Foodborne Illness

August 12, 2010

The book sneak peek tip – E. Coli… only 80 days until the book release!
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E. Coli

You may recall the E. Coli outbreaks of 2006 that effected spinach lettuce, and tomato crops.  These outbreaks also affected those of us trying to eat more fresh veggies and salads.
Interestingly, it doesn’t seem to make any difference whether the food is conventional or organic – all produce is at risk in these situations.  Washing vegetables is always a good habit and can help to eliminate some bacteria.  This is true even if you are planning on peeling the item.  Leafy greens, however, are difficult to wash and clean.

Studies show that food borne illnesses are on the decline in the last few years; this trend will hopefully continue. The good news is that farmers and government officials realize the importance of this issue and are working collectively to create a more effective system to prevent outbreaks.
For now, though, your best course of action is to wash your produce thoroughly and to be conscientious of E. Coli outbreaks.

Fit Links:
Bacteria and Foodborne Illness – NDDIC
E. Coli Bacteria – Women’s Health Magazine

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Fitness Attack #2, the book, is going to be released on Halloween 2010!  That’s right, 10/31/10! It will feature 101 easy tips to help you live a healthy and fit life! 91 of those tips will be released right here, starting today and going through the launch date. The last 10 tips are EXCLUSIVE to the book so if you want them, you’ll have to buy the book! We are also working on lots of bonus material to overload the book! More info on ordering and content to come – stay tuned!

WithAmyMac.com

Does your body need to detox and cleanse?

August 11, 2010

New Book Promo

…Only 81 days until the book release!

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DO YOU DETOX?

There are a lot of detox diets out there that claim to rid your body of toxins and supposedly will help you lose weight and inches quickly.  So, is any of this true?

My initial response is that if you’re eating a healthy diet regularly, there shouldn’t be a need to take any such drastic measures to feel better.  The liver and kidneys are designed to naturally detox your system.  As long as these organs are functioning properly, there shouldn’t be a reason to follow a detox diet.

Experts, however, are divided on this subject.  Current research tends toward those whom say detoxing isn’t necessary and some studies actually indicate that such practices could be harmful.  By drinking water, eating vegetables, and getting enough fiber on a regular basis, you should be able to keep your system in proper working order.

The other side, however, says that our diets are full of more processed foods than ever before and so our bodies may need some extra help in order to get rid of all of this junk.  Rationally, this argument makes sense.  This leaves us with a lot of information, but no definite answer.

However, I still side with caution and say that when you detox, you get rid of the good things in your body too and it’s just not worth the hassle to lose a few pounds. Besides, you’ll be so grumpy that no one will want to be with you no matter how good you look!
Fit Links:
Detox Diets: Purging the Myth – WebMD
The Detox Diet – About.com

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Fitness Attack #2, the book, is going to be released on Halloween 2010!  That’s right, 10/31/10! It will feature 101 easy tips to help you live a healthy and fit life! 91 of those tips will be released right here, starting today and going through the launch date. The last 10 tips are EXCLUSIVE to the book so if you want them, you’ll have to buy the book! We are also working on lots of bonus material to overload the book! More info on ordering and content to come – stay tuned!

WithAmyMac.com

Travel Fitness: Fit Life Hotel Workout

August 10, 2010

Having a travel fitness plan is important if you spend any time on the road.  You don’t want all of your hard work undone by a few rogue meals and a lack of gym time.  Even a few days of slacking can ruin your progress. I’ve put together a 12 part exercise video series that gives you a full body workout without needing any equipment.  Of those 12 fitness videos, I’ve released 3 of them as Fit Life episodes so that anyone can benefit from these tips. The rest of the videos will be available soon as part of Amy Mac’s Fit System.

Upper Body Workout – Upright Row

Trainer Tips:

  • Keep shoulders back
  • Don’t let elbows rise above shoulders
  • Squeeze stomach
  • Breathe!

Ab Workout – In and Outs

Trainer Tips:

  • Squeeze butt and stomach for balance!
  • Only lean back as far as you can, while keeping control over the move!
  • Keep your shoulders back and upper body straight!
  • Breathe!

Lower Body Workout – Wall Squats

Trainer Tips:

  • Keep shoulders back
  • Don’t let knees come over toes
  • Don’t let your butt dip lower than your knees
  • Squeeze stomach
  • Don’t hold yourself up with your arms!

WithAmyMac.com

Honey Health Benefits

August 10, 2010

The book sneak peek tip – Dark Honey… only 82 days until the book release!
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DARK HONEY

I’m sure we all realize by now that antibiotics have been overused in the last several years.  Some doctors whom are looking for an alternate method of treatment have begun going back to an ancient remedy: honey.

Honey is a natural product that has the power to fight infection, reduce scarring, and heal difficult wounds.  There are several different types of honey, but the dark ones appear to have stronger healing properties.  For the most part, honey seems to work best when placed directly on the affected area or used on wounds.  Some proponents, however, say that just eating honey can serve as a substitute for antibiotics.

According to Health Magazine, you can even use it to ease sunburn… although that seems a little sticky.  If you’re looking for another simple solution to ease the pain of sunburn that is less sticky, but probably smells worse, try white vinegar.

Fit Links:
Honey – WHFoods.com
Honey – the Wonderful – Honey-Health.com

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Fitness Attack #2, the book, is going to be released on Halloween 2010!  That’s right, 10/31/10! It will feature 101 easy tips to help you live a healthy and fit life! 91 of those tips will be released right here, starting today and going through the launch date. The last 10 tips are EXCLUSIVE to the book so if you want them, you’ll have to buy the book! We are also working on lots of bonus material to overload the book! More info on ordering and content to come – stay tuned!

WithAmyMac.com

Exercise Song of the Week: Foo Fighters

August 9, 2010

What’s at the top of my gym playlist this week?

All My Life – Foo Fighters: Greatest Hits

$.99 Buy it now!   All

This high energy song comes from my college roommate, Brooke. She has excellent taste in music, killer abs and she’s still my friend after the whole exploding pan incident. Although this song is too new for us to have rocked to in college, I do remember downloading Foo Fighters from Napster back in the day!

Every week, I’ll be highlighting a new or great old song that I’ve moved to the top of my exercise playlist. I’m definitely open to suggestions so comment below or shoot me a message about what is at the top of your workout playlist!

Last Week’s Exercise Song of the Week: Von Iva

WithAmyMac.com

Food Cravings

August 9, 2010

The book sneak peek tip – Hunger Cravings… only 83 days until the book release!
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HUNGER CRAVINGS

How many of us get cravings for certain foods?  How many of us give into those cravings?

There are a number of triggers that can produce cravings, including the obvious ones like seeing something or smelling it.  Recent studies have shown that simply thinking about a food can be just as tempting as seeing or smelling it.  Additionally, emotions can play a part in what we crave; I know that I have certain “comfort foods” that I reach for when I’m sad, angry, or just plain bored.

So, what should you do about your cravings?  Well, denying yourself that food completely can make you crave it all the more.  Importantly, your body may be telling you that you are deficient in something.  Craving pretzels?  You might be low in sodium.  Craving cookies?  You may have low blood sugar.

Or, you may just be hungry or thirsty.  Did you know that sometimes when you think you’re hungry, your body may just be trying to tell you that you’re thirsty?  Stay hydrated; try having a glass of water before giving into a craving.  Of course, be conscientious of your body, and if you have a medical condition, be sure to keep that in mind and act accordingly.

Lastly, it is OK to sometimes give into the craving.  Just don’t overindulge, or you’ll be stuck with the guilt and the calories.

Fit Links:
10 Ways to Control Your Cravings – Reader’s Digest
How Food Cravings Work – Discovery Health

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Fitness Attack #2, the book, is going to be released on Halloween 2010!  That’s right, 10/31/10! It will feature 101 easy tips to help you live a healthy and fit life! 91 of those tips will be released right here, starting today and going through the launch date. The last 10 tips are EXCLUSIVE to the book so if you want them, you’ll have to buy the book! We are also working on lots of bonus material to overload the book! More info on ordering and content to come – stay tuned!

WithAmyMac.com

Core Strengthening: Tranverse Abdominus

August 8, 2010

The book sneak peek tip – Core Muscles: Tranverse Abdominus… only 84 days until the book release!
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MASTERING THE CORE: TRANSVERSE ABDOMINUS

The transverse abdominus is the deepest of our ab muscles.  It is responsible for holding everything in place on the inside, including the spine.  Although we don’t see this muscle from the outside, we should still work on strengthening it.  If the transverse abdominus becomes weak, it can lead to back problems, poor posture, and other issues.

Pilates is a great way to tone this muscle because the moves used require you to engage your core at its deepest level.  You can begin to locate this muscle by lying on your back and placing your hands over your stomach.  Now squeeze your belly button downward to your spine.  When your hands lower, you are using your transverse abdominus.

You can also do this move while standing or, to provide more resistance, in a pushup position.  If trying the pushup position though, be sure to hold your body in a straight line and don’t let your butt stick up or droop!

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Fitness Attack #2, the book, is going to be released on Halloween 2010!  That’s right, 10/31/10! It will feature 101 easy tips to help you live a healthy and fit life! 91 of those tips will be released right here, starting today and going through the launch date. The last 10 tips are EXCLUSIVE to the book so if you want them, you’ll have to buy the book! We are also working on lots of bonus material to overload the book! More info on ordering and content to come – stay tuned!

WithAmyMac.com

Core Strengthening: Rectus Abdominus

August 7, 2010

The book sneak peek tip – Core Muscles: Rectus Abdominus… only 85 days until the book release!

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MASTERING THE CORE: RECTUS ABDOMINUS

When thinking about working the abs, most people think of it as one big section.  The truth, however, is that your abs are a complex muscle system and that each group needs to be worked.  When you are working on that six-pack look, you’re working on your rectus abdominus.

The rectus abdominus is located in the front, center of your stomach.  It runs from the ribs all the way to the pelvis, and is all one muscle; so, when you hear people working on their “upper” and “lower” abs, they’re really working the same muscle.

The best way to work your rectus abdominus is through regular crunches, lower leg raises, and leg tucks.  You should be familiar with the first two exercises; the last one is where you sit on the floor or on the edge of a chair and bring your legs into your chest and then away in a controlled manner.
Also remember that your stomach muscles are just like any other muscle and shouldn’t be trained every day.
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Fitness Attack #2, the book, is going to be released on Halloween 2010!  That’s right, 10/31/10! It will feature 101 easy tips to help you live a healthy and fit life! 91 of those tips will be released right here, starting today and going through the launch date. The last 10 tips are EXCLUSIVE to the book so if you want them, you’ll have to buy the book! We are also working on lots of bonus material to overload the book! More info on ordering and content to come – stay tuned!
WithAmyMac.com

Core Strengthening: Obliques

August 6, 2010

The book sneak peek tip – Core Muscles: Obliques… only 86 days until the book release!

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MASTERING THE CORE: OBLIQUES

For the second part of mastering our core, we’re going to focus on the obliques.  You have both internal and external obliques, which are located on the sides of your waist.  These muscles are responsible for twisting from side to side, so strengthening these muscles can help you to trim your waist.

One of the best ways to work these muscles is by doing side-to-side crunches on either the floor or a fitness ball.  Start by lying on your back with your arms crossed in front or lightly holding the back of your head.  Now, instead of crunching straight up to the ceiling, twist to the left as you lift and then come back to center; then, twist to the right as you lift and come back to center.  Repeat.

The entire time you’re doing these, remember to breathe and to squeeze your belly button towards your spine.  Of course you can’t spot train, but targeting these individual muscles will help you see results.

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Fitness Attack #2, the book, is going to be released on Halloween 2010!  That’s right, 10/31/10! It will feature 101 easy tips to help you live a healthy and fit life! 91 of those tips will be released right here, starting today and going through the launch date. The last 10 tips are EXCLUSIVE to the book so if you want them, you’ll have to buy the book! We are also working on lots of bonus material to overload the book! More info on ordering and content to come – stay tuned!
WithAmyMac.com

Core Strengthening: Back

August 5, 2010

The book sneak peek tip – Core Muscles: Back… only 87 days until the book release!

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MASTERING THE CORE MUSCLES: BACK

Most people don’t think about the back as being important for strong abs.  In truth, however, the back is part of your core, and is therefore very important.  Strengthening your back muscles will help stabilize your spine and improve your posture, which in turn will help improve the look and feel of your abs.

The multifidus and erector spinae are the two back muscles that are most associated with the core.  The erector spinae can be strengthened when working the obliques.  The multifidus is the muscle that runs along your spine; you can focus on engaging this one by using either the cobra or plank exercises.

So, while you’re devoting time to doing crunches, be sure to dedicate some time to your back as well.  You’ll see better results by strengthening the entire core, back included.

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Fitness Attack #2, the book, is going to be released on Halloween 2010!  That’s right, 10/31/10! It will feature 101 easy tips to help you live a healthy and fit life! 91 of those tips will be released right here, starting today and going through the launch date. The last 10 tips are EXCLUSIVE to the book so if you want them, you’ll have to buy the book! We are also working on lots of bonus material to overload the book! More info on ordering and content to come – stay tuned!
WithAmyMac.com
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