Shakeology doesn't compare!

I've been slacking on this blog/website, I know! Today I was going to write about the results I've been seeing so far with Turbo Fire - like my awesome increased flexibility. I will touch on that later, though, because there is something that's been "bugging me" if you will.

I've had many people ask me about Shakeology and how it "compares" to other "meal replacement shakes" on the market. Some have even asked how it compares to protein shakes in health food stores. The truth is - it doesn't. It's not even remotely the same! Beachbody OFFERS a meal replacement shake or protein shake that is more at the "level" of the other shakes on the market. Shakeology just isn't one of them! Some people may say I'm biased because I'm a Beachbody Coach, but the truth is I'm a Beachbody Coach BECAUSE of Shakeology. The more I learn about health and nutrition, the more I appreciate a product made of WHOLE FOODS and super foods. I don't have to take pain medication for Fibromyalgia anymore and my husband recovered quickly from a hard regiment of chemotherapy - because of the ingredients in Shakeology. It wasn't because it's a meal replacement shake or protein shake - it's because it's full of Super Foods!  I've been seeing some competing companies saying their shakes have gotten people off medications, and that might be true because those people probably weren't following ANY health or fitness regiment prior to using their product. The fact that they're using SOMETHING rather than NOTHING has helped to some degree. It is NOT because of the ingredients, though. Some of the shakes on the market don't even have a sufficient amount of vitamins/nutrients! If you're not looking to lose weight - their product isn't for you! It doesn't contain nutrients that will sustain you for lifelong nutrition.  If you're looking to lose weight AND improve health - OR just achieve better fitness and improve health - Shakeology is the way to go! Everybody has different needs, and Shakeology can encompass many of them!

"This patent-pending daily nutritional shake helps your body gently eliminate toxins more efficiently while allowing for better absorption of the essential nutrients you need. A proprietary blend of digestive enzymes and prebiotics helps your body progressively eliminate the toxins that build up over time from eating today's highly processed foods.

At the same time, whole-food ingredients deliver the essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to curb cravings, allowing your body to shed stored fat while the more than 20 different antioxidants and phytonutrients help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and stroke." Excerpt directly from my Shakeology site.

"The healthiest meal of the day" truly does sum it up precisely! If you're truly looking for a comparison you have to look beyond price per serving and whatever other comparisons they try to give. Ask them this:

• "What whole foods does it contain?" (If none, it doesn't compare AT ALL. It is in a totally different "category" of shakes.)


• "Does it contain prebiotics?"


• "Are the ingredients all natural?"


• "Does it contain ingredients that are antioxidants?"


• "Does it contain ingredients that are phytonutrients?"


• "Does it contain amino acids?"


• "What type of protein do they use?" (Most only offer one or two options - including soy, which we minimize or avoid in this home, and some only offer whey and no vegan version is available.)


• "Do they contain more than 23 vitamins and minerals?"

If any of the other answers are "no" then it's simply not the same! So you have to remember to compare REAL FACTS not "pretty comparison charts." It is a premium whole foods shake - it's not MEANT to be a simple meal replacement shake or a protein shake! If it was, Beachbody wouldn't offer those 2 products as well! So let's be realistic in the comparisons!

Reasons I would be "skeptical" of meal replacement shakes on the market today:

1. We have 3 special needs kids, and better nutrition reaps major improvement. Many "shakes" don't have that kind of nutrition or those kind of ingredients! Again, though, they claim they do, and that one personally upsets me! I've seen shakes on the market that contain questionable ingredients like the artificial sweetener sucralose (I will touch more on this subject in detail later, but for layman's terms let's call it "chlorinated sugar.") Artificial ingredients are known to INCREASE problems in children on the Autism spectrum and Sensory Processing Disorder (We have one child on the Autism spectrum and 2 with Sensory Processing Disorder). Here is one article on the subject. And this article is REALLY interesting in regards to not just artificial sweeteners, but MSGs as well! Very informative! I saw somebody once promote a product with sucralose as being good for "extra nutrition" during pregnancy. I'm non-confrontational (though I do obviously share my knowledge, views, opinions, etc. on my personal venues), so I prayed that such poor advice was disregarded! The rest of the product didn't even contain enough "nutrition" that would be good for pregnancy regardless! It's so sad what people will say/do for a quick buck. :( I strive to always give an honest opinion or advice regardless of how it affects me financially! I wish everybody had that kind of integrity!


2. They promise results without exercising. If somebody says "lose weight without exercising," I RUN THE OTHER WAY! It's not that I believe it can't happen - it's that I believe IT'S NOT HEALTHY. You NEED physical fitness. God didn't design us to sit around sipping on shakes, taking pills, etc. and doing nothing. We were designed to honor Him in mind, spirit, AND BODY. That means we need to take care of our body! Trying to bypass something that should be a way of life to care for the temple He gave you is NOT what He had in mind! 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."  and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."


3. They promise "cures." I openly share how Shakeology has gotten me off my pain medications for Fibromylagia and helped my husband recover from a hard regiment of chemotherapy, and I TRULY believe in the ingredients, the super foods, etc., though I do not promise it will cure you of any ailment. Why? I'm NOT ALLOWED to make those claims - and neither are they! I can share personal stories, but I cannot say "you should try this because it will cure your high blood pressure, you stomach ailments, etc." I can show you proven science and share testimonies, but a statement just like that is dangerous! See FDA Health Claims information HERE. We see it all the time, though! Again, this is where integrity comes into play! Unfortunately, though, in a tough economy business have become more "cut-throat" and people will do whatever they can to get customers and clients, gain a sale, etc. I've even seen people who offer products with "chlorinated sugar" say they can help your Fibromyalgia. WOW! Sucralose triggers both my migraines AND my Fibro flare-ups. Again, it doesn't mean it won't do so for everyone, BUT claiming it can HELP your Fibromyalgia is not only contradictory to the FDA Health Claims policies it's also inaccurate and misleading and could TRULY affect someone negatively! I've seen companies that use natural ingredients also make similar claims - and again, it doesn't matter what the ingredients are - you cannot claim it offers a "cure!"


4. Reps/consultants/retailers, etc. are PUSHY about it. Do you really want to work with someone who is pushy about getting you to buy their product - or someone who is genuinely interested in your health, open about all ingredients and information, and truly interested in finding the best fit for you? I choose the latter. If it's the former, again, I will high-tail it the other way regardless of what product they're offering me! (For me, this goes for ANY products - health related or not!) There are so many options out there it can be SO overwhelming, so do your research, and look for a caring response. If they push, push, push and don't seem to be "listening" go somewhere else (or find someone else)!

One of my friends, Debi, and a fellow Beachbody Coach, has started studies at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She wrote such a WONDERFUL post on the benefits of Shakeology - particularly the ingredients - and I couldn't say it any better myself! In fact, it made me appreciate it that much more! Visit her post HERE, and read for yourself the fantastic, extensive ingredient list and benefits OF EACH ONE! It's amazing! I have had rather pushy people try to convince me their product is "better," where I'll have to totally disagree and say "it just doesn't compare!" As the wonderful Beachbody CEO said "It's like comparing apples and tang!"

Water Challenge

My "water challenge" started today! Wow, was it tough! It's not hard for me to drink water per se, but I had a rather emotional weekend. I tend to crave flavor when I'm emotional - things like my coffee with cream and stevia, sweet tea, green tea, orange juice, etc. I'm sure there are some that can relate - others may just think that sounds silly! haha So here is the challenge: for ONE MONTH I will drink nothing but water for my beverages. Please do NOT confuse this with a fast. I am not refraining from eating - I'm simply replacing all my daily beverages with water. No coffee, tea, juice, milk, sodas, etc. I am EXCLUDING liquid supplements from the challenge so things like Shakeology, Results and Recovery Formula, etc. are not excluded because their intention is supplementation not just drinking a beverage.

So why am I doing this? Well, I heard it on one of the Christian radio stations and it got me thinking that I'm really NOT drinking enough water right now! I believe in getting sufficient amounts of water for good health (at least 64 oz but preferably half your body weight in ounces if that is more than 64 - so if you're 150lbs for example you really should be drinking 75 oz per day). Our bodies need water to function properly. It helps flush out toxins, keep everything in balance, helps you lose weight, better daily function, better workouts (more energy), less cramps and sprains, helps digestion, healthier skin, and you're less likely to get sick. I KNOW there are wonderful benefits to drinking water! Since moving I've found I haven't gotten back into my routine of refilling my 32 oz water bottle at least twice a day. That was a perfect way for me to keep track of how much water I'm drinking. Well, it's time to start it back up - and in a big way - by accepting this challenge I'm doing an overhaul! I've been drinking so many other beverages I've barely had room for water! Not all of these other beverages are unhealthy, but they should not REPLACE my water consumption, which they have! So, this is a way for me to get back on track!



Are you ready to take this challenge with me? You don't have to worry if you've missed a day or two before you saw the challenge - just start where you are and continue for 30 days! This may be something extremely easy for you or you already do it, and that's GREAT! Please share tips that helped you to take that step and continue on that path! This may be really challenging for you. That's OK! It will be challenging for me, too! Today was HARD! I did it, though!

Some recommendations for the challenge:

• Keep plenty of fresh, drinkable water on hand. If you have nasty tap water like we do and use a filter make sure you have plenty of already filtered water available. Having correct resources available make it harder to use an excuse like "I needed to filter more water so I grabbed some juice instead."


• Limit unnecessary beverages in the home. If you have other family members - like in my case my husband and kids - this may not be easy, but limit as much as you can. Better yet, get your spouse on board with you for the challenge, so it makes eliminating necessary beverages easier! Kids are a little more tricky. We do already limit our kids to milk and juice with meals but water any other time. I think it's a good habit to instill because they don't NEED tons of juice or milk despite what it may seem!


• Tap into a support group! I'm here to help! Tell other friends/family you know will support your attempts what you're doing and maybe even get them on board! It always helps to have others doing the same challenge so you can talk, vent, encourage, etc.

So here is to the next 30 days of more water and better health! :)

Are you ready for the Challenge?

Take the Beachbody Challenge!
Research shows an average of 6-8 lbs are gained over the holidays--let's crush those statistics!

Beginning November 14th, I'm hosting a challenge and I want YOU to join me! In the past I've seen a lot of people get great results with my challenges or contests but I want to make this one a little more personal. I'm hosting a very small group challenge with just 5 people and we will all commit to our fitness and nutrition goals by doing Body Gospel and committing to drinking Shakeology every day. I will have a private Facebook group for each of us to stay accountable to one another. Let's commit 100% to this Challenge and beat the holiday stats!

*Think you can't do it? You won't know until you try! God gives us ONE body and we need to take care of it!*

I can't wait to get started! There is SO much to benefit from by joining my challenge. You get ONE month of Beachbody Club membership for FREE! This is a great tool to have for fitness and weight loss success. You will get a customized meal planner that will help you reach your goals even EASIER. You also get 10% off all your Beachbody products and automatically entered into daily drawings for cash and prizes when you log your workouts into WOWY Supergym. You save big when you order the Challenge Pack AND shipping is FREE...even better! There's also more accountability and support--in my challenge with this small group, I will be able to give my time and resources more than ever before to help you reach your goals on your fitness journey! There's also a chance to win BIG!--you can also enter your results in the Beachbody Challenge and you could win up to $100,000 for sharing your story! I'll also have a surprise gift for each person that joins my challenge! :)

So what's the first step? CONTACT ME ASAP if you are interested or have any questions--remember, I'm only taking the first 5 people! Anyone else will be put on a waiting list so let's get started NOW!

Email me at info@1fit2serve.com or contact me on Facebook

If I'm not already your coach, you need to sign up for a FREE account with me so I am your official Beachbody Coach. Just go to My Coach Site Click on "Join" and Choose the FREE Account! It's that easy! Registering for a free account is also a great way for me to better support you as your Coach!

Now what?
1. DECIDE and COMMIT to join my Beachbody Challenge
2. Go to my online store to purchase your Challenge Pack at http://tiny.ly/HU77 and click on the "Take the Challenge" button on the right side of the page. Choose Body Gospel from the Challenge Pack or if Body Gospel isn't right for you - let me know! I can start another small group with you and your friends for another program!! (see which fitness programs are available below and contact me if you need help deciding which one fits you best)
3. Then choose Chocolate or Greenberry Shakeology
4. Receive CHALLENGE CONFIRMATION email from me with tips on tracking progress, taking measurements, recipes, fitness tips, goal setting, joining our PRIVATE Facebook Challenge group, etc so we can get started November 14
5. SUCCEED! Get in the best shape of your life with the top fitness programs and the Healthiest Meal of the Day!

BY GETTING A CHALLENGE PACK YOU SAVE MONEY!!


Challenge packs are available to order now at http://tiny.ly/WuHu



And this is an awesome opportunity to join my team as a Beachbody coach! Why? Not only can you build your own business helping others, but you get 25% off all purchases AND when you order a Challenge Pack when you sign up, your coach sign up fee is WAIVED! YES, the $39.95 fee to become a Beachbody coach is included in the pack! How awesome is that?

The Challenge is On!!

Don't forget to register for the new Beachbody Challenge! Then log into your Team Beachbody account and Commit to get fit!

What's The Beachbody Challenge™?
It's a health and fitness transformation competition. Commit to get fit and share the results you achieve with any Beachbody® program. You'll automatically get a free wristband, a free T-shirt, or BOTH! If your transformation is selected as the BEST in your age and gender category (18 – 29, 30 – 39, 40 – 49, 50+) you could win up to $100,000! Ready to win?


Here's how to enter:
STEP 1: COMMIT TO GET FIT — get a FREE WRISTBAND
Tell us which fitness program you plan to follow, state your goals, and start tracking your progress. You'll want to take a "before" photo to remember what you looked like and submit your results when you're finished. For making this simple commitment, we'll send you a FREE WRISTBAND.
(It's okay to skip step 1 if you're already in shape and want to submit your fitness results.)


STEP 2: SUBMIT YOUR RESULTS — get a FREE T-SHIRT
Got results from your Beachbody program? It's time to submit your transformation story. Send us your "before" and "after" photos, transformation stats, and tell us your story. We'll give you a FREE T-SHIRTand you'll have a chance to win additional prizes.

YOU CAN WIN up to $100,000!
If your entry is selected as the top transformation in your age and gender category for the month in which you entered, you'll win $1,000 and a shot at the Grand Prize.

PLUS YOU'LL HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN:
• Daily Prizes: $500 just for logging your workouts in the WOWY SuperGym® after you commit to get fit or submit your results.
• Quarterly Prizes: $5,000 and an expenses-paid trip
• Bonus prizes for drinking Shakeology® during your transformation.

Are you interested in taking the challenge but need a little push? No problem! We'll be forming Accountability Groups with the first group beginning on Monday, August 15th! Stay tuned to our private FB Support group for the full information or e-mail Emilee if you're interested in joining an Accountability Group at info@1fit2serve.com If you are not already in our private Health and Fitness Support Group on FB e-mail me to be added to the group as well! I'm really excited for this challenge and some more exciting upcoming news! If you don't already own one of Beachbody's most popular programs (P90X, Insanity, or Turbo Fire), there will be a new customer pack available for purchase starting next week! You can even earn cash for referring your friends to join you on the challenge! Stay tuned for details! Summer is almost over, but it's never too late to Commit to Get Fit, and with all the prizes and money available you don't want to pass this up! I hope to see you in one of our Accountability Groups soon!

New Announcements!

We, unfortunately, were unable to attend this year's Team Beachbody Coach Summit in LA. We already had our tickets, plane tickets, hotel, etc. and were ready to go until last month we realized my husband had so many Doctor appointments that there was no way we could go! We're getting everything ready to find out whether he'll be parting from the military as soon as next month to as long as next year, so it's really important for him to keep those appointments right now! So although it was necessary for us to not go this year - I still got excited every time I saw new updates and pictures from Summit, and I can't wait to go next year - even if it is in Las Vegas! haha I know I haven't posted in a while, but this is a post worth waiting for! hehe So here are some of the key updates!

1) FREE Coaching for Active Duty Military!!
This is one of the reasons I LOVE Beachbody! They truly care about others - ending the trend of obesity in our country, offering healthier alternatives for fundraising for non-profits (FREE as well), donating money to wonderful causes like Rain Catchers, and now honoring the men and women that serve our country! I'm not saying this just because I'm an Army wife, either! ;p A lot of companies don't recognize the challenges faced by military families. Offering an opportunity for them to own their own business for FREE while they're serving our country not only gives them an opportunity to change their health and fitness and share that passion with others, but it also sets them up for success for when they part with the military - whatever the reason. In our case, my husband will most likely be parting with the military due to medical reasons - knee injury, having had cancer twice resulting in complications from the surgeries as well as the chemotherapy. The thought of returning to the civilian world with no idea where to live or where there are even jobs available (there aren't many) was a bit, well, stressful. That burden was lifted when we found this opportunity, and now for the offer to no longer have business fees for my husband is just icing on the cake! Why not start your own business at no cost and build up some residual income while you're serving? Or for the military spouses whose Active Duty member (their spouse) is not a coach - the benefit transfer to them! I know I'm not the only military spouse that was looking for a great business opportunity that allows me to stay home with the kids! :)

2) The New Beachbody Challenge (win $100K)
Beachbody has revamped their challenge! What used to be the Million Dollar Body Game® will now be the new Beachbody Challenge!
• Lots of prizes!
♦ Commit to Get Fit and be eligible to win $100,000.00! Two winners.
♦ Coaches nominated by each $100,000.00 winner will win $20,000.00.
♦ Each finalist will take home $25,000.00.
♦ Coaches nominated by each finalist will win $5,000.00
♦ $500.00 daily prizes
♦ $1,000.00 monthly prizes
♦ $500 monthly prizes for Coaches nominated by the $1,000.00 winner

• ONLY Team Beachbody members can participate.
• Team Beachbody members can participate by submitting a Success Story, OR "Commit to Get Fit" with a Beachbody program and submit your ultimate results.
• Keep an eye on Beachbody Challenge for more info to come!

3) The new Shakeology Flavor is - TROPICAL!
• Get psyched to study some Tropicology! That’s right—Shakeology's new longawaited flavor has been unveiled: TROPICAL!
• The new flavor brings the taste of summer vacation home. It’s perfect for the warm weather and those who love to wake up to a refreshing fruit smoothie.
• The Tropical flavor profile: pineapple, papaya, and banana
• Stay tuned for more details on the new flavor… Plenty to come! I will keep you updated as I get more information!



4) P90X2 will be available for pre-order in August!
If you've already completed P90X, get ready for the next level! A natural extension of its revolutionary predecessor, P90X2 paves the way for
the future of exercise science and will blow minds across the world. It will have 14 new, cutting edge workouts and an enhanced nutrition plan. Discover the many new phases of P90X2, and what is being referred to as a "PAP workout." I'll keep you updated!



5) New TeamBeachbody.com Web Tools!
• Find a LIVE Fit Club!
Maybe you don't live in the area and can't come to our Fit Club. No problem! Now you can find a live Fit Club wherever you are! Just enter your zip code and the radius you're willing to travel! If there isn't one in your area - ask me how to get one started!

• WOWY® (The online super gym) gets a new look!
♦ Calendar colors in days to show workouts completed.
♦ Coming Soon in Phase 2: Suggested buddies based on primary workout program and fitness goals.
♦ Coming Soon in Phase 2: See what members have been up to with the new "Recent Member Activity Feed"
♦ Coming Soon in Phase 2: Share your WOWY workouts on Facebook and Twitter. (I'm excited about this!!)

• Find Buddies/Member Gallery Revamp
This summer, they're updating the layout and design to make it easier for members to:
o find people they already know
o find new buddies who share the same interests

• Improvements to Online Workout Groups
♦ Share a status message with your group members.
♦ View ― "Group Superstars" who have completed the most WOWY workouts.
♦ Group message boards enable discussions between group members.
♦ Ability to share groups on Facebook and Twitter.


Wow! So if all of this news isn't enough - if you're already a coach - there is EVEN MORE! Connect to the news Here I will keep you up to date as the upcoming news unravels into more details! The Active Duty sign-up is ready NOW! Contact me for the full details! And as always - if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to discuss your progress towards your current goals contact me any time! :)

Why order from a Coach?

I originally read this from my support team, and it is so true! These are very important points to consider, so the next time you're thinking “Why should I buy my Beachbody product through a coach when I can just order off the infomercials or pick it up off of Ebay (or Craigslist, etc.)?”

Great question! And here’s 10 answers that will likely have you making sure you ALWAYS order through your coach rather than that operator who’s “standing by” or the random person trying to make a buck (possibly illegally) online:

1: When you order from TV, you are charged an additional “handling charge” that you won’t pay through a coach.

2: You don’t have to worry about the dreaded “up-sell”. Buy through your coach, and don’t worry about getting charged for those vitamins you don’t remember ordering! As a coach we're looking out for your best interest with our desire to help people - not "the sale."

3: Order from the TV and you get assigned a random coach (you may, or may not hear from them). Order from a coach and YOU picked your coach (much more likely to establish a supportive relationship).

4: What about the “payment plan” offered on TV? The coach network doesn’t offer me that! No, but it’s most likely that you’re paying with a credit card. You already get a payment plan with your bank. And remember, you’re paying less overall, so even if you take 3 months to pay off the balance, you’re likely to come out even!

5: You get more!! Did you know that many of our top-selling programs come with additional “network only” exclusive workouts when you purchase through a coach? (ex: Order Insanity from a coach and get 1 free workout, order P90X from a coach and get 2 free workouts!)

6: “What about Ebay or Amazon Marketplace? I’ve seen Beachbody programs super-cheap there!” Yes, it’s likely you have, but know that neither coaches nor Beachbody sell through these sites. Truth be told, it’s very likely that you’re buying a counterfeit product. These rip-offs are never perfect copies, and often times the disks function poorly, if they function at all, and you’re not going to get any help from Beachbody when your fake disks won’t play! Some have even been known to carry viruses! Many of the counterfeits out there are sold without the food plan or suggested schedule. If you think you’re going to get the same results without the meal planner….you’re sadly mistaken! Besides that, counterfeiting is a crime, and so is purchasing counterfeit goods! Spend the few dollars more and support the people and the company that brings these amazing programs to market for you. Don’t support “black market” goods! (People have been charged hefty fines for counterfeiting Beachbody programs.)

7: You are likely to seek out a coach for support and advice once you get started on your program anyways. Why not pick the one you want up front?!?

8: There’s a good chance you may decide that you, too, want to be a Team Beachbody Coach once you’ve begun to see results with your program. Who better to work with than the person who’s been supporting you in your fitness journey?

9: Buying from the infomercials feeds the corporation. Buying from coaches feeds families. Coaches offer their support and services free of charge. We are private contractors earning only when products are purchased through the coach network. If you’re going to be buying a program anyways, why not say “Thank You” in advance to the person who will be there for you as you go on this journey together.

10: Finally, you’ll just be glad you did, and your coach will make you glad you did! :)

Childhood Obesity

I wanted to share this information by Steve Edwards because it is SO important! It is an ever growing problem, and it is a problem I am passionate to bring awareness to! The examples being set for our children are scary! Fundraisers abound full of sweets and processed foods. They say it works for raising money - but at the risk of our children's (and our own) health? I encourage everybody to read "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson. It really talks about how small decisions you make every day affect your entire life. Small decisions we make for our kids every day also affect their lives! I know it seems like "no big deal," but it is. If this is the only option that is available it will continue to influence what will be available in the future! Instead of offering cookies and candies for fundraising let's work together to change the "norm!" For information on a healthy alternative to fundraising that includes ways to get kids moving (as exercise and activity in general seems to be decreasing) please Contact Me

Five Tips to Fight Childhood Obesity by Steve Edwards By far, the most prevalent health and fitness headlines concern obesity, mainly the rise of childhood obesity. Here are a few facts and figures to help keep your kids fit and trim.

We're surrounded by fitness solutions at every turn, yet the obesity epidemic is still growing like mad. On a short trip to three countries in Europe last summer, I found an obesity feature on the cover of seven publications. While not nearly at U.S. proportions, there's an obvious "alarm" going off around the globe. For example, what's considered to be a high rate in
Europe is nearing 9%, whereas in the U.S. it's hovering around 30%. At any rate, the rest of the world is now scared enough by the problem that it's become major headlines. And an interesting fact is that in some countries where starvation is still a viable threat, obesity rates are still on the rise.

This leads to the main question as to whether it's due to poor diet or lack of exercise. There is no question about obesity following the pattern of fast-food restaurant dispersal; all you have to do is look at a map. However, the latest studies are showing that even with Big Macs and Big Gulps, caloric consumption among children is not going up as much as exercise levels are coming down.

Recent studies by British medical journal The Lancet, the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition have all consistently shown that exercise is the central determinant of whether kids are overweight. The figures show that kids are consuming approximately 3% more calories than they did in the '70s but getting a whopping average 20% less exercise!

Another interesting fact is that affluent society is now at just as great a risk as low-income groups. In the early 1970s, 22.5% of people with incomes below $25,000 were obese, while just 9.7% of people with incomes over $60,000 were obese. Today obesity is growing the fastest among Americans who make more than $60,000 a year. Since higher income groups tend to eat "healthier," or at least can afford to change their diets easier, this is another signal that exercise matters more than diet.

A good example of this is that only very low-income children tend to take themselves to school these days. Issues with safety now mean kids may have traded in a couple of hours of movement for time in an air-conditioned SUV. Mix in thousands of TV channels, the Internet, and video games and it becomes quite possible for a child's mindset not to include anything related to exercise at all.

But the number of obese children is still rising among all socioeconomic classes, and it will keep growing unless lifestyle changes are made and people become more aware of the situation. No economic class is immune from obesity. Especially hard on the lower classes is the fact that the least healthy foods tend to be the cheapest, making it very difficult for those children to eat properly.

All of this leads to a very serious situation. Obesity affects more than how you look. It increases the risk for a number of diseases, including diabetes, stroke, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Obesity carried into midlife may also have damaging effects on the brain.

Finally, all is not lost. It's not that hard to be fit and healthy. It just takes, more than anything, a change in mindset. Here are five tips to start you out.

1) Get with a program! I rarely toot our own horn but I'm about to, because home fitness is where it's at. If you don't want your kid to walk to school, where the amount of recess has probably been drastically cut, and at home they like to stare at the TV and the computer, a home fitness program is the easiest way to start your child on the road to proper habits. There are now many kids' programs to choose from, but really, other than heavy weight lifting (rare at home), there isn't much in the way of exercise that wouldn't be good for your kid. So get 'em on a plan and make them earn their TV time.

Obesity and Diabetes is on the rise in America. Get your kids on the right path to fitnesss now. Don't wait until they're already overweight.

2) Sign 'em up. Thankfully, there are still many extracurricular exercise options (dance, soccer, little league, etc.) available through schools and community centers, as well as private organizations. Many of these cost very little money and, compared to the health cost of obesity, even a private trainer would be a bargain. Plus, your child will learn how to do some cool stuff.

3) No soda! How soda pop has become a cultural mainstay as a refreshment item is a testament to clever marketing. Nothing could be worse for a growing body than a constant diet of sugar and phosphorus. If we did nothing but eliminate soda from society, obesity rates would plummet.

4) Limit fast food. These restaurants have also done a remarkable job getting into the child psyche. From clowns to playlands to strangely colored foods, they've been able to captivate kids all the way through adolescence. Think of how many high school hangouts are the local fast food place. And while they are starting to offer better options, how likely are a bunch of teenagers to sit around and gossip over salads? This is a tough one, but having a plan where fast food is a treat, and not a staple, would be a huge improvement.

5) Make movement a way of life. It's so easy these days to park yourself on the couch and not move for hours. You've got to be proactive about changing this. Whether it's limits on TV, forcing your kids outside for part of the day, or organizing family hikes, you should do something to instill a lot of movement as a daily habit. And not just for your kids; it won't hurt you a bit either!

Lead by example

There are so many reasons I feel blessed to have opened my eyes to our responsibility to take care of ourselves. Not only does taking care of myself help me to better take care of my family, but it puts me in a position to be a good example for my kids! Sure kids are always going to say that their friends are or aren't doing something but ultimately WE are the ones that influence them and guide them! It isn't something we should take lightly!

Let them see you enjoying your healthy lifestyle! They naturally want to do what you're doing! If you're taking walks they'll want to join you. If you're doing a workout program they'll want to do one, too! If you're eating right they'll be eating the same things as you! Don't look at eating healthy as "a diet," but view it as a lifestyle! If you are showing apprehension over the things you are doing you will be sending mixed messages! Embrace your health and fitness with a happy heart knowing you'll be there for your children for a long time and in a position to fully care for them! Plus you'll be blessing them with the example to live the healthiest lifestyle they can!

Not only do our actions influence our children, but so do our words! My immediate family was all average to lower weight people, but I heard the word "fat" on a regular basis. As parents our children identify with us (especially the sensitive mother to daughter bond). If you are making negative comments about yourself in front of your kids they are internalizing that! Your negativity can very easily foster low self-esteem in your children. Even if you're not where you'd like to be in your health and fitness journey remember you WILL get there! Being negative is only hurting you, possibly your progress, and most likely your children's self-esteem!

Keep your head up! Keep pushing forward and focusing on your progress! Continue to be a positive example to your family! You can do it! As always, I'm here to help! :)