High Dietary Fiber Intake Linked to Reduced Body Weight

Note the very bottom of article: Increase your intake for fruits and vegetables for fiber. Fiber first!

January 7, 2015 Higher dietary fiber intake is linked to reduced body weight At a Glance Studies show that in addition to its established role in supporting overall health, higher dietary fiber consumption may play a significant role in weight loss and obesity.  Read more about this research below.    Dietary fiber plays many important roles in the body, and intake has been linked to cardiovascular health and a lower risk of certain cancers. Additionally, evidence from observational studies has linked fiber intake to body weight, showing that obese men and women are likely to consume significantly less dietary fiber than lean individuals. One particular cohort study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, included 89,432 European participants, aged 20–78 years, who were initially free of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Participants were followed for an average of 6.5 years. Results indicated that total dietary fiber intake was inversely associated with weight and change in waist circumference during the study period. At 10 grams/day higher total fiber intake, there was an estimated 39 grams/year weight loss and waist circumference decreased by 0.08 cm/year. A 10 grams/day fiber intake from cereals alone results in 77 grams/year weight reduction and 0.10 cm/year reduction in waist circumference. Fruit and vegetable fiber was not associated with weight change but had an effect similar to total and cereal fiber intake on reduced waist circumference.  In another study, a review article published in the journal Nutrition suggests that dietary fiber helps prevent obesity in several different ways. It promotes satiation by slowing gastric emptying, altering glycemic or insulin response, decreasing absorption of macronutrients, and by altering the secretion of gut hormones linked to hunger. Over the last decade many the most popular weight-loss diets have trended towards high-protein and low-carbohydrate intakes to lose weight. Unfortunately, in an effort to lower carbohydrate intake, these diets often have very low fiber intake as well. Analysis of low carbohydrate diets reveal that in some cases dietary fiber intake is as low as 1.6 grams/day and is almost always less than 10 grams/day. The author of this review suggests that regardless of dieting method that individuals choose to follow, they should consider the addition of fiber to aid their weight-loss. Dietary fiber can be increased through increasing consumption fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, or through a fiber supplement. Huaidong Du et al. Dietary fiber and subsequent changes in body weight and waist circumference in European men and womenAm J Clin Nutr Vol. 91, No. 2, 329-336, February 2010. Slavin J. Dietary fiber and body weight. Nutrition 21(2005);411-418.

New Year New You Tour Stops & How High Intensity Exercise Suppresses Appetite!

It can be so discouraging trying to get your weight under control if you don't have the scientific knowledge on how your body actually works.This  fabulous weekly Essentials of Health Bulletin courtesy of Usana Health Sciences sheds light on how High Intensity Exercise helps your body regulate eating and food selection. Yes! By now you may have heard that the RESET Challenge launches Monday January 5, 2015 running right through to March 29th , 2015. In support of that the New Year New You Tour with Dr. Brian Dixon and colleagues is making a nation wide tour beginning in New York Sunday, January 10h and it is free. To lean more go here! Dates and Times and Languages posted! El Habla Espanol!

To Your Health Goals!

- Ekayani

  
December 31, 2014

High-intensity exercise may influence appetite regulation and food selection

At a Glance

Increased physical activity is associated with long-term successful weight maintenance due to mechanisms more complex than just increased energy expenditure. A study using MRI imaging has shown that intense exercise not only affects energy output, but may also influence how people respond to food.

Read more about this research below.

 Short periods of intense exercise are known to suppress hunger through appetite regulating hormones. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared the effects of high-intensity exercise on central (brain) response to visual food stimuli. 

The researchers recruited 15 healthy lean men in their early twenties. The study participants completed two 60 minute tests: exercise (running at 70% maximum aerobic capacity) and a resting control. After each test, images of high- and low- calorie foods were viewed and the brain response to the foods was measured using an MRI.     

After the exercise session, thirst and core body temperature were increased while appetite response was significantly suppressed. Exercise significantly suppressed ghrelin (an appetite stimulating hormone) and enhanced the release of peptide YY (an appetite reducing hormone). When compared to the resting control, neural (brain) response in the brain’s reward related regions were stimulated in response to viewing the images of low-calorie foods, but suppressed upon viewing images of high-calorie foods. 

This study found that high intensity exercise increases neural responses in reward-related regions of the brain in response to images of low-calorie foods, and suppresses activation during the viewing of high-calorie foods. These central responses are associated with exercise-induced changes in peripheral signals related to hydration and appetite-regulation.

Exercise is a well-known important component of a healthy lifestyle. This study provides further evidence that exercise can do more than just providing a caloric deficit, it may also influence you to make healthier food choices.  

Crabtree DR, et al. The effects of high-intensity exercise on neural responses to images of food. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Feb;99(2):258-67. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.071381. Epub 2013 Dec 4.

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Tips for Weight Loss The Living Connection with Ekayani Chamberlin Healt...

Memorial Day Already? Why Diets Are Like Roller Coasters

Weight Fluctuations Can Be Wild Ride

I Never Liked Roller Coasters - I Admit it

I admit that I never liked roller coasters and that had to with the lack of control, the sense of utter helplessness and the inherent danger associated with being on such a wild ride. Up, down and around being whipped at lightning speed is just not my idea of fun. The first (and last!) time I was on a roller coaster was in Santa Cruz, California on a very tall and very rickety wooden one. After my brother and I got strapped into the the seat,  up and up we climbed slowly up to the summit. It was looking down at the angle we were about to plummet down that I realized I wanted out.
I turned to my brother and said: "I changed my mind. I want to get off. "
He replied; "It's  a little too late for that now."
And down I plunged for ten harrowing minutes that seemed like an eternity. I was so happy to get off that wild ride.

Trying to Lose Weight Can Be Like Riding a Roller Coaster

Paul changed his lifestyle and nutrition on RESET.

Trying to lose weight and keep it off can be like riding a roller coaster. The fact is that most people gain MORE weight than they initially lost while dieting. Dieting is the problem because it does not address fundamental lifestyle issues or if you prefer the basic needs of the human body. This up and down and all around approach is risky for your cardio vascular system, hormone production, brain health and even reproductive health. Calories are only one part of the picture that paints a false picture at that. Essential nutrients that are required daily such as C, D, B6.B12, Magnesium and the companion trace minerals, Omega 3 fatty acids to name just a few combined  with sound lifestyle habits will work wonders at keeping you at the weight that you want to be because you will have enlisted an array of friends to help you and your body feel fantastic. The body if you treat it right is self regulating. You could call this a miracle or intelligent design.

What are those needs?

Whether you are a paleo, vegan,vegetarian, keep kosher or follow halal dietary codes if you are human from your time spent  inutero to old age you have daily needs.

* Sufficient Sleep Just changing your erratic sleep patterns for a regular time for restorative sleep can help you lose weight. In one study by Dr Breus (The Sleep Doctor) oversaw a trial where women lost  from 3 to 15 pounds just by going to bed earlier! Sleep is not just for babies either and not getting enough will make you crabby, forgetful and over weight.
* Sufficient Exercise: You don't have to be a weekend warrior or Olympic athlete to be healthy. You do need to get out an walk at least 20 minutes per day. The human body is designed to move! Moving  helps the blood circulate to flush out toxins,  boost your mood by stimulating feel good hormones, helps regulate the metabolism and helps you sleep at night provided you are not up exercising too late.
*Sufficient Fiber Fiber first! Fiber helps things  moving along. If you are like many American's that are chronically constipated passing stool only a few times a week if that adding fiber to your diet is a must. The tire that you see around many a middle is what an impacted colon looks like filled with crap. Literally. When I speak of fiber I am talking about green vegetables and not what you have been lead to believe constitutes a "high fiber diet". It's not more cereals nor it is pizza, donuts or bagels! Depending on the time of year avail yourself to seasonal greens such a leeks, kale, spinach, celery, squash, parsely, arugula, cabbage, radishes,  different kinds of lettuces and so forth. They will also help your liver and kidneys detoxify.

* Sufficient Hydration: Drinking plenty of clean pure water does much to keep your body healthy by insuring your bodies detoxification centers have the water they need to flush out what doesn't need to stay in your body. Your liver and kidneys work non stop to remove poisons. Soft drinks and just juices  just don't cut it.If water doesn't strike your fancy,  try drinking herbal teas, green teas or infusing your water with fruits as nicely illustrated in breast cancer survivor Pam Wenzels book Spa Water

Tangerine Lime Spa Water by Pam Wenzel

 *Optimal Nutrition It has become clearer and clearer to me that the United States is a county where empty food and nutritional deficiencies reign. In a county where pizza is deemed a vegetable and where many neighborhoods are bereft of fresh fruits and vegetables and vending machines bedeck the halls of the institutions of higher learning. No wonder that Americans are running on empty!  Soil is the stomach of the earth. It is evident that the way in which we  grow crops by treating them with pesticides instead of using nutrient enriching practices, our soil has become tasteless and unappealing. For those of you who have been lucky enough to have a meal in Europe in Italy or France for example you have tasted the difference! The difference is in the soil. By contrast in the USA  with out 400 or so inches of topsoil whittled down to 3 or 4  inches, there is precious little for crops to nourish themselves with. While we are working our way back to healthier soils,  I urge everyone to take high quality supplements that exceed the paltry "standards" of nutritionals today. Your body was designed to take care of itself  but even the most exquisitely designed vehicle can't go far on little fuel. I recommend Usana Health Sciences

Summer Slimdown Challenge is Here! 

I invite you to take up the RESET Challenge NOW  taking 5 days of your life  to get off the carb and sugar roller coaster ride you have been on for far to long. The benefits are 1. It's easy 2. No cooking 3. No obssessing on what to eat, when how and where  to eat 4. It's portable 5. It's highly nutritious. 6. It's gluten free 7.  It's low glycemic 8. Is GMO free 9. All raw materials/ingredients are guaranteed for 90 Days to insure purity, efficacity and that products are free of mold, mildew and heavy metals. 10. It's scientifically formulated.  11. Vegan options 12. It tastes good! There. Now lets get started!

 

Fascinating. Food. Exercise Infuences Neural response in the Brain

How many times have you heard that cardio or high intensity exercise is important for healthy weight and just groaned? It turns out it's true and for you geeks out there who need convincing to get off the couch, onto the trampoline, into the pool,on the bike or running track,  check out this fascinating study from Usana Health Sciences weekly Essentials of Health bulletin. Your brain is a genius that loves exercise! So get up, get out and work in 25 minutes of exercise daily even if its just walking! Your brain and waistline will thank you!

The effects of high-intensity exercise on neural responses to images of food

At a Glance  Increased physical activity is known to be associated with long-term successful weight loss maintenance due to mechanisms more complex than simply increased energy expenditure. A new study using MRI imaging has shown that intense exercise not only affects energy output, but it also may influence how people respond to food cues.

Read more about this research below.

Short bouts of intense exercise are known to suppress hunger through appetite regulating hormones. In a new study published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers aimed to determine the effects of high-intensity exercise on central (brain) response to visual food stimuli.  The study included 15 healthy men of normal weight that completed two 60 minute experiments: exercise (running at 70% maximum aerobic capacity) and a resting control. After each trial, images of high and low-calorie foods were viewed and the brain response to the foods was measured using an MRI.   After the bout of exercise, thirst and core body temperature were increased while appetite response was significantly suppressed. Exercise significantly suppressed ghrelin (an appetite stimulating hormone) and enhanced the release of peptide YY (an appetite reducing hormone). When compared to the resting control, neural (brain) response in the brain’s reward related regions were stimulated in response to viewing the images of low-calorie foods but suppressed upon viewing images of high-calorie foods. 

This study has shown that high intensity exercise increases neural responses in reward-related regions of the brain in response to images of low-calorie foods and suppresses activation during the viewing of high-calorie foods. These central responses are associated with exercise-induced changes in peripheral signals related to appetite-regulation and hydration status.

Daniel R Crabtree et al. The effects of high-intensity exercise on neural responses to images of food. December 4, 2013, doi: 10.3945/​ajcn.113.071381

Online event registration for Destination Transformation 2014 RESET Challenge with Ekayani Chamberlin powered by Eventbrite

Limited Time Offer RESET for Destination Transformation

My Gift To You - Get Started on Solid Footing for 2014 - Five questions 1. Have you been wanting to lose weight and just don't know HOW to make lasting changes? 2. Are you feeling bloated and sluggish after your Christmas with all the trimmings? 3. Do you lose weight only to put it ALL back on again? 4. Would you like to find a community that's supportive and non judgmental? 5. How about getting away with a chance to win an all expense paid trip to Sanoviv just for losing weight and tracking your story?

If any of these sound like you, then listen up!I am running a 12 week RESET Destination Transformation Challenge that begins January 6th and to help you get started I am offering a deep discount on the RESET kits.Take a look if you have reached your wit's end om weight loss. This offers expires January 4th. Click on the widget below to be taken to the event page, watch the video and register now. - Ekayani Chamberlin, Health & Lifestyle Coach

Event management for Destination Transformation 2014 RESET Challenge with Ekayani Chamberlin powered by Eventbrite

Real Results Real People: "One of the easiest cleanses I've ever done!" Karina Yanku, LMT and host of The Healing Artist Radio, New York, NY "My sugar cravings have decreased a lot!" Florence C, Attorney, Miami, Fl "I feel much better. I lost ten pounds in 5 days!" - Cheri R., New Jersey

Why DESTINATION Transformation is a no brainer More About Your Trip!

Launch of Gluten Free RESET is here - Easy Program to Avoid Weight Creep...

Testimonial - Lost 10 Pounds in 5 Days RESET works

I wanted to share this testimonial from a real person to underline the talk I gave on Weight Creep on the Healing Artist Radio Show Tuesday November 12, 2013. It's important to hear from real people.

"I wanted to try again another way to lose weight and I've lost my ten lbs and I want to lose another 10. It's always a decision one has to be ready for a commitment to make a healthy choice in changing what we put into our mouths."  C.R. -  New Jersey

RESET kit comes with a variety pack of Nutrimeal  shakes, health pak, delicious bars and instructions

RESET is an easy stress free weight loss program that literally helps reset the body helping to establish healthy eating patterns and self care in just 5 short days. The average weight loss is 4.5 pounds and I have seen people lose as much as 12 pounds safely. This is possible when you remove the culprits of fluctuating weight and inflammation such as highly denatured processed foods that have virtually no nutritional content your body can use to heal and maintain itself much less thrive.

Quality Control

As Dr. Oz pointed out on his show, food labeling can be misleading.The word "natural" and similar terms  doesn't oblige the manufacturer to ensure that the product is Non GMO, free of toxins, molds or even contain the complete spectrum of vitamins and trace minerals your brain, heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, bones and digestive system require. It can contain only a small amount of that which ludicriously qualifies it for a rubber stamp of approval in the market place. But that doesn't mean your body is buying it. The rate of obesity in North America is now at 49% for adults  giving one pause to really question what's in the food aisle at your local WalMart. Usana Health Sciences tests all raw materials that enter the facility quarantining them for 90 days while running a battery of tests before manufacture. More importantly there has not been one recall in 21 years of operation. In today's world of increased environmental pollution that is a stunning accomplishment which attests to a level of comittmment that is simply unsurpassed.

 Stress Not! Gluten Free Options! Non Dairy Too

The KIT removes the worry about what to eat and when to eat allowing you to go about your daily life. It comes with instructions and a motivational magnet and wristband. Gluten free, low glycemic, tasty and convenient RESET can help you avoid hypertension, diabetes and obesity that reduce your quality of life. Need to avoid Soy or Dairy in your diets? Behold NutrimealFREE  a completely plant based protein made from pea and potatoes!

The Kosher version of The Essentials multivitamin is free of dairy. I also recommend adding a scoop pf Fibergy Plus a combination of soluble and non soluble fiber to help clean out your colon and help you feel fuller during this jump start phase. Drinking plenty of water, moderate exercise and eating low glycemic fruits and vegetables during the program will set you on the path to feeling fantastic and looking fabulous. And who doesn't want that? Ready to get started? Learn more here
Tip: A great anti inflammation food is watercress that helps repair DNA damage. Dr. Nicolas Perricone speaks on this.

Replay Links & Tips to Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain or Weight Creep

Hey Everybody! I have put some highlights of the episode  here with links to the studies and blogs I used for research. (The Healing Artist Radio Show 11/13/13)

Tip 1
Green tea with a at least 25 minutes of exercise daily burns 4.4 pounds of fat with the added joy of targeting belly fat so you can show off your new six pack faster!
The Replay of Weight Creep or How to Avoid Weight Gain Over the Holidays is now archived on City World Radio - look in the Healing Artist Radio Show folder
Links to Articles & Blogs
I shared with you several tips on how to practically avoid the traps we can fall into with food that I culled from this post by Diana Yin that first appeared on What's Up Usana?
Nick Pederson lost a lot of weight and wrote about his findings here FANTASTIC case for cardio and intake of quality proteins.  Good Snacking In addition the keeping apples, pears, tangerines at your desk at work and at home, here are some yummy snacks that look evil but actually provide 15 grams of quality protein, are low GI, and gluten free! These nutrition bars are truly a step above. Warm up the Fudge Delite and you'll feel like your breaking the rules when you're not! Also don't forget the smoothies I mentioned!  Check them out here

Here is the combined study by the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease and the
National Institute for Child and Human Health Development

Alcohol is the big pitfall as your are drinking hundreds and hundreds of calories with no nutrients unless you count that olive in your martini! Simple rule of thumb is for every drink you have drink a glass of water. Give your liver a break and help flush out the booze.
You can also add sparkling water to the wine you are drinking by 50%. You'll still be drinking with half the consumption of calories.
Liver tabs I also recommend that you stock up Hepasil DTX
by Usana that gives your liver - the gateway for clearing all toxins in the body-  a huge boost by providing it with clean, pure and effective combo of milk thistle extract, green tea and Vitamin C. 3 daily will assist your liver in keeping the weight off and supporting your immune system which comes under assault during the darker, colder and food heavy months.

Blender bottle on display with Karina Yanku host of The Healing Artist Radio Show

How To Avoid Weight Gain During The Holidays and Beyond

You  are 150 pounds which is just perfect for your height and then one day inexplicably the scale tells you you are 170. What happened? The reality is that Americans gain an additional one to two pounds every year usually around the Holiday Season and never lose it! If you'd like to learn How To Avoid this dilemna and learn about the programs I am offering to avoid even making a New Year's Resolution to Lose Weight this show is for you! Listen in via smarphone or the web Tuesday November 12 @ 4PM EST/1PM EST when I return to The Healing Artist Radio Show!

Congratulation Your 5 Day RESET is over - Now What?

 So What's next?

You did it. You made it  through the first  5 Days of Usana's RESET program.Your jeans are probably feeling looser, your energy level up and in spite of your doubts No, you didn't gag on Usana's Nutrimeal shakes. You took your Healthpak religiously every morning and night for 5 days and maybe even started thinking that there IS something to this whole Nutrition thing. While you may not have reached your target goal just yet you are well on your way.  

Staying on Track is Easy
To keep moving in on your goals simply keep up with taking The Essentials twice a day.

This will insure that in spite of hectic schedules, missed meals or even a slip back to some fast food habits, that you are getting your essential dose of vitamins and trace minerals including your B's and the ever critical magnesium. 

Stay on Track with Usana's convenient foods

Your body has just been retrained to expect energy in the form of trace minerals over processed chocolates, donuts, empty grains and snack foods. Give your body what it craves! This will keep your cells ability to metabolize food into energy strong because mega anti oxidants and chelated minerals are where it's at. Remember that USANA's supplements have been designed without GMO's,toxins and are potency guaranteed. Consumer Labs, NSF Certified, GMP and FDA pharmaceutical grade manufacturing means you are getting the best just like every elite athlete that consumes them.

Keep Your Shakes Handy

 

Whether your driving to work, working late, flying to another city or your cupboard is bare you'll be well prepared when you keep your blender bottle handy. Keeping one at work, in your car or handbag and even at home will save you from running on empty. Usana has specials going on Right Now until July 25 on single serving 28 packs of Nurmeal in your favorite flavors for your convenience. As a PC you will save so take advantage. And at $2.50 a serving no fast food in the world can deliver this kind of optimal nutrition so conveniently. Keep replacing  2 meals a day at this stage with an USANA shake while you keep on taking your Essentials. By day 30 you will be sliding into those old clothes with considerable ease. It's all about compliance so make it easy on yourself an add bags of Nutrimeal and Essentials to your monthly order.

It's one less thing you have to think about while your amazing body carries on all the functions of maintenance and repair on autopilot. Congratulations!

RESET Weight-Loss Challenge Winner: Jerome Amarasinghe | USANA Video

Inspiration from a 24 Year Old Destination Transformation

It can be so easy to give up on our dreams and goals especially when we have been struggling with a problem such as weight for the better part of our lives. Meet Jerome Amarasinghe from Australia who got down to understanding himself and used Usana's great tools to shed 41 pounds!  With a dangerously fatty liver and a whole host of weight related health problems on the way, Jerome knew that he had to do something if he wanted to live a quality life. Listen in as Nick Pederson interviews Jerome at the conclusion of his challenge. Congratulations Jerome! And as for you dear reader you can do it too. Look around this blog for weight loss tips and take the drama out of being the best you you can be.
- Ekayani

Registration Now Open! Summer Slimdown Cardio Classes in July

Sell Tickets through Eventbrite

Register Now for your free  Summer Slimdown Sundays Cardio Classes

 It is Summer and it is time to lose those pounds! A good cardio vascular workout is an important part of shedding those pounds and to support you in your 30 Day Challenge I have teamed up again once again with Intensati dynamo Elina LeClaire.

Elina Claire your Intensati Instructor

OM ROOM inside Human@Ease

All participants in the Summer Slimdown 30 Day Challenge  are invited to this free class to get that blood pumping and heart rate up every Sunday in July from 1:30 to 2:30PM.

Rain or Shine We Don't Mind

In sunny weather we will be outside connecting with the trees, grass and open skies in McCarren Park. If it's rainy or too darn hot for comfort we will hold class inside in the lovely OM Room.  Plan to meet us by 1:15PM at 31 Nassau Avenue in Greenpoint, Brooklyn in front of Human @ Ease

 

How To Get There:

The nearest train is the G to Nassau or you can take the L to Bedford and head on over to Nassau. This is a FREE class but you just need to REGISTER NOW   I look forward to seeing you in class! 

McCarren Park a mecca of fitness in Greenpoint!

My RESET Story - How I Lost 10 Stubborn Pounds

Me on the Parisian catwalk for DeSenneville about 1990

 
Everyone has an ideal weight where they feel their body working at it's optimal levels. For me that weight harkens back to my days as a 27 year old living in Paris while working as a fashion model. (Mind you those were the pre anorexic look days). For many years I was able to keep that ideal weight and then when I hit my mid 40's things changed. Much to my chagrin a favorite pair of classic striped pants were now impossible for me to wear. I couldn't close them at the waist. Surely I must be hallucinating, I thought, as I began to go to through my closet trying on old outfits that I used to breeze in an out of only to find that they were now unwearbable. My YSL safari style pantsuit bequethed to me by a French friend I couldn't get past my thighs let alone zip up the fly. My sexy blue zip up hot pants by Vivienne Westwood and my catsuits all off limits. All in all it amounted to ten stubborn pounds that had accumulated around my waist and on my thighs. What happened? Or more to the point what was no longer happening?

 

RESET or How I Lost 10 pounds

 BEFORE & heavier pictured with my grandfather

Up to this point I had never been on a "diet" in my life. I had committed to a vegetarian lifestyle three decades before at 18, ate organic and had no big vices to speak of other than chocolate. I had eaten chocolate all my life and my ex - boyfriend used to joke when he got home that he had my "health food" which consisted of no less than 3 chocolate bars and usually a bag of corn chips. I'd consume that much a week and without realizing it, I had my own little mini carb and sugar roller coaster scenario going on. I equated that dietary roller coaster with gorging on bagels and donuts and since that was not the portrait of my life, I didn't get it at first. Although the chocolate I was eating was labeled organic, the story lay deeper than that. It was still in a classic bar form and much more processed than cacao should be. Raw cacao is good for you as it it not only high in antioxidants but rich in minerals such as Magnesium which is used in over 300 bodily functions. It was the magnesium in higher doses that my body was really craving and I was simply not getting enough. Magnesium's functions include providing fuel to the mitochondria in the cell. The mitochondria is like a mini factory where the cell does what it needs to do to keep the body healthy like turning the foods I eat into energy. My cells need to breathe, reproduce,  and this is key - to  excrete what it can't use. If the cell is low on fuel, the waste matter just doesn't make it out and manifests as low energy, poor digestion and as unwanted weight on my thighs, behind and tummy. I had been espousing RESET to customers and seeing some amazing results and now it was time to do it myself. For two days I consumed nothing but the Usana Nutrimeal shakes, made sure I doubled up on my Healthpaks taking them morning and night and drank plenty of water. I kept up with my regime of biking to where I needed to go and ate fruits during the day and a light salad at night along with my evening shake. People I was not hungry at all. I thought I might need to use the Usana Nutrition bars which I love because they actually have nutrition in them but in this case I didn't  require them. That surprised me but like I said everyone is different. At the end of just two days I dropped those ten pounds and the fat pants I was wearing were now baggy on me. My friend Josefa gasped when she saw me. "My God you've dropped so much weight! What did you do?"  RESET baby.  I hit my goal after two days which may not be typical but was amazing nonetheless. I stuck to the program using just water to make make shakes keeping them nutrient rich and calorie poor. My body was able to rejuvenate tapping into my old high metabolic rate and the pounds literally melted away. My striped pants and I were now back in action!

My Happy Ending

Me June 3, 2013 with my grandfather Bernando LaPallo

That was two years ago and I have not gained a single pound back. In fact I have continued to slim down and tone as I keep up with my regular biking routine and comply on a daily basis with my MyHealthpak supplementation. I get my optimal nutrition daily with Active (magnesium) Calcium that keeps my legs from cramping from all the biking I do while keeping my cells chugging along. I take my mega antioxidants, chelated minerals, AO Booster, Visionex to keep my eyes and skin healthy, Proflavanol C for easy breathing, strong teeth, gums and skin. I indulge myself in chocolate when I desire but it is no longer my main go to source of energy. My days of eating 3 to 5 bars a week are gone and now I consume that many per month. In mathematical terms I have gone from consuming 20 bars a month to 5. What I love most of all about my refound youth is that while I look the part I am much more grounded because of all the years I have under my belt. I get to be "young again" minus all the stupid mistakes I made the first time. At 50 it's a wonderful feeling! Would you like to feel this way?

Summer Slimdown

 

If you'd like my guidance while participating in the 30 Day Summer Slimdown Challenge I am conducting in July using USANA RESET Transformation please write me at ekayani@usana.com I have Summer Specials but hurry as that ends July 25th!

RESET TRANSFORMATION Kit

Summer Slimdown Challenge Kicks Off July - Are You Ready?

Make the commitment to your health and join my 30 Day Challenge!

Summer is in full swing and already I have been out and about on two successive weekends enjoying the festivities that New York City and it's environs has to offer.  There are as many ways to celebrate the solstice as there are communities and boy do we have a lot of communities. You want to feel and look your best while enjoying the summer months sporting the latest fashions or better yet wearing a bikini. By now if you have been following along on my blog you understand the strain and stress that being overweight puts on your heart as well as the risks you face for diabetes. So before I share all the fun, I invite you and your friends to join in a 30 Day Summer Slim Down Challenge I am running using Usana's RESET Transformation kits now!  It's sure to be rewarding. When you start to regain your energy and zest for life your confidence will soar.  I want to emphasize that this is a sane weight management program free of gimmicks, hype and unsavory ingredients. A common sense approach with a daily exercise program while eating plenty of fresh fruit, veggies and water will contribute to your success. As part of your package you will receive a free and confidential True Health Assessment,  low glycemic recipes, weekly weight checks, and one on one phone consultations. I am  offering a gluten free version of this 30 Day Summer Slimdown program here.  The challenge begins in July.  RSVP by June 30th here to participate in this limited time offer.
So are you ready to look and feel your best while establishing healthy habits for a lifetime? Sure you are! So grab a friend and lets get started!

Summer Solstice Fun & Jazz Age Parties

The dance floor canopied by trees fab!

I hopped the ferry to Governor's Island Sunday,  June 16th to catch the Eighth Annual Great Lawn Party with Arenella's jazz age Dream Land Orchestra complete with a dance floor set up under a canopy of trees dancing till I could dance no more. The music played by his live orchestra hail from the 1920 and teens with everyone dressing the part. I brought a picnic lunch to share with friends though I did sample some of the treats on site. I got lots of complements on my socks as I tried my best to look like a gal of the period out to enjoy a day by the water.

Ekayani in striped chemise,ankle socks, polka dot heels

Michael Arenella sings into a megaphone 20's style

June 21 was the Summer Solstice and I went Swedish! I enjoyed my first ever MidSummer Festival held in Battery Park dancing around a maypole decorated in sunflowers to the strains of Swedish folk music while wearing a flower crown made for me by my friend the stylist Ulrika. It's been a while since I went to Stockholm but with the water from the bay lapping against the rocks and the steeple like roof of Pier 6 I believed I was there. The purpose of this festival is to celebrate and attract fertility and it's been going on a long time predating Christianity's foothold in Sweden. The whole village would come out for this with farmers as the foundation according to Ulrika.

Wearing a flower wreath

Dancing around and near the maypole on Pier 6

The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a picnic in the grass with a gaggle of friends and toddlers. After the dancing there was more eating and drinking. And then more eating and drinking. Ulrika instructed me to pick 7 different kinds of flowers to place under my pillow that night to help me "dream about my future husband". This is a Swedish tradition and this is what I picked. Sweet dreams!

All flowers I found in my neighborhood

Saturday 22 -  I went to the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island enjoying the sun, salt breeze and flamboyant costumes of men and woman dressed as mermaids. mermen,coral reefs,sailors, pirate ships and sea creatures. I am grateful that I have been taking care of my health all this time to dive into one festive occasion to another. What are the ways you celebrate summer? Leave your comments below. Remember to write what your Goal Weight is and your Current Weight when you sign up for the challenge by writing me ekayani@usana.com!

A barnacled lady! Looks like a coral reef to me Photo credit CBS News

Finally please learn about USANA's quality guarantee from the founder Dr. Myron Wentz.

Reset Transform Kit - 30 Day Summer Slim Down Challenge

Your challenge begins in July! Commit to your lifelong health now!

 Science based nutritional weight loss

 Dr Brian Dixon Executive Director of Clinical Affairs at USANA Health Sciences does an excellent job in the video above  explaining why this programs succeeds where so many fail.  Please take 3 minutes to watch. Dr. Dixon  covers the hows, touches on the glycemic index and makes suggestions on how you can customize your experience. By now if you have been following along on my blog you understand the strain and stress that being overweight puts on your heart as well as the risks you face for diabetes. I invite you and your friends to join in a 30 Day Summer Slim Down Challenge I am running using Usana's RESET Transformation kits also available Gluten Free. Check out the details below.

When it starts

The Summer Slimdown challenge begins in July - that's just 5 days away so I recommend you throw away your hesitations and jump in feet first to a new you. The hard work has been down for you by our outstanding world class nutritional science research team.You can join at any point in July.

 How it Works

 

USANA’s Transform Kit contains over a month’s supply of everything needed to help transform your body for a healthier, happier you. Following the 5-Day Jumpstart Phase of USANA’s RESET™ weight-management program, the Transform Phase will help you achieve your goal weight. This kit includes Nutrimeal™ meal-replacement shakes, along with Nutrition Bars, a supply of nutritional supplements, and Rev3 energy drink. All foods included in this kit are made with a low-glycemic formula, designed to deliver sustained energy and control hunger, giving your body what it needs to lose weight. This program will not only help you shed pounds, it will help you make positive changes to your overall lifestyle and keep weight off for good.*
Health Basics

• Helps control hunger and the stress of dieting
• Boosts metabolism and helps with energy
• Provides balanced nutrition and all you need for weight-loss success
• Contains low-glycemic ingredients to control carbohydrate cravings
•    
• One of the healthiest and most balanced weight-loss programs in the market



RESET Transform Kit

• USANA^® Essentials™ Green
• Rev3 energy Surge Pack (28pk)
• Nutrimeal, Dutch Chocolate (2)
• Nutrimeal, Vanilla (3)
• Nutrimeal, Wild Strawberry (1)
• Peanut Butter bars
• Chocolate Fusion bars

 Ready to Get Started?!

Contact me now for with this affordable and sane weight management program notoriously free of hype  Write me ekayani@usana.com  Look under Diet and Energy To Order products here  Learn about your Gluten Free options here

The product specials on RESET Transformation kits ends July 25.

*It is suggested that you take these products to your physician and secure his or her advice if you intend to change your diet, begin an exercise program, are pregnant or lactating, have allergies, are taking medications, or are under the care of a physician. The components of the USANA RESET 5-Day Kit are FOODS, not DRUGS.

As with any health or fitness program, a sensible eating plan and regular exercise are required in order to achieve long-term weight loss results. Results will vary.