It's More Than Just Calories

It really cracks me up when I hear people talking about how many calories they consume. It is not to say that you can eat as many calories as you want. I just have to wonder how many of you actually break down your caloric intake to each of the food groups. Make sure that you are getting all of your vitamins and minerals. Read Ask Dr. Weil

We all need calories for energy so we can get through the day. Miss a full day of eating and check your energy level, I promise that it will not be as strong as if you had consumed a reasonable amount of calories through out your day.

You just basically make sure you eat a variety of foods according to the food groups. The actual number of calories depends on how fast you metabolize and digest the foods that you eat. What that number is, I don't have the slighest idea and I won't try to guess. That is for a conversation with your doctor and/or nutritionist.

Remember that even if you consume the right amount of calories for your body to metabolize at its optimal level you also need to be concerned with other nutrients such as fiber, calcium, etc.

Making the Time

For all of you that are refusing to make the time for exercising let me just tell you this simple fact. When you make time for exercise you will have more energy and stanima to get through the rest of your day. In short that means that you will be more productive in other areas of your life, because you won't be as tired and stressed out from the events of your day.

Each day is just twenty four hours long. There is absolutely nothing we can do to add extra time so we must make the most of the time that we do have during our day. This is another reason why experts suggest exercising in the morning, because then you have more to give during the day. When you exercise at night, you do not have this luxuary to the full extent.

It is critical that you make time for yourself. Yes, while it is true that we are here to serve others, we are also to be good stewards over our own selves. If you don't take care of yourself, then you will not be able to take care of others that need you. Also keep in mind, that others who love you, want the best for you and for you take care of yourself.

Make the time for exercise and you will have more time. Your twenty four hours will seem that much longer because you won't have to drag through your day. So make the time.

The Power of Music

It is no coincedence that you see a lot of IPOD's, MP3's, and even some CD players at the gym. The gym most likely plays music in its general population as well as in classes. Many gyms even have their own video stations that they play for those working out.

Several studies have been done to prove that when we hear music that has a fast and continuous beat we will automatically have the following reactions.
1.) We will exert more energy.
2.) We will exercise longer.
3.) We will have more endurance.

The particular type of music doesn't matter. It all has to do with the beat that we get into our head. If we continuously hear a repitious beat we will follow it. We will get a burst of energy when we think we are finished. Although it has more to do with the beat, if we are a fan of the music it will have that much more of a effect.

If you are having problems getting through your exercise routine or what to have more stamina, then consider taking some music with you. If you rely strictly on the music at the gym, you may block it out and not pay attention.