Americas Personal Trainer Blog
http://blog.americaspersonaltrainer.org
Americas Personal Trainer Blog

If They Can Do It, You Can Do It!

Elderly body builders compete in Japan
Elderly body builders compete in Japan

Free Health, Nutrition, Fitness Tips! Find fun activities in your area!

http://www.active.com/

What a fantastic website that is packed with free information, tips, and a Calendar of events filled with fun things to do!

-David P. Morrow

Information on fun walking and running programs and walking/running events

Did you know that there are thousands of running and walking events every weekend? 
Did you know that at most of these running events, there are also walkers of all levels participating? 
Did you know these events are for all ages? 
Did you know most of these events also have a fun event for children? 
Did you know they give prizes and awards away at these events, and not just for the winners? 
Did you know kids and people from ages 2-102 and of all levels are participating in these events and having a great time? 
Yes! Yes!  What a fantastic and fun thing!!    Check it out:

http://www.rrca.org/

This website also include free tips and information on programs to help you get started.  So, get started!

Interesting Information Regarding Trans Fats Causing ADHD

I came across a very interesting study by Dr. Bob DeMaria, who has written a book about how Trans Fats causes ADHD and thus he has a natural cure for ADHD.  What was also alarming are the effects to the brain of children who are currently being given prescribed drugs for ADHD. 
Here is a free video presentation on the youtube website with Dr. Bob DeMaria discussing it further:

(this is part one of the presentation, you'll notice a link parts 2-4 once you start watching this youtube video):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SarcYxEkonE



Here is an additional video interview with Dr. Bob DeMaria regarding the same topic:
http://www.mymhmin.org/73-09

Fantastic Spring! A Great Time to get Outside! A Great Time for a Walk!

It's that great time again - Spring!  With that comes some fantastic walking weather. 

Do you know of a way to make yourself healthier, more energized, happier, feeling better physically and mentally, all while helping someone?

It's called a walking event for a cause! 

There are many great events going on right now and throughout the entire year  that will accomplish just that.  Here are just a few.  Check your local papers and websites for more:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/get-involved/events/walk-ms/index.aspx   - MS Walk.

http://walk.jdrf.org/ - Walk to cure juvenile diabetes.

http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_homepage - Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/PageServer?pagename=crop_main - CROP Hunger Walks

http://host.curesearch.org/site/PageServer?pagename=2008_milestones_events_main - Walk to Conquer Kid's Cancer


And of course there are other similar events involving jogging, running, biking.  The list goes on.

You will truly be amazed of how inspired, motivated, excited you will feel if you try it.  It will truly increase meaning in your life.  It is one of the best medicines! 

Send me your great, inspiring stories of your walks and other events!

America - get off your couches, get off the computer, GET OUTSIDE and GET MOVING!




Take a 35 Day to a Healthier You Challenge

Here is a great idea to get you motivated, energized, and going for the New Year.
Take the 35 Day challenge presented by Body and Soul.  35 days is not a lot and after
only a month, you will start 2009 feeling and looking better, full of energy and healthier!
Get started now and learn some great tips from many experts:
http://www.wholeliving.com/body-and-soul-challenge?rsc=ts_Homepage_Homepage

Whether you take the challenge alone or get others involved, you'll be extremely surprised and
excited about how much better you will feel!  You can do it!  Even if just for a week!
It will get you out of those winter blues!!!

New Year Ideas to Get You More Active

Happy New Year to all!

Looking for some new ways this year to make fitness fun and get active again?

Below are some great websites that have fantastic and fun ideas and are great resources:

http://nflrush.com/health/

http://www.fitness.gov/resources/organizations/index.html

http://www.ymca.net/

And, check out your local area to see what is offered.  Many cities and towns are putting together organizations just for you!



Merry Christmas!

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!  Please be sure to visit the recipes section of this blog for delicious yet healthy holiday recipes from my FIF Cookbook For All Season.

Also, be sure to check out the free Christmas Cardio short version in the free video section of this blog. 
It is from my Christmas Cardio DVD.

Your Online Personal Trainer,
David P. Morrow
Creator and Author of the Fat Into The Fire book and program

"Maximize your health to maximize your life."

Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving Recipes from the FIF Cookbook for All Seasons

1 boneless turkey breast

Prepare the stuffing.  Combine in a bowl:
10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed, squeeze the water out
2 ounces of blue, feta, or fresh grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions
1 Tbsp. Dried Italian seasoning blend
1 Tbsp. prepared mustard (I like Dijon or whole grain German style)
Black pepper to taste and paprika
Heat oven to 350.
Get a meat mallet and pound out the turkey breast.
Place the stuffing on the breast.
Roll it up and tie off with butchers string or unwaxed dental floss.
Place in a roasting dish, cover, and roast for 1 – 1 ½ hours.
Depending upon size of the turkey breast, you may need to adjust this so:
Check temperature with a meat thermometer (a must).
180 is usually the recommended temperature for poultry.
However, you may prefer to remove it from the oven between 160-175.
Let stand 10-20 minutes so juices will stay with the turkey.
It will continue to cook a few degrees also.
Slice and enjoy!  Makes 7 – 14 servings (3-6 oz. serving sizes).

There is also a recipe for Roasted Duck and Oyster stuffing in the cookbook, along with a Turkey salad for the day after Thanksgiving.

Acorn Squash with Cranberry Filling – Very Festive!
4 acorn squash (each squash serves 4)
Cranberry sauce
Cut acorn squashes in half, place in a baking dish with some water.
Bake at 350 for 30 – 40 minutes, until they soften up.
Prepare fresh cranberry salad/relish as per the package directions – but cut back on the sugar.
Spoon cranberry mix into the cavity of each cooked acorn squash (you can quarter the squashes, then fill).

There is also a green bean recipe and an easy broccoli recipe in the Thanksgiving section of the cookbook.

Garlic Smashed mock potatoes
Enough cauliflower for all
1 can of white beans
1 Tbsp – ¼ c of extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan cheese to taste
Skim milk or soymilk to blend
Fat free sour cream to blend and add creaminess
1-2 Tbsp of garlic powder to taste
Provolone cheese to taste
Chopped fresh parsley
White pepper to taste
Salt to taste

Microwave cauliflower.  Combine cauliflower and other ingredients in a pot.  Cook over the stovetop on low while
smashing.  Remove from heat and blend ingredients.  Sprinkle parmesan and extra parsley on
top.  They will like this better than the high glycemic index (high carb) white potatoes.  Plus, this
dish is full of nutrients and fiber.  Your body will thank you.

There is also a Sweet Potato au Gratin recipe in the cookbook.


David’s Grand Prize Winning Holiday Pumpkin Pudding Cheesecake!
2 – 8 oz packages of fat free cream cheese
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
32 oz can of pumpkin (plain pumpkin – not the mix)
1 large box of vanilla pudding mix
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
Simple and quick pie crust: 6 low fat cinnamon graham crackers – crush by hand, spread out
over bottom of your baking dish.
Preheat oven to 425.
Blend the ingredients in the order listed.
Pour into the baking dish (springform pan) on top of the graham crackers.
Put in oven - After 15 minutes, reduce heat to 350.
Bake until set, 30 – 40 minutes.
Cool down completely before slicing, sets well in the fridge. Easy, delicious, and award winning!

There are many other tasty desserts and snacks in the FIF Cookbook for all Seasons.  Enjoy!

If you already haven't, please read my recommendations for the upcoming Holiday Season in Keeping the Weight off.

Happy Thanksgiving!
-David

Tips When Eating Out

Go Healthy When Dining Out

By HealthyMonday.org in association with John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Sometimes there’s just nothing in the fridge or you really don’t want to cook. Remember that treating yourself to a restaurant meal doesn’t mean that you should forget about your health. It’s hard to control how food is cooked at restaurants, but there are some ways that you can make sure you’re getting the healthiest meal possible from your menu. The first rule-of-thumb: Limit your portion size, wrap up half of your order, and save it for tomorrow’s lunch. Next, check out these helpful tips for making good choices at the restaurant.

Pizza

Pizza can be delicious and nutritious, if you know what to order. Don’t order extra cheese and meaty toppings; instead try mushrooms, peppers, and other flavorful veggie toppings that will spice up your meal and deliver some vitamins. Watch out for special offers like breadsticks, cheesy crusts and dessert items. They might be free, but their fat and calories definitely count!

Chinese Food

Chinese food in America is notoriously high in saturated fat. The key to ordering healthy off of the Chinese food menu is to go for steamed dishes with lots of veggies and little fat. Try an order of steamed vegetable dumplings and mixed vegetable stir-fry with brown rice. Treat yourself to a fortune cookie but stay away from crunchy deep-fried toppings. Also go for low-sodium soy sauce if they’ve got it. You'll find that it tastes just like normal soy sauce, but has just a fraction of the salt!

Mexican Food

Hearty burritos with beans, rice and veggies can satisfy even the biggest appetite. Avoid hard tacos and nacho chips—they’re deep-fried and super fatty. Instead, try a soft taco with beans or fish, loaded up with rice, lettuce, tomatoes and salsa. Do yourself a favor and hold the cheese and sour cream.

Delis and Sandwich Bars

A tasty sandwich is a great alternative to most greasy take-out options. Try a mixed vegetable sandwich with a low-fat mayo or dressing, or a veggie burger with lettuce and tomato. If you want, treat yourself to some baked potato chips to add some crunch, and chase it down with some sparkling water.

Sushi

Sushi is a great takeout option, but don’t assume that all kinds of sushi are good for you. Avoid sushi rolls with mayo (like spicy tuna or Alaska rolls), and go for more simple options that include just fish and/or vegetables. Substitute brown rice for the white rice they usually use, and you’re in for a truly nutritious treat.

Indian Food

In most cities you’ll find at least a few Indian restaurants, and pretty much all of them offer up delicious and spicy fare. Indian food can be quite oily, however, so make sure to watch what you order. Go for mixed veggie dishes with lots of rice, and take it easy on oily breads like nan and chapatti. Make sure to limit your portion size, and treat yourself to fresh fruit and tea for dessert.

Middle-Eastern, Turkish and Moroccan Food

Hummus, couscous and falafel are some of the fabulous foods that have come out of the Middle East. When ordering low-fat meals, go for tabouleh salads and hummus with fresh pita, or a falafel sandwich stuffed with veggies.

Italian Food

Although authentic Italian dishes tend to be quite light and fresh, Italian restaurants in the U.S. tend to clutter their menus with items loaded with oil, cheese and salt. Start with a fresh salad topped with low-fat dressing. Next, go for the pasta primavera, tossed with olive oil, fresh vegetables and a dash of parmesan cheese. Make sure to go easy on the wine. A single glass is good for you, but too much can cause you to gain weight and develop serious health problems.