Todd loses over 300lbs

Todd is a 46-year-old married, father of two from Illinois. He also has an inspiring story to share. Now in the fifth year of his weight loss journey, Todd was able to lose over 300 pounds.

Todd’s wake up call began in September 2011 when he found himself in the hospital. At that time, he weighed in at 589 pounds. The doctors told him if he didn’t do something about his health, he’d only have about five years to live. He looked at his daughters from his hospital bed and thought about how he would not be around for them. He knew he needed to make a change.

But it would be difficult for Todd. Because of his physical limitations, he was unable to exercise. After doing some research and finding that at least 80% of weight loss was due to adopting an appropriate diet, he knew what he needed to do. He adjusted his diet and was able to lose 323 pounds.

Todd had a few tips for those who want to make a change:

Don't give up

There will be good and bad days. Some may even start questioning themselves. Is all of this worth it? Know that it is worth it. The good days will last longer than the bad days.

Lower your carbs

Cut back on your carb intake. Eat 4 to 5 smaller meals with snacks. Eat lean proteins, raw vegetables, and drink plenty of water. This will also help with getting your body into ketosis faster.

Todd has had an amazing journey in losing over 300 pounds. Want to connect with Todd directly? You can find him on My Fitness Pal as stogie40 or via his profile on www.realbodiesrealresults.com. Be sure to comment on transformation page. Don’t forget to check out the six-month program at which will give you access to a registered dietician, food plans, recipes, and much more.

Patterns of success in weight loss

Music used for the podcast Intro and Outro: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

Finding mindfulness with Bruce Langford

In today’s podcast, we meet Bruce Langford of Mindfulness Mode to discuss how mindfulness can help you on your health and fitness journey.

Bruce Langford was an entrepreneur for his all adult life until he quitted his job to begin committed to bullying prevention. Thanks to that, he became a Mindfulness coach. He truly believes involving fitness activities into his antibullying program to be really effective.

He also hosts the Mindfulness Mode Podcast, where he shares the ideas of Mindfulness with the world.

Nowadays, it is not just all about prayers and religious stuff, because science has proven mindfulness to be really effective and able to changing our brain in order to let us be calmer, focused and relaxed.

Practicing Mindfulness has lots of benefits, first of all, it helps you releasing stress (that is a hormonal process, where a big quantity of cortisol are produced by our body) and sleeping better, and just these things are already a huge step forward for people. This leads people to be more focused and driven to their commitments.

The first advice Bruce gives is to be active, to get out in the world experiencing something that feels good, something that we really enjoy doing, like a good walk in nature, and that is where Mindfulness comes along, just being aware and conscious of the presence of nature itself, with its smells and sounds.

The important thing is to do this on a regular basis and routine, trying to give our mind a break (from social media, screens and caffeine too) and a quiet time, at least for 10-15 minutes per day.

As one final bit of advice, Bruce believes you should create a night ritual in order to ease the stress and sleep better.

Learn more about Bruce Langford at Mindfulness Mode.

https://40plusfitnesspodcast.com/sacred-baths-health/

Music used for the podcast Intro and Outro: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

Patterns of success in weight loss

Terry has a passion for fitness and helping others succeed in weight loss. As the founder of Real Bodies Real Results, he started his career in fitness years ago. He began offering fitness coaching and tips to friends and family, who later asked for his help in losing weight. After working with clients in this area, he knew these success stories would be valuable to those starting on this path.

Enter Real Bodies Real Results, a website with a mission to tell weight loss success stories in a deeper, fuller way to inspire others and share tips to be used by those undergoing their own journey.

A few of these tips include:

It's a lifestyle

Fitness and weight loss is a journey. Hard work is key. Only make the changes you intend to live with the rest of your life. Think of this as the new way you’re going to live your life, not just a diet. Fad diets, pills, and wraps are not sustainable.

Eat less move more

There is no one size fits all solution. You may need to reduce portion size or possibly eliminate some foods entirely. You need to do what’s right for you.

Motivation comes from within

Nobody will do it for you. Desire may be motivated by others, but ultimately it must come from within. You must love yourself enough to make the commitment.

Weight loss is not linear

Don’t let it discourage you. Consider this quote from Brandon on the Real Bodies Real Results website, “Will it be hard? Maybe. Will you be discouraged? Perhaps. Will you slip up at times? Most likely. Will it be worth it? Most definitely.”

The truth is, weight loss is a mental game. The main reasons that people decide to lose weight all have emotional ties. It is this emotion that gives people the motivation to continue or stop.

Remember, success in weight loss is a slow process. Keep at it and you will see success. For more information, check out the website at http://www.realbodiesrealresults.com/ or email realbodiesrealresults@gmail.com.

https://40plusfitnesspodcast.com/secret-successful-fat-loss-fitness/

Music used for the podcast Intro and Outro: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

Talking hormones with JJ Flizanes

Today we talk to best-selling author, JJ Flizanes. She is an Amazon best-selling author of Fit 2 Love: How to get Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually Fit to Attract the Love of Your Life, and the author of Knack Absolute Abs: Routines for a Fit and Firm Core. JJ Flizanes is also the host of “The Fit 2 Love Podcast.” We’re happy to have her on the show as we talk about the role of hormones in fitness and as we age. .

As we go through life, our hormone levels change.   As we age, we experience decreases in hormones, which have both a physical and emotional impact. Women experience menopause; men experience andropause.   Adrenal fatigue is also an issue we are experiencing in today’s modern society, which can cause an early onset of either menopause or andropause.

We discuss with JJ Flizanes the process of monitoring hormone levels through a comprehensive metabolic profile test that can be completed by your doctor. Blood work testing should cover progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, Thyroid (TSH, T2, T3, T4), Adrenals (Cortisol, DEHA) and also Vitamin D and Iron.

We also discuss the importance of rest, relaxation, lifestyle, and nutrition choices.   JJ emphasizes that physical exercise is very important to your hormone levels. In particular, resistance training is critical as we age for building muscle.

A change in hormones as we age is a natural, human process. For her clients and followers, JJ Flizanes designs customized coaching programs and unique, versatile approaches that harmonize the emotional, the mental and the spiritual.   JJ provided a ton of knowledge for us concerning hormones and other topics, you can find additional information from her in the following locations:

Website:   fit2love.tv

Full show on iTunes:   https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fit-2-love-physical-emotional/id916562580?mt=2

Music used for the podcast Intro and Outro: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

For health and fitness, sugar is the devil

So you have made the commitment to your health and fitness. Now what? We’ll need to take a look at sugar, as it can be the single most damaging thing for your health and fitness. Is sugar really that bad? The short answer yes, though we do need some level of glucose in our body to function properly. Unfortunately, though, we get far too much sugar in our daily diets. In short, sugar is the devil.

Excess sugar intake can manifest itself in various ways, such as the onset of diabetes, tooth decay, and an increase of inflammation within our bodies. In addition, and according to a study, consuming 17-21% of our calories from added sugar increases the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/Nutrition/Added-Sugars-Add-to-Your-Risk-of-Dying-from-Heart-Disease_UCM_460319_Article.jsp#.V7I3pfkrJdi

Keep in mind, when we talk about “added sugars” we are referring to those sugars that are added to foods and beverages during processing and preparation. It is important to read food labels, as sugar can be disguised as:

• agave syrup
• beet sugar
• cane juice
• cane syrup
• high fructose
• corn syrup
• honey
• lactose
• malt
• dextrose
• galactose
• glucos2
• sucrose
• rice syrup
• fructose
• and others..

Keeping a food log will help you track the amount of sugar consumed. Eating whole foods will provide some level of sugar, but will also provide fiber and nutrients. And while sugar is the devil, monitoring and even lowering your sugar intake will help you to look and feel a lot better.

Music used for the podcast Intro and Outro: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

Your brain on exercise

What happens to your brain on exercise?   Scientists and doctors have long speculated the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function.   Recently published studies helped to clarify the relationship between physical fitness and its impact on long-term cognitive function.

As you age, improving cardiovascular fitness is critical and if you are not taking steps to improve it you are selling yourself short in many ways.   A part of your lifestyle as you get older is your ability to function mentally, so by improving your cardiovascular fitness, you will also support a healthy cognitive state.

One way to get started is with a walk.   A simple walk where your heart rate is up but yet you can still talk is a great place to start. As you get more fit, you may need to increase the intensity or volume of the work, but you will see consistent improvement with consistent effort.

Also, test your current cognitive level with puzzles or using opposite hands for simple daily tasks, taking into consideration how easy or difficult it is for you. For example, if you normally brush your teeth with your right hand, try doing it with your left hand.   These mixes will help your cognition but will also help you understand where you are today. and then you can take the steps necessary to make improvements.

The studies have shown that you will benefit your brain on exercise. This concept is life changing, and as we get older, we want to be able to maintain our mental faculties and I encourage you to get out there and get moving and adding cardiovascular work such as walking to your daily health and fitness routine.

Music used for the podcast Intro and Outro: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music