This week has seen a radical reduction in the actual number of Fitness Tips sent out, as we are working on ways to send out less frequent, but more informative tips and podcasts. There are several interviews lined up, and there are also product reviews and comparisons on the horizon, so stay tuned for some great, free information coming your way!

Also, the Fitness Destinations Town Crier, our blog, is also the new distribution vehicle for the Fitness Tips and the Podcast. If you have received this edition of the Journal, then you are also on the automatic distribution list to be notified whenever the blog is updated with a new fitness tip, blog entry, or podcast. When something is updated on the Town Crier, you will get an email letting you know that there is some great new info for you to check out!

It's all very automated, very easy, and you don't have to do a thing! Just sit back and relax, and whenever new content is added to the blog, we'll send you a message!

Please forward this email to anyone in your circle who can benefit from any of the information contained in the Fitness Destinations Journal, or who can utilize the site itself to help them with their health and fitness goals!

This week's articles are packed with great content! Both are by new Fitness Destinations contributing author, Kelly Hayford. Kelly is incredibly knowledgeable about nutrition, and 2 of her latest artcles are below.

Even if you think you have a handle on nutrition, Kelly has some interesting information in 'CURB & CONQUER YOUR FOOD CRAVINGS - Part I: Nourishing Your Body-Mind System' and 'Stevia -- THE NATURAL, HEALTHY SWEETENER'.

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

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Fitness Article - CURB & CONQUER YOUR FOOD CRAVINGS - Part I: Nourishing Your Body-Mind System

Copyright © 2006 Kelly Hayford, C.N.C.

The topic of food cravings is a complex issue. That's why most people are unable to overcome them. With a little understanding and practical know-how, however, you too can successfully quell cravings and adopt a balanced way of eating.

First, it is critical to understand that food cravings are your body's way of speaking to you. It is begging you to feed it properly, and it won't stop begging until you do. It's that simple.

When you give your body/mind system adequate amounts of the nutrients it needs and stop giving it substances that trigger insatiable desires, the cravings will go away. To start, follow these simple, yet vitally-important recommendations to be sure your body is getting what it requires:

1 ~ Eat three regular meals a day consisting of 70-100% natural, unprocessed, preferably organic foods, such as fresh fruits & vegetables; whole grains (i.e. brown rice, oats, millet, quinoa, etc.); legumes (i.e. white, red, mung or aduki beans); and fresh meats, fish or poultry.

2 ~ Take a "green food" supplement daily - especially barley grass or a blend that contains barley grass as it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, which will help with cravings for sweets and other substances as well.

3 ~ Make sure you're getting enough of the "good fats." Consume 1-3 tbps. extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, virgin coconut oil or raw, unsalted nuts and seeds daily. AND, take an essential fatty acid supplement daily (i.e. Evening Primrose oil, flax oil, fish oils, etc.)

4 ~ Because the overwhelming majority of people today are depleted of nutrients in general, it is also wise to take a broad-spectrum whole food supplement every day. Berry Young Juice, Frequensea, Body Balance, Noni Juice and Berry Greens are at the top of my list as they are especially effective at reducing cravings for poor quality foods.

5 ~ Supplementing with an ionic mineral formula is also helpful because our soils and processed foods are so deficient in these essential nutrients.

When introducing supplements into the body, it is wise to start with one at a time, taking half the recommended dose and gradually build up from there. I have known people who have quelled their cravings just by taking the above-mentioned supplements regularly without making any changes to their diet.

For best results and your overall health, however, it is best to avoid or eliminate altogether substances that trigger cravings, such as the following:

1 ~ Stimulants - including caffeine, refined salt, alcohol and refined carbohydrates (sugars, high fructose corn syrup, white refined flour, etc.) These substances act like drugs in the body sending your biochemistry soaring out of balance, which can cause powerful, addictive desires for them.

2 ~ Common food allergens - including, but not limited to wheat, dairy, soy, corn, etc. Most people today are sensitive to one or more of the common food allergens, which are also notorious for inducing unnatural cravings.

3 ~ Processed foods - especially those that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame or hydrogenated oils. MSG and aspartame are neuro-toxic additives that trigger the brain to crave more food in general. Hydrogenated oils, or the "bad fats," deplete the body of essential fatty acids causing cravings for fatty foods in particular.

Because they do not nourish the body-the very definition of food- none of the above can truly be classified as food. In fact, these substances are known as anti-nutrients because they deplete the body of existing nutrients in order to process them through.

Stay tuned for more help with this complex topic in Parts 2 and 3. In the mean time, Follow the above recommendations consistently for the next 30-90 days and I guarantee your cravings will start to fade. You'll also start feeling better and have more energy to do all that you desire!

About the Author

Kelly Hayford, C.N.C., is the award-winning author of "If It’s Not Food, Don't Eat It!" As a former junk food junkie turned nutrition and health coach she has helped thousands reverse dis-ease, and restore their health, energy and natural weight. For tips, talks and teleclasses on healthy eating and holistic self-care, visit: http://www.FoodFitnessByPhone.com or call 303.746.8970

Fitness Article - Stevia -- THE NATURAL, HEALTHY SWEETENER

By Kelly Hayford, C.N.C., Copyright © 2005

Stevia is a wise choice when it comes to concentrated sweeteners, as it has the least affect on one’s blood sugar. Some of them are preserved in a small amount of alcohol. This evaporates out when baked or added to tea, so you will not taste it.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT STEVIA:

~ 1 ~ Stevia is a natural herbal sweetener that actually helps regulate blood sugar.

~ 2 ~ Stevia is great for diabetics, hypoglycemics and anyone trying to kick the sugar habit.

~ 3 ~ Stevia is a wonderful aid to anyone trying to lose weight as it has no calories and, when consumed regularly, reduces cravings for sweet and fatty foods.

~ 4 ~ Stevia also lowers elevated blood pressure, boosts the immune system, improves digestion and is beneficial to the skin.

~ 5 ~ Stevia products vary widely, so if you have tried one and didn't like it - try another brand! (There are a couple that are a bit nasty, quite honestly.)

~ 6 ~ Stevia can be found in the supplement section of the natural foods stores, purchased online or from muliti-level marketing companies.

~ 7 ~ My two favorite brands are available from Young Living Essential Oils and the Sunrider company. Stevia Glycerite by NOW is also a good choice, available at health food stores.

~ 8 ~ If It’s Not Food, Don’t Eat It: The No Non-sense Guide to an Eating- for-Health Lifestyle, Stevia Rebaudiana and Baking with Stevia, all contain more information about stevia, as well as tips for usage and recipes.

About the Author

Kelly Hayford, C.N.C. is the award-winning author of If It’s Not Food Don’t Eat It! As a former junk food junkie turned nutrition and health coach, she has helped thousands reverse dis-ease, and restore their health, energy and natural weight. For more tips and teleclasses on healthy eating and holistic self-care, visit: www.FoodFitnessByPhone.com or call 303.746.8970