Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Instantly Identify Online Scams & How much muscle do you need?

Nothing makes my blood boil like the Wt. Loss scams I see online. They drive me nuts.

Now it's bad enough they make absurd claims that are just flat out lies. But what takes the cake is the fact that nowadays they are fraudulently using the Better Business Bureau seal of approval to flat out trick you. Can you believe that?!

So how can you tell if that's the case?

Simple. If you see the BBB seal on a website and it does NOT hyperlink to the Better Business Bureau website (which is BBB.org) so you can review the company's history, then it is a fake. It is a scam. The people that have created that site are liars!

Legitimate companies like Prograde Nutrition http://results4sure.getprograde.com/ go through the trouble of actually going through the process of getting approved by the Better Business Bureau. When you go to their website you'll see the BBB seal. And it is legit because it takes you to BBB.org to prove it when you click on the image.

The Internet can be a scary place. But there are good people and good companies doing business online. And now you know one more way to recognize them - AND the bad guys.

On another Note:
A lot of times people ask and even argue with me on why I don't do any Traditional "cardio" in my Boot Camps...

Well I usually have 1 of 2 responses, the first one is: "Why would you pay to have someone tell you to go for a run?"
Some people don't like that answer..

My other answer is: "Well what is your fitness goal? Is it to enhance your cardio respiratory endurance? or Is it to Lose weight, Burn Fat, build some lean quality muscle?

If the answer is to lose weight, Burn Fat and build lean quality muscle, which it usually is, then I say well that's what we do in my bootcamps..we use the most effective way possible to get you the results you want.

"Why do we have to use resistance (weights) if I want to lose weight?" is another question I get asked alot...

How much muscle do you need if you want to lose weight?

I found an interesting blog post from Alwyn Cosgrove that might give you some information you might not have:

"Q: Once and for all - how many calories does a pound of muscle burn?

A: To be honest - it seems we really aren't completely sure. Everyone originally thought (until recently) that is was about 50 calories per pound of muscle per day. Recently numbers have surfaced that suggest it's closer to 10-20 calories per day. Maybe the next study will tell us that it's only 7 calories, or it's actually 57 calories...

In reality though - does it matter? If I told you that it was exactly 13.172 calories - what would you do differently in your fat loss training because of that information?


Here's what we know for sure - Muscle burns calories. About 5 times as many calories as the same amount of fat does. The acquisition of muscle and the use of muscle (and the presence of muscle - even if it's just sitting there doing nothing) all requires calories.

Muscle is metabolically active tissue -- increase your muscle mass and your metabolism goes up, reduce your muscle mass and your metabolism goes down. Everyone agrees on that.


So the take home message when looking at increasing metabolism - is to focus on increasing or at least maintaining muscle. And then using as much of it as possible in your workouts."

Yours in rapid fat loss,

Rafael
PS - If you're looking for the highest quality nutritional products on the Internet from a company you can trust, well, look no further than Prograde Nutrition http://results4sure.getprograde.com/

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Win the battle against Fat Cells

As a fitness expert, you know I'll never promise you a pill is going to be the answer to that "jiggle in your wiggle." If you want six pack abs you're going to have to work for them.

BUT...

There is some very promising research out there in regards to a dietary supplement you've probably been hearing a lot about.

Yes, I'm talking about Essential Fatty Acids. You probably have heard them called something like Fish Oil pills.

How's this for good news?!

*University of Georgia researchers have found something pretty amazing about Essential Fatty Acid supplements containing DHA. Get this: The actually help STOP the conversion of pre-fat cells into fat cells by causing them to die out before they can mature.

Once a pre-fat cell becomes a fat cell, well, there's no turning back. You've got that fat cell for life. Imagine, actually decreasing the accumulation of fat by taking an Essential Fatty Acid supplement containing DHA!

Now let me do my best infomercial voice for you...

But wait, there's more!

Seriously, that's not the only benefit of Essential Fatty Acid supplements containing DHA.

According to studies** done at the University of South Australia people that combined exercise with Essential Fatty Acid supplements containing DHA saw greater fat loss than the test group that only exercised and did not take the supplement.

How can you not be excited by these research studies??

Now, personally, I don't like Fish Oil pills because they cause you to burp like crazy. If you've ever taken them you know exactly what I mean. And they aren't always the highest quality.

I prefer EFA Icon from Prograde Nutrition because they use Krill Oil. It's been found to be a superior source of Essential Fatty Acids containing DHA. Plus, with EFA Icon there are NO fish burps. And I haven't even mentioned all the amazing health benefits from this dietary supplement.

If you're looking to accelerate your fat loss results than I really recommend you go with Prograde Nutrition's EFA Icon. You can get it here: http://results4sure.getprograde.com/icon

Yours in rapid fat loss,

Rafael

PS - Remember, EFA Icon is NOT a miracle solution. You will need sound nutrition and exercise. BUT the research is there. It's definitely a supplement with powerful fat loss properties http://results4sure.getprograde.com/icon

* Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 136:2965-2969** American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85:1267-1274
* Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 136:2965-2969** American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85:1267-1274

PPS
You see in order to get started on a fitness program or a weight loss program or any thing...you need to start..

You can't wait for a new reason to make it happen

Our Boot Camps first Boot Camp for Feb 2009 start in 2 weeks, but you still have time

So here You Go...

2 OPTIONS:

#1. BOOTCAMP
CAMPS for 2008 are 3 times per week for 4 weeks and are $249.
In Miami David Kennedy Park 6:15, 7am( 2160 S Bayshore Dr)
In Aventura 11:15am Mon-Wed-Fri Highland Oaks Park
In Miami Lakes at Royal Oaks Park 7:45pm
In Pembroke Pines 6:30pm at Brian Picollo ParkIn Doral at 7pm Mon-Tues-Thur In Miami Beach at 6:15am


click here: http://www.results4sure.com/BootCampPayment.html
to Enroll

#2 28 Day Extreme Fat Loss Program
Once again here are the links for all the details:You Can Get $799 worth of Boot Camp Training and Meal Planning For Only $347
1 Month of Boot Camp
28 Individual Days of Custom Meals Pre Planned for You!
With 5-6 Meals on Each Day
The Secret Cardio Formula

This is almost $800 worth of Time, Meal Planning and Training and you get it all for just $347

http://results4sure.com/28days.html
PS...Some of the people doing this one have lost 3lbs of Fat in only One week...You would need to burn off 3,500 calories just to Burn off 1...FYI!




--
Rafael Moret,CSCS, NASM-Cpt
http://www.SouthFloridaFitnessBootCamp.com
http://www.Results4Sure.com
http://www.Metabolism-Makeover.net

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Healthy Snack Options for Fat Loss

As a fitness expert people always ask me, "What snacks can I eat that will help me lose 'this'?" When they say "this" they are pointing to some part of their body that has a bit too much fat for their liking.
Now I think some people are waiting for me to say, "Oh, don't worry, you can eat cookies, chips and candy all you want. Everyone has been lying to you. They actually make you thinner!"

Seriously, people really do want me to tell them what they WANT to hear.

But, fortunately, some people are serious when they ask that question. They really do want to know some healthy snack options for rapid fat loss.

So here's what I tell them:

Raw almonds, walnuts or pecans (Not the roasted variety. And don't even think about the ones with sugar sprinkled on them!)

Fruit or veggies cut up into sticks (Stay away from dipping them into things you know you shouldn't)

Hard boiled eggs

Low-fat cottage cheese

Hummus

Those are all great options. But if you really want to treat yourself you've gotta check out Prograde Cravers. You can find them here http://results4sure.getprograde.com/cravers

They're made with 100% organic dark chocolate. Plus, they're only 180 calories and they're out-of-this-world delicious.

Seriously, this isn't your ordinary "tastes like chemicals or cardboard' nutritional bar.

Definitely check them out.

Yours in health,

Rafael

PS - It's best if you choose a variety of foods from the above list. But please realize, you CANNOT find Prograde Cravers in stores anywhere. They're only available through fitness pros such as myself.
http://results4sure.getprograde.com/cravers

PPS - If you are in South Florida now is the time to start enrolling for our BOOT CAMPSyou can do it here: BOOTCAMPS for 2009 are 3 times per week for 4 weeks and are $249.

In Miami David Kennedy Park 6:15, 7am( 2160 S Bayshore Dr) Mon-Wed-Fri
In Aventura 11:15am Mon-Wed-Fri Highland Oaks Park
In Miami Lakes at Royal Oaks Park 7:45pm
In Pembroke Pines 6:30pm at Brian Picollo ParkIn Doral at 7pm Mon-Tues-Thur In Miami Beach at 6:15am Mon-Wed-Fri


click here: http://www.results4sure.com/BootCampPayment.html
to Enroll

Sunday, January 18, 2009

10 Day Jump Start

Fitness Jump Start

First I'd like to say..I never do this

I know many of you had a New Year fitness resolution...

Some of you have started and things are not moving as fast as you would like.

Some of you are yet to start, and are feeling a little like you failed.

So here we are...Is there a solution?...YES

It's called the fitness JUMP START!!!

This is the formula I would use when someone calls in DESPERATE Need of help..

They Have a Wedding in 10 days or less
They need to get in a bathing suit in 10 days or less
High School Reunion is in 10 days or less
Office Party You need to fit in to a New Dress for in 10 days or less

What ever the circumstances might be, this is not a weight loss solution to a long term problem...This is a short term solution to a long term goal...

BUT...if you can lose more weight in the Next 10 days than you did last year, that will definitely give you the JUMP START YOU Need...
Now like I said before...I NEVER DO THIS..why because it's a short term solution...



But I realize, some of you might need that extra kick...



So, I will ONLY offer this for the first 10 people to respond...WHY?



This will be a 10 day instruction program delivered via email ONLY



Every 2 days for 10 Days you will get the exact instructions I give my "SPECIAL" needs clients



Why only 10 people..you will need help and direction and I have boot camps to teach and other clients to help..more than 10 people on this Fitness JUMP START will be to many



Enough said, I shouldn't be doing this in the first place..



How much???

$17.50 per day...that's right that's it..$175 for the same program I never sell to anyone, and ONLY use in special circumstances...



Fill in your name and email below, you will be sent all of the information you need..



WE START JANUARY 21st 2009 and the program will run for the Last 10 days of January...

Thursday, January 15, 2009

One Last Reminder and New Service

Doesn't it seem these days that almost no companies do what they say they are going to do? Don't you enjoy working with and buying from companies that have their priorities straight? Companies that sell legitimate products and aren't just in it to make a fast buck.

Look, I'm a fitness professional. I'm selling exercise, nutrition, patience, discipline, sacrifice...

It's not the world's easiest sale, that's for sure. I'd make a LOT more money if I sold you Miracles in a Bottle or told you that you can eat any and all foods you want and still lose weight.

In other words, if I lied to your face, took your money and ran.

But I won't do that - ever. I have too much character and integrity for that. We're the "Good Guys" in this marketplace.

And I love working with Prograde Nutrition because they're on the same side as me. They work hand-in-hand with fitness experts to combat all the lies and myths you are told by the "Bad Guys" day-after-day. Together we're doing our absolute best to spread the truth about fitness, health and weight loss.

It's not always easy, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Keep fighting the good fight. http://results4sure.getprograde.com/

Yours in health,

Rafael

PS
Mike is Joining OUR Boot Camp Family, but not to teach any classes..What Better than a MASSAGE after a Boot Camp Beat Down..I mean workout Mike does all types of massages including:
Swedish
Deep Tissue
Neuromuscular
Trigger Point
Pre/Post Natal
Sports Massage
Reflexology

As a bonus to all the reader of my Boot Camp newsletter he will be offering a Buy One Get One Half OFF intro massage: So, You can get a 1 hour massage for $70 and the second one for $35and You can also schedule a 30 minute massage for $40 and get the second one for $20

DID I MENTION HE WILL COME TO YOU..That's right anywhere , your home, the office, the beach..you tell himfor more info email Mike at michael@results4sure.com

PPS - The sale ends TONIGHT at 11:59 pm EST. Remember, Prograde Nutrition is currently having a BIG 10.9% off everything January Celebration Sale to celebrate the New Year and the fact they are now shipping to the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Yes, that's 10.9 as in January of 2009 ;-)
Here are some other details I want to make sure you know about:

- Again, you receive 10.9% off all Prograde products.

- Yes, that 10.9% off will be applicable to SmartShip orders. But it only applies to that first purchase. Not ongoing.

- The coupon code you enter at checkout is:

012009

- The website is http://results4sure.getprograde.com/



--
Rafael Moret,CSCS, NASM-Cpt
http://www.SouthFloridaFitnessBootCamp.com
http://www.Results4Sure.com
http://www.Metabolism-Makeover.net

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Dumbest 'Slimming' Snack Advice Ever

It's no wonder people are so overweight. It's no wonder people don't have the flat stomach they crave.

With TV commercials as misleading as they are it's really no shock whatsoever.

You're inundated with crummy information and myths every time you turn on the TV.

A while back they were running a commercial for some silly Rice Puff product. It was in an office setting and someone had brought in cupcakes for everyone to enjoy.

One woman looked worried she was going to ruin her "diet" because of the temptation and decided to "fill up" on a Rice Puff product.

Come on. You're smarter than that. You know darn well that a rice puff thingy is going to fill you up and stop you from stuffing your face.

For one thing, you need to expect these situations to arise. Whether you want six pack abs or just want to get to a perfectly healthy weight, you have to have a plan for temptation.

Second, that means you need to plan meals so you aren't completely starving when someone brings cupcakes to your office or something.

You know you need to eat small, frequent and nutritious meals if you really want to achieve fat loss.

Third, if you are looking for a great tasting healthy snack that fulfills your love of chocolate then look no further.

Prograde Cravers are just what the fitness pro ordered.

( Check them out here: http://results4sure.getprograde.com/cravers )

Cravers are only 180 calories and they are made with 100% organic dark chocolate. They are completely delicious and they are the perfect snack for busy people on the go.

They even come in three flavors. Personally, I love the Almond Butter

Anyway, don't buy the hype on TV. You know better than that.

Yours in health,

RaFael

PS - It ends this Thursday! Remember, Prograde Nutrition is currently having a BIG 10.9% off everything January Celebration Sale to celebrate the New Year and the fact they are now shipping to the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

Yes, that's 10.9 as in January of 2009 ;-)

Here are some other details I want to make sure you know about:

- Again, you receive 10.9% off all Prograde products.

- It will run from Thursday, January 8th until Thursday, January 15th at 11:59pm EST.

- Yes, that 10.9% off will be applicable to SmartShip orders. But it only applies to that first purchase. Not ongoing.

- The coupon code you enter at checkout is:

012009

- The website is http://results4sure.getprograde.com/cravers

- If you want to check out Prograde Cravers right away go here:
http://results4sure.getprograde.com/cravers

Aspartame is, by far, the most dangerous substance on the market

Aspartame: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
(from www.Mercola.com )

Aspartame is, by far, the most dangerous substance on the market that is added to foods.

Aspartame is the technical name for the brand names NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, and Equal-Measure. It was discovered by accident in 1965 when James Schlatter, a chemist of G.D. Searle Company, was testing an anti-ulcer drug.

Aspartame was approved for dry goods in 1981 and for carbonated beverages in 1983. It was originally approved for dry goods on July 26, 1974, but objections filed by neuroscience researcher Dr John W. Olney and Consumer attorney James Turner in August 1974 as well as investigations of G.D. Searle's research practices caused the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to put approval of aspartame on hold (December 5, 1974). In 1985, Monsanto purchased G.D. Searle and made Searle Pharmaceuticals and The NutraSweet Company separate subsidiaries.

Aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA. Many of these reactions are very serious including seizures and death.(1) A few of the 90 different documented symptoms listed in the report as being caused by aspartame include: Headaches/migraines, dizziness, seizures, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, weight gain, rashes, depression, fatigue, irritability, tachycardia, insomnia, vision problems, hearing loss, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, loss of taste, tinnitus, vertigo, memory loss, and joint pain.

According to researchers and physicians studying the adverse effects of aspartame, the following chronic illnesses can be triggered or worsened by ingesting of aspartame:(2) Brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, parkinson's disease, alzheimer's, mental retardation, lymphoma, birth defects, fibromyalgia, and diabetes.

Aspartame is made up of three chemicals: aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol. The book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," by James and Phyllis Balch, lists aspartame under the category of "chemical poison." As you shall see, that is exactly what it is.

What Is Aspartame Made Of?

Aspartic Acid (40 percent of aspartame)

Dr. Russell L. Blaylock, a professor of neurosurgery at the Medical University of Mississippi, recently published a book thoroughly detailing the damage that is caused by the ingestion of excessive aspartic acid from aspartame. Blaylock makes use of almost 500 scientific references to show how excess free excitatory amino acids such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid (about 99 percent of monosodium glutamate (MSG) is glutamic acid) in our food supply are causing serious chronic neurological disorders and a myriad of other acute symptoms.(3)


How Aspartate (and Glutamate) Cause Damage

Aspartate and glutamate act as neurotransmitters in the brain by facilitating the transmission of information from neuron to neuron. Too much aspartate or glutamate in the brain kills certain neurons by allowing the influx of too much calcium into the cells. This influx triggers excessive amounts of free radicals, which kill the cells. The neural cell damage that can be caused by excessive aspartate and glutamate is why they are referred to as "excitotoxins." They "excite" or stimulate the neural cells to death.

Aspartic acid is an amino acid. Taken in its free form (unbound to proteins) it significantly raises the blood plasma level of aspartate and glutamate. The excess aspartate and glutamate in the blood plasma shortly after ingesting aspartame or products with free glutamic acid (glutamate precursor) leads to a high level of those neurotransmitters in certain areas of the brain.

The blood brain barrier (BBB), which normally protects the brain from excess glutamate and aspartate as well as toxins, 1) is not fully developed during childhood, 2) does not fully protect all areas of the brain, 3) is damaged by numerous chronic and acute conditions, and 4) allows seepage of excess glutamate and aspartate into the brain even when intact.

The excess glutamate and aspartate slowly begin to destroy neurons. The large majority (75 percent or more) of neural cells in a particular area of the brain are killed before any clinical symptoms of a chronic illness are noticed. A few of the many chronic illnesses that have been shown to be contributed to by long-term exposure to excitatory amino acid damage include:

Multiple sclerosis (MS)
ALS
Memory loss
Hormonal problems
Hearing loss
Epilepsy
Alzheimer's disease
Parkinson's disease
Hypoglycemia
AIDS
Dementia
Brain lesions
Neuroendocrine disorders
The risk to infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and persons with certain chronic health problems from excitotoxins are great. Even the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), which usually understates problems and mimics the FDA party-line, recently stated in a review that:

"It is prudent to avoid the use of dietary supplements of L-glutamic acid by pregnant women, infants, and children. The existence of evidence of potential endocrine responses, i.e., elevated cortisol and prolactin, and differential responses between males and females, would also suggest a neuroendocrine link and that supplemental L-glutamic acid should be avoided by women of childbearing age and individuals with affective disorders."(4)

Aspartic acid from aspartame has the same deleterious effects on the body as glutamic acid.

The exact mechanism of acute reactions to excess free glutamate and aspartate is currently being debated. As reported to the FDA, those reactions include:(5)

Headaches/migraines
Nausea
Abdominal pains
Fatigue (blocks sufficient glucose entry into brain)
Sleep problems
Vision problems
Anxiety attacks
Depression
Asthma/chest tightness.
One common complaint of persons suffering from the effect of aspartame is memory loss. Ironically, in 1987, G.D. Searle, the manufacturer of aspartame, undertook a search for a drug to combat memory loss caused by excitatory amino acid damage. Blaylock is one of many scientists and physicians who are concerned about excitatory amino acid damage caused by ingestion of aspartame and MSG.

A few of the many experts who have spoken out against the damage being caused by aspartate and glutamate include Adrienne Samuels, Ph.D., an experimental psychologist specializing in research design. Another is Olney, a professor in the department of psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University, a neuroscientist and researcher, and one of the world's foremost authorities on excitotoxins. (He informed Searle in 1971 that aspartic acid caused holes in the brains of mice.)

Phenylalanine (50 percent of aspartame)

Phenylalanine is an amino acid normally found in the brain. Persons with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot metabolize phenylalanine. This leads to dangerously high levels of phenylalanine in the brain (sometimes lethal). It has been shown that ingesting aspartame, especially along with carbohydrates, can lead to excess levels of phenylalanine in the brain even in persons who do not have PKU.

This is not just a theory, as many people who have eaten large amounts of aspartame over a long period of time and do not have PKU have been shown to have excessive levels of phenylalanine in the blood. Excessive levels of phenylalanine in the brain can cause the levels of seratonin in the brain to decrease, leading to emotional disorders such as depression. It was shown in human testing that phenylalanine levels of the blood were increased significantly in human subjects who chronically used aspartame.(6)

Even a single use of aspartame raised the blood phenylalanine levels. In his testimony before the U.S. Congress, Dr. Louis J. Elsas showed that high blood phenylalanine can be concentrated in parts of the brain and is especially dangerous for infants and fetuses. He also showed that phenylalanine is metabolised much more effeciently by rodents than by humans.(7)

One account of a case of extremely high phenylalanine levels caused by aspartame was recently published the "Wednesday Journal" in an article titled "An Aspartame Nightmare." John Cook began drinking six to eight diet drinks every day. His symptoms started out as memory loss and frequent headaches. He began to crave more aspartame-sweetened drinks. His condition deteriorated so much that he experienced wide mood swings and violent rages. Even though he did not suffer from PKU, a blood test revealed a phenylalanine level of 80 mg/dl. He also showed abnormal brain function and brain damage. After he kicked his aspartame habit, his symptoms improved dramatically.(8)

As Blaylock points out in his book, early studies measuring phenylalanine buildup in the brain were flawed. Investigators who measured specific brain regions and not the average throughout the brain notice significant rises in phenylalanine levels. Specifically the hypothalamus, medulla oblongata, and corpus striatum areas of the brain had the largest increases in phenylalanine. Blaylock goes on to point out that excessive buildup of phenylalanine in the brain can cause schizophrenia or make one more susceptible to seizures.

Therefore, long-term, excessive use of aspartame may provid a boost to sales of seratonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac and drugs to control schizophrenia and seizures.

Methanol (aka wood alcohol/poison) (10 percent of aspartame)

Methanol/wood alcohol is a deadly poison. Some people may remember methanol as the poison that has caused some "skid row" alcoholics to end up blind or dead. Methanol is gradually released in the small intestine when the methyl group of aspartame encounter the enzyme chymotrypsin.

The absorption of methanol into the body is sped up considerably when free methanol is ingested. Free methanol is created from aspartame when it is heated to above 86 Fahrenheit (30 Centigrade). This would occur when aspartame-containing product is improperly stored or when it is heated (e.g., as part of a "food" product such as Jello).

Methanol breaks down into formic acid and formaldehyde in the body. Formaldehyde is a deadly neurotoxin. An EPA assessment of methanol states that methanol "is considered a cumulative poison due to the low rate of excretion once it is absorbed. In the body, methanol is oxidized to formaldehyde and formic acid; both of these metabolites are toxic." They recommend a limit of consumption of 7.8 mg/day. A one-liter (approx. 1 quart) aspartame-sweetened beverage contains about 56 mg of methanol. Heavy users of aspartame-containing products consume as much as 250 mg of methanol daily or 32 times the EPA limit.(9)

Symptoms from methanol poisoning include headaches, ear buzzing, dizziness, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, weakness, vertigo, chills, memory lapses, numbness and shooting pains in the extremities, behavioral disturbances, and neuritis. The most well known problems from methanol poisoning are vision problems including misty vision, progressive contraction of visual fields, blurring of vision, obscuration of vision, retinal damage, and blindness. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, causes retinal damage, interferes with DNA replication and causes birth defects.(10)

Due to the lack of a couple of key enzymes, humans are many times more sensitive to the toxic effects of methanol than animals. Therefore, tests of aspartame or methanol on animals do not accurately reflect the danger for humans. As pointed out by Dr. Woodrow C. Monte, director of the food science and nutrition laboratory at Arizona State University, "There are no human or mammalian studies to evaluate the possible mutagenic, teratogenic or carcinogenic effects of chronic administration of methyl alcohol."(11)

He was so concerned about the unresolved safety issues that he filed suit with the FDA requesting a hearing to address these issues. He asked the FDA to "slow down on this soft drink issue long enough to answer some of the important questions. It's not fair that you are leaving the full burden of proof on the few of us who are concerned and have such limited resources. You must remember that you are the American public's last defense. Once you allow usage (of aspartame) there is literally nothing I or my colleagues can do to reverse the course. Aspartame will then join saccharin, the sulfiting agents, and God knows how many other questionable compounds enjoined to insult the human constitution with governmental approval."(10) Shortly thereafter, the Commissioner of the FDA, Arthur Hull Hayes, Jr., approved the use of aspartame in carbonated beverages, he then left for a position with G.D. Searle's public relations firm.(11)

It has been pointed out that some fruit juices and alcoholic beverages contain small amounts of methanol. It is important to remember, however, that methanol never appears alone. In every case, ethanol is present, usually in much higher amounts. Ethanol is an antidote for methanol toxicity in humans.(9) The troops of Desert Storm were "treated" to large amounts of aspartame-sweetened beverages, which had been heated to over 86 degrees F in the Saudi Arabian sun. Many of them returned home with numerous disorders similar to what has been seen in persons who have been chemically poisoned by formaldehyde. The free methanol in the beverages may have been a contributing factor in these illnesses. Other breakdown products of aspartame such as DKP (discussed below) may also have been a factor.

In a 1993 act that can only be described as "unconscionable," the FDA approved aspartame as an ingredient in numerous food items that would always be heated to above 86 degree F (30 degree C).

Diketopiperazine (DKP)

DKP is a byproduct of aspartame metabolism. DKP has been implicated in the occurrence of brain tumors. Olney noticed that DKP, when nitrosated in the gut, produced a compound that was similar to N-nitrosourea, a powerful brain tumor causing chemical. Some authors have said that DKP is produced after aspartame ingestion. I am not sure if that is correct. It is definitely true that DKP is formed in liquid aspartame-containing products during prolonged storage.

G.D. Searle conducted animal experiments on the safety of DKP. The FDA found numerous experimental errors occurred, including "clerical errors, mixed-up animals, animals not getting drugs they were supposed to get, pathological specimens lost because of improper handling," and many other errors.(12) These sloppy laboratory procedures may explain why both the test and control animals had sixteen times more brain tumors than would be expected in experiments of this length.

In an ironic twist, shortly after these experimental errors were discovered, the FDA used guidelines recommended by G.D. Searle to develop the industry-wide FDA standards for good laboratory practices.(11)

DKP has also been implicated as a cause of uterine polyps and changes in blood cholesterol by FDA Toxicologist Dr. Jacqueline Verrett in her testimony before the U.S. Senate.(13)

Saturday, January 10, 2009

This is so sad, but true

As fitness professional, I can tell you from experience that most people just do not give their health a second thought until it's gone.

It's very sad, but very true.

Now I know you've heard this before. And I know that this message typically falls on deaf ears.

But today I want you to do some soul searching.

First off, I hope this message finds you in good health. If it does, I want you to give me just 60 seconds of reflection. Sit back in your chair and give thanks for your well-being. Give serious consideration to what your life would be like without it. Imagine the effect on your family if you lost it.

Next, I want you to think about the old saying "you are what you eat."

Truer words were never spoken, you know. So now give me another 60 seconds and think about what you've eaten over the last few days. Make a little list on a piece of paper or on your computer.

So if you are what you eat, what is YOUR body made of right now?

Have I struck a nerve yet?

You and I both know there's nothing better than filling up on nature's finest whole foods.

If you are what you eat doesn't it make sense to build your body with nature's finest?

By now I'm guessing I have your full attention.

Good.

Because I want you to know that while I would NEVER promise you a miracle pill, I am going to tell you that you can get the nutrients of 25 whole vegetables, greens and fruits in caplet form.

Prograde Nutrition's VGF 25+ is the culmination of 25 vegetable, green and fruit concentrates. Yes, they take those 25 whole foods and pack them into a heck of a caplet.

They even have specific formulas for men and women.

It's an incredibly convenient way to build your body with better materials, so to speak.

And remember, Prograde's formula uses whole foods. It is NOT a synthetic vitamin created in some lab somewhere.

Now the really cool thing about Prograde Nutrition is they were created by fitness pros for fitness pros. They created a company just so I had nutritional products I could recommend to you. Products I know you will get great benefit from.

In fact, their products are so in demand they are now shipping to the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand! Plus, they will soon be able to ship to just about anywhere in the world.
Yes, ALL their products are that good and they are that much in demand.

So to celebrate their new shipping destinations, and just to ring in the New Year, they are having a 10.9% off everything sale.

Yes, that's 10.9 as in January of 2009 ;-)

Here are some other details I want to make sure you know about:

- Again, you receive 10.9% off all Prograde products.

- It will run from Thursday, January 8th until Thursday, January 15th at 11:59pm EST.

- Yes, that 10.9% off will be applicable to SmartShip orders. But it only applies to that first purchase. Not ongoing.

- The coupon code you enter at checkout is:

012009

- The website is http://results4sure.getprograde.com/

- If you want to check out the VGF25+ I've been telling you about go here: http://results4sure.getprograde.com/vgf
Yours in health,

Rafael...
PS - Do some soul searching today. Do you really want to be one of those people that thinks about their health AFTER they've lost it?

PPS - If your nutritional plan needs a boost be sure to check out Prograde's 10.9% off sale at http://results4sure.getprograde.com/

Friday, January 9, 2009

Weird News From Friends at Prograde

As you probably already know, Prograde Nutrition was started by a couple of fitness pros to be a resource for ethical trainers, such as myself. They created a company that I can have complete faith in recommending to you.

I think a lot of people in my industry were laughing behind their backs hoping they would fail. Well, not only have they silenced their critics, their products are so in demand they are now shipping to the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand! Plus, they will soon be able to ship to just about anywhere in the world.

Yes, the products are THAT good and they are that much in demand.
So to celebrate their new shipping destinations, and just to ring in the New Year, they are having a 10.9% off everything sale.

Yes, that's 10.9 as in January of 2009 ;-)

Here are some other details I want to make sure you know about:
- Again, you receive 10.9% off all Prograde products.
- It will run from Thursday, January 8th until Thursday, January 15th at 11:59pm EST.
- Yes, that 10.9% off will be applicable to SmartShip orders. But it only applies to that first purchase. Not ongoing.
- The coupon code you enter at checkout is:
012009
- The website is http://results4sure.getprograde.com/

Oh, and you should definitely check out the Prograde Longgevity- that's my favorite Prograde product. I've been using it with pretty amazing results.

Yours in health,
Rafael Moret,CSCS
http://Results4Sure.com
http://OnePoundAtATime.org

PS- Remember, this Celebration Sale ends next Thursday, so be sure to order right away and take advantage of these BIG savings. http://results4sure.getprograde.com/

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Splenda (Sucralose) Toxicity Exposed

Splenda (Sucralose) Toxicity Exposed: "Before you tear open that little yellow packet of sweetener and stir it into your coffee, please read this.
Do you want to:
Avoid certain diseases and maintain health and vitality well into your later years?
Save your children from a slow poisoning from hidden toxins in their food?
Discover scientific data about overlooked poisons in your everyday life?
Avoid those vague health symptoms of illness that puzzle your doctor?
Be informed with inside information mainstream media won’t tell you?
Have control over your health through knowledge?
Desire to enjoy your grandchildren (and great-grandchildren)?
Not allow advertisers to “teach” you what’s good for you?

Interested? Then we need to talk about a sweetener war sweeping across America. Perhaps you can sip on that cup of coffee black until we straighten out the confusing selection of artificial sweeteners out there. This information is a tool to protect your health – and your children’s health – from a hidden danger that marketing experts have packaged attractively and seductively. You’ll be shocked at what the “quiet side” of scientific research reveals.
It’s time to admit that there is no free ticket to eating all the sugar-free products you desire without paying the high price of harming your body in the long run. The “technology of foods” (artificial sweeteners and manmade foods) has gone too far, and will not secure eternal health, beauty, slimness, or youth. Laboratory sugar-free chemicals are not your answer."

The Potential Dangers of Sucralose (Splenda?) - Articles

The Potential Dangers of Sucralose (Splenda?) - Articles: "Is Splenda Really As Safe As They Claim It to Be?
As of 2006, only six human trials have been published on Splenda (sucralose). Of these six trials, only two of the trials were completed and published before the FDA approved sucralose for human consumption. The two published trials had a grand total of 36 total human subjects.
36 people sure doesn't sound like many, but wait, it gets worse, only 23 total were actually given sucralose for testing and here is the real killer:
The longest trial at this time had lasted only four days and looked at sucralose in relation to tooth decay, not human tolerance."

Friday, January 2, 2009

No More New Year’s Resolutions

Think of a time when you were in the best shape of your life.

Can you picture it?

Think about it for 5 seconds!!

How did you feel?

Was all of that a results of a New Year’s resolution? I bet it wasn’t .
Here is why all those NEW year resolutions don’t work. Sometime around September you decided that you wanted to get in shape. You came up with the great idea that in January you would start a fitness program to get back in shape. However…what were you doing between September and December?

Nothing?…Why?

Isn’t that the same thing that happens to people that want to wait until Monday to start anything. If you know today that you want to get …wait, that you need to get back in shape why would you wait until Monday let alone until January 1st, like some miraculous event will change your habits at midnight.

Now think about what's going on now. Are you just not looking EXACTLY how you want to?
Need to lose a few?
Want to put on some quality, lean muscle?

Think about it.

What's going to happen 6 months from now if you don't make a change? What are you going to look like, picture it. How are you going to feel, think about that .
6 pack abs, those nice muscular lines and fitting into you favorite outfit won’t happen overnight ,let alone in the first 30 days of a New year. They certainly won’t happen just because it’s a new year. Being fit and healthy is not a gimmick and it’s not some thing you do this month.

It’s a lifestyle.

Your body is your vessel for your journey through this life. You need to feed it with the right FUEL (food and supplements) . You need to work it the right way through exercise so that it functions optimally. It needs to rest adequately so that it can function efficiently. All of these things don’t just happen because it’s a new year. They happen because you want a better quality of life for you and those around you. Can fitness do this for you?

YES!

How much better will you feel about yourself by living a healthier lifestyle. What kind of impact will that have on your life and those around you. No more New Year fitness resolution…decide Now...do it NOW!

And make it last…