The Love Relationship Between Fitness
and Health…oh the Benefits!
By: Taryn N. Simpson

Everyone wants to know why our nation is so suddenly fascinated with health.  The truth is that this health movement has been brewing for years.  People are tired of seeing their loved ones suffer with diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and obesity.  After years of studies the solution is simple. We must take a closer look at the self-made problem we have created.  We are what we eat and everything we put in our body is going to have either a positive or negative effect.

Over the past 25 years our nation has turned into a “Microwave Generation,” where fast and processed food items are now used in almost every meal.  Even more, the fast food and processed food combined with High Fructose corn syrup, soda, white products, and sugar is devastating to our health, affecting everyone from unborn children to the elderly.  There is, however, good news.  The body can fight back starting today! 

Up until this point in your life, you have more than likely have exposed yourself to many impurities (unless you have been a vegetarian since birth and have only eaten organic products).  For most of us though, that is just not the case.

Here are some things that we can do eat healthier.  I would suggest that you start with a 3-day detox cleanse.  You don’t have to buy a ton of expensive products and do long strenuous methods that starve your body.  You can do this cleanse with fruit.  Your fruit cleanse will not only eliminate impurities, it will also, reduce unhealthy cravings and you can lose up to 9 pounds in a short amount of time.  Now, if you are a diabetic you will need to follow your regular eating program because fruit does have sugar in it.  The best part about natural sugar is that it takes up to an hour and a half to get into your blood stream and converts into glucose in the body differently that if you added regular sugar.  I would suggest that you get creative with your cleanse and make your own all fruit smoothies with ice and Nu-stevia from GNC to help you when you feel like you are hungry.  It’s simple.  Just eat fruit when you desire to eat.  Make sure you drink a minimum of 64 oz of water each day.  Sometimes the body will throw a natural fit and headaches may occur.  Don’t worry.  That is just toxins leaving your body and the headaches will pass fast.  We should do a fruit cleanse at least 3 times a year and preferable after the holidays when most of us are indulging in larger and more frequent meals.  Now remember, when you finish your cleanse start eating regular small meals 4-5 times a day and carry healthy snacks.  Also, many studies have proven when you pre-plan your meals you will have greater success in your health goals.  So think ahead so you are able to eat when you are hungry.   This will keep you from over indulging later because you weren’t able to eat when you needed to. Follow these guidelines to start a long and lasting love relationship between your fitness and health!

Sample Meal Plan

• Morning:  Oatmeal with cinnamon, apples and Nu-Stevia or turkey bacon and egg whites with fruit.
• Snack: Hummus and apples
• Lunch:  Chicken and grilled veggies with a slice of whole-wheat toast
• Snack:  Almond butter and whole grain crackers
• Dinner: Salmon with Eggplant, spaghetti sauce and spinach
• Snack:  Cottage cheese with Agave nectar and fresh organic blue berries.  Or, slice an apple in half add cinnamon and Stevia then put them back in the oven.

7 Reasons To Cleanse

• It will cleanse your liver and allow it to function better.
• You will lose weight.
• You will have more energy.
• It will slow the natural effects of aging on you body.
• Your cravings will change for the better.
• It brings support to your vital organs.
• You will strengthen your immune system and restore anti-oxidants to fight free-radical damage.

Now, let’s look at how committing to regular exercise can will cause a happy matrimony when combined with an internal cleansing. 

10 Benefits of Exercising 20 Minutes Three Times a Day

• Increases self-esteem
• Decreases risk of heart attack, osteoporosis, and breast cancer up to 60%
• Reduces depression and stress
• Increases brain function
• Calms you nerves
• Increases energy
• Improves digestion
• Tones and firms muscles
• Burns more calories
• Increases your metabolism and causes your stomach to flatten out

If you are used to exercising, challenge yourself to go to the next level by adding more weight training.  Weight training will not cause you to bulk up unless you are trying to.  The truth is, you can do high repetitions with loose weights and it will add a nice toning effect to your body.  The thing that most people don’t know is that if you add muscle it will blast off the fat 10 times faster than doing just cardio.  I usually suggest circuit training where you do five minutes each of Core, Cardio, Strength, and Resistance.  Or, get a good circuit training home video.  I like Jillian Michaels “30-day shred”.  All you need is dedication, commitment, some weights and a mat.  The DVD costs $10 at Target. For others who are new to exercise or haven’t tried it in years, start by stretching frequently and joining a body sculpting class 2-3 times a week.  If time is an issue use the DVD suggested.  It’s great for anyone on any level.  You will notice by day five that your strength will improve and so will your energy.  For more support or if you would like to come to one of my free classes on Saturdays at 8:00 am at Thompson Park on the NE Corner please contact me at www.soulsofnoblecharacter.com. Here’s to a long happy marriage between you, your health, and fitness!