Amazing Member Report--Gladys Reyes, Archbold OH

53.7 lbs lost and 79 inches and 8.1% body fat in 6 months on the Total Solution program.

 

I chose the Thin and Healthy program to become healthy and to have a fit body, feel beautiful and become lean, to have greater happiness and more self-confidence. I also wanted to lose weight and keep it off for the rest of my life and to be the best person God created me to be and to reach my ultimate life's success.

Since the Thin & Healthy program, my life has changed in so many ways. I am more energetic, I have found the self-confidence that I once lost and I am happy and ambitious person. I am highly motivated with this program and I have learned to reach for the top and there is no limit to what I can do.

The focus of this program has given me the inspiration, education, and tools I need in order to tap into my motivation and determination that laid within me, this has allowed me to achieve my goals and dreams, including striving to reach my ideal weight."

Weight Loss Hint--How To NOT Gain Over The Holidays 

Nutrition Hint--Don't Let Your Immune System Take A Hit 

During this sometimes stressful holiday season our immune systems can take a hit. One great immune system booster is yogurt and here is why:

Probiotics, or the "live active cultures" found in yogurt, are healthy bacteria that keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs. Although they're available in supplement form, a study from the University of Vienna in Austria found that a daily 7-ounce dose of yogurt was just as effective in boosting immunity as popping pills. In an 80-day Swedish study of 181 factory employees, those who drank a daily supplement of Lactobacillus reuteri-a specific probiotic that appears to stimulate white blood cells-took 33 percent fewer sick days than those given a placebo. Any plain yogurt with a Live and Active Cultures seal contains some beneficial bugs, but Stonyfield Farm is the only US brand that contains this specific strain. 

Your optimal dose: Two 6-ounce servings a day.

You can spice up that plain yogurt at least three ways:

• Substitute plain yogurt as an ingredient in recipes or as a topping.
• Use it as a base for dips and spreads.
• Dress it up with tasty, lower-sugar ingredients for a snack.

You can start to incorporate plain yogurt into your day using one of these ways, or all three! See what works for you.

• Topping Ideas. Top your nachos, chili, enchiladas, tacos, and casseroles with plain yogurt, or try a mixture of fat-free sour cream and plain yogurt (stir equal amounts of each together). You can still journal the total amount of mixture used as plain unsweetened yogurt since fat-free sour cream is nutritionally close to plain yogurt.
• Creamier Smoothies. Add plain yogurt to your favorite smoothies. It adds creaminess! Simply substitute plain yogurt for any frozen yogurt or ice cream listed in the original smoothie recipe.
• Substitute yogurt for sour cream or mayonnaise. Depending on the recipe, you can use plain yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise.

My personal favorite is my own version of tzatziki sauce using plain fat free Greek yogurt. It makes a great veggie dip!

• 2 (8 ounce) containers plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cucumbers - peeled, seeded and diced
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Metabolism Retraining Hint--Is Exercise During The Holidays At The Bottom Of Your List? Try These Workouts! 

It's hard enough to exercise when little is going on, but add holidays to the mix and many of us find exercise moving to the bottom of lengthy to-do lists. One thing you don't want is to add more stress by trying to maintain your regular exercise schedule. At the same time, staying active in some way will give you energy, help lessen holiday tension and, of course, help mitigate some of the extra calories you may be eating. 

If you need some workout ideas, these routines cover everything from cardio to circuit training to strength workouts with no equipment. Print them out and take them with you or just use them for inspiration in creating your own workouts.

• No Equipment Travel Workout
• 10 Minute Cardio Blast
• Low Impact Cardio Blast
• 10 Minute Strength
• Fat Burning Circuit

The most important thing is to be realistic and go easy on yourself. You aren't always in charge of your schedule during the holidays so you can only do your best. Remind yourself that you can get back to your routine when you're back home.