Monday, December 29, 2008

Monday Weigh-In: Are Weekends Wrecking Your Weight Loss Goals?

Hey All-Last week I was really feeling great having lost a couple of those holiday, food-fest pounds.  Then, the weekend hit, and I regained the weight I had lost--UURRggghhhh!  I decided to post an article below featured on this month's free Make Healthy A Lifestyle health club.  I am going to stick to weeks 3 thru 8 of my SOUPer Slim ebook 8 Week Weight Loss Guide, which you can purchase at www.LindaLaRue.com/store_souper.html.  (It really jump-starts your weight loss and metabolism too).  I am also going to do 2x10 minute Crunchless workouts every day this week.  Here is the article below:

Are Weekends Wreaking Your Weight Loss Goals?

A recent study published in Obesity (2008; published online ahead of print July 1) found that weekends tend to be a time for excessive food consumption and reduced physical activity. Subjects included 48 adults aged 50-60 who were asked to keep a food and exercise journal for one year.

During the study, authors determined that a daily Caloric increase of 36% occurred on Saturdays, and that participants seemed unaware of the increased calorie hike. Authors also found that participants physical activity significantly decreased on Sundays compared to weekdays. The data gathered revealed this food and exercise pattern potentially contributed to a weight gain (instead of weight loss) of approximately 12 to 14 pounds per year!

“It was surprising how consistent the findings were,” stated lead author Susan B. Racette, PhD, in a press release. “We were surprised by the dramatic way in which weekends continued to slow those folks [who were actively] trying to lose weight throughout the course of the study.”

If your goal is to maintain or lose weight, I recommend taking a longer power walk using 2 pound dumb bells on one or both of your weekend days since you have more free time because you are not working. If you do decide to indulge and overeat on Saturday then, walk both days.

Have a great Monday,

Linda

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas All. Let's Laugh and Workout Our Abs Too:)!


Hey Everyone,

Wanted to share a couple of my favorite YouTube funny holiday videos, that will hopefully give you a couple gut-belly laughs, and workout your abs too as laughing is a great core exercise:)!


Otherwise, my best-ever, green holiday gift recommendation is to adopt a pet at your local animal shelter.  One of my BFF's did this last week.  Many folks due to the recession are losing their homes and, subsequently, dropping off their pets at the local shelters.  I have two, big fuzzies (cats), Bernie and Sophie, that I adopted years ago.  My nickname for them in Chaos and Mayhem.

Happy Holidays Everyone,

Linda

Friday, December 19, 2008

Linda LaRue Crunchless Abs Target All The Core Muscles for Katie!


http://www.tvtopten.com No reason anymore to do endless sit-ups for the abs. With Linda LaRue’s Crunchless Abs, ab workout dvds, you exercise the twelve muscles that make up the core abs. Sit-ups and crunches only work two of the muscles. They don’t target the core abs, Linda LaRue’s Crunchless Abs actually target all the core muscles in the abdominal area so there is no reason to do endless crunches anymore. With LaRue’s system you get and build more muscles and less fat.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Crunchless Abs by Linda LaRue Works for Sophie


I just received a lovely holiday greeting from Sophie, a Crunchless Abs fan.  Since Sophie's been working out to my Crunchless Abs, ab videos and following my SOUPer Slim Diet, she's lost 23 pounds and dropped nearly 3 dress sizes.  Plus, she's even practicing my Crunchless Abs Set Up in the car while she's driving her kids to school in the morning.  Keep up the great effort Sophie!

Plz. let me know your Crunchless Abs and weight loss success stories by emailing me at info@LindaLaRue.com.  Let's begin banishing your lower belly pooch sag today.  Time to get trim and tone your core.  The New Year is right around the corner.  Also, check out and join on www.LindaLaRue.com my free, monthly newsletter and club, "Make Healthy A Lifestyle" that is filled with more Crunchless Abs training tips, weight loss recipes, and articles that will help you get fit and finally stay fit. 

Top Trainer Tips: Top 10 Hottest Workout Playlist


I thought I’d put together an awesome workout playlist for you as an early kick-start to New Year’s fitness resolution solution as part of my new article series, Top Trainer Tips. Nothing makes your energy sore more when you are working out, than listening to a hot music playlist. That’s why I gotten together with some of my hottest, LA group exercise friends such as Keith Irace, SoCal Group Manager and Stephanie Vitorino, Woodland Hills Group Manager of Equinox, to create the perfect Top 10 Hottest Workout Playlist for you. This Top 10 Playlist should get you through a complete workout. Lace up your Nike’s, grab a bottle of water (using a recyclable container), your iPod or MP3, and get moving!

Top 10 Hottest Music Workout Playlist

1. Clocks by Coldplay time: 5:07
2. Little Bit of Feel Good by Jamie Lidell time: 4:02
3. Misery Business by Paramore time: 3:31
4. Mercy (remix feat The Game) by Duffy time: 3:29
5. Honky Tonk Woman by The Rolling Stones time: 2:59
6. Push It by Salt-n-Pepa time: 4:16
7. Shake It by Metro Station time: 2:59
8. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) by Michael Jackson time: 3:58
9. It’s a New Day by Will.I.Am time: 3:40
10. Everybody’s a Star by Robin Thicke time: 2:55
11. Cool Down—(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin time: 2:48

One of the most important elements to a great workout tune is tempo or beats per minute (bpm). The bpm should be between 120 and 140 bpm, which roughly corresponds to the average person’s heart rate during a workout routine. For example a beginner walker’s bpm should be between 110 to 114 bpm, intermediate below 120, and advanced walker/jogger up to 150 bpm.

If you want to be guaranteed a consistent beat, I love downloading pre-mixed Digital Fitness Music album compiled by the fitness pros at
www.DynamicMusic.com or www.iSweat Music.com. Both offer hundreds of Digital Fitness Music Albums available in 30, 45 or 60 minute workouts. Each music album offers a variety of music styles including dance, disco, country, rock, with well-known popular songs, in various speeds for different fitness levels. The music plays non-stop on your iPod or MP3. Each album is pre-programmed to keep you on pace to achieve your cardio or strength workout goals. (Yes, this means no cheating since the music speed keeps you going!)

Linda


Monday, December 15, 2008

Are You Ready to Get Fit and Finally Stay Fit This New Year? Join www.LindaLaRue.com/club.html


Every time this year I hear the same complaint from folks about losing and gaining the same 10 to 20 pounds. FYI the definition of insanity is repeating the same behavior and expecting a different outcome. I decided to create and dedicate January’s "Make Healthy A Lifestyle" newsletter at www.LindaLaRue.com/club.html with articles I’ve written that will help you get fit and finally stay fit forever. It’s really easier than you think—you just need to make a simple game plan, then, commit to succeed (and join my free Make Healthy club's monthly newsletter).

Did you know the top two workout wishes are (1) to get great, 6-pack abs, and (2) to lose weight? My New Year’s transformation 6-pack abs and weight loss resolution solution is Crunchless Abs, ab videos featuring my SOUPer Slim Diet. I especially love my new Crunchless Ab, ab videos using a soft, mini-gel weighted ball. The moves really target your deep inner abs, core muscles, and obliques or side abdominal wall muscles. (It’s what I call Cardio-Core Sculpting.) You’ll get great, sculpted abs with my ab workout videos, and you’ll have fun too! Plus, my SOUPer Slim Diet booklet will help you begin eating more healthfully.

Don’t forget to blog me here with your comments, and read my posts on Dr. Deepak Chopra and Mallika Chopra’s new, mind-body blog community site, www.Intent.com.

Have a healthy and happy New Year,

Linda

*If you need more help and focus to commit, please consider booking a 1:1 personal training and/or nutrition session with me in-person or by phone by contacting me online at www.LindaLaRue.com or emailing me at info@LindaLaRue.com.  (Sometimes a little extra personal attention and help is all you need to succeed.)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

It's Monday, What's Your Weight? Are You Like Oprah?


It’s Monday. My question to you again during these food-fest eating holidays is, “What is your weight”? Have you gained more than 2 pounds last week or like Oprah, gained significantly more over this past year? Are you a yo-yo dieter?

Last week Oprah made a courageous, personal statement about her ballooning weight gain over the past year. She is like many of us, an emotional eater. Her addition is food. She took her focus off her health. Oprah let her unhealthy emotions dictate her lifestyle choices including how much and what she ate, while letting her exercise routine slide. Her statement about getting back into shape and losing weight by focusing on her self-care is a healthy attitude to develop, because health care is about making your self-care first. It’s why my free online health club at www.LindaLaRue.com is entitled, “Make Healthy A Lifestyle”. My mantra has been to my clients and myself that, “Health care is self-care first”, (especially us women who tend to put are loved one’s needs along with our jobs before ourselves).

So I am asking you again this Monday during these eating, food-fest holidays is, "What’s your weight"? If you have gained weight, time to redirect your focus and attention onto you—meaning your health. Lace up your Nike’s, do your Crunchless Abs, watch what you eat including your portions, and truly commit to “Making Healthy A Lifestyle”. It will be the most precious holiday and New Year’s gift you’ll give yourself and your loved ones too.

Monday, December 8, 2008

It's Monday. What's Your Weight?

Every Monday during the holiday, food-fest eating season, I ask my clients this question.  I advise and coach my clients to weigh themselves on Monday, because it comes right after the weekend when they are more apt to, "eat, drink, be merry, and overindulge".

If you have gained more than 2 pounds over the weekend, then, time to lace up your Nike's, and up your workout's--especially cardio-core.  Skip bigger food portions, desserts, carbs, and alcohol until you get back down to your comfortable, goal weight.

This month think of me as your personal trainer.  What do you weigh today?  If you haven't weighed yourself yet, then, hurry up and go get on the scale now;)!

Make sure to email me at info@LindaLaRue.com to let me know how you are surviving the holidays.

Linda

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Are Your Workouts Working Out for You?

One of the most frequent complaints I hear is that, "My workouts are not working out for me.  I can't seem to lose that last 10 to 20 pounds, and if I do, I quickly gain it back."  So I've decided to develop my Top 10 Home Workout Videos List along with my top recommendations for a few, inexpensive, but versatile and effective pieces of equipment that will give you the best chance to get fit and stay fit.  (I will tell you that my position has always been that fitness fads and gimmicky exercise products usually get pretty poor results and may cause athletic injuries--so save your money and maybe your body, especially your back).

I'd like you to email me at info@LindaLaRue.com to let me know what are your favorite fitness videos and exercise tools that have gotten and kept you fit.  What has produced lasting results, and what products have not achieved lasting results?  (I'm talking fitness not diets, which may come in a later top recommended blog list).  If Crunchless Abs featuring my SOUPer Slim Meal Plan is a favorite of yours, then, many thanks as this is mine too;)!

Monday, November 24, 2008

I Love Elisabetta Rogiani Active Workout Wear!


Yesterday, Elisabetta Rogiani and I attended the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at The Grove in LA.  So much fun as Elisabetta is hysterically funny.  All we do is laugh and giggle like a couple of girls.  I am waiting for her METROPOLIS yoga capri length pants in Indigo and Zen orange, which I hope to have soon.  (My new favorite colors as featured on my website, www.LindaLaRue.com.)  I love Rogiani active workout wear--especially METROPOLIS--featuring the black lace waist band. The yoga capri pants have the most amazing double fabric scalloped waist band.  

Saturday, November 22, 2008

I Love Crunchless Abs!

I've been working with my web master today on some SEO web biz.  Posting content to see what happens...

Welcome to the official site of
Linda LaRue, RN MEd, ATC, creator of the Crunchless Abs ab workout DVDs, ab video workouts, and The SOUPer Slim Diet soup diet. Here you’ll find all Linda LaRue’s ab videos and ab DVDs, featuring her Crunchless Abs ab workout methodology. Linda LaRue’s Make Healthy A Lifestyle Club will give you great training tips and recipes each month about Linda LaRue’s Crunchless Abs, ab workout videos and ab DVD philosophy. Linda LaRue’s yummy, cost-cutting, eco-friendly (green diet) recipes from her SOUPer Slim Diet, which is not another boring cabbage soup diet or soup weight loss diet, will fill you up—not out. Linda LaRue’s SOUPer Slim soup diet will help you peel off the pounds without starving, just by having soup first (not a tasteless cabbage soup diet). Linda LaRue’s SOUPer Slim soup diet is not another boring cabbage soup diet. Cabbage soup weight loss diets will only leave you hungry, bloated, and uncomfortable. Cabbage soup and other soup diets are not healthy and satisfying long-term diet plans. The SOUPer Slim Diet is a healthy, yummy, and emotionally filling lifelong soup diet plan. This is the official site for Linda LaRue, creator of Crunchless Abs dvds, ab workout videos and ab workout DVDs, and The SOUPer Slim Diet that is NOT another boring cabbage soup diet...and yes I do love Crunchless Abs!

Are You "Banking" Thanksgiving Dinner Calories?

Are you "banking" or burning a few extra Calories for Thanksgiving Dinner?  Each year all my clients and I add 15 minutes to our Cardio-Core Sculpting workout segment, 4-5 sessions prior to Thanksgiving.  Taking a long, brisk walk holding 2 pound dumb bells keeping my Crunchless Abs Set-Up on Thanksgiving morning is a great way begin your day.  Make a plan by making a morning walking date with your significant other or a "walking buddy".   Then, add 2, 10 minute Crunchless Abs workout routines for a total body workout.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Dr. Deepak Chopra and Intent.com


I am so honored and excited to be a health and fitness blogging expert for Dr. Deepak Chopra's and his daughter Mallika Chopra's site, Intent.com.  Dr. Chopra has been one of my mind-body wellness inspirations.  I invite you to join me on Intent.

Namaste and have a great weekend,

Linda


Monday, November 10, 2008

Check Out Make Healthy A Lifestyle: Volume 3


Check out Volume 3 of Make Healthy A Lifestyle at www.LindaLaRue.com, featuring some great articles where you'll find healthy tips and recipes that will save you Calories that will help you whittle away your waistline--not your wallet--this holiday season!  I've posted a Healthy Holiday Meal Makeover by my friend, Robyn Goldberg, RD that will save you up to 100's of Calories without sacrificing taste.  I posted my yummy pumpkin pie with pecan crust that is only 125 Calories per slice.  Did you know on average the typical serving of pumpkin pie is 480+ Calories?  Yikes!!!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Fit Biz and Fit Biz Friends...


Had dinner with a past beau and friend, Michael Carson, last nite to catch up with each others lives and talk fit biz.  Michael was one of the first group exercise instructors to push group core exercise using a heavy med ball.  He has a very popular class he's been teaching at the Equinox Clubs for several years that I enjoy taking when I can fit it into my schedule.  

My second Crunchless Abs dvd series uses a soft, 3 pound mini-gel ball.  I love mini-gel balls--they're so much fun.  Just like exercise tubes they are versatile, take up no space, and create just the right amount of resistance.  *As a bonus for the new dvds, I also choreographed a stretching routine using the gel balls for increased leverage to help you get an awesome stretch and cool down.  (Take a look at Michael's rockin' hot body to the left if you want to see what a weighted core ball workout can do for you!)

Off to the farmers market as I intend to make my Fall Harvest Roasted Butternut Soup then, take a Vinyasa Flow Yoga class at Equinox.

Namaste!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Hope


Hope: hope
Function: verb

Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life.  Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.  To hope is to wish for something with the expectation of the wish being fulfilled, a key condition in unrequited love.



The test of our progress is not whether we add to the abundance of those who have much.  It is whether we provide enough to those who have little.
                                                                                                                         ...Franklin D. Roosevelt

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Vote and Get a Free Starbucks Coffee

Finally, it's election day.  Seems like this election has been lasting forever.  Today I read in the LA Times that lot's of places including Starbucks are offering free beverages and/or food if you present your I Voted sticker.  

Free is my favorite four letter word--especially in tough economic times like these...

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Healthy Halloween Treats


Here's a great article giving a few healthy Halloween treat ideas, http://www.fitness.com/articles/478/healthy_halloween_treats.php.  I especially like giving out mini dark, organic chocolate bars, such as Art Bars and Dagoba bars,  which you can readily purchase at Whole Foods.  When Halloween is over make sure you get rid of all the candy around the house, so everyone will not be tempted to keep filling up with sugary snacks and desserts.

Happy Halloween,

L.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

League of Women Voters Recommendations for Us Women...

I wanted to post this link for state and national issues and candidates given to me by my good friend and client, Dot Curtis.  I like the League of Women Voters website, because it gives me lots of great in-depth information by women for women--all in one place.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Crunchless Abs Blog: English Menu on the Counter

Just viewed a comment on the Crunchless Abs Blog, http://crunchlessabs.blogspot.com/2008/10/english-menu-on-counter.html today.  Wanted to let everyone know that I have more than a few frugally green gourmet, low Calorie recipes and fast food fixes that will save you money and time, while have you losing weight beginning from day one.

Today in the LA Times there is an article on the first page of the Business Section which states, "that restaurant meals now cost on average about 3 times what it takes to make a similar meal at home."  If you are trying to cut costs then,  The SOUPer Slim Diet is the perfect budget friendly solution, because it will help you whittle down your monthly expenses and your waistline too!

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Avoid Holiday Hangover


Holiday parties and family gatherings are usually food fests that tempt you to overindulge, gain weight, and wreak all your dedicated Crunchless Abs workouts. Here are 3 simple tips to help you avoid getting that “Holiday Hangover” muffin top bulge.

  1. Weight yourself once a week on Mondays at the same time, because Mondays come right after the weekend. If you gain more than 2-3 pounds in a week, increase your exercise, especially cardio-core, and decrease your food intake until you get back down to your regular, pre-holiday comfortable weight. Taking an extra long power walk on the weekend holding 2 pound dumb bells in your hand should help you peel the pounds off fast.
  2. Before going out to a party have a low Calorie, high protein, and high volume snack. This will fill you up so you won’t be as tempted to overeat and over drink. I recommend 2 ounces of lean roasted turkey with a cup of my master vegetable slimming soup or 6 ounces of one of my high protein, low Calorie smoothies from my SOUPer Slim Diet
  3. Use a salad plate instead of a regular plate at the buffet table, and limit yourself to having one serving plate only. Try to stick with veggies, lean meats, and fruits instead of high calorie, high fat cheeses, or sugary, high Calorie desserts. If you do decide to indulge in a dessert then, cut it in half (and only eat half)—don’t take it home for later—throw it away.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Alec Baldwin Rocks It Out On Saturday Night Live


I just couldn't resist, and had to post this SNL Backstage Palin skit link, /www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/gov-palin-cold-open/773761/, featuring Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey who are amazing!  

FYI today is the last day you have to register to vote.  If you need help to register, then, Google, How to vote, and include your state.  For example I live in California, here is my link: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections_vr.htm .

Saturday, October 18, 2008

A Spot to Watch About Female Body Image and Self-Worth from My Friend Robyn Goldberg, R.D.

I am posting this link for you to watch that was sent to me from my friend Robyn Goldberg, R.D. Here is the link below:

https://secure.pursuantgroup.net/pursuant4/deltadeltadelta/fall08/dddselect/flashstory.asp

Pass this along to all your female friends.

Enjoy your weekend and take the time to find something you like about yourself today all my lovely and amazing sista's,

Linda

Monday, October 13, 2008

Check Out Turning Life...

I recently received a great eco-friendly recommendation, Turning Life, from a certified yoga instruction named Craig.  Check it out!

Thanks for sharing the great tip Craig.  Would love to experience their yoga mat as mine is falling apart...oy.

Namaste,

L.

Hey Sarah Palin: You Tube Spoof

Hey All-Being a health expert, www.LindaLaRue.com and www.CrunchlessAbs.com, I am want to give any opinions or advice, other than info enhancing your health, diet, and exercise routines/plans.  However, one of my amazing female writer friends, Carolyn Howard-Johnson, www.HowToDoItFrugally.com just sent me this You Tube post, which I think is spot-on.

For all you aspiring writers who are thinking or may already have a book, I recommend going to Carolyn's Site and buying her best-selling book, The Frugal Book Promoter.

(FYI seems like they are blocking this spot right now, so you may have to type in the above URL link).
Namaste,

L.

Friday, October 10, 2008

The Frugal Green Gourmet Diet

Today the stock market continues to extend it's losses with the Dow fluctuating wildly.  In fact it opened down nearly 700 points!  Holy shit Batman!  I believe some Wall Street pundits are calling today Black Friday.  Here's my favorite Frugal Diet tip for today:
I recommend Healthy Choice frozen dinners because they taste great, are nutritious, and inexpensive.  I like to buy several when they are on sale 2 for $5.00, then, stock them in my freezer.  I pair the Healthy Choice dinner with one of my low Calorie individually frozen soups I make and freeze.  Just 3 minutes to microwave the soup and 6 minutes for the Healthy Choice dinner, and I have a Frugal Diet Dinner under $3.00 per meal.  Plus, I feel full, satisfied, and comforted, which is a good thing during these trying economic times...
Enjoy your weekend,

L.

P.S. My favorite Healthy Choice frozen dinners are the Lemon Pepper Chicken and The Roasted Chicken.


Thursday, October 9, 2008

Late Harvest High Protein Pumpkin Smoothie


Try this Late Harvest High Protein Pumpkin Smoothie, (which you can find with my other high protein smoothies in SOUPer Slim),  as a yummy, high protein alternative to pumpkin pie and all the other fall/winter sugary, high Calorie desserts that will expand your waistline between now and the New Year. Orange colored squash varieties are chock full of powerful phytochemicals (or plant chemicals), such as antioxidants, vitamin C, and betacarotine, which is helps improve your vision.




Ingredients:
1 cup canned pumpkin
¼ cup nonfat vanilla yogurt (or reduced fat, firm tofu if you are vegan)
2 cups unsweetened apple juice
1 T honey of agave
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1. Place the canned pumpkin, honey, pumpkin pie spice, and yogurt or reduced fat tofu in blender.
2. Pour in juice and process until blended well. Serve immediately. May store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Yields: 4 Servings. Serving size: 6 ounces. Nutritional Content: 140 Calories, 0.4g fat, 2g protein, 34g carbohydrates, 20mg sodium.
*May top with 1 T of nonfat, whipped real dairy topping (a free food portion) and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice mix.

For more delicious, healthful, and quick holiday recipes that will get you through the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve without packing on the pounds, visit
 www.LindaLaRue.com/club.html.


Green Money $aving Workout $olutions

We all agree that we need to do a better job conserving our planet’s limited resources. Where do you begin? Here are 3 simple solutions that will help you get green into your workout routine without much effort at all. These eco-friendly changes are easy switches that will save you time and lots of money! How easy is that?  In these challenging economic times these simple switches will keep your hard-earned money in your pocket.  And remember, Soup Makes Cents!

  1. Use organic cotton and/or bamboo towels. Lots of discount retailers are now selling eco-friendly towels, such as organic cotton, bamboo, or organic cotton-bamboo blend. For example Bed, Bath, and Beyond, a nationwide retail store, sells them for reasonable prices. They routinely offer 20% coupon specials, which make the towels even more affordable. And, bamboo towels are extremely soft, luxuriant, and absorbent.
  2. Buy biodegradable body wash and shampoo in bulk, which will save you money and decrease bottle use. Then, fill them into smaller, personal-use size reusable bottles. (Most major discount retailers sell biodegradable body wash and shampoo in bulk and oftentimes run brand-name specials.)
  3. Buy a recyclable water bottle instead of plastic one-use water bottles. Recyclable water bottles will save you big bucks in the long run, as most designer waters are very expensive. Many individual 16-ounce designer waters that include minerals and vitamins are now over $2.00 a bottle. These outrageously overpriced waters are unnecessary, as you can obtain all your vitamins and minerals by eating a sensible diet along with taking a daily multivitamin. 
Did you know that according to the Container Recycling Institute only 23% of plastic bottles are recycled in the US? 38 billion plastic bottles go into landfills in the US each year. Plastic bottles take up to 1000 years to biodegrade. I recommend these two recyclable water bottle companies: www.mysigg.com and www.kleankanteen.com. Do the math. A one-time purchase of a Sigg or Klean Kanteen bottle versus expensively overpriced designer water in a one-use plastic bottle? I’m sure you’ll become a convert like me, and switch to using a recyclable water bottle because every little bit helps.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Back by Popular Demand: Five Fixes to Flatten Your Belly Fast!

Hey Everyone-Due to an overwhelming positive response to my Five Fixes to Flatten Your Belly Fast, I am posting this article again.  As I said I am a big believer in taking probiotics daily.  It's one of my lifesaver remedies.

Here goes...Belly-bloat will wreck all your dedicated, “crunchless” abdominal training for achieving flat, sculpted, sexy abs. Here are five, quick fixes that will help banish belly bloat, which will keep your mid-section flat and “poochless”.
  1. Eat yogurt with live cultures and take a probiotic that includes acidophilus and bifidus every day to boost the good bacteria that lives healthfully in your digestive tract. These good bacteria keep you regular and prevent gas and bloating which causes your gut to extend and feel uncomfortable. My favorite probiotic that I take every day and highly recommend is Da Vinci’s Chewable Mega Probiotic’s Plus. Since I began taking Da Vinci’s Chewable Mega Probiotic Plus, my gut has never felt better. I no longer suffer from uncomfortable belly-bloat and stomach pains. 
  2. Avoid carbonated drinks. Carbon dioxide found in carbonated beverages stays in your stomach, causing bloating.
  3. Drink peppermint teas and peppermint-flavored waters. Peppermint is a homeopathic remedy that sooths and relaxes your stomach and digestive tract muscles, naturally relieving abdominal bloating.
  4. Skip salty foods. Foods that contain excessive sodium make your body retain water. Water retention makes you look bigger and puffier, especially your lower abs.
  5. Do not chew gum. Chewing gum also causes you to swallow air. Sugarless gum contains sorbitol, a sugar substitute, which your intestinal bacteria turns into gas giving you that awful, lower belly pouch and bloated lower abs.

*You can purchase Da Vinci’s Chewable Mega Probiotic Plus on my shopping cart at
www.LindaLaRue.com. Note it customarily takes 3 or so weeks for your intestinal tract (and abs) to “deflate” along with decreased cramping. Keep the faith and make sure you are saying well hydrated with water, not carbonated drinks such are soda.  For weaving a tight, now abdominal girdle try my Crunchless Abs videos, www.LindaLaRue.com.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Core/Abdominal Training and Musings...

My dear client, friend, and fellow "Foodie" Dr. Susan Berman, (Susan is the amazing woman who's on the CrunchlessAbs spot) and I are creating another seasonal winter soup, Winter Roasted Acorn Squash with Roasted Leeks.  We're discussing whether or not to include a pear in the soup to use as a sweetener, and because it is also an easily obtainable winter fruit.

More to come as Susan and I work on our lower belly pouch, train our abs flat, and create newsoupdietrecipes...

The Frugal Green Gourmet: Soup Makes Cents...

An article in the LA Times Business Section today, stated food-price inflation may run as high as 6% this year, the highest since 1980, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  The average cost of typical weekly food consumer purchases rose 11% in the three months ending September, 2008 said Jim Sartwelle, an economist for The Farm Bureau Federation.  

The Bottom line:  Soupmakescents.  Making one big pot of my Master SOUPer Slimming Vegetable Soup each week will save you money, because my soup is just pennies per cup.  You'll save money, lose weight, and shed that layer of fat covering your beautiful, tight new, sexyabs.


Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Eat Soup: Lose Weight and Save Money

Yesterday was an extremely turbulent day in the stock market with the Dow falling over 700 points due to this whole mortgage derivative mess.  The only stock to rise in the Standard & Poor's 500 index was Campbell's Soup Co., which edged up 12 cents to $37.75.  The reasoning is that even if the markets are melting down, and the economy will soon follow, we all still gotta' eat and drink.  At times like this, investors often find refuge in stocks of companies that make basic, low-priced things we need to live.

The bottom line:  Eat soup, save money, and lose weight with the SOUPer Slim Diet Plan.  My SOUPer Slimming Master Vegetable Soup is only 78 Calories per cup so you can eat high volume without stacking on lots of Calories.  You'll be amazed at how few Calories per cup has per serving, compared to store bought brands.  Plus, my soup is just pennies per cup.  In this present economic environment--my soup is a comforting weight loss solution and blessing.

...Linda


Linda LaRue, www.LindaLaRue.com, Crunchless Abs, www.CrunchlessAbs.com, 6-Pack abs, ab videos.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Real Results for Real Women by a Real Woman!

Just reached out to a new right and real gal, Debra Mazda, www.DebraMazda.com.  Debra will be sending me her new Shapely Girl workout video, which I am so excited to receive!  I love her energy, spirit, passion, and enthusiasm.  Debra is an Exercise Physiologist with a Master's Degree--a big plus, like her personality and heart.

As I always say, "It's About Real Results for Real Women by a Real Woman."  Did you know that the average American woman is a size 14, not Hollywood stick-size 0?  Let's get real and healthy.  Off to watch the Presidential debates.  I hope Obama kicks ass.

Have a great weekend all!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Adventures of a Fledgling Yogini

I want to give a big congrats and shot out to my yoga teacher and Sista' friend, Maura Barclay, who shot a couple yoga workout DVDs for ExerciseTV.  I can't wait to see them as I hear she was passionate, lovely and amazing!

Having recently spent several months hunched over my Mac completing my first book, The SOUPer
Slim Diet, I have been taking yoga flow classes at Equinox in Westwood to unwind, open up my hips, and lengthen my "crunched" spinal muscles. I am breathing deeply while feeling tall and flexible again...

Everything is life is controlled by your breath.  You enter life with a breath then, leave life with a breath.
...Ancient Yogic quote...

Namaste Maura!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

What Do You Think About Crunchless Abs?

After receiving more than a few emails and phone calls, I'd like to invite you to blog me and share what you think about my Crunchless Abs workout dvds and The SOUPer Slim Diet booklet.  I'd like to hear your experiences, successes, and failures too.  Are you dropping weight?  Are you seeing changes in your abs and core?  Is your back getting stronger?  How are you pants, especially your waistline, fitting you?  Are you keeping up with your workouts or not?  If you are being inconsistent or quit why?  How can I and other women who decide to blog and join my Crunchless Abs community?

So blog me about Crunchless Abs and The SOUPer Slim Diet booklet!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Rina, Email me at info@LindaLaRue.com

Hey Rina-I would like you to email me with your contact info at info@LindaLaRue.com.  Let's be  be about mutually respectful solutions.

With respect,

Linda

A Day of Reflection Post 9/11

After I finished training my morning clients, I decided to carve out a metal health day of reflection for myself.  I took my favorite yoga class with my Yogini girlfriend, Stella Valente, at Equinox Fitness Club in Westwood.  We were a class of all women, twisting, posing, sweating, chanting, and channeling our collective positive female energy for 90 minutes.  It was exactly what my body, mind, and soul needed.

More than a few times, Sarah Pallin's name came up before and after our session.  Strong opinions about a woman's rights to choose rather than be dictated too were repeatedly voiced.  Concerns about the environment were also foremost on everyone's minds.  I do not believe even Hillary Clinton has had this kind of negative, polarizing effect with women.  In fact, Hillary has had quite the opposite positive effect with most women, being an agent for universal health, universal education, freedom of choice, and energy saving measures to protect our planet's limited resources.  

Very interesting times. Seems an overwhelming number of us women are speaking up about Sarah Pallin's view's in places such as a quite, peaceful, little yoga class conducted during the middle of the day in Westwood.  I wonder if the rest of us women across America are speaking about her strong, right-of-center views in their yoga, Pilates, or aerobic classes too?

To all my right and real women sista's across America, I'd like to hear your thoughts.  What do you share and speak about in your exercise classes?  What are your views about Sarah Pallin?  

I invite you to blog me and share your opinions.

Namaste for now...


Thursday, August 28, 2008

http://www.LindaLaRue.com/CrunchlessAbs.CrunchlessAbs.html......

...More SEO (search engine optimization) stuff...

http://www.CrunchlessAbs.com/LindaLaRue.LindaLaRue.html

Hey--I'm playing around/experimenting with some search engine optimization jazz.  Hence, the titles...L.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Crunchless Abs and SOUPer Slim Work for Alli!

I received a lovely phone call this morning from another, new Sista' friend, Alli, who has been struggling to lose the last 15 baby pounds she gained during her second pregnancy.  In May she bought my Crunchless Abs DVDs and has since really toned her deep core and ab muscles.  However, the weight was not moving so she decided to buy my new SOUPer Slim Diet e-book two weeks ago.  SUCCESS!  Alli followed Weeks 1&2 of The SOUPer Slim Select Diet Guide.  She's lost 5 pounds and 2 1/2 inches from her waist!  Plus, her husband has lost 3 pounds just eating more healthfully along with Alli.  

Alli's been adding fun shaped pasta in the Master Slimming Vegetable Soup for her eldest daughter, which I think is an awesomely creative idea for kids.  Merci, Gracias, and thanks for the great kid soup idea...OXL.

Join my free, Make Healthy A Lifestyle online health club to help you lose weight and get in shape today!  Buy the new, SOUPer Slim Diet ebook including my 8 Week SOUPer Slim Eating Guide and 8 Week Exercise Guide to Success, which will have you shedding pounds beginning from day one--just look at the Success Stories.  You may purchase my ebook at www.LindaLaRue.com and www.CrunchlessAbs.com to buy the workout DVDs.

It's time for you to get healthy, and finally stay healthy!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

The Frugal Green Gourmet: Soup First Works for Sharon!

I received a lovely call from a new Sista' friend, Sharon, who purchased my Crunchless DVDs and new SOUPer Slim Diet book.  (Hey Sharon!)  She shared with me that the reasons she purchased the workout DVDs and book were because of my credentials and because she eats soup every day for lunch.  She wanted a diet plan that would not leave her starving or deprived.  Having soup first is emotionally comforting and filling.

If you happen to find my blog in cyberspace, I invite you to share your success stories by blogging me, (or just blog me if you have any other helpful comments for others trying to achieve their weight loss goal and body toning transformation).  

Thanks again Sharon for your beautiful call today.  I am honored and grateful--you made my day!

Namaste,

L.


Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Crunchless Abs Crunches versus Core Training; What’s The Difference?

Core training is a hot buzzword in fitness.  Seems like everything abs these days is being inaccurately labeled core which is creating a great deal of confusion.  What are the differences between core training (properly defined as functional core performance) versus the standard abdominal crunch, and why should you care?  It’s because the end result, how your body looks and performs, is profound.

Let’s begin by defining both terms.  Did you know “Crunch” is a slang term and not a real word found in any exercise science college textbooks such as Exercise Physiology by McArdle, Katch, and Katch?  It’s a word that was coined back in the early days of bodybuilding.  Traditionally, a crunch or sit-up is performed lying face up on the floor with bent knees, then lifting the upper torso and knees together.  Most physical medicine experts define a crunch as a simultaneous flexion of the spine, mainly lumbar, and hips.  Crunches primarily train your two, superficial abdominal muscles, the rectus or “six pack” and obliques.  The goal of crunches is to build hypertrophy and definition, which is purely cosmetic according to Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky, Dept. Chair of Physical Therapy at Loma Linda University in California and Steve Thomas, MS, RPT of Steve Thomas PT in Brentwood, CA.  They state that training just these two ab muscles without properly strengthening and conditioning your entire core produces muscle and structural imbalance in your entire trunk and body, which often leads to back injuries and pain.  Back pain is the #2 medical complaint Americans have, right behind the common cold (US Consumer Safety Commission).

The purpose of functional core training is to strengthen the stabilizer muscles in your entire trunk or core.  Your core is the entire region beginning from the base of your skull down through and including your hips.  Your core is an amazing anatomical composition of about 12 muscles that wrap around your midsection like a girdle or back brace. Some of these important muscles are the transverse abdominus, erector spinae, obliques, pelvic floor (PC), illiopsoas, and multifudus to name a few.  All movement begins from your core.  The goal of functional core training is to establish a proper of sequence of muscle firing patterns that will create good, strong upright posture and alignment, a strong back, balance, gait, and, finally, movement by your legs and arms.  In other words your core is essential for every movement in life.  A balanced, strong body requires a well-aligned, balanced, strong core. From a purely cosmetic viewpoint, when properly trained the core acts like a girdle; holding and pulling in your entire abdominal region tight and flat-especially that lower belly pooch sag problem area.

Core moves can be done in a variety of positions.  The best core moves are performed in an athletic stance position and oftentimes use fitness products like a stability ball or bosu to create instability forcing your trunk to instinctively use all your stabilizer, core muscles.  Before you begin, the key to a successful core move that truly engages all your core muscles must begin with a proper, CORRect set up.  All you need to do is maintain good or neutral spine alignment before and throughout each and every move.  Good alignment is achieved by keeping your ears stacked directly over your shoulders and hips, pulling and keeping your shoulders down, pulling your belly in tight or what is called “bracing” your belly/core, and doing a continuous, soft Kegel (also known as a pelvic floor pull-up).   You can find and activate your pelvic floor muscles by stopping your urine mid-stream.  Then, you can do a soft, easy Kegel by pulling or zipping your pelvic floor muscles up and into your pelvic cavity. 

Most body builders and fitness buffs do an endless amount of crunches or sit-ups to achieve flat, sculpted six packs abs.  However, because sit-ups only train the two, superficial ab muscles, the biomechanics are all wrong.  Crunches or sit-ups do not train the important core muscles that truly act as an abdominal girdle by pulling your mid-section in tight and flat.  Thousands of repetitive, boring crunches won’t help you get the flat, sculpted abs of your dreams.  Only true, functional core performance moves will get you those abs, along with developing a strong, healthy back.  

Why Do We Have More Lower Belly Fat and Pooch Sag? 

Couple reasons according to Dr. Petrofsky:  First, fat like everything else travels South due to gravity.  Fat cells are also loosely held together than muscle or bones making them even more susceptible to gravity’s pull.  Second, our upper abdominals are held in tight by our rib cage which is a natural girdle holding in our vital organs and intra-abdominal fat.

See more at www.LindaLaRue.com, www.CrunchlessAbs.com, Bender Ball, and ExerciseTV