Fitness pioneer, Jack LaLanne, dies at 96

Jack LaLanne, who is perhaps best known as the over-enthusiastic geriatric that pushed his juicing machine in late-night infomercials, died this past Sunday, he was 96.  As a personal trainer, this headline speaks volumes about the importance of exercise and and a healthy diet in our lives.

According to sources close to LaLanne, he continued to practice what he preached throughout his very long life. “LaLanne ate healthy and exercised every day of his life up until the end, said LaLanne’s agent, Jack Hersh.

LaLanne’s love and passion for fitness started as early as his teens.  His career began in 1936 when he opened a weight gym for men and women athletes-a big “no no” at that time.  Then in the 1950s, LaLanne hosted a popular fitness show that lasted into the 1970s.

Over the years LaLanne’s fitness stunts included doing more than 1,000 push ups within 23 minutes on a television show, and an impressive swim from San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island to Fisherman’s Wharf.
Although he failed to first patent his makeshift workout equipment, Lalanne has been credited with creating the first home gym. 

"It's a lifestyle, it's something you do the rest of your life," LaLanne said. "How long are you going to keep breathing? How long do you keep eating? You just do it."

What fitness and health goals have you set for your life?

Do dougnuts and running mix?

I stumbled upon a review in Runner’s Magazine on one very unusual road race called, The Krispy Kreme Challenge.  Each year over 7,000 participants take to the streets of Raleigh, North Carolina and put one question to the test, “do doughnuts and running mix?”

The four-mile race is broken down into two categories: challenger and casual. Challengers are required to run two miles, down a dozen doughy confections and then complete the last two miles in under an hour.


Casual runners are invited to run, get in on the fun, or just cheer on other runners-doughnuts are supplied but consumption is optional. 

The race is organized by North Carolina State with proceeds going to North Carolina Children’s Hospital.  Last year, the race raised $55,000 and is expected to draw a record number of participants.

Fact: a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts contain 2400 calories and 1200 grams of fat.

Top 10 tips for quick weight loss

I am not a fan of fad diets, so before you read any further these tips are meant to be more of a lifestyle change.  However, if you are overweight these tips will allow you to lose weight pretty fast if you stick to them.

1. Exercise. I cannot stress this enough for anyone at any weight.  It keeps your heart healthy, burns calories and is a great stress reliever. You should workout at least three times week for at least 30 minutes.  No need to run out and join a gym, but a simple  brisk walk will do the trick.

2. Eat your fruits and vegetables.  Ideally, you should consume at least five servings of fruit and vegetables each day.  See, Mom was right about something.  The fresher the fruits and vegetables the better.  I will tell you that it’s easier to eat fruit raw than vegetables, so start there. You will also find that the more you consume fresh fruits and veggies the more you will crave them.

3. Control your portion size.  This is a case where more is worse.  Being a member of the clean plate club is out these days, as restaurants continue to serve up heaping plates of foods. One simple tip: Sub out fries for a salad instead and savor that burger.

4. Avoid sugary beverages.  Don’t waste those calories on an unfulfilling drink such as a soda.  Or if you have to, treat yourself to just one.  This is especially true for the new fad sports drinks. They also can contain mass amounts of sugar.

5. Eat fresh.  Avoid processed foods such as macaroni and cheese, meal helpers and artificial sweeteners.  These are chemicals that simply weren’t meant to be put into our bodies.

6. Do not skip meals.  Depriving yourself of breakfast, lunch or dinner is not a good thing. Your body will think that you are starving yourself and cause you to overeat at the next meal and store those calories instead of burning them.

7. Don’t deprive yourself too much.   It’s ok to have the occasional cookie or two.  One easy way to keep from over-consuming on your fave indulgences is to buy smaller portion or snack sizes.

8. Keep track of what you eat.  This is the easiest way to get started and better understand how much calories and fat you are consuming.  Pay attention to serving sizes on labels. For instance, if the calories listed are 110 that is usually PER serving not the whole box.  Serving sizes vary and could equal 10 crackers or a tablespoon of rice.

9. Learn how to read food labels. This is key to understanding what you are eating and how much you are eating.

10. Hire a Personal Trainer or Lifestyle Coach. The path to learning more about your body and what you should be eating and how much exercise you need can be tricky.  Personal trainers can help get you started on the right track and allow you to commit to a plan.  Plus they know more tricks and tips to lose weight just for you!

*As always consult a physician before trying any new diet or exercise plan.

Top celebrity diets of 2011

It’s that time of year again when gyms fill up and popular diet products such as Slimfast crowd grocer's shelves.  Shedding those unwanted pounds takes shape in the form of resolution-desperate dieters turning to celebrity success stories as a way to quench their starvation for success.  Here are some of the top celebrity diets of 2011.

The Master Cleanse.  This hot diet is rumored to have burned the calories off celebrities such as Beyonce and Demi Moore.  Basically, it involves drinking a sugary concoction wish a dash of cayenne pepper to help detox your body.  Premixed detox kits are also available in health food stores.

The Raw Food Diet.  I’m not a medical professional or nutritionist but there is something to be said for consuming foods in their natural state. Consuming at least 75 percent of raw foods (uncooked) is said to allow better consumption and absorption of nutrients in nuts, fruits and veggies.  At least you wouldn’t have to worry about reading those confusing food labels.

The Baby Food Diet.  This is one diet that will be a complete gross out for most parents out there.  This diet boasts keeping the bloat at bay and giving your body a break from breaking down food through the consumption of pureed foods. Reese Witherspoon is one rumored celebrity that has tried this diet.

The Coconut Diet.  This diet is easy enough. Just add a dash of coconut oil or milk to your daily foods and beverages to help jump start your low-carb diet.

*Always remember to consult your physician before beginning any new diet or exercise routine.