The Sweetest Scam of All Time

May 15, 2009 By

 

The correct answer to the following question will shock you.

Would you survive longer on a diet of just water OR on a diet of water and refined sugar?

The answer: You would survive longer on just water.

Sound impossible? Just ask the five sailors who were ship wrecked in 1793.

The ship was filled with sugar, thus giving the marooned five a diet of sugar and water. When they were finally picked up, nine days later, they were in a wasted condition due to starvation.

The story of the five sailors intrigued French physiologist Francois Magendie to conduct a series of experiments in which he fed dogs a diet of sugar. All of the dogs died.

Magendie proved that as a steady diet, refined sugar is worse than nothing.

How can sugar be worse than nothing? Plainly put, refined sugar is an anti-nutrient.

It starts out as sugar cane, and then goes through an extensive refining process that destroys all of the enzymes, fiber, vitamins and minerals. What you’re left with are empty, naked calories.

The problem is that your body needs the enzymes, fiber, vitamins and minerals that were taken out in the refining process in order to metabolize sugar and use it as energy. So it takes those nutrients from your own body.

So while you are enjoying that chocolate bar, sugar is draining vital nutrients from your body. Like a sweet parasite.

And it doesn’t end there…

  • Sugar creates false hunger (as a result of the insulin rush and then ensuing plummet in your blood sugar levels), which makes you overeat. This means a constant struggle with your weight in which you never seem to achieve your ideal size.
  • Sugar promotes aging (due to the advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, that occur when insulin levels are consistently elevated as a result of eating too much sugar). Sugar has even been dubbed the negative fountain of youth.
  • Sugar weakens your bones – making you vulnerable for osteoporosis, and weakens your teeth – making you vulnerable for cavities (both due to the calcium being pulled from your bones and teeth in order for your body to process sugar).
  • Sugar in excess is stored as fat (after your liver has no more room to store it, sugar is converted to fat and deposited on your belly, thighs, hips and the backs of your arms).
  • Sugar can impair brain functioning (as a result of depleted B-vitamin production).

If you’re still not convinced of the danger of sugar here are more ailments linked to its overconsumption: varicose veins, constipation, hormonal imbalances, ADD and ADHD, increased emotional instability, depressed immune system, increased risk of cancer and degenerative diseases.

The average modern person consumes 46 teaspoons of sugar every day. That comes out to roughly 175 pounds of sugar each year.

And it’s no wonder, since sugar industry is big business. They sneak sugar into any product that they can.

Go through the foods in your home and you’ll see that sugar has been added to everything from ketchup and spaghetti sauce to crackers, oatmeal, peanut butter and even ‘healthy’ items like weight loss bars.

Where does this leave you?

You are in a unique position. Your personal judgment determines the foods that you eat and the foods that you avoid. It is my hope that you approach sugar with new eyes.

While all other foods offer you caloric energy PLUS some nutritional benefit, sugar doesn’t. Sugar is simply caloric energy with a sweet habit forming taste, and a hoard of health risks.

Use your judgment wisely and limit your sugar consumption – you’ll love the benefits of low sugar living.

And while you’re at it contact me to start a training program that will turbo-charge your results.

(Oh and if you’re ever in a ship wreck with only sugar and water at your disposal – just drink the water!)

Sarai D. Jones

Filed Under: Nutrition Tagged With: , , , ,

Eat Please!

October 29, 2008 By

 

I know this makes sense to you.

I know this seems like the most logical, fail proof way to lose weight, but you have to leave this weight loss tactic alone………

Starving yourself.

It doesn’t work.

Even though it sounds like it should work (the whole not eating thing) when you starve yourself you are actually working against the very thing you are trying to do.

How is that?

When you starve yourself your body releases fewer fat-releasing and fat burning enzymes. Those are the ones that release the fat from where it is stored on your body and actually burn the fat for energy.

So the less of these enzymes the less fat you burn.

Not your plan right?

You don’t just stop eating and suddenly the fat disappears.

Proper nutrition that gives your body what it need to function properly is actually the most efficient way to burn fat fast!

I know it seems hard to let go of the not eating thing, but really, you gotta eat.

I can help you with that if you need some direction. Contact me.

Sarai D. Jones

Filed Under: Fat loss, Nutrition Tagged With: , , , , ,

One Step Closer

October 27, 2008 By

 

With each passing day and with each choice you make you are either getting closer to or further from your goals.

Very philosophical right?

On the surface I’m sure we all feel like we get this.

But do you really get it?

In the past I have found that most people don’t make much, if any progress toward achieving their fat loss and fitness goals.

People often stay stuck right where they are, over whelmed by the seemingly enormous task of getting fit.

If you feel like this is you, it’s time to break down the process of losing weight and getting fit and turn the experience into small steps you can take daily.

See, that’s how it really works. There isn’t a magic workout that you can do for one week and expect it to get you in the best shape of your life.

There is no perfect 7 day diet that will leave you looking like a movie star after following it for a short time.

You’re going to finally acheive your fitness and fat loss goals by moving closer every day with a series of choices and actions:

Make the time to work out – skip your workout.

Eat the cookie – leave it on the plate.

So, if you’re willing to do the work – dedicate 45-60 minutes a day to working toward your goals whether that be time spent doing a good workout or prepping your healthy food choices for the next day.

Each and every step counts!

Before long some of your goals will be realities.

Sarai D. Jones

Filed Under: Exercise and Fitness, Fat loss, Nutrition Tagged With: , , , ,

Weight-Loss In A Pill?

October 26, 2008 By

 

Let’s be honest for a moment. You’ve seen the advertisements for weight loss pills-you know the ones with those amazing before and after pictures-and you’ve wondered to yourself…do they work?

Diet pills are everywhere, most of the "fitness" magazines you buy are nothing more than a few articles mixed in with the supplement ads.

You probably know someone who is dabbling with diet pills or maybe you’ve tried them yourself. Have you ever wondered how they work?

Weight loss pills can be broken down into 3 basic categories:

  1. Appetite Suppressants: These work just like it sounds. The appetite-regulating region of your brain (the hypothalamus) is tricked by blockage of the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. As a result you feel like you’ve just eaten a big meal, so you’re less likely to overeat.
  2. Stimulants: These types of weight loss pills used to contain a combination of ephedra and caffeine to raise energy expenditure (thermogenesis) while also reducing appetite. You’re probably aware that these pills were proven in some cases to be deadly, so ephedra was taken off the market. Stimulant pills now contain other ephedra-like substances, vitamins and caffeine. The idea is to increase energy and boost metabolism.
  3. Fat Blockers: These pills inhibit the action of the enzyme lipase, which is responsible for breaking down fat during the digestion process. The goal is to prevent a percentage of the fat you’ve eaten from being absorbed into your system.

So we return to our burning question. Do the pills work? Here’s what the diet pill companies say:

  • "You’ll lose 30lbs in 30 days"
  • "Achieve rapid weight loss results"
  • "Burn calories and fat 24 hours a day"
  • "Fights fat and delivers rapid weight loss"

Those claims are amazing…too bad they are just that-claims. It’s so tempting to imagine that those benefits could be gained just by swallowing a pill. Tempting enough to make diet pills a multibillion dollar a year industry. Hmmm, makes you wonder that if that many diet pills have been taken then why don’t we all look like swim suit models yet?

While diet pills showcase a few star subjects, none of whom live on your block, the world is full of real people who have lost weight and improved their lives with exercise and healthy eating. Check out these proven benefits of exercise:

  • Increased Weight Loss
  • Strengthens Heart and Lungs
  • Improved Sleep Pattern
  • Increased Strength
  • Improved Coordination
  • Raised Self Esteem
  • Renewed Confidence
  • Feel Good Endorphins
  • Feel Younger Than Ever
  • Improved Mood

A pill may slightly increase your metabolic rate for a time or may suppress your appetite, and you may lose a few pounds. However, a pill alone cannot produce serious or permanent weight loss. A pill cannot deliver the same results as healthy nutrition and regular exercise.

And weight loss pills have been known to give the following side effects:

  • Raised blood pressure
  • Increased risk of heart attack
  • Cramping, gas and diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Headaches
  • Dry Mouth
  • Insomnia

The bottom line is that true weight loss can’t be achieved by a pill.

If you really want to lose weight, if you’re looking for long term health benefits then look no farther than your sneakers. That’s right, lace them up and go for a jog. Then schedule a time to meet with me.

Together we will turn you into a walking talking billboard for the benefits of exercise.

I’m here for you

Sarai D. Jones

Get Fit With Sarai

Filed Under: Exercise and Fitness, Fat loss, Nutrition Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Sugar Addict Rehab

October 25, 2008 By

 

Do you feel like you are constantly craving sweets?

At this time of year especially when sweet treats are everywhere it can seem like you are always waiting for the next hit of sugar.

There isn’t a single cure-all to this problem, but in general, the less sweets you eat, the less you’ll crave them.

Here are a couple of quick tips to help get you there:

· Try to find a substitute– Are you craving a quick afternoon pick-me up? It might be helpful to have something else there and ready to fight off those cravings. Try to stick with things that are naturally sweet instead of those with added sugars.

· Wait out the craving– most cravings will only last a few minutes. Try to keep yourself busy with something else for about 10 minutes. Most likely you’ll forget all about the candy at the front desk.

· Practice delayed gratification– Instead of telling your self you can never have that treat you are craving, tell yourself you can have it in a few hours, every time your time comes up, try to push it out another few hours or even to the next day. Several years ago I delayed myself all the way to a big weight loss. Every time you achieve a goal give yourself a small reward. If you are going by the hours give yourself .50 cents. If you are going to wait a day or two, give yourself a $1 each day. At the end of the month take the cash and treat yourself to a non-food reward.

· Don’t set your self up to fail- If you know the vending machine calls to you daily, don’t keep singles or change around. Pay at the pump for your gas and avoid going inside where you will be tempted by all the unhealthy treats and never ever go shopping hungry. You’ll spend way too much money and you’ll end up with a few irresistible treats in your home.

I know it may seem impossible to do, but you can conquer your sugar habit, but you will need to give it time and real effort.

Once you do you’ll probably lose weight and feel more energetic too.

I’m always here to help

Sarai Jones

Filed Under: Fat loss, Nutrition Tagged With: , , , , ,

Is Your Baby Belly Killing You?

October 24, 2008 By

 

If you have been reading my blog for a while you know that I offer fat loss and exercise tips to help you look and feel your best.

But you know, I never want you to forget that this is about more than just getting a awesome booty.

If you are carrying around excess fat, you could be putting your health and life at risk. Especially if a lot of that excess fat is around your waistline.

Medical professional now tell us that the size of your waist is a very valid predictor of your risk of heart disease.

I have a quick test I want you to do to see if you need to be putting a little more into your fat loss efforts.

Take your height in inches -example a 5′ 4" lady is 64"

Measure your waist around your belly button (not the smallest part), with a tape measure.

If your waist size is more than half of your height, then you may be at risk for heart disease.

So for example, our 64" lady should have a waist circumference of no more than 32".

Anything higher and she could be at a higher risk of heart disease.

Now you take a moment and do this on yourself…….

What do you come up with?

If your results are a little scary for you it’s time to take action. If you came out ok, try to keep it that way.

Either way you’ll need to take action.

I have a few suggestions for you.

Let me know how I can help you.

Sarai D. Jones

Filed Under: Exercise and Fitness, Fat loss Tagged With: , , , , , ,

It’s Just a Number

October 16, 2008 By

 

As women we tend to spend so much time worrying about getting the number on the scale to drop that it’s easy to get discouraged when your weight loss slows for a time.

Many times we get down on ourselves simply because something as trivial as a number tells us we’re out of shape. Some women look and feel fantastic in every respect, but if the number on the scale doesn’t match expectations, they’re miserable and may even give up on their program.

That doesn’t make sense.

While the scale can be good for giving you a general idea of your health, the numbers on the scale can be the most discouraging and frustrating part of a fat loss program.

Your weight fluctuates constantly every day and you may not even know or understand why. Some of the most common are:

  • Time of day
  • temperature
  • the day’s activities
  • water level

all can skew the numbers one way or the other. In reality, you could be getting discouraged over something that’s not really accurate

Also remember when you workout hard and eat right your body gains muscle while losing fat -this isn’t shown by the number on the scale.

It’s shown by:

  • inches lost
  • in the way your clothes fit better than ever
  • performance -how much more fit you are now than at the start
  • in how you look and feel amazing
  • all the compliments you receive!

Stay focused on the important things; being healthier and feeling amazing. The rest will fall into place. Promise.

I’m here for you

Sarai Jones

Filed Under: Exercise and Fitness, Fat loss Tagged With: , , , , ,

Emotion Creates Motion

October 5, 2008 By

 

Can you remember a time when you felt completely discouraged with your body?

It’s easy to beat yourself up when the body that you have is miles from the one you want.

When negative emotions flood over you resist the urge to get down on yourself, rather turn the tides in your favor.

You may have heard the expression ’emotion creates motion’.

This is a very powerful tool. Channel your dissatisfaction with your body into ‘motion’. Take control of your body and put a plan into action.

Need help taking the next step?

email me today!

I’m here to help.

Sarai Jones

Filed Under: Exercise and Fitness, Fat loss, Nutrition Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Pre-New Years Resolutions

September 28, 2008 By

 

Wanna be a rebel?

Why follow the masses and wait until January 1 2009 to start working off the excess fat you are desperate to get rid of?

With just about 14 weeks left until the new year you can make a real dent in your weight loss goals if not reach them entirely!

Imagine going into the new year being able to focus on something else other than your body for once.

Aren’t you tired of that yet?

There are only 3 sessions left this year of Booty Boot Camp.

That’s 12 weeks of expert fitness instruction and focused nutrtitional guidance.

We are excited to be bringing you lots of great new programs to make Booty Boot Camp even better including:

  • Step-by-step meal-by-meal weekly menus and grocery lists
  • one-on-one personal training along with boot camp
  • Personalized workouts for your "off" days or when you are traveling
  • And lots more!

Log onto http://www.getfitwithsarai.com/boot-camps-for-women.html to check out the new packages and check the next session start dates.

I’m always here to help

Sarai Jones

Filed Under: Exercise and Fitness, Fat loss, Nutrition Tagged With: , , , ,