Monday, January 30, 2006

The "science" behind effective weight loss

So many of us are concerned with weight loss but not enough of us are aware of how this is accomplished.
There is a science that must be applied on a consistent basis in order for us to lose weight. Weight loss occurs when are energy expenditure is greater than our food intake. However, too much of negative energy "balance" can cause a loss in muscle tissue and NOT unwanted body fat. Once I calculate your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) I then have to look at where else you are burning calories from (exercise, work, etc.) Your RMR is the amount of calories your body needs in one 24 period while at REST. Each of us have a unique RMR and this is based on your age, height, weight, sex, and body fat%.

There is 3,500 calories in 1 pound of body fat. In order to create an energy "deficit" I have to reduce the amount of calories by 500 per day (500 X 7= 3500) which amounts to a weight loss of 1 pound. In order to lose another pound per week you need to exercise enough to burn at least 500 calories. This can be accomplished by as little as 40 minutes of high intensity cardiovascular training or weight training.

At Body For You, I take all the "guess work" away from you and will develop a plan suited to meet your unique needs.
To get started please email me:
gregdcruz@rogers.com

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

How to keep yourself motivated through those tough times







Now that you have made the commitment to a healthy lifestyle it is important to have "mini goals" to keep you focused. When I talk to my clients about motivation, many of them look too far into the future instead of creating small goals along the way.
These goals can be as simple as getting into a smaller pant or shirt, being able to run farther and faster without stopping, and or being able to lift more weights than they could before.
Once these mini goals are accomplished you can celebrate the accomplishment and then set another goal to work towards.
I often tell my clients to hang up a smaller size pant in their room so they can see it everyday when they wake up. As the temptations grow to fall back into old habits of eating, I tell them to think about those pants and ask themselves if they are getting closer or farther away from wearing those pants by the food choices they are making.
Whatever you choose to use as motivation, don't forget to make it your OWN. In the beginning you will find that you will get encouragement from almost everyone you meet. However, as the days and weeks progress these same people will not be there to lend you support as your improvement only reinforces their own unhealthy food choices. It is this time that you must rely on yourself to stay focused and motivated to complete your goals.
Good luck!
gregdcruz@rogers.com

Monday, January 02, 2006

New Year.........New Goals!!

The start of a New Year is the time to reflect on past accomplishments and look forward to realizing new goals. For some, this will include losing a few pounds, competing in a new race or beating a personal best time in a 1/2 or full marathon.
Why is Nutrition so important in helping you achieve these and other goals? Ask yourself how often you lift weights or run per week. Then ask yourself how often you eat per week. Get the picture?
In order to determine what you need to be eating you first must learn what you are currently eating.
Body For You will determine not only what you need to eat now but what changes you will have to make in order for you to not only achieve your goals but surpass them.
Don't be fooled by quick fixes as these do not work long-term.
Get started TODAY by contacting me at:
gregdcruz@rogers.com