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Getting Back On Track With Your Weight Loss



When it comes to weight loss, "tomorrow" is the most dangerous word in the English language. If you're serious about losing weight, and not seeing the results you'd like, it's time to stop living the way you've been living. The price you pay is very high for the cheap thrill that food gives you. In the end, it might even cost you your health. How you're living today directly affects your tomorrow. So, what will you do differently?

I receive emails seeking advice, all too often, from people with a habit of doing a week or two of strict, metabolic boosting eating and then falling off the weight loss wagon into a pile of cookies or store-bought protein bars. They want to know what they can do to stick to the plan, or should they even try. The first thing I tell them is the reason most people fall is that they think they need to be perfect with their eating. It's important to understand that perfection does not exist. 

Most of us fall because we become too legalistic about our diets. Rather, our diets should be treated as a habit of making better choices, requiring us to decide what our actions will be. This makes us responsible for our actions, and the outcomes.

You know the old saying; "If you keep doing what you've always done you'll just keep getting the same results. To expect anything different is the very definition of insanity." Quite honestly, there is a lot of insanity surrounding the foods that will keep you from reaching your goals. 

Have you ever told yourself; "I'll just have a little"? Sorry to say it, but that little bit is what's stopping you from reaching your goals. 

It's at these very times to remind yourself that perfection does not exist. Focus on daily progress, not daily perfection. You have more control than you think when it comes to making food choices. But if you keep falling off the wagon, it's possible you may need a few tools to help keep you on track.

These tools make losing weight faster and easier because they:

    • Help kill hunger and cravings that cause you to fall off-plan
    • Boost metabolism by 25 percent, so you burn more calories all day long, even while asleep. This is especially important when you decide to go off-plan because it will help keep you from gaining weight.
    • Block cortisol (stress hormones) levels from rising, which helps prevent weight gain in the belly, hips, and thighs. Blocking cortisol is more important than you think. Stress causes your body to produce excess cortisol levels, and the only way to melt belly fat is by reducing these levels. It's not an easy job and the very reason you need to attack belly fat with a 1, 2, 3 punch.

STEP #1: BOOST METABOLISM AND BLOCK CORTISOL LEVELS

Drink a LynFit Complete Protein Shake 12 hours after your last meal. Do not add fruit or any type of milk if you're trying to lose a pound a day. Remember, it's all about replacements and better choices, so swap out your high-sugar juice or yogurt for this instead. 

Looking for a delicious shake recipe that will not only tantalize your taste buds but rev up your metabolism as well? Look no further — here's my Melt Belly Fat Birthday Cake Smoothie:

(3 scoops) LynFit Vanilla Complete Whey Protein Powder
(½ cup) Water
(3–4) Ice cubes

Throw it all in the blender and mix until smooth and then drink yourself thin. The extra protein used will help keep you feeling fuller longer and won't spike blood sugar levels the way fruit and milk will.

STEP #2: KILL HUNGER AND CRAVINGS

Belly fat makes you hungrier, so the faster you lose it; the faster you'll be able to lose overall weight. You need to flip the hunger switch off and trick your body into acting like a thin person by teaching and encouraging it to burn fat for fuel instead of overwhelming you with hunger pangs. 

This is where the smart use of safe supplements comes in. If you don't struggle with hunger and cravings, you may not need supplements. But if you've been trying to lose weight, and no matter what you do you can't seem to stay on track because of hunger pangs and cravings, then you may need a little outside help.

Taking a supplement stack is the best way to keep your metabolism from slowing down while killing cravings and hunger pangs. This makes it easier to stay on track with your weight loss. The secret is they balance blood sugar levels while providing natural energy. 

This particular stack teaches your body how to burn fat as fuel when it needs energy vs. sending you hunger signals. Your metabolism will become a high-efficiency fat burning machine. Trust me, if you skip them, you'll see and feel the difference. 

The best time to take this stack is three hours after your last meal, when your body starts yelling, "I'm hungry!"

Sip green tea instead of indulging yourself in your usual snack and take your supplements to balance blood sugar levels instead. 

One note — This step is not good for people with less than 10 percent body fat because they will burn muscle for fuel instead of fat. But if you have body fat to lose you have energy stored that can be used instead.

Here is your supplement stack:
  • LynFit Accelerator with Raspberry Ketones to accelerate the process and trick your body into acting like a thin person. A lean person will burn fat more efficiently. (If you're highly sensitive to caffeine you may want to skip the Accelerator. The stack will still give you what you need, so follow the steps without Accelerator.)
  • LynFit Carb Edge with Forskolin to help enhance thyroid function and balance blood sugar levels, which is the secret to killing your cravings and managing hunger.
  • LynFit Cutting Edge to force your body to burn off that stubborn body fat for fuel.

    STEP #3: AVOID THE AFTERNOON ENERGY CRASH TO ESCAPE CRAVINGS BEFORE THEY BEGIN

    This step is critical because it will not only boost your metabolism, it will also help fight off those emotional cravings that we all battle in the afternoon when we start to get tired and our blood sugar levels begin to rise.

    This is actually where most people fall off the weight loss wagon. But, it's also where your weight loss battle can be won. I call this the "Emo Meal" — meaning emotional, when you're hungry, tired, and craving food.

    PREVENTION is the cure, so grab a LynFit Lean Bar to defeat the afternoon energy crash.

    The LynFit Lean Bar has 10 grams of prebiotic fiber and 15 grams of protein to kill cravings before they begin while helping to keep you feeling full. LynFit Lean Bars are guaranteed to be the best tasting protein bar you've ever tried and #1 in its class when it comes to weight loss and melting belly fat. Try one; you'll see.

    Most store-bought bars are full of sugar and don't supply your body with the right type or amount of protein. They spike blood sugar levels and prevent you from losing weight, despite what their labels may claim.

    Make LynFit Lean Bars your go-to comfort food from now on when trying to lose weight. Comfort in knowing you're making a smart, nutrient-dense food choice that doesn't sacrifice delicious taste and texture.  LynFit Lean Bars are the best of both worlds — they don't leave you with any guilt, only satisfaction that you'll begin to crave. You can eat your new comfort meal food with pride and get on with your day.

    This will be especially important if you're an emotional eater. Choosing the wrong kinds of snack foods can increase hunger and cravings and turn the weight gain switch on. Swap out those store-bought protein bars with a LynFit Lean Bar instead.

    Should you find yourself unable to suppress the urge to eat junk food, adopt the 80/20 rule. You're already following it; you just don't know it. 

    For the most part, you're eating your favorite foods every couple of weeks — it's inevitable. It's going to happen, and you should expect it. So, the best solution is to plan it ahead of time. If you plan for it ahead of time, you can cheat and still lose weight. Have a little pep talk with yourself. Sit down and tell yourself to try the 80/20 plan. 

    On the Advanced Metabolic Boosting Meal Plan, you can eat on plan 80 percent of the time and go off the plan 20 percent of the time and still lose weight. That's the beauty of this plan. In fact, this is the only plan that takes into consideration that you live in the real world, you're human, and that you cheat once in a while.

    Planning in advance when you cheat also puts you in control of the binge vs. the binge controlling you. It also changes how you emotionally respond to a binge—no guilt, because it's all a part of your weight loss plan. You'll accept the situation, not struggle in vain against it. You'll eat less and know exactly what to eat, and how much. The scale will go up slightly, but you'll be back on track in no time. 

    Although there are physiological consequences to binging on junk food, I'd wager that most of the damage comes from the stress we inflict on ourselves—the internal fight and refusal, which only causes us to binge more. The refusal to accept the inevitable situation, combined with the guilt and shame you're piling on yourself for losing that fight.

    Here's what the 80/20 plan get you: Acceptance! You learn to accept things you cannot change. You're no longer fighting a battle you most likely cannot win. 

    I can't think of anything harder or more stressful than struggling with food. I've struggled with it my entire life until I learned about the 80/20 rule. 

    You can live guilt-free. Guilt about eating junk food can actually cause you to gain weight and depress your immune system. By making a plan to "go off" for a meal as an occasional (1–2 times weekly) deviation from your regular schedule, rather than betraying your body, you remove the guilt. Make a plan, if you plan on losing.

    I would encourage you to read this article I wrote previously about how to cheat and still lose weight to keep your metabolism in full swing, and how if you don't, it can alter the physiological effect it has on you. 

    As Kelly Clarkson says in her song: "Think Before You Cheat" so you don't hurt your health or destroy a month's worth of dieting. Most of the time it's not worth it anyway. 

    So, eat happily, just don't' forget to boost first! 

    Faith, Hope, And Your Life's Purpose

    Faith. Hope. Purpose

    Two years ago seemed like the darkest hour of my life. I had no idea that a diagnosis would teach me how to live life to the fullest. I didn't, couldn't, realize at that time that I would opt for a fighter's mentality instead of a defeated one. I couldn't comprehend until I was actually in the trenches that my life WAS worth fighting for, if for no other reason than my family. I had yet to learn that no day should be taken for granted and each should be treated as a precious hand-delivered gift from God.

    In 2014, at just 46-years old, my dreams were suddenly eclipsed by the cold, hard reality of three words: "You've got cancer." Thankfully, my melanoma was caught early, but try telling that to inner fear. Try rationalizing that during repeated visits to doctors, surgeons, and oncologists. After all, just like you, I'm human with human emotions, feelings, fears, and limitations. Facing my mortality, I developed a very personal relationship with my very own pity potty. All I wanted to do was shut it down and hide from the world.

    Dragging myself to church was the beginning of my personal renewal of Faith, Hope, and Life's Purpose. My Pastor Rich delivered a sermon that hit me right in my self-pity heart. His words reminded me that I was on the verge of the biggest testimony in my life. I was on the threshold of a battle in the trenches of my emotions and feelings that would, in the end, produce a warrior of Faith, Hope, and Purpose. It was time for me to focus on living, receiving support where and when needed, and being that positive spirit to those around me that God called me many years ago to be.

    Each and every day I CHOSE to work tirelessly on my physical, mental, and spiritual (PMS) health. My testimony is that today I am two years cancer-free! I refuse to say I'm a survivor. I am doing so much more than just surviving—I am thriving. So rather than say I'm a cancer survivor, I say I'm a cancer thriver, and grateful for it.

    My Thriver Mechanisms

    Power Prayer: God is my strength and my all in all. I get on my knees and pray every day. I thank Him for another day, and I count my blessings one by one. I pray that God keeps me alive and healthy, so that I may be an instrument of his peace. My goal is to help millions. 

    I focus on Philippians 4:13 — "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

    Positive Affirmations: I repeat my positive affirmations every day, all day. I don't allow negative thoughts to control my attitude and destiny. In other words, if I have to, I fake it until I make it. Affirmations such as:

      • "When you're at your lowest, look to the highest."
      • "Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't." — Rikki Rogers
      • "You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live." — Stuart Scott

    Eating Healthy and Exercising: You have to eat healthy and take control of your mind and body. For the first time in my life, my focus is on eating healthy to stay alive, versus gaining the perfect body. That changes everything. 

    I changed my diet to a cancer-fighting diet by eating more fish and less chicken and red meat. I eat more colorful vegetables, actually transforming my body from a cancer-invitation waiting to happen into a cancer-fighting machine. I chose and choose, to honor God with my body, a temple, as it's His to begin with. 

    I continue to win the fight in the trenches by supplementing and reinforcing my immune system with this routine:

    P.M. — (1) LynFit Vitamin D3 Boost, (1) LynFit Pure Omega 3, (1) LynFit Lean Sleep
    (NOTE: I also take the LynFit Fat Loss Trio, especially during highly emotional times.)

    My Life Today

      • I LIVE every day to the fullest
      • I CHOOSE peace in every situation.
      • I FOCUS on what’s important and live a life of purpose
      • I TELL everyone I love them, even strangers
      • I HUG everyone I see
      • I TURN my pain into my purpose
      • I SING like no one's listening
      • I DANCE like no one's watching
      • NO REGRETS

    I learned how important it is to be humble, and it's okay to feel vulnerable. It's not my favorite emotion, but it can bring out the best in me. There is nothing like the possibility of death to make you start living and to teach you what’s important.

    Choose to live now, today. Don't wait, delay, or dawdle. Live each day with a sense of urgency to do what makes you happy and live with a passion to Win the Fight!

    _______________________________________

    May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Thanks to advances in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and follow-up care, more people than ever before are surviving the disease. In America alone, more than 14.5 million people are alive today after being diagnosed with cancer.

    However, surviving cancer can leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, emotional, and financial hardships often persist for years after diagnosis and treatment. Cancer survivors are also at greater risk for developing second cancers and other health conditions.

    For more information on not only surviving, but thriving and winning the fight against cancer, I'd encourage you to read Win the Fight: Stomp Out Melanoma. It's also the perfect gift for family members or friends who may be in the trenches as I was.

    Learning From The "Biggest Losers" Who Couldn't Maintain Weight Loss

    If you’re like me, and have been overweight in your lifetime, you know all too well what a struggle it is to keep the weight off. Losing the weight is the easy part. Keeping the weight off is a whole new metabolic boosting ball game.

    There has been a lot of controversy about the "Biggest Losers" not being able to maintain their weight loss. I’m going to help separate fact from media hype, so this doesn’t happen to you. I'm going to fill you in on what the stories don't say that you need to know if you’re serious about losing weight and keeping it off for good.

    Rule #1 is don’t believe everything you read or see on television. For the most part, just about everything you read or see on television is paid for by a sponsor who wants to sell you the alternative methods that are most likely medical procedures you need to keep the weight off.

    I’ve struggled and have all the metabolic disadvantages possible; from hypothyroid to being menopausal, combined with the fact that I love food and live to eat (I think I'm the world’s biggest food addict). All this made losing weight and keeping it off difficult, but not impossible. I was depressed and stuck in every area of my life, but I found that when my food is in order, my whole life falls into order.

    There are simple all-natural, highly effective and convenient solutions that anyone can do to lose weight, and if they continue, will keep it off. These simple solutions are a lot less expensive than living overweight, not to mention the emotional price.

    The toughest part is dealing with denial. Denial will keep you stuck, allowing faulty thinking and fear to kick in, keeping you stuck exactly where you are. Bear in mind that whatever takes the weight off is also what keeps the weight off for good. Whatever weight loss method you choose needs to be sustainable for life.

    Don't let that last sentence scare you. I remember hearing that and thinking, "how long do I need to drink these shakes, take these supplements, and eat like this?" A funny thing happened, however; once I reached my goal weight. For the first time in my life I didn’t want to go back to my old ways of eating. I not only surpassed my goal weight (I was 40 pounds heavier) but also felt better emotionally and had more energy, so I got off the couch. What you see today is a by-product of that weight loss.

    Below is what you need to know when reading media reports when it comes to exercise and the "Biggest Losers." I have worked closely with a few "Biggest Loser" contestants, and I can tell you firsthand they struggled because they didn’t have a livable, reliable, sustainable lifestyle in place.

    DILEMMA: "Biggest Losers" relied mostly on excessive, joint-damaging exercise every day that is not practical in real life.

    The "Biggest Loser" contestants worked out for at least five hours daily, allowing them to eat more calories without slowing their metabolism down. In real life when you have family and a full-time job you can’t work out for five hours. Even if you could, it's damaging to your joints and you shouldn’t. Everything is about balance, starting with eating enough of the right foods.

    As a weight loss specialist, I specifically suggest metabolic boosting foods to offset your dead metabolism instead of eating whatever you want. Often the foods you insist on eating are the very foods that initially caused you to gain weight. There are also the health halo foods that cause weight gain. For instance, did you know that if you have hypothyroidism, kale can inhibit your thyroid, making it even harder to lose weight? People are adding kale to their diets, juicing excessive amounts, and even adding it to their protein shakes because the media says to do so.

    The bottom line is that things aren’t always as they seem. For the "Biggest Losers", it's not that losing weight affected their ability to keep it off. It's more the reality that they could not continue doing the unrealistic steps that the show had them doing to take the weight off.

    DILEMMA: "Biggest Losers" ate more calories than most of us can because they were over-exercising.

    In a perfect world this would work fine—eat what you want and exercise it off in the gym. In the real world, it’s just not realistic.

    I’ve suffered from this issue. As a trainer and bodybuilder, I ate super healthy yet didn’t lose an ounce. Looking in the rearview mirror, I can be honest and say I was an exercise addict, and this will not work when you're trying to lose weight or maintain weight loss. At some point, your joints can’t take the stress from that excessive amount of exercise, so you have to cut back to a normal, more realistic amount. When this happens, it must also be remembered to cut back on the eating as well.

    I don’t know about you, but the days I don’t exercise are the days that I tend to eat the worst, making this the perfect set up for weight gain. It’s not the weight loss that was the problem for the "Biggest Losers", it’s faulty thinking that stops them from achieving their sustainable goals and living a leaner lifestyle.

    There are five facts you need to know to lose weight (1 pound a day) and keep it off for life.

      • Fact: If you have been, or are overweight, your metabolism is negatively affected and slower.
      • Fact: If you go back to your old ways of eating and drinking you will gain the weight back.
      • Fact: If you are over 40, have diabetes, or are hypothyroid (it’s even worse if you're female), losing weight is harder for you due to your metabolism being slower.
      • Fact: If you can pinch more than an inch of belly fat, losing weight will be difficult for you and will require an aggressive approach vs. the old-fashioned, outdated methods of losing weight slowly.
      • Fact: You can’t starve yourself or exercise the weight away, or rely on surgical procedures such as LAP BAND® or gastric bypass to fix the problem.

    The bottom line is you’ve got to set yourself up for lasting weight loss success by living a leaner lifestyle.

    There are some foolproof ways that are backed by science that will help keep your metabolism running at an optimal speed, so you lose 1 pound a day and keep it off for life if you continue to do what it takes. Just because you lose weight doesn’t mean your metabolism is fixed. It simply means you found the right way of eating to make it work. So why would you ever consider stopping?

    Think of it this way: If you found a way to make money, and it began working and changed your life, why would you stop? If you stopped working at that job you would also stop making money. Weight loss is no different.

    It's a very emotional journey, and this is what the media conveniently leaves out. One of my favorite sayings from Overeaters Anonymous is, "It works if you continue to work it.” As a metabolic expert, I can tell you that in 25+ years I've never met a person whose body would not let them lose weight, no matter what they were dealing with.

    The real question is will that person do what it takes? It’s not a case of "will it work?" It's a case of are they willing to do it and how badly do they want it. I wish someone had told me that while I was overweight and struggling. It would have saved me a lot of frustration and despair. I missed a lot of my life because I hated myself and my body. That’s why I created the Metabolic Boosting Lose 1 Pound Per Day Kit. I want to be the change you seek, and I want to make losing weight faster, easier, and permanent!

    There's more hope than you think, and here's why.....

    Step One on the LynFit System is to drink a LynFit Complete Protein Shake to boost your metabolism by 25 percent. This offsets the slow metabolism issues most of us struggle with. It's what makes the LynFit Complete Protein Shake different from all the rest. It tastes unbelievably delicious while most of the other shakes you find on store shelves are yucky tasting, so you don’t want to drink them. The high quality of whey used in LynFit shakes (LynFit uses a minimum of 80 percent whey compared to other shakes that use 25 percent or less) makes it metabolic boosting while blocking cortisol (a hormone that's secreted when you are under stress). This is something that vegan shakes or lower quality shakes will never do.

    You do need to cut calories to successfully lose weight, and this calorie-cutting can slow your metabolism. However, every time you drink a LynFit metabolic boosting Complete Protein Shake or eat a LynFit Lean Bar you trick your body into thinking you've just eaten a big meal. In turn, your metabolism speeds up, keeping you from regaining the weight you've lost. When it comes to your metabolism and weight loss, you have to boost it to lose it. Keep in mind however that not all shakes will do what a LynFit shake does. LynFit Shakes and Lean Bars are specifically designed for this very purpose.

    I couldn’t lose weight easily, no matter how hard or how much I worked out. I learned from the pros how to take it a step further since I live in the real world and can’t live five hours a day in the gym. I learned that the smart use of safe supplements to naturally boost my metabolism was another bullet in my leaner lifestyle holster. You too can follow the steps below to further enhance your weight loss or weight maintenance.

    STEP #1: Drink a LynFit Complete Protein Shake 12 hours after your last meal, and take (1) LynFit Accelerator with Raspberry Ketones to trick your body into acting like a thin person. This will help force your body to burn fat, basically accelerating the entire process. If needed, you can take another LynFit Accelerator at lunch as well. For rapid results, blend it right into your LynFit Complete Protein Shake.

    STEP #2: Kill cravings and lower blood sugar with LynFit Carb Edge. Balancing blood sugar is the secret to losing weight and keeping cravings away. Have you ever noticed the more you eat, the more you want to? LynFit Carb Edge kills these cravings within 30 minutes or less of taking it. This is especially important if you have belly fat, diabetes, or high blood sugar (pre-diabetes). I suggest taking (1) LynFit Carb Edge mid-morning and another one mid-afternoon.

    STEP #3: Force your body to burn fat, helping reduce hunger. When your body is burning fat for fuel, it won’t ask you to feed it. This also helps reduce belly fat, which makes losing weight harder because it secretes hormones that cause your body to store fat instead of burning it. To offset this, I suggest taking (3) LynFit Cutting Edge daily. Take one with your LynFit Complete Protein Shake for breakfast and another at lunch and mid-afternoon. Taking LynFit Cutting Edge helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, which play a role in metabolic syndrome, so your doctor will be happy.

    Complete details on LynFit safe supplementing and metabolic boosting meal plans can be found in the LynFit Quick Start Guide and Advanced Metabolic Boosting Meal Plan.

    There are more ways to make sure your metabolic engine stays running at an optimal pace 24 hours a day. Of course, food is 90 percent of your weight loss success, so if you're not losing you’re not eating the right food for your metabolic engine. Be sure to read more on thermogenic eating and what foods are thermogenic, as well as irresistibly delicious thermogenic recipes in The Metabolism Solution.

    If you’re serious about reshaping your body and boosting your metabolism with the right kind of exercise, be sure to check out my metabolic boosting workouts while you’re reading. They are only 30 minutes in length and can be broken up into shorter sessions to suit your lifestyle. You’ll not only transform your body; you will keep getting better, even as you age.

    Are you ready to lose that weight for good? Thousands, just like you, already have. They've not only lost the weight, but they've kept it off while living a normal life.

    Real people like Lisa, Sam, Vanessa, and Teresa below. You can do it!

    Believe. Begin. Become.

    Fasting For Spiritual Renewal - Not Just For Weight Loss

    Fasting
    Wanna know the REAL LynFit difference? Unlike other weight loss programs, we deal with weight loss "from the inside out". That's where the biggest changes need to be made, and where the root of many problems are. Dealing with weight loss in this manner is the best for lasting weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.

    Sometimes no matter how hard you try to focus on good and positive things all you can see is the bad. Seeing nothing but bad eventually leads us to focusing on self-centeredness, unable to hear our own inner voice. Fasting is more than just not eating meat on Fridays. Fasting is a way to leave behind that physical pain, those bad thoughts, that self-centeredness. Fasting removes our dependency from all things that block our sensitivity to the spiritual.

    I want to take you on a little journey to give you a glimpse into my "why" when it comes to living a Leaner Lifestyle, even after I reached my goal weight. For me, and I'm guessing there are many others of you who would agree, reaching that goal weight was just the beginning. Weight loss was the physical renewal that was visible to everyone. The REAL renewal was what took place on the inside. Those deepest darkest places that no one else could see. That renewal was a spiritual renewal. No, not a religious renewal that was tied to a certain set of doctrinal beliefs or a religious denomination. Rather a true deep-rooted spiritual renewal that was directly tied to my personal relationship with a very personal God. A relationship that allows me to live a life of clean eating to honor my body rather than junking it up.

    The Metabolic Boosting: Lose 1 Pound Per Day Plan (found in "The Metabolism Solution") fits perfectly with fasting lifestyles, making it easier to stick to your fast regardless of your religion. This in turn allows you to concentrate on the reason why you're fasting in the first place, keeping your body and mind healthy so you can focus on the more important things in life - renewing your spirit and not just focusing on your body.

    For me, fasting brings deeper meaning to my life and helps me to hear God's voice more clearly, allowing me to live according to His will. In short, it brings clarity to my life. At my church, Northeast Community Church, we fast together as a community and as individuals. I would love for you to join with me this week spending time reading, reflecting and praying using this Daily Spiritual Renewal Guide (You may print the guide out directly from the link. Special thanks to Northeast Community Church for content).

    Make sure you break your fast in as clean a way as possible by referring to the clean recipe in the Renewal Guide for the last day. Your system will have been purified and your spirit renewed. Let's not "junk" it right back up with heavy eating to only weigh you right back down again.

    I am thrilled that you're taking this journey of spiritual renewal with me. I can't wait to hear your stories of how God worked in and through your life. I challenge all of us to dig deep and lose that excess baggage we've been carrying around. And not just of the unwanted physical weight variety.

    For more information about fasting and weight loss refer to "The Metabolism Solution: God and Your Bod".

    Note: During a time of fasting it's a good idea to decrease your workouts

    The 5 "Myth"Conceptions Of Weight Loss

    Not losing weight no matter how hard you try? It could be that it's not even your fault. Why? Because most of what we are taught about weight loss is all wrong - nothing but lies and myths that stop us from losing weight and lead us to nothing but discouragement - "Myth"Conceptions. Learning the truth about weight loss may be just what you need to start losing weight today.

    When you hear something enough, you actually start to believe it. Even if there is a voice inside your head that says otherwise. The biggest tip-off is that you're not losing weight despite the countless hours you're spending killing yourself in the gym. I lost weight immediately (40 pounds) and you can too once these secrets to boost your metabolism are learned. I had to forget everything I had learned previously and begin to do things differently. Guess what happened? I lost one pound every day until I hit my target weight for my body. And you can too!

    With the holidays here it's even more important that we understand what these myths are and why we shouldn't believe them.


    #1: Rapid Weight Loss Is Bad - WRONG!

    Rapid weight loss (rapid results) is always the best way to get people to stick to the program. That doesn't mean you should starve yourself or go on a crash diet however. Those cause nutritional deficiencies that make us cranky. "The Metabolism Solution" teaches which proteins are best for weight loss as well as the exact amount your body needs to stay healthy, and lose weight. It also shows you the specific vegetables that are thermogenic, causing the body to go into metabolic boosting mode, burning more calories - even while sleeping.

    You'll not only lose weight fast, you'll be healthier. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels will decrease quickly and if you suffer from aches and pains you'll feel better fast. This "New Way to Lose Weight" isn't just good for weight loss; it's also the healthiest way to live.

    #2: Government Serving Sizes Are Accurate - WRONG!

    Anyone can figure out that a 6ft male needs more calories that a 5ft female, so why are we told to eat the same amount? Turns out that serving sizes are universal and that is causing us to gain weight - fast. If you're not losing weight you're eating too much. It's that simple. Try eating ½ of what you usually eat and you'll see the scale drop fast. This is proof that fast weight loss is actually a good thing. It's sold evidence that you're doing things right. Bottom line - when we eat the right amount we lose quickly. When we are off-track or eating the wrong things we don't lose weight.

    #3: More Exercise Means More Weight Loss - WRONG!

    Just like you can overdo it by eating too much, you can also go overboard with exercise. In fact, too much of the wrong kind of exercise can stop weight loss dead in its tracks. The physical stress it inflicts on our bodies cause our cortisol (aka, fat storing hormone) levels to rise, making that stubborn muffin top even harder to lose.

    90% of weight loss is based on diet and exercise makes up the last 10%. That being said, you cannot exercise away a bad diet. No bargaining. Just because you exercised doesn't mean you get to eat more (unless you're a male under 2 years old). When your diet is dialed in you don't have to live in the gym.

    #4: High Fat, Low Carb Is Good For Weight Loss - WRONG!

    You're not walking around with hairy palms so stop following those "Cave Man" diets. If you are, I'd bet you're gaining weight instead of losing it. To make matters worse, your cholesterol level is probably rising higher that the national deficit!

    While you do need fat in your diet, the kind you consume can make or break your weight loss. Some fats burn easier as fuel compared to others. Bad fats, like trans fats, raise cholesterol and increase your risk of heart disease. Not to mention, they make your pants too tight! The saturated fats found in red meat, butter, cheese and peanut butter won't help you lose that muffin top. But a good fat, like Omega 3 found in salmon, will.

    The best way to take Omega 3 is through supplementation. I always suggest supplements when you're trying to boost your metabolism because you get a metered dose versus a guesstimation. You need to ensure your body gets exactly the amount it needs - no more, no less - in order to burn off body fat. Omega 3's are also great for pain, inflammation and even easing depression.

    #5: All Supplements Are Created Equal - WRONG!

    This is the perfect example of "you get what you pay for". You can't supplement away a bad diet but supplements can help you lose weight faster and easier when you combine them with a thermogenic diet and metabolic exercise. I always tell my clients, "if you don't see results in the first 2 weeks - stop! You most likely won't ever". When you take a quality supplement that's blended and contains the exact amounts your body needs you'll see and feel the results right away. Especially if you're eating correctly and performing metabolic workouts.

    Most inexpensive supplements are inexpensive because they don't have the amounts needed of the active ingredients to provide maximum results. Always buy from a reputable source and know what you're looking for. Or, buy from someone who has already done that for you. I blend all of my supplements so you don't have to pay a supplement scientist. When you buy cheap it's always "buyer beware". Quality is, and will always be, paramount!

    Diabetes And Belly Fat

    National Diabetes Awareness MonthNovember is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and I bet you're wondering what diabetes has to do with belly fat. Believe it or not, if you carry excess weight around your middle (can you pinch an inch?) your body is warning you that you are over-eating carbs and sugars (this includes fruits and juices). The belly fat that you are carrying around is a sign that your "Carb Tank" is full and cannot process anymore food.

    The problem is we love our food. What to do? We all know that diabetes can be a lethal disease, so my message is "prevention is the cure". Not only when it comes to preventing diabetes but also to losing belly fat.

    Below are 3 proven methods that melt belly fat fast. If you're already active these steps will help you lose it even faster and easier. The more of these steps you combine the faster you'll lose weight too. Are you ready to melt fat and lose 1 pound per day? Then let's get started.....

    3 Tricks That Melt Belly Fat and Could Possibly Save Your Life

    Metabolic Workouts Melt Belly Fat Fast: The more you move, the better

    Exercise trains muscles to respond better to insulin, which simply means your body will burn off the excess carbs you eat by using them for fuel. Metabolic workouts are the fastest, most effective way to lower insulin (blood sugar) levels, which persuades your body to burn/melt that belly fat. When combined with metabolic workouts with 30 minutes of walking every day, it turbo charges your fat melting.

    WARNING: Not all workouts are created equal. If your workout doesn't say "metabolic", it isn't. Other forms of workouts beat the couch but won't have the magic effect the combination of 3 metabolic workouts weekly and 30 minutes of walking will. I suggest sticking to metabolic workouts and walking for the best results. For more information about metabolic workouts you can refer to my book, The Metabolism Solution, and my LynFit Metabolic Workout DVDs.

    Eat Thermogenically

    Melting belly fat is 90% diet and 10% sweat, so it's critical that you focus heavily on your diet if you're serious about melting belly fat and lowering your risk of diabetes. Again, prevention is the cure and what you eat counts. The healthiest foods don't come with nutrition labels so even the so-called healthy foods you spend a fortune on aren't as good for your waistline as you think. The easiest way to lower blood sugar and melt belly fat is to lower your carb intake. This includes fruit. Focus on filling ½ your plate with salad or leafy green veggies and ¼ of the plate with fibrous veggies such as broccoli and cauliflower (a full list may be found in The Metabolism Solution). The remaining quarter is for lean proteins such as fish. The balance of protein and vegetables is crucial, as the protein acts as a buffer, slowing down the release of insulin, which is key for balancing blood sugar levels. It is even important when it comes to burning off that excess fat. 

    For more information about Thermogenic eating to melt belly fat, please refer to The Metabolism Solution.

    Manage Your Mood: Improve your sleep and you'll manage stress better

    Stress has been known to cause excess belly fat, not reduce it. Stress hormones raise blood sugar so it's important to try to reduce stress in your life. Have you ever noticed when you're in a good mood that you can manage stress much better? While stress is a fact of life and we can't control when it occurs, we can change how we react to it by taking better care of ourselves, and it all starts with a good night's sleep. But when we're stressed it affects our sleep and it then becomes a vicious cycle. It can be stopped naturally however. Rather than take over-the-counter sleep aids that make you feel groggy and may also raise blood sugar levels, it's a very good idea when trying to melt belly fat to take (1) LynFit Lean Sleep 1-2 hours before bed to naturally prepare your body for sleep. The melatonin in Lean Sleep won't raise blood sugar levels and will help kill hunger cravings before they begin. Lean Sleep not only helps you sleep, it also turns your body into a thermogenic fat-blasting machine while you sleep. Melatonin also has the reputation of being a regulator of brown adipose tissue, which burns calories instead of storing them, thereby ramping up your metabolism.

    Try these 3 simple steps and when all else fails and you fall off the wagon - and you will because we live in the real world - don't forget to take the LynFit Carb Edge before you cheat. It has the added feature of blocking carbs, so if you take it before you cheat you'll block 65% of them from being stored. It's like eating a whole doughnut and only absorbing ¼ of it. Now I'm not suggesting you do that - eat the doughnut - but we all have our moments. Better to be protected than not. It's far easier to prevent the carbs from being stored in the first place than it is to burn them off later, especially with the holiday's right around the corner. Holidays mean stress and delicious food - protect yourself!

    The Gratitude Challenge For Lasting Transformational Change

     

    I just completed my Advanced Level of Coaching with Jack Canfied (co-author, "Chicken Soup for the Soul") at his home in Santa Barbara, CA. During this retreat I noticed a recurring habit that totally changed people's lives - physically, mentally and spiritually. This habit didn't just change lives gradually; rather, it transformed lives overnight. What was that habit that when willingly practiced radically transformed people's lives? Gratitude.

    Gratitude - that quality of willingly being thankful and appreciative for a benefit that you have already received. When it comes to weight loss and fitness we spend so much time hating our bodies. So much so that we often forget just how much we have to be grateful for. Could it be that one of the greatest hindrances to our weight loss is our attitude - our failure to be grateful? I think so.

    "Less than good" attitudes are like flat tires - you won't go very far until you change it. You've all heard the saying, "what you focus on multiplies" - that is absolutely correct. Just think about it. How many times have you woke up on the wrong side of the bed and that negativity carried throughout the entire day? Once you're mired in the mud it's hard to get out.

    I challenge you to change the way you look at things, starting today. Try to see some positive in everything, even bad situations. Do this on a consistent basis and eventually the way you see those things and your beliefs in them will change. What we believe shapes our thinking, which in turn shapes our lives. This is especially true when it comes to our bodies. We often don't see things for what they are but what we perceive them as being. The way we see things is shaped by the way we see ourselves. If you believe you are lovable, you will act in a loving and caring manner toward your body by treating it with respect and feeding it right, exercising it safely and nourishing it; body and mind. 

    When you "love" on yourself you will attract more love your way as well. Friend, spouses, even the dog will show the respect to you that you show. It all starts with you. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you believe you're not worthy and unlovable you'll act accordingly. Yes, including eating clean, pure foods and making sure you get enough daily exercise. You focus on your fear and that fear multiplies into all aspects of your life.

    I never believed I would lose weight so I never really committed to doing what I was supposed to. I used to complain, "it didn't work for me" or I would lie and tell myself I was doing what I was supposed to and it just wasn't working. The truth is nothing changed until I changed from the inside out. It all started with a single thought, a single attitude adjustment from negativity to gratefulness. Now at age 46 I'm in the best shape of my life. I've lost, and kept off, 40 pounds. And I'm stronger, more flexible than ever. My depression is gone and I'm the happiest I've ever been, despite the fact that life's not always perfect. I now experience real joy every day regardless what size my thighs are. The lies we believe about ourselves deceive us. See yourself the way God sees you. In His eyes you are perfect just as you are. This truth will set you free.

    Many of the "love yourself habits" in my Gratitude Challenge will ask you to go outside your comfort zone. Transformations that radically change your life start outside of your comfort zone. I must warn you upfront: These health habits bring on radical change. Do not try these unless you want to get unstuck. 

    I dare you to change your life and start loving yourself today. Remember to complete each one of these on its assigned day, and don't skip ahead. It's important to be a rule-follower and perform each one at its designated time. Keep in mind, outside your comfort zone is where it all begins. By practicing these health habits over the next 21 days you'll be practicing gratitude while establishing new healthy habits that will radically transform your life physically, mentally, and spiritually. Are you ready? I dare you - all it takes is 21 days to create new lasting habits.

    LynFit's 21 Day Gratitude Challenge

    1. Go to bed 1 hour earlier (turn off all lighted technology). Can't sleep? Take (1) LynFit Lean Sleep.
    2. Say it out loud: "I can do this!" - Fake it until you make it. No if's, and's or but's.
    3. No alcohol all weekend. Zero. It feeds belly fat.
    4. Don't cheat this weekend. Stick to the plan.
    5. Worry about nothing, pray about everything, and pray before each meal. It will slow you down.
    6. Do the metabolic workout and walk for 60 minutes (both on the same day).
    7. Drink more water all day long and if you're already doing that - drink more.
    8. Say only positive messages all day, versus the negative ones you've been saying......."I love my legs", no matter what size they are.
    9. Drink a Protein Shake for breakfast and lunch. Go vegetarian for dinner.
    10. Exhale. Focus on your breath today. Improper breathing, holding your breath, creates big bellies. Exhale.
    11. Eat earlier tonight. Aim to eat 3-4 hours prior to bedtime.
    12. Have a LynFit Lean Bar as your lunch today versus your usual cheat food.
    13. Swap out overused over-the-counter meds (unless prescribed by a physician) that slow your metabolism and use LynFit Recovery Agent instead. 
    14. Swap out the fattening fats for LynFit Pure Omega-3, the essential fat that helps you burn fat.
    15. Pay attention to portions. Don't know what they are? See "The Metabolism Solution".
    16. Don't eat between meals. Nothing - not even veggies.
    17. Walk 10,000 steps or 60 minutes. Keep this up every day after today as well.
    18. Fight back against cravings today by taking (1) LynFit Carb Edge and (1) LynFit Pure Omega-3, 30 minutes before meals.
    19. Stop negative thoughts and talk by saying nice things to yourself all day. Example: "I love myself therefore I will take care of my body".
    20. Be a blessing to 10 people today by telling them something you think is awesome about them. You get back what you put in.
    21. Eat thermogenic carbs like vegetables instead of starchy carbs that slow metabolism, like oatmeal, bread, rice, pasta and crackers. 

    Congratulations, you did it! Bless yourself by repeating these healthy behaviors as your normal lifestyle.

    According to your Faith will it be done to you. - Matthew 9:29

    It Worked For Her, It Can Work For You: A Life Changing Transformation

    My life's mission is to help anyone who struggles with weight loss by teaching them how to avoid the pitfalls and diet traps I fell into. I am thrilled to share this makeover with you. Unlike most makeovers you see on television and in ads, this makeover is 100% real and authentic. In fact, "First for Women" magazine just featured this story because it' so special.

    You may recognize this special lady from being on the cover of my book, "The Metabolism Solution". I'd like to tell you why I chose her. I get thousands of stories submitted showing dramatic transformations, but this one was very different. You see Janine faced every obstacle possible and any one of them could have stopped her from losing weight and getting fit. Instead, she decided to fight this battle and was willing to do whatever it took: Full surrender, all in 100%. And guess what? She has lost 85 pounds and dropped 8 pants sizes, despite the fact that she suffered with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and debilitating pain from rheumatoid arthritis. She could barely get off the couch, let alone exercise.

    Janine hated herself. Can you relate? I can. She saw me on the Dr. Oz Show and decided to email me for help. This is the very reason why I answer all of my emails. Considering the sheer volume that I receive it might take me a couple of days to get through them all, but I do answer every single one of them myself. I know the depression, sadness, and loneliness that can completely surround you, having gone through being overweight and suffering with depression myself. I can't afford to let one cry for help go unheard.

    After Janine emailed me I suggested that she begin by replacing her breakfast and lunch with a LynFit Complete Protein Shake (made with water and ice only) to boost her metabolism. For a healthy dinner, focus on 3 ounces of fish and a huge serving of vegetables and a salad. I also suggested that she begin taking LynFit Carb Edge twice a day (at lunch and again at 3pm) to help lower her blood sugar, which is the secret to losing weight faster and easier. Another recommendation was that she take LynFit Recovery Agent twice a day, as recommended on the label, instead of all the over-the-counter medications she was using to ease her pain. Those over-the-counter pain medications also slow metabolism and sap energy. And the most important thing I told her? If you follow the plan you will lose 1 pound a day.

    Notice I didn't tell Janine to exercise? There was a good reason for this. Exercise can be helpful when it comes to boosting metabolism but it can also  slow your metabolism if it's not done the right way. I also don't focus too much on exercise at first because lots of people think they will only lose weight if they exercise, and that's just not true. The right diet will allow you to lose weight even without exercise. Also, many people use exercise as an excuse to eat more, justifying it since they worked out. I wanted to prove to Janine that she could quickly lose weight no matter how sluggish her metabolism was - even sitting on the couch.

    Janine noticed fast results. Her bloat, fatigue and depression lifted, and her energy returned which made it easy to stick to the plan. She also gained control of her emotional eating. Since she was feeling better and drinking Protein Shakes she wasn't focused on what she was supposed to be eating. She got busy with life instead. Actually, she says that drinking the Protein Shakes was the best thing she had ever done. It made losing weight fast and easy and saved on the grocery bill as well. She used the time saved eating to walk outside and get some moderate exercise. She dropped from a pants size 20 to a size 4 and no longer needs treatment for any of her health problems. Enough of me telling you about her - let's hear from this special lady herself.

    "I marvel today at the difference in my life. I used to take 9 prescription drugs a day - now I take none. I became healthy, but most importantly, I became whole. My weight loss has not only changed my life but my whole family is happier and healthier because I learned how to take care of me. My teenage daughter has also lost 65 pounds because I no longer have as much junk food in the house. She is now happier and doesn't get bullied anymore."

    A personal glimpse into Janine:

    Favorite Supplements and Routine: LynFit Recovery Agent (when waking up), LynFit Accelerator (before cardio or lifting), followed by LynFit Cutting Edge and LynFit Omega-3
    Favorite Protein Shake: Definitely green with either Chocolate or Vanilla Protein (both rock!)
    Favorite Recipe: Portobello Mushroom Pizza
    Most Helpful Lisa Lynn Advice: Too many to name just one: Forgive Yourself, It Is Progress Not Perfection, Dig Deeper, Love Yourself

    If you need help, like Janine did, please consider a phone coaching session and these results can be yours too. Janine is now a weight loss coach here at LynFit and she can help you as well.

    You can check out Janine's story at "First for Women" magazine's current issue which is available at newsstands and by subscription at the time of this writing.

    Are you ready to lose 1 pound per day? I dare you!