Healthiest Life 4 Me

Most women do not lift weights because they think that if they lift weights that they will get bulky, like a man.  However, it is just a misconception.  According to research, on average a woman only possesses one tenth of the testosterone that a man does.  So even if you are able to lift twice as much as a man, the ability to get as bulky just isn’t there unless you are taking steroids.  Due to these higher levels of testosterone men are able to build stronger, bigger muscles than women. 

“When you flip through bodybuilding or fitness magazines, and you       come across female bodybuilders who might resemble their masculine counterparts, remember that they partake in a completely different regimen from women who just workout to get or stay in shape, “says well known personal trainer, Hilton Preen.

Women who are already overweight or really unhappy with a certain body part are often very nervous to weight train because they fear that the muscle will build on top of the fat that is already there and therefore make them bigger.  However, this is not how it works.  Muscle does not ever build itself on the top of fat; it’s quite the opposite in fact.  Muscle replaces the fat with muscle mass.  Fat composition takes up five times as much space as muscle, so when you weight train you will replace fat mass with muscle mass therefore loose the jiggle as well as look leaner and slimmer too!

It is very important to know that fat doesn’t require ANY energy to maintain, it just sits there making you look and flabby.  When you weight train, you increase the rate at which your body uses energy, forcing stored fat to breakdown into energy cells, which your body then uses to build muscle.  Hilton Preen says, “Muscle tone allows you to burn calories at all times during the day and night.  For every pound of lean tissue or muscle you put on, you will burn approximately seventy five additional calories at rest.  The less muscle you have, the more difficult it is to lose the fat.”

To be quite honest, the biggest problem most women have ISN’T building too much muscle, it is that they don’t build ENOUGH muscle.  This sets them up for an increased risk of osteoporosis later in life as well as a reduction in muscle mass of about 2-5% per year, which has an adverse affect on metabolism and can ultimately result in weight gain.

Obviously, weight training isn’t the only factor in a tone, well shaped body.  Diet plays about 80% of the role in the overall look.  However, even if you are following a healthy diet and performing some sort of aerobic activity, you will not get the best possible results without strength training.  Even though you might be losing weight, your body shape will remain the same.  Some women, no matter how hard they train never ever seem to look different.  Sure, they look smaller, but if they are on such strict diets and aerobic programs why do they still look like a pear?  No matter how much weight you lose on your diet, there is no way you can change the shape of your body without using weights.  It is a combination of diet, cardio, and weight lifting that gives you the results that you desire. 

Building muscle not only makes you look and feel healthier, but according to Hilton Preen, “it helps to slow down the hands of time.  Between the ages of twenty and seventy, due to the aging process you could lose more than 25% of your muscle, a condition known as myoatrophy.  Regular strength training can help prevent this.  The optimal workout regimen should incorporate both weightlifting and aerobic activity.” 

So ladies, I challenge you to Stop being afraid of the weights and start lifting.  You will be so happy you did.  If you are unsure of what to do and how to do it, pick up a Muscle and Fitness for Her or Oxygen magazine.  They are both full of great exercises and sometimes workout programs that you can follow.  When at the gym, don’t be afraid to ask questions.  The men find it flattering to help and as long as you don’t ask in the middle of their set.  Also, the trainers and staff at the gyms are available for questions too!  Take advantage of the resources in front of you. 

Last week was spectacular.  It was the week that a new friend, Erin (pic of her and her baby, Dominic), who I met through Twittermoms.com not only helped me put this site together, but she recommended that another mom from that site who has a blog about fit moms do a story on me.  When I got the email request, I was so EXCITED.  I couldn’t believe that I was inspiring so many people who I have never formally met.  It was so fun to get my story together for her and before and after pics.  Well, today is the day.I am officially this week’s feature on Workout Mommy’s blog page!!  I hope that you can all check it out and even her other inspirational moms that are featured there. 

I have to say, I am overjoyed at the idea of being able to reach so many women in the hopes of helping them become a healthier them!  The journey for me has been long, it has been tough, but it has been rewarding beyond belief.  Watching my friend’s and those who I meet become excited about health and fitness is AMAZING and EXCITING!! 

Thank you Erin and Workout Mommy for this amazing experience and opportunity to reach other moms!!

Genesis is a delicious combination of highly standardized fruit juices and whole fruit extracts, infused with a proprietary blend of herbs and other powerful foods.  The renowned antioxidant properties of whole fruit pomegranate and whole fruit   red grape combine with the healing and restorative nature of whole fruit apple,   olive leaf and Aloe Vera for a heavenly-tasting 100% juice product.

Symmetry has chosen to use the slow but powerful infusion process with Genesis to create the greatest concentration of protective anthropalexins (literally, "protector of humankind"), age-fighting antioxidants and powerful phytonutrients imaginable.

Infusion is the lost art and science of coaxing maximum benefits from botanical materials without adding damaging heat or nasty chemicals. Infusion has been practiced for thousands of years and has been the basis for nearly all medications.

Here is the list of ingredients in Genesis and how each one of the ingredients will benefit your body!! 

Juice Blend:  The PhytoPureT blend consists of four traditional, well-known foods.This process ensures that the optimum nutritional value from each whole fruit is infused in GenesisT.

 GRAPE:  Studies now focus on the significant health benefits linked with fresh grapes and grape compounds, and their ability to slow the build up of deposits in arteries as well as fight common, age-related diseases. Some are calling the resveratrol found in this sweet tasting fruit “the miracle of our time.”
Benefits
. Fights different types of cancer, heart disease, degenerative nerve disease & other ailments
. Support immune function, weight loss, prostate, cardiovascular, respiratory, uterine & gastrointestinal health
. Strengthen blood vessels, improve blood circulation & lower cholesterol levels

POMEGRANATE:  A primary source of ellagitins, which have cancer researchers optimistic about future studies. Pomegranates are one of the earliest cultivated fruits, dating back to 3000BC. They have now become the new “superfood”. One pomegranate delivers 40% of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement.
Benefits
. Boost DNA health, protects against cancer, heart disease, & other age-related diseases
. May support healthy skin, prostate & immune function

ALOE VERA:  Aloe Vera is known to have medicinal properties, often referred to as “a pharmacy in a    plant”; traditionally, it is used externally to relieve    skin discomforts and damage, and internally as a laxative. Aloe is also used orally to treat a number of conditions such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and osteoarthritis.
Benefits
. Soothe skin, ease pain, reduce inflammation & helps speed up the healing recovery process
. May support gastrointestinal health & immune function
**Note: The outer leaf of the aloe plant contains phytochemicals that are often purgative in nature. While these ingredients are valuable in detoxification, pregnant & lactating women should avoid them. For this reason, Symmetry uses only the inner gel in obtaining the aloe juice, which has no purgative properties.

APPLE:  Like most other fruits, apples contain Vitamin C and a host of other antioxidant compounds, and the fiber in the fruit helps keep the bowel healthy. It’s a good idea to eat apples with their skin as almost half the Vitamin C content is underneath the skin.

Benefits
. Can reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease & high cholesterol
. Could protect the brain from diseases such as Alzheimer’s & Parkinsonism
. Can help GI, kidney & joint function, gall bladder, weight loss & healthy teeth

Herbal Fusion:  infused with the world’s most potent herbs in a process where they are steeped without heat in the juice blend; this coaxes maximum benefits from the botanicals without damaging the delicate, active ingredients.

BARLEY GRASS:  Barley Grass is the only vegetation on the earth that can supply sole nutritional support from birth to old age, and dates back to 7000 BC when Roman gladiators ate barley for strength and stamina. It’s the closest thing to the “perfect food” on this planet.
Benefits
. Control stomach disorders & pancreatitis
. Reduce cholesterol levels
. May support GI & urinary tract health, & detoxification

CINNAMON:  Cinnamon once had a reputation as a cure for colds, coughs, hoarseness, sore throats, toothaches, bad breath, and has been used to treat digestive problems such as diarrhea. Cinnamon has also been reported to have remarkable pharmacological effects in the treatment of Type II Diabetes.
Benefits
. May help control blood sugar levels, joint health & menstrual regularity
. Can treat common colds, coughs & digestive problems

CORIANDER LEAF & SEED:  Coriander, commonly called cilantro, has been used as a folk medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia, and its essential oil has been demonstrated to exhibit antibacterial action against E. Coli.
Benefits
. Sustain liver & gall bladder
. Leaf can support gastrointestinal health & seed can support blood sugar regulation.

CUCUMBER:  Although cucumbers are less nutritious than most fruit, the fresh cucumber is  still a very good source of vitamins and minerals,  and also provides some dietary fiber.
Benefits
. Can be used for skin problems (cools & cleanses)
. Helps to control/heal heartburn, gout, eczema & arthritis

FIG:  The fig has been cultivated for thousands of years and offers a powerhouse of nutrition. Figs have the highest overall mineral content of all common fruits; a 1/4-cup (40g) serving provides 244mg of potassium
(7% Daily Value), 53mg of calcium (6% DV) and
1.2 mg o f iron (6% DV).
Benefits
. May support cardiovascular health including lipids
. Can be used as a mild laxative & sustain gastrointestinal function

GARLIC:  Garlic has long been deemed as the “wonder drug”as it was used for treating everything from the common colds to the plague. It’s used extensively as herbal medicine either in supplemental form or raw.  When crushed or finely chopped, it yields allicin, a powerful antibiotic and anti-fungal compound (phytoncide), which can result in more medicinal value.
Benefits
. Can be used to treat intestinal worms
. Can combat bacteria, support normal blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiovascular system & the liver

JUNIPER BERRY:  Juniper is an exclusive food plant; the berry is used for indigestion and digestive disorders such as belching, heartburn and bloating as well as menstrual problems and diabetes.
Benefits
. Useful aid for kidney stones & urinary infections
. Good for gastrointestinal health, muscle function & lower blood pressure

LEEK:  Leeks are generally considered to have a finer flavor than the common onion, but must be consumed in larger quantities for similar, positive effects of onions.
Benefits
. Can improve the immune system, lower bad cholesterol levels & fight cancer
. May support blood vessel health

LENTIL:  Lentils are used to prepare nutritious soup in many parts of the world; they posses very similar nutritional and health benefits of common beans. With 25% protein, it is the vegetable with the highest level of protein other than soybeans - a very important part of the diet.

Benefits
. Effective in lowering cholesterol & managing blood sugar disorders
. May support bowel regularity, the liver & GI function

MULBERRY FRUIT:  The mulberry fruit is classified as a blood tonic.  Traditionally, mulberry fruit has been utilized as a medicinal agent to nourish blood and kidneys, treat weakness, fatigue, anemia and premature gray hair.
Benefits
. Can be used for kidney function, sexual health, urinary health & blood pressure
. May treat fatigue, dizziness, anemia & constipation

OLIVE LEAF:  Olive leaves have been used for centuries to cure certain sicknesses such as malaria. Natural compounds derived from the olive leaf with over 95 different ingredients, offer potential medicinal effects for a range of common ailments.

Benefits
. Can lower blood pressure, healthy cholesterol levels, reduce fats & blood sugar
. Combats pathogens to improve immune function

ONION:  Onions were one of the earliest and most important crops during the Middle Ages. Athletes in Greece ate large quantities of onions because it would lighten the balance of blood, and doctors were known to prescribe onions for headaches, snakebites and hair loss. Onions appear to be somewhat effective
against colds, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other diseases.
Benefits
. Can improve lung function & stimulate the immune system
. May support blood vessel health & inhibit tumor growth

SWEET ALMOND:  During the early 20th century, the oil from the kernel of the sweet almond was used internally in medicine. The nut of the tree has also been used as a preventative for alcohol intoxication.

Benefits
. May support healthy blood fat levels & cardiovascular health
. Nutritive for the brain, nervous system & vision

WHEAT GRASS: 
Wheatgrass has been linked to helping with blood flow, digestion and general detoxification of the body. It is alleged that over 5000 years ago, ancient Egyptians prized the wheat grass for their positive effect on their health and vitality.
Benefits
. May support vision health, cardiovascular function, and immune stimulation & defense
. Helps neutralize acids & toxins while cleansing the blood, increasing energy & stimulating metabolism

If you are interested in more info about this product or would like information on how to order it, you can contact me at lisasurvillas@healthiestlife4me.com or you can click here: LIVE BETTER WITH SYMMETRY and it will take you to my company page.  This product is safe for kids and pregnant women unlike other antioxidant drinks on the market. 

Wow!  Have I found a new pastime.  With as much as I work out and focus my energy on my nutrition, you would think there isn’t time for much else when I have family obligations as well.  But a new hobby of mine seems to be bodybuilding shows. 

I went to watch my nutritionist compete for his first time and I was amazed again by the amounts of women in their late 30’s and 40’s that have ROCKIN’ HOT bodies.  They are not bodybuilders, they are figure competitors.  They compete in a one piece (haha, barley!) and a two piece (even less!) suit and are judged on shape and tone’s of their bodies.  Of course, they are at a non-livable body fat %, but they have the muscle mass to stay lean when they are not show dieting. 

I truly admire the women who work as hard as they do on their bodies, dedicate themselves to a diet that allows their bodies to burn fat like a machine and then get on stage in front of God knows who in next to nothing and show off all their hard work. 

Now, the day is a long one and it is not an event for those who bore easily.but if you ever have a chance and about $25 (for entry), it is worth a try.  Today was my second show (spectating of course) and I can’t wait to go again and watch. The only part I haven’t seen yet and am dying to see is the fitness girls do their routines.that is my next trip, I hope!! 

photos are from www.musculardevelopment.com

Symmetry Direct is part of the rapidly expanding $100 billion wellness industry.  It’s nutritional supplements are designed to cleanse, nourish and protect the body.  They come with a 100% money back guarantee due to the guaranteed results.  The company prides itself in the fact that the potency and purity of its products exceed industry standards.  The manufacturing facilities are FDA inspected and are considered to be state of the art. 

“All of our products undergo the most advanced techniques under strict guidelines.  We assure that they are the freshest, purest and best quality possible on the market.”

Symmetry’s Products Include:

Nutritionals: supplements to strengthen, protect and energize

Botanicals: plant-based and herbal supplements to cleanse and support

Nutraceuticals/Targeted Bio-Support: to balance and nourish

Weight Management: to burn calories and help block fat and carbohydrates

Performance Technology: for energy and endurance

Water System: sparkling clean and free of harmful impurities

Skin/Personal Care: naturally balanced and radiantly beautiful

Symmetry Direct has something for everyone!

Check out all that Symmetry has to offer by clicking on the link: Live Better With Symmetry.  And feel free to contact me with any questions. 

What drew me to Symmetry was the fact that the company employed doctors to develop products who truly believe that nutrition can heal and have been a part of the lives of those who have been healed with nutritional supplements.  They dedicated their life to helping others live a healthier, happier life without the interference of large pharmaceutical companies and the lure of unnecessary treatments to make money.