Author: Nell Ellis

Metabolism is defined in many ways. Here are a few of those definitions: Process in which some substances are broken down to yield energy for vital processes while other substances, necessary for life, are synthesized. The set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms to maintain life. Metabolism is the process your body uses to burn calories for energy. Metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories to sustain life. These processes allow organisms to grow and reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to their environments. The term metabolism is derived from the Greek metabolismos for change…

So how do we increase metabolism? Let’s start with the basics. Metabolism is the process in which some substances (in this case, foods) are broken down to provide energy for the body. Your rate of metabolism influences how many calories your body can burn. Age, diet and nutrition, activity level, and overall health help determine your metabolism rate. Here are several things you can do to increase your metabolism. Eat Breakfast Getting your body “started” with a healthy breakfast will increase energy and your metabolism. It is important to get that jump-start in the morning to give your body energy…

I’m what you would call a mobile trainer. I bring my personal training techniques and sports nutrition advice to clients, usually at their homes. We use their body weight, cardio, free weights and yoga to create effective workouts for training at home. Training at home can give you the freedom to live your full life and still get a workout in. It can also make you more comfortable if you are just starting out or, if you are an experienced exerciser, it can give you the freedom to get out of the gym and into some fresh air! I love…

The Naysayers! We all have them, the naysayers – people who drive you crazy with their negative thinking! Ugh! Their words can be one of the things that can keep you away from being your fit self. Take charge! Tell these folks that they must be positive and supportive of you and your goals. They may not know how to be supportive, so if you can tell they are trying, then give them a pass! Food can be your friend or it can be your foe. Yes, food can be your enemy! Your favorite meal can add unnecessary calories and…

There a several things you can do for fitness success. Here’s some things you can do to get started! #1. Stay Motivated It is great help to have a fitness partner or group that not only supports you but is active in staying fit as well. Meeting for a run, a game or a walk with someone else can increase your motivation to staying fit. Also, knowing that someone is watching what you do may also be motivation to keep up with your fitness regime to stay active. #2. Set Healthy, Realistic & Attainable Goals Be sure to think realistically…

One easy answer to controlling hunger for me is to eat! I know that sounds counterintuitive, however eating lots of small meals during the day keeps me from being hungry! The key really is what you are eating. Small meals of the foods that fuel your body make the difference. I eat protein rich foods and snacks often – at pretty regular times of the day and that maximizes my energy level and keeps me from overeating at meal times. Having foods and snacks that are healthy and can sustain you from mealtime to mealtime makes it easier to control…

In order to maintain proper nutrition, it is important to have the best foods available to you. It is important to eat from the major food categories, i.e. protein, fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans/legumes and fats. There are many protein sources to choose from including fish, chicken and beef. Other protein sources are sometimes hidden in whole-wheat pasta, beans and some cereals. It is important to read packaged food labels in order to discover hidden protein sources. For vegetarians, other sources of protein include soy products, meat substitutes, lentils, nuts and items from the other categories like legumes and whole…

Okay. So if I could, I’d eat this meal about once a month. At some points in my life, I did! It’s my favorite fast food meal! My guilty pleasure that I try to say no to as often as possible. It’s McDonald’s Filet o’ Fish meal! So whenever I feel like I can’t say no, I have my substitute meal instead! Now the substitute meal doesn’t have the same guilty pleasure attached to it, but it does make me feel like I can eat a little something “I’m not supposed to”! I think it’s important to let yourself have…

What does dieting mean to you? When you think of the word diet does it make you want to cringe? Do you think about counting calories or weighing in? Gradual change seems to work best when it comes to meeting a long-term goal. To me, dieting means a temporary way of doing things versus making a lifestyle change. The word diet makes me think of limiting what I eat or enjoy. Changes such as eating a piece of fruit in place of dessert or replacing regular pasta with whole wheat or grain pasta can have a positive impact on the…

Why do I want to control portions? Because it seems everywhere I go, meals are supersized! From fast food to sit downs, restaurants have gone large. Here are some tips to keep you full and healthy. Purchase a Scale Go to a health food store or grocery store and purchase a scale. You can use it to control how much food you are getting to make sure you are getting enough and that you aren’t getting too much. Measure Your Food In The Palm of Your Hand For most items, a good portion size is in your hand. The palm…