Since everyone loved our post on the Smitten Mitten we decided to host a giveaway for that lucky someone in your life. For those of you who don’t know what a Smitten Mitten is…The Smitten is a handmade mitten for you and your loved ones to hold hands when it’s cold outside. We think it’s a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your loved one.

So here is the deal, we want to know what your best Valentine’s Day story is; whether it is the most creative gift you made or bought, a romantic weekend getaway or a simple dessert. Leave your comment below and TWO winners will be picked at random on Tuesday, February 9th, at 12:00 pm PST. The winner will be able to choose which Smitten they would like to purchase and it will be sent directly to them.

We hope you are more creative than Chandler and Monica from Friends!

Hugs and Kisses,

JeJe

COMMONLY ASKED WORKOUT QUESTIONS (AND EXCUSES)

SENSAfit Trainer, Marcos Prolo, responds!

We are thrilled to welcome Marcos Prolo, our SENSAfit Trainer to the Sensa Blog!  As a nationally recognized fitness trainer, Marcos receives a ton of questions about working out and how to lose weight.  Here, Marcos answers some commonly asked questions about how you can turn your body from flab to fab (along with a response to our commonly used excuses)!

Is it better to work out in the morning or at night?  Should I approach these workouts different?

MARCOS SAYS: We are all different and need to listen to our bodies when it comes to deciding the appropriate time to exercise.  Anytime is a good time as long as you stay well hydrated and a proper meal to fuel your body.  Even if it’s just for a few minutes a day, try to sneak in a walk or a few simple exercises.

Do I really need to stretch?

MARCOS SAYS: Exercise is not all about running and lifting weights.  Stretching is a very important part of your fitness routine!  Stretching takes only a few minutes (if that) and can be done anywhere.  At work? Try sitting at the tip of a chair and slowly tuck your midsection in and allow your arms to reach forward.  Hold it for a few seconds and you will probably feel a bit more energized for work.

“I don’t have time to exercise!”  “I am too self conscious to go to the gym!”  “I just hate exercising!”… and other excuses I hear for not working out.

MARCOS SAYS: Working around the house and office can also become part of your “exercise” routine.  Forget the elevators – take the stairs once in a while.  On your lunch break, go for a brisk walk around the block with a colleague.  At home, give the gardener a break and spend some time in the yard.   Go for a walk with your family after dinner.  Play in the pool with your kids.  There are so many little things that you would never think could help with your weight-loss – the most important part is that you keep moving!

Author:  Sensa Intern Cynthia Lokovic

Let’s face it, everyone has fallen victim to overeating at least once in their life, if not more, and we always feel so guilty for doing so. Not anymore! Here are three easy ways how to stop overeating and to have control over your appetite:

Take your time eating: When you eat your meal slowly and take your time eating you have absolute appetite control. It takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to produce hormones that tell your brain you are full. When you eat fast, you normally eat more then your “full” point before 20 minutes has even been up. So instead of inhaling your food, after each bite put down your fork and don’t pick it back up until all the food in your mouth is gone. This allows you to achieve that “full” feeling without having to sit uncomfortably or be in a”food coma”. Besides, what ever happened to enjoying your food?

Drink more water: I know it’s hard to get into the habit of drinking more water because it can seem so bland. Well, what do you do to turn your day clothing into going out at night clothing? Spice it up by adding a few accessories! By adding some lemon, lime, cucumbers, or even mint leaves to your water, it spices it up completely! At home, slice up a few “accessories” of your own and put them into a pitcher filled with water. When your on-the-go, instead of using a plastic water bottle get a metal one that can easily be re-filled throughout the day. Try SIGG lifestyle water bottles which are cute and eco-chic! By drinking more water it makes your stomach feel full without really being full. Not only are you drinking more water but it actually tastes good too!

Snack Smarter: When the time comes for those mid-day munchies, instead of grabbing those delicious but extremely unhealthy potato chips, grab some home-made trail mix instead. This can achieve that salty and sweet craving and is so easy to make! Just throw together some almonds, peanuts, raisins, and a few M&M’s and you are good to go! This is not only healthy for you but also is loaded with protein which will keep you with that “full” feeling longer!

By making these three slight changes to your daily routine, you can loose weight and feel accomplished. Not only are these tips going to help you control over eating, they are also healthy for you and help keep your calorie count down. With these easy steps, you will have complete control on how to stop overeating and feel guilty no more!

Until Next Time,

Cynthia

Hello all you Sexy Sprinklers!!!

I hope you are all entering this new year and new decade just a little better than you were last year.  Personally, I am not big on resolutions because I try to better myself all year long (maybe I’m not all that successful but at least I try   Last year was a really good year for me…I discovered Sensa…lost 17 pounds…began working out at least 3 times a week (okay…okayyyyy 2 times) and pretty much licked my sweet cravings.  But sometimes at about this time of year I feel like a failure because I’ve already messed up the few resolutions that I did decide to make.  This year is no exception….I swore…SWORE I would quite biting my nails (they are already back to the bloody nubs they used to be), I swore I would start writing in a journal every day (haven’t even cracked it open once…I don’t even know where it is…the last time I wrote in it was before Emmi was born…4 1/2 years ago) and I would start meditating every day (every time I try, I fall asleep…or start making mental “to do” lists and then I quit).  So I started feeling really crappy about myself and that’s when I remembered how far I have come in regards to my health, weight and portion sizes.  If you start falling into that trap, pick yourself up, try again but also be kind to yourself and take mental stock of how much better you are now than you were a few weeks, months or years ago.  A favorite book of mine says “you are right where you are supposed to be”, I love that and I think that’s true.

Also, on a much lighter note if you are trying for a new you in the new year do yourself a favor and check out all there is to see on YouTube. I am always a technological late bloomer so I kinda just discovered how great YouTube is but I am now obsessed with all the makeup and hair tutorials there.  You won’t believe what you can learn in just a few minutes.  There is a “how to” video on almost every subject imaginable from smokey eyes to bikini waxes (that one I will NOT be trying…I can just imagine trying to explain my third degrees to the E.R. doctor).  And best of all they tell you exactly how to get the look…what equipment they used, what colors, how to do it…EVERYTHING.  However, one word of caution, it is completely and totally addictive….you have been warned.

Anyway, love yourselves and those around you.  Happy New Year and Happy New You!!!

As always, send me any questions or comments that you would like me to answer and I’ll get on it….if I’m not meditating or journaling…yeah right!!!!

Besos (kisses in Spanish..another resolution I am trying to master),

Dayna

After spending the holidays baking, broiling and meticulously garnishing, many of us can agree that January is the month to “grab a quick bite” and enjoy paying someone else to cook for us. As convenient as this may be for your schedule, it may not be the best way to lose weight…restaurants tend to pack more calories into even the simplest foods by adding extras that you may not necessarily include when you cook at home.

Flickr user fotoosvanrobin

Luckily, information that will allow you to avoid excessive calorie intake is becoming more readily available and has evolved beyond tedious calorie counting. In April of 2008, New York City passed Health Code 81.50; a law that requires calorie information to be posted at the point of purchase in restaurants that have fifteen or more establishments in the U.S. Other states are following suit—SB 1420 outlines similar requirements for the state of California while Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Maine are also taking steps in a similar direction.

The Big Apple has proven itself to be at the forefront of efforts to curb obesity with code 81.50 as well as with laws banning trans fats and a new pledge to reduce sodium levels by 25%. While some people argue against Mayor Bloomberg’s “crusade” against unhealthy eating, I personally feel that the information simply enables us to make conscious choices about what to put in our bodies. Why not educate people so that they can choose to make more healthy decisions?

If your home state is slacking on nutritional initiatives, don’t stress! Many large chain restaurants have recently begun posting their nutritional information online. If you are planning to go out, take five minutes to visit the restaurant’s website and peruse the calorie information for your favorite entrees. Prepare yourself—some of the numbers may shock you!  If your favorite restaurant is unique or part of a small chain, you can check out other menus that will enable you to approximate the caloric content of the menu at your restaurant of choice.

One of my favorites is the Starbucks beverage nutrition info. If you are like me and prefer your coffee made just so, this is an excellent tool to ensure your daily caffeine kick won’t kick your diet’s butt.

Don’t let someone else’s cooking mess up your nutrition and fitness goals…read up before you eat up!

A few examples…
Chili’s Bar and Grill
Red Lobster
Papa John’s Pizza
Subway
McDonald’s

Author: Cassandra Bustamante, Sensa Intern

We all know how difficult it can be sometimes to make time to exercise when you know you’ve got a million and one thing to do you know you have to get it in there somehow. The good news is there are easy ways to exercise throughout the day by changing or adding the slightest of things to your daily routine. You’ll be surprised how tweaking your daily routine to fit exercise in can put you in a better mood and allow you to live a little bit healthier every day.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Taking the stairs is great for your legs especially to get some blood circulation if you sit in an office chair during the work day.

Take the longer way. If you’re one to always take shortcuts to get where you need to be, try taking the long way. Adding that extra time to go the different route will help you burn those extra calories.

Take the basket instead of the cart at the grocery store. When you carry the basket you’re using your upper body much more as opposed to pushing a cart. Plus the heavier your basket gets the more likely you’ll refrain from buying things you don’t need. It’s a win win.

Do crunches in between commercials. While watching TV its really easy to get comfortable on the couch, but if you do a set of crunches throughout every commercial break while watching your favorite TV show it’s easy to get it out of the way. You’re not completely dreading the workout because you know by the time the commercials are over your favorite show will be back on.

Exercise on your lunch break. Walking around the building is an easy way to get some aerobics in and clear your mind at the same time. This will help burn more calories rather than sitting at your desk or table for lunch.

Clean the house. Scrubbing the bathtub, vacuuming, and washing the dishes helps you burn more calories because you’re always moving. It’s another great way to get some blood circulation in and you’re house will be clean as a whistle after you’re done. Check out this article on how spring cleaning can improve your fitness level.

Tense up your stomach. It may sound weird but tensing your stomach throughout the day can help tighten your abs. Do them at 30 second intervals for 5 minutes, and repeat throughout the day. No one has to know you’re doing them. It’s another great option if you don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to your working out your core.

Walking the dog. Dogs love to be walked! It will give you a chance to get some walking and jogging while making the dog happy.

Park further away. Instead of scavenging for the closer parking spot because you like to close walk or because you’re running late, try parking further away. You’ll be on time and get some exercise in, another win win!

Play Wii Fit. The Wii is such a fun way to incorporate fun and exercise. They have tons of training and tools to help you lose weight and stay fit. You can play the most fun games and not even notice you’re exercising.

Think of some ways you avoid doing things because you feel like they are more work. Sometimes it’s the things we avoid that can actually help us burn more calories. After trying out these exercise tips it becomes easier to adapt new ones. Adapting easy ways to exercise throughout your day doesn’t have to be drastic, all you need is a little tweaking of your daily routine and you’re good to go!

Flickr User: catd_mitchell's

 Resolutions are right at the top of everyone’s list in January. If you belong to a gym you’ve probably noticed how difficult it is to find a parking spot this month. And if you read women’s magazines you’ll note that they are loaded with articles to help you kick start your new weight loss program. The problem is that starting something is the easy part. The trick is to stick with it long enough to see results, and then to maintain them. So, in the interest of making this year different, here are my 5 top tips to actually keeping your 2010 Weight Loss Resolutions.

Make it attainable The best way to keep on track is to shoot for something you can actually achieve. This might mean breaking up a big goal into mini goals. For example instead of saying I want to lose 50lbs in 2010, you could say I want to start working out 3 times a week.

Plan Ahead

Don’t wait until 5 minutes before your lunch break to decide what to eat. You’re hungry and are likely to make poor decisions. If you decide in advance what you’re going to eat you’re much likely to make a healthy choice. Also if you ask yourself at the end of the day if you “feel” like going to the gym, the answer will often be no. Make a schedule and stick to it.

Make a Back Up Plan

There will be birthday parties. You will end up working late one day. Life happens. So make sure the schedule you lay out has enough space for the unexpected, so you can make up a missed workout. Also commit to making healthy food choices even on special occasions. Just because you have to skip yoga to get to a baby shower doesn’t mean you have to indulge in all the treats served there.

 Find a Support System

Get yourself a weight loss buddy! You will struggle at times and having someone to call makes all the difference when it comes to sticking to your goals. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to friends and family about your weight loss goals then take advantage of an online support group. You can utilize one of the many groups available in the Sensa Community at www.trysensa.com/community.

Give yourself a Break

If you make a mistake or slip up it’s ok! Just get back on track tomorrow. Don’t throw in the towel because of one bad day. And if you run out of steam on your resolution by February then just make a new one.

Now it’s your turn. What are your resolutions for 2010? And how do you plan to stick to them?  

xoxo,

Miss T

Author: Miriam aka MLM Sensa Community Forum Moderator

The first time I saw Sensa, was on TV. My granddaughter, knowing I was struggling with my weight, asked me three times if Sensa would be something you would like try.   After listening to the Dr. Hirsch describe the product more in detail, I decided to order it.

I started my Sensa Journey on May 11, 2009, and it took me 7 months to lose 45 pounds. In addition to losing my weight, I have lost all cravings for sugar and many of the bad carbohydrate foods that I enjoyed. I also have cut my food intake to less than half of what I was eating before. Throughout my weight-loss period, I lost at a rate of 1-2 pounds per week. I planned on losing 40 pounds but Sensa helped me lose an extra five. The most surprising element of this journey is that I never had to change what I was eating. I just sprinkled everything (except for liquids) and the weight continued to fall off. Exercise consisted of rearing my three grandchildren, ages 7, 9 and 15. Sensa has been an effortless and rewarding journey.

I went online the day I started my Sensa Journey. There I found the Sensa Community Forums, and met other Sensa Users that were having great success. I plugged into the support system and took advantage of the encouragement, help and tips.

I recently had the privilege and honor of sharing my success story on ShopNBC… I was able to talk about my Sensa journey and the success I have had with the product. The reception I got when I arrived was outstanding and very professional. They treated me with the highest respect and showered me with the finest of care and grace.

I learned a lot about the Sensa Team, Dayna (Sensa’s Spokesperson), the operation of the TV crew, and their commitment to bring us an accurate description of Sensa. It was exciting to have an opportunity to share by story about my journey with Sensa and give hope to others. My appreciation for the Sensa Team and Dr. Hirsch is met with an even greater respect and admiration.

From the beginning, my Sensa journey has been life changing. I have learned portion control, my health has improved, and I feel good about myself. I started this journey with the concern of being able to rear my grandchildren and have the good health and well-being to do it. Sensa has helped me to achieve that in a very short period of time. I do not know what it will take for others to be motivated enough to give Sensa a try, but it has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. The fact that you do not need a special diet, no big cost, or negative side-effects, should be enough to motive even the greatest skeptic, into trying Sensa. Sensa is life-changing and life- lasting, GIVE SENSA A TRY!

With the greatest sincerity,

Miriam

It is times like these that the human race needs to come together and help out one another. It is clear that any country would need help after surviving a 7.0- magnitude quake with about 40 aftershocks. Even in the best of times, a third world country such as Haiti needs extreme medical attention and support. Now it is our turn to help out by donating to the Haiti relief fund.

UNICEF states that, “The epicenter of the quake was just 17 km from Port-au-Prince. As a result, said UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Bernt Aasen, “the destruction in the city is unbelievable. We don’t have any indication yet of the number of people killed or injured, but we’re talking about thousands. This is a big disaster for Haiti.””

In an effort to support a country in need we would like to donate a $1.00 for each of the first 100 comments to the UNICEF Haiti relief on behalf of all Sensa customers. Schools, buildings, homes, roads have been destroyed and the injured urgently need help.

If you would like to donate personally the State Department has set up a donation-by-text system. Text “Haiti” to 90999 and $10 will be immediately donated to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts. You will see the additional charge on your cell phone bill.

Don’t forget to comment below to show your support.

Mesi,

JeJe

*Since time is of the essence we will make the donation at the end of the day tomorrow, Friday, January 15, 2010.

Can you really tone your body and lose weight just by swapping your soles? Lately I’ve noticed an emerging new trend in shoes, fitness footwear.  I had to put Sketchers® slogan: “Get in shape without setting foot in a gym” to the test.  Excitedly opening up my new kicks I was pleasantly surprised to find a dvd and booklet inside too.  But would these thick wedged sneakers hold up to their claims?  There were many questions to be answered:

How do Shape-ups work exactly?
Shape-ups are designed to improve fitness by changing the way you walk. The two main features are a unique soft kinetic wedge insert and dynamic rolling bottom to simulate walking on soft sand, and we all know how hard that is! When walking in them you will feel your heel sink to the ground as you step, roll forward as your weight shifts to its center, and push off with your toes. This motion will activate your muscles as you stabilize your step resulting in stronger leg, glute, back and abdominal muscles.

How long does it take to feel Shape-ups working?
I could literally feel the difference the minute I started walking in them.  At first I only felt the muscles stabilizing in my calves but within a block my legs, glutes, back and abdominals joined the party too.

How does all of this promote weight loss?
The extra use of the leg muscles tones and strengthens the muscles in the legs, back and abdomen. The increase in muscle activity and strength may also improve overall aerobic conditioning and lead to improved circulation, reduced body fat, increased exercise tolerance, and improve overall health.  Studies have estimated that for each pound of muscle that you add to your body, you burn an additional 35 to 50 calories per day. Researchers have also found that regular weight training boosts basal metabolic rate by about 15%. This is because muscle is ‘metabolically active ‘ and burns more calories than other body tissue even when you’re not moving.  Plus walking is already a great form of endurance exercise!  You can read more about Shape-ups clinical case studies.

How do Shape-ups improve posture?
Because they create a slightly unstable stride as you walk your body will compensate by activating muscles to center your body, which in turn improves your coordination and posture.

Why are the soles so thick?
After doing some research of my own, I’ve found there are at least five layers that make up this rocker shoe.  The Upper section of the shoe provides support and comfort.  The Sockliner or insole provides arch support, cushioning, it’s antibacterial to prevent odor and the material wicks away moisture.  The Midsole is made of a firm polyurethane frame designed to stabilize and support the foot.  The Kinetic Wedge is what makes them so darn thick, it a super soft foam material designed to absorb shock to protect your body while activating core muscles.  The Outsole is durable rubber designed to contribute to your natural walking motion propelling you forward.

How comfortable are the Shape-ups?
Although the Shape-ups felt a bit heavy upon removing them from the box, once I put them on they did not weigh me down one bit.  As I took my first step in them I noticed was how soft and cushy they were, as if I were, well, walking on soft sand!

Do they only come in the sneaker style?
Nope, there are a lot of different styles and colors of these wedged wonders.  From sandals to boots, they’ve got the fit fashionista in you covered.

Well, we all know I love my cardio but I must say these powerhouse shoes really feel like they do what they are designed to: promote weight loss, tone muscles and improve posture.  I plan to give them a few months to see how the long term benefits hold up.  Let me know if you’ve tried them yet, I’d love to hear your feedback!

Yours in health, fitness and funky gear,

Kardio Kate