Total Fitness And Health – It’s a Personal Thing! And We’re “All Things Fitness” for YOU!
So let’s talk about total fitness and health, and what it actually means. Obviously it means a lot of different things to different people.
It will certainly mean something different to YOU than it does to ME. That’s because… well, we’re DIFFERENT! 
For example being totally fit to some people may mean being able to run a marathon in under three hours. For some people total fitness means that they would feel their best if they lost 20 or 30 pounds.
For other people, being totally fit means being able to compete in a bodybuilding contest in building muscle and six pack abs. They want the best diet and exercise program they can find.
For other people the feeling of being totally fit may simply mean having a chronic condition under control. So total fitness and health really does mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people.
I’ll tell you what total fitness means to me personally. To me I think total fitness means feeling good all the time – not feeling tired, being able to exercise without falling apart, eating foods that make me feel good, being at a healthy weight, and generally just feeling good about myself. And even though I may not want to run marathons anymore, and even though my personal fitness goals might be different from yours, I still want the best diet and exercise program I can find as well.
In addition to that, I like to feel healthy. I like to feel that I’m treating my body well and doing things that just feel good. I don’t have any desire to compete in a Miss Universe contest – I certainly don’t have the type of focus or motivation to do something like that.
I just don’t. It’s never been anything that has interested me in the least.
However; years ago I ran marathons. And while I don’t really want to run marathons anymore it would certainly feel good to be able to run 2 miles without being out of breath. Being able to do that and feel good afterwards would mean to me that I was in pretty decent shape.
I enjoy food, but I don’t want to live to eat, I would prefer to eat to live. But, I still want to enjoy my food. And this is where balance comes in. So when I discuss in this blog diet programs or food recommendations, I’ll be doing that with balance in mind.
Same thing for exercise equipment and exercise programs. Some people like more extreme programs while others prefer something gentle (e.g. tai chi).
For example, I know people personally who don’t feel like they’re doing enough for themselves if they don’t spend 2 to 3 hours a day exercising. For other people they don’t feel like they’re doing enough exercise him unless they’ve been hammered on by a boot camp type of leader. We’ll talk about those types of programs as well for those people who want to participate in things like that.
For purposes of this website, we will look at several aspects of total health and fitness as we go along. We will look at diet considerations healthy living tips dealing with food. We’ll look at exercise programs, weight loss programs, different pieces of exercise equipment, and much more.
So, for right now, stay with us! We have LOTS of interesting and useful content coming your way!
Best Protein Supplements
So, what are the best protein supplements? I’m assuming that if you’re reading this, you are planning to either consume protein – either in whole foods, supplements or powder form because you’ve heard that protein helps build lean muscle or that it helps burn body fat.
Regardless of the reason why you want to increase or add different sources of protein to your diet, hopefully this post will help clarify some of the pros and cons of different protein supplements, and help you choose the product that will fit your lifestyle best.
You are probably aware of at least a few of the most popular protein supplement types – for example, you have probably heard of whey protein (made from milk), or vegetable proteins (e.g. hemp protein, soy protein).
As you can imagine, different diet and nutrition specialists have differing opinions about protein and sources of protein. And certain spokespeople may have a financial interest in the product they are promoting. There is nothing wrong with that – it’s a free country, and people have a right to earn a living from the products they believe in.
That said, I’ve found a few people who weigh in on a variety of protein sources. Some are “pro-protein supplements” and others prefer to see us get our protein from whole food sources.
For example, if you have ever heard of “Green Smoothie Girl” (whose real name is Robyn Openshaw), you probably know that she prefers vegetable sources of protein, and advises against using whey or soy proteins. She promotes a type of protein made from brown rice and/or hemp – (See the protein supplements Robyn promotes HERE)
Fabio and Green Smoothie Girl on Whey Protein
In a recent video, Robyn spoke w/ Fabio (remember the model who graced all those steamy romance paperbacks a few years back?), who is now promoting a line of whey protein supplements by Healthy Planet Nutrition. In this case, the product is a whey protein, and in the video interview w/ Robyn (Green Smoothie Girl), Fabio states, “Whey protein is the highest quality protein Mother Nature has to gove…” 
Fabio continues that the reason he likes whey protein so much is that it contains all the essential amino acids.
He further states that whey protein from New Zealand is superior, because it does not contain pesticides. Now, a lot of body builders really like using whey protein. Even though I am not a weight-lifter, I have tried whey protein as well as an alternative to eating too much meat.
The Healthy Planet “The Purest Whey Protein” serving size is approximately 1 scoop (20 grams), and contains 15 grams of Protein – a good amount of protein! I applaud Healthy Planet’s decision to go with whey protein versus soy protein.
I’ve just read too much information that turns me off about soy protein to promote it here – and so I won’t.
The Chocolate version of the Healthy Planet brand lists the following ingredients:
- Proprietary native whey protein concentrate, natural cocoa, natural flavors, stevia
The Vanilla version of the Healthy Planet brand lists the following ingredients:
- Proprietary native whey protein concentrate, natural vanilla, natural flavors, stevia
In addition to gaining Fabio’s endorsement, Dr. Joseph Mercola (a well-known Osteopathic physician and outspoken author on health and wellness topics) also promotes whey protein.
So, as you may have read in my post about foods that help burn body fat, you read that egg whites are one of them – and that they are high in protein. But, since a person can only eat so many eggs in a week (I get “egged out” after a couple times per week), it is nice to know that there are some other sources.
I personally no longer use whey protein, and as I said, I steer clear of soy protein – Personal Choice… that’s all.
After trying whey protein (personally, I steer clear of soy protein – which I learned a lot about thanks to Isabel de los Rios), and protein bars, and hemp protein, I have to say that – and this is just for me - my personal favorite protein powder is now hemp protein.
Again, this is personal preference – I just like Hemp Protein more than Whey Protein. You may prefer whey.
I learned many years ago that I’m just the type of person who operates best when I have a little more protein than other people I know. For example, my husband can eat carbs all day long and not have any “crash” or burn out. For me, personally, if I eat too much carb and not enough protein, I get sleepy, foggy, and utterly useless.
Different body types, that all…
By the way – and this is a touch off-topic – it wasn’t until I read Isabel de los Rios’ book The Diet Solution Program that I found “validation” about my idea that I needed more protein than other people. (You can read more about her and her program at this link if you are interested => The Diet Solution)
Anyway, Isabel – like Green Smoothie Girl – prefers seeing people get their protein through whole foods.
But, let’s face it. Sometimes we need a shortcut. Whether it’s due to time constraints or keeping enough foods on hand throughout the week, some people enjoy protein supplements.
Best Hemp Protein Powder – My Opinion: Nutiva, Hands Down!
As I mentioned, in my humble opinion, the best protein supplement is also the best hemp protein powder by Nutiva. For several years, this has been my protein supplement of choice. (By the way, although this isn’t the place for a post on coconut oil, this is also where I buy my coconut oil.)
So why am I so hep on hemp? (hee hee …little pun there on the words…)
A few reasons:
- Nutiva Hemp Protein is organic.
- It’s vegetarian (even though I’m not a vegetarian, I like finding more sources of vegetarian protein).
- I love the taste (hemp has a nutty flavor that I really enjoy).
- There’s only one ingredient – 100% Hemp. No “hexane” – which is a petroleum product; no gluten; no dairy; no sweetner. Just hemp.
- 1 serving (3 tablespoons, or 30 grams) has 15 grams of protein – that’s packing quite a punch!
This company rocks! The products are intensely yummy, and I also find them very reasonably priced.
So, after all is said and done, it appears to me that between using Whey Protein Powder or Hemp Protein Powder, you should be able to determine which one suits your needs, your budget, and taste buds best!
Please scroll down if you would like to do a little comparison shopping on these protein supplements. Usually, Amazon has some of the best prices on the internet – even less expensive than the stores at the mall or outlet centers.
Foods that Help Burn Body Fat Fast – Eat These and Fire Up Your Metabolism
Did you know that there are foods that you can eat right now to help you burn body fat fast and lose weight? You do not have to go out and buy some expensive supplements to speed up your metabolism.
Rather, just by eating a few of these foods each day instead of what you were already eating you are almost guaranteed to ramp up your fat loss.
One very first food to eat is egg whites (I personally like ALL parts of the egg!). These are very high in protein and can leave you satiated for longer periods than any other breakfast.
Remember: When you are not craving food and do not feel hungry you will not resort to your bad habits and snack on those unhealthy chips and dip.
The second food to eat is Greek yogurt -
I LOVE this stuff! This is actually a very versatile food that when used correctly will help you think you are cheating when in actuality you are in fact keeping to your diet.
Many Greek and Indian people mix in cucumbers and other spices in order to make extremely tasteful sauces that will add flavor without adding fat (called “Raita” if you’re in an Indian restaurant). If you look to some of the ethnic food cookbooks I am sure you will many recipes for Greek yogurt and when and where to add these to various dishes.
Thirdly you may want to add homemade protein bars or “Gorp” to your daily routine. You can make these easily using protein powder and Oatmeal flour. Oatmeal flour is the key component here as that will add the necessary fiber and make you feel full. By adding some whey or hemp protein or some alternative you will be able to eliminate many of those harmful binders found in store bought protein bars.
Personally, the ONLY powdered protein I use is Hemp protein. I just don’t have a great feeling about whey powder (although I know that a lot of body builders swear by it). And, because I respect a lot of what Isabel de los Rios says in her book The Diet Solution Program, I avoid soy protein. But Hemp protein is good whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or not – it’s yummy no matter which way you look at it!
NOTE: TO READ MY POST ABOUT THE BEST PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS, CLICK HERE
By the way, making your own healthy “gorp” is easy! We just use almonds, some goji berries (some people use raisins), and some sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Easy! Portable! And definitely tasty! My husband is very active, and sometimes he’ll be on his way to a softball game and hasn’t had time for dinner. He’ll bring a zippy bag with some homemade gorp, and he’s good for the evening.
How About Vegetables?
Many people just simply do not eat enough vegetables. That used to be me! But, that has changed now, and I eat a ton of veggies now! By adding a good amount of vegetables you will feel like you are eating a lot of food, which you are, without adding too many extra calories. Vegetables are rich in many vitamins and minerals if not overcooked. 
Ideally you will want to gently steam these vegetables for a couple minutes to get rid of the raw flavor or use a food steamer in order to cook them (if you DO like raw veggies, that’s even better!). Do not overcook your vegetables however as the essential enzymes will be lost and some of the benefits will not be there.
Organic and Lean Meats
By eating organic and lean meats you are sure to speed up your metabolism. Many people need the protein in order to spur muscle growth. Depending upon your height, weight, and sex you should eat a good amount of protein each day. This protein is going to be used to help you heal from your daily activities and this is essential if you are training for any major physical exercise or sport.
In my experience, the person who has helped me understand how much protein I need to be eating is Isabel de los Rios, who wrote The Diet Solution Program.
Personally, I despise so called “fad diets,” and kind of “scoffed” a little when I heard about Isabel’s book. But, after having an experience of my own with it, I realized that she’s the real deal. She doesn’t promote any fads or any special supplements (other than a little fish oil). She talks about real food and lifestyle. You may find her advice and ideas helpful. If you do, that’s great!
If interested, you can access Isabel de los Rios and The Diet Solution Program HERE => The Diet Solution Program
Apples and Berries – Delicious and Healthy!
Apples and berries are a great source of fiber and the acids in these fruits will help to speed up your metabolism as well as add some vital vitamins and minerals. As well the fiber is great for ensuring your digestive tract is maintained and your colon maintains its healthy balance. It is said we live and die by the health of our colon and keeping that one organ healthy is vital to losing weight and keeping it off.
(Short link for this post: http://totalfitnessforyou.com/?p=147)
Eat Healthy on a Budget
Do you have a hard time making ends meet when you are trying to eat healthy? Organic and healthy food is naturally more expensive than their counterparts. It just takes more time and energy to grow food without the use of pesticides and without any genetic modification. However, many people say that eating organic food has improved their health overall.
When you really take the time and add up all of the bad food you are eating I am sure it is far more expensive then eating only a few healthy meals per day. The cost of chips, salsa, jerky, ice cream, sweets, coffee, etc starts to really add up in the week’s budget. If you can subtract these foods and substitute them for healthier alternatives you may actually end up spending far less money.
Adding the cost of eating healthy without taking out the unhealthy food is what is going to cost you even more money. Ideally you should practice portion control and eating smaller snack size meals throughout the day. When you really consider that eating smaller snack sized meals more often is cheaper then snacking on the unhealthy foods it behooves you to eat healthier.
Many people eat out each and every day that they are on the job. Every time you visit that fast food restaurant you are just simply adding up the cost and inhibiting your progress to get healthier. By just brown bagging it for a couple weeks I am sure you will notice the difference on your wallet and your waistline.
Another place where people waste their money is on the sugary drinks throughout the day. These are just empty calories and also some extra expense that stops you from reaching your goals. By drinking filtered water instead of these drinks you will help to get rid of unnecessary calories and help your body get the water it needs to live.
The cost of being unhealthy is really daunting. As medical care continues to get more expensive with each passing year you just simply cannot afford to be fat and unhealthy anymore. The stress on your joints, heart, liver, and intestines is going to add up and when you are older you will surely pay the price.
Many people believe that eating healthy is an insurance policy against these ailments that are affecting so many Americans today. As well eating healthy is going to make you more productive at work which could make it harder for your boss to get rid of you. Surely with this added incentive you should be motivated to get healthy by eating better.
So when you really start to add it all up eating healthy is not more expensive it is actually cheaper. I have not actually totaled up the cost of my change from my bad habits but I did notice I had more money at the end of the year. As well when I compared my year to year food costs I did notice that by changing to a healthier lifestyle I spent less money on food.
Post Activation Potentiation – What is it?
Perhaps you have heard about this new trend in exercise called post activation potentiation? This is actually new from the research labs at many Universities. The theory is that you will be able to activate more muscle by doing certain exercises in order in order to activate more muscle cells.
For instance say you do some heavy lifting with the shoulder using some heavy weight presses. If you follow that with some plyometrics type exercises you can experience faster muscle growth and get stronger faster. Continue Reading “Post Activation Potentiation – What Is It?”…
Muscle Confusion – What it is and why it is so important
Muscle Confusion. Perhaps you have heard this term being used a lot all over the web, muscle confusion. Do you know what this is? Perhaps you do not understand the reasons why it is so important? Well honestly I did not understand this myself until I actually started to do it.
The idea and principle behind muscle confusion is to always keep your muscles guessing so that you are always progressing. After a time when you start to do any routine your muscles will adapt and will not continue to grow anymore. The idea behind muscle confusion then is to always do something different or to mix it up enough so that you never plateau. Continue Reading about “Muscle Confusion…”
Flex Belt – All You Need To Know Right Here!
Welcome to the Flex Belt section of the site (i.e., the famous ab toning belt)
Hi everyone! I started this section of the website because I have a fascination with fitness equipment (especially the types we see on infommercials!), and because I’m a little over-analytical about stuff before I buy it. For some reason, I cannot seem to just buy something without researching it (or, as my husband says, OVER-researching it!).
Anyway, in this case, I have focused on The Flex Belt after hearing so much about it – and I decided to take all the information I’ve been finding about it (that’s not on their official website), and put it into one place. And, voila! Hence, this “Flex Belt” category!
So, here’s what you’ll find here:
The Flex Belt Reviews
I spent a lot of time looking for people who have actually used the Flex Belt (I deliberately did not use testimonials from their website – that’s easy enough to see here if you’d like! Read User Testimonials & Press Coverage of The Flex Belt . So, for reviews from REAL users, you can see them here -> The Flex Belt Reviews.
The Science Behind the Flex Belt (and Does The Flex Belt Work?)
This was pretty interesting to me, so I did a little research to learn more about Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), which is the science behind the Flex Belt. You can read that here ->The Flex Belt and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
To look into whether or not the Flex Belt really works, check this out -> Does The Flex Belt Work?
Best Place to Buy The Flex Belt (as well as Coupon Codes and Discounts)
I know that there are lots of places people can find an ab toning belt! I devoted an entire post to discussing why I believe your best bet is to buy it through the official website here -> The Flex Belt Official Website – When I personally buy something, I like to buy it from someone who is going to give me 1) The best price 2) Shipping or other discounts, 3) Savings on buying accessories, etc, and 4) Customer support. Again, you read about this at my post here -> Best Place to Buy The Flex Belt
Thank you for visiting!
Best Place To Buy The Flex Belt
So, where’s the best place to buy The Flex Belt?
It took me a little while to comb all the websites I could find to compare various Flex Belt offers, discounts, etc. I read reviews, and I even looked at websites where there was no commercial interest whatsoever in selling this particular ab toning belt. That definitely lends a very unbiased point of view which I find valuable.
Here is what I’ve learned.
First of all – and for reasons I honestly don’t understand – Buying The Flex Belt Ab Belt on Amazon is NOT the cheapest! Seriously – the thing I noticed is that whoever is selling the Flex Belt on Amazon isn’t able to offer some of the discounts that you can get directly from the company. The price is EXACTLY the same as on the Flex Belt website! Plus, you’re not likely to get the same type of support if it’s not coming straight from the manufacturer.
In this case, I was unable to find a whole lot on eBay – they have ab toning belts of course, but to buy the EXACT model “The Flex Belt,” I found almost nothing. That’s not such a big deal, because even though I have worked a lot on eBay, sometimes it’s better to buy certain types of products from a solid source.
This is one of those products that I feel better buying from the manufacturer.
Yup. That’s right. I really do think that in this particular case, you’re better off buying from the offical Flex Belt website.
Here is why I have come up with this opinion:
1) Discounts that you cannot get through other sources (See the coupon codes below!)
2) A 60-day money-back guarantee – they want you to see results!
3) Phone number for real customer service.
4) An online community where you can interact with other users.
Take a look at #4 above, about the online community.
If you have never been part of a user forum for a particular product or service, you may not yet understand the power behind the support you can find there!
Please don’t underestimate this! Once you buy your Flex Belt, you may discover that there are a WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE out there who are working on becoming more fit and healthier. It’s great to submit questions or comments, and interact and learn from others who are working towards similar goals.
For example, one person was asking others about their recommendations for some cardio training, and another was asking about using it after pregnancy, etc.
So, at the end of the day, I definitely recommend you only buy from the Official Flex Belt Website. And, you can choose your coupon code right here!
Get 10% Off your Order of The Flex Belt – Use Coupon Code: “FLEX10OFF” at Checkout
Get Free Priority Shipping on your Order of The Flex Belt – Use Coupon Code: “FLEXFREESHIP” at Checkout
Does The Flex Belt Work?
So, Does the Flex Belt Work?
Ah! The million dollar question! To answer that, I found an interesting statement in a bodybuilder.com forum by a user named “Funtick” – I had actually mentioned it in the Flex Belt Reviews post, but I’ll post part of his statement again here:
“Yesterday I did level 80, and today (which is day 4 of trying) at level 90, – it works. Yes, it works, I see it in the mirror, and I lost probably 0.5 inches (at least one centimeter) waist line in just 4 days. Previously, I lost 1.5 inches in 4 weeks; the flexbelt definitely added very poverful routine.”
Also, I found someone on The Flex Belt Twitter feed who happened to mention it (and they mention that they do NOT sell it): (This particular “tweet” was not by The Flex Belt, but by a user) This @flexbelt is wearing me out. #7 #Setting #OneFifty. I ain’t trying to sell it ya’ I just know I’m likin’ mine.
And then, over on FaceBook I found some VERY interesting stuff written by actual users…
Here is the gist of one thread – I’ll call the participants only by their first names to protect their identities. The thread was started by “Meg”, and the conversation went between “Meg” and “Steve” who has been using it for about2 months (I fixed all the acronyms, capitalization, spelling and “shortened” words – such as “u” for “you” – other than that, this is word for word):
“Meg” Who already has this product? Have you been getting results?
August 8 at 5:37pm
“Steve” I’m getting really good results
August 13 at 12:45am · 1 person
“Meg” How long have you been using it??
August 13 at 12:46am
“Steve” 2 months and my stomach looks way better
August 13 at 12:47am
“Meg” Awesome… I ordered one last week… Stoked to try it… I hate sit ups lol
August 13 at 12:48am
“Steve” Yeah, and if you have fat around those abs lose that fat but running because the flexbelt doesn’t help you lose the fat it just helps tone them and helps so you can see your abs better…I told that to all my friends because my friends thought it would help lose fat but like I said all it does is tone your abs and make them so you can see them
August 13 at 12:51am · 1 person
Here’s another quick thread that I liked – and the folks at Flex Belt had an interesting response (again, I’m disguising the actual user name and fixing spelling, etc.):
“Max” I do not work for flex belt nor do I know anyone who does. With that being said this belt is the best thing ever! I have never been smaller than a 34 waist and after using the flex belt I’m now a 32! Small waist and my stomach never looked better.
July 12 at 7:05pm via mobileThe Flex Belt likes this.
“The Flex Belt” Hi (“Max”) It can be time consuming trying to convince people that the Flex Belt is no joke, but with all the faulty fitness gadgets on the market, it’s no wonder people are so hesitant to believe that this technology actually works and has been used in Olympic training since 1972. Quality components and manufacturing are major factors in the legitimacy and life span of our products. We don’t cut corners and are always working to advance the technology of the Flex Belt line of EMS muscle strengthening devices. We really appreciate your comments.
So, all that aside, remember that an ab toning belt is NOT meant to help us lose FAT. NO device can do that (except maybe liposuction or something like that! yuck!) LOL It’s ONLY meant to strengthen and tone our muscles.
Remember, the only way we’re going to healthfully lose fat and shed unnecessary pounds is by eating right and exercising more.
And, then, once we lose that fat, our toned and stronger abs will start to shine through! Yee ha!
The Flex Belt on Twitter
I thought you might enjoy reading some of what The Flex Belt has to say on Twitter! Again, this is a real company, run by real people.
One thing that I want to reiterate, because I believe it’s very important for anyone who is thinking about buying The Flex Belt, is that the manufacturers really want people to eat better, exercise, and – in short – take care of themselves.
So, anyway, you’ll see that some of their “tweets” are about healthy living as well. Enjoy! Oh… for the sake of privacy, I am “xxx”-ing out the names of people that the folks at The Flex Belt were responding to.
****************FLEX BELT ON TWITTER******************
Abdominal belts are not just for professional athletes, but are designed for novice fitness enthusiasts as well.
12 Aug
For years, medical professionals have been using the same technology that are in abdominal belts, to improve their patients’ health.
3 Aug
McDonald’s announced that their Happy Meals will contain more apple slices and less french fries. Good news.
29 Jul
@ @XXXXXXX EMS technology has been used in Olympic training since 1972 – it works. We’re FDA cleared & have performed xtensiv clinical trials
(28 June 2011)
@ @XXXXX No BS the belt really works. We have performed extensive clinical trials & are cleared by the FDA- also have a 60day $-back guarantee
28 Jun
@ @XXXXXXXXXXX Try to increase your intensity every session to a tolerable level. Everybody feels the contractions differently.
28 Jun
You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you don’t trust enough.
21 Jun
@ @XXXXXXXX EMS devices like the Flex Belt have been used for several years by professional, and Olympic athletes worldwide.
17 Jun
@ @XXXXXXXXX The Flex Belt was the 1st to be cleared by the FDA and also has performed clinical trials that were unbeaten. Yes – results alone
17 Jun
8 time Mr. Olympia, Lee Haney, used EMS technology, the same in quality ab belts, to help maximize his muscle gains for winning competitions
17 Jun
A new USDA icon of a plate is now going to replace the ancient food pyramid designed over 50 years ago.
7 Jun
(This particular “tweet” was not by The Flex Belt, but by a user)
This @flexbelt is wearing me out. #7 #Setting #OneFifty. I ain’t trying to sell it ya’ I just know I’m likin’ mine.
1 Jun
Adrianne Curry:”You want the truth? You’ve got to eat right & exercise to look good -take help whenever you can get it”
31 May
Health experts say diets of children in the United States have deteriorated dramatically over the past two generations http://yhoo.it/kEmTT6
23 May
@ @XXXXXXXXXXXXXX The Flex Belt is clinically proven like many EMS devices that are used by professional athletes, but what do they know?
17 May
@ @XXXXXXXXXXX The Flex Belt is the first FDA cleared abdominal belt and is the only that has performed clinical trials
17 May
@ @XXXXXX Unfortunately the Flex Belt is not for weight loss, but it will increase your abdominal strength and more
17 May
@ @XXXXXXX_XXXX The Flex Belt is an electronic muscle stimulator, designed to build the abdominal muscles
17 May
=> => => Read User Testimonials & Press Coverage of The Flex Belt
