After experiencing some symptoms of fatigue, moodiness and daily drops of sugar levels (you know, that feeling when you feel weak and so hungry that nothing seems to satisfy you), I visited my nutritionist and after evaluation, she determined that I am not getting enough good fat in my diet, a common problem for anyone watching their nutrition. It is very difficult to get enough of the good fatty acids and not go over your fat intake goals. Because I am not able to eat most fish, that also puts me at risk. Getting enough good fat is so incredibly important and it is amazing how not getting it can cause a multitude of problems.
Many people who are overweight suffer from poor blood sugar control, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Studies suggest that overweight people who follow a weight loss program including exercise tend to achieve better control over their blood sugar and cholesterol levels when fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, mackerel, and herring) is a staple in their low fat diet. Omega 3's can also be found in some plant oils.
Feeling depressed, moody or having major PMS? The brain is remarkably fatty: In fact, this organ is 60% fat and needs omega-3s to function properly. Now researchers have discovered a link between mood disorders and the presence of low concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.
Apparently, omega-3s help regulate mental health problems because they enhance the ability of brain-cell receptors to comprehend mood-related signals from other neurons in the brain. In other words, the omega-3s are believed to help keep the brain's entire traffic pattern of thoughts, reactions, and reflexes running smoothly and efficiently.
It is always best to consume any essential fatty acid through whole foods, such as fish, but if you are not able to like me, I choose a supplement and also incorporate foods like eggs and avocados into my diet.
Now before you run out and buy some Fish Oil at Wal-mart, do some research. Make sure your Omega-3 supplement is pharmaceutical grade so you know that it doesn't contain mercury which is not good for you. I use Natural Factors & since taking it for 2 weeks, have noticed an incredible change in my energy, sugar levels & overall mental health.
How Lack of Omega 3's can affect Weight Loss
Our Valentine's Day Tradition
On February 1st, you cut out large hearts out of construction paper and write the name of a family member in the middle of each one. You tape them to a door or wall and the for the next two weeks, in secret, family members go and write on each other's heart and write notes of what they love about that person or what is beautiful about that person. It can be personality, physical traits, things they do for others, characteristics, talents, etc. Anything motivating and loving. If you have little ones too young to write or communicate, older siblings or mom and dad can write for them.
Then on February 14th, we have a nice dinner (everything heart shaped!) and after dinner we take the hearts down and everyone reads their heart out loud.
It is one of the most wonderful traditions we have, to hear what our family loves about eachother. Always makes me cry! I especially love to see the siblings saying nice things about eachother. Sometimes we write funny things too as long as it isn't insulting or put downs.
So try it this year! We then laminate the hearts and put them in a memory box. If any of us are having a bad day, we can just pull our hearts out from the past years and get encouraged!
page you can see where my success story is being published and also upcoming speaking events. I would love to have a chance to meet you in person! On February 27th, Collage Video will be mailing out their Pre-swim suit catalog and I will be on the back cover with my success story. They are a great company so go sign up for their mailing list! I have also been contacted by Looking Good Magazine so the Lord is good at spreading the Word!
February GIVEAWAY
Congrats to Nancy S. of AR for winning Billy's JAMZ CD! To read the winning answer, go to the giveaway page and also see what you can win THIS Month!
As most of you know already, we are in the plans for building a Fit By Faith Center. It is a vision the Lord gave me some time ago. You can keep up with the progress of this center at the
We currently have found a wonderful building to become established in and I already have people waiting to sign up for classes. I even have instructors ready to be hired! We just are waiting for the Lord to provide the finances. This has been a battle of faith for me because one day I am so pumped and know it is going to happen and the next, I am down as it seems impossible, but I have to put into practice what I teach and that is, "With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." I have to apply my walk by faith, not by sight principal to all areas, so please think of me in your daily prayers and lift up this vision and believe that it shall come to pass in God's timing and in His way, not mine.
I just started adding Pilates to my daily routine and wow, it is really helping! I have very tight hamstrings and due to 2 epidurals, there is a weak spot in my lower back that makes certain situps difficult. After doing Pilates for a week, I already had control of that area and my flexibility is greatly improving. My curves are becoming more defined and people are thinking I am losing more weight, but my body is just sculpting. It is very relaxing and great for strengthening your core. I do this workout prior to doing Tae Bo and it has been excellent! I also love the Body Band Pilates workout for resistance training.
