Death might just start in your colon!

This might read as a strange message to many, but I do urge you to read it through. Too many amongst us have to deal with the consequences daily,...

Constipation is the slow or lack of Bowel movements of feces through the intestines. The feces often become DRY & HARD & STUCK because all the fluid is reabsorbed by the colon during this abnormal extended time. According to the American Society of Colon
& Rectal Surgeons, about 80% of people suffer from Constipation at some time during their lives. The National Institute of Health published the survey showing 4-1/2 million Americans are constipated most or all the time. In the U.S. there are 2.5 million doctor visits each year from people complaining of constipation. Nearly 800 million dollars spent each year on harsh laxatives.

You are only 30 feet away from Great Health and Abundant Energy
The digestive system from the beginning of the mouth to the end of the rectum is approximately 30 feet long of flexible pipe. The entire system is made of mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum. Our inside is constantly smeared with gravy, mashed potatoes, chunks of meat, fish parts, and ketchup, followed with ice cream, coffee or tea. Imagine all of them mixed together, what would it look like? It is first necessary that we chew the food good (basically grinding it all up together) and let the digestive juices in the stomach to mix, mash, and churn to break the food into a liquid mush to expose the nutrients. These nutrients are absorbed in the upper part of the small intestines, mixing with the bile from the liver. The pulpy rotten remains are then pushed into the colon where the water is re-absorbed; the feces are compacted, and disposed out of the rectum. These are the steps of a normal bowel movement which should take place from the beginning to the end (Called Transit Time) 15 hours, and expelled out twice daily which we call Regularity.

THE “GUTS” OF THE MATTER
Constipation is fundamentally the slowing down process of food moving through the digestive tract and that is called “TRANSIT TIME”. Back in the old days of life in the farm, Americans ate right, nutritional and balanced meals, and then worked all day at the homestead, the typical TRANSIT TIME was 15 hours today with processed food lacking enzymes and natural fibers, heavy on sugar, the TRANSIT TIME of food through the gut is slowing down to 70 hours.

When transit time slows down, putrefied nasty material stays in your colon longer and the old feces start to harden and stick to the walls of the colon, causing 2 million American to suffer colon diseases colitis, ileitis, and diverticulitis, and 100,000 colostomies (surgical opening covered with a bag for collection of feces) performed each year. A normal regular person carries on the average of 5 pounds of fecal matters, a person suffering from irregularity and constipation can carry 40 pounds or more of old fecal matter. That is an awful lot of %&*@!

A Job Harder than “Mission Impossible”
As the digested food just sits there in our colon, it is reabsorbed with the water all the toxins, gases, and poisons that are given off by the rotten fecal matter and re-enters our blood stream, this Self Poisoning Process is called Autointoxication. The fecal matter become dry and hard as the material becomes glued to the pockets of the colon wall, leading to Mega-Colon. The average colon measures up to 5 inches but the left over fecal matter distend the colon up to 15 inches thick trying to push the hard stool out of a one inch hole of the rectum. These stuck and rotten fecal matter cause abnormal growths like “polyps”, inflammation called Colitis, weak out pouching of the walls called Diverticulitis (where food like corn gets trapped) and leading ultimately to deadly tumors and colon cancer.

Interesting yes?!

Keep it fun and digesting!
Leo Stroobants

A beginner workout that will get you in summer shape asap!

Summer is racing towards us...are you ready? Or is the idea of hitting the beach in a bathing suit enough to send you into fits of longing for the baggy sweaters of January?

Fear not! Even if it's been months since you've seen the inside of a gym, there is hope for getting a summer ready body in time for the first beach party of the season. Although you should speak with a professional trainer about your body's special needs – and your doctor if you have any health concerns – here's a list of a few beginner workout ideas that will have you shedding the sweats and heading for the short shorts in no time.

Pilates – the perfect exercise for the impatient

I have no patience when it comes to exercise. If results aren't nearly instantaneous, I loose interest. Fortunately, Pilates was designed for people like me. The combination of core work, stretches, bounces and resistance work quickly to tone and slim legs, abs and hips.

Start with a class for guidance in creating a beginner workout that will address your body's specific needs. Or find a good Pilates DVD and start an at-home workout routine. Set a goal of four workouts per week for the quickest progress towards your summer-slim body. You should start seeing results after about ten workouts...at four workouts per week, that means you will notice the effects in just over two weeks! Quick enough for even the most impatient exerciser!

Walking/running to your bathing suit-ready body

It's simple, nearly free and works on almost all body types. Walking and/or running is an effective and fast way to shed winter pounds and firm up flab. And best of all, it's ready made for beginners! Unless you have a health condition that precludes strenuous activity, start with a schedule of ten minutes of brisk walking, followed by five minutes of running, with another ten minute cool down walk.

Do this three times for one week, then add an extra five minutes of running to the schedule in week two. The next week, add another five minutes of running, making your workout a ten minute walk, followed by a twenty minute run and a ten minute cool down. This forty minute walking and running workout three times a week will have the pounds melting off in no time! A perfect beginner workout, and all it will cost is a pair of good running shoes!

Yoga for peace and a better body

Most people think of yoga as a way to reduce stress and improve flexibility, but it's also great as part of a beginner workout routine. The slow movements and poses help to elongate and firm the muscles throughout the body, leading to a leaner and more toned physique.

There are dozens of wonderful yoga DVD's available. Select one that explains how to do each pose, especially if you are brand new to yoga. When performed properly, the poses are beneficial. Done incorrectly, they can be painful and frustrating. As your skill improves, move on to a more advanced tape or class. Incorporating a 15 minute yoga routine into your morning each day will start to provide you with visible results within three to four weeks. The longer you continue, the better the results will be.

A few rules for any beginner workout

• Check with your health care provider, especially if you have health issues or have not exercised for a long time
• Start gently. The no-pain-no-gain model was wrong!
• Make sure you have the right tools. A pair of quality running shoes, a non-slip yoga mat or a Pilates resistance strap are all essential to get the best – and safest – results from any workout.
• Mix and match your workout. If possible, alternate your activity from day to day. Mixing up your exercise choices will make your beginner workout more effective in a shorter period of time.
• Stick with it, even on busy days. Five minutes of exercise on a super-busy day is better than skipping a day entirely. Try to do your complete routine each day, but if life gets too much some days, squeeze in as much as you can, then return to your regular time the next day.
• The following are NOT excuses for skipping workouts: rain (you can workout indoors), a great TV show (exercise while you watch), house guests (invite them to join you) or travel (you can do some form of exercise anywhere, and most hotels now have gyms.)

A better summer body is only weeks away! Ready, set, slim!

Licensed to thrill,
Leo Stroobants

DHEA - Anti Aging Miracle?

Many people ask me about the benefits and necessity of DHEA. I am completely convinced about it, using it for many years already. There isn't a book you can pick up about anti-aging, welness or Longevity without reading about it.
To summarize it all, please read what follows;

As we age our DHEA production falls dramatically. Low DHEA has been seen to correlate with a lot of age related problems and diseases.

Medical information shows that DHEA peaks around the age of 25 and then drops by 85-90% by the time a person reaches 70 years old.

DHEA is short for the tongue twisting word Dehydroepiandrosterone.

DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone circulating in the human body and is present at even higher levels in brain tissue. In fact, brain tissue contains 5 to 6 times more DHEA than any other tissue in the human body. Dhea studies have shown that people with Alzheimer's disease have an overwhelming 48% less DHEA in their blood stream than do matched controls of the same age group.

DHEA is a “precursor” hormone – that is, it is the mother hormone that the body can convert into over 50 essential hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and cortisone to name a few.

DHEA levels are directly related to the probability of dying in humans.

In a 12-year study of over 240 men aged 50-79 years old, researchers found that DHEA levels were inversely correlated with mortality for heart disease and all other known causes. This finding suggests that DHEA levels can become a standard diagnostic tool in the prediction of disease, mortality and lifespan.
“studies have shown that DHEA prolongs life expectancy up to an amazing 50% in laboratory animals. If animal results hold true in humans, supplemental DHEA may prevent disease, reduce mortality, and extend life span.

According to Dr. William Regelson of the Medical College of Virginia, DHEA is “one of the best biochemical bio-markers for chronological age.” In fact, some people's levels of DHEA decline 95% during their lifetime – the largest age related decline of an important biochemical yet documented, and an indication of Dhea's beneficial effect on the aging process.

In 1995 at a meeting entitled DHEA AND AGING in Washington DC, John Nestler in his talk hypothesized that the age-related drop in DHEA and DHEA-S, may be due in part to the normal age-related rise in circulating insulin levels. Thus increasing insulin, may indeed be one of the main reasons that DHEA declines with age, and an inverse relationship may indeed be possible; as DHEA levels are enhanced then insulin may drop.

Don't believe me, check it out for yourself. Google around and see what you can come up with yourself, it all will convince you even more.
Is DHEA a miracle? Yes it is, when combined with healthy eating, lots of exercise and a very creative and positive state of mind. As part of a Longevity Lifestyle it sure is a very important ingredient.
Sending you great vibes,
Leo
Licensed to thrill,....

How to Look Instantly Thinner (Without Pills ;-)

1. Stand up straight. If you improve your posture, not only do you decrease visibility of the rolls in your stomach, but you also gain confidence!! Pair that with a winning smile and you're good to go.
2. Wear proper fitting underwear. The look you're going for is seamless - no ill-fitting bras that leave back fat spilling over in bulging rolls, and try on a slip.
3. Wear long, fitting shirts. These are flattering to everybody since they seem to stretch out your torso. They should fit to flatter your body type, but please, don't immediately dash to the nearest Abercrombie and Fitch. Their shirts are too snug if you're worried about looking thinner.
4. Choose the colors carefully. Avoid bright colors and patterns; they instantly make you look bigger than you are! Dark colors make your heavy sections look small. Are you top heavy? That means switching to dark colored tops. Also, avoid horizontal stripes; these accentuate your girth! If you are bottom heavy, go for darker pants, skirts, or jeans to slim down your bottoms and legs. Finally, avoid "baggy" clothing, and wear stuff that fits you closely.
5. Match your shoes to your build. If you are short and heavy, a pair of understated platform clogs or boots can give you height, and also counterbalance your body size. If you are tall and heavy, a pair of dark colored flats or low heel pumps will make your feet look smaller without making you even taller. Avoid slender heels and sharp pointy toes; they will look small on you, and accentuate your size.
6. Wear your hair and makeup in a flattering way. People will be too distracted by your beautiful face to care about everything else.
7. Avoid the "I'm so fat" conversations. Most everybody has been involved in one of these and they only bring you down. You are most likely NOT fat. Most people don't care as much as you think they do because they are caught up in themselves. Flaunt your body the way it is. If it helps, make a list of all the people who love you and all the things you love about yourself. You first must love yourself before you love others. Confidence is key.
8. Wear clothes that are the right size. If you're a size 20, don't try and squeeze into a size 16. It will make you look bigger if everything bulges out. But at the same time, don't wear clothes that swamp you - really look at your body and wear clothes that fit properly.
9. Don't wear striped shirts, they make you appear wider. Unless they are up and down (pin stripes) which makes you appear longer and leaner
10. Emphasize the smaller part of you and camouflage your problem areas. If your waist is relatively thinner than your hips, wear form-fitting shirts and skirts that flare out. If your middle is thick and your legs are normal sized, wear looser, tunic blouses with thin, straight-legged pants. DON'T wear loose tops with loose bottoms.
11. To emphasize your waist and make your womanly figure an A+ wear belts AT your waist or bring clothing lines to your waist. (Have you pants go to your waist; shirt go to your waist; dress line at your waist)
12. Play up the good parts and counterbalance. Big hips? wear something to elongate your legs and something "chunky" or large around your shoulders. Always look to emphasize your small waist (even if you're making it up)
13. Do not be stuck on clothing sizes! Buying a larger than normal piece of clothing to emphasize your small parts (legs, hips, torso) may counterbalance the larger parts.
14. Match your jewelry to your size. If you're a big, tall person, wear big pieces of jewelry. Think a (one!)nice chunky bracelet or a pair of chandelier earrings. A big necklace will look great too -but avoid chokers.
15. ALWAYS remember: you are beautiful. Knowing that will instantly add an attractive factor to your entire ensemble.

Be YOU, be ATTRACTIVE by feeling so, the BETTER you feel about yourself, the BETTER you WILL BE!!!!

Be WELL and PASSIONATE,
Leo
Licensed to thrill

Rejuvenate your soul this weekend!

Do you ever feel too busy to take even a single moment of time out of your hectic day just for yourself? Have you been constantly searching for more time in the day because you run out of time to get everything done?

I expect that most everybody has ‘time management’ problems at one point or another in their lifetime simply because we fill our lives with too big a ‘To Do’ list and then frantically scramble trying to cross everything off that list every day.

But what cost to our inner peace and our soul’s inspiration do these stressful days cause?

I had one of those stressful days recently, and I decided to take just 20 minutes to write in my journal. I knew in my heart it would be good for my soul and time well spent as I truly enjoy the peace I feel from doing this simple activity. I have been trying to plan more time to feed my soul every day by doing activities like writing, reading, and being creative, but as with most changes that we try to make, I find myself challenged many days to meet my goal.

So, Here are some tips that may help you to get in tune with your inner self again,....

Six activities to inspire and rejuvenate your soul in just 20 minutes:

1. Take a short walk. Walking can clear your mind and is good for your body and soul. You can walk while listening to music, an audiobook, an inspirational podcast, or just your own thoughts. A walk in a new place can give you perspective beyond what you’ve seen driving in your car. I notice so many more details when walking, like beautiful landscaping, gorgeous flower beds or details on houses in my neighborhood that I’ve never noticed before. Walking is a great way to slow down the pace of life, see the same old place in a new way, or just get in touch with your inner self.


2. Get outdoors. Another activity that is good for both your body and soul is to simply go outside your home or office and breathe in some fresh air. Feel the breeze on your face and soak in some sunshine. Simply enjoy the day and marvel at the beauty of Mother Nature. Or do another inspirational activity while you’re outside, such as writing, journaling, stretching, yoga, reading a book or magazine, or meditating. Just enjoying being outside in the fresh air for 20 minutes can really shift your perspective.


3. Practice gratitude. Focusing on gratitude wakes you up to the precious, small pleasures in life, like the flowers that are blooming or someone’s simple kind gesture. There are several ways to practice gratitude. You can write in a journal a few things that you are grateful for and why, write a thank you card to someone, or plan a fun gift or activity for yourself or a loved one to show your gratitude. You can even practice a random act of kindness to a stranger to foster feelings of gratitude within yourself.
   


4. Write. Studies have shown that writing just 20 minutes a day for four consecutive days can provide positive health benefits for up to six weeks. You can learn more about this technique by reading Louise DeSalvo’s book, “Writing as a Way of Healing.” In her book, she explains the process that should be followed to experience health benefits which has three components: you should write about 1) a traumatic or challenging event in your life; 2) the feelings you had at that time, and 3) the feelings you have now about that experience. All three components should be included in your writing to get the maximum benefit. Another thing I like to do is to write in different places, such as outside or at a coffeehouse, to see what inspiration comes from being in a new environment.


5. Read. Read inspirational stories, fiction, non-fiction, or anything else that interests you. Rejuvenate your soul, expand your perspective and relax all at the same time by reading. I often carry a book or magazine with me so I have it available if I have some unexpected time or find myself waiting in line for a doctor’s appointment etc.


6. Be creative. The act of creation reveals your soul’s innermost desires. Ideas and talents that are uniquely yours will be realized when you create. Whether your passion lies in music, art, writing, redecorating a room in your home, starting a new business, or any other artistic pursuit, you will experience inspiration and can share your unique creations with others if you desire. Or be creative just for yourself by writing personal affirmations to review often for your ongoing inspiration and personal growth.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, overworked or stressed, take a break and spend 20 minutes doing one of these six activities.

Change is the only constant recurrent we find in nature, change by choice makes all the difference,...

Enjoy your weekend,

Leo

Gain muscle and lose fat at the same time: Is it possible?

This article is inspired by a lot of the questions people have e-mailed to me since I've had this group up. I must have answered this question 100's of times by now. The questions are usually something like "How can I gain muscle and lose fat at the same time?" or "I want to lose fat but gain muscle at the same time, how can I do it?" If you went into a gym and took a poll of what everyone's goal was, I can bet that most, if not all, would say to gain muscle and lose fat. I doubt there is anyone who just wants to lose fat, they want to gain muscle while they are at it, and visa-versa! So, is it? Is it possible to both lose fat and gain muscle at the same time? No, it is NOT possible, and I will not only tell you why its not possible, but I'll also tell you how you can do both, just not at the same time.

To lose fat, what do you have to do? You have to do lots of cardio, eat a low carb/low fat/lower calorie diet, and of course, lift weights. To gain muscle, what do you have to do? Do little or no cardio, eat a high calorie/higher carb/higher fat diet, and again, lift weights. Did you notice something there? Yup, they are complete opposites. Trying to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time would be like trying to sit and stand at the same time. It just can't be done. This is why most people who are trying to do both at the same time see no results and give up. So, then how can it be done? How can you lose fat and gain muscle if you can't do both at the same time? Simple, you don't do them at the same time. You do them in phases.

What works best for me is going hard on weights for about 3 weeks, then move to lower weights but more repetitions and at the same time I slowly increase my cardio workouts.
I keep up that routine for about 3 weeks before I move back over to the heavy weights. I keep on cycling this pattern,...

Concerning Cardio;
If you are in shape or already have a build up condition, you should do interval cardio. A 30 to 45 minute session with at least 5 to 10 peaks build in. The results are astonishing!
If you are older or your condition is not as strong, you should try longer sessions at a very low pace. It will strike you how fast it is possible to build up your condition tremendously.
Whatever you do, use a heart rate monitor, it is essential!

Last but not least;
Weight training is for ALL ages, if you don't do weights, your results will be inadequate! Building muscle through weight training is the best kept secret for an overall healthy, slim, fat burning body!

If you have any questions; don't hesitate to shoot them in my direction.
Live live fully!

Leo
Licensed to Thrill

Stress kills; Get out of a rut!

Ever find yourself stuck in that terrible loop of inactivity, depression, and anger? Are you angry at the world, others or yourself because you're not getting things done - or even started because you're circling around and around, covering the same ground and never moving forward? Well, it's time to stop spinning your wheels and cursing the mud! Digging your way out of this rut is possible - and the way to do it may be closer than you think! Look at the steps below - one of them just may give you the inspiration - or kick in the butt - to break this cycle and start you down a happier path.

1. Have manageable goals.
If you can't get started because the task overwhelms you, break it down into small, manageable bites. You don't have to solve the problems of the world in 5 minutes. Take it one step at a time. For example, job hunting - that most terrifying of activities. Today's goal is simply to find your resume. Once that's done, relax and give yourself permission to enjoy the rest of the day! Tomorrow, you look up a name and number. The next day, you work on your resume for fifteen minutes. A day later, you call the number you looked up. And so on. At the end of a week, make a list of all you've accomplished and admire it! You may be surprised at how a little each day can add up!

2. Go ahead - argue with yourself.
Be your own best friend. Every time you say "I can't" - disagree! There is no law that says you have to agree with everything you think or say! Get creative. Aloud, in writing, or by taking action - note all the ways that you can - no matter how ridiculous or outrageous! For example, I know that climbing Mount Everest would help me get in shape! Brainstorm - each thought leads to another! Even if you start with completely silly and unrealistic, coming up with any opposition to a "can't" gives it less power and brings you closer to the positive!

3. Break the rhythm by changing your routine.
You need a jump start, so take action. Do something you've never done before. Go on a hike or to the opera. Eat something you can't pronounce. Or go even further. Want to date? Put in a personal ad. Want a new career? Sign up for a class. Upset the norm somehow! And remember, you don't have to do this alone. Enlist a friend. Sometimes making plans with a friend will help you break out and do something new! Free yourself from your mind's rut and go for it!

4. Ask yourself, "What are my obstacles to moving on?"
Understanding what's blocking you can help in forming a counter-attack. Are the obstacles of your own making? Are there any external obstacles? Differentiate between the factors that you have control over and those you don't. Put aside the factors you have no power over, and address the ones you do. Fighting what can't be changed is discouraging, depressing and will lead to feelings of hopelessness. Put your energy into what can be changed, and you will be encouraged and revitalized by the progress you will then be able to make.

5. Make an appointment with yourself.
Pick a time of day when you're at your best. Tomorrow at 11:00, I will spend 15 minutes -writing / cleaning / exercising / making phone calls / apartment hunting. Whatever! Turn off the phone if you have to and clear that time for yourself. You don't have to do anything more to achieve your objective for the rest of the day - just put in that 15 minutes! If you don't keep the appointment with yourself this time, then next time, don't bother writing down the appointment - make it for NOW!

6. Your surroundings can have a powerful impact on the psyche.
Sometimes a change of scene can help revive and inspire you. It's amazing the power new surroundings have to renew and refresh the spirit. And you don't have to travel to the far reaches of the universe either. If Tahiti is not an option, try sitting in a different chair at home, taking a different route to work, or working at the library. New perspectives are at your fingertips!

7. Make bribery work for you!
Reward yourself with a treat if you reach your day's target. Some of us will do anything for chocolate. But don't worry if you're not a chocolate doesn't appeal to you - treats don't have to be fattening! Instead of food, use something else. Imagine - if you reach your day's target early, you can play hooky! You can go to a movie, take a walk in the park, go shopping, or surf the net - because you're free!

8. If you're trapped in an emotional "loop", such as anger at a friend or sorrow after a break-up, try distracting yourself when you feel the loop starting again - grab a book, watch a movie, call a friend.
Talk to the person you're upset with, or if that is not an option, write a letter without mailing it. If, after a time proportionate to the situation has long passed, you are still having trouble getting off your emotional carousel, consider seeking professional help in order to find resolution or the strength to walk away. Looping wastes a tremendous amount of time and prevents you from finding satisfaction elsewhere in your life.

9. Relax. De-stress. Take the pressure off yourself.
Sometimes you need to give yourself a break from the constant nagging, and those shoulda's, woulda's, and coulda's that you keep running through your mind. Chastising yourself is clearly not helping you actually get anything done, not to mention that it's depressing and bad for your emotional well-being. So cut yourself some slack, do things to make yourself feel good, and when you've left behind all those shoulda's, think about what you really want, and go to another number on this list!

10. You didn't think you'd get through this list without reading about the tried and true, take one day at a time.
Don't try to accomplish a lifetime's work in an hour. That will only make everything seem hopeless. Take care of today. And don't worry about yesterday. Yesterday is over. If you wish you'd done something different yesterday - remember that tomorrow, yesterday will be today! Because basically, all your tomorrows and yesterdays start today! If you do something today, then tomorrow you won't need to feel bad about yesterday! (Got it?)

So the next time you find yourself unable to move forward, take a moment to believe in yourself. We all get stuck at times. The trick is to minimize the time you stay stuck! Any car can be gotten out of that rut in the mud if approached with the right tools. Trust that you will get out of whatever quagmire you may find yourself in - now that you have your own tools at hand to help!

And trust me, life goes through cycles, like seasons. So when you feel that you are in a "Winter" season, just hold on, work your way through it and expect Spring to be around the corner. We have all been there, you are not unique in that aspect. You are not alone, ever!
Stress, anxiety, anger, frustration and angst kills, or will definitely make you grow older faster! Stop, break that pattern and live life fully, the way it was meant to be lived!

Namaste,
Leo
Licensed to thrill,...