qotd - just do it

You never work out and regret it.
You never go for a run and when you are done say "I  wish I would have just stayed home".
You never climb a mountain, get to the top and say  "I should have just been content to stay where I was"  - JUST DO IT

whitsunday winners article



Ann with participants Margaret Cox and Kelli Reid
who are going extremely  well in the nation-wide
1 Million Kilogram Challenge.

The Whitsundays is on its way to creating a healthier community and the proof is in the high number of locals signing up in this year's 1 Million Kilogram Challenge.

The challenge involves teams from all around Australia pledging to lose more than a million kilograms collectively, within 10 weeks.

Now in week five, Whitsunday Winners team creator and personal trainer Ann Parrott said more than 30 locals have joined up to the challenge, making them one of the biggest teams in Australia.

So you want to lose weight?

Before hitting on the right solution for weight loss I was easy prey for every diet pill and magic tonic that came my way. Well, I actually hunted THEM, out. Trying every new product that became available always hoping for that ‘magic cure’. I only always wanted the quick fix. Don’t we all. Unfortunately. There are none. I went through years of pills and potions, promises and lies... taking off 20kgs, being elated, then putting on 25. Taking off 30 kgs, putting on 40.... ad infinitum. Does that quick fix process work? Well, I think most of us who battle with weight issues, can be testament to a similar story of yo yo dieting. Me? With what I thought was the solution, ended up finding myself instead, sitting at 120 kilograms. The brink of being morbidly obese.

magic pills and supplements



oh? a delicious dinner  :|

It becomes pretty scary when, as a nation, people rely and have 'hope', on the quick fix for weight loss. Unfortunately, there are so many pills and potions around that promise empty and such unbelievable results that many may wonder why people fall for their false claims. It frightens me, that people actually consume these products - knowing - that they can actually endanger our health - our organs. I too, often wonder why people would put their bodies under such an unnatural stress.
But yes, I DO understand desiring fast weight loss. I certainly understand, 'hope'. Unfortunately, nothing beats the age old formula of great nutrition teamed up with exercise.
So. A topic that makes really makes me see red I guess .... with so many false and unfounded claims made by the profiteers of these businesses selling supplements, targeting a population that is vulnerable to believing such assertions. You can sell anything to anyone, if their self esteem is low enough!

Dangerous side effects - and fine print, that reads - alongside a calorie controlled diet and regular exercise. Guess what? That's the earlier formula - you WILL lose weight, if you do both those things ... without the synthetic additions to your body.
Still. It's surprising how weight loss 'magic' profits in the millions year after year - doesn't ANYONE ever question, with all this 'promise' around, then why do we even have anyone overweight? If all the claims made, were truths, and really WERE successful, wouldnt we have a healthy, trim looking nation?
Your body, is more sensitive than a machine. Treat it with the RESPECT it deserves. And work towards great health. For the long term.

choice magazine article - well worth the read, many products in the marketplace are not even approved!! In 2008, there were about 100 times more listed weight-loss products than registered products – now there are probably more.

a woman's week at the gym

Dear Diary,

For my birthday this year, I   purchased a week of personal training at the local health club.   Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.

qotd

qotd

"If you REALLY want to change your life, start immediately."

                                                                                                 Osho

qotd

"Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." - Vince Lombardi

22 packs of sugar

nice. campaign.     

tips for weight loss

first turn your head to the left
then turn your head to the right
repeat every time someone offers you something unhealthy to eat!!!!

simple math

This is as basic as it gets.
Top picture = overweight result.
Bottom picture - way more energy plus reap ALL the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Learn and apply this to your life. Wellness? It really is. That simple.

"The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine, or the slowest form of poison."

- Dr. Ann Wigmore, ND

twenty dollar buys

One of the most common debates I have with people is about it being too expensive to eat healthy, compared to eating a packaged food diet. Unfortunately many DO make food decisions based on price. It’s funny how most of those people though, have no challenge finding the extra dollars for alcohol. Or soft drink, ice cream and takeaway!
So is it actually more expensive to eat healthy?
The question is relative of course and the answer will vary greatly depending on who you ask. There are definitely some things we can all cut back on as consumers in order to be able to spend a little more on the food that nourishes our bodies. Step one? Easy example. Eliminate soft drink!
This week I set about finding out exactly what $20 buys here in the Whitsundays in the way of fresh produce.

a beautiful day

WOW - to say I was spoiled today would be an understatement. To my clients, the prossy folk and everyone - who sent messages, emails and left gifts, just an enormous thank you for helping me to smile and have such a wonderful day.
The shares sure went up in Colour me Crazy eh!!  (maybe some of you dont QUITE know me though! my decision making skills are NOT good! it's gonna take me forever  to decide how to spend it all - or. perhaps you just think i have a TON of spare time to loiter with Robyn and the staff :D ) any volunteers to now help me choose?

I'm incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a wonderful and supportive group of people... EVERY day! thank you

a beautiful 24 hours :)

fat, sick and...

Today I invested in the dvd, Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. What a great viewing! Serious, but with many humerous animated additions, making it not tedious to watch.

I love my juice every day for breakfast, however I'm not so sure I could only 'drink' ALL my nutritional needs. Therefore, while I don't advocate you need to necessarily juice or fast like this guy has (don't forget, it IS still television, it is meant to create interest)  - it certainly points out brilliantly the value of nutritional food in our diet to ward off illnesses and disease.

Congratulations to Joe Cross for sharing his journey and making an inspiring documentary... what fabulous transformations. The truck driver has certainly GOT to encourage people to sit up, take note and start making changes in their lives! He sure inspired me.

It's probably available in many stores. I got it in Woolworths for twenty bucks!! The best twenty dollars spent in a long while, worth every cent. Whether overweight or not, grab it. And watch. And see why its worth working towards YOUR personal wellness! Great health. With great nutrition. That's something ALL of us need!

how many calories?

The most common question I have been asked over the past couple of weeks is “How many calories should I be eating to lose weight?”

It’s such a very open ended question. It is true that calories matter but, calorie counting, isn’t always necessary.
There are numerous positives and negatives to counting the calories we consume. Having been a HUGE counter of every morsel of food that entered my mouth in the past, it’s a bold statement for me to say that there ARE negatives because I used to think it was the only solution. It worked. Yes. But remember everyone is so individual. Plus having to weigh or count everything you eat can be very tedious.
Your metabolic rate depends on so many factors.

win a training session

WIN your own personal training session.
Simply send me an email saying why YOU should be the winner! Or, why someone you know should win! That easy!

Entries need to be received by 5pm Monday 20th February 2012. email ann.parrott@optusnet.com.au

healthy harvest

Hospitals and health clinics have pharmacies for their patients, but why not add a place to pick up vegetables and fruits, too? A farmacy!! Let's hope this use of farmer's markets spreads like wildfire: would be fantastic if it was in Australia!

Read article.

challenge week three

Thank you Wendy... and thanks to her
hubby Andrew making it difficult! :)

Beginner challenge - every day
This week we introduce a little bit of running. Don’t get put off by that word! When you’re out doing your half hour, simply add some easy pace jogging into it. Walk for five minutes, run for one! You KNOW you’re capable of that! :)

Plus... the extras! We work in a time frame this week - one minute of each exercise, twice through - morning and night if you can!
      • lunges - alternating legs
      • squat and press
      • modified pushups
      • crunch and twist (alternate sides)

Take a quick breather during the minute if you require it but then press back on. Total time is only eight minutes!

qotd

"If you care enough for a result, you will most certainly attain it."

- William James

join in now

Great nutrition, consistent exercise and a positive mindset are crucial to losing weight in a safe and lasting way!

If you have weight to lose - it doesn't matter if it's 5 kilos or 50 ... and still havent joined in the weight loss challenge... what are you waiting for? You get the benefit of free access to weekly menus, shopping lists, recipes and much more...
Right now is the time to change your life. Click on the weight loss challenge tab above. Sign up and start shedding those unwanted kilos!
Make now the beginning of your future!

qotd

 ...absolutely!

excuses

When you have a lot of weight to lose, it’s easy to come up with excuses rather than get yourself off the couch and into motion... this past week however, has seen quite a few make a change. That’s impressive!
You have taken the initial step of heading into a world of action. A pro active choice towards getting rid of the part of you that has become an expert in excuse making and procrastination, choosing instead to work towards a new, healthier you... what  a fantastic commitment

challenge week two

Thank you Margaret!

Beginner challenge - every day
This week hit your 30 minutes walking ... every single day! You KNOW you CAN do it!
Plus... 50 repetitions, each exercise - morning and night!
        • Squats - hold low for a count
        • Wall push-ups
        • Crunches (knees up!)

Take a break as needed, but complete the 50 before you head to the next exercise! That’s a total of 300 for the day! How AWESOME are you!

localvore

How To Eat Your Way To A Better World - The health of our bodies and environment is very central to many issues facing the modern world. Be empowered by simple steps - beginning with your dinner plate – that can make a profound positive difference.
read here

5.30am

                    why would you still be in bed?!
                    magical mornings in the whitsundays

steps

Just one step at a time ... yes. Thats all it takes.
It's amazing what we can accomplish if we break our goals down into smaller, achievable steps.

february group - sunday session three

wow .... energy plus this morning :)
you all never cease to amaze me with your increasing levels of fitness and the give it everything i got attitude you bring to training sessions.  loved this morning. love the opportunity to get together as a group. hope the workout was great, and the brekky, yummy. the company was certainly sensational! cheers until the next one :)                                     photos here :)

sunday session three

heading into another great session tomorrow morning for all my clients. a high intensity cardio workout to be had!! with a little bit of fun and laughs :) you want results? you gotta work it!

then.... YUMMY - this months breakfast menu ....

• wholemeal muffins with wilted spinach, poached egg and avocado
• muesli (courtesy of capers airlie beach) with natural yoghurt and berries
• watermelon, nectarines, oranges and cherries
• freshly juiced orange juice and carrot juice - with just a touch of beetroot and ginger! YUM!

train hard. eat well. be healthy

qotd

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.
The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."

Thomas A. Edison.

the challenge

The challenge is set Whitsundays!

Are you ready to become a new, healthier version of yourself? Fitter. Stronger. With more energy?!
61% of all adults are considered overweight or obese in Australia - the percentage rising rapidly. If that figure doesn’t scare you, it should. With a huge cost factor to the nation, obesity with its associated illnesses affects us all.
Returning to a healthy weight range isn’t easy, but accomplishing it is one of the most worthwhile things you can do for yourself.
If ever there was a time to begin - it’s now. Let’s get it done!
Stop procrastinating.
Stop creating excuses.
Stop just ‘thinking’ about it.