Bella Fitness Takes Your Top Five Most Asked Questions!

Hey gang!

By now, many of you know that The Bella Fitness Group (BFG)website has officially launched. Thank you for all your support !Please refer us to everyone you know who is interested in getting or staying healthy, active and vibrant. Stay tuned, as we have many new and exciting endeavors in the works! Our goal is to encourage and inspire your divine transformation!!

On to today's topic: Here are my suggestions for your TOP FIVE Questions! As always, be sure to consult with your doctor before engaging in any exercise or dietary changes! We want you to be safe! Ok, here goes!

1. ARE THERE ANY GOOD FATS THAT ASSIST IN WEIGHT LOSS?

~ In general, fat has definitely gotten a bad rap. There are the bad fats- trans and saturated fats- that are known as the artery clogging culprits (amongst causing other damage), but then, there are the healthy fats. Polyunsaturated fats are a vital source of healthy fatty acids. They are awesome because they keep the body healthy by satisfying hunger and assisting your metabolism. Try Sunflower seeds, walnuts or almonds in small amounts to maximize your good fat consumption.

2. SOME OF US ONLY HAVE 10 POUNDS TO LOSE. WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO ACCOMPLISH THIS FAT LOSS?~

In order to accelerate weight loss, you must adopt a clean diet and eat 5 or 6 smaller meals per day. I like to say that the body is like a fireplace. In order to keep a fire burning, you've got to keep it loaded with kindling or else it burns out. Your body is the same way- food is the fuel that keeps the metabolism burning calories! So you must fuel your body with clean, healthy foods. Even losing 5 or 10 pounds can greatly improve your health & body chemistry. So a great combo of dietary changes, meal planning , cardio and weight training are the keys to weight loss success!

3. WHY CAN'T I STOP SNACKING AT NIGHT?

~ Just like most habits, snacking becomes hard-wired into your brain. In the evenings, we often settle in to watch our favorite TV shows and habitually and mindlessly snack away. Instead, swap out long hours of sedentary tv watching for a long walk or jog, a trip to the gym, reading a book or calling a friend instead. Pretty soon, new, healthier habits will become the norm.

4. CURRENTLY I AM 50 POUNDS OVERWEIGHT. IS WEIGHT TRAINING FOR ME?

~ YES!! Weight training is a superior form of exercise capable of transforming your body in ways you wouldn't imagine. I like to use the potato example: imagine that we are all big potatoes. If you start doing cardio only- you will lose weight, but you'll simply become a little potato! Still no shape, no cuts, no curves. Weight training is what sculpts the body and it is a vital part of a progressive fitness program. Building a layer of muscle will accelerate your metabolism also. Muscle burns many more calories, even at rest, than fat! So with your doctor's ok- begin with very light weightlifting exercises and set bi-weekly goals to increase the weight.

5. WHAT CAN I USE FOR FRYING SINCE I AM EATING HEALTHY?

~ Light cooking sprays are excellent for cooking. You can also get an oil mister and add extra virgin olive oil to it. Spray just enough to coat the pan. Keep in mind that grilling, poaching and baking are the best bets for healthy cooking.


Until next time, remember that "your health is what you make it". Hope to see you at the gym my friends!! :))

Blessings,

Chaunda

Lyabeth Lopez

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-yJ15yvnEk

Check out this amazing woman...excellent weight training video! Be inspired!

Outsmart your cravings!

Hey guys...this week's tip is how to make better choices when our bodies are craving junk! Have you ever just had to have that bag of Lay's Doritos for a snack? I mean, it was like your body was just demanding it! We all have the urge for various, unhealthy snacks from time to time, but there are healthier options available if we just take the time to keep them handy during "craving time"! Swapping those guilt-inducing "bad foods" for healthier alternatives, will not only trick your taste buds, but they'll also keep you on the right fitness track, no matter what you're craving. Check out these options:You're craving chocolate: The healthy option to satisfy the craving is Cocoa Powder with plain low fat yogurt. You get some protein without any added sugars. Plus, the yogurt will provide calcium and vitamin B-12.You crave potato chips: Choose pistachios instead. They'll live up to your fat cravings and are good for your heart. They also activate satiety hormones that help you eat less at the next meal!You crave jelly beans which will leave you with a huge sugar crash in a few hours: Opt for grapes or blueberries. They are nutritious and delicious and easy finger foods. Loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C- snack on these instead!You crave full fat ice cream: Choose frozen pure juice pops instead- a much healthier alternative, yet still satisfies the craving for something cold and yummy.So, how have each of you been doing in your journey to better health? Please feel free to start up a new topic discussion here on Bella Fitness and share your experiences. I want to encourage everyone to stay the path and be encouraged! I will be announcing the launch of my new company and website in the coming weeks. Please watch for it!Let me know how you are doing. Did you exercise this week? Have you changed and improved your diet? Are you taking more quality time for yourself? Are you dealing with yourself on an emotional and spiritual level? Fill me in....Blessings!!Chaunda

Hello everyone,

I'd like to have your support for two more radio interviews that I will be doing this Saturday. In response to the AJC article about my weight loss, I've been given several opportunities to spread the word about the dangers of obesity in America. As many of you know, health and fitness have become two of my biggest passions. I hope you'll tune in either online or radio and support my endeavors. Thank you so much!!

~Interview #1 time: 8:30am Saturday August 15:


MIDDLE GEORGIA BUSINESS JOURNAL HOST: THOMAS BACOTE AIRTIME - SATURDAY MORNINGS 8:30AM 1280 WIBB - THE VOICE OF MACONONLINE STREAM - www.1280wibb.com

~Interview 2 time: Saturday August 15 12 noon

Hicktownpress Blogtalk Radio show

Host: Lynn Green
This is the advertisement:

"Our guest, Chaunda Walls weighed over 200 pounds. Determined to get her health back in order, she put together a lifestyle change program, made her plans, and got the weight off. To date, she has lost 101 pounds. Join us to discover how she did it! "
The address is:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hicktownpress

The call in number will be announced on the day of the show.

Those who miss it can go to the address above and listen to it at their convenience. It will be archived.
www.hicktownpress.com

I hope you will listen in and call in with your support!! I really appreciate it! Many blessings to each of you!!

Chaunda

Our emotions and staying healthy

Hey guys! The topic of discussion for this week is: how do our emotions affect how well we take care of our selves physically? For example, have you ever had a really stressful day on the job or with the family and when it was time to workout, you just could not do it? Sometimes life brings emotional trauma that can very easily derail our health goals. I'd like to discuss any pertinent experiences you may have had to overcome in order to stay on track with your health and wellness. For me, I find it tough to exercise when I am emotionally upset or sad. However, I may allow myself a day off, but I get right back on the program the next day. I find that prayer helps shake off the blues and allows me to keep going. Once I get to the gym or to the running trail, I usually feel much better anyway. So, that's my tip: Pray, relax, be gentle with yourself on those "sensitive days", but then, get up off the sidelines and GET RIGHT BACK INTO THE GAME!!! Please share your own tips for balancing our emotional lives and our exercise goals. I'm sure our diets are also affected by the way we feel. Most humans are emotional eaters to different degrees. For me, food has become a source of fuel...nothing more. I'm able to manage my eating much easier since my frame of mind regarding food has changed dramatically. However, I do find that when I am feeling a little down, I tend to eat less- so on those days, I must force myself to eat regularly. Talk to us...let us know how you handle nutrition, exercise and emotions. Thanks!!! ps- please watch for another email from me regarding two more upcoming radio interviews where I 'll need your support. One love....