However, once in a while a product comes along that is so bad I feel a moral obligation to raise my voice in protest. Of course, the product that has every moral fiber in my body screaming in protest is Gerber’s new concoction called Gerber Graduates Lil’ Sticks Chicken.

Gerber is marketing its Lil’ Sticks Chicken as a “hot dog alternative”, as if all our current obesity/diabetes riddled society lacks is a “hot dog alternative”.

But, that’s not the worst of it. Gerber goes on to praise its “jarred chicken” as being just the right size for a baby’s hands and conveniently omits the fact that this “jarred chicken” is also just the right size to lodge itself in a baby’s windpipe and pose a significant choking hazard.

In fact, hot dogs are so dangerous to infants that Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio had the following to say about them, “If you were to take the best engineers in the world and try to design the perfect plug for a child’s airway, it would be a hot dog.” source

In their shameless attempt to self-promote their “jarred chicken” as “healthy” Gerber goes on to claim that their “preservative free” Lil’ Sticks Chicken is “an excellent source of protein, zinc and omega fatty acids“.

So What Is In Gerber Graduates Lil’ Sticks Chicken?

• Ground Chicken: Exactly what part of the chicken is used? The label doesn’t mention this little detail
• Water: Ok. Water is harmless enough but why is it even necessary?
• Whey Protein Concentrate: This is theoretically a good ingredient but again, why is it necessary?

1) Chicken alone, is an excellent source of protein and if the chicken used to make these Lil’ Sticks Chicken is anything other than beaks, combs, skin and so forth why does Gerber feel the need to add whey protein concentrate to the Graduates Lil’ Sticks Chicken to drive up its protein count?

2) Large doses of whey protein can put a great deal of stress on a baby’s developing organs, particularly the kidneys.

• Salt: Gerber advertises this product as being “preservative free. Yet, it adds 300mg of sodium to it. This is a blatant display of false advertisement! Doesn’t Gerber know that sodium is the oldest preservative known to mankind?

1) Of course, if we assume that Gerber knows that sodium is a preservative than we must conclude that Gerber thinks the public is too stupid to realize the same and point out their false advertising claims.

2) Is 300mg of sodium safe for a baby? NO! 300mg = 0.3g which is almost as much as half of your baby’s maximum recommended daily sodium intake.

According to national guidelines, salt should never be added to baby food because too much salt places a great deal of undue pressure on a baby’s delicate kidneys. Babies who breastfeed, get just the right amount of salt via breast milk. Babies who are bottle-fed also get the right amount of salt through these formulas which are tailored to closely mimic breast milk. Infants who eat sold foods, get just the right amount of salt, from the foods they eat, since sodium, in small amounts, is naturally present in many foods.

• Canola Oil: Ugh! Besides, being a genetically modified crop, Canola is also extremely high in calories and Canola oil adds a whopping 7g of fat to Gerber’s newest concoction.
• Sugar: Why? When you boil a piece of chicken breast for yourself or your infant, do you sprinkle it with sugar? Of course not! So, why would you purchase a ready-made food that does this? The only reason I can think of for the presence of sugar in this recipe is that sugar is also a preservative. source
• Natural Flavor: What natural flavors?
• Onion and Garlic Powder: In small amounts, these two ingredients are harmless. However, garlic is well known to lower blood pressure levels and garlic powder can also be harsh on a baby’s delicate digestive system. So, the question here becomes, how much of these two ingredients is added to this “jarred chicken” concoction? We don’t know!
• Caramel Color: Why? What possible reason can Gerber give for adding this ingredient?

Nutrition Label

Mediterranean Diet Explained

The Mediterranean Diet is often called “The Healthiest Diet in the World” because of its healthy weight loss benefits. Just as the name implies, the Mediterranean Diet has been enjoyed by people who live in the Mediterranean region, particularly Italy and Greece, for thousands of years. However, it is only recently that the Mediterranean diet has gained popularity in American.

The Mediterranean diet is a diet low in saturated fat with healthy mono-unsaturated fats being provided through fish, nuts and olive oil. The Mediterranean diet features foods such as:

• dried and fresh fruit such as apricots, melons, apples and oranges
• vegetables such as arugula, celery, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, mushrooms, etc…
• whole grains
• salmon, turkey, lamb, and tuna but almost no red meat
• a small amount of wine

The Mediterranean Diet is the most studied diet in the world. Study after study has proven that The Mediterranean Diet is effective in preventing gallstones, breast cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The Mediterranean diet is inherently a high fiber, high carbohydrates diet that helps dieters and health conscious individuals achieve their weight loss goals through portion control and the consumption of low glycemic index carbohydrates.

The Mediterranean Diet is right for you if:

• You are willing to make a lifelong commitment to learning proper portion control
• You enjoy discovering and preparing new recipes

South Beach Diet Explained

The South Beach Diet is a newer, low-carb, high protein diet where carbohydrates are prohibited during the first phase of the plan, and then are slowly introduced back into the diet after two weeks.

The South Beach Diet features three phases all together, with the third being for maintenance. The focus is on lean sources of protein such as chicken, turkey, shellfish, and fish as well as nuts, eggs, and low-fat cheese.

The South Beach Diet’s benefits include fast weight loss and a long-term balanced diet plan to help with weight maintenance. However, the potential long-term health benefits or health hazards of this diet have not yet been thoroughly studied.

The South Beach Diet is right for you if:

• You don’t mind following a very strict diet plan in order to lose weight fast
• You are not vegetarian
• You do not have diabetes or kidney disease. High protein diets are generally not recommended for diabetics and people with kidney disease because of the extra strain these diets place on the kidneys

How The Mediterranean Diet Compares To The South Beach Diet

The similarities of these two diets include:

• Restaurant quality meals
• Both diets provide an avenue for fast weight loss
• Both diets feature a plan for lifetime weight loss maintenance

How The Mediterranean Diet Differs From The South Beach Diet

• With The Mediterranean Diet, alcohol, especially wine, is allowed in moderation.
• Alcohol is prohibited in the first phase of the South Beach Diet.
• The Mediterranean Diet is high in fiber while the South Beach Diet is extremely low in fiber during its initial two phases.
• Portion control is the main focus of The Mediterranean Diet.
• The South Beach Diet restricts what is eaten by prohibiting certain fruits and vegetables.
• The South Beach Diet has only been around a few years.
• The Mediterranean Diet has been around for thousands of years.
• Studies have shown that those eating a Mediterranean Diet have less risk of major diseases and can even increase longevity.
• The long term effects of The South Beach Diet have not been studied, yet.

Many experts argue that weight loss is simple! We simply have to burn more calories than we consume. Though fundamentally right, this theory oversimplifies a concept many people struggle with their entire lives.

Their struggles stem not from their inability to eat fewer calories but from their inability to eat the right type of calories. Helping people lose weight and keep it off through a balanced diet is the foundation of The Mayo Clinic Diet. That is because the only way we can achieve permanent weight loss is by adopting a balanced, healthy diet which consists of individualized diet plans that  fit our physical nutritional needs as well as our lifestyles.

Nutritional Foundation of The Mayo Clinic Diet

• Eat lot of high fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables
• Reduce intake of saturated fats and cholesterol
• Cut back on sweets and salt
• Drink alcohol in moderation but it is best not to drink at all
• Learn to eat smaller portions
• Count calories
• Workout on a daily basis

The Mayo Clinic Diet Recommendations By Food Group

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are our body’s main energy source. Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, legumes and dried beans and grains, staple foods of the Mediterranean diet, are also a major part of the Mayo Clinic diet.

Recommendation:

• 45% to 65% of your daily calories should come from carbohydrate sources
• Focus on complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal and fruit
• Limit your intake of simple carbohydrates such as sugary sodas and white bread

Cholesterol

Our bodies use cholesterol to build and help cells function properly. Typically, our bodies make all the cholesterol that they need.  Any additional cholesterol, often derived through a diet high in cholesterol, is deposited on the sides of arteries and organs. Cholesterol is found in such foods as red meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products and seafood.

Recommendation:

• Limit your intake of cholesterol to no more than 300 milligrams a day

Fat

One of the most concentrated sources of energy, fat has more calories than protein or carbohydrates. Our bodies need fat and use it to absorb vitamins and build healthy cells and neural pathways. Therefore, the kind of fat we consume becomes more important than the amount of fat we consume. Trans and saturated fats which are often found in red meats should be avoided because they raise cholesterol levels and heighten our risk of heart disease.

Recommendation:

• 20% to 35% of your daily calories should come from healthy fat sources such as avocados and nuts

Fiber

Fiber is the bulky part of vegetables and is an essential component of  long-term weight management. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Our bodies need both soluble and insoluble fiber. Bran, oats, wheat, green vegetables, apples and other fruits are just some of the hundreds of high fiber foods the Mayo Clinic diet recommends we consume on a daily basis.

Recommendations:

• For women: 21 – 25 grams fiber daily

• For men: 30 – 38 grams fiber daily

Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient for nearly every system in the body. It is contained in the skin, bones, muscles, blood, organs, hormones and enzymes. The major sources of dietary protein are meat, seafood, poultry, legumes, seeds and nuts.

Recommendations:

• Between 10% and 35% of your daily caloric intake should come from protein-rich sources such as fish, nuts and eggs

The Mayo Clinic Diet Personalized Weight Loss Plan

One of the contentions of the Mayo Clinic is that one-size fits all diets do not work for everyone. That is why the Mayo Clinic diet website features a Daily Calorie Calculator tool. This tool is designed to help you design a personalized eating plan for yourself in order to help you lose weight and keep it off.

This is an example of what your personalized plan may look like:

Subject: Female, 225 lbs, 5 ft 6″

Recommendations:

• Daily calorie goal for weight loss: 1200 calories daily

• Snacks and extras: up to 75 calories daily

• Fats: 3 servings

• Protein/Dairy: 3 servings

• Carbohydrates: 4 servings

• Fruits: 3 or more servings

• Vegetables: 4 or more servings

Mari Winsor is a Los-Angeles based Pilates instructor whose clientele include some of the hottest names in Hollywood. Ms. Winsor, a widely recognized fitness expert, is around 60 years old and still has the lean and flexible physique of a fit 20 year old. Of course, she credits her own brand of Pilates with giving her this incredible physique.

However, as the hype surrounding this revolutionary new Pilates workout grows those of us who are recently introduced to this form of Pilates have to ask ourselves, “What is Winsor Pilates and how can it help me?”

What Is Winsor Pilates?

Winsor Pilates is a low intensity exercise designed to burn a great deal of calories in a short amount of time. Due to its low intensity nature Winsor Pilates is the ideal workout for people of all ages and genders. The effectiveness of Winsor Pilates stems from the fact that it aims to train the muscles in the abdomen, back and buttocks. Mari Winsor’s philosophy regarding Pilates states that by strengthening one’s core, one can attain physical fitness as well as mental clarity which in turn will allow the mind to work efficiently with the body.

What Will Mari Winsor’s Pilates System Do For Me?

Mari Winsor has built her career around delivering results! Ms. Winsor is an instructor at two Hollywood-based Pilates studios. However, if you cannot make it to one of her classes you have the option of purchasing the Winsor Pilates System on DVD. These DVDs are designed to offer results in as little as four to five weeks when practiced at least 3 days a week. To a Pilates Newbie this may seem like an overly ambitious claim but the fact of the matter is that today there are thousands of Winsor Pilates fans around the world who can testify to the effectiveness of this weight loss training program.

Participate in this short Winsor Pilates video and see for yourselves why Mari Winsor’s Pilates method is so highly regarded within the fitness industry…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiofMIbEJeA

GoFit Bob Harper Contoured Kettlebell + Training DVD ($39.99)

Kettlebells are the hottest workout of the season! The kettlebell, a traditionally Russian piece of fitness equipment, has recently worked its way into the American fitness scene because we have only now begun to understand its awesome ability to incorporate cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training.

This Bob Harper 15lb kettlebell is just heavy enough to give you a full-body workout. Furthermore, it contains a contoured handle to maximize gripping ability and reduce the risk of injury. Best of all, it is accompanied by an instructional DVD designed to help you get the most out of your workout. Kettlebells will make a freat fitness gift for your loved one this Christmas.

Cap Barbell Fitness FID Bench ($48.54)

No fitness lover’s fitness routine is complete without a sturdy and compact fitness bench like the Cap Barbell Fitness FID Bench. This highly versatile piece of fitness equipment is the ultimate multi-tasker. Fitness enthusiasts can use this bench for a variety of bodyweight and weight training exercises. This bench can also be used to train the mid and lower abs as well as the obliques, better known as “the love handles”.

This bench is lightweight, easy to put together (less than 10 minutes), and can be readily moved from one area of the house to another without much trouble. It would make a good fitness gift for the loved ones and yourself.

GoFit 65cm Professional Stability Ball ($29.99)

Exercise balls, also known as stability balls, are today’s most popular and versatile fitness equipment. Fitness balls are designed to strengthen the torso, tone the abs, improve pasture and help minimize lower back pain.

This GoFit 65cm Professional Stability Ball, which is perfect for individuals who are between 5’5″ to 5’11″ tall, is one of the safest, most durable stability balls available. Best of all, this ball, which is burst resistant, up to 2500lb, comes equipped with a multi-level core training fitness DVD which also features some nutritional information.

The FIRM Cardio Weight Set ($29.95)

We are all aware of the role weight training plays in firming and shaping our dream bodies and helping us maintain a steady and healthy weight, over time. Most women are also aware of the fact that weight training, that puts a moderate level of strain on muscles, will tone, elongate and strengthen muscles as well as help improve bone health and strength.

This cardio weight set is a must-have item for every woman’s home gym because it is especially designed with a woman’s fitness needs in mind. In order to help tone muscles, and maintain that definition over time, these easy to grip dumbbells are designed to increase the resistance they place on muscles in 1lb increments. One can gradually work one’s way up to lifting 12lb with each arm.

GoFit 10-Pound Walking Vest with Removable Water Bottle Holder (Approx $40.00)

This is the most stylish, durable and multi-functional weighted vest on the market today!

This GoFit 10-pound weighted vest is designed to help the athlete on your shopping list excel in the most stylish manner possible. This stylish light gray vest, which can adjusted down in weight to 1lb, is designed to add weighted resistance to any workout routine.

This vest, which is designed to intensify workouts, is surprisingly comfortable. The GoFit vest slips over the head and uses a dual-closure system for optimum fit. This dual closure system, in turn, enables the vest to be worn snug with minimal movement or discomfort.

Best of all, the shell of this vest is machine washable and can also be dried in a dryer. In fact, the manufacturers of this GoFit weighted vest have thought of every detail. The removable water bottle holder secures to the back with velcro and is easily removed while in motion. Most MP3 players will easily fit in one of the inside neoprene pockets, and just to go one step further the manufacturers have also included reflective stripes on the front and back of this vest for added safety when outdoors.

Disclaimer: I am not endorsing any of these items or receiving any financial compensation from them. I have included these products in the post in the hope that readers like you will find them useful as ideas or gifts!

Navigating through the sea of yoga equipment on the market today in hopes of finding just the right gift for the yoga practitioner on your shopping list can be a daunting challenge.

So, to help you with your quest for the perfect yoga gift I have compiled this list of must-have, trendy and affordable yoga basics that are sure to please both newbie and veteran yoga practitioners.

If you have a yoga gift idea that I have overlooked please feel free to share it in the comments section.

Gaiam Everything Fits Gym Bag ($49)

Courtesy of Google Shopping

Make your yogi the envy of the yoga class with this Gaiam Eco-Chic yoga gym bag. This trendy eco-chic yoga bag is made with 100% recycled materials and features a roomy, divided interior, plenty of zippered pockets, a vented outside compartment perfect for storing gym shoes and bottom adjustable straps for holding yoga mats.

Best of all, this stylish, lightweight and durable bag looks nothing like a gym bag. It’s multi-functional and reasonably priced yoga bag on the market today!

Aurorae Yoga Mats ($35)

Courtesy of Google Shopping

Though the sheer variety of yoga mats being sold today is dizzying you cannot go wrong with an Aurorae yoga mat. These ultra thick, extra long yoga mats are some of the most stylish, durable, thoughtfully constructed and reasonably priced yoga mats on the market today.

The Aurorae yoga mats are 1/4″ thick and 72″ long. The extra thickness of these mats makes them extra shock absorbent which in turn helps prevent joint strain and injury. The extra length of these mats makes them both versatile and unisex in the sense that they can be used for both yoga and pilates by both female and male practitioners who often need the extra length.

ToeSox Half Toe Yoga Socks ($15)

Courtesy of ToeSox

These ToeSox are awesome! Not only are they hip, colorful and comfortable but they can also be worn both at home and at the yoga studio. Yogis love these socks because of their patented non-slip soles and their ability to separate the toes thus providing them with added strength and greater flexibility.

The patented non-slip soles help prevent ankle injuries by providing added traction and preventing the yogi’s foot from sweating and thus slipping on the mat. Best of all, these ToeSox are made with organic cotton, making them the most hygienic alternative to bare feet on yoga mats.

These ToeSox are also ideal for walking on hardwood floors. Try them out and let me know what you think of them!

Waina Lana 3 inch Foam Yoga Blocks ($11 per block)

Courtesy of Google Shopping

Yoga blocks are probably the most basic of all yoga accessories. Yoga blocks are used by both veteran and newbie yoga practitioners for added support and extension during yoga postures. Often, yogis use these blocks to give themselves the added height necessary to do certain poses safely and effectively. Other times yogis may place these blocks under their hips, hands, or heels, to give themselves the stability and grounding needed to extend fully.

These strong, durable and incredibly light weight foam yoga blocks contain beveled edges which make them the most comfortable yoga blocks available. They are also stylish, colorful and easy to transport. Though they may look trivial these yoga blocks are a very thoughtful gift to give to the avid yogi.

Manduka Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner ($10)

Courtesy of Amazon.com

Despite the fact that yoga mats must be cleaned often, cleaning these mats is a cumbersome process. It is not practical to clean yoga mats with soap and water since soap leaves a sticky residue on these mats and water is hard to wipe off.  Therefore, yogis are constantly on the lookout for a yoga mat cleaner designed with their specific needs in mind.

This Manduka “Mat Renew” yoga mat spray cleaner is the best! This certified organic all-purpose yoga mat cleaner is on of the few phosphate-free biodegradable yoga mat cleaners on the market today which can both sterilize and freshen yoga mats without using alcohol or any other drying ingredients that can degrade yoga mats.

The fact that your loved one has a hobby narrows your choices down, significantly. However, then you face the challenge of navigating your way through the never-ending amount of fitness equipment on the market today in order to discover those rare, gift-worthy pieces of fitness equipment that are both stylish and affordable.

To help you with your quest for the perfect gift I have devised this list of must-have, stylish and affordable pieces of fitness equipment that are sure to please all fitness enthusiasts.

Note: If you have a gift idea that I have overlooked please feel free to share it in the comments section.

Diadora Duffel Bag (Approx. $30)

Courtesy of Google Shopping

This stylish Diadora Duffel Bag, which comes in a wide array of colors, is a must-have item for both male and female athletes. This roomy and durable duffel bag is made with 420 denier nylon and features a large main compartment with two vented end pockets, one of which contains a shoe tunnel for storing sneakers. The inside compartment contains oversized ergonomic zippers with bungee zipper pulls which make this duffel bag one of the sturdiest, most thoughtfully constructed duffel bags on the market today.

However, what makes this Diadora duffel bag a great buy is the fact that it can also function as a piece of carry-on luggage when its padded shoulder strap is removed.

Harbinger Flexfit Training Gloves (Approx. $20)

Courtesy of Google Shopping

These Harbinger all-purpose training gloves are the ideal gym gloves since they provide athletes with maximum hand protection without sacrificing range of motion. These minimalistic training gloves are the most comfortable gloves on the market today because they feature a revolutionary new product called TechGel Comfort Pads which mold to the athletes’ palms and thumbs; cushioning and protecting the hand, without breaking down over the life of the glove.

Best of all, the mesh lining on these leather short finger training gloves is antimicrobial treated to control odor, staining, and deterioration caused by bacteria and the inner lining is designed to lead moisture away from your skin.

GoFit 10-Pound Walking Vest with Removable Water Bottle Holder (Approx $40.00)

Courtesy of Google Shopping

This is the most stylish, durable and multi-functional weighted vest on the market today!

This GoFit 10-pound weighted vest is designed to help the athlete on your shopping list excel in the most stylish manner possible. This stylish light gray vest, which can adjusted down in weight to 1lb, is designed to add weighted resistance to any workout routine.

This vest, which is designed to intensify workouts, is surprisingly comfortable. The GoFit vest slips over the head and uses a dual-closure system for optimum fit. This dual closure system, in turn, enables the vest to be worn snug with minimal movement or discomfort.

Best of all, the shell of this vest is machine washable and can also be dried in a dryer. In fact, the manufacturers of this GoFit weighted vest have thought of every detail. The removable water bottle holder secures to the back with velcro and is easily removed while in motion. Most MP3 players will easily fit in one of the inside neoprene pockets, and just to go one step further the manufacturers have also included reflective stripes on the front and back of this vest for added safety when outdoors.

Timex Unisex Sports Personal Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Approx. $45)

Courtesy of Google Shopping

All athletes are aware of the fact that in order to achieve maximum results they must hit and maintain their target heart rates. This stylish, unisex Timex digital heart rate monitor watch, which features both power sport timing and heart rate monitoring capabilities, is a must-have tool for all athletes striving to improve their performance.

The Timex digital heart rate monitor is capable of helping athletes track their average heart rates and pre-set target heart rate zones with data for time spent within that zone and alarms. This digital heart rate monitor can also display data for calories burned and offers a recovery timer that measures the heart rate after a timed recovery during or after any given workout.

Best of all, this water-resistant digital heart rate monitor watch contains Timex’s patented blue electroluminescent lighting technology which uniformly lights the surface of the watch dial at night and features battery saving features which enable your watch battery to last well over 3 years.

Fresh Wave Pearl Sachets (Approx $20 – 55 depending on quantity)

Courtesy of Amazon.com

Keeping things smelling clean and fresh is always a challenge at the gym. That is why you don’t need to worry about offending your loved ones by putting one of these Fresh Wave Pearl Packs inside their stockings.

All true fitness enthusiasts struggle with keeping the inside of their gym bags, lockers, or sneakers smelling clean and fresh. Therefore, a supply of Fresh Wave Pearl Satchels may be just the thing they’ve been missing. These discreet, odor eliminating pearl packs are designed to “freshen-up” the insides of gym bags, lockers, sneakers and so much more, without ever being noticed.

If you are struggling to find the perfect gift for the frequent travel or outdoor enthusiasts on your shopping list consider gifting one of the following innovative new fit travel essentials.

Ultralight Travel Daypack/Backpack

This ultralight travel daypack/backpack is the perfect gift for the frequent traveler and outdoor enthusiast on your shopping list. This multi-functional, self stowing pack can be used as a lightweight piece of carry-on luggage and a hiking/biking accessory.

This top loading, water resistant backpack provides you with 1100 cubic inches of space perfect to fit all of your gear. It also comes equipped with two mesh side pockets for water bottles or other accessories and double padded shoulder straps for added comfort and support.

Best of all, when you no longer need your daypack you can just stuff it back into its 6.5 oz pouch and leave it in your purse, car, or bike saddlebag.

J Fit Complete Workout Travel Kit

The J Fit Complete Workout Travel Kit is ideal for the business travelers, who spend a great deal of time in hotel rooms. This one-of-a-kind fit travel accessory is designed to provide the frequent traveler with a total body workout and features the following, portable pieces of fitness equipment:

• A J Fit bar
• 5 resistance bands and various strength
• Door anchor
• 2 ankle straps
• 2 handles
• A step-by-step instruction guide
• A compact carrying case small enough to fit in a briefcase

NikkiFitness Fit Travel Workout DVD

The NikkiFitness Fit Travel Workout DVD is created by the New York City-based personal trainer, Nicole Glor. What sets this workout DVD apart from all other workout DVDs is the fact that it has been filmed in various locations around the world and features a 30-minute, no-equipment workout that alternates between full-body, bodyweight strength exercises and cardio high intensity interval exercises (HIIT).

Nicole Glor Workout DVD collection also includes such titles as:

• NikkiFitness Military Wife Workout
• NikkiFitness Beach Bride Destination Wedding Workout
• NikkiFitness Booty Camp Workout

JBuds J2 Premium Hi-Fi Noise-Isolating Earbuds

We all know that music makes exercise fun. However, according to a series of recent studies, those who listen to music, especially upbeat music, while they workout are far more likely to workout longer and at a faster pace than those who don’t. Interestingly, these studies also concluded that those who listen to upbeat music during their workouts lose more weight than those who do not listen to music and are more likely to maintain their weight loss over time.

By providing your fit traveler with a set of JBuds J2 Premium Hi-Fi Noise-Isolating Earbuds you will be equipping him/her with a set of headphones that foster rest and relaxation, during long flights by blocking out all external noise, make music sound better, which in turn will make working out in a crowded hotel fitness center more pleasant, and fit comfortably in the ear.

FitDeck Travel: The Best Stocking Stuffer Gift For The Fit Traveler

FitDeck is a unique set of 56 playing cards designed to make exercise fun for people of all ages and fitness levels. Each card contains illustrations and instructions for a movement, stretch or exercise that can be mixed and matched to keep the routines fresh, challenging and exciting.

FitDeck Travel is designed with the unique needs of the frequent traveler in mind. This innovative piece of fitness equipment features 18 different stretches and exercises that can be performed anywhere including in an airplane seat. Best of all, if you choose to perform these exercises on an airplane you will not disturb the people around you, nor will you be required to move about the cabin. In fact, most of the people around you will not even become aware of the fact that you are carrying out a complete workout routine to that is designed to help you increase circulation, de-stress and maintain proper posture during your flight.

Making matters worse is the fact that these three factors often grow by feeding upon each other and spill over into our personal lives. For example, it is a well established fact that stress contributes to obesity and since workplace-related pressure is a leading source of stress and anxiety in most of our lives it is only fair to assume that work-related stress contributes to obesity.

The good news, however, is that, today, there are a number of strategies available to help you deal with these issues. You can:

• Quit your job (Not a practical, recommended solution, but an option)
• Take prescription anti-depressants, which contain a list of side effects
• Seek therapy (The most costly option)
• Create a unique workplace wellness program utilizing the power of exercise

The FitDeck Office Workplace Wellness Solution

FitDeck is a unique set of 56 playing cards designed to make exercise fun for people of all ages and fitness levels. Each card contains illustrations and instructions for a movement, stretch or exercise that can be mixed and matched to keep the routines fresh, challenging and exciting.

FitDeck Office features 25 unique workouts designed for busy office workers who spend a majority of their day sitting behind a desk. These exercises, which contain both beginner and advanced level movements, can be performed using nothing more than a desk and/or office chair. This exercise routine is so well tailored to meet the needs of office workers that in many instances, your co-workers or clients may not even notice that you are in fact exercising.

FitDeck Office is a unique piece of fitness equipment in the sense that it can help you and your co-workers incorporate a complete workplace wellness program into your busy office schedule without interfering with other work responsibilities such as answering the phones.

The FitDeck Office workout routine, which is ideal for men and women between the ages of 20-60, can also be mixed and matched with other FitDeck sets such as FitDeck Yoga, and FitDeck Stretching, to help you build an office workout routine that is uniquely tailored to help your team de-stress, stay active and connected, all of which lead to a healthier, happier, more productive work environment.

Weight Watchers is about 45 years old. The program began in the early 1960’s when a group of friends met in the founder’s home to discuss weight loss techniques. This remains a cornerstone of the program today, via local Weight Watchers meetings or online chats.

The POINTS® system is a well-known hallmark of the program. Under this system, each food is given a POINTS® value, which is determined by the food’s caloric content and the number of grams of fat and fiber it contains. To give you some examples, a 4-ounce, skinless, boneless chicken breast weighs in at 3 points while 4 ounces of 90% lean, raw ground beef has 5 points; a slice of wheat bread has 1 point, whereas a slice of sourdough bread has 2 points, and a slice of frozen, garlic bread is 4 points; a cup of lettuce contains zero points, as does a cup of canned asparagus; a cup of grapes will cost you 1 point.

Plan participants are given a daily POINTS® limit, along with a weekly bonus point allowance, based on individual factors, such as gender, current weight, and normal activity level. Additional points can be earned by engaging in a myriad of physical activities. The bonus points can be expended all at once or portioned out to augment the daily POINTS® allowance. The most recent Weight Watchers plan–the Momentum™ program–combines the concept of counting points with choosing foods that rank high in the satiety factor, such as fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and fat-free dairy products.

Advantages of Weight Watchers

One of the primary differences between Weight Watchers and other weight loss programs is the amount of flexibility that the plan participants are given. No food or food group is forbidden, and while the Momentum™ program encourages the consumption of bulkier foods that are more filling, the ultimate choice is left to the individual. By following the program religiously, participants can expect to lose up to two pounds a week; attempting to lose more than two pounds a week is discouraged.

POINTS® values can be calculated for favorite recipes by either purchasing a calculator designed to do so or by using the online calculator. Dieters can elect to participate in the program by attending weekly meetings that are conducted by ”leaders”—individuals who have lost weight on the program themselves (and kept it off) and who have been trained by Weight Watchers to provide support and guidance to others

Those choosing this option can also subscribe to eTools, which allows them to access the interactive tools available on the Weight Watchers website. Other dieters may opt to subscribe to Weight Watchers Online, which has customized sites for men and women. Subscribers can chat on line with other program users and exchange hints, recipes, challenges, and success stories. The site also offers interactive tools that allow the participant to calculate and track points, physical activity, and weight loss.

Additionally, the website provides the users with video workout demonstrations and workout tips, a resource library of weight loss strategies, restaurant recommendations, and over 3,000 recipes.

Disadvantages of Weight Watchers

Although flexibility can be viewed as an advantage of the Weight Watchers program, it can also prove to be disadvantageous to some dieters. The freedom and vast number of choices may make sticking to the program more difficult for these individuals. And, unlike some other weight loss programs, Weight Watchers requires counting. Not calories or carbs or fat grams, but points. And counting is counting, so anyone who is turned off by this aspect of dieting will be unlikely to achieve successful weight loss on this program.

Cost and Coupons For Weight Watchers

The cost of the Weight Watchers program differs depending on which option you choose—meetings or Weight Watchers Online. Weekly meetings vary in cost by locale, but generally run between $13 and $15 a meeting. A subscription to eTools will cost you an additional $12.95 a month.

Alternatively, you can purchase a monthly pass for $39.95 a month (about $9.22 a week), which allows you to attend an unlimited number of meetings and provides you with free access to eTools.

A subscription to Weight Watchers Online costs $47.90 for the first month and $17.95 for each additional month under the standard monthly plan. Weight Watchers also offers a three-month savings plan for its Online program. Under this plan, subscribers pay $65 for the first 3 months and $17.95 for each additional month—which translates to about $5 a week. The cost of the online program can be even lower when using a promotional code for Weight Watchers discount.

Who is Weight Watchers For?

Individuals who want to lose weight, but who want the freedom to make choices for themselves may find Weight Watchers an attractive option. Under this program, they can choose between, say, eating a small piece of cake or having a glass of wine. Those who like to dine out and/or entertain regularly will be able to do so without feeling as if they “blew” their diet that day.

Those who enjoy physical activity will appreciate being able to increase their activity levels to garner even more points to spend on that “special occasion.” Busy lifestyles are accommodated with an ever-growing number of prepackaged foods that have their POINTS® values prominently displayed. Weight Watchers’ literature also suggests that the most successful participants are those who become actively involved in the Weight Watchers community through meetings or online chats.

In Conclusion

The Weight Watchers program promotes a balanced eating plan, physical exercise, and lifestyle modifications. It allows the flexibility that most diets do not. The program does not require the consumption of any special foods, so the transition from weight loss to maintenance is almost seamless. But those who need more rigidity or who easily get discouraged when the pounds don’t come flying off may not find the program helpful. Counting points, like counting calories, may cause some dieters to focus on food, to their disadvantage. The cost may also be a deterrent, with the cheapest plan pricing out at about $5 a week.

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