Category / Healthy Weight

Tips for a healthy lifestyle to assist in with maintaining or attaining a healthy weight. Drug free, toxin free, and craving free. Contact us for your consultation to get started living life on the lead lap and having the energy to finish STRONG!

by tessbrennan

What is the Healthiest Vegetable? (Its not a Potato)

Healthiest Veggie

Seven years ago, when I began changing my lifestyle to one where I consciously decide what I eat, how I eat, and how much I eat, I began looking for places where I could get “More Bang for my Buck.” 

At the time, we were a one income household, had a brand new baby, and cutting costs was a MUST! Knowing that nutrition and health were important and knowing how fabulous I was feeling from my new found choices, I began searching for foods that were tasty AND nutritious.

Having tried the South Beach diet a few times prior, I knew that baked potatoes were not the best answer for me, in fact were a very pour choice for me, so I turned to my new best friend… The SWEET POTATO!

My first thought was “in a crock pot with brown sugar, cinnamon, & marshmallows” then I realized that wasn’t the best way to “improve” my health… sugar and high fructose corn syrup are not the answer, but sweet potatoes and cinnamon were a good choice.

Today, I wish to introduce you to the AMAZING sweet potato and a few recipes that are wonderful with these little power house vegetables. (YES, VEGETABLES)

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, based on percentages of Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for six nutrients, SWEET POTATOES are and excellent choice!  To be honest, my husband was a bit leery at first, but now he is a sweet tater fanatic just like me – although he won’t admit it.

Healthiest Veggie w answer

Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes 

– These can be served with butter and organic sour cream, with butter and cinnamon, or just eaten plain.  Yummers

Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

— Just  like French Fries but tastier and healthier!

Sweet Potato Brownies

— The jury is still out on this one. I liked them, but they need to be cooked much longer as they are a very gooey brownie.

 

by tessbrennan

Upcoming Classes Lunch4Health & Walk4Health

As I am wrapping up the Estero Introduction to Temple Maintenance Class at Estero United Methodist Church I am amazed at how quickly 7 weeks has passed.  We covered so much material in a mere 7 classes, WOW!

As April rapidly approaches, I am pleased to be offering some new classes as well.

Lunch4Health

Lunch4Health is a brown-bag lunchtime coaching group to provide community with each other in daily healthy choices and challenges.  This group is meant to support each other through the difficult challenges as well as celebrating the victories-no matter how small. 

This weekly group will provide educational information useful to improve health, increase energy levels, and even in reducing fat!  We will provide a safe environment to share, grow (or shrink), learn, and be accountable for our daily choices.

Bonita Springs – Tuesdays 11:45-12:45 in Bonita Springs at Integrative Mindfulness – 3372 Woods Edge Circle, Suite 102, Bonita Springs (Beginning April 1, 2014)

Fort Myers – Fridays 11:30-12:30 in Fort Myers at Shift and Wake Up! – 8359 Beacon Blvd, Suite 403, Fort Myers (Beginning April 4, 2014)

This class will meet on a weekly basis, cost is $20 per class.

 

Walk4Health Logo

Walk4Health is an opportunity to learn the benefits of healthy walking. Ramp up your energy levels one step at a time.

This program is for beginner to intermediate walkers. Those looking for improved health, but not sure how to begin – this gathering is for you! We will cover the basics and include some techniques for those looking to “step it up a notch” as well.

I am a Certified Personal Trainer and a long distance walker who has walked 5 60-mile walks and logged approximately 3,000 miles training that are so important to be able to, not only finish a 60-mile walk, but also to finish pain free and without any recovery time. She has walking down to a science.

Join us for a quick warm-up, geared to your own level, and an easy walk through the Estero Community Center or Lakes Park. There is a cement walkway around the park, for an even surface and a great place to begin the basics of walking. We will get some walking in as well as learn about what goes into safely ramping up your activity levels.

These classes are offered through Your Life Enrichment Center and available:

Estero – Tuesdays 8:30-9:30 AM at Estero Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Estero , Fl. 33928 April 1 & 15, 2014.

Fort Myers – Friday 8:30-9:30 AM at Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Meet at far left parking lot when you first come into park. April 4 & 18, 2014.

These classes will continue beyond April, however, beginning in May they will switch days.  Cost is $10 per session unless you are a member of Your Life Enrichment Center.

For additional information, feel free to contact me here or call 239-246-9488.

by tessbrennan

###-FREE does NOT == HEALTHY!

SUGAR-FREE, FAT-FREE, GLUTEN-FREE, BANANA-FREE…

Banana-Free HealthyGreaseMonkey

Marketing experts have figured out that the typical American will purchase anything with the word “FREE” on it. And as consumers, most of us have proven them right.

Besides the fact that we are already programmed to pick up any package that says “NATURAL” on it and assume it is and it will be healthy… the marketers have turned other word combinations against us as well!

Sugar-Free

This leads us to believe a sweet utopian experience is on the horizon. Yet, our body is about to be assaulted if we consume such toxic poisons!

It is VERY well known, in many circles, that Aspartame, Saccharine, & Splenda can cause serious side effects. They are chemicals with side effects.

In fact, studies are showing that people who consume Diet Soda’s actually WEIGH MORE than those who drink regular sodas. (do NOT imply that I am condoning soda pop!) Smile 

Splenda-Side-Effects-Healthy-Grease-Monkey.jpg

 

In my book it is raw, organic sugar, honey, or fruit to sweeten whatever it is!

Fat-Free

“The problem is that sometimes “fat free” is also, well, taste free. And to make up for that lack of taste, food manufacturers tend to pour other ingredients — especially sugar, flour, thickeners and salt — into the products. That may boost the calorie content.

“Plus, if the foods aren’t that appealing, they may lead to overeating to make up for the lack of satisfaction.”  (WebMD)

INSTEAD: Think GOOD FATS and NOT fat free! Our brains actually NEED good fats to function properly…

Gluten-Free

Manufacturers have figured out that “Gluten-FREE” is the latest buzz word!  Heck, they are even labeling things that NEVER HAD GLUTEN… as gluten free!  Many people are jumping on the gluten free band wagon.  Many people DO have a gluten intolerance and eliminating it can eliminate symptoms and pain. 

Nowhere else in the world is there such a large percentage of people who are gluten intolerant.  Many other places in the world have outlawed the use of it. A study released this past month looks at the question of “Is it gluten or glyphosate?”

My main gripe about the whole gluten-free issue is that so many manufacturers are using the term “gluten-free” as a synonym to “healthy” and people are buying it. Sad smile 

Highly processed food is Highly processed food!  My rule of thumb is whole foods made in the home.  Ideally, foods that come from sources/people I know and use farming practices that match my desires.   We buy local and organic and I make all of our bread.

Banana-Free

Yeah, I just thought it sounded funny and would grab your attention!  Smile  Did it work?

Take it easy, have a GREAT week! Enjoy your life, your family, your food, and take time to INVEST in your health.

 

For more information or to schedule a personal coaching session, contact me!

by tessbrennan

Hungry? Nutritious Tip — Try the Apple Test!

When attempting to make healthy choices, many times people feel challenged when they begin to feel hungry.

If you feel hungry:

  1. Drink an 8-16 ounce glass of water and wait 20 minutes.
  2. If you are still hungry after the 20 minutes, grab an apple.
  3. Look at the apple, study the apple… Do you want to eat the apple?
  4. If the answer is YES! GREAT eat the healthy, organic apple.
  5. If the answer is NO! You are not really hungry.  Go back to what you were doing before your subconscious distracted you. Smile Apple Test HealthyGreaseMonkey

Many times, we mistake thirst for hunger. 

Step 1 allows us to assess whether we are really hungry or if we were actually thirsty.

Step 2 then addresses the issue of mindless eating, that so many suffer from.  When we take the time to look at the food, think about the food, assess our actual state of hunger…

I may find that I was not hungry at all, just had a rogue thought or a bad habit that was trying to rear its ugly head!

HEALTHY EATING!

For more information or helpful tips & personal coaching, feel free to contact me.

by tessbrennan

A Magical Exercise that can be Done Anywhere.

So many people frequently tell me they Don’t have Time to work out, their schedule is just so full.  People work many hours, several jobs, have kids activities to attend… so an exercise that they can do anywhere would be very helpful!  Enter stretching AND THE SQUAT!

Last year, at one of our Feel Good Fast Support Group meeting, we heard from Dr. Christopher Green, of the Chiropractic Care and Rehab Center in Estero, Florida, about movement and the importance of movement in daily life.

Dr. Green shared stretches with us and a simple exercise that can be done anywhere to assist with and allow continued mobility in most anyone.  He explained how he believes the perfect exercise is running, (I’m still walking.) and a close follow-up is the squat.

So, here is how Dr. Green explained the proper technique to the squat. (50 per day is idea – you don’t have to do them all at once) You can do these, literally anywhere. These are beginner squats – as you become more comfortable, stronger and balanced, you can do these squats without a chair!

Begin by sitting in a chair, then sit up straight and stand up. (Do NOT lean forward to stand up, just stand straight up.)Congratulations, you are half done!

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Next, hold your hands out in front of you and look up! (This helps you keep your head back and your back straight) And sit back down, gently and controlled.

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You have successfully completed 1 squat!  Now only 49 more to go. Smile  (Start off small – maybe 25 a day – 5 at a time, 5 times throughout the day.  Then begin to work up to that magical number of 50)

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Yes, I AM holding a magic wand from the movie FROZEN.  It was a stipulation for my amazing photographer, CLB.  If I would hold the wand in my hand during the shots, she would capture them for me.  You have to compromise sometimes to work with the best!  (She is after all… almost 7)

This amazing exercise is GREAT for your core, AND to assist in bladder control as well.  (Just a handy little side note for you.)

For more information on simple exercises to make a big impact on your health or for personal coaching, please, feel free to contact me!

by tessbrennan

What You DON’T NEED to Get Healthy or Lose weight

Friends, our society has become very confused! We have been led to believe we must have the “latest gadget,” the “newest product,” or the “latest discovery” in order to get healthy, lose weight/inches, or both!

They LIE! You do NOT need:

Word_cloud_what_is_NOT_healthy

  • to starve yourself
  • to run a marathon
  • to deprive yourself
  • to hurt for days
  • to be exhausted all the time
  • to beat yourself up
  • to join a gym
  • to go broke
  • to eat nasty foods
  • to take drugs
  • to do it all at once (you can’t)

You just need to know where you are now, that it is NOT too late, commit and begin to make a difference.

You_Are_Here_lifeinbonitasprings

 

Advertising today says “DO THIS” “TAKE THAT” and you will immediately be thinner/happier/healthier… Remember, it isn’t a race, there is no “destination” it is a journey.

rabbits_lifeinbonitaspringstortoise_lifeinbonitasprings

When we begin with “Where you are now, and where you want to be, then the process can begin!

direction_lifeinbonitasprings

I am NOT saying DON’T join a gym, I AM saying there are alternatives to paying to use someone else’s exercise equipment or even buying your own gym!

gym_lifeinbonitaspringspath_corkscrew_lifeinbonitasprings

When we set up a firm foundation, strong roots, then we begin to grow healthier and our energy increases. Simple steps taken one at a time can be easy, and begin to compound and make the journey very enjoyable.

simple_choices_lifeinbonitaspringsBeautiful_Journey_lifeinbonitasprings

Remember, this is NOT the end of the road. It is merely the beginning of a happy journey of healthy choices, directions, and new found joy and energy!

end_of_the_road_lifeinbonitaspringsWalking_path_corkscrew_lifeinbonitasprings

If you are in the Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers area and are looking for a personal trainer who is interested in YOUR SUCCESS, who focuses on YOUR NEEDS, and designs a specific plan to assist you in moving that journey onto the path of improved health, increased quality of life and increased energy, contact me.  I specialize in a holistic approach to better health and in decreasing your waist size!

THANK YOU!

I would like to give a special SHOUT OUT to my friend, Chris Griffith who took all of these amazing shots and allowed me to use them in my blog! 

Chris_Griffith_lifeinbonitasprings

by tessbrennan

How strong is Your Foundation?

So, as I have embarked on my “reading plan” for 2014, He sent me the text from Matthew 7:24-27.  It immediately stuck in my head.  Thoughts were flying at me.

If WE are HIS temple, then we MUST WORK to build a solid foundation to allow that Temple to remain strong, stable, and available as a testament to others.

So many people I know are so STRONG in their faith, their love of God, and their work for Him, yet their health is failing due to their lacking a sound nutritional or the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Local Vegetables for Healthy Diet

As my friend, Camille says, “Its all about the choices we make every day.”  Sure, I can choose chocolate cake or actions that don’t support a healthy life. I am also CHOOSING to face those consequences – whatever they may be.

My thoughts on Temple Maintenance and a Strong Foundation.

I do have a Temple Maintenance class beginning February 11, 2014 at Estero United Methodist Church.

Plans are in the works to begin a Lifetime Waist Reduction Class – where you learn to make the lifestyle and nutritional choices that shrink your waist and help you maintain that health for the long term, as I have.

I am currently accepting new coaching clients as well.  Contact me for more information!

by tessbrennan

Why I don’t care if you are skinny!

I actually HATE the word skinny!  I hate it as much as I hate the word fat. I always have and most likely always will.  Let me explain.

Growing up, I was very active.  I participated in multiple sports, FFA, F.I.L.E., my Church, and many contests for public speaking. At one point my father or mother tracked my caloric intake during the peak of my junior year.  I was eating 10,000 calories a day!  Literally. I don’t know how my family kept from going broke.

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Breakfast was usually some hot cereal with butter and brown sugar, a glass of juice and a glass of milk, a multi-raw egg smoothie (because dad was doing it for his running and such, so would I), two large school lunches, mega snacks right after school, a HUGE dinner, and whatever else I could find.  I was a PIG… and I was SKINNY!

When I say skinny… I mean NO CURVES, NONE. (Well, I did have some lovely calves.)  No butt, no hips, no chest (even with a padded training bra), nothing.  A skinny girl with short hair and braces!  To the point that during long jump at a track meet, a classmate thought it would be funny to register me as one of the boys… The track official didn’t even notice the different uniform!  I hated to buy clothes because nothing fit and it all fell off because of how I was built. (My dad would go shopping for clothes without me to save me the frustration.)

Everyone used to comment how “skinny” I was! Meanwhile my mom was struggling with weight in the other direction, wishing she had my metabolism.

Fast forward to grown-up life. Post college and all its intermural sports, the walking to class, and the dancing the night away. LIFE… and 200+ pounds.

 BeforeJingle Jog 2013

I want to tell you, you can be healthy, look great and be happy and NOT be skinny! 

Today, I am at 145 pounds. I’ve been told that my ideal weight is 135, but I am comfortable, happy, and healthy at 145.  The extra 55 pounds didn’t make me fat… they made me sick and unable to function. 

By making smart choices, healthy choices, by choosing foods and supplements that SUPPORT my health and eliminating the poor choices… many of the aches and pains, the need for my prescription meds, the inability to participate in things all went away and all the extra weight went away too!

I am thankful for friends who showed me healthier ways. Thank you Betsey for guiding and teaching. The research I am seeing today states that losing just 10% of your body weight (when overweight or obese) could GREATLY impact your health!  Its time to get started!

Contact me, when you are ready to begin making healthier choices! We can discuss the best route for your needs!

As my dad used to say, all. the. time. “Zig Ziglar says, Keep on, Keepin’ on!”

by tessbrennan

Could your Gut be making you fat or sick?

Do I think your “gut” could be making you fat and sick?  Fat –Possibly? Sick – Very Possibly.

Obese couple

 

Our bodies are miraculous functioning gifts.  They are complex machines that need many things in balance to keep functioning properly. Our bodies were created by God (Genesis 1:27).  They were created to function as a whole entity, complete and perfect.  Our bodies were created with mechanisms to keep us warm, cool us off, fight off disease, heal from injuries, and in the case of our skin and bones, regenerate when broken.

The problem: Our digestive system is under attack from many different directions!

Our “gut” or digestive system is very, VERY important.  We get all of our nutrition (fuel) through the digestive system but it isn’t just a transport system, it also includes our immune system, and everything else.

Today, everything we see advertised on the television is meant to KILL germs and bacteria. The soap most use has the antibacterial component Triclosan along with many of the items we buy.

When we get sick, they give us anti-biotics to kill all the bacteria in our body. Unfortunately it kills the bad AND the good bacteria in our bodies.

The foods many choose to consume on a large scale, feed the bad bacteria which then can overtake the good bacteria and begin to cause havoc on our system as well. (2)

In the news today, they mentioned the fact that the microbiota in your system could even contribute to obesity.  (The key here is contribute – there are many facets to consider when looking at obesity.)  (1)

A solution: Add a quality probiotic to your daily routine/diet.  Remember that your stomach acids can kill 85-95% of the good bacteria moving through, so eat your probiotics with a good sized meal, (like dinner) to improve its chances of making it safely through OR choose a probiotic supplement from a trusted source.

ALSO, avoid excessive sugar intake. This includes refined flours, sugars, sugar substitutes, and highly processed foods and juices. 

Eat a balanced diet INCLUDING LOTS of Fruits and Vegetables. A recent study showed that those who ate a diet HIGH in Meat & Dairy caused the microflora in the digestive tract to change rapidly, and not necessarily for the good! (2)

Veggies - LifeInBonitaSprings

You always want to be sure that the supplements you choose are from a company that guarantees their product, that what it says it contains is REALLY what is in there and that nothing unwanted will be in the supplement as well!

There is a LOT of research going on right now involving the gut and the microbiome in our bodies. The hope is to understand more and to be able to help more people stay healthier to start with. (3)

For more information in regard to digestion and how it can affect our health here are some links.  An audio recording of Digestion Is the Key to Health by Dr. Frank Painter (43 minutes long)  and a video presentation entitled Protecting The Most Important Organ in Your Body. (40 minutes long)

For more information on healthy eating, healthy weight loss, and improving your health, contact me!

(1) http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/predicting-2014s-top-medical-innovations/ (beginning at 1:55)

(2) http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/12/10/250007042/chowing-down-on-meat-and-dairy-alters-gut-bacteria-a-lot-and-quickly

(3) http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2013/03/12/microbiome-health-blaser

Photo of vegetables courtesy of Chris Griffith, LifeinBonitaSprings.com.

by tessbrennan

Happy New Year from the Healthy Grease Monkey

Happy New Year! 

Like most others, I have been focusing on the new year, my goals and plans for the year, and strategies for making it all work together.

I was drawn to scripture, this morning, regarding new beginnings.  I began to think about how everything in the United States seems to focus on the New Year as sort of a baptism into better choices.

Many of you know that I look upon 1 Cor 3:16-17 as my inspiration for life, food, and activity choices.

While many people I know are waking up this morning wishing the sun wasn’t so bright, the dogs didn’t bark quite so loud, and wondering where the bottle of asprin is, I woke up refreshed, ready to greet the new year and make a difference, due to the choices I made.

This morning, I thought how fitting Romans 6:1-6 is to the whole “theory” of New Year’s in our country.

Romans 6:1-6

6 1-3 So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn’t you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!

3-5 That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.

I’ve been baptized twice in my life.  The first time was when I was 13 or 14. My friends and cousin were all doing it and I didn’t want to be left out.  I took the classes, understood what it all meant, but didn’t really accept Him into my heart.  Didn’t make choices to support Him.

In 2006, while teaching kids at Church Camp, I came to the realization that I DO ACCEPT Jesus as my Lord and Savior.  I DO want to be HIS hands and feet. My father baptized me in the lake at the camp, and I accepted Him as I should, because I wanted Him in my heart, rather than doing because everyone else was.

Five years ago, I also realized my desire to listen to His calling for me and to reach out and help others who also are ready to listen to his call.

Many of my goals for 2014 involve reaching more people and assisting them in learning to care for their Temple.  Just as I knew all about the process of baptism and what was involved, I wasn’t ready to accept it and follow His path until a later realization. 

Many of clients feel the same way about their failing health. They KNOW, or they think they know, what needs to be done to improve their health, yet when they have tried to “implement” the steps in the past, they found they weren’t ready or something caused them to stumble.

Today, we work together, to get over and past the road blocks, to understand our thought processes, the correct steps for each person, the love for yourself and Him, and it all begins to fall into place.

Thank you, to all my current and past clients!

To those of you ready to begin your own journey to a Temple with a stronger foundation that allows you the opportunity and even desire to be His hands and feet, I am here, ready to serve, guide, coach, and celebrate your successes with you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR – Make the choice, Make the change, Be the difference!

New Year's Eve 2013

~Tess

For more information on Estero Weight Loss, Bonita Springs Weight Loss, Fort Myers Weight Loss, or Simple steps to improve  your health and quality of life, contact me here!