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More great insight from Jon Benson….

Want to know what your real odds are of having a heart attack?

How about a stroke? Diabetes?

Okay, this isn’t sounding like a positive letter… but hang in there. It gets a lot better and more positive.

I was having lunch today with my CPA and my good friend Sherry Strong. Sherry’s upcoming book is a must-read. I will let you know when she’s ready to release it.

Since Sherry has been here visiting me in Dallas I have learned SO much about natural food preparation and what really causes disease.

Our conversation took a turn to “doctor’s tests.” I think most of them are worthless. Some are vital.

It’s important to know the difference.

I’m going to give you the three tests you absolutely must take if you want to help ensure your future health in a moment.

But first, let me give you Sherry’s argument to my third test.

Yes, we nutritionists argue sometimes. ; )

I’ll let you decide. But statically it’s far more accurate than any blood test… and get this:

You can do it at home for freee.

So far, are you with me? Good.

I’m going to go in reverse order, third test to last…

The third test is simply this:

Measure your waistline. Use a tape measure and do not pull it tight. Measure right below the navel.

Write down that number in inches.

Then measure your height out of shoes in inches. Write that down too.

If your waist in inches is more than twice your height you are FOUR TIMES more likely to have heart disease.

Four times. That’s more predictive than cholesterol tests by far.

And a lot less expensive to boot.

Don’t just read about this test — DO IT. I’ll give you something you can do ABOUT it if you fail this test in a second.

The great news is that this is one factor that is totally within your control.

Test number two: Know your SED rate. This is an inflammatory marker in the blood.

Test number one: Know your hsCRP and LP(a) levels. Both of these can be done as one test usually. Both are inflammatory markers as well as key indicators of heart health.

Go to your doctor and ask for these three blood tests. Usually they can be done all at once. Sometimes they are separate, but they are all crucial.

If you are thin and look healthy, listen to this:

You too can be Lance Armstrong or Jim Fixx….and not know it.

Lance and Jim looked like two of the healthiest men on the planet. Lance beat testicular cancer but came within an inch of his life. Jim died after a short jog of a heart attack very young in life.

Looks can be deceiving.

This is Sherry’s argument — and she’s totally correct.

That’s why I give you THREE (well, actually four) TESTS.

You see, it’s virtually impossible to have a normal SED rate, a normal hsCRP level and a normal LP(a) level and be at imminent risk for any of these killer diseases.

Possible, perhaps — but almost not.

So, if you look healthy and feel like a bazillion bucks, you still need to know your levels of these inflammatory markers.

If you are overweight or obese, you totally absolutely MUST do the waist/height test as well as the others.

You see, it goes both ways.

Some obese folks test out okay at the doc’s office. Their cholesterol, blood pressure, and all typical readings are okay. Rarely does a doc run an hsCRP or LP(a). And rarely do they run a SED rate.

See the importance here?

Both the fit and the unfit can be at dire risk and not even know it.

Now, here’s the solution:

A low-inflammatory nutrition and training plan, along with plenty of stress-free time.

I can help you with the first two things.

The third thing — de-stressing — is up to you. You may want to spend 30 minutes a day doing yoga, walking, meditating, praying, or whatever calms your MIND and BODY down.

Check it out:

Lance and Jim were both doing insane amounts of exercise… so much that they demanded insane amounts of high-inflammatory foods. Foods like processed carbohydrates for example.

And they both got sick. One of them died.

My good friend Dr. Steven Chase believes that 85% of cancer is preventable.

Re-read that: 85%. And he’s an oncologist — a cancer doctor.

And you know heart disease is 95% preventable… or did you?

But all of these killers, especially diabetes, demand a low-insulin, low-inflammatory nutrition and exercise plan.

Lance and Jim had sky-high inflammatory levels from all that exercise. It was literally TOO much exercise.

That’s why so many marathoners die of heart attacks. They eat inflammatory foods and engage in high-stress exercise for too long of a time.

So, what’s the answer?

1. Short workouts that are intense, effective, and enjoyable. Weights and cardio both, or in-home resistance workouts will work fine.

2. Longer “soft” workouts like brisk walking that helps de-stress the body and burn more bodyfat.

3. A nutrition plan that allows for your favorite foods at the RIGHT TIME of the day but also helps you burn bodyfat without activating your body’s stress-producing hormones like cortisol…cool.

Most nutrition plans are stressful. Big mistake. Stress can cause you to hold on to bodyfat. Plus stress causes inflammation.

Most workout plans are either too easy or too intense for too long a period of time. My System is super-short (7-14 minutes a day, plus walks when you can.) This is enough to build all the muscle you need plus burn bodyfat when combined with the nutrition plan.

My System’s nutrition plan is ideal if you are willing to “diet” for a day or two, then enjoy a day of eating “normal” foods.

Hey, no one is perfect. Anyone who has half a brain should know that not very many people (myself included) are willing to do without their favorite foods forever.

That’s silly — and it’s not necessary to burn bodyfat.

In fact, my System ‘demands’ that you eat these foods at certain times TO BURN MORE BODYFAT!

Wild, isn’t it?

It’s the System I’ve used for years.

It’s the combination of two books:

7 Minute Muscle + Every Other Day Diet

Get them both for one low price…

Go here:

http://www.7minutemuscle.com/ <--- Helps you pass the tests

Any of my three Upgrade Kits come with both books, a full year of support from me on the Every Other Day Diet group Forum, and so many bonuses I can't list them all.

This combo is something I am so very proud to share with you.

It's the ultimate System for lowering bodyfat, increasing lean muscle, lowering insulin, lowering inflammation, and ensuring your health.

Whether you are in shape or obese, this System is one that will work for you.

http://www.7minutemuscle.com/ <— Helps you pass the tests

March 1st, 2009 by slater

I just received this article from Jon Benson and HAD to share it with you.

It really opened my eyes to what is possible.

Let me know what you think, okay?

Toresa

———————————————

How To Gain Muscle And Burn Bodyfat At The Same Time

by Jon Benson

What is your “big dream?”

I have two:

– To make an impact on the lives of over 10M people before I die;

– To have a family that’s mobile so I can live in many places.

Not bad, right?

Want to know a “third” dream of mine? One that I saw become a reality a few years ago?

To gain muscle AND burn bodyfat all at the same time.

It’s like a pipe-dream that somehow worked its way through the pipes and into my gym.

It is not easy, granted, but you can do it.

Almost anyone can do it.

You just have to train and eat in a very specific way.

Listen: You do NOT want to just “burn bodyfat” or god-forbid “lose-weight”… that will not give you the body you want.

You absolutely MUST shape your muscles, tighten and tone, and burn bodyfat.

And you can do it at the same time.

Most pros disagree with me. They think it is metabolically impossible to gain muscle while in a state of low-calorie dieting.

They are wrong.

Here’s an article I wrote on this topic. I hope you enjoy it.

To save you time, I put a link to the online complete version of the article below…

- - - - -

I remember a friendly argument with my co-author of Fit Over 40 Tom Venuto. It all started when I told Tom how I was eating and training for my last peak. A peak is where you lower your bodyfat and try to maintain as much muscle mass as possible.

“There’s just no way I could ever get in shape eating and training like that,” says Tom. “Sure you could man…what are you, a mutant?” Tom fires back, then me, then Tom….and so it goes. (I really didn’t call Tom a mutant. That was creative liberty.)

So why are so many fitness pros like Tom freaked out about my training and nutrition plan? Simple: I claim it burns fat while building muscle at the same time. Every time I read an article by some doctor or expert claiming it’s “biologically impossible” to gain lean muscle mass on a hypocaloric diet (a diet low in calories) I just laugh.

I do more than make claims–I have proved this to be true many times. I’ve had my bodyfat hydrostatically measured during several peaks. In all but one I showed an increase of muscle mass and a decrease of bodyfat during a 12-16 week period. The one time I didn’t show an increase in muscle mass when was I was training the most in the gym. That may not make sense right now, but it will in a moment.

Article Continued Here —

http://www.7minutemuscle.com/aff/strong/gain-muscle-burn-fat < — click.

January 4th, 2009 by slater

Last night I watched the most awe inspiring movie I’ve seen in years. As I watched it, it reminded me of “The Karate Kid”, but the adult version.

This movie takes you through the journey of a young man who has it all including a huge ego. He’s training for the Olympics as a gymnast, getting straight A’s in college and has his choice of any girl on campus. Typical, right? Well, it gets better…

Along the way he meets a man who will completely transform his world. And, whilst he doesn’t know it yet, it is all leading up to a tragic event that destroys everything he’s worked for.

I don’t want to tell you anything more about the movie itself, you HAVE to watch it. But, I will say that the journey the boy embarks on is so powerful and enlightening that it opened my eyes to possibilities in my own life.

It’s deep and intense. It’ll give you the strength to push through your weight loss journey like nothing else…at least I see that for myself.

The movie is called “The Peaceful Warrior” and it’s based on a true story by Dan Millman. Dan has written quite a few books that have inspired millions in their own lives.

The book is called Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives. I’ll be going out today to grab this book myself.

January 3rd, 2009 by slater

Wow, my last post was in May! I haven’t posted but I have continued my weight loss journey, so now I guess it’s time to do a quick catch up.

I would consider my journey re-starting in June at which I was 241 lbs…Yikes! Can’t believe I’m actually posting that. But it’s true and as so many of my friends (also posting their journeys) say, “I have to do this”.

I have kept to “listening to my own body” rather than following a specific diet. I know when I stick to it, I feel great, energetic and well, lighter. I really watch my carbs, have apple and a protein for breakfast and munch on veggies all day. Then at night, I have a regular dinner with my family but watch my portions.

I found the more I stressed about calories, specific foods, etc, the more I would kinda rebel. So I am simply conscious of what and how much I eat without the excessive measuring and counting.

I’m still walking and doing my own strength and stretch program 3 or more times a week. I’ll be looking to incorporate more variety like yoga this year. I also got boxing gloves and pads for Christmas, something I really enjoy.

Now, as of January 3, 2009, I have lost 15 lbs (total from April). I have noticed a difference in how I feel and how my clothes feel. I feel more confidence and definitely the push to continue.

I plan to make 2009 the year I lose it. I’ve started the TWB Weight Loss and Fitness Challenge which is a group of people, both men and women, all striving to achieve their own weight loss success this year. Its focus is to lose 10 lbs every 6 weeks. If we strive to achieve the smaller goals, we are working our way towards our ultimate goals.

Having the support and encouragement of this group will be one way to keep me focused and accountable. Plus, I’m making some wonderful friends that could stay with me for a lifetime.

I must say that along this seemingly slow journey, I’ve found myself looking inward. I’ve discovered more about myself and am seeing the things I need to change. I’m even seeing the causes of my weight issues and am working towards overcoming and ridding myself of the baggage that is holding me back.

The true joy is in the journey not the final destination. While reaching my ultimate goal will be like getting the gold, it’s the journey and all of its twists and turns that will make me the person I want to be when I reach that final goal.

Until next time….

Toresa:)

January 3rd, 2009 by slater

If you have stubborn bodyfat that just does not want to budge, you will find this free video helpful.

It’s only 16 minutes long and covers the connection between your “hormones” and bodyfat.

Not only bodyfat… Your sexual-drive, your energy, your mood, and of course issues like menopause, andropause (male menopause) and more.

Give it a look…

Free Video

Just by taking some of Dr. Lucille’s advice (natural, without harmful drugs) you can kick-start your hormonal system back into overdrive.

That’s the best way to end stubborn bodyfat and reboot your drive at the same time.

December 27th, 2008 by slater

I just watched this video on YouTube from Ori Holfmekler who wrote the book, “The Warrior Diet”. I’ve never read his book so I can’t give any opinions, but from watching the video, I can see some of his points as being true.

Myself, I tend to eat lighter during the day, apples and protein (meat, cheese or nuts) for breakfast, veggies or salad for lunch and I munch on veggies during the day. Then I’ll eat a normal dinner with my family yet I watch the portions I consume. I’ve made it realistic for myself in that I don’t deprive myself, I do what I know I can stick to.

Eating lighter during the day still fuels my body, yet doesn’t zap my energy. In fact, I find I have more energy and ambition than I do when I eat a big lunch. But, that’s my own body, you have to discover what works for you and your activity levels.

Anyway, watch this video and share your own views. Maybe you’ve tried this approach and found it successful, maybe you know scientifically it does or doesn’t work. Either way, share:)

Eating without worry of calories at night would still scare me personally, but if you’ve tried this diet plan, and can shed some light for our readers, please do. It may be a plan that someone is looking for, one that may work for them.

December 24th, 2008 by slater

Yes, this is a shameless promotion, but a product I would recommend. I’ve been practicing the principals of this diet myself and have seen results without feeling deprived. If you are searching for a plan to follow, read up on this one and see if it may be right for you.

Two “former fatties” developed a System of eating that allows you to eat whatever you like every other day and still lose all-the-weight you want.

No pills. No guilt. Just a diet plan for the REAL WORLD, developed by real people.

Most Diet Plans Are Too Hard

Most of what you’ve read about how to shed body weight is a lie.

Some ‘experts’ expect you to believe they eat chicken and broccoli every night for dinner and rarely if ever cheat.

Right. And I’m the Dalai Lama!

Just as bad, these plans are too difficult for anyone to follow for more than a few weeks.

So when folks like you discover they can eat their favorite foods every single week and still shed the weight you should see the look on their faces.

They can’t believe it.

Some think they have to take some “superpill” to succeed. Not true!

Others think they will have to spend hours a day in the gym killing themselves. No way!

Here’s the truth:

Jon and Jan were both obese. Over the past
four years, they perfected a System that shows
you how they went from obese to “cover model”
fit and still eat their favorite foods.

Not “once a week” either — they INSIST you eat yummy food frequently and without guilt or worry.

Even better, they never count a single calorie!

See for yourself –

http://www.everyotherdaydiet.com/aff/strong

Here’s the facts: there is NO SUCH THING as a perfect diet plan.

But thousands of people make billions of bucks off of selling the idea that there is only ONE way to eat in order to get lean.

Even worse: these people create diet plans so ridiculously strict that even fitness pros like Jon and Jan can’t follow them!

They had to create a plan anyone could follow. Women, men, and even kids.

You should see their clients…the few who know about this System…

They get to eat pizza, burgers, ice cream, and more…and still lose-the-weight!

This is not a pill or a scam…this is science applied to the real world.

The science: you take advantage of the fact your body prefers a change of pace and can respond by burning ugly fat.

The real world: no one is going to eat salad and tuna every day for the rest of their life in order to shed body fat and feel good again.

Simple, right? Common sense!

You absolutely MUST HAVE a diet plan you can live with for life.

And that’s what this is.

What is this new System called?

Announcing “The Every Other Day Diet!”

Great name, isn’t it? Pretty much says it all.

This is a simple plan that you will absolutely love.

It’s a System that took years to perfect and is about to take the entire nation by storm.

And you get it first.

Go read more –

http://www.everyotherdaydiet.com/aff/strong

Have you tried this diet plan? What are your thoughts? Leave us a comment below:)

December 23rd, 2008 by slater

Natalie of Nutritionbynatalie.com breaks down the real facts on whole foods vs processed foods. She shares with us why whole foods are better and why processed foods are destroying our health.

This is nothing new to us, but everyday we are bombarded by commercials and ads telling us to eat foods that will ultimately destroy our health. This video is another reminder to keep us motivated to eat properly.

Enjoy:)

Toresa

Ps. leave us your thoughts by commenting below.

December 16th, 2008 by slater