oxygenfit

Monday, January 7, 2008

Holiday Tips for Keeping Off Weight and Avoiding Temptations

By Lauren Showers
Team oxygenfit

www.oxygenfitstore.com

From popcorn garlands to holiday cocktail parties, Santa's cookies, school-made gingerbread houses, cookie swaps, and candy cane giveaways. it seems we are surrounded by the temptation of endless empty calories during the holiday season. All the eating opportunities presented to us makes the thought of squeezing into that little black dress for New Years a little daunting. Because of this overwhelming time of temptation to over gorge and satisfy our little taste buds, it takes more than merely the desire to maintain your waistline. While simple everyday choices like passing on the pumpkin pie will help you avoid the extra pounds, it takes a deep rooted commitment of consistency to pull you through to the New Year with success.

Decide today that, "Nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels." Every time you are tempted, repeat these words to yourself and watch it empower you to say, "No thanks". While it is important that you don't allow yourself to indulge in all the goodies it is just as important to have balance. If you deny yourself of every treat without any room for error you are bound to binge, leaving you with the feeling of failure. To avoid this from happening, decide what treats you will allow yourself that week. For example; "If I eat healthy Monday through Friday and resist the temptations, I will allow myself to enjoy a dessert at the neighbor's holiday party this weekend." Staying healthy should be the goal at this time of year, but it should not be to lose the extra five pounds you have been working on for the past few months. Maintenance and balance should be the focus and keeping the scale steady is succeeding. Come the New Year you can work on the numbers dropping, but for now keeping it from traveling upward is hard enough work as it is.

HOLIDAY TIPS TO KEEP YOU GLOWING THROUGH THE NEW YEAR

1. Dine before you dash - Eating something healthy before going to a holiday party will help you resist the temptations.

2. No buffet binging - Your eyes tend to be bigger than your stomach, choose a variety of foods in small portions.

3. Prepare to eat, not cheat - Bring a "healthy" holiday dish to your parties like whole-wheat ginger snaps that won't be as bad to munch on.

4. Keep moving - Be physically active everyday (exercise alleviates stress, regulates appetite and burns off extra calories)

5. Slow and steady - Eat slowly and only until you are not hungry anymore. don't keep eating until a Santa belly appears and then decided it's time to stop.

6. Write it down - Writing down what you eat will provide a reality check on how many calories you are actually consuming and will help you resist in the future.

7. Let it go - If you overeat one day don't let it ruin your enthusiasm. Life is about balance. Forget about it and work on getting back on track.

8. Don't sip your calories - Alcohol mixed with sugary juices, creamy eggnog, and open wine bars are not your friend this season. Enjoy your calories through the foods that are present rather than gulping them down.

9. Warning signs - If a food is fried, creamy, cheese filled, a processed meat, pastry or baked good try to avoid them at all cost. These foods tend to be the highest in fat and calories.

10. Substitute - There are hundreds of great low-fat and healthy recipes out there for our favorite holiday dishes. Start by substituting unsweetened applesauce for oil, using whole grain instead of all-purpose flour, trying Stevia or Splenda instead of table sugar and reducing the amount of salt the recipe asks for. Every little adjustment helps.

By consistently focusing on your health and allowing for a little wiggle room you are sure to be stunning in that little black dress as you enter into 2008. Happy Holidays!
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In Health and Pure Joy,

Lauren Showers, Team oxygenfit
P.T, Certified by American Council on Exehttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifrcise,
Fitness journalist & model

www.oxygenfitstore.com

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Tips For Keeping Your New Year's Weight Loss Resolution

Tips For Keeping Your New Year's Weight Loss Resolution

By Lauren Showers

www.oxygenfitstore.com

It's very likely now as the New Year is approaching that you have jotted down some highly optimistic resolutions for 2008 or at least thought of ways in which you would like to improve the current "you". It happens every year, the count down 3, 2, 1. Happy New Year!! . and BANG! We expect to be a new and improved, glamorous woman with a smoking physique, more motivation, higher potential, and a determined unwavering focus.

It's 7am and the alarm clock goes off. You roll out of bed with glitter still stuck in your tresses. With a slight Champagne hangover you start your day and it hits you. you don't feel so glamorous, motivated or different at all. You grab for your morning danish and the zest of your ambitions begin to fade even before your coffee is brewed.

The gift of the New Year can bring about so much potential in us all, as long as we understand that the power of this potential lies in our hands and not the simple fact that the new year now ends with an 8 rather than a 7. Because it is, in a sense, the beginning of a new chapter of your life, let this "new beginning" propel you towards your goals by taking action every day. The passionate concept needs to manifest into a proactive game plan in order for you to reach your resolutions.

If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten.

If weight loss is one of your resolutions this year, don't expect the pounds to start melting off if you continue with your usual day to day routine. Revamp last year's ways by eliminating the actions, things, or thought process that kept you from succeeding. Then begin to supplement your life with fresh habits that will direct you towards your goal. Your first thought in the morning of "another day." becomes "another day of opportunity to improve myself". Instead of grabbing for your usual morning danish and coffee, fix some eggs on whole grain toast with a cup of green tea. The daily elevator ride to the 5th floor of your office building becomes an opportunity for a small cardio bout to pump in the endorphins. These small lifestyle adjustments will help you stay with your game plan of losing the weight.

When a big goal is on your plate, breaking it up into small bite size pieces that are easy to swallow is the way to go. Set specific weekly goals like losing a couple pounds, avoiding fast food, drinking more water, etc. In the 21st century we have become people of instant gratification and when the satisfaction isn't quick to meet us, our motivation tends to fade. By allowing for smaller successes along the way you are feeding the fire and keeping it strong until the main weight loss goal is accomplished. To pump up the effect of this strategy, reward yourself for the hard work with something other than food. A manicure, girls night out, or that cute top you saw at the boutique last week. Whatever it may be, pamper yourself because you deserved it. A positive reinforcement is the strongest reinforcement of actions and will drive you further towards success.

The New Year is on its way and so is the new you as long as you take the power into your own hands. Dream it, plan it, and make it happen.

In Health and Pure Joy,

Lauren Showers, Team oxygenfit
P.T, Certified by American Council on Exercise,
Fitness journalist & model

www.oxygenfitstore.com

Burning Calories in Freezing Weather

Burning Calories in Freezing Weather

By Lauren Showers, Team oxygenfit

www.oxygenfitstore.com

When the temperature drops so too does the motivation to move. Don't let the cold weather squash your fitness inspiration this season. Use the strategies below to keep your fire for fitness burning, even as the icicles grow outside your window.

Spice it up - Add a little variety into your exercise routine. Don't limit yourself as to where you can burn calories. Lace up your skates when it's too cold, dark or wet to run outside. Ice skating is a sure way to get your heart pumping and allow for some fun while doing it. Hit the slopes for a weekend of skiing and snowboarding with friends and tone your legs at the same time. Shovel the ice off your driveway or even have a snowball fight, whatever it is, keep moving this winter and don't let the dropping temperatures take your motivation down with it.

No gym required - When the weather freezes your motivation to face the cold, it can have grave effects on the consistency of your workouts. Make your home into your very own calorie burning studio by using very little equipment and various body weight movements. Winter workout necessities simply include a stability ball, bands, and light to moderate weights. With these tools and using various body weight exercises such as push ups, squats, lunges, and crunches you can get an effective workout in the comfort of your own living room.

Expand your wardrobe - Getting a new pair of running shoes, heart rate monitor or cute sports bra always tends to boost our desire to hit the gym as if the new item allows us to push harder than before. Utilize this power for your own benefit and treat yourself to a new pair of warm workout pants, and maybe even a jacket to match. Before you know it, you'll be in keeping warm and looking cool sporting your new outfit in the gym.

Team up - It is much easier to tell yourself that you are going to skip today's workout, than to tell a friend who is counting on you to be there. Buddy up with your fitness routine to increase your consistency during the winter months. Set a time and day you and a friend will workout together on a weekly basis. This "appointment" will help both of you stay on track.

Pack for Success - Our intentions for the next day's accomplishments, including , are always more intense than the moment we wake up dreading to leave the warmth of our beds. Use this time of high personal expectations the day before to pack and prepare for success the next day. Prepare your healthy meals and gym bag with everything needed so that when you wake, no thinking is required. Getting into this type of routine and making it a lifestyle adjustment will be extremely beneficial during any season of the year.

Even when it seems like Mr. Frost is doing all he can to keep us from working out, there is always a way to win. By simply changing up your routine, working out at home, using the buddy system and preparing in advance you are sure to stay fit this winter.

In Health and Pure Joy,

Lauren Showers, Team oxygenfit

P.T, Certified by American Council on Exercise,

Fitness journalist & model

www.oxygenfitstore.com

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Michelle Levesque

Oxygenfit: Hey Michelle, welcome to the Oxygenfit family. First we want to say congratulations to your continued success. So tell us: Who is Michelle Levesque? How would you describe yourself?

Michelle: I've always had a strong interest in the human body. I have received my Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology while working as a personal trainer and rehab therapist for years.

I have also completed my certification to be a massage therapist. I feel I am in the right field! I love how I feel after a good workout.

Being fit has given me the opportunity to do a lot of modeling work, and I just love it! I've worked so hard to make my passion a way of life! I am enjoying every minute of it!

I am also now working really hard to create a conference on self-esteem, confidence, and self-empowerment.

Oxygenfit: What are your most recent accomplishments?

Michelle: I have been competing for only a year and a half now, and I have already won two big shows. I won the Muscle Mania Figure World Championship, and Muscle Mania Figure Universe. I also won several shows here in Canada. I am really proud of what I have been able to accomplish in less than a year! Dreams do come true.

Oxygenfit: How did you decide to pursue fitness modeling as opposed to being a fashion model?

Michelle: My height!!! I've always been interested in modeling, but because of my height, and my athletic body, I thought there wasn't any place for me out there. Then I started competing, and more and more opportunities came to me.

I then figured out I that I could be a model just like I always wanted to be! I have even been doing some fashion modeling believe it or not! My height is not a problem for me anymore!

Oxygenfit: There seem to be so many health problems now due to
obesity and inacti

vity. What do you think are the three most
important things society could do to change that?

Michelle: First of all, in the middle of all of those fast food joints like Burger King, McDonalds, and Wendy’s... maybe put healthy restaurants where you can have fresh veggies, fresh fruits, etc. available for people to choose from.

How about a healthy fast food restaurant in the middle of all those junk food restaurants....?

Second I think making gyms more accessible to the public would be helpful. Free gyms that provide an environment to help people understand the benefits of being fit. Education is the key. Teach people about how amazing the human body is and it’s capacities.

Third, each city should organize free activities like hiking groups and walks for different causes that support the health of our public. Let the people participate for free or for a good cause.

Oxygenfit: Whom would you consider to be the biggest influences in your life?

Michelle: The past year I became very spiritual. I meditated a lot on things I really wanted in life. I just gave everything I wanted into the hands of God. Believe it or not, He gave me everything I wanted and He continues to impress me!

So the biggest influence in my life right now is God and my mother. She introduced me to this new world and I have discovered a whole new way of seeing life by being positive about everything.

Oxygenfit: What do you consider to be your greatest assets, physical and or otherwise?

Michelle: I have a new nickname-QUADZILLA!!! So I guess
my strong quads are one of my strongest features. This is
because of the running I did while I was competing in track and field.
I would also say my small waist. I have a 22-23 inch waist.

I believe my personality is also an asset. I am very down to

earth and very very simple. I have a bubbly personality, and I’m always smiling. I just love my life right now!!! People also like my focus and dedication to what I do.

Oxygenfit: Are you considering pursuing acting? If so, would you see yourself more as a dramatic, comedic or action star?

Michelle: Oh god! So many people are suggesting that I start acting! I would love to! I've been in a few movies, and a T.V. series here in Canada, but I think I would love to participate in a big action role. Yeah! I would definitely be an action movie woman!

Oxygenfit: What are you most passionate about and why?

Michelle: My work as a massage therapist. I really like working with people. Feeling their energy, helping ease their pain or stress, and I am a very good listener. I am also a spa manager and a professional fitness model that loves to workout and shine for the camera.

So I combined the two together. I compete as a professional figure athlete so I am at the gym six days a week, sometimes twice a day!

Oxygenfit: You have had a chance to try out the products from Oxygenfit, like our Fit-Stik. What was your impression of these new products?

Michelle: Yes, I did get the chance to try out the Oxygenfit products and I have to say well done!! I travel a lot for modeling, photo shoots and competing so these systems are perfect! Everybody should have one of these systems!

You don't always have access to a gym when you travel, so this is the perfect thing you can take with you everywhere. It can fit easily into your luggage! I did my complete exercise routine with the Fit-Stik while on my last trip. Oh yeah, I love the colors!

Oxygenfit: Any new projects we should look for?

Michelle: Hmm, there are so many things! I am the new face for an energy drink company called HYPE. They are doing an international print campaign with a potential commercial campaign on the horizon. You can also check out the pictures and video from these photo shoots on Myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/michelelevesque

I am also the spokesperson for a new female product called SHAPE UP by MVP Nutrition. It's a female fat burner to help get rid of the fat stored in the hips, butt and thighs. In stores soon!!!!

Oxygenfit: If you could say one thing to our reader that would inspire her to be the greatest she can be at what she loves, what would you say to her?

Michelle: Even if right now you think you are not the prettiest or sexiest girl in the world, you must start loving who you are right now. If you don’t love the person on the inside, you will get nowhere in life. Beauty and passion come from within.

If you don't like who you are right now try to find a way of feeling

better by bringing positives thoughts to your inner you by
complementing the people around you.

Share your happiness andopen your heart to others. Appreciate the food you eat, your work, your friends, family, and car...everything! As you do this you will definitely feel better inside and this practice will bring you what you have asked for.

Oxygenfit: What is your official website? Where can people learn more about Michelle Levesque?

Michelle: Come by to see all my latest photos, news, and appearance’s at my official website, www.MicheleLevesque.com

Oxygenfit: Thank you so much Michelle for taking the time to visit with us today. You are inspiration to so many women out there. Thank you.

Michelle: Be positive & appreciate life.

Watch Michelle's Photo shoot with HYPE