Sleep and Weight Loss

We hear it all the time, “sleep is essential,” but “there are never enough hours in the day” and, because of our busy lives, we often lose sleep. Recently, lack of sleep has been linked to obesity. In a study done at Laval University in Quebec, researchers studied the sleeping patterns of two hundred and seventy-six people and how it affected their waistlines. Over a six year period, those who slept 5 to 6 hours a night were 35% percent more likely to gain 11 pounds more than those who slept 7 to 8 hours. They also gained 58% more around their waist and 124% more body fat than those who slept 7-8 hours. Lack of sleep deprives the body of needed rest, slows the metabolism, and makes most of us want to eat more. So get to bed early, and sleep for at least 7 hours. You’ll wake up feeling rested, which will increase your energy, lessen stress, and hopefully get you motivated for a good workout session!

Previously pubished in my article "Mom Was Right: Why Listening to Mom May Help You Lose Weight" to read the full article go to http://www.protraineronline.com/past/May-Jun08/article7.cfm

Sex and Exercise!!

This is an excerpt of an article that I just published. I hope you enjoy.

American’s obesity epidemic hasn’t just affected our health but also our sex drives! Most people decide to change their lifestyles to improve their looks and health, so why not eat healthy and exercise to improve your sex drive?

Studies have proven that exercise can increase potency, endurance and even make sex more enjoyable. Exercise also helps lower a man’s risk of getting erectile dysfunction by at least 30%. Risks of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), which affects 40% of American women, will also decrease with proper exercise. By getting off the couch and doing some vigorous exercise each day you and your partner will reap the benefits of long term health, good looking bodies, and a hot love life.

To read the full article go to:
http://www.healthmad.com/Health/Sex-and-Exercise.361899 or click on the "Sex and Exercise" link under Fitness Articles on the left side bar.

5K Race for Charity

For the last 4 years PACE Center for Girls, Broward and the City of Wilton Manors host a 5K Run/Walk to raise money for PACE.

For those who have never heard of PACE Center for Girls, Inc.; it is an alternative school for girls as well as my Alma mater and previous employer. PACE has done so much for me and millions of girls through out Florida! Not only did they help me finish high school when I had literally given up, but they also provided funding to help pay for my college education with their Jim Ward Scholarship.

PACE Center for Girls, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation that provides a non-residential delinquency prevention program in locations statewide, targeting the unique needs of females 12 to 18 who are identified as dependent, truant, runaway, delinquent, or in need of academic skills. PACE (Practical Academic Cultural Education) accepts referrals from the juvenile justice system, the Department of Children and Families, school personnel, community services agencies, parents, family members, friends and self-referrals. Its purpose is to intervene and prevent school withdrawal, juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancy, substance abuse and welfare dependency in a safe and nurturing environment. PACE programs provide the following services: academic education, individualized attention, a gender-specific life management curriculum (SPIRITED GIRLS®), therapeutic support services, parental involvement, student volunteer service projects and transition follow-up services. Every girl at PACE sets individual educational and social goals that are focused on earning a high school diploma or GED, re-entering public school, attending college, getting vocational training, joining the military or the entering the private workforce. After program completion, PACE continues to monitor each girl's educational and personal development with three years of follow-up case management. PACE operates 17 centers throughout Florida and a reach program. Since its creation in 1983 PACE has served over 19,000 girls. (http://www.pacecenter.org)

All proceeds from the 5K will go to help the girls at PACE, Broward. I have participated in the last 2 races and plan to attend this one as well not only to show my support but also my gratitude.

I encourage everyone to register and participate in this event, even if it's the only race you participate in this year!! For more information go to http://www.wiltonmanors.com , or http://www.splitsecondtiming.com/

To find out how you can help PACE in other ways (i.e. donations, volunteering) visit www.pacecenter.org

Party for your Health

Now there is a way to party without feeling guilty that you’re breaking your diet! Healthy parties are a fun way to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle and how to have fun in the process. These parties are also a way to introduce friends and family to proper nutrition and exercise. A nutritionist and a personal trainer will be there as well to lead discussions, facilitate the activities, and answer and questions.

During these parties’ reasons for beginning nutrition and exercise regimen will be discussed. There will also be healthy recipe swaps, and demonstrations of workouts that can be done at home either alone or with your family.

For more information or if you would like to host a party send me an E-mail.
*Host will receive a special gift, all party guests will receive gift bags, and food is provided. *