Beachbody® and the American Diabetes Association® - An alliance to Fight Type 2 Diabetes

I had the great opportunity to speak with David Gise, one of the creators behind Fitspott, a social networking site for fitness professionals and enthusiasts, a-like, to share their passion of helping others. So, immediately, David and I had a connection, given our respective businesses.

As we met on Twitter, we began "tweeting" about renowned non-profit organizations and their involvement in the fitness and nutrition arena, to help make a difference in our youths and their future. One of the topics we began discussing was Beachbody's recent alliance with the American Diabetes Association® and the efforts to help combat the effects of type 2 diabetes. As a Beachbody Coach, this has been an incredible time to be apart of the business, in the fact that not only do we aspire to make a difference in those that need to lose weight and get healthy, but those that are suffering a disease that can be managed by proper nutrition and exercise.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:

• Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
• Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.
  

Source: ADA website.

Throughout much research, it's been documented that type 2 diabetes can be managed through proper diet and nutrition as by:

• improving your body's use of insulin
• reducing body fat
• increasing muscle strength and bone density
• lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol
• improving blood circulation
• increasing energy levels, and
• reducing stress

...these all have a direct association with combating type 2 diabetes.

Anyway, in speaking earlier to what an incredible organization Beachbody is to work with, it almost seems historical to be a part of a business that has partnered with an organization like the ADA, to join efforts in helping ward off a disease that touches so many. Together with nutritionists, doctors and certified diabetic educators, in October 2008, Beachbody® launched Kathy Smith's Project YOU!: Type 2™, in alliance with the American Diabetes Association®. It's the first all-in-one solution to help manage diabetes, reduce your risk for diabetes complications, and get you back in control of your life!

The program comes complete with a 12 week workout guide, workout wallet with CD's and DVD's, Workout Calendar, cookbook, mix and match meal cards, program guides and 12-week food & fitness journal, a Beachbody coach and online support. (**It is important to note that proceeds from the sale of this product support American Diabetes Association's mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of people with diabetes.

So, if you, or anyone you know is pre-diabetic, suffers from Type 2 diabetes, do them the great reward of introducing them to Kathy Smith's Project You!: Type 2™ and get them on the road to recovery and back to living a healthy and fruitful live.

Want to get involved in this phenomenon and help change the lives of others? Become a Coach! I'll show you how and help you grow your business beyond your wildest dreams. Join the Ultimate Beachbody® Revolution.

Challenge #1 for the Day

Each day I am going to present one CHALLENGE that I personally want to stick to. I encourage anyone reading this, to follow me and create a challenge for themselves.

Today's Challenge:

PORTION CONTROL

It is one thing to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and "clean" diet, although it's another to overeat those foods, even though they are good for you. Calories are calories, anyway you cut it. So, today, and going forward, my challenge is to manage my PORTIONS and measure out my respective serving sizes.

I want to make the most of my workout program, ChaLEAN Extreme, and in order to see maximum results, I will manage my portions.

I challenge you all reading this, to do the same and follow my journey.

30 Random Things About Me

1. I could stare at my kids for hours and hours and hours. It amazes me that we can create such amazing little humans.
2. I feel honored to have as many wonderful friends that I do…despite getting mocked for having too many. Who can have too many friends???
3. I have a ½ sister that I tend to forget about. Likely because she doesn’t live near us and is only 6 months older than my daughter, therefore I tend to think of her as a “niece”, which would be weird!
4. I married my best friend. He makes me light up.
5. My brother is my hero.
6. My Mother has been through more life shattering obstacles and she continues to amaze me with her strength. I only wish I carry as much strength and courage she does.
7. I would love to get a part time job at Lululemon, just to get a discount on their clothes. LOVE THEM!
8. I’ve always had a secret ambition to be a back up hip hop dancer. Not for a rap star, but someone like Britney, Beyonce or Fergie.
9. I sense my Grandfather, aka “Buppy” in my son. They share many funny mannerisms.
10. I have finally found my calling, aside from motherhood – to help others find a better quality of life through fitness, nutrition and self-employment. I LOVE IT!
11. I secretly love that my son is a little Momma’s boy! 12. I’ve always wanted to travel to Australia and Barbados.
13. I have been enamored with Facebook and how many friends I’ve reconnected with.
14. I love anything SWEET!
15. Although I’m not entirely savvy with it…I love technology. Especially the latest and greatest cell phone/Blackberry.
16. I’m thinking about getting my Group Exercise certificate.
17. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the men and women that serve our country.
18. My goal is to finish my 1st marathon this summer.
19. I would do anything for my family.
20. I’m thankful to be out of Corporate America.
21. I feel badly that our dog spends more time at my in-laws, than our place. It’s for the best, but I still feel bad…and sad.
22. Shows on the WB make me cry!
23. I would love to really learn how to play golf. Then I could keep up with my husband.
24. I’m in love with snowboarding.
25. I sleep with a white noise machine every night. It’s heaven.
26. Although I complain about her bad sleeping habits, I secretly love it when my daughter gets into bed with us in the middle of the night.
27. I have a scar over both of my eyes. It’s amazing I still can see!
28. I miss my Dad terribly and saddened each day that he doesn't get to see his grandchildren evolve into truly exceptional little beings.
29. Getting in better shape has built up my confidence.
30. I have the biggest fear of earthquakes.

What is your "WHY"?

Have you ever asked yourself that? What is my "WHY"?

Well, if you are a Beachbody Coach, like me, you are constantly reminded to recognize your "WHY". For so long I went back and forth on what my "WHY" was. Was it to provide more for my family? To be a role model for my kids? To fulfull a passion in what I enjoy? Or was it to take on a new challenge and know I can succeed?

All of these are valid "WHY's", but you must look deep into your soul and really dissect what your "WHY" is.

By establishing your very own "WHY", you can set the tone for what you want to accomplish. Now, this isn't a "WHY" that your husband, friend, Mother, Mother-in-law or sister wants for you, or expects from you, this is what YOU want to accomplish and what YOU can achieve.

So take a moment, right down your goals and really, truly establish your "WHY". You'll be amazed to see it in plain site and as you focus on it, recognize the power within yourself to achieve it.

Always live by your "WHY" and know you can achieve great things by it.

WANT TO LEAN OUT? Here is the secret....ADD MUSCLE! by Mike French

A great post by a fabulous fellow Team Beachbody Coach to his group - this answers A LOT of questions for most:

1.) Muscle is the MOST anabolic substance in the human body (Anabolic processes tend toward "building up" organs and tissues. These processes produce growth and differentiation of cells and increase in body size)

2.) Muscle chews up body fat. If you add 1 pound of muscle, and your body burns an additional 50 calories per day just to sustain that muscle. (Add 10 pounds of muscle and your body burns an extra 500 calories to maintain it!)

Most people in an effort to burn body fat greatly increase their number and length of cardiovascular workout sessions.THIS IS A MISTAKE!!!!! This hamstrings your efforts to burn body fat believe it or not. While you do burn allot of calories during extended cardio sessions you are also chewing up hard earned muscle. That is why you don't see any competitive
bodybuilders who also run marathons!

You burn alot of calories during extended or extra cardio but that stops when you stop the cardio.

Here is the secret:Your metabolism continues to burn body fat and calories for HOURS after hard resistance training. The muscle repairing itself has alot to do with this.

In effect, building muscle through INTENSE weight training is the key to the lean, muscular body we all strive for.(A prime example of extended cardio not being the key is people that only do aerobics and no weight training. They NEVER change the shape of their body. They stay the same year after year....what is the sense of that?)

What does this mean for P90Xers or ChaLEAN users?

DO THE PROGRAM AS DESIGNED AND WORK HARD ON GETTING STRONGER DURING YOUR RESISTANCE TRAINING NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

**EMPHASIZE PROTEIN - Eating more protein intensifies the thermogenic effect of the digestive process by 1/3rd and protein is the nutrient that builds metabolism enhancing muscle.

We need carbohydrates to fuel our workouts and repair muscle but don't get carried away. Too much WILL be stored as fat.

Remember guys and gals:MORE STRENGTH = MORE MUSCLE = LESS BODYFAT

Thanks Mike!! You always put it into perspective.

To learn more about P90X, any of the Beachbody Programs, or how you can be a part of our Coaching program, click here to learn more.