vitamin C, assists in the replenishment of fluids and electrolytes, and provides antioxidants.

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) stimulates muscle growth and blocks the effects of catabolic hormones that break down muscle tissue.

Inulin Analog is the ultimate complex carbohydrate. It helps control blood sugar levels, reduces sugar cravings, and contributes to a consistent energy level, without sugar rushes and craches.

Add one scoop of Electro Aloe to 12 oz. of water to make one serving. Or dissolve the contents of one can in 2.5 gallons of water and make 27 servings for the team! You'll also enjoy the lemon-lime flavour!

Sports Supplements Review - Part 7 of 9

AG Immune (Take 2 capsules daily with food)

A healthy immune system is fundamental to overall health. AG Immune contains arabinogalactan, astragalus, maitake mushroom, and Ai/E10.

Arabinogalactan (from the Western larch tree): Decreases the generation and absorption of ammonia in the body during exercise, and has been shown to enhance immune cell activity and communication.

Astragalus Root: Strengthens the body's immune system, speeds up metabolism, amd promotes healthy tissue regeneration.

Maitake Mushroom TD-fraction: Stimulates immune system recovery after exercise; has been used traditionally to promote wellness and vitality.

Ai/E10 whey extract: A product of advanced patented technology, Ai/E10 has, since 1993, continued to be the foremost dietary supplement ingredient available to provide support of immune function in people of all ages; it also promotes immune system recovery after exercise (see http://www.aie10.com/ )

To view a power point on Ai/E10, go to: http://www.aie10.com/video/Introduction%20to%20AiE10.wmv (uses Windows media player)

Tomorrow, I will highlight the sports supplement, Workout Formula.

Sports Supplements Review - Part 6 of 9

Oxy-G2 (Take 2 capsules daily with food)

The most common cause of human death worldwide is anaerobic microbes. (ref: Mr. Oxygen)

Disease can't live in oxygen. Anaerobic microorganisms can't live in oxygen. So it stands to reason that we need to increase the oxygen levels in our cells.

Oxy-G2 contains a unique combination of ingredients that may assist in carrying oxygen to the cells.

Organic Germanium plays a key role in cellular oxygenation.

Cytochrome C Oxidase supplies a key enzyme in aerobic metabolism.

Selenium assists with high energy expenditures in athletes with vital support for the body's antioxidant defense system to protect against free radical damage.

The herbs gingko, milk thistle, and echinacea provide multiple benefits for cellular and immune system health.

Oxy-G2 is also rich in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and glutathione, powerful antioxidants that assist with detoxification and proper immune function.

Tomorrow I'll give you details on a product that will assist you in boosting your immune system.

Sports Supplements Review - Part 5 of 9

Super Cell Advanced Antioxidant Formula (Take 2 capsules daily with food)

Our bodies are constantly under attack by free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage vital structures such as cell membranes and DNA. Free radicals are created in our bodies as a by-product of metabolism. Chemical pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, pesticides, and herbicides also add to our free radical burden.

Antioxidants are nature's answer to free radicals, neutralizing their destructive capabilities and protecting our cells and tissues. Some antioxidants are created in the body but many must be derived from our diet.

Super Cell is fortified with citrus bioflavanoids, green tea, grape seed, red wine and a proprietary blend of vegetable concentrates. It is an advanced blend of nutrient, herbal, and whole food antioxidants.

So what can Super Cell specifically do for the athlete in you?

* Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) blocks the effects of catabolic hormones that break down muscle tissue
* Pycnogenol inhibits key triggers of ligament, tendon and muscle inflammation
* Cytochrome C Oxidase supplies a key enzyme in aerobic metabolism
* Magnesium and Calcium asparates combat the effects of ammonia that forms in the body during exercise

Tomorrow, we will focus on Oxy-G, a unique product that may assist in carrying oxygen to the cells...

Sports Supplements Review - Part 4 of 9

Super Omega - Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

Contains Omega-3 fish oil (in a balanced 50/50 ratio of EPA and DHA essential fatty acids), which plays a critical role in maintaining the health of almost all body systems, including the heart, brain, eyes, skin, joints, and the immune system.

Super Omega can help reduce exercise-induced bronchospasm in elite athletes, and may reduce inflammation in muscles and joints, for faster recovery time.

This unique blend is fortified with an antioxidant complex consisting of natural tocopherols, a lipid solution vitamin C, and rosemary extract.

Special processing (molecular distillation) ensures almost complete removal of mercury, dioxins, and other contaminants, yielding an exceptionally pure oil that conforms to the strict quality guidelines of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

Tomorrow, we'll talk about Super Cell, an advanced blend of nutrient, herbal, and whole food antioxidants.

Sports Supplements Review - Part 3 of 9

Essential Calcium Take 4 tablets daily with food...1000mg Calcium

Calcium plays an important role in regulating whole body metabolism and physical performance.

Calcium, when combined with other essential minerals (such as Zinc and Magnesium) and Vit B6 may raise testosterone levels in males.

At any age, it is extremely important to start thinking about maintaining healthy bones. It's well understood that strong, healthy bones and teeth go hand in hand with calcium. Essential Calcium is a mineral-rich balanced formula to support bone health.

Essential Calcium supplies 1000mg of calcium, and includes Vit D, an essential vitamin known to enhance absorption of calcium.

Magnesium, zinc, copper, boron, and other minerals are included in this formulation for optimum bone health support.

Tomorrow, we'll talk about Essential Fatty Acids.

Sports Supplements Review - Part 2 of 9

Why is a multi-mineral important for the athlete in you?

PM (Multi-Mineral) Take 3 tablets in the evening, anytime from dinner to bedtime.

Zinc, magnesium, and chromium have been shown to play an important role in regulating the whole body metabolism, as well as in energy needs and performance. They promote increased testosterone in males, and lower lactate concentration.

Pycnogenol increases endurance during exercise, and inhibits key triggers of ligament, tendon, and muscle inflammation.

Read tomorrow's installment on the importance of Calcium.

Sports Supplements Review - Part 1 of 9

So what's in a multi-vitamin that makes it important for the athlete in you?

AM (Multi-vitamin, take 3 every morning, ideally with your protein shake)

Rich in B Vitamins, anti-oxidants, and nutrients that promote efficient energy utilization, healthy blood sugar levels, metabolism, and overall health.

Alpha-ketoglutarate acid - Promotes quicker recovery after exercise by detoxifying ammonia from the tissues of the central nervous system.

Pycnogenol - Inhibits key triggers of ligament, tendon and muscle inflammation.

Vitamins B6 and B12 - Convert carbohydrates to glucose for energy.

Check back tomorrow for Part 2, PM the Multi-Mineral...

Sports Nutrition Kits Now Available at Sinclair Nutrition

I am very excited to announce the new Sports Nutrition packages, available now through Sinclair Nutrition.

Are you an arm-chair athlete? A weekend warrior? Or someone who's regularly found on the courts?

Don't leave your nutrition to chance. I believe in removing the nutritional question mark from your plate!

I now offer 3 Sports Kits, which contain all the supplements you will need to create and maintain optimum health for the athlete in you - combined with a great diet and plenty of water, of course!

The Foundation Sports Kit Only $198
The Advanced Sports Kit Only $235
The Elite Sports Kit Only $280

Add a daily protein shake, and there's no stopping you!

Stay tuned for more information about the fantastic nutrients found in each one of the above kits!

Why Go Vegan?

So far, 9 people are dead, including one British Columbian. With the current recall by Maple Leaf Foods of many varieties, and thousands of packages, of processed meat, produced right here in Canada, the time is ripe to discuss the option of choosing to eat a Vegan Diet.

Listeria is a common but deadly bacterium that in recent years has made headlines as a contaminant of hot dogs, cheese, cole slaw and other food stuffs, causing more than two thousand infections every year and 500 deaths. Though it hits immune-compromised people the hardest, its overall fatality rate is about 20 percent.

Since John Robbins wrote Diet for a New America in 1987, consumers have been exposed to the truth about the meat processing industry. If you think Listeria, or Mad Cow, and your last bout of food poisoning, are caused by mysterious bacterium that you have no control over, you're only partly right. The control is in your hands, based on what you choose to eat.

Maybe it's time you started paying more attention to the massive industry that you trust to provide you with hot dogs and bologna, as well as your Grade A steak. There is a huge consumer movement to bring more awareness to the unsafe, unsanitary, and cruel practices happening every day in the slaughterhouses and factory farms of North America.

Even Paul McCartney once said something like, "if slaughterhouses had glass walls, we'd all be vegetarian."

Don't take my word for it: go do your own research.

http://www.nodowners.org/

http://www.goveg.com/factoryFarming.asp

http://www.animalsuffering.com/animalcruelty.html

http://berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2000/11/02_listeria.html

And, if you think that the government is taking care of you, and making sure that all of the practices in the meat processing industry are safe, keep researching... you may not like what you discover, and you may just want to go vegan...

September is Arthritis Awareness Month!

Did you know that there are 120 types of arthritis?

Did you know that 600,000 people in BC and the Yukon have arthritis?

Did you know that nutrition, including vitamin supplements, can play a major role in Arthritis Prevention and Arthritis Management?

Consider the following:

Question: Is a Daily Multivitamin Important for Arthritis Patients?

It is common medical advice for all adults today to take a daily multivitamin. But is it important for arthritis patients to take a daily multivitamin?

Answer: Multivitamins Contain Essential Nutrients

Vitamins contain essential nutrients but many also contain other compounds purported to be good for your health. It is important for both arthritis patients and those without arthritis to take a multivitamin. The nutrients included in an essential multivitamin include:

· Folic Acid and other B vitamins (i.e., Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin) which are important nutrients for the bone marrow and nervous system.
· Vitamin D which is necessary for proper bone formation and strength.
· Vitamin A which is helpful with vision.

Does a Good Diet Reduce the Need for a Multivitamin?

If you have an excellent diet, you may be able to get these essential nutrients without a supplement, but this is often difficult in today’s society.

How to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of arthritic pain.

Keeping the joints "well-oiled" requires a healthy lifestyle which includes proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise. One of the major causes of arthritis and the lessening of synovial fluid is incorrect diet - too much processed foods, alcohol and meat, and very little raw vegetables and fruits. A deficiency of water also causes the lowering of the levels of the synovial fluid.

Incorrect diet, lack of exercise, injuries and auto-immune diseases such as lupus can also lower the levels of this essential fluid. Often corrective exercise, such as swimming, yoga and muscle strengthening exercises, can help keep the joints pain-free. However, a doctor should be consulted before starting any program, as rapid increases in exercise can put additional strain on other systems of the body.

Delaying the Onset of Arthritis with Nutrition

It is now becoming increasingly evident that good nutrition, along with exercise and injury prevention, can help with improved joint health. A balanced diet should begin in childhood, so that the foundation is laid for a good strong skeletal matrix, which includes joints and connective tissues.

The intake of Calcium together with Vitamins C and D can provide essential nutrients to prevent cartilage and bone damage. Proper iron intake may also keep bone marrow healthy.

These and other simple steps can dramatically increase your chances of living a more active life in old age.

Ref: 1) www.about.com: Arthritis, 2) www.mitamins.com/articles/arthritis/index.html

Breakfast of Champions!

In North America, we have a wide array of "breakfast foods" to choose from. Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it jump-starts our metabolism after a long night of repairing and rebuilding, and depleting our energy resources.

However, most of us screw this up by eating crap in the morning.

What's crap, you ask? Well, while our bodies work best on high-octane fuel, most of us load up our empty tank with grease and sugar and paper mache.

That is to say, bacon and eggs, pancakes, waffles and syrup, sugary cereals, bagels, muffins, croissants, etc, etc - you get the picture.

For years, I ate those things and suffered stomach aches throughout the morning - it didn't matter which of the offenders I tried. Not one was any better than any other.

Then, thanks to becoming associated with Body Wise, I learned about the protein shake for breakfast and my world (and my stomach aches) changed forever.

My daily breakfast for the last 10 years has been and is now 1/2 banana, 1/2 c. of any other luscious fresh or frozen fruit, 1 c. of filtered water, and 2 scoops of the yummiest vanilla protein powder on the planet, thrown together in the blender! It is totally a breakfast of champions! I feel great afterwards, I'm not hungry for about 2 1/2 hours, and I can go about my morning with energy and vitality, instead of with a stomach ache!

Give it a try! You won't be disappointed, as so many of my nutrition clients will attest! Try a different fruit every week. And, while you're at it, choose fruits that are high in antioxidants, for a double whammy in the healthy department.

According to the USDA, the following fruits are exceptionally high in antioxidants:

Wild blueberries (pick them in your neighborhood this fall)
Cranberries
Blackberries
Prunes
Raspberries
Strawberries
Red delicious apples
Granny Smith apples
Sweet cherries
Black plums

Look for organic varieties at your local farmer's market, and enjoy your Breakfast of Champions!

Joints in Motion

For a long time I've been saying that I need a "strong reason why" to be good. What do I mean by that?

By nature, I would prefer to eat like the rest of North America. To be guided by my taste buds. Did you happen to notice that Starbucks recently started selling donuts? Oh Timmy, what to do about the competition...groan!

For less than $2, you can get a huge, glistening Apple Fritter. While the pasta salad, as creamy and scrumptious as it looks, will cost you $5.95 for about a cup.

Without a "strong reason why", a donut wins hands-down.

But when I have a reason to be good, I can stick with homemade chicken and rice and salad, healthy snacks, lots of water, etc.

For some people, a pending wedding will keep them on the straight and narrow. For others, a recent divorce will put them into high gear to bring their bodies back up to snuff, hoping to re-enter the dating world with a vengeance! For me, the best reason I've come across is an athletic challenge.

Enter Joints in Motion, the Arthritis Society's fundraising project. Check out this link to the Italy Marathon in 2009.

http://www.arthritis.ca/local%20programs/bcyukon/JIM/destinations2009/Italy/default.asp?s=1

Having done the Vancouver 1/2 Marathon in 2006, I feel ready to pound the pavement once again, this time in an exotic location...beautiful, romantic Italy! Time to get training!

Stay tuned for regular updates about fundraising events, including our Gidget Goes Hawaiian pool party fundraiser at MBody Fitness & Wellness Spa, later on this summer...Ciao!

Shopping Tour - Trader Joe's in Bellingham, WA

Today I'd like to introduce you to a fabulous grocery store in Bellingham, WA.

It's called Trader Joe's and they started out in California in the 50's as a small chain of convenience stores. Today, there are more than 280 stores in 23 states. The nearest store to Vancouver, BC is the one in Bellingham, WA, which opened one year ago.

You'll find unconventional and interesting products, as well as everyday basics. They have low prices every day. You'll recognize the staff by their Hawaiian shirts! They offer the best prices on fresh and organic foods (and I mean seriously amazing prices), and they are the home of 2 Buck Chuck (if you don't know what that means, never mind!)...People actually line up when a new store opens.

Go to http://www.traderjoes.com/index.html and see for yourself...

Anyways, I will be leading a convoy to Bellingham during the middle of the week in early June. I have 4 spaces in my car to share gas costs, and we can take as many cars as are willing to join the convoy.

Border wait times are lowest in the middle of the day, mid-week. It's still a crap-shoot these days, with the massive construction on the WA highways, as they prepare for our Olympics. But it's worth the adventure, and we'll be in good company.

Just be warned...once you've shopped for your groceries at Trader Joe's, you may never want to shop anywhere else again. For the record, I am willing to make this a weekly excursion, if there is enough interest. And, of course, once introduced, you may just want to make it a family tradition to go "into town" to do your own shopping on a regular basis!

Breaker, breaker, good buddy - let's put the hammer down - that's a big 10-4!

Or something like that!

Eating to Prepare for Race Day

Almost 60,000 Vancouverites just completed the 10k Sun Run (yes, I was among them). Now, it's marathon season, a mere 26 miles of pavement. Today marks the 37th annual Bank of Montreal Vancouver Marathon!

I send my best wishes to the runners today! Particularly to Thomas Omwenga, last year's winner from Nairobi, Kenya. Thomas's running career earns him enough to support a large extended family back home, where a Canadian dollar goes a very long way. Due to last minute visa problems, some of his toughest competitors will not be joining us today.

Nutrition plays a critical role in athletic performance, but many active people do not eat a diet that helps them do their best on the pavement. Don't make the mistake of thinking that popping a pill (ie. taking your vitamins) instead of planning your meals, is good enough. There is no pill, potion or powder that can enhance your performance like the right foods and fluids.

To have enough energy for Race Day, you need to consume enough energy. Getting adequate calories is one of the keys to a performance-enhancing diet. With too few calories, you will feel tired and weak and be prone to injuries.

Nothwithstanding personal food allergies, you must include high quality components of each of the food groups, grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and protein-rich foods.

Sugars and fats provide extra calories after the needs from the other food groups have been met. Again, only go for high quality components.

Then, after you are confident that you're making the best food and beverage choices, go take your vitamins. This will remove the final nutritional question mark from your plate, and give you some nutritional insurance.

For lots of information on long-distance running, I often go to http://www.copacabanarunners.net/ .

When is Dessert OK? When it's For a Good Cause!

By the turn of the twenty-first century, the USDA recorded sixty-seven pounds of sugar from sugar cane and sugar beets, eighty-six pounds of sugar from corn sweeteners, and one pound of other natural sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup were delivered (per capita) into the American food supply.

That adds up to a total carbohydrate sweetener availability of around 154 pounds per person.
In November 2003, a review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined evidence from multiple studies on high fructose corn syrup. The researchers concluded that large quantities of fructose from a variety of sources, including table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup:

• Induce insulin resistance


• Impair glucose tolerance


• Produce high levels of insulin


• Boost a dangerous type of fat in the blood


• Cause high blood pressure in animals

Given all this, does the indiscriminate practice of eating dessert make sense to you? It doesn't make sense to me.

What does make sense to me is being discriminating when it comes to eating dessert.

Only eat desserts that you love, not any dessert that happens to pass by you.
Eat dessert when it's for an important occasion, not every day.
Eat dessert when it's for a good cause, like the link below will show you...

http://www.makeawishbc.ca/index.php?option=com_mawnews&Itemid=55&id=11&PHPSESSID=ae193ba05c7477e0def03dc431bb2d05
Today is April 20th. May I suggest a challenge to you, dear readers?

Do not eat any dessert for these next 11 days - a dessert fast, if you will.

Then, on May 1st, enjoy your dessert for a good cause. Help the Make A Wish Foundation continue to make wishes come true.

Then, on May 2nd, spend an extra 30 minutes on the elliptical! With a clear conscience!

Ref: http://www.splendaexposed.com/
Ref: http://www.sugar.org/

Take the 90-Day Challenge!

After weeks of teasing, Spring finally arrived yesterday in Vancouver, BC. The high was somewhere between 17 and 20 which, for our American friends, translates to about 65 to 72!

Now while that doesn't compare to Rancho Cucamonga, CA, where I understand it reached about 90 (which, for our Canadian friends, translates to about 30), hey, this is the California of Canada here in the West Coast of BC!

But what does the weather have to do with this blog post, you're asking?

The most important aspect of yesterday's lovely weather was the outfit I got to wear...a wrap skirt, halter top, and sandals. Are you following my drift?

Yes, I finally got to shed the jeans, the boots, and the long-sleeved sweater topped with a vest. I got to feel the warm sun on my bare arms, and my legs got a kiss of sunshine, every time my wrap skirt was touched by the breeze.

While I look forward to this time of year with great anticipation, I am aware of another feeling that used to coincide with it...the dread of exposing a body that was out-of-shape, a body I was embarassed to see in the mirror.

Prior to successfully completing the 90-Day Challenge 3 years ago, the conflict between excitement and dread was with me daily, as winter passed by. This is a familiar and painful refrain from women everywhere.

And I have the antidote for you!

Join the excitement and take the Body Wise 90-Day Transformation Challenge. Let's you and I spend the next 90 days together. With your sincere effort, and my fabulous coaching (shameless self-promotion), I know that you can do something great for yourself.

If you live anywhere in North America and would like to lose at least 20 pounds before the summer is behind you, I challenge you...take the 90-Day Challenge and watch the pounds melt away. This program is effective, affordable, and safe. Eat real food, take your vitamins, move your body, talk to your coach - it's that simple. Maybe not easy, but simple. Follow a path that's been laid out for you. It works! I can attest to that!

How do you get started? Two ways... a) Send me an e-mail to let me know you want to do this, and I'll send you a reply with the entry form attached, or b) send me an e-mail, then go to the link and download the entry form yourself. Follow steps 1, 2, and 3. I will phone you, wherever you are in the US or Canada, and together we'll complete step 4. We'll discuss steps 5 and 6 in 90 days. That's all there is to getting started.

http://www.bodywise.com/corporate/business/elance-challenge.php

Go to Get started today and "click here for an application" ...and you're on your way!

Your summer-ready body awaits you! Remember, I Did It, So Can You! Take your initiative, follow my lead, and have the Summer of 2008 be the year that you put weight, as an issue, behind you. This year, enjoy those shorts and t-shirts with pride!

Liquid Calories...Should You or Shouldn't You?

Today I'd like to talk about the protein shake as a preferred choice for breakfast.

Other beverage options: cow's milk, soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, fresh-squeezed juice, tetra-pak juices, and refrigerated juices.

Clearly there are many beverage choices for the average breakfast-eater (and this is not a post about the benefits of breakfast, although it may sound a bit like one...).

I'm not going to talk about the benefits of or the detrimental effects of drinking coffee or tea here. Nearly 52% of North Americans over the age of 18 drink coffee every day. And in the US alone, there will be approximately 50,000+ coffee shops by the year 2010. Suffice it to say that almost everyone's drinking a cup of coffee or tea in the morning.

Nor am I going to talk about drinking your 8+ glasses of water per day, which you already know I promote.

I'm going to stick with talking about the protein shake as a breakfast choice.

Why do you want to drink a protein shake in the morning?

Well, you've just worked out. You're feeling pretty depleted and hopefully somewhat exhausted - you just gave yourself a really good workout, you're feeling proud of yourself, and you want to reward yourself for a job well done. You hit the shower, scrub up, and start scrounging in the kitchen for something to fill up with.

Increasing your muscle mass, even if you're not trying to be a body-builder, is very important as you age. If you do nothing to preserve your muscle mass, by age 50 you will have lost about 10% of it.

This is the best reason to choose a protein shake, over any of the other beverages on the list. The other beverages have mostly carbs and fat to offer you, which you hear enough about - that there are too many carbs and fats consumed in the average diet.

The following links will take you to two of the many experts that I follow, when making my program recommendations. Working out, without combining that effort with proper nourishment, is basically wasting your time.

Your protein shake offers a tasty, healthy, filling breakfast choice. It replenishes your system with the nutrients it needs to maintain and build lean muscle mass, also referred to as your fat-free mass. Send an e-mail with your mailing address to bsinclaircoaching@hotmail.com and I will mail you a sample packet of the Body Wise protein, either in chocolate or vanilla.

Throw 2 scoops in the blender (that's what's in the packet) with 1/2 c. of your favorite fresh or frozen fruit. Add water, rice milk, or almond milk up to the 1 1/2 c. mark, and you're on your way. Start your day right with a delicious protein shake, compliments of Billie Sinclair!

Or, if your goal is to increase muscle mass in a bigger way, and you're working out with heavy weights, follow Rico's advice and load up your post-workout shake. Enjoy the following links and have a healthy, happy, and youthful day! I look forward to your e-mails!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5yf9FnVwP8

http://burnthefat.com/affiliate_area/liquid_calories.html

Please make a special note of Tom's comments: "After weight training workouts, liquid nutrition may have benefits that outweigh any downside, especially on muscle-gaining programs..."