by Andy Gamm | -
Focus on recovery after your workout to prepare your body for what comes next.
Two new options from Nutrilite Sports Nutrition can help your body recover, whether you need something immediately after a workout or a relaxing option to help you take advantage of your body’s natural recovery time – sleep.
- NUTRILITE® Quick Recover Drink Mix is a post-workout option that includes 2,000 mg of L-glutamine to help repair and rebuild lean muscle tissue. Available in Strawberry Lemonade and Pineapple Orange flavors.
- When used prior to sleep, NUTRILITE Restore Drink Mix promotes relaxation and provides antioxidant and immune support so that you can wake up revitalized and ready to take on your next challenge. In addition to these benefits, this powerful formula also helps to support a healthy immune system. Available in Strawberry Lemonade flavor.
Recovery might be the most underrated, under-considered part of a sports nutrition regimine, but it is critical to get the right mix of carbohydrates, protein, amino acids and more after your workout to refuel the body. Refuel faster, recover quicker and get back to your favorite activity with more zest than the last time with these great new products from Nutrilite.
by Andy Gamm | -
New Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Bar Now Available!
Add this post-workout bar to your routine to maximize strength.
The new NUTRILITE® Whey Protein Bar in Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor (11-0305) provides the ultimate combination of flavor and performance to help fuel the building and rebuilding of lean muscle mass. Each bar contains 25g of protein and uses a nutritious blend of ingredients and antioxidants that help muscles recover and rebuild, while boosting energy to ensure that you are ready for your next workout.
NUTRILITE Whey Protein Bars contain Red Orange Complex (ROC), which was shown in clinical studies to combat increased free radical damage brought on by physical activity. No artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives.
Eat a bar 30-60 minutes after exercise for maximum impact.
by Andy Gamm | -
We've all done it. No matter if you are a cyclist, runner, tri-athlete, or workout warrior... we have all bonked at one point or another.
What's that? Never heard the term before?
Well then, let me introduce you to a common form of vernacular among this crowd so that you too can be cool.
Bonking is synonymous with hitting the wall. As in, "Man, I was on mile three last night with another two miles to go and I bonked so hard I had to stop and walk it in."
Wikipedia says: In endurance sports, particularly cycling and running, hitting the wall or the bonk describes a condition caused by the depletion of glycogen stores in the liver and muscles, which manifests itself by precipitous fatigue and loss of energy. Milder instances can be remedied by brief rest and the ingestion of food or drinks containing carbohydrates. The condition can usually be avoided by ensuring that glycogen levels are high when the exercise begins, maintaining glycogen levels during exercise by eating or drinking carbohydrate-rich substances, or by reducing exercise intensity.
The great news is, Nutrilite has a solution to this problem. My blogging counterpart Nick Katsarelas wrote about them in April. Nutrilite Endurance Cubes can be your difference between bonking or finishing the race. That's right, the combination of B-vitamins, carbs, antioxidants, electrolytes, and a little caffeine can help make the difference in your workout. Haven't tried them? Try them today.
Want to know more and have a laugh while you learn? Check this out. We brought them to life in a video!
Remember, don't bonk, endure, with Nutrilite Endurance Cubes.
by Andy Gamm | -
So, we all know that hydration is critical for runners, bikers, hikers, soccer players, basketball players - heck, everyone. But the truth is, only the upper tier athletes seem to know how to properly care for their body and its hydration needs.
Sure there are bunches of articles available via a quick search, offering tips on how to get and stay hydrated, but none of them seem to be as simple as some tips I recently came across in the July edition of Runner's World.
First, let's start with some interesting facts on lack of hydration or dehydration:
- Being dehydrated by one percent increases your heart rate by three to five beats per minute.
- Not having enough fluids can lead to muscle cramps.
- Dehydration causes your blood volume to drop, which lowers your body's ability to transfer heat
Now, what do I do to avoid hydration issues?
- Drink eight to 16 ounces one to two hours before a run. Sports Drinks and water are good choices.
- If you missed that window, drink at least four to eight ounces 15 to 30 minutes before going out.
- Colder is better. Before going for a hot run or ride, have a slushy made up of crushed ice and your favorite sports drink.
- Set a watch to alarm every 15 minutes during your workout to keep thirst top of mind. Drinking smaller amounts at regular intervals can help you absorb fluid more effectively.
Rehydrating during your workout is also key. Your mid workout fluid needs depend on how long you're exercising:
One hour or less -
Three to six ounces every 15 to 20 minutes. Water is fine, but a sports drink can give you an extra kick for the 30 minutes plus, tougher workout.
One to four hours -
Three to six ounces every 15 to 20 minutes. A sports drink with carbs and electrolytes is preferred. Rather do gels or endurance chews? Be sure to chase them with water.
Post workout -
Replace fluids, drinking enough to have to use the bathroom within 60 to 90 minute post workout.
Some good things to keep in mind? Know your sweat rate to better help you manage your hydration. To find your sweat rate, weigh yourself naked before and after a one-hour workout. Convert the weight lost to ounces and drink that amount per hour to stay hydrated. According to the Institute of Medicine, men need about 125 ounces of fluids daily; women need about 91 ounces daily.
Happy exercising!
by Nick Katsarelas | Category: Nutrilite, Double X, Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables, endurance cubes, fitness, running, races, Heart Health, CF&V, Glucosamine-7, Ocean Essentials
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I'm a big believer (and consumer) of all things NUTRILITE®, from DOUBLE X® and CF&V to OCEAN ESSENTIALS® Heart Health and Glu-7. After this weekend, you can add NUTRILITE Endurance Cubes to my product checklist.
I've been training for a 15.5-mile race coming up in three weeks, and my running group puts on these long runs every Saturday morning. Last Saturday was a 16-miler. During my runs, I'm always sure to hydrate every few miles. And every five miles or so, I consume a competitive gooey gel product (let's call it goo, for short) for a quick boost. But this time, instead of the goo, I decided to go with our Endurance Cubes instead. I opened a pack I had at home, took out six, transferred them to a sandwich bag, and stuffed them into the pocket of my running pants.
I took two at the beginning of our run, and two each at the six- and 10-mile marks. I tucked one under each cheek, and let them slowly dissolve. I like the taste (mine are berry flavored). And you don't have to mess with goo in its foil packets. As you run and perspire, it becomes increasingly difficult to tear the tab off the goo. Then you have to chase it with water; otherwise, you're left with a chalky sensation in your mouth.
I felt energized after taking the cubes, and was able to finish hard.
A few weeks ago, I bought a box of goo, and I guess I'll keep it if I run out of Endurance Cubes. But theyway I'm looking at it now, I just got myself a new running partner!
by Nick Katsarelas |
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I've always heard that breaking down your three meals into six smaller ones is better for you. The assumption is your eating the same kinds of food with an identical calorie count.
This never sounded very practical to me. On the nights when our family eats together, that means I'd have to split my dinner up in order to eat it in two sittings, rather than one.
Son: "Dad, want some asparagus?"
Me, counting out the asparagus as I add them to my plate. "I'm going to take six now, and I'll have a little more at my 8 o'clock feeding."
The thinking goes that eating frequent meals boosts your metabolism and keeps it going at a faster rate, thereby burning more calories. Seems to make sense, right?
But according to an article in The New York Times, a 2009 study disputes that assumption. It found that if your caloric and nutritional input is the same for both meal plans, your metabolism is unchanged at the end of the day. In the study, a group of men and women were randomly assigned either the three-meal or the six-meal plan. After eight weeks, there were no differences between the groups in weight loss, fat loss, or appetite control.
by Joel Van Kuiken | -
If you follow our Nutrilite Facebook page and Twitter account you know we were in Dallas last weekend for the Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon. This was my first time attending a Rock 'n' Roll event and I have to say it was special. Thousands of runners, bands playing at every mile marker, and a raucous celebration at the start line and tfinish line.
I was running around with my cameras grabbing images and video, so I put in a few miles myself, even though I wasn't participating in the race. A number of my colleagues did run, though. And they all finished strong. I definitely want to run a 1/2 marathon later this year, but I've got to get over my nagging calf injury that just won't go away. I'm shooting for San Jose in October.
Here's some of what I saw in Dallas on Sunday:
Mark Nelson, Director of Health & Wellness, wishes runners the best.
The Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders perform for runners at the start line.
One wave of runners starts their race.
"Definitely Maybe" is the first band on the course.
The University of Texas Marching Band plays the William Tell Overture for runners near the finish line.
The finish line.
Texas Blues guitarist "Guitar Shorty" performs in the finish line party area.
by Nick Katsarelas | -
Recently, I did something I swore I'd never do again: I ran on a treadmill.
When it comes to running in crappy weather, I say "bring it on." I've run in blinding snow, driving rain, wind chills below zero, temps in the mid-90s. But last week, our slushy streets and sidewalks turned to ice, leaving treacherous ruts and iced-over surfaces So I grabbed a duffel bag, threw in my running stuff and water bottle, and headed to the gym.
I despise running on a treadmill. I don't like the boredom. I don't like those digital readouts. (As if they had a will of their own, my eyes wander to the numbers, and it's demoralizing to find out I've only run 1.73 miles when I'm sure I logged at least 3.) And I use treadmills so infrequently that last week, I had to ask another treadmiller how to turn it on.
But the biggest reason is that I think I get a better workout outdoors. For one, it's harder. I enjoy the changing scenery and sounds. I like the challenge of "toughing it out" against inclement weather. I put on my visor, strap on my watch, stuff some NUTRILITE Endurance Cubes into my pocket, and I'm good to go.
A story in The New York Times today supports my claim - sort of. The article says that on the treadmill, you're missing the uneven surfaces and wind resistance of outdoor running. Even cyclists are at a disadvantage, because when they ride stationary bikes or trainers (bike stands that attach to your normal bike) they're not exercising the muscles necessary for steering and stability. And a rowing machine (or "ergometer," as rowers refer to them) doesn't match the true experience of holding an oar in an unstable boat.
But the article also says there are plenty who find appeal and advantages in indoor exercise. My neighbor Maureen is one of them. Maureen loves running on a treadmill because she finds it's easier to do speed work than if she were running outside. Also, she's able to simulate hill workouts by using the incline function. Another detractor is Lisa, a co-worker. Although she uses her trainer in the winter, it doesn't seem to have hindered her fitness: Last summer, she rode 300 miles over three days. 
I guess the bottom line is: Do what works for you. The main point is moving that body.
As for me? I think now that temps are in the 30s and 40s here in Michigan, I don't see myself using a treadmill except for on the rarest of occasions. But if my neighbor starts beating me in the races we run together, then tell me again: How do you turn them on?
by Nick Katsarelas | -
Today's blog post is from Nick Katsarelas.
In yesterday's post, I offered up nine true-or-false statements about exercise, fitness, and nutrition. Today -- the answers.
But before we get to that, here's my disclaimer: The answers to some of the questions are irrefutable. Other answers are a matter of opinion. My answers reflect what I believe are the prevailing viewpoints on those topics. There are, no doubt, opinions to the contrary. You need to -- excuse the pun -- go with your gut.
1. Muscle weighs more than fat. FALSE.
The myth comes from those photos (like the one here) that show a big, ol' slab of fat next to a much smaller muscle. But a pound is a pound, so five pounds of muscle weighs as much as five pounds of fat. The difference is that muscle takes up more volume. So the next time some complains about gaining weight after working out for two weeks straight, you can't comfort them with that whole "muscle weighs more than fat" think. Maybe you should advise them to eat less.
2. You have to sweat to have a productive workout. FALSE.
Sweating is just a way for the body to cool itself. But you don't have to break into a sweat to have a good workout. Experts say that walking, light strength training, or swimming are good sweat-less activities.
3. As a rule, you should drink eight glasses of water a day. TRUE and FALSE.
This one is tricky. Figuring a glass is eight ounces, then eight glasses is 64 ounces, or half a gallon. Considering that other liquids count toward your total intake -- including soda, juice, lemonade, tea, and coffee (Coffee? Yes, coffee! Keep reading.) -- consuming 64 ounces may not be too hard. But it probably is not enough for those who work out. (Andy Gamm's post on hydration serves as an excellent guide for how much water to drink before and after a workout, and the importance of replenishing electrolytes and carbohydrates.) If you're not exercising, some experts say you should use your body's built-in trigger -- thirst -- to tell you when to drink. Other say you should be drinking half your body weight in ounces. (150 pounds = 75 ounces) Now, about coffee: Despite claims to the contrary, coffee in moderation won't lead to dehydration. Read this article in The New York Times.
4. Ab workouts, like crunches, are a good way to trim your waistline. FALSE.
No wonder I've grunted through thousands of crunches over the years, with no reduction in the size of my spare tire. According to Paige Waehner, a certified personal trainer, you can't "spot-treat" for weight loss, either for the abs or any other body part. "The only way to burn fat from your belly is to reduce overall body fat by creating a calorie deficit." But I'm not going to stop doing crunches. Even though I still have a paunch, my ab muscles aren't too shabby.
5. The proper exercise can convert fat into muscle. FALSE
According to Muscle & Fitness magazine, "Fat and muscle are two completely different body tissues. Fat simply can't transform into muscle ... . The physiological processes of building muscle and burning fat are completely unrelated. The combined effect of building muscle and losing fat may appear as though you're turning fat into muscle, but in actual fact, that's just an illusion."
6. Exercise enthusiasts should stay away from carbohydrates. FALSE.
Nothing could be further from the truth. We all need fats, protein, and carbs. Experts say between 50 and 70% of our daily caloric intake should be from carbs. (Carbs and proteins are each 4 calories per gram, while fats are 9 calories per gram.) Carbs -- fruits and vegetables, pasta, whole grains -- are the body's energy source. For energy you'll use right away, your body turns carbs into glucose. But your cells can only hold so much glucose. The rest is stored in your muscles and liver as glycogen. When you're exercising, your body starts using that glycogen for power and energy. For more on the importance of carbs, and a list of healthy sources of carbohydrates, check out an online article from the Harvard School of Public Health.
7. The faster you run, the quicker you get there. TRUE
I've always found this to be the case. 8. Peanut butter may give you energy, but it's bad for you. FALSE.
Actually, peanut butter is very nutritious. According to an article on RunnersWorld.com, it's a good source of protein and a primary building block in muscle growth and recovery. It also is a good source of niacin, folic acid, and vitamin E. And because it's an unsaturated fat, it's good for your heart.
9. It's OK not to stretch before you exercise. TRUE.
Used to be that runners would be doing all sorts of stretching before hitting the pavement. Some still do. But the prevailing view seems to be that you should warm up, first, and then do your stretching. According to Phil Tyne, director of the Baylor Tom Landry Health and Wellness Center, "Some studies have suggested that stretching actually makes muscles more susceptible to injury. They claim that by stretching, muscle fibers are lengthened and destabilized, making them less prepared for the strain of exercise." Think of it this way: Stretching a muscle that hasn't been warmed up is like stretching a rubber band you just took out of the freezer. Try to stretch it, and it will break.
So how'd you do? (You should have gotten at least two right!) I'd like to hear from you! Also, please share any debunked myths, or questions about whether something you've heard is myth or fact.
by Nick Katsarelas | Category: water, hyponatremia, exercise, carbohydrates, crunches, training, lactate threshold, muscle, abs, fitness, Nutrilitelite, nutrition, fartleks
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Today's post is from Nick Katsarelas, an Amway Global editor, Nutrilite fan, and fitness enthusiast.
When I began running in races a few years ago, I started reading a lot about training, eating right, hydration, and all things running related. I learned how to count the calories from carbs, proteins, and fats. I discovered something called "hyponatremia," a sometimes fatal condition caused by drinking too much water. I can now use "fartleks" and "lactate threshold" in a sentence.
But I also discovered that much of what I thought I knew about all of those headline topics weren't, in fact, true. It turned out there was a lot I didn't know. (My colleagues and family are probably nodding in agreement.)
So here are nine true and false statements to test your knowledge about exercising, what to eat and drink, and fitness in general. I'll supply the answers in tomorrow's post.
Have fun!
1. Muscle weighs more than fat.
2. You need to sweat to have a productive workout.
3. As a rule, you should drink eight glasses of water a day.
4. Ab workouts, like crunches, are a good way to trim your waistline.
5. The proper exercise can convert fat into muscle.
6. Exercise enthusiasts should stay away from carbohydrates.
7. The faster you run, the quicker you get there.
8. Peanut butter may give you energy, but it's bad for you.
9. It's OK not to stretch before you exercise.
by Nick Katsarelas | -
In yesterday's post, Nick Katsarelas, an editor at Amway Global, an avid runner, and a NUTRILITE consumer, wrote about the consequences of running, unprepared, in the dark. Today's post wraps up the two-part series.
Whether you're walking, walking a dog, running, cross-country skiing, or inline skating, don't take chances by exercising in the dark without the proper gear. Today I'll review the many tools, gadgets, and apparel that can help you see everything around you, and make sure you're seen by everyone around you.
Bike lights: If you're riding at night, your bike should have lights on the front and back of the bike, plus reflectors between the spokes and on the pedals. (Consider pulsating lights, as well.) LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are the light source of choice for many light manufacturers because of their high efficiency and longer battery life. These lights can be powered by solar cells, batteries, or generators. You can buy a decent light for less than $30, or spend as much as $640, the cost of the Nite Rider® Pro1200, which comes with a software screen and numerous programmable functions.
Headlamps: I've seen more and more runners wearing these headlamps. Most are simply headbands with a battery-operated light affixed to the front. Some models have an additional strap that runs from the lamp, over the skull, to the back of the band, for better fit. Others are of the plain-Jane variety: lights that clip onto the bill of a baseball cap. Many models feature adjustable lights, and some are water resistant or waterproof. (If you're an any-kind-of-weather runner, I'd choose a waterproof model.) You can spend as little as $10 for the clip-on models or as much as $70 for top-of-the-line headlamps. Frankly, I think these would be too confining. I'd just use a flashlight and aim it at the path in front of me.
Light-up jackets: How cool are these? StrideLite® + CycLite® make a line of Strob-Lite® jackets for runners and cyclists that feature strobe-light electroluminescent lamps that, the company says, are visible a quarter-of-a-mile away. The strobe and reflective stripes would make you hard to miss. (The companies also make a lighted umbrella and strobe light safety belt.) But expect to pay $175 for these jackets.
Reflective apparel: For years, running shoes have featured reflective strips for night time visibility. But now your whole running ensemble can glow, thanks to companies flooding the market with reflective apparel. And wearing reflective gear is a must.
You can spend a couple of hours online checking out all the reflective apparel available. Here's a partial list of reflective clothing and gear, and the prices you can expect to pay:
Hats, snow caps, and headbands: $14-$30
Gloves: $15-$30
Jackets: $50-$150
Shirts: $25-$80
Vests: $15-$60 
Pants: $30-$80
Shorts: $25-$35
Laces: $2-$10
Shoe pockets: $6
Socks: $10
Stick- and iron-on reflective tape and dots: You might also consider purchasing reflective stick-on or iron-on tape 
or dots, even sew-on reflective fabric. (At the risk of offending any of my readers, I can't imagine anyone spending the time to sew these things on.) $5-$15.
Miscellaneous: You can also find a bevy of snap-on bands, arm and leg bands, belts, and flashing strobe lights. $5-$15.
Pets: If they make it for people, you can find it for dogs: There are reflective 
pet collars, jackets, harnesses, and bandanas. There's a guy in my neighborhood who walks a dog with a light on his collar. That guy blends in nicely with the darkness, but you can't miss his dog. $10-$30.
Alarms: You might also consider a panic alarm. These devices come with both piercing alarms and flashing lights, and can be held in your hand, worn on your belt or jacket, or strapped to your arm. Not only could it repel a would-be attacker, it can be used to draw attention in case of a medical emergency. I've seen these at hardware stores, but most sporting goods stores will carry them, as well. $10-$20.
Epilogue: I no longer run on the bike path at night. Instead, I run half-mile loops in my neighborhood. (The streets are well lit.) I wear a jacket with reflective striping, and a reflective safety belt that criss-crosses my back and chest. The hardest thing about my nightly runs isn't the boredom; it's keeping track of the laps.
You think there's an app for that?
by Nick Katsarelas | -
Today's columnist is Nick Katsarelas, an Amway Global editor, an avid runner, and a consumer of six different NUTRILITE supplements.
In the fall of 2007, I went for a five-mile run along the bike path that runs near our house. Dusk was closing in, but my first half-marathon was two weeks away, and I wanted to rack up some more mileage.
Thinking I'd be back before dark, I declined the advice of my wife to "take a flashlight along, just in case." As it turned out, I was running in the dark for the last mile or so. The bike path isn't lit, and I relied on ambient light from houses or the occasional passing car to light my way. I could barely make out the path. I was concerned about stepping into an indenture. Since I was doing a "there and back" run, I was also wracking my brain to remember if there was anything on the way out that I might trip on.
I was only a quarter-mile from home when it happened: I stepped on a fallen tree limb. The full force of my 185 pounds came down on a right - and soon to be broken - ankle that was bent sideways. I thought it was a bad sprain. I limped-hopped the rest of the way home, hoping that the path in front of me was clear. 
I was so embarrassed at not taking Pam's advice that I quickly showered, put my ankle on ice, sat down with my foot elevated on an ottoman, covered it with a blanket ... and said nothing to my wife. One of my children, however, ratted me out. Pam was restrained, and insisted we pay a visit to the med clinic.
I spent the next 13 weeks with my right foot in a boot. I gained 13 pounds. And it was a full four months before I was able to run again.
Whether by choice, work schedules, or family obligations, many fitness enthusiasts can only get outside after dusk or before dawn. The risks are manifold, from unseen potholes to cars and cyclists who don't see you, to fallen tree limbs. In tomorrow's post, I'll review the many tools, apparel, and gadgets that can enable all of us to see, be seen, and, in the case of an emergency, be heard.
by Andy Gamm | -
So, how are you doing with keeping those resolutions? Are you setting aside enough time to chip away at your goals? Assuming you are hard at work with whatever those physical goals are, the next question is really important. Are you properly hydrating before, during and after your workouts?
Water is the most essential ingredient to life. Particular points of emphasis to those working out are:
- Water carries nutrients through your body.
- Water lubricates joints and tissues.
- Water helps regulate temperature through sweat.
Proper hydration is especially important during exercise. Getting the right amount of fluid for athletes is essential to comfort, performance and safety. The longer and more intense the activity, the more important it is to drink the right kind and amount of fluids.
According to an article by Elizabeth Quinn at SportsMedicine.About.com:
Adequate Fluid Intake for for Athletes
Because there is wide variability in sweat rates, losses and hydration levels of individuals, it is nearly impossible to provide specific recommendations or guidelines about the type or amount of fluids athletes should consume.
Finding the right amount of fluid to drink depends upon a variety of individual factors including the length and intensity of exercise and other individual differences. There are, however, two simple methods of estimating adequate hydration:
- Monitoring urine volume output and color. A large amount of light colored, diluted urine probably means you are hydrated; dark colored, concentrated urine probably means you are dehydrated.
- Weighing yourself before and after exercise. Any weight lost is likely from fluid, so try to drink enough to replenish those losses. Any weight gain could mean you are drinking more than you need.
It is important to know what contributes to fluid loss as well. High altitude, temperature (hot or cold), sweating and exercise intensity and duration all play roles in your body's hydration cycle.
To find the correct balance of fluids for exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine suggests that "individuals should develop customized fluid replacement programs that prevent excessive (greater than 2 percent body weight reductions from baseline body weight) dehydration. The routine measurement of pre- and post-exercise body weights is useful for determining sweat rates and customized fluid replacement programs. Consumption of beverages containing electrolytes and carbohydrates can help sustain fluid-electrolyte balance and exercise performance."
Sound complex? Maybe. But it is that important to maintain proper hydration.
I'll leave you with a bit more from Quinn's article before I sign off:
While specific fluid recommendations aren't possible due to individual variability, most athletes can use the following guidelines as a starting point, and modify their fluid needs accordingly.
Hydration Before Exercise
- Drink about 15-20 fl oz, 2-3 hours before exercise
- Drink 8-10 fl oz 10-15 min before exercise
Hydration During Exercise
- Drink 8-10 fl oz every 10-15 min during exercise
- If exercising longer than 90 minutes, drink 8-10 fl oz of a sports drink (with no more than 8 percent carbohydrate) every 15 - 30 minutes.
Hydration After Exercise
- Weigh yourself before and after exercise and replace fluid losses.
- Drink 20-24 fl oz water for every 1 lb lost.
- Consume a 4:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein within the 2 hours after exercise to replenish glycogen stores.
The good news for you is that Nutrilite has you covered. From our low calorie, "Propel-like" option - ROC2O Antioxidant Enhanced Drink Mix, to our ROC2O Sports Drink Mix, ready-to-drink sports drinks and even some of our foods that contain that optimal carbs:protein ratio and electrolytes (Recovery Cookie, Endurance Cubes), proper hydration and an optimal workout should be right around the corner.
No excuses now! Keep hydrated and keep those resolutions going strong...
by Andy Gamm | -
Well, I've already broken my primary New Year's resolution. I resolved to not procrastinate as much this year. Here we are, 20 days into a new decade and I'm already one of the many who set out with a personal promise and fail!
Statistics say that 40-45% of American adults make one or more resolutions each year. Among the top personal promises are resolutions about weight loss, exercise, and stopping to smoke.
The trouble isn't setting them, it is sticking with them. There are always myriad reasons to bail out on a resolution, and that same study shows that over half of people do fall off of the proverbial wagon. After one week, 75% have maintained. That drops to 64% after a month and a less than stellar 46% after six months. In the end, 97% of resolutions go unmet.
So, what can you do to meet your goals?
First of all, make them to begin with. Research shows that while a lot of people who make New Year's resolutions do break them, making resolutions is useful. People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't explicitly make resolutions.
Second, make it meaningful. Setting a goal alone is a great first step, making it something that means improvement in health, well-being, etc. will leave a greater impact and might keep you on course for the long haul.
Next, don't go it alone. I've often resolved to lose a certain amount of weight, or train for this or that. Inevitably, if I go it alone, I fail to meet my goals. Find someone with a similar goal. And work together to meet that goal. The push of a "competitor" can go a long way in helping keep your resolutions alive.
Another key? Set reasonable goals. Setting out to lose 25 pounds when 15 will be easier and a great start to a long term change automatically makes getting to the finish line tough. Start small, then push for bigger and better things. Think baby steps, not long jump leaps!
Finally, keep it fun. Working out with a partner, competing to lose that weight with a side bet, or just plain giving yourself a great reward at the end makes all the blood, sweat and tears that much more worthwhile.
Mark Twain put it succinctly: `"New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, friendly calls and humbug resolutions.''
Want to prove Twain wrong? Follow the simple steps outlined above. In the end, you'll be healthier, happier and best of all, no worse for the wear! Be sure to check in regularly over the next several weeks as I outline the products in our lineup that can also help drive you to your resolution destination.
Until then - happy resolution setting and achieving...
by Andy Gamm | -
More news from Ronaldinho this weekend -- a hat trick vs. Siena!
He's on a hot streak scoring his tenth, eleventh and twelfth goals of the season! That means we've raised another $30,000, reaching $120,000 for the "Goal by Goal" program by Nutrilite and the AC Milan Foundation. Ronaldinho has helped us surpass last year's $100,000 total. And that money is going to good use, helping children in the Italian area that was struck by an earthquake last April.
The AC Milan newsletter publicized the Goal by Goal program last week with a video featuring Ronaldinho's goals scored to raise the money. They'll need to produce an updated version, though. : ) He's almost doubled the $70,000 amount in just two weeks time.
Keep it up!