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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
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.

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…

Categories
Blood Sugar | Insulin Resistance | PCOS Diet | Nutrition | Recipes Latest News

Coconut Chia Porridge

Coconut Chia Porridge
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
8 hrs
Total Time
8 hrs 10 mins
 

This is easy, fast, versatile, and nutrient dense breakfast, snack, lunch, or dinner. It is an anytime food for me. 

Course: Breakfast
Servings: 4
Author: Maria Horstmann, MBA, BCFWP, FDN-P
Ingredients
  • 0.5 cup Chia Seeds
  • 4.5 cups Unsweetened coconut milk (or water or other non-dairy milk)
  • 1 scoop Plant-base fitppl vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 scoop (~2g) Vega Electrolyte Hydrator powder (or add 2-3 drops of Stevia liquid for sweetener)
  • 3 tbsp 100% cacao powder
  • 1 Kiwi (chopped small pieces)
  • 2 tbsp Goji berries
  • 1 tbsp Raisins chopped small (dried without added sugar)
  • 1 tbsp Unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 tbsp Hemp seeds
  • 1 pinch Himalayan salt
Instructions
  1. Add chia seeds and milk/water to a bowl and mix really well.

  2. Add and mix all other ingredients, one at a time to the bowl with chia

  3. Let it soak on the counter for 8 hours or in the fridge for 12 hours

  4. Enjoy this energy packed, tasty, and healthy porridge meal!

  5. Store leftover porridge up to 4 (four) days in the fridge.

Recipe Notes

You can let the chia and milk/water soak first and then add other ingredients before you are ready to eat.

I encourage you to NOT be shy and add and change fruits and ingredients. Just keep it balanced with plant-based and fairly unprocessed carbs, protein, and fats.

One of the reasons to feel safe 'playing' with ingredients is because chia does not taste anything. Add good to good and get 'gooder' 🙂

Oh by the way, if you have issues with gelatinous texture, you WILL NOT like chia porridge. Otherwise, it's heaven. 

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
Blood Sugar | Insulin Resistance | PCOS Events | Media Latest News

My Radio Interview With Muriel Donnolly

Listen to my interview with Muriel Donnolly, radio host at Empire Radio Now, on 03/23/17. I had a great time sharing my entrepreneurial journey, my passion to transform lives by educating, coaching, and mentoring on health and wellness, fitness, and corporate initiatives.

This was also the first time I discuss Sweet Redemption Solution. I am in the process of rebranding my 90-Day Blood Sugar Program to this cool new name this fall. You guys will love my ‘little guy’. Stay tuned!

Enjoy the interview!

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.

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

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Symptom Improvements Through A Healthy Lifestyle of Diet and Exercise

PCOS Symposium Maria Horstmann Insulin Resistance Fitness Speaker
PCOS: Fitness, Fat Loss, and Lifestyle

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a disorder that affects women of reproductive age.Eight to twelve percent of women are affected by PCOS [3].

Most women with PCOS are found to have small ovarian cysts that, while harmless, create the hormone imbalance leading to the above issues. While the cause of these cysts is not yet known, PCOS does tend to run in families, so may be passed genetically. The most common symptoms of PCOS are acne, infertility, unexplained weight gain, facial and body hair growth, period irregularity, and depression [5]. Excessive visceral fat, or belly fat, is present in many PCOS cases due to the insulin-resistant nature of the disease [2].

While doctors may prescribe hormone balancing medications, such as birth control pills or fertility treatments, to help re-balance hormones, the most valuable treatment for a woman with PCOS is living a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise and the commitment to a heart-healthy diet of fresh, whole foods [5].

Studies show that when women with PCOS change their lifestyle from a nutrient poor diet and minimal exercise routine to a combined healthy diet and regular exercise schedule, the types necessary hormones are increased to higher, more normal levels [1]. One study in particular concludes that “regular, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise over a short period improves reproductive outcomes… in young, overweight women with PCOS” [3]. It’s review of previous studies regarding the effects of exercise in women with PCOS states that a recommended 90 minutes per week can lead to “improved reproductive and cardiometabolic outcomes” [3].

While diet and exercise does not make PCOS go away, they are what women should use to control the effects and symptoms of the disorder. The human body, one free of any disease or disorder, still needs to exercise regularly to remain in working order for the longest time possible. So for women with PCOS, it’s that much more important to start and maintain a regular exercise routine [4].

A study conducted by Syracuse University, shows why diet and exercise must be used together. Researchers divided women into two groups, “diet only” and “diet plus exercise.” While all women experienced weight loss, the “diet plus exercise” group experienced a higher loss of belly fat. This type of fat is what is so deprecating to insulin resistance, so the loss of it is a huge factor in re-balancing necessary hormone levels and treating PCOS [4].

Learn even more about PCOS, the role it plays in the lives of women, and what we can do to combat it by attending the PCOS Awareness Symposium Atlanta on September 24-25. This event is put on for women with PCOS, as well as their physicians, families, and anyone supporting finding a cure. Be Fab – Be You LLC will be there on both days. I have the honor of being a showcase speaker, with the awesome topic of Fitness for PCOS – Strategies for Improving Insulin Sensitivity and Fat Loss – come see me! And be sure to participate in the Bolt for PCOS 5K Fun Run/Walk, and by donating toward my PCOS fundraiser challenge – $1k by September 23, help me reach my goal! I will lead a warm-up before runners and walker take off on September 25th. Register for the whole thing AND donate here!

Finally, let’s make sure you’re on the right track to wellness. Call TODAY to schedule a 45-Minute Energy Audit Session! I have 10 spots at no cost available in September. We’ll discuss your health challenges and goals. We’ll talk about how to reclaim your energy, clarity, balance, and fun! Plus, the call will give us a chance to get to know each other and how we can continue to work toward your health goals in the future. Call 770-835-5490 now!

If you have PCOS, we will personalize a program for you that includes smart nutrition choices, physical activity, and other lifestyle areas that interfere with blood sugar, insulin sensitivity and much  more to help manage your condition.

I look forward to seeing you on September 24-25.