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Intermittent Fasting Challenge FAQ

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Click HERE or the video below to listen or continue to read the FAQ!

Howdy! It’s Maria, your holistic health and insulin resistance coach and personal trainer at www.BeFabBeYou.com. I would like to take a few minutes to answer potential questions you may have about the upcoming 5-Day Intermittent Fasting (IF) Challenge I’m offering YOU for FREE.

My goal is to make you feel comfortable about what you’re getting into it or really to actually motivate you to join because I’m really excited about it. So let’s just start with the basics.

First of all, this five-day IF Challenge is going to be based on educating and giving you guidance about it whether you have not done IF or whether I can help you take it to the next level from what you are doing right now or did it in the past.

In a nutshell, IF is a lifestyle practice you choose the number of hours you will fast and feed. There are different types of IF. The method/type I will introduce you to is one of the healthiest and most discussed types amongst health practitioners. Part one: during the hours you fast, you drink water and avoid all sorts of foods or beverages with calories or those who induce insulin. Part two: during your feeding hours, you will eat. You will learn a great deal of how, what, when, why during the challenge.

 

Challenge Structure

Let’s talk about the structure of the challenge. Live educational sessions will be done daily via Facebook Live. If you don’t have a Facebook account, don’t worry about it. I’m going to be recording the sessions, upload them to YouTube, and share a link with you daily.

During the five days, you will receive daily emails and scorecards so you can keep track of a few awesome items that will reflect the daily theme. That will allow you to measure where you are, where you going, and your progress.

Again, the live sessions will be done on Facebook closed group Be Fab – Be You Tribe. The recordings will be available to you. In case you are not a Facebook member, you will not miss anything. Plus, you can email me questions in advance, I will answer them live, and you will get the answers in the next video.

 

Challenge 5-Day Topic Breakdown

On Day One, we will be about what intermittent fasting is and what your starting point is. What I mean is that there are variations and number of hours you will fast. This is not a hardcore intermittent fasting which you must follow specific guidelines strictly. You get to choose your starting point. The true benefits of intermittent fasting happen when a person chooses to incorporate it into their lifestyle. Let’s put this way. If currently, you do not go on without food for more than eight hours (during your sleep), we will get you to space it out gradually. The bottom line is, DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT! Do not fear something you have not tried yet. We can do about anything we want when we decide to do so. I will guide you through the process.

On Day Two, we will focus on the health benefits intermittent fasting may offer and what your commitments will be for this health journey that you’re going to start with me. What kinda of diseases are you trying to prevent? What kind of diseases are you trying to manage? What kind of health challenges are you trying to STAY AWAY FROM, right? Or you could be joining to simply to boost your energy, health, stamina, and clarity.

On Day Three, we’re going to talk about Intermittent Fasting and Nutrition. I do not recommend anybody start intermittent fasting with a protocol of foods to eat or not eat. We will start with spacing your fast, give you enough information to make progress, set your intentions, then, I will general guidelines to help you build a nutritional template that works for you. Right now, don’t worry about the nutrition portion of the chalenge. Plan that you’re going to eat whatever you’re eating today.

On Day Four, we’re going to talk about Intermittent Fasting and Exercise. Can you exercise or intermittent fasting? What is the best types of exercises during fasting? How and when do you fit that in your day?

On Day Five, we will talk about strategies to get you going forward. Again, if you have never done intermittent fasting, I would encourage you to join this challenge anyway. This is a safe environment for you to learn and apply techniques and apply as much as you want to. The benefits of intermittent fasting are when added to our lifestyle are fantastic.

 

Challenge FAQ

I will answer a few questions that you may have before you sign-up for the challenge >>> Sign-up to the Challenge NOW at http://eepurl.com/gbkvPT.

1) Who should not do intermittent fasting? Pregnant women; women who are breastfeeding; people who are underweight, and children under the age of 18. Now, if a teenager has obesity and is overweight, I would encourage the parents to join to and learn some of these techniques, especially what we will cover on nutrition.

You will require supervision if you are taking medication, have Diabetes Type I and Type II, have gout or reflux. You can join and do intermittent fasting but you need to consult with your physician. You may ask whether you need to take the medication during the hours you are expected to fast. And if you do need to take the medications and with food is best, you can eat leafy greens. It does brake the fast but with minimum impact.

There are considerable benefits of intermittent fasting for people with Type II diabetes. Yet, you do want to be careful because of hypoglycemia.

2) Will fasting put me into a starvation mode? No. The body has its own ways to regulate itself. You will learn more about that. Your body will burn glycogen, amino acids, stored fat, and so on. So do not worry about starving and breaking down muscle tissues.

3) Will I be able to exercise during the fast. Yes, you can exercise. You are going to learn a few tricks about what kind of exercises during short and prolonged fasting. I don’t stop my exercise routine during intermittent fasting. You’re not going to destroy your muscle tissues. The body is going to adapt and burn stored fat for energy.

4) Is fasting the same thing as calorie reduction? No. It quite different. You may not eat as much, but that’s not the intention. We’re talking about adjusting the hours that you eat in order to optimize your body. Fasting it’s not a caloric restriction diet and I do not refer to fasting as a diet. I recommend fasting as a long-term approach to anyone’s lifestyle.

5) Will I lose weight? Generally, yes, people do lose weight because we’re talking about managing and optimizing your insulin levels. And insulin is a fat storage hormone. When we fast, we allow the body to burn more fat.

 

Challenge FAQ Continued…

6) Will fasting make me cranky? Well, I’m just going to say this, if you’re a cranky person already, maybe it’s going to actually help you improve that because it’s going to help you balance your hormones. But no, generally intermittent fast is not going to make you cranky. We’re going to set your intentions for this challenge, right? You and your body will adapt to this journey. Many people are already doing some kind of fasting, but they don’t realize it. A few tweaks might assure greater optimization and results.

7) Will fasting make me tired? No. Actually, it might give you more energy. However, if you have adrenal fatigue and are exhausted all the time, fasting will often elevate your energy. We will adjust the time of your meals to make sure that you eat in certain times to help you feel well.

8) Will fasting make me confused or forgetful? No. Actually, the opposite as you will balance hormones, allow your brain and body to utilize the glucose in the system, regulate the insulin, and the burn stored fat.

9) Does fast lead to overeating? Well, it can, especially if that’s your first time fasting. If you eat every two to three hours and do not fast for more than eight to ten hours between dinner and breakfast. Again, we’re going to learn the strategies to do this best for you. Plus, even if you overeat, the amount will likely be less than that preceding the fast.

10) How about if I take medication with food? First, you’re going to consult with your doctor, right? If you’re a physician, if you want, you, you need to take those medications too, is if you have to take the medications, then we can put some leafy Greens in there that does break the fast, but it’s so minimal that the side effects are not going the fast, the positive side effects are not going to go away.

11) What if I have diabetes? That’s an important question. You may have heard about fasting for those with diabetes, insulin resistance, prediabetes, for weight loss, etc. As you know, people with diabetes have issues with insulin in the body. That is a very important hormone that helps take glucose to the cells and once in the cells, energy is produced. A person with diabetes type I, she/he must have insulin, otherwise, it can lead to death. So when fast, there is a chance that your blood sugar will go down. If you have either Type I or Type II, you will be talking to your doctor, manage your insulin, track your blood sugar frequently.

 

I hope answering these questions brings more clarity and get you motivated to embark on this journey with me.

 

Personal Experiences with IF

A quick note about my history with intermittent fasting. I’ve been doing this for quite some time now and that includes short intermittent fasting to longer periods from one up to five days. I did a five day fast between Christmas and New Year’s. It was water throughout the day and about eight ounces of coffee in the morning. Coffee does not break a fast.

 

Meal After 5-Day Fast - Mari Horstmann - Be Fab - Be You - Healtt Fitness Coach

I have done a five day fast 4-5 times. I have been doing a 24-hour fast weekly in the past two years…I’ve barely missed a week. I have done two days, three days and a variety of hours. I exercise during extended fasting days as well which also give me a boost of energy. Yes, the first time was a little challenging, but then, the body adjusts.

When we decide to experiment with fasting, we need to start slow. I also don’t envision a person who is eating multiple times a day to go into a 24 hour fast or longer without adaptation. If that’s you, we’re going to start at your pace, see where you are at, and I’m going to guide you through the process.

 

Connect & Sign-Up

I hope this was informative to you. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach me at info@BeFabBeYou.com. You can join our facebook group tribe. And you can also call me at +1 770-835-5490.

I’m excited to be leading this challenge. I have plenty of experience doing it myself and I have a lot of scientific data to share with you. I hope this has motivated you to join.

Sign-up to the Challenge HERE and I hope to see you at the challenge.

I’m excited to be leading this challenge. I have plenty of experience doing it myself and I have a lot of scientific data to share with you. I hope this has motivated you to join.

 

Other Health & Fitness FREEBIES for You…

 

★★★ LOSE WEIGHT, RECLAIM ENERGY, BUILD PHYSICAL & MENTAL STRENGTH ★★★

Schedule a FREE ‘Energy Audit’ [Health] Strategy Session’ via Zoom with Maria TODAY. Let’s discuss your goals, get you to healthy tips, and pave your path to achieving your goals. NO EXCUSES! Get Started. Choose YOU.

 

Click HERE to Schedule Your Energy Audit

 

★★★ ONLINE & LIVE FITNESS ASSESSMENT ★★★

Let’s discuss your fitness goals and based on your current level, all levels are welcomed, we will determine a plan and the next steps for you to achieve your fitness and health goals. YES, I can train you from anywhere. All you need: a reliable internet connection, smartphone/tablet or computer with a webcam so I can see you.

 

Click HERE to Schedule your Fitness Assessment

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Categories
Fitness | Exercise

Halloween, Children, Sugar: Tips To Manage Consumption of Sugar

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It’s Halloween…

…and many parents get concerned about the amount of candy their children and perhaps, themselves will consume the day off and days after.

Listen to the video for a more elaborate discussion on each one of these items. In the meantime, here are tips I shared:

♥ Keep the child hydrated before, during, and after (next day included). 

Categories
Blood Sugar | Insulin Resistance | PCOS Fitness | Exercise Latest News

You Are The Difference: World PCOS Day & Awareness Month

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, September 1, 2018, the world has come together to celebrate World PCOS Day #worldpcosday. September is PCOS Awareness Month. PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It impacts 10% of women and girls worldwide. I invite you to watch the video (~18 minutes) and/or read more information.

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Diet | Nutrition | Recipes Fitness | Exercise

Brain Health: Don’t Ignore This Mineral

Magnesium is a powerful essential macromineral, that is, a mineral we need to consume in large amounts. Magnesium is vital for over 300 enzymes in the human body. If that doesn’t get your attention, OUCH!

It’s OUCH because you may be living in suboptimal levels through the negative side effects without knowing. Ultimately, you keep distancing yourself from reaching your potential.

Are You Magnesium Deficient?

It is estimated that 70-80% of Americans are deficient in magnesium. How is that possible?  Unfortunately, it’s because of food choices–see below a few food choices that deplete magnesium.

A few functions of magnesium are:

  • Energy production, like ATP: it transports nutrients and minerals throughout the body.
  • Storage and utilization of glucose: it assists in the uptake of glucose into the cells.
  • Nerve conduction and communication between one nerve to the next nerve and to the next.
  • Skeletal strength as it puts bones together.
  • Repair and cell reproduction and growth through DNA & RNA synthesis.
  • Improves insulin sensitivity by improving the health of insulin receptors. That’s something I talk about in detail with my clients in my Sweet Redemption Program.

I often ask my clients to make a list of activities that zap their energy. I would give you list of five things that zap magnesium:

  • Gluten
  • Processed and overly cooked foods as they strip minerals from the body
  • Alcohol
  • Refined sugar, corn syrup
  • Chronic stress

I can go on and on; I think you get the picture.Today, I would like to touch on the relationship between magnesium and brain health, specifically about depression. In Part 2 of the ‘magnesium series’, I will talk about magnesium and exercise.

According to a report by the The National Health and Nutrition Examination one in twelve U.S. adults have depression and women are twice as likely as men to be depressed. My guess is the stats are shy of the true reality.

brain-health-depressed-magnesium-health-coach-Maria-Horstmann

The stigma around mental health and depression is very high in this country and I bet many people are either are not disclosing because of embarrassment or are not aware they are depressed–denial or ignorant of the symptoms.

This makes things even more alarming, yet not entirely surprising…

“About 80% of adults with depression reported at least some difficulty with work, home, or social activities because of their depression symptoms.Depression-Symptoms-Percentage-Health-Coach-Maria-Horstmann

  • 50.2% of adults with depression reported some difficulty with work, home, or social activities because of their depression symptoms (Figure 4).
  • 30.0% of adults with depression reported moderate or extreme difficulty with work, home, or social activities because of their depression symptoms.
  • The percentage of adults with depression reporting difficulty with work, home, or social activities due to depression symptoms was similar in men and women.”

What Can You Do About Managing or Eradicating Depression?

Physical activity is one of the most potent remedies to combat depression. Another one way is to assure you maintain optimum levels of magnesium in the body, this research article done at the University of Vermont and published by PLOS One, says that magnesium improves symptoms of depression and secondarily, anxiety.

How Can You Increase Intake of Magnesium?  Here are the three ways you can accomplish this:

  1. Foods such as greens, avocados, dulse, figs, watercress, kelp, apricots.
  2. Herbs such as alfalfa, dandelion, fenugreek, lemongrass, paprika.
  3. Oral supplements.
  4. Topical magnesium oil.

There are different forms of magnesium supplementation and the absorption varies from 4% to about 50%. Hence the importance of building a well-balanced nutrition template that provides as close as possible to 100% of your needs. If you are deficient in magnesium and/or have prediabetes, insulin resistance, and diabetes, taking supplements might be something to consider so that you reach optimum level sooner–discuss this with your doctor.

and to wrap things up, since we are talking about nutrition, click HERE for chocolate smoothie recipe loaded with magnesium. Yummy and simple to make!

If you are interested in discussing ways to elevate your energy and health, establish a plan, get accountability, support, and tools, schedule an Energy Audit HERE.

If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to visit our website or contact me at 770.835-5490 or via email at mhorstmann@BeFabBeYou. Follow us on Facebook HERE.

 

Categories
Fitness | Exercise

Be Fab – Be You Launches Online Group Personal Training

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NO EXCUSES! Wherever You’re, I Can Be There Too!

Let’s Move Our Fannies Together From Anywhere

I super excited to tell you that on Tuesday, May 1st, I will start offering LIVE Group Online Personal Training.

Earlier this month, ~60 people, ~95%  women from mid-40’s to early 70’s, joined 60-minute online group classes (up to five people) via their smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It was a WIN-WIN. It’s been very rewarding for it to help people through this format. READ Their Feedbacks and Experiences Here.

Let me tell you how cool this is…

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Fitness | Exercise Latest News

Online Group Fitness Training | Welcome Guidelines | Be Fit, Strong, Confident with Maria Horstmann

https://youtu.be/8uOtm3oHl6U

 

Welcome to Be Fab – Be You Group Online Fitness Training FAQ!

I’m so excited that you are here and I hope you’re looking forward to our session together. This video is to give you guidelines and prep you for your session.

This may be your first time doing a Live Group Online Fitness Session. This is going to be fun. We have people to laugh and chat with 🙂 Our goal is to get you moving and when we are able to increase our heart rate (aerobic level), we activate the brain, we get our prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and neurotransmitters very happy, and we reap the beautiful benefits of exercise. I want you to feel these benefits, OK? Let’s have some fun along the way.

Let’s talk about basic logistics.

  • Go ahead and add @BeFabBeYou.com to your Sender Safe List to assure you receive my messages and goodies after pre and post session.
  • What should you wear?

I want you to feel good in your clothes. No naked bodies, all right? 🙂 Tight or loose, all clothes are welcome – it is your body. Remember that this is a safe environment and we’re here to move and feel good about ourselves. So wear whatever rocks your boat.

Some people buy new workout clothes to celebrate new beginnings, their new journey, tell themselves they will rock and roll on and feel awesome.  Hey, if you want to put makeup, do it. I don’t care. I want you to feel comfortable, happy and prepared for this session.

  • What type of shoes should you wear?

Tennis shoes are the best. But if you’re on a carpet, barefoot should be fine as well. Be careful on other surfaces. Use common sense and make sure that it is not slippery because we will be moving and jumping some-for those whose body parts allow to do so.

  • Where are we meeting?

We’re going to meet in Zoom (video conference). The confirmation message you received via email with the URL for your session. If you DO NOT have Zoom installed in your device, take a minute PRIOR to our session to download it at http://www.zoom.us or download the application for free from your phone and you will be ready to go.

**In the video, I said the meeting ID is 770-835-5490. That is no longer valid. Each meeting has a unique meeting ID. Do yourself a favor, upon receiving an email confirmation for your session, click ADD TO CALENDAR (Google, Outlook, etc) so that you will have the URL (under location) accessible. 

  • What about the platform and technology needed to do this?

You’re going to need internet access. Most devices will have a microphone, so we will use this to communicate. You will also need a camera. That will enable us to see each other. If your laptop doesn’t have a camera or microphone, you will still be able to watch and hear me. You can type in the chat as needed.

  • Where to place the device?

We will take a minute to find a spot, but go ahead and look for a place I can see your body, especially hips down to the floors. The place itself does not have to be big. At this session, we’re not going to be running around. However, we will stretch our whole body on the floor, move our legs forward and back. Place your device somewhere you can direct the camera to yourself on the floor and standing. Whenever you have your first session, we will take a couple of minutes to adjust location.

It is also important you go to the link in the confirmation email you received. It takes you to videos of the key movements we’re going to do during the session.

  • How does the session will look like?

I am not providing videos for warm-up and stretch movements. I want you to know how to key other movements in advance. So please take a few minutes to look at them.

The confirmation email has the link to my YouTube playlist with videos you can watch and practice in advance. If you have any questions, let me know.

The other reason for doing this step is because if you have any body part imbalances, aches and pains, you can adjust prior to our session. This group session provides room for some personalization. Definitely, we do not want to damage any body parts, we want to strengthen them.

  • What else should you expect?
    • First, have fun, move your body, and feel good.
    • Second, we’re going to spend the first few minutes getting the cameras set up to assure I can see you and you can see me. That will allow me to critique your form, your technique while we move.
    • Third, Short introductions so we feel comfortable with each other. I will have reviewed your Par-Q and Terms and Conditions form in advance.
    • Forth, I’m going to do a short demo of the movements live just as a reminder since you will have looked at the forms previously.
    • Last, we’re going to do a warm-up, perform the workout routine I will have shared with you live, stretch, and short Q&A.

So that’s really the plan. I hope this is clear. If you have questions, please email info@BeFabBeYou.com  or call 770-835-5490.

I look forward to seeing you soon online. Come ready to have some fun!!


Learn more HERE about personal training in-person (1:1 and 2:1) and online (1:1 and group).

P.S. We plan to offer a Complimentary Online Group Training Class once a week. Click HERE for availability and get a spot — space is limited!

Group Online Personal Training-Be-Fab-Be-You-Maria-Horstmann

Categories
Blood Sugar | Insulin Resistance | PCOS Fitness | Exercise Latest News

12 Days of Christmas 2017 Workout

In the Christmas spirit, I set Brian up for an exciting ’12 Days of Christmas’ workout. I recorded his last round. Watch this 55+ year-old man kill it!

How do we go about completing the workout?

Just like the song, complete in the order of 1 rep, then 2-1, 3-2-1, 4-3-2-1 all the way to 12-11-….2-1 reps. Brian used 20 lbs dumbbells (DB).

1x DB Manmaker

2x Thrusters

3x Sumo Deadlift High Pull

4x Goblet Squats

5x Single Arm Swing

6x Front Squats

7x Back Row

8x Deadlifts

9x Bicep Curls

10x Lunges (5 each leg)

11x Push Presses

12x B0x Step Ups

Cheers to health and wellness. Merry Christmas, everyone.

P.S. This is such a great workout. Try it at any time and share HERE how you enjoyed it 🙂

Not in Atlanta or do not want to battle traffic to come to Vinings for a training session with Maria? No worries. Maria’s motto is NO EXCUSES!  She can come to you or you work with her online.

Would you like to try online personal training with Maria?  Sign-up for a complimentary group online class HERE. It’s fun, convenience, effective, and awesome. I invite you to show up with an open mind and Magic may happen to you as it did to many others.

Give it try and you will not regret. Instead, you will love it and do it from the convenience of your home, hotel room, or office. Visit our testimonials page HERE  to read what people are saying about group online personal training with Maria.

If you would like to discuss your health, wellness, and fitness with Maria, sign-up for a video conference Energy Audit Session HERE.

Call 770-835-5490 or visit www.BeFabBeYou.com for additional awesomeness!

Categories
Fitness | Exercise

The Relationship between Mental Health and Insulin Resistance in Women with PCOS

            Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a set of symptoms characterized by hormonal and metabolic imbalances. The main cause of these symptoms is the increased level of androgenic hormones. Due to these increased levels, women experience infertility, menstrual irregularities, insulin resistance, obesity, hirsutism and other symptoms. All these symptoms may or may not be associated with the presence of cysts on one or both ovaries. Moreover, these symptoms may not be necessarily present in all women. However, a set of at least two or more symptoms have been observed in all the women. Being metabolic in nature, this syndrome has many implications on all the body functions. Here we will discuss the relationship of PCOS with depression, mental health and insulin resistance in women.

A compromised mental health has been reported in a lot of patients with PCOS. The degree varies from slight mood disorders to bipolar dysfunctions and eating disorders. Mood dysfunctions and mental health problems are significantly higher in syndromic women. When compared with normally menstruating women, the levels of depression are higher in those with PCOS. The value of this increased level of depression in not consistent. The exact level of mental health differences between normal and syndromic women remains to be identified. In certain cases, depression and anxiety are seen together. There is hardly any case in which anxiety has been reported alone.

It is difficult to identify one reason behind this correlation between PCOS and mental illnesses. However various researches suggest that the root of this relationship lies in the increased levels of testosterone present in a woman suffering from PCOS. Women with testosterone levels higher than the normal limit have shown more signs of depression. Another research suggests that women with PCOS and lower BMI are less depressed than women with PCOS and higher BMI. But the differences are very mild.

There is a very strong evidence of association of mental distress with menstrual irregularities. Various symptoms of PCOS like acne, hirsutism, and infertility can also lead to depression.

Insulin resistance is very common among women with PCOS. In insulin resistant individuals a greater amount of glucose is required to elicit a response by the insulin receptors. In such individuals when the meal is taken and the glucose levels in the blood rise, the insulin released is unable to push glucose into the cells. So glucose levels remain high and thus more insulin is released in a compensatory fashion. The increased levels of insulin are related both to the increased insulin secretion and reduced clearance. The relationship of this symptom also lies in the increased levels of androgen hormones. The prevalence of insulin resistance is common among both lean and obese women however research indicates that obesity does play an additive role because of increased glucose levels.

September is dedicated as the PCOS awareness month. Let’s take time out to develop a deeper understanding of this multi-faceted problem. There are ways in which women can improve their symptoms. One of the most important lifestyle areas to get full control of is your nutritional template. Make it rich on fiber and vitamins, healthy fats, and protein—remember that many leafy greens and vegetables are rich in protein. Many foods, including animal protein, show higher levels of insulin than that of glucose. Exercise goes a long way in benefiting women suffering from PCOS. Not only it lifts the mood and lower stress but it also improves insulin sensitivity and weight management. We must dig deeper than symptoms and genetics. We must not overlook the root cause of health concerns, starting from digestive health.


Women suffering from PCOS need awareness and support more than anything else. If what you have been doing has not working for you and you feel confused and overwhelmed, is it time to get accountability, knowledge, support, and tools that will get you to the next level? If you are ready for a lifestyle change and take charge of your health, get started by signing up for a complimentary [phone] Energy Audit Health Session to get tips you can apply immediately and a path to a healthier and more productive YOU. No Excuses. Get Started!

 

P.S. Get amazing knowledge and love from a fantastic community at the PCOS Awareness Symposium on September 16, 2017 in Atlanta. Watch the highlights of the 2016 event here.

This year, I will speak about the relationship between stress, insulin resistance, and mental health and how exercise helps to manage symptoms naturally.

Lastly, donate to my personal fundraising for the event here. I am targeting to raise $1K. I need your help. The funds help with research, labs, scholarships, and much more.

 

References:
Barry, J.A., Kuczmierczyk, A.R., Hardiman, P.J. (2011). Anxiety and depression in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Human Reproduction, 26 (9), 2442–2451.

Dunaif, A. (1997). Insulin Resistance and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Mechanism and Implications for Pathogenesis. Endocrine reviews, 18 (6), 774-800

Hollinrake, E., Abreu, A., Maifeld, M., Van ,V. B.J., & Dokras, A. (2007). Increased risk of depressive disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. US national library of medicine, 87 (6), 1369-76.

Kerchner A, Lester W, Stuart SP, Dokras A. (2009). Risk of depression and other mental health disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a longitudinal study. Fertility and sterility, 91 (1), 207-212.

Kandarakis, Evanthia, D. (2006). Insulin resistance in PCOS. Endocrine, 30 (1), 13-17.
Månsson M1, Holte J, Landin-Wilhelmsen K, Dahlgren E, Johansson A, Landén M. (2008). Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are often depressed or anxious. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 33(8), 1132-1138.

Weiner, Cindy L, Primeau, Margaret, Ehrmann, David A. (2004). Androgens and Mood Dysfunction in Women: Comparison of Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome to Healthy Controls. Psychosomatic Medicine, 66 (3), 356-362.

Categories
Diet | Nutrition | Recipes Fitness | Exercise Latest News

Teaching Children Healthy Living

Career_Day_Health_Fitness_Coach

Wow, what a morning! I am still smiling after volunteering at Career Day at Dunwoody Spring Elementary in Sandy Springs. Although I prepared a PPT since I could be talking to 4th-5th grades, i had no use for it. I got lucky; I got the little ones of ages 5 and 6. Their energy is contagious. I had 4 back-to-back sessions of 25 minutes each. I met around 80 kids. Yes, I took a 20 min nap when I got home to recover . Bless the hearts and minds of dedicated and caring teachers.

This was my first time presenting to elementary kids. I wasn’t sure how was going to go. My mindset was of having fun and making it fun. And focus on doing my best to show them that vegetables and fruits, water, sleep, exercise, fun, and relaxing/breathing give them more energy to play, smarts, strength, and help them feel great.

Career_Day_Be-Fab-Be-YouWOW, it is hard to describe how it felt and still feel now because those kids were special. We exercised together–they LOVED doing high knees, they answered all kinds of questions about foods, sleep, stress (why/when/how get nervous), and more. They learned how to take deep breathes to reduce anxiety, they learned that exercise, fun, and energy go together and it is for life. Why we need muscles. I brought them strawberries, carrots, and walnuts to eat/try. They loved it and asked for repeats. We talked about importance of eat the rainbow, the go-slow-no foods.

Career_Day_Children-HealthBy asking them simple questions, I learned many of those adorable kids have digestive problems (aren’t pooping daily and have stomach aches, every day, more than half wake up tired, about 40-50% are not moving as much, many have stomach aches after eating. About 5 out of 80 I met, were very educated on sugar and what it does. Many of them left with homework of asking mom to buy vegetables and fruits of different colors, go to bed earlier so they wake up more rested, drink more water, eat the fruit instead of juice.

Educating-Kids-Healthy-LivingThe best part was at the end though– felt so rewarded and made me believe I planted seeds today. So, I decided to stop by at the cafeteria before heading back home. ‘My kids’ were there, They waved, called, gave me high 5s, hugged me, and showed me the colors they were eating, the vegetables and fruits they had picked up. A few of them handed their packaged foods and asked me if they were healthy. WOW! Moments like these help me to hang on and keep going.

My mission is to plant seeds of health and change the life/health/lifestyle of one person at a time. Helping kids is like helping a tree to grow stronger and healthier. Cannot be more impactful than that. If I do change the life of one of them, I’ll have done a good job. And although I might never know whether that happens, I just need to keep following my passion and doing my best.

Maria-Horstmann-Appreciation-Career-DayMy heart is filled with love and hope. I am hanging to it–this gives me positive energy.

Lastly, I’d like to thank my friend Maria Angelova for bringing this opportunity to my attention–short notice still worked!
Thanks to the teachers and their assistances of each classroom at DSE. And thanks Denise Haltrecht–Assistant Principal @ DSE for allowing me participate and educate kids on healthy living.

Categories
Fitness | Exercise

PCOS And The Battle Of The Bulge by Maria Horstmann

Tired of fighting the battle of the bulge? Have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)? Yes, it is still possible to lose weight, feel better, and improve you overall well-being. If management of this awful disease is that important to you, you will get be accountability, disciplined, and get help as needed.

Check out my article and some great tips for women with PCOS to help them address unwanted “belly fat” in the March-April latest issue of PCOS Challenge magazine. Read it here.