The Body Balance Diet Blog

The BEST exercise…for who?

myrnalynn — Fri, 06 May 2011 02:52:44 +0000

This is a topic that should encourage plenty of feedback…especially if I just asked that question: What is the BEST exercise that one can do? A good friend passed along an article recently written on this very subject. I found this piece to be very insightful as well as thought provoking. I have heard many opinons from the designated experts over the last 20 years of being involved in fitness industry and it is quite amazing how these guidelines change so dramatically. Exercise Science, of course, is not an exact science so we must be patient and realize that even with all the facts, the variables are constantly changing.

Take for instance how different each one of us really is. I learned some wonderful concepts when I participated in a fitness challenge last year led by a man who had dedicated his focus on finding the perfect activity to ensure his clients would experience success in shaping their bodies. He treats everyone he works with as an individual and places each on their own plan according to their body type. His years of experience have helped him determine fairly consistently how each would react to certain training methods. It was brilliant! Coupled together with a well thought out meal plan and he was onto something. The Body Balance Diet follows very much the same principles of this way of eating. It is simple and completely sensible…and when you follow the plan, it works.

What is best for me may not be the best for you. Once again we enter into that grey area. Occasionally we can look at a person and quickly conclude that they wouldn’t make a great sprinter if their body is just not built for speed…(Hey Buddy! Sprint 40 yards, hit someone, go back to the huddle). I would never discourage anyone’s potential but if the goal is weight loss/weight maintenance while building a super efficient metabolism then I would help that person get started on a program that they will likely “stick to” and one that will provide results in a relatively reasonable amount of time (we need some positive reinforcement along the way). Walking remains one of the easiest activities to get started with, you can vary your speed, your distance, your incline and it requires very little equipment or skill acquisition in order to start (left, right, left, right…) and I have some very formidable experts in the field that happen to agree with me! However for those who are already exercising, walking is not really a compelling choice…so let’s continue this next week! Your thoughts and comments are welcome and encouraged…

To your Health!

Leeta

LEAN with Leeta: Food Fight!

myrnalynn — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 06:51:24 +0000

“Food is not our enemy!” I read that and realized what a powerful statement that is. So many people I talk to on a regular basis about weight management or fat loss seem to honestly feel that they are at war with their food.

Every season (or perhaps more realistically every day now) there are new weapons introduced… fantastical new fad diets guaranteed to win the BATTLE of the bulge, FIGHT fat gain or DEFEAT the evil cravings! It is thoroughly tiring just reading about all the negativity directed at something that is so natural for us…the simple pleasure of eating. We need to eat, we should love to eat and if we follow a simple plan we will be able to once again enjoy this God given gift. One of the simplest plans is to eat when you are hungry. One of my favourite authors wrote “Don’t fight your hunger. Instead respect it, and respond to it with nutritious food…(but) trusting our bodies to tell us what we need is scary for most…we are afraid that if we throw out all the diets and eat when we are hungry, we’ll never stop and end up in the Guinness Book of World Records.”

Sadly so many people don’t even recognize the basic signs of hunger anymore or choose to ignore…most try to get through the day by restricting caloric intake, not taking time to eat regularly throughout the day and then gorging themselves with fewer meals consisting of all the bad choices. Starving your body will not give you the desired effect either. In fact a starving body will burn lean muscle tissue, slow your metabolism and decrease your overall rate at which you do burn fat! Doesn’t sound like much of a success plan does it.

Good habits take time but are they ever worth it. We have the choice and ability to make the necessary changes. Eat, eat, eat and eat some more. It works. Better choices and smaller meals more often. Trust your body, trust yourself.

Here’s to your Health!

Leeta

Lean with Leeta: City Life

myrnalynn — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 07:16:58 +0000

I had the good fortune of attending a wonderful lecture on health awareness and listened to a very learned ayurveda doctor. He likened our physical body to a city. An interesting comparison, just picture the myriad of transport systems, government groups, organizations, regulating bodies that all must work together in order to run that city for it to function optimally. We have all experienced the problems when one of our city’s systems is not working properly and it ultimately affects the whole city. For instance if our garbage transport system goes on strike, we may not witness the devastating results right away. In fact depending on the time of year we may not be affected for weeks however once it reaches critical overload then it becomes a crisis! Similarly in our body the dysfunction may not be immediately apparent, maybe we just aren’t sleeping well or that cold/flu bug persists.

This doctor warned that although we may be disease free and there are no apparent symptoms this does not automatically indicate that we are in good health. Absence of disease is not a reliable definition of good health. The time to take care is now, prevention is surely more logical than waiting until you can feel the breakdown. To simply be functioning without actively following a healthy lifestyle is just not a good bet. We shouldn’t wait until there is a crisis, that could be too late. Our city would not be very stable if it only reacted once there was a crisis. And like in the best run cities, the systems, organizations and groups proactively work together to prevent malfunctions from happening.

If we truly want to live a life filled with vitality then we do need to obey the rules of the body and give it what it needs. Our systems require the right amounts of activity, rest, fresh air, clean water, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in order to maintain a healthy high functioning body. We also know what we should avoid don’t we. What do you want your body to be able to do for you during your lifetime? Wouldn’t it be ideal to ensure that you get the most out of your time on this earth. Ayurveda, by the way, in Sanskrit translates to “the complete knowledge for long life”. Live long and prosper!

To your Health,

Leeta

Lean with Leeta: Action

myrnalynn — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:28:26 +0000

I received an email from a friend the other day whose tag line consisted of three little words ”Life rewards action”. It seems everyone signs off with a favourite quotation or motto these days however for some reason I noticed this one. I reflected on the words for a few minutes and realized that I actually prefer the reverse, “Action rewards life”.

”Action” is such a wonderfully uplifting word; it’s about forward momentum, being alive, accomplishing, moving ahead…rarely do I see it used in a negative sense (although I am sure there are plenty of examples, they simply don’t come to mind readily). As we seek change for the good we need to surround ourselves with supportive, positive people. In the same sense we also need to feed our minds with positive words, inspiration and act on that inspiration. Action coupled with a solid plan will get results. There is plenty of proof that we can train ourselves to think positively, affirmations have been around for years and the evidence in support of such practices is mounting. You are what you think! Of course you are. However we can think about it all day long and without action we will not be any further ahead. I love what Brian Tracy says about becoming your own personal cheerleader. And every cheerleader must have a call to action.

I am choosing those three words, rearranged the way I like them to continue to inspire me to take action. I encourage you to reward yourself with a life fulfilled by using the tools available in order to reach your own goals…Action rewards Life!

To your Health!

Leeta

Lean with Leeta: Discipline

myrnalynn — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:03:22 +0000

All significant accomplishments require discipline but in order to accomplish these we must focus on the activities necessary to bring about that desired result. The world’s best authorities on time management recommend always that we separate the little stuff from the big. When we are really busy I find it isn’t always easy to even determine which is which, we just don’t have the time! Sound familiar?

If you are reading this you might know that I am posting a bit late…I promised to blog every Thursday and truly do like to have this out onto the site by early morning. Well, my time management skills were not as keen as they could be this week and I am late, sorry. I dislike not being able to keep my word and I realize it is how one prioritizes daily that will be the determinant of how much you get done. My blogs remain a top priority however this one truly got away from me. I didn’t even have a brain freeze about it! In fact I had several juicy subjects that caught my interest this past week and I was eager to share…what happened? Time management is what didn’t happen for me. Healthy lifestyle choices also take discipline and they also need to be a priority in your life. So many people keep promises to others and pride themselves on being dependable. What about keeping that promise to yourself? The guilt that can weigh on us if we don’t keep promises to ourselves may not be as noticeable at first but over time it can be crippling. The fact that we are the one who is responsible for our own life can either be overwhelming or joyously empowering. You choose.

And back to discipline, why does that word evoke visions of a harsh task-master or bootcamp tyrant? Discipline can be your friend and maybe one goal should be for us to start viewing it more in terms of a healthy guidance or excellent tool to help us achieve those dreams within realistic reach. Discipline can be desirable maybe even delicious. You decide!

To your Health, Leeta

Lean with Leeta: Breathtaking

myrnalynn — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 06:24:14 +0000

Over the last week I have been reminded frequently of the need to just simply breathe. Oddly enough, three different books I am currently reading touched upon this topic so I thought I better pay attention. These little repetitive signs usually are telling us something. I recognize the overload of many commitments over the past 2 weeks and I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. As busy people (all of our lives are busy because we make them that way) we go and go until we actually have such a build-up that we literally feel we might just explode. Been there? Of course you have. Now I do have a wonderful stress relief that I partake in once, sometimes twice a week. The practice of yoga encourages a conscious awareness of our breath and the yoga I happen to do forces one to breathe steadily or else you just wouldn’t make it through the class! I don’t have to tell you that air is an absolute necessity for life, it is one of the most important nutrients (higher up on the list than even food and water) however we often overlook the simple healthful act of mindful breathing to replenish our bodies. On inhalation we provide our bodies and brains with life giving oxygen. By exhaling we are able to let go of toxins built up in our bodies. When we take the time to really breathe, it is amazing what happens to our mind, our body and our overall outlook. One of the reasons regular exercise makes you feel so much great is that it really does force you to breathe and breathe well. Unless you have a respiratory illness, you have complete control of your air intake…why not use it to your utmost advantage? Let me guess…while you were reading this you took a few really deep breaths, right? Didn’t it feel wonderful. We all know how good it feels and a few minutes each day is a good starting point. If you have to remind yourself with sticky notes all over your personal belongings then so be it! You will very likely be helping to remind others that they too can achieve that much needed sense of calm and renewal by simply remembering to breathe.

To Your Health, Leeta

Predictable Energy

myrnalynn — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 06:34:16 +0000

Grandma was right…breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you actually give it enough thought, our poor body has been fasting for many hours since we last ate dinner so how do we expect to leap out of bed and be ready to take on our day without replenishing that energy? The worst thing you can do is continue to deprive yourself of fuel once you get up in the morning and your metabolism is at a lowered state…you do not want to keep it there especially if you are in fact trying to lose weight. Breakfast may be a habit you need to ease into but there are plenty of reasons to start. If you can begin to think of your body as a predictable machine…if you eat more predictably your body will react accordingly. Most of us eat sporadically and then wonder why we don’t have steady energy levels. Hmmmm. It is all very logical isn’t it. Okay, back to breakfast…a great way to start this positive habit is with a meal that is convenient. I am all for having a meal replacement shake in the morning if I am in a rush. This is an exceptionally easy way to get the nutrition you require to jumpstart your metabolism and your day. Eating more often (every 2-3 hrs) will also keep you from overeating throughout the day. A favourite fast morning meal for me is a protein shake. Sometimes I add our fiber supplement, a few berries, flax meal…it’s fun to get creative therefore it never is the same shake twice! I know I am getting what my body craves (food energy) plus it just tastes great. I do love having hot cereal year round but it is also a good idea to mix your choices up a bit with variety so you do not get bored. Check out our great shake choices in our preferred product line with the Body Balance system. Easy, convenient and the right fuel to get you going and keep you going. Predictable energy because you are the one in control. It is that simple.

To your Health, Leeta (Lean with Leeta)

Feeling good, feeling confident…

myrnalynn — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:50:45 +0000

I am really looking forward to sharing a little more of what’s happening in my life with our wonderful Body Balance community. My hope is that what I have been able to achieve over the last year may inspire each and every one of you just a bit more towards achieving your own health goals. I believe that what you choose to do now will determine what you will look and feel like 5-10 years from now. I am not saying it is going to take that long to see results from your smart choices today however it will be a culmination of what you do starting today.

Last night I was a model in a runway show for one of my designer friends. Now to be perfectly clear, I am not the typical age of the models you find on the runway and I am certainly not a size zero either. The difference is that I have been able to create a lean body that I am proud of and makes me confident enough to say yes to my friend! To tell you the truth, I turned 40 several years ago but as you all know, nobody can tell you exactly what 40 is supposed to look like anymore. How great is that! It is YOUR choice as to how you would like to look no matter what age you happen to be at. From my experience one of the best places to start the change is with smart food choices. You have seen (and perhaps experienced it yourself) that all that exercising will not necessarily change your body and for heavens sake it’s a lot of work. Take heart…the right exercise for you together with the right fuel (I am talking food choices here) will have you amazed at what you are capable of. Theories, ideas, trends constantly change and after all these years of being in the fitness/wellness industry it is exciting to find such a successful system that can help so many. I encourage everyone to get serious about their health today. We have the support tools with Body Balance to help you at every step of the journey.

I am healthy, lean and feel the best I have in years. The positive results of feeling good transfers over to all areas of your life…you know what they say “be all that you can be” and why not start today?

To your Health! Leeta

“Lean With Leeta”

myrnalynn — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:12:14 +0000

Hello! I am excited to be a part of the Body Balance Team and eager to share my thoughts and ideas with our community.

I have had a passion for fitness and good health all of my life. Both of my parents were internationally competitive athletes so I was exposed to this lifestyle from a very young age. I pursued competitive sports throughout my life and also earned a degree in Physical Education. I have worked as a personal trainer, a wellness coach and have had the pleasure of speaking on the subject of fitness and nutrition for many years.

My lifelong experience in the wellness arena has taught me that being healthy is so much more than just getting in shape or competing in sports. Healthy isn’t simply looking good, it is very much about FEELING good! Only you know truly when you are feeling your best so it is important to take the time to learn what works and what doesn’t work for you as an individual. The Body Balance Team will help you with combining smart food choices, research proven supplementation coupled with the right activities for you to uncover your body’s own incredible potential.

Join us on the journey towards learning how to FEEL and LOOK your very best ever.

I look forward to helping each one of you reach your personal health and wellness goals.

To Your Health, Leeta

Dirty Dozen & Clean 15

myrnalynn — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:01:56 +0000

People ask me all the time if they should care about buying Organic Fruit and Vegetables or not. I like to refer to a guide I found at www.foodnews.org you can go there for more info but here is a simple list to follow:

Dirty Dozen
(buy these organic)
Peach
Apples
Bell Pepper
Celery
Nectarine
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes (imported)
Carrot
Pear

Clean 15
(lowest in Pesticides)
Onion
Avocado
Sweet Corn
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli
Tomato
Sweet Potato

Not to mention how much better things like Strawberries taste when they are organic or from your garden, others taste like the plastic container they come in!

NOTE: We have an amazing product at Melaleuca called Tough & Tender that is a great fruit and vegetable wash, allowing them to sit for 5 minutes and then rinsing will remove bacteria, dirt, sprays, and or wax.