Mick’s up With the Skinny

Some readers might view this blog’s purpose as an advertisement for one of the “next best” diet fads.

That certainly is not the case.

I have not been one to jump on the nearest bandwagon.  Ask my hubby.  Just yesterday we had a brief discussion in which he assured me that he knows I keep far, far away from anything cliché.  (In other words, I don’t choose the “popular” route, and I despise fads.)

Many people in my circle of acquaintances approach me proudly to tell of a recipe they like to use that has “low fat” this and “nonfat” that.  I actually take offense to those statements.  True.  I shouldn’t.  However, it feels like an insult, because never do I mention those phrases in my information.  The reason is:  They usually have nothing to do with my main objective for sharing what I’ve learned, but instead those phrases give the impression that “diet” and “weight loss” are the tactics involved.

Basically all the health information I share boils down to this: Healthy cells and spines allow the body to function at 100%.
 
Do you want to be and remain cancer-free?  Are you hoping to make your children’s lives as disease-free as possible?  Does your family health history scare you?

I don’t think the catwalk is where you’ll find the answers you need for true health.

You are beautiful just the way God made you!  Your family and friends want to celebrate life with you for a long, long time.  That alone should be enough of a reason to work at being 100% healthy.  Isn’t it?!

Jonny Diaz sings a song that says it well: “More Beautiful You.”  Enjoy the video link below.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

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Mick's up Buddies

Do you have an exercise buddy?  When I coached at our local Curves®, a lot of the members enjoyed working out with a buddy.  It really helped them to keep up their visits at the gym... so much so, that if their workout buddy didn't make it to the gym, neither did they.  Even worse, if one buddy quit, both quit.  So, except for these last statements... the ones about not working out and quitting..., having a workout buddy really is a great thing.

We covered the importance of accountability earlier this week, so why not relate it to exercise?

"The average female will shed more than 10 pounds when she has girlfriends who are willing to eat healthily and train with her.  But a fifth of those who choose to go it alone don't drop a single pound." (Daily Mail Reporter)

That's enough of a reason!  Isn't it?

I must admit.  I do exercise on my own, more than with a buddy.  However, when dealing with factors like injuries or yucky weather, it's easier to talk myself out of my workout than if I have someone relying on me to back them up.

It's been a fun year, watching my family blossom into mini-athletes.  It really helps that my husband has more energy from our lifestyle change, and now initiates outside play with the kidderz, as well as MaxT3 workouts with me.  What a surprise to have a new workout buddy in my own house!

Even though it is more fun with a buddy, I did witness, as a coach, more talking than exertion at the gym.  (That doesn't happen at our house.  I don't allow any slacking.  Just ask my hubby.)  So, beware.  Make sure you are truly keeping each other accountable, if you're serious about making it worth your while and reaching your weight loss and fitness goals.

Do you need that extra boost from a buddy?  There are tips on seeking out the right person.

I don't know about you, but I certainly get more competitive when I'm working out with someone else.  That makes me work harder, which of course makes it a much better workout.

So, get a great workout, bring someone along, and have fun!

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV)

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Mick’s up with Accountability

As we look at our stress levels and attitude toward each day’s events, let’s also look at who we hang around.

Dave Ramsey says in his lessons in Financial Peace University:  If you want to be rich, talk to rich people, and do what rich people do.

Why don’t we look at that for our health and wellness, too.  Doesn’t it make sense to seek out people you want to be like?  I’m not saying you should be judgmental and snobbish.  We certainly are placed in people’s lives to make a difference, for the glory of God.  However, you can’t constantly give without refueling… and how you refuel is important.  We can view this in a spiritual sense as well as in a health sense.

Think about it.  If weight loss is your goal, but you are regularly joining in get-togethers with friends who eat out constantly… and not healthily… then isn’t that going to have a negative impact on your health?

That’s why it’s always helpful to have an accountability partner… again, spiritual and wellness.  You know how difficult it is to “diet” and cook healthy meals at home, when the rest of the family is still eating the same stuff you are all familiar with… the stuff that you now realize is keeping you from being fit.  It’s not easy stepping out of that comfort zone with your family… so you can imagine it seems almost impossible to make the necessary changes without the support of your family.

Bring somebody along on the journey with you.

I explained this concept to my 8-year-old daughter last month.  After spending time with friends, I asked her if she noticed how addicting the munchies seemed to be to those we were with.  She did.  I then pointed out what ingredients made up the munchies, and I asked her if she thought those were what we like to include in our foods.  She knows they are not.  I asked her if she thought the friends seem to be a healthy bunch.  She understood that they are not.  I then explained that, just because the munchies had the word “veggie” in the name, the friends thought they were healthy.  To them, healthy and tasty meant they should eat more!  By not paying attention to the ingredients, the friends got pulled into thinking they were eating something good for them, and they allowed themselves to get hooked on the taste.

The moral of the story is:  Just because the name sounds healthy, and just because your friends are eating it, does not mean the food is guaranteed to be a healthy choice.  As I’ve said before, look at the ingredients, and know what you’re looking out for!  If you’re hanging around people with similar health goals, you can help each other out, and you won’t get drawn to bad eating habits… at least not without facing your accountability partner.

Seek out an accountability partner today!

…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)

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Mick’s up with Optimism

”Eat a live frog first thing in the morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day!”

Mark Twain

I saw this posted on Facebook last week:
“When you feel optimistic your metabolic rate can rise & you can lose weight eating the same amount.  When you feel pessimistic your metabolic rate can fall & you can gain weight eating the same amount of food.  If you're not fulfilled & you feel stressed you can sometimes eat to calm yourself & sedate your inner frustration.  Setting realistic expectations on self & others helps reduce stress & moderates eating patterns.” 



That’s great food for thought for all of us.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Psalm 90:14 (NIV)

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Why Mick’s Calories?

Since I missed a post yesterday, due to my computer being held hostage by a 13-year-old’s LAN party, I am combining my exercise day with my nutrition day into one topic:  Calories.

Most of us have gotten used to the formula: 
calories in < calories out = lower weight

I don’t know about you, but I was never good at counting calories.  It was way too time-consuming for me.  I was so happy to find out it isn’t necessary!

“Playing the calorie counting game doesn’t work.  It overlooks and ignores the impact stress and diet have on your hormones,” says nutrition and fitness expert Dr. Len Lopez, creator of The Work Horse Trainer.  “The reason people aren’t efficiently burning stored body fat has nothing to do with the amount of calories they ate or burned, and more to do with what regulates their metabolism.”  Dr. Lopez goes on to explain that our metabolism is controlled mostly by hormones, such as cortisol, adrenaline, insulin, and glucagon.  He offers a Calorie Burning Test and lists out ways to Stay in Your Fat-Burning Zone.


As we see in Mick’s up Exercising, we can decrease cortisol by following interval training or surge types of exercise, whereas some longer duration exercise may actually increase that stress hormone.  Exercise is obviously good for increased breathing (as Dr. Lopez suggests is good for decreasing the stress, cortisol, and adrenaline), and this style of exercise improves metabolism.

Eating the right foods also improves metabolism.  Eating a breakfast such as eggs cooked in coconut oil can be beneficial (and yummy!).  Dr. Lopez states:  “Take a look at your diet. You cannot skip meals or eat refined, junk food.  It causes your blood sugar to drop and stimulates your adrenals to make additional cortisol and adrenaline.  Make sure you eat breakfast and it includes good protein and fats.  A predominately high carb breakfast, like cereal or bagels, will throw your blood sugar off for most of the day.  Good protein and fats at each meal will help reduce the surge of insulin and will stimulate the production of glucagon, which aids in the breakdown of fats.”

Also concentrating on another hormone called leptin instead of calories will help you understand weight-loss resistance and how to find success by getting past the calories in/calories out thinking. 

Just like we can be a new creation through faith in Christ and the amazing love of God, we can feel like a new person when we live simpler, healthier lives.  Plus, we can forget about the “old” way of thinking in terms of calories, and consider the “new” way of thinking in terms of allowing our bodies to process hormones properly, the way they were meant to.  Who doesn’t want simpler?

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

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Mick's Sprints and Jumping Jacks

Being that I like early mornings, it’s great to find scientific reasoning behind it.  So, here it is!

Did you know you can actually get more benefit from your exercise, if you workout early in the morning before eating breakfast?  Weight loss?  Wellness?  Energy?  Early Mornings?  No need to say more!  I’m there!

In Mick’s in Groceries, I listed out a typical day of grocery shopping.  Today, it’s a typical day of exercise.

Before eating breakfast, usually after my daughter gets on the school bus, I go for a run and/or sprints.  No bragging here… I don’t run far.  In fact, I’m back home within 15 minutes, with plenty of time to spend with my son before he gets on his school bus.  When I do sprints, it’s a 20-second sprint followed by a 20-second rest, and then a repeat of that set 2 more times (for a total of 3 sprints).  After a 2-minute recovery, I either do another set of 3 sprints, or I concentrate on other muscle groups by doing other exercises (push-ups, pull-ups, dips, shin slaps, bicycles, squats, lunges, squat-thrusts, jumping jacks, etc.).  After the second grouping of 3 sets of 20-second exercises, another 2-minute recovery is then followed by a final grouping of 3 sets of 20 seconds.

This is an awesome way to get a quick workout and to get the body burning fat for hours!

Similar information is also found in Mick’s up Exercising, where we learn about interval training: 
“When you exercise for no more than 20 minutes at one time and your regime consists of any form of exercise such as stationery bike, cycling or running up a small hill, even doing 50 start jumps for up to a minute followed by rest/recovery for up to 2 minutes, you are doing what Dr. Sears calls supra-aerobics, beyond aerobics. That is training your body to recover quickly and build lean muscle tissue in preparation for its next intense training session. This is really a modified version of interval training.” (Teya Skae of Natural News)

Whatever it’s called, I love it.  It’s quick.  It’s easy.  It works! 

(It gets a body revved for the work of the day, and it allows time for the more important things in life, like spreading the Good News of the Gospel and sharing God’s love with those around you!  Go for it!)

“ I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?
Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
1 Corinthians 9:23-25 (NIV)

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Mick’s in Some Vacuuming

I took time out today to prep the house for guests (my awesome parents-in-law).  So that got me curious to know how much of an interval training workout housework is, specifically vacuuming.

Any guesses?

“Exercise by any other name still counts.  Several household chores qualify as aerobic activity, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, washing windows or cleaning out the garage, according to the American Heart Association.  The National Institute on Aging adds that raking leaves, gardening or cutting the lawn with a push mower constitutes moderate aerobic activity, as well.” (Pam Murphy, “Easy Ways to Increase My Heart Rate”)

“What's moderate intensity?  Moderate activity includes things like brisk walking and biking as well as daily activities such as mowing the lawn or vacuuming that raise your heart rate for at least 10 minutes continuously.  You feel a little warm and are able to talk while you exercise.  If you try to sing it's difficult.  You are working at 65%-74% of your maximum heart rate during moderate activity.” (Fit After 50)


I find counting calories not important for fitness (neither intake nor burning), but for those of your who are calorie counters:
“In this instance, a bigger house is better!  A 150 pound person can burn around 239 calories an hour pushing the vacuum around.” (National Academy of Sports Medicine)

“Different people burn calories at different rates, but the level of intensity and the duration of your chosen activity will determine how many calories you will burn.  Yes, it's true, even vacuuming burns some calories!  Generally speaking, the faster your heart rate, the greater the caloric burn.  So if you've got a huge house and work at a vigorous pace, you could even consider it a cardio workout.  Did you know that you can increase the rate at which you burn calories?  By simply adding a little lean muscle to your body by participating in a resistance training program, you can increase the number of calories your body burns on a daily basis.  A faster metabolism means less body fat.  You don't need to look like a bodybuilder to benefit from this either, even a little new muscle will help.  Your new and improved metabolism will help you burn more calories day and night, and applies to all activities, including vacuuming.  Happy house cleaning!” (Chris Gomes - NASM Elite Trainer)

Pay attention to proper vacuuming.  Don’t hurt yourself.  Instead, concentrate on your muscles for some added benefits:  “Practice engaging your core and using your hip and leg muscles as you vacuum.  You may be shown a partial lunge exercise to simulate the actions needed to complete this task safely.  Keep the vacuum directly in front of you at all times.  Avoid trying to reach around corners or objects.  This will force you to bend and twist your low back.  Don't twist or bend your trunk to get under objects or to reach into tight spots. Use the rules of safe lifting (described in Session Four) when lifting and transporting the vacuum.” (Back Care Boot Camp)

So, being a moderate activity, vacuuming is not getting the heart rate up to the target for interval (burst) training, which is what I needed… but it is a great workout, regardless!

Be safe, and have fun doing housework, knowing you’re getting a workout!

“She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.“

Proverbs 31:17 (NIV)

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Mick’s up Moms

This is dedicated to all the moms out there!

Being that this blog from a mom’s perspective has the goal to help families live healthier, and because it’s my mother-in-law’s birthday, today’s post is dedicated to moms.

I asked some friends of mine (who in the recent past have discovered a new lifestyle including running) for some words of wisdom, from a healthy mom’s perspective.  Enjoy!

Jenny writes:

♪♫ Happy birthday, Mom W!♫♪

“My experience with healthy family life really evolved out of my own up and down weight.  I did not start out teaching my girls healthy habits.  I admit they have eaten their share of frozen chicken nuggets and fries.  I was not much of a cook early in their lives.  As I learned more about how I needed to eat to feel better and maintain a healthy weight, I also learned how to cook.  This is not always greeted with enthusiasm by my kids, but they have learned to try new things and even grown very fond of many great healthy dishes.  Lets face it, cooking at home is so much better and cheaper.  Oh and letting my kids help in the kitchen has increased their awareness of what they eat and gotten them more excited about it. I also was very aware, as a mother of girls, that I needed to lead by example.  There are frightening statistics on teen and preteen girls and eating disorders.  So I wanted to lead by example.  I cook healthy, eat regular meals, and work out at least a few days a week.  I also discovered that a one month membership to the Y was cheaper than one evening out to dinner and a movie with my family.  As a family, we discovered the beautiful area in which we live and do some hiking.  I won't say we never eat out or enjoy a less than healthy treat but we do so in moderation.”

Stay tuned for Shannon's writing:
“[Shannon's awesomeness entered here!]”

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Some quick ideas for healthier nutrition for the family can be found in the resource I have used for the past year to get my family to our current improved state of health, which is the Maximized Living Nutrition Plan book by B. Lerner, BJ Hardick and K. Roberto.  It has similarities to the Paleo Diet or Raw Diet or Primal Diet… but it is less raw, much better, yummier, easier to follow, and more family-friendly.  Have fun exploring!

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A fellow blogger Carla Gardiner of CarlaJGardiner.com posted an article that fits well with today’s Mick’s up Life:  Why Do People Sabotage My Health Plan?  Enjoy… and become inspired! 

Attribution Statement: This article (Why Do People Sabotage My Health Plan?) was first published at CarlaJGardiner.com.  To receive your own FREE "Secret to Turning Back the Clock" video, go to CarlaJGardiner.com and claim your free video NOW!

Carla J Gardiner is an ex-banker turned entrepreneur who built an auto transport brokerage and dispatch center from the ground up. With half a days training and little else Carla learned the business inside and out the hard way…by doing it. Her passion and purpose lies with the people she works with daily; the client, dispatcher, broker and truck driver. Her frustration within the industry has birthed a new division of her company; a part-time business to to properly train, encourage and mentor others in turning back the clock and regaining youthful health.

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“A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life…. 
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
‘Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.’
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

Proverbs 31:10-12, 26-31 (NIV)

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Mick’s Sum-up for the Week

Toxins come from everywhere, basically.  When we’re not careful about what we’re choosing, then it seems almost hopeless.  We get bombarded from all directions.

I want you to understand, for your sake and the sake of your family, that you do have a choice!  You can strive to do all you can to keep the common cold, chronic illnesses, heart disease, and cancer out of your family… with success.

If it’s difficult to imagine how these actions now can affect future health as seriously as that, then maybe this will speak to you a bit more loudly.  Getting toxins out of your body can help you get rid of pounds and body fat that is holding on so tightly!

Your body knows toxins are bad for your organs, and so it tries to protect your organs with body fat.  Weird, huh?  So, in a sense, body fat is a good thing.  Well... sort of.  It’s a good thing, because it’s acting as protection for survival.  It’s a bad thing, because it means you have toxins in your body.  Hmmmm…  yuck!

One thing I can say about it, though, is that my husband and I found out it’s true… and the right detox works!  It’s an amazing transformation!  Once your body can get rid of toxins, it feels free to let go of the body fat, and you feel healthier, because you are healthier… and as a bonus, you trim down!  Wow!

If you don’t believe me, you might believe the article Detox to Loose Weight by Walter Crinnion in The Vitamin Shoppe’s magazine “Amazing Wellness.”  The detox I mentioned as a recommended choice is Daily Detox.  However, this article lays out a detox system for you to put together yourself at home, too.

So, what’s the summary of the week?

Remember to read the ingredients list on everything!  Watch out for those toxins!  Don’t be fooled!

Warning: 
It seems ironic that the ingredients in some products of companies supporting cancer awareness are actually toxic ingredients, as is addressed in the articles Susan G. Komen for the Cure Isn’t Curing Anything by Amy of the blog “Just West of Crunchy” and Pinkwashing: What’s Wrong with “Think Pink” and Breast Cancer Awareness Month by Susan Melgren in “Natural Home & Garden.”

Some more articles to help you watch for toxins:
Oral Report by Lisa Turner
Save Your Skin by Sherrie Strausfogel
Better With Age – A Tip for Every Day of the Month by Lisa Turner
Toxicity Data by Maximized Living
'Natural' breakfast cereals loaded with pesticides and GMOs by Mike Adams, Health Ranger
 
 

“Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed,
and the ears of those who hear will listen.
The fearful heart will know and understand,
and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.
No longer will the fool be called noble
nor the scoundrel be highly respected.”

Isaiah 32:3-5 (NIV)

 

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Mick’s up Making You the Lean, Mean, Fat-burning Machine

Let’s hear it for HGH!  Let’s hear it for Testosterone!
 
Wait…  why are we cheering for testosterone?  We ladies are really confused.  Why do we want testosterone for us?

“Many bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts want to increase the levels of this hormone within their body due to the muscle building and fat burning effects it has on the body.” (Muscle Legion)

The answer is in a question:  Do you want to be a lean, mean, fat-burning machine?

If you have been putting into practice this week’s tips on exercise, then a lean, mean, fat-burning machine is what you’ll be… and testosterone is helping you get there!  Weird, isn’t it?

“Ever wonder how, why, and where the flat stomach, thin thighs, and slim hips of your youth disappeared beneath a blanket of fat?  There are a number of metabolic mechanisms known to influence body composition outcome.  Lean and fat mass are remarkably dependent upon two hormones.  Age-induced decreases of human Growth Hormone[hGH] and Testosterone increase adipose tissue storage rate in both the abdomen and hips.” (Dr. Bill Misner Ph.D. – American Fitness Professionals & Associates)

As testosterone levels decrease, "there are signs of aging such as a decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength, cognitive decline, a decrease in bone mass, and an increase in (abdominal) fat mass.”  A study showed that with an increase in testosterone, there was an increase in lean body mass and a decrease in fat mass.  (Medscape Medical News 2008)

Which would we rather be:  looking younger and leaner with less fat, or looking older and less fit?

We know why we want shorter exercise routines, but why do we want lean muscle?  "Any form of exercise that promotes lean muscle tissue would be beneficial, as having more lean muscle tissue promotes strength, vitality and a faster metabolism. Short intense bursts of exercise have proven to build more lean muscle than long aerobic/endurance workouts lasting for more than 25 minutes." (Natural News)

Maximized Living’s 5 Essentials of healthy living layout how and why to have a lean body.  “Exercise allows your body to take in higher levels of oxygen and creates lean muscle that keeps both your body and mind healthy.  Studies have shown that exercise consistently matches or exceeds the benefits of antidepressants.  This is your opportunity to decrease fat and increase lean muscle tissue.”

The Fat Burning Effect of Muscle chart shows “every pound of new muscle you add to your body will burn about 60 calories per day.” 

Dr. Al Sears teaches that his PACE exercise technique “trains your body to store energy in your muscles instead of storing it as fat, making you lean, and keeping you that way.”

As we mentioned earlier this week, long-duration exercise causes an increase in the stress hormone cortisol, and that “tears down muscle tissue and decreases testosterone.” (Michael Greeves)

Maximized Living describes their Essential #4 of Maximized Oxygen and Lean Muscle, when relating to high-intensity workouts like their MaxT3:  “This exercise system elicits a very unique hormonal response in the body and ultimately it is your hormones that influence your metabolism.  This type of exercise is called “metabolic conditioning.”  Metabolic conditioning is characterized by short bursts of high intensity exercise.  Therefore, in just minutes a day you can build muscle and burn fat like never before. ”

So, keep up the short bursts of exercise to keep the cells healthy with oxygen (NO EXCUSES!), and to look younger and to burn the fat!  Are you convinced yet that it is simple?  Have a great weekend getting started!

PS~Ladies, if you're afraid of muscles or developing a build like a guy, read these articles:
But I Don't Want Muscles! - Part 1
But I Don't Want Muscles! - Part 2

I’m excited for an upcoming post that will explain how good fats,

such as coconut oil,

can also help with your metabolism to get you the lean-muscle-look we’re going for. 

Stay tuned!

Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age?
Daniel 1:10 (NIV)

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Mick’s in the Age Factor

With all the fun gadgets at their fingertips, it continually gets more difficult to get the kidderz up and moving, but we want to teach them good habits for a lifetime of health, don’t we?  Let’s not curse our children into a sedentary life of dis-ease.  Let’s figure out ways to incorporate exercise into our  lives AND theirs.  Let’s set a good example. 

It’s hard to believe, but kidderz have shorter attention spans for structured exercise than we adults do.  So, what better way to find a fitness routine that works for the family than to look into short-duration exercise.  The benefits are mentioned in Mick's up Exercising.  One of the forms of short-duration exercise is P.A.C.E., developed by Dr. Al Sears.  He says of one of his patients, “after she dropped 30 pounds of fat and shed over 25 inches, her whole family joined in.  Now they all do P.A.C.E. together. ” (Power for Healthy Living)

Yes, you can truthfully say kids get incidental exercise throughout the day, but when they get a healthy dose of exercise, it’s not only good for them… we also reap some added benefits: “Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better and are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges — from running to catch a bus to studying for a test.” (Kids' Health)

Not only do we benefit from exercise when the kidderz benefit, but we can be like kids again ourselves!  “Exercise is one of the most natural ways to ensure release of more HGH.  However, it is regular and intense workouts that work better in place of longer workouts.” (Articlesbase)

Why do we want the HGH?  What is HGH?

HGH: “[Human] Growth Hormone and testosterone are effective and you’re supposed to make them yourself – and you will if you apply the power of short duration, high output exercise.  While studies show that ultimately, low intensity exercise does nothing for hormones – and can even produce bad hormones – short duration, high intensity can literally take years and pounds off your body.  The impact of exercise and the damaging effects of aging could be greatly reduced if you learn how to use exercise to induce a “good” hormone response.  Doing this type of exercise, you’ll also see fat that was hard to dislodge, begin to go quicker. Studies have shown that when you crank up the intensity for a short period to the point where you can feel the burn, growth hormone is released in such a way that better regulates fatty acid through your metabolism.  Again – exercise is natural, safe, and has NO SIDE-EFFECTS.  It’s the TRUTH!” (Maximized Living)

HGH = Human Growth Hormone = promotes organ growth and is an important regulator of fuel metabolism in both health and disease (The Endocrine Society) = looking younger!

Remember my reference to the magical age of 30 in Mick's in Oxygen?  Check this out: “The production of HGH slows down after the age of 30, and this is supposed to be the main cause of aging.” (Articlesbase)  You want to look younger, don't you?

Whatever your age, exercise is important.  So, get moving... fast... and take your family with you!  Remember... It doesn't have to take long.  You'll even have time for a board game and sitting at the table to eat together.  You can start a new tradition!  Mix it up!  Have fun!

Ladies:
On Friday, we’ll look at why we want testosterone.  Have no fear!

Get empowered!  Here’s a head start on more research and a couple of fun links to share with your kidderz*:

Be a kid again!

Kaboose*
Anti-Aging
Healthier Talk
Maximized Living
Tiny Body Clocks
Why Exercise is Cool*
Healthy Aging Review
Exercise for Children - Medline Plus
A Family Culture of Maximized Living
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
HGH and Exercise - Increase HGH with Exercise


I definitely do not encourage use of any type of drugs.  There are sites out there promoting HGH supplements.  The best way to boost your HGH is naturally through exercise.  There are special cases, but those are for doctors to advise.  Get a 2nd and 3rd and 4th opinion!  Don’t forget:  See what a chiropractor would say.  They are doctors, too!

“Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.“

Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

~

Mick’s in the Oxygen

What’s your stage of life?  What’s your fitness level?  Are you Mom or Dad, and you have a few extra pounds that you still blame on the kidderz, even if they’re in Middle School?  Maybe you’re a grandparent, feeling as though exercise is for the younger generations.  Oh… do you fit in the category of a younger generation, and you haven’t reached the magical age of 30 yet, which means you don’t know the feeling of everything changing for the worse (no snap, crackle, and pop when you crawl out of bed in the morning…  no pounds sticking around, despite your efforts)?

No matter where you are in life, exercise is important, if you want your body to be healthy.  You’ve heard this before, but do you know the science behind it?

Check this out!  “The most important element you need to survive at your max, or to even survive at all, is oxygen.  Low levels of oxygen enable the accumulation of toxins in your body which can lead to disease.  Exercise increases your oxygen intake and produces lean muscle.” – Maximized Living  (We’ll be getting to the lean muscle part in a post later this week!)

Alkalize for Health states:  "When the oxygen saturation of blood falls, conditions become ripe for the creation of cancer.” (See The Terrible Two: Cancer and Circulation).  “All normal cells have an absolute requirement for oxygen, but cancer cells can live without oxygen - a rule without exception." (Dr. Otto Warburg, quoted in Philpott)

Be sure to get oxygen!

“Deprive a cell 60% of its oxygen and it will turn cancerous (McCabe, page 192).  Deprive a cell 35% of its oxygen for 48 hours and it may become cancerous.” - Dr. Otto Warburg. Read Dr. Warburg's papers in the Library: Lecture 1, Lecture 2.

Mick’s sum up:
  Exercise = oxygen = healthy cells! 

“The best method for intake, usage and storage of oxygen is through movement and the best method for movement is exercise!  Oxygen is one of the most essential elements that you need to intake for survival.  If you take in low levels of oxygen, you enable your body to accumulate toxins, develop disease, and possibly cause early cell death.  Are you starting to understand how all of these 5 Essentials work together?” – Maximized Living

Take it from a mom who has been there.  I’ve blamed the extra pounds on the kidderz.  I’ve kept too busy with life, wishing it was enough to get me fit, and just hoping it was enough to be considered healthy.  Face reality.  It’s not enough.  If you’re not truly exercising, taking specific time in your day to focus on increasing your oxygen intake, then you’re not at your healthiest, and there’s room for improvement… but… I’ll let you in on a little secret!  It’s not as difficult as you might think.  It doesn’t have to be time-consuming.  In fact, lengthy exercise might be counterproductive.  Curious?  I tell you more about it in my next post: Mick's up Exercising!

Are you seeing how the 5 Essentials work together?  It’s not a mistake that these 5 things are packaged together so conveniently to get you information on being the healthiest you.  They are essential!  You need all 5.  Think them through, and they all make sense.  They’re simple enough to follow.  Most likely you’re already incorporating them… at least some of them… into your life.  If so, it won’t take much to improve on them and add in the essentials you’re missing, and then you’re on the road to the healthiest you’ve ever been.

“Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground

and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,

and the man became a living being.” 

Genesis 2:7 (NIV)

~

Mick's Maxed

Max this.  Max that.  What is all this Maximized Living stuff?  What do I know about it?  I have experienced it and seen with my own eyes the  amazing  transformations that have resulted!

Imagine being sick and in pain for 15+ years, being told it's all in your head... but you know it's all too real.  Getting out of bed is one of the hardest things to do, not to mention having to focus on work to keep your job and support your family.  Oh… family… you feel as though you can barely function, so how can you possibly be a dad to your kids?  It's a struggle.  Trying everything you can think of only gives minor temporary relief.  You feel like a 95-year-old in a 45-year-old body.  

or…

Imagine as a child you're being told your body is not perfect and there is no definitive solution.  You're told all the bad things that might happen to you, and you're basically told there is no hope.

Now…

Imagine there is hope!  Someone is obedient to God's direction, and they share with you some amazing yet simple information.  You grab on, and it changes your life!

In October of 2010, I first heard about Maximized Living after noticing the Family Chiropractic sign moved to a different section of our local plaza, which led to stopping in out of curiosity and a need for a nearby chiropractor.  (At the time, the drive to and from the chiropractor's office hurt my back worse than anything, and so I really wanted to have an office within walking distance.  Yay!  God gave us one!)

At age 9, I was diagnosed with scoliosis, as well as some other spine issues.  Following the recommendations, my parents got me in to see specialists, who simply “monitored” the situation and prescribed exercises to try to train my muscles to straighten my spine (or at least not let it get worse), with the threat of a brace or even surgery if I did not keep up with my exercises.  My parents were also told to sign me up for karate, swimming, or gymnastics to strengthen my back.  Gymnastics was already my preferred hobby, so I continued in that.  (I have now learned that gymnastics might have actually caused more damage to my spine!)

Through the years, I dealt with headaches, back pain, knee pain, foot pain, and eventually saw several different chiropractors over a span of 20 years, even being told by one chiropractor that I would most likely have severe issues from carrying a baby to childbirth, possibly even leading to paralysis.

Finding Dr. Eric was a God-send for my family and me.  He provides the most up-to-date corrective techniques, and the 5 Essentials of Maximized Living that he talks about are just that: 5 Essential items to live life to the max!

My  BIG “Why” to get me revved up with the mindset to succeed with my new healthy lifestyle is to teach my children (by words and actions) how to take care of the temple God gave them, so they can live long, healthy lives to bring glory to His name.  I do not want them suffering from sickness or disease, or dying from heart disease or cancer at any time in their lives, whether young or old.

"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple..." 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)

My personal “Why” is to be fit (and have a flat tummy), no matter my age or maternal status.  In other words, I don’t want to look like a 40+ year-old mom with two young children. 

The result:

After jumping in to the 5 Essentials with both feet in November 2010 with the entire family, I lost 20 pounds… and this was after thinking I was doomed… just because I had 2 kids… to stay the same weight … am more fit than I’ve ever been… can actually see a 6-pack of abs!  Woohoo!… wear the smallest size I’ve ever worn, fight off colds faster than usual, and am overall healthier and more energetic than at any time in my past.  Plus, my family is healthier. Not only can my kidderz kick high fevers in one day and hardly be sick from month to month, but my husband has an amazing testimony as well, getting off pain meds, allergy meds, cold meds, sleep meds, and being a healthier and more energetic husband than the one I married 15 years ago!  Who is this guy?!  I like him!

Not only do we have the mindset to do what it takes to be the healthiest we can be, but we also are seeing correction in our spines because of Dr. Eric’s care.  The nutrition of the Advanced Plan is simply our lifestyle now, and we maximize our oxygen and lean muscle through the MaxT3 workouts.  Plus, living as toxin-free as possible (with our food, soap, shampoo, deodorant, detergent, etc.) and staying off meds and on  Daily Detox is a must!

I am thankful that God introduced me to chiropractic care long ago, especially so that my children would have the blessing of having chiropractic adjustments since first coming home from the hospital as newborns, which has made it a lifestyle to them.  They “get it!”  They understand that healing comes from the inside out.

Remember:
God made you perfect! There are no mistakes.  If you are dealing with issues of pain and/or dis-ease, it is simply due to interference.  Live the 5 Essentials to get the interferences out and live life to the max!

Have you taken the survey here on Mick's up Life?  It's up there, in the left margin.  Go ahead... we're all curious to know!