Friday, March 27, 2009

Q. Dear Natasha, every time I start working out and eating healthy, I go strong for a few weeks and then I lose my motivation, or I get stressed with work and I give into temptations to feel better. Any advice on how I can fix this?

A. Motivation is not all that it's cracked up to be. Motivation is a feeling and feelings are fleeting. They change when your blood sugar changes, with the weather and with your hormonal changes. You need to make the decision to commit to getting in shape. You need to decide now that you will do whatever it takes to make this happen.

It's similar to a marriage. If we only stayed married for as long as we felt in love, the divorce rate would be 100%. I guarantee you there will be many bumps in the road. There will be times you will not feel like being married to this fitness program, but you stick with it because you know studies show those who exercise/married, live longer.

For the day to day, I suggest the following:
  1. Don't bring foods that entice you to over eat into the house. If the only time you have willpower is when food shopping, that alone will take you far. If the food is not in the house, you can't eat it.
  2. Water, water, water. It will keep you feeling full and you won't mistake thirst for hunger.
  3. Sleep! When you don't sleep or get enough water, you need over eat to compensate.
  4. Eating to feel better doesn't work. 20 minutes later you'll need to eat again to numb the pain. Feel the pain/stress and move on. Let it go. Distract yourself with a book, TV, a bubble bath, a phone call to a friend, or dare i say, work out!

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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Cellulite Smellulite

Q. Dear Natasha, is it possible to get rid of cellulite? I have tried every cream on the shelves but nothing has worked. Please help!

A. So, let me see if I'm following you. Dimples on one set of cheeks is cute, dimples on another set of cheeks, not so cute?

You can certainly diminish the appearance of cellulite. The condition itself will always remain if it's genetic and not simply due to being overweight. Don't fret, I have some good news. You CAN diminish the visible signs of it. Here's how:
  1. Drink lots of water. This will help flush out the toxins.
  2. Move! Cardio each day will help improve circulation, a contributing factor to the visible signs of cellulite.
  3. Increase muscle mass by strength training with heavy resistance. The more muscle you have the less fat you will have. Cellulite and fat go together. You can be skinny fat (thin but a high ratio of fat/muscle) and still have cellulite.
  4. Dry brush or massage your skin each night and, for the brave, try cold showers to help improve circulation.
  5. Some swear by daily doses of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar and organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. I don't have personal experience with this but if you want more info, google it.
  6. Consider fish oil supplements to help improve circulation.

What won't work:

  1. Liposuction. In fact it can make it much worse. Stay away.
  2. Body wraps - you're losing nothing but water and it will return very quickly. Save your money!

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

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