It is that depressing and humiliating time of year.  As if having to constantly look in the mirror at your body trying to conform to skintight swimsuits weren’t bad enough, you actually have to wear it in public.  But take heart!  Getting into shape doesn’t have to be as tedious, boring, or (heaven forbid) lengthy.  Heed our simple tips to help you get in shape and beach-ready!

• Snack smart!  Keep fresh, cut veggies and fruit stocked in your fridge for a quick and tasty snack.
• Guzzle H20 and cut back on soda, juice, and iced coffees.  Water will keep you hydrated, satisfy your thirst far better than any other drink, and can even help fight off the munchies when they attack.
•  Get at least thirty minutes of exercise everyday.  Before you start making excuses about exercising, keep in mind that it can be anything that gets your heart pumping.  Find something you actually enjoy doing; otherwise, you’ll never get the exercise you need.  Dancing, mowing the lawn, tennis, and swimming are all great ways to burn calories.
• Try taking a weight loss supplement to help get started shedding a few pounds.
• Fake it!  Get a spray tan or use self tanner to give yourself glowing skin - everyone looks better with a tan!

Who doesn’t?  You may acquire your “energy shot” (i.e. a burst of energy to get your butt moving) more conventional ways (think coffee or other caffeine stimulants).  Another option, which works well in conjunction with your more conventional methods, is a natural high.  Think fresh spring air and a spring in your step!  Read on…

You’ve long heard that exercise helps to increase energy - so why not get some while enjoying the great outdoors?  Hiking is a relatively low-key, low-intensity exercise that can burn calories and amplify energy.  So gulp your coffee and get out there!  Not sure where to go?  Try a local park or Local Hikes is a great resource, listing hundreds of different hikes throughout all the states!  For a really exhilarating hike, try hiking in the early morning…before the hustle and bustle begins and the birds start chirping. Happy Hiking!

Lately I’ve been feeling really down and tired all the time. Although some days it was caused by a lack of sleep, other days I couldn’t figure out why I felt so tired when I had 8 hours racked up from the night before.

After pondering it for a while, I realized that I had been lacking in a few areas. First, I hadn’t been eating my frequent, small meals. My three large meals made me feel particularly sleepy while attempting to work after a large lunch or dinner.

Next, I had been ditching some regular workouts. I had dwindled my workout time down because of my fatigue, which consequently made me feel more tired! If I had not given into my laziness, I probably would have felt better by taking a walk or jog after dinner.

Finally, I think the reason I may have been feeling tired is because I had forgotten to take my regular energy supplement. I noticed a huge difference in my motivation to complete tasks and my energy to workout after I skipped my supplements for a few weeks.

If you, like me, are feeling tired assess your daily habits and change your routine so you have more energy. A few simple changes can do wonders! I found that a few simple tasks gave me the energy to work and complete my daily task list, plus I had more energy to enjoy my life!

As mentioned before on the blog, it’s difficult to lose weight! I have been back and forth with my weight over the last few years and it has been very frustrating.

I again started on another plan to lose weight, only this time I’m focusing on the whole package, rather than just a fad diet. I’m trying to eat healthy food on a daily basis, and reserve pizza, soda, and ice cream for the weekends.

I’m doing okay so far, and have been religiously taking my weight loss pill and multivitamin in the morning with breakfast. I’ve had more energy and concentration than usual. Unfortunately, I still need to get myself going to the gym regularly.

Any ideas on how to get motivated to go to the gym?

I remember hearing about Zantrex a couple of years ago when Britney Spears had a bottle of it fall out of her bag at London’s Heathrow airport, however, I guess I didn’t really pay that much attention to it. Now, it seems, Zantrex is making a comeback. There seems to be a lot of buzz about the energy/weight loss supplement - it’s everywhere!

Dustin Diamond (remember Screech from Saved by the Bell?) used it to lose weight on a reality TV celebrity weight loss show. Apparently, the other contestants accused him of cheating because he took Zantrex, and lost weight. Apparently the stuff works!

I’ve been taking Zantrex to help get rid of the last few pounds after my pregnancy. It also helps me with my energy levels, since I’ve been so exhausted trying to take care of our two little ones.

At any rate, to me, Zantrex is as American as apple pie, with Britney and Dustin Diamond getting good results with it. Maybe if more Americans would take it, we’d become a bit more like the slim Europeans, and we’d have less health problems that are related to obesity. Americans need to do something to get their weight problems under control, and Zantrex may be the thing they need to kick start their weight loss program.

In a society saturated with skinny (anorexic?) models and a pervasive “image is everything” mentality, it can be extremely tough and demoralizing if you are at all overweight. And it’s not just women suffering from this epidemic; men are starting to feel the pressure and difficulties of keeping up with society’s demand.  But it is important to remember that what society considers “good-looking” is often a warped and unrealistic vision.  A healthy, fit body does not necessarily mean a size 0 or a seriously tiny waist.  You have to realize for yourself what your healthy body image and weight is and work towards that.  To begin your successful road to weight loss, consider trying some of the following tips:

-         Change Your Eating Habits – There is no way around this one.  You will not experience the weight loss results you are looking for without doing so.  Start to cut out the unnecessary fats and sugars you so freely consume.  The biggest contributor?  Fast food!  If you are forced to eat out, choose healthier options, such as a salad or sandwich without all the fattening dressings.  This also means a cut-back on your daily sodas and sugary drinks.  Replace them with water to ensure you are getting the daily recommendation of eight glasses.

-         Read the Labels – Yeah, this one sucks, but it is one sure way to help you pull off the first tip.  Plus, if you don’t know exactly what you are eating, you are flying blind and could be consuming countless calories. 

-         Exercise – It’s not as bad as you think.  You need to identify what “your” exercise is.  Do you enjoy running, tennis, or playing soccer?  Pick an activity you enjoy doing; if you don’t enjoy your exercise routine you surely will not stick with it.

-         Try a Supplement – I only put this because a weight loss pill can be a huge aid in losing weight, if taken properly and used in conjunction with a healthy diet and adequate exercise.

-         Join a Support Group – Whether in person or online, a support group can be a huge motivation and make losing the weight easier.  Sharing your experience with others who can empathize will not only help you get support you need but can also help hold you accountable for your weight loss.

-         Take Before and After Photos – I know, I know…who wants to see themselves in a “before” shot?  But doing this can be a huge motivation and you will be able to see first hand just how much your weight loss endeavors are paying off.

I have a buddy that introduced me to a new product that I’m pretty sure will become a staple in my fridge. Its a drink that’s being touted as a “mood enhancing energy supplement.” I’ve been pretty sick of the recent redbull energy drink craze (all those drinks have got is caffeine), but I needed a pickup and wanted something healthy too. So despite being a little skeptical, I tried Goyin for a while and really felt more positive and energetic. The blend of ingredients they’ve got working in there is doing something right.

Besides, whose wife couldn’t use some “mood enhancement”?

I’m a sucker for tabloids. For some reason, I care about celebrities lives. When Dustin Diamond, for example, was found using a weight loss pill, I took immediate interest. Why should I care though? As though he knows more about weight loss than anybody else. Sometimes I think America sees celebrieties as superhumans.

It’s no secret that America suffers from a seemingly pandemic epidemic of pudginess. The number of overweight individuals has skyrocketed in the last few years, as has the billion dollar weight loss industry. If you are trying to shed some of those pounds, try these dieting tips to help you get on track to being healthy, happy, and fit!

Write It Down – Be diligent in keeping a daily journal of your weight and everything you eat. Weigh yourself in the morning when you can get an accurate reading of your weight. Keeping track of what you eat will allow you to examine and adjust your serving portions and caloric intake. Even the most minor and seemingly insignificant amount of weight loss can serve to be a great motivator.

Make It Known – Telling family and close friends about your diet can be not only a source of support, but can make you accountable!

Diet Pills – When used properly, a weight loss supplement can help you lose weight. Make sure to couple any supplements with a healthy diet and proper exercise to facilitate your weight loss. Do your homework and find a pill that works for you.

Don’t Forgo Your Social Life – There will without doubt be times when you will not be able to keep to your diet, such as an outing for a business meeting or a friend’s birthday dinner at a favorite restaurant. Don’t avoid these events just because of your diet; just remember, everything in moderation.

Make Friends - Join a support group or online community of other individuals trying to lose weight; people who can empathize and share experiences with you may be your greatest source of support and motivation.

I have had the hardest time losing weight these days! I’m trying to help my family eat healthy, and they seem to be doing well, but I just can’t shed the pounds. People have suggested all kinds of things, from running, to yoga, to dieting…even the Akavar weight loss pill. I’m just having such a hard time making them work!

I guess I’m joining many Americans though…is it our lifestyles, or just the way we eat? I don’t know, but I wish I could change.