The human body is an amazing thing. So for our Friday entertainment today and because it’s always nice to take a bit of a lighter tact on Fridays, (And how did it get to be Friday again – I feel like someone hit the fast-forward button on the week!) here are a few fascinating and fun facts about your body.

The Brain

Your brain weighs about three pounds and all but 10 ounces of it is water. So, technically speaking, we’re all water heads and no one is an airhead.

If you stub your toe, it takes only 1/50th of a second for your brain to register the pain.

We’re all dim bulbs, because our brains use less power than 100-watt bulb.

Flex Your Face

It can take about 200,000 frowns to make a permanent wrinkle. So the next time you notice a wrinkle, smile and stop frowning, 200,000 frowns is more than enough!

We’re all Pinocchio’s. The cartilage in our noses doesn’t stop growing. We can expect to grow ½ inch longer and wider as we get older.

If we’re freckled, they stop appearing usually around the age of 19 or 20.

To speak just one word, you use 70 muscles – just one word – think about the workout someone doing a filibuster uses!

We have more than 200 taste buds on each of the small bumps on our tongue. 200! So when we’re savoring flavor, we’re definitely savoring.

Women have a far more developed sense of smell than men do and women really notice the difference in their sense of smell during pregnancy and after they’ve given birth to one child. According to some women, their sense of smell grows more acute with each child they have.

Our Bodies

When we breathe, the air passes through our nose at about 7km per hour and we breathe roughly 1600L of air every hour. It’s a good thing air is free.

We have about 18 square feet of skin. Our bones are about four times stronger than steel and they can endure 24,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. And it takes about 150 days for a nail to grow from our cuticles to our fingertips.

The “Biggest Loser” Is The Biggest Joke.

It’s about time someone exposed ‘The Biggest Loser’ as a scam…..This “weight loss documentary” is nothing more than a hit TV drama.  With all the glowing coverage and praise, the average viewer is starting to think ‘The Biggest Loser’ somehow represents the indomitability of human spirit and the triumph of modern bariatric medicine. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. It’s a made-for-TV spectacle that has morphed into a cruel hoax being sold to the typical overweight person of this day and age, an individual desperately looking for the weight loss secret. This show represents a dangerous and unrealistic way to lose weight. Talk about two steps forward and three steps back!

The Biggest Loser Is Doing More Harm Than Good

What ‘The Biggest Loser’ is, is a scam, its reality programming. There’s nothing real about it ladies and gentlemen. This is a reality TV show where people have no responsibilities or commitments like a job and family to look after. They have no temptations to avoid like drive-thrus or the chocolate isle of the supermarket. They are dangerously pushed to their physical limits in ways which are highly detrimental to their health. These are not ideal or real health and exercise tips portrayed in this show, the end result for contestants may become counter-productive to one’s weight loss goals.

So who really is the biggest loser in this situation? EVERYONE…..well everyone except the money hungry networks who are feeding these lies to people. The contestants are put through hell which will probably do them more harm than good.  In reality human beings cannot lose this much weight in one week without dangerously manipulating your body and practically. After the contest practically all of the contestants spring back to their pre contest weight or heavier, leaving them feeling like failures. There are a rare few that are able to keep the weight off but they are the rare exception and not the overwhelming norm.  The viewers who are apparently ’inspired’ by this dramatic weight loss soon have their motivation and dreams crushed when they find out  they cannot lose anywhere near as much weight as those on TV. They buy up on cleverly marketed meal replacements and bars (naturally endorsed by ‘The Biggest Loser’) which they hope will be the magic elixir they need, only to be let down once again. These poor souls end up blaming themselves and return to their self-destructive ways.

If we strip away the manipulative footage editing and emotional backing music to this ‘journey’ we will see this is simply a survival of the fittest show. Contestants compete against, endure and manipulate each other all while bullying their bodies into rapid weight loss. There is nothing positive about it. For one person to succeed, another must fail. The biggest concern is that these shows do not show humanity at its best and reinforces horrible morals.

‘The Biggest Loser’ as it seems, is definitely an unrealistic TV drama. So audiences, if you want honesty, don’t look to people who can make money by lying to you. It’s easy to see that the goals of the producers of ‘The Biggest Loser’ show concerns only for entertaining the public, to watch their ratings soar to infinity and beyond.

So audiences I ask you this… why waste your time with this TV junk food?!!

What is Detox?

Detox, short for detoxification, is the body’s natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. Toxins (anything that can potentially harm body tissue) are transformed chemically to less harmful compounds and excreted via stools or urine.

Sources of toxins include those produced in the body during normal functions, such as the ammonia produced during the breakdown of protein, and chemicals such as pesticides, household cleaners, food additives, drugs, pollution, cigarette smoke, and heavy metals like lead that enter the body when we ingest or inhale them.

What is a Detox Diet?

Although detox is primarily thought of as a treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, the term is also used to refer to diets, herbs, and other methods of removing environmental and dietary toxins from the body for optimum health

There are many different types of detox diets. Generally, a detox diet is a short-term diet that:

• Minimizes the amount of chemicals ingested (for example, by the use of organic food).
• Emphasizes foods that provide the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that the body needs for detoxification.
• Contains foods, such as high fiber foods and water, that draw out and eliminate toxins by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and urination.

Feeling sluggish? A detox might be for you.

Why do People go on a Detox Diet?

A growing body of research suggests that many of the chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and air can become deposited in fat cells in our bodies. A diet that lacks certain nutrients may also impair our natural ability to detoxify chemicals, which further leads to their build-up in the body.

The cumulative load, called the “body burden”, is thought to lead to illness and has been linked to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an inefficient metabolism. Signs are thought to include indigestion, bad breath, fatigue, poor skin, and muscle pain.

Some private labs, offer tests that assess urine, stools, blood, and liver function. These tests are not standard medical tests and many medical doctors do not recognize them or consider them valid.

Benefits of a Detox Diet

People often report improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity after a detox diet.

Who Shouldn’t Try a Detox Diet?

Anyone considering a detox diet should consult a qualified health professional and/or their medical doctor first.

Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn’t go on a detox diet. People with anemia, eating disorder, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, terminal illness, certain genetic diseases, and other chronic conditions shouldn’t try this diet or should do so only under the supervision of their primary care provider. It is not intended for alcohol or drug detoxification.

Short fruit and/or veggie detox programs might be just what you need to refresh your body!

Side Effects

If a detox diet is continued for a longer time, it may result in nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein (some detox diets omit animal products) and calcium.

Getting Started

Fatigue, indigestion, cough, muscle pain, and poor sleep can be signs of serious illness. That’s why it’s important to see a primary care provider for a thorough assessment to ensure that any symptoms are not caused by a medical condition that requires immediate treatment.

How Often Do People Go On a Detox Diet?

Proponents of detox diets generally recommend one to two times a year to improve health and prevent disease. They are usually not recommended more than three times per year. In some cases, however, alternative practitioners may recommend a detox diet more frequently or may recommend a longer detox diet.

What Do People Eat After the Detox Diet is Over?

After the detox diet is over, alternative practitioners often suggest gradually easing back into a healthy, but less restrictive diet. Many people use a detox diet as a springboard for a healthier lifestyle and continue eating many of the vegetables and fruits they ate on the detox diet.

Do People Temporarily Stop Taking Medication During a Detox Diet?

No. Medication should never be discontinued or reduced without consulting the prescribing doctor and/or your primary care provider.

9 Tips to Mental Toughness
by Garrett J. Braunreiter, CSCS, The Energy Coach

It takes more than visualisation, self-talk, relaxation and concentration to be a real winner in life. (If only it were that easy, right? I am leaner, energized, and have a great body. Plus I make a million dollars a year working only a few hours a week. POOF!) It takes a kind of strength through mental toughness that a few people understand.

But once you DO understand it, you can master yourself and how you respond to ANYTHING that comes your way. Remember, too, that YOU ARE GREATER THAN ANYTHING THAT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU.

You do not have to be born with mental toughness. Mental toughness is a transferrable trait. You don’t have to go through a trial by fire to experience it. Life will give you what you ask for. But once you ask, Life sets you to task. You will be challenged, many times a day to keep moving forward and reach your goal.

Here are some action tips for you to gain more mental toughness in EVERYTHING you do.

1. Listen to the experts. Read biographies and listen to audio programs telling of winners who have overcome tremendous obstacles and setbacks to become successful. Check out success stories in magazines and the Internet – fitness, money, or otherwise – you’ll find they are people JUST LIKE YOU. So if they can do it, WHY THE HELL CAN’T YOU?

Lance Armstrong: The epitome of mental toughness

2. No pain, no gain vs. Patience, pacing, and persistence. You don’t need to go through emotional or physical pain to succeed. This is a myth. When you realize that failure and handicaps have NOT prevented winners in any area of life, you gain more confidence and courage to pursue your own dreams.

But you don’t need to “come from behind” to get ahead. Learn from the trial and error of others, and expect a lot of yourself. Not a pipedream, but expect a lot, and expect to get it. It can be easy to overtrain, overcommit, and overwork if your expectations are too much. GO WITH THE FLOW. Success WILL come; understand it may take months instead of days.

3. “What next?” thinking. Give yourself solution-oriented feedback when solving your problems. Don’t dwell on what went wrong. What are you going to do about it? Spend your energy on moving forward, finding an answer. Journaling helps here. What did you accomplish today? What went well? What can you do better? How do I feel about my progress? Are my goals making me reach, or am I just going through the motions? Am I focused? Are my goals MY OWN?

4. Get comfortable with the unfamiliar. Make it a part of your daily routine to do something totally different than what you normally do. Work out at a different gym. Put your TV in the closet for a month. Drive to work using a different route. Change workout routines regularly. You’ll be better prepared to handle diverse environments with greater calm and confidence.

Getting out of your comfort a little further each time leads to mental toughness

5. THINK AND SPEAK WELL OF YOUR HEALTH. Teach yourself and your children to use positive self-talk about fitness and personal health. Too much attention is paid to minor aches and pains, like there’s value to not feeling good. We tend to make real what is the “main feature” of ourselves. What’s YOUR “main feature”?

6. Don’t be a victim of ads and fads. Yes, the world is full of greedy people looking for a fast and easy way to put your money in their pockets. Make sure the thing that impresses you meets your criteria, and satisfies your concerns. Mental toughness doesn’t mean going it alone, with lose-weight-fast or get-rich-quick schemes. Mental toughness means learning from the pros who have been there and done that.

7. Hang out with people who have already achieved their goals or who are dedicated to goals similar to yours. Avoid associating with people who have the same unresolved problems or who are frustrated by their lack of achievement. You know, the pity parties. “Oh, woe is me. My life is in an upheaval. How about you?” “You poor thing. Woe is me, too. I feel terrible about myself. How about you?”

Some people tend to thrive on the attention they get when they feel bad. A strong community of like-minded people give you motivation, support, and purpose for succeeding.

8. Focus on desired results. Pure and simple: winners dwell on the rewards of success. Losers focus on mistakes and failure. Do what’s necessary NOW. Be in the present. Then you don’t have to worry about what happened yesterday or what’s going to happen tomorrow. Thus, two-thirds of your worries disappear.

9. Expect the unexpected. You can’t control what nature and others do. You can anticipate what MAY happen, and prepare for them as best you can. You can also control your response to what happens.

“Imagine Having The Motivation And Energy To Take Control of Your Body And Your Health – And Still Have A Life.”
Visit http://www.worldpeakperformance.com to find out how and get The Peak Performance Life ezine FREE.

Congratulations to Hayley and Heidi for becoming the joint winners of the second Body Balance Contest. After tallying the votes, both ladies were tied on points resulting in them sharing the $700 prize money. Both were taken through an 8 week exercise, nutrition and lifestyle coaching program which has turned their life around.

Hayley(Left) and Heidi (Right)

Looking back on her life before the contest started Hayley said “I had stopped any sort of exercise. Any excuse was a good excuse. Too cold, too late, I’m too tired! I was gaining weight very, very fast. I was even down to one pair of work pants that fit me (and the button had to be undone!!). Shame. Within myself I was very unhappy and felt horrible, I had gone from a happy fabulous bride to a miserable wreck.”

In a similar situation, Heidi recalls “I was pre tty l azy. Worked too much, drank a bottle of wine a day, sometimes 2 and did no exercise at all. I really did not like who I was, I don’t go out at all, because I didn’t like how I felt, I know I needed to have a big change, and I knew I had to do this when the time was right.”

Both girls couldnt beleive their transformations not only on the outside, but also on the inside. “After 8 weeks I am full of energy, back into old clothes and feeling amazing. And I have completed my goal of running the lake which I am absolutely thrilled of! The change within myself is much more valuable than the way I look. To feel like myself again and happy really is amazing.” S a ys Hayley.

‘I feel confident, fresh, thinner and happier than ever. I use to drink 6-8 bottles of wine a week.  Now I struggle to drink 1 because firstly, it doesn’t taste as good and also it’s not worth going back to where I started. I still need to lose another 6 kg and I have learnt how to set goals for myself” exclaims Heidi.

Give your thoughts on the nutrition program ming.

Hayley: Having the nutrition planned around the food that I like made it so much easier and enjoyable. I didn’t feel like I was on a strict diet and had full control over what I was eating. It’s realistic and something I can continue on my own.

Heidi- The nutritional program was catered to me mee ds. The coaches went through the foods I liked and created my meals around them. I got to eat lots of vegies, salad, rice, chicken, red meat and fish. I found the best way to lose weight and keep the weight off was  to eat every ounce of food that was given to me and to drink 2 litres of water every day. I was eating more but losing weight! My meal plan was changed regularly, so it did not get boring.

Hayley (Left), Heidi (Right)

What did you learn about your body and corr ect eating throughout the 8 weeks?

The info sessions that were held were highly informative and relevant. I loved learning (and understanding) how to read food labels and the importance of protein. I learnt that I can give a hell of a lot more than I think I can. The turning point for me was in one of the boot camps we were given exercises to do in 45 seconds each and count the repetitions. We then had to beat what we got, I thought I was giving 100% the first round but I smashed the 1^st attempt I was real proud of myself and shocked!

The coaches were very informative and taught me to eat food, not starve myself. It is very important to eat the right foods that were written out for me. If you don’t eat, your metabolism slows down, therefore your body thinks you are starving it, so it holds onto your fat stores as a reserve and it makes it hard to lose weight. The eight weeks was very hard, but after about 4 weeks I got used to smaller portions, no alcohol which has heaps of calories in a bottle and that it’s important to eat 6 meals a day, and drink 2 litres of water.

How do you feel the Body Balance Contest has changed your life and will help you in the future?

I have done countless diets, detoxes and exercise programs but the second they are over its back to the old ways. Living on shakes or fish isn’t realistic, but I have found the complete opposite with PerFit Health and Wellness. The way we were educated not just told what to eat is invaluable and its defiantly something that can be continued at home. Also, eating real food is great!

It has changed my life. Reality hit home when I weighed in at PerFit. I now know that life was not meant to be easy, and that with discipline, knowledge and food and exercise are all important. I now realise alcohol is not an anti-depressant; I know food and exercise are. PerFit trainers have taught me to accept myself, eat well and exercise and everything else will just work out. Life is good now.

Congratulations to Hayley and Heidi on your fantastic transformations. You are both an inspiration to all!