I recently underwent a major shoulder reconstruction and am blogging my journey on Bodybuilding.com
Feel free to tag along
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?s=ed5fcc4a235e5011135f10d74bc21af8&t=130575993
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Neuro Drinks - My professional personal review
I had the pleasure of being asked to test and offer my professional, but personal review of the entire Neuro Drink line this past December. Now, I am not a big fan of energy drinks for the sake of energy (I only drink one brand and that's ONLY because it tastes like my favorite exotic fruit,and I only drink one every other week). But Neuro Drinks are different. And there is a dang good reason it was voted Best Functional Beverage by BEVNET (2). They are not "energy drinks"... it is a line of nutritional lifestyle beverages, each having their own unique function and flavor. Oh, and might I add that Neuro is an environmentally conscious corporation. All Neuro Drinks come in 100% recyclable PET plastic! 4 Thumbs up there (that being from both my hands and feet)
The line consists of the following:
NeuroSonic® is a delicious drink designed to increase high level mental functioning: better memory, alertness and concentration.(1)
NeuroSleep™ is a delicious drink with a unique formula designed to promote restful sleep and improve overall sleep quality. (1)
NeuroTrim™ is a delicious drink designed to promote weight loss.(1)
NeuroSun™ is a delicious drink designed to provide all the benefits of Vitamin D without the harmful UV rays of the sun.(1)
NeuroGasm® is a delicious drink designed to promote a healthier heart and blood flow(1)
NeuroAqua™ is refreshing spring water sourced from the Californian Adobe Springs (1)
NeuroBliss® is a delicious drink designed to promote happiness and eliminate stress without affecting your energy levels. (1)
NeuroSport™ is a delicious drink designed to replenish the body during and after exercise with the unparalleled combination of 12 minerals and 5 electrolytes.(1)
Now, I am an anyl individual... but not like a psycho kind. But I like to be pretty darned thorough when I give my opinion on anything. So today I am going to start off by giving my initial review of the Neuro Drink "Bliss". I chose this one specifically because of my current situation. I just had shoulder reconstruction on the 15th of December and am still in a wedge and slink til mid February.... and this past weekend was New Years Eve. Of course, 1/4 of the West Coast population wants to party in Vegas! And all crammed into a mile long strip of street called Las Vegas Blvd. I just happen to work as a bottle server on weekends at the world famous Studio 54 (yes, by choice... wouldn't you?) a nightclub that can hold over 1200 people. No, I didn't plan it all to turn out this way. But those were the cards I was dealt and I played them. So I saved the Bliss specifically because I knew some fool was going to bump in to me, or grab my shoulder and ask "what happened to your elbow" (which did happen 3 times that night). On a scale of 1 to 10, my pain issue was roughly a 6... not exactly, chipper personality invoking but bearable enough for me to fake a smile. Unfortunately, that much pain also renders a woman like me rather easily irritable. Perfect scenario to put Bliss to the test. The score.... A+ ! I think I just found my Xanax! Oh, and let me tell you, the flavor reminded me of lychee fruit. For you landlocked white folks and culturally non-diverse- lychee is an asian fruit similar to plums. On the bush, they're not very pretty. But after skinned and pitted- they're amazing! And not to mention very nutritious.
Ok ok ok...back to Neuro Bliss. The thing that struck me most thought was its ability to calm me physically and emotionally without sacrificing my ability to focus and be able to perform my job efficiently. When you are handling table orders mounting over $5k each, there is no room for error. And there is no forgiveness in tiny mistakes. No forgetting someone's drink orders, or miscounting money, or losing a credit card and ID. Things need to be "perfect". Boy was I ON IT that night ! So on it, my over-tips were sticky sweet! And the best thing was I didn't flip out on anybody... not even a tinge of irritability.
So after the weekend was all said and done, I made my money and my customers happy, I got to finally checking out the label and website of Neuro Bliss.
L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea which has been clinically proven to help reduce stress, works by altering brain waves, shifting them from the beta spectrum to the alpha spectrum where a person is focused and alert, but calm. Acetyl-L-Carnitine, a highly functional amino acid that helps improve memory (3). 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin(4). It is widely used for its calming effect. Of course!!!!!! When I'm PMSing, I take 5-HTP for that entire week. Helps with my crappy mood (and for some reason, unusually sexier). I also use it for my migraines and when I'm all sad because of overcast weather. And Green Tea- a favorite amongst us health fanatics because it gives you a calm, energy boost without making you jittery or nervous. Boy did Neuro get that one right!
As for the nutritional label.... nothing that causes any red flags to go off. No thousands of percent of some unknown B Vitamin like you see in some drinks out there. No need to worry about growing something strange on some odd place on your body. A modest amount of Vitamin B6 and only 9 grams of carbs and 35 calories. So no need to worry about your hips getting too big drinking two or three of these a day! Hey, I live in Vegas... I can afford it!
I say, let's all (not me of course... I don't take them) get off the antidepressants and just load up our fridges with this drink and let's all be happy. I'll have another one myself.
Next 2 reviews will be Neuro Sleep and Neuro Trim... since it goes hand in hand with my industry and the fact that almost the entire American population and set their New Year Resolution to lose some weight. Until next time my kiddies!
Tootles!
References
(1) http://drinkneuro.com/
(2) http://www.bevnet.com/reviews/neuro
(3) http://acetyllcarnitine.org/
(4) http://www.5htp.com/
(5)
The line consists of the following:
NeuroSonic® is a delicious drink designed to increase high level mental functioning: better memory, alertness and concentration.(1)
NeuroSleep™ is a delicious drink with a unique formula designed to promote restful sleep and improve overall sleep quality. (1)
NeuroTrim™ is a delicious drink designed to promote weight loss.(1)
NeuroSun™ is a delicious drink designed to provide all the benefits of Vitamin D without the harmful UV rays of the sun.(1)
NeuroGasm® is a delicious drink designed to promote a healthier heart and blood flow(1)
NeuroAqua™ is refreshing spring water sourced from the Californian Adobe Springs (1)
NeuroBliss® is a delicious drink designed to promote happiness and eliminate stress without affecting your energy levels. (1)
NeuroSport™ is a delicious drink designed to replenish the body during and after exercise with the unparalleled combination of 12 minerals and 5 electrolytes.(1)
Now, I am an anyl individual... but not like a psycho kind. But I like to be pretty darned thorough when I give my opinion on anything. So today I am going to start off by giving my initial review of the Neuro Drink "Bliss". I chose this one specifically because of my current situation. I just had shoulder reconstruction on the 15th of December and am still in a wedge and slink til mid February.... and this past weekend was New Years Eve. Of course, 1/4 of the West Coast population wants to party in Vegas! And all crammed into a mile long strip of street called Las Vegas Blvd. I just happen to work as a bottle server on weekends at the world famous Studio 54 (yes, by choice... wouldn't you?) a nightclub that can hold over 1200 people. No, I didn't plan it all to turn out this way. But those were the cards I was dealt and I played them. So I saved the Bliss specifically because I knew some fool was going to bump in to me, or grab my shoulder and ask "what happened to your elbow" (which did happen 3 times that night). On a scale of 1 to 10, my pain issue was roughly a 6... not exactly, chipper personality invoking but bearable enough for me to fake a smile. Unfortunately, that much pain also renders a woman like me rather easily irritable. Perfect scenario to put Bliss to the test. The score.... A+ ! I think I just found my Xanax! Oh, and let me tell you, the flavor reminded me of lychee fruit. For you landlocked white folks and culturally non-diverse- lychee is an asian fruit similar to plums. On the bush, they're not very pretty. But after skinned and pitted- they're amazing! And not to mention very nutritious.
Ok ok ok...back to Neuro Bliss. The thing that struck me most thought was its ability to calm me physically and emotionally without sacrificing my ability to focus and be able to perform my job efficiently. When you are handling table orders mounting over $5k each, there is no room for error. And there is no forgiveness in tiny mistakes. No forgetting someone's drink orders, or miscounting money, or losing a credit card and ID. Things need to be "perfect". Boy was I ON IT that night ! So on it, my over-tips were sticky sweet! And the best thing was I didn't flip out on anybody... not even a tinge of irritability.
So after the weekend was all said and done, I made my money and my customers happy, I got to finally checking out the label and website of Neuro Bliss.
L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea which has been clinically proven to help reduce stress, works by altering brain waves, shifting them from the beta spectrum to the alpha spectrum where a person is focused and alert, but calm. Acetyl-L-Carnitine, a highly functional amino acid that helps improve memory (3). 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin(4). It is widely used for its calming effect. Of course!!!!!! When I'm PMSing, I take 5-HTP for that entire week. Helps with my crappy mood (and for some reason, unusually sexier). I also use it for my migraines and when I'm all sad because of overcast weather. And Green Tea- a favorite amongst us health fanatics because it gives you a calm, energy boost without making you jittery or nervous. Boy did Neuro get that one right!
As for the nutritional label.... nothing that causes any red flags to go off. No thousands of percent of some unknown B Vitamin like you see in some drinks out there. No need to worry about growing something strange on some odd place on your body. A modest amount of Vitamin B6 and only 9 grams of carbs and 35 calories. So no need to worry about your hips getting too big drinking two or three of these a day! Hey, I live in Vegas... I can afford it!
I say, let's all (not me of course... I don't take them) get off the antidepressants and just load up our fridges with this drink and let's all be happy. I'll have another one myself.
Next 2 reviews will be Neuro Sleep and Neuro Trim... since it goes hand in hand with my industry and the fact that almost the entire American population and set their New Year Resolution to lose some weight. Until next time my kiddies!
Tootles!
References
(1) http://drinkneuro.com/
(2) http://www.bevnet.com/reviews/neuro
(3) http://acetyllcarnitine.org/
(4) http://www.5htp.com/
(5)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Make your NYResolution actually happen!
I am sure most of you have made one of your NY resolutions to lose some weight and get back into shape. But why is it that within a few months the majority of Americans will lose sight of that particular goal and fall of the horse face first? The answer is simple; not wanting it bad enough and poor planning.
What I mean by not wanting it bad enough is "wanting" to achieve the goal but lacking the "correct drive" and not willing to make the actual sacrifices necessary to stay on track and reach the ultimate goal. Poor planning is part of it that as well.
Here is how you can make it happen!
Step 1: Set a realistic goal
This means setting an actual, realistic (achievable), rational and measureable goal. Don’t tell yourself you want to look like Pamela Anderson by March when you currently look like Roseanne Barr. Or declare you want to lose 20-lbs a week. These are not realistic.
Start off with a simple goal that incorporates a “rational” 1-2 pounds of actual fat loss per week. Anything more would require too big of a change of your current lifestyle and you risk not being able to sustain the change.
Sit down and write your overall goal on paper! ( ← VERY IMPORTANT STEP ). If your goal is to lose fat, break that overall goal into monthly goals, assuming a 1-2 lb fat loss per week. If your goal is to drop size, break it down to ½ to 1 dress size per month. If your goal is an physical activity goal (example; to run a half-marathon, or do so many pushups in one minute) determine where you are at currently and research what are reasonable increments to reach that goal.
Step 2: Plan out your program. Research what you need to do to reach your goals. If you are clueless but willing to make a financial investment, hire a good trainer or coach or an expert.
Step 3: Establish who and what could be potential obstacles and stallers and prepare how you will get around them.
- Toxic people…. Ignore them
- Spouse who won’t be doing this with you- have a talk with him or her and tell him/her what you want to do and explain why it is important to you.
- Money… budget! wisely!
- Demanding boss… treat like spouse but explain that your bettered health will improve your overall job performance and morale (this has been statistically proven)
- Each person will have different obstacles. Figure them out asap!
Step 4: Determine what sacrifices must be made for you to reach your goals.
Step 5: write out your overall program, and place these in various places where you will see them frequently. Taped to your bathroom mirror is one good place, and a reminder on your smartphone is another great idea.
Step 6: If you are religious or spiritual, include your goals in your prayers/meditations.
Step 7: Tell yourself ever day, many times a day that you CAN and you WILL!
Step 8: Now go do it! And don’t just wait until January 1. The sooner the better!
What I mean by not wanting it bad enough is "wanting" to achieve the goal but lacking the "correct drive" and not willing to make the actual sacrifices necessary to stay on track and reach the ultimate goal. Poor planning is part of it that as well.
Here is how you can make it happen!
Step 1: Set a realistic goal
This means setting an actual, realistic (achievable), rational and measureable goal. Don’t tell yourself you want to look like Pamela Anderson by March when you currently look like Roseanne Barr. Or declare you want to lose 20-lbs a week. These are not realistic.
Start off with a simple goal that incorporates a “rational” 1-2 pounds of actual fat loss per week. Anything more would require too big of a change of your current lifestyle and you risk not being able to sustain the change.
Sit down and write your overall goal on paper! ( ← VERY IMPORTANT STEP ). If your goal is to lose fat, break that overall goal into monthly goals, assuming a 1-2 lb fat loss per week. If your goal is to drop size, break it down to ½ to 1 dress size per month. If your goal is an physical activity goal (example; to run a half-marathon, or do so many pushups in one minute) determine where you are at currently and research what are reasonable increments to reach that goal.
Step 2: Plan out your program. Research what you need to do to reach your goals. If you are clueless but willing to make a financial investment, hire a good trainer or coach or an expert.
Step 3: Establish who and what could be potential obstacles and stallers and prepare how you will get around them.
- Toxic people…. Ignore them
- Spouse who won’t be doing this with you- have a talk with him or her and tell him/her what you want to do and explain why it is important to you.
- Money… budget! wisely!
- Demanding boss… treat like spouse but explain that your bettered health will improve your overall job performance and morale (this has been statistically proven)
- Each person will have different obstacles. Figure them out asap!
Step 4: Determine what sacrifices must be made for you to reach your goals.
Step 5: write out your overall program, and place these in various places where you will see them frequently. Taped to your bathroom mirror is one good place, and a reminder on your smartphone is another great idea.
Step 6: If you are religious or spiritual, include your goals in your prayers/meditations.
Step 7: Tell yourself ever day, many times a day that you CAN and you WILL!
Step 8: Now go do it! And don’t just wait until January 1. The sooner the better!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Good ol' butter
It appears experts are changing their minds about butter! Butter substitutes are full of unnatural additives and trans-fats and are sapped of any potential nutrients. If you are living a healthy lifestyle and using these products in minute quantities then your health is not at risk. You are better off with a natural choice. So fear not the real butter. Just choose a natural & organic versions or one with non additives!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
O Winter... why do you make me fat?
It's the story I hear all too often. People seeking to lose weight they gained over the holidays, moreover; the winter months. The truth is, the average person only gains 2 to 3lbs over the holidays, but weight gain over the entire winter months can tally up to over 10 lbs. Leaving people even more depressed.
So what is going on here? It's rather simple. Our evolution has dictated our bodies with a unique and amazing ability to put on fat, especially in the winter. Way back in the caveman days winter meant a shortage of food along with lower temperatures, less exposure to sunlight due to hiding from the elements and overcast or snowed out skies. Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin" because exposure to sunshine causes the body to produce more of it. During the winter months you are exposed less to the sun, which in turn lowers the amount of Vitamin D that is produced in your body. Lack of Vitamin D causes a dip in serotonin which causes a less happy mood, often causing the sufferer to be somewhat depressed, lethargic & lazy (low on energy). Low serotonin levels also leads to carbohydrate cravings, especially simple carbs. Giving in to your cravings most likely causes you to stuff yourself with carbs, which in turn causes your insulin levels to spike... which then causes your blood sugar to drop... which then causes you to get moodier and serotonin drops... which then causes you to crave more carbs... and cycle repeats itself and you gain fat !
What a wonderful way Mother Nature has made it so you could survive the harsh winters of her cruel but beautiful world. But now that you know that, here are some tips to help you get through the winter sugar cravings.
1- drink plenty of water
2- don't skip breakfast
3- eat every few hours, but smaller meals
4- make sure to get a decent amount of low glycemic carbs per meal (don't go too low or too high)
5- take your multi-vitamin (with plenty of Vitamin D)
6- exercise- it helps stimulate serotonin production
7- think happy thoughts
8- don't overindulge in holiday feastings
9- don't indulge in any mindless snaking
10- Get sunshine on your skin as much as possible.
So what is going on here? It's rather simple. Our evolution has dictated our bodies with a unique and amazing ability to put on fat, especially in the winter. Way back in the caveman days winter meant a shortage of food along with lower temperatures, less exposure to sunlight due to hiding from the elements and overcast or snowed out skies. Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin" because exposure to sunshine causes the body to produce more of it. During the winter months you are exposed less to the sun, which in turn lowers the amount of Vitamin D that is produced in your body. Lack of Vitamin D causes a dip in serotonin which causes a less happy mood, often causing the sufferer to be somewhat depressed, lethargic & lazy (low on energy). Low serotonin levels also leads to carbohydrate cravings, especially simple carbs. Giving in to your cravings most likely causes you to stuff yourself with carbs, which in turn causes your insulin levels to spike... which then causes your blood sugar to drop... which then causes you to get moodier and serotonin drops... which then causes you to crave more carbs... and cycle repeats itself and you gain fat !
What a wonderful way Mother Nature has made it so you could survive the harsh winters of her cruel but beautiful world. But now that you know that, here are some tips to help you get through the winter sugar cravings.
1- drink plenty of water
2- don't skip breakfast
3- eat every few hours, but smaller meals
4- make sure to get a decent amount of low glycemic carbs per meal (don't go too low or too high)
5- take your multi-vitamin (with plenty of Vitamin D)
6- exercise- it helps stimulate serotonin production
7- think happy thoughts
8- don't overindulge in holiday feastings
9- don't indulge in any mindless snaking
10- Get sunshine on your skin as much as possible.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Bistro Mobile
Bistro Mobile hooked me up with 3 days of free meals for sending them my clients.
I am very very impressed with their food and the fact that they were able to whip up the meals I put together for my clients... to the gram
Today I had their Eggs w/ mushroom and a mini bagel, Waldorf Salad, Asian lettuce wraps, and a rice risotto for dinner dinner. 4 Meals for $20... you just can't beat that deal! And delivered right to my door every morning.
Check out their site and tell them Trainer Jo sent you
http://bistromobilelasvegas.com/
I am very very impressed with their food and the fact that they were able to whip up the meals I put together for my clients... to the gram
Today I had their Eggs w/ mushroom and a mini bagel, Waldorf Salad, Asian lettuce wraps, and a rice risotto for dinner dinner. 4 Meals for $20... you just can't beat that deal! And delivered right to my door every morning.
Check out their site and tell them Trainer Jo sent you
http://bistromobilelasvegas.com/
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