How to Burn Fat by Losing Calories

by Suzanne Andrews

 

Losing weight is very difficult for many of us, but it ultimately boils down to numbers: Eat fewer calories to lose more pounds. If we could figure out how to lose calories, the pounds would quickly follow.
It's easy to reduce your calorie intake when you know how to do it right. You don't have to feel deprived, and you don't have to starve yourself. In fact, you can cut your calories easily and painlessly. These helpful tips will teach you how to lose calories - and weight - starting now.

Lose Calories with Healthy Substitutions
You don't have to give up your favorite flavors, you just have to make healthier substitutions. Let's say you're having a craving for something rich and chocolaty. If you satisfy your craving by downing a pint of chocolate ice cream, you will have added several hundred calories to your daily intake.
But if you pick up a healthier alternative, like a sugar-free fudge pop or some reduced fat chocolate pudding, you will get the chocolate flavor you crave at a low caloric cost.
Other good substitutions include low-fat dairy products instead of whole milk products; lean cuts of meat instead of fattier cuts; air-popped popcorn or rice cakes instead of chips; trans-fat-free margarine instead of butter; and whole fruit instead of fruit juice.

Lose Calories by Eating More
Yes, you read that right! When you consider how to lose calories, eating more isn't the first strategy that comes to mind. But studies have shown time and again that you can control your appetite by eating smaller, more frequent meals.
This approach reduces your calories in two ways. First, it keeps you from getting too hungry. Excess hunger is the number one reason why people stop dieting, and it is also a leading cause of binging. When you control your hunger, you can control your calorie intake.
Second, small meals keep your metabolism active. You will lose calories as your body burns through them faster. This is a near-effortless way to reduce the number of calories you eat, and burn the rest!

Lose Weight & Relieve Stress

Lose Calories with Daily Tasks
Ever wondered how to lose calories while being productive? Many of us don't have time to devote to long workouts, but you can burn off extra calories while you run errands and do chores or do a quick conditioning workout in the morning to speed your metabolism for the rest of the day.
Lawn work and gardening burn a surprising number of calories each hour. Depending on what you do and how much you weigh, you could burn up to 700 calories an hour just by working in your yard.
If you have kids or pets, take them to the park! An hour of swinging, sliding, and Frisbee catching will get rid of 300 calories or more.
When you run errands, use the stairs instead of the elevator. Park at the far end of the parking lot when you visit stores. These are small changes that add up to big rewards.

Lose Calories with Yoga
Yoga is a great exercise for beginners. It builds strength, increases flexibility, and helps prevent heart and metabolic diseases. People often ask me how I lost 60 pounds. My first step was incorporating yoga into my routine and that's why Beginners Dynamic Yoga was my first PBS TV special.
Yoga is also a fantastic stress reducer and I'm living proof as it helped me get through a divorce after a 15-year marriage. (Happily, remarried now). It encourages our bodies to stop hanging on to excess calories in the form of fat. If you make yoga a part of your daily routine, you will notice physical and emotional benefits right away.
Start by doing 15 - 30 minutes of yoga each day. Don't let the more advanced poses scare you off; even yoga masters had to start somewhere!
Now that you've learned how to lose calories without depriving yourself, it's time to put these ideas into practice. Try to make one small change per week until you've grown accustomed to your new lifestyle. After a few weeks, losing calories will be a piece of (low-fat) cake!
Love and healthiest blessings,

Suzanne Andrews, Occupational Therapy Practitioner

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Avoid These Carbs

by Suzanne Andrews

4 Carbs to Lose Fat and 4 Carbs to AVOID
Carbohydrates have become a controversial issue in weight loss circles. Some diet gurus advocate diets high in carbohydrates, while others caution dieters to avoid them like the plague.
Weight loss studies have shown that dieters tend to lose weight on both high-carb and low-carb diets. With so much conflicting information, how can you determine what role carbs should play in your personal weight loss plan?
Fortunately, carbohydrates are not an all or nothing proposition. It's just a matter of choosing the right ones.

Carbs to Eat

This is unfortunate, because fiber has many health benefits. It helps regulate bowel movements, prevents blood sugar spikes and crashes, and keeps your digestive system in good shape.
You can easily increase your fiber intake by adding beans to your diet. Nuts are another good choice. The protein in these foods will help control your hunger, and
the fiber will help promote efficient digestion.
Start by eating a half-cup of beans with your meal, and a handful of nuts as a between-meal snack.

Whole Grains: To avoid blood sugar peaks and valleys, switch from refined bread products to whole grains. Your body has to work longer and harder to digest whole grain foods and convert them into energy, thus you avoid the quick peaks and crashes you get from refined carboydrates.
High-fiber whole grains also tend to satisfy your hunger for longer periods of time, helping you avoid between-meal cravings. Start your day with a cup of
whole-grain oatmeal sprinkled with flax seeds for added fiber.

Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods you can consume. Not only are they nutrient-dense, they also contain a significant amount of fiber and water.
In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture recommends 2-4 servings of fruit and 3-5 servings of vegetables each day. The Center for Disease Control also reports that diets rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent diabetes, cancer, and other diseases.
Try to incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables into your diet. If you're concerned about eating too much fructose (natural fruit sugar), stick to low-glycemic
fruits such as berries, cherries, apricots, grapefruit, and apples.

Dairy Products: Dairy products are a good source of calcium and Vitamin D. Unfortunately, they can also contain a lot of fat and lactose (milk sugar). Control your fat intake by switching to 2% cheese and 1% milk. Low-fat yogurts and string cheese snacks are other tasty dairy choices.
If lactose upsets your stomach, or if you just want to consume less of it, look for lactose-free dairy products instead. They contain all the calcium and vitamins with
less of the sugar.

Own it on DVD here!!!

Carbs to Avoid

Sugar: Ah, the dreaded s-word. What's so bad about sugar anyway? It contains empty calories, but it's not so terrible when consumed in moderation. Sadly, the modern Western diet approaches sugar with anything but moderation. Many processed foods are full of added sugar.
Even foods that don't taste particularly sweet might contain sugar as a flavor enhancer. Sugar is also used to improve the flavor of many low-fat foods. With so much sugar in our diets, is it any wonder so many dieters suffer from unstable glucose and constant carb cravings?
When it comes to avoiding sugar, do the best you can. Save sweet treats for special occasions, and practice portion control. Don't rely on artificial sweeteners, as these have been proven to increase sugar cravings in some individuals.
Also, remember to watch out for hidden sugar in your foods. On an ingredient list, sugar can masquerade as high fructose corn syrup, sugar alcohol, sucrose, dextrose, and lactose.

White Flour: Like sugar, simple carbohydrates like white flour are quickly processed by your body, leading to rapid rises and falls in your energy level. Worse, highly refined flour products have very little of the fiber or vitamins your body so desperately needs.
You can add more fiber and nutrition to your diet by trading white bread, rice, and pasta for their whole-grain counterparts.
Also, try eating yams, skins and all, instead of starchy baking potatoes. You will find that these healthier choices leave you more satisfied and less likely
to keep eating past the point of satiation.

Fruit Juice: Fruit juices are high in sugar and calories, but low in fiber. It's much healthier to eat the fruit than to drink only its juice. Plus, many juices are made from "fruit juice concentrate" - another misleading term for added sugar.
After you exercise, try rehydrating with a bottle of water and a piece of fruit. This will give your muscles the quick energy they need to recover, but with the added
bonus of fiber.

Alcohol: Unlike food, alcohol is quickly absorbed by the body, passed through the liver, and distributed into the bloodstream. Spikes in blood glucose, and the
corresponding crashes, are very common when alcohol is consumed.
Also, alcohol is full of calories that don't benefit your body. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol can also hinder your body's ability to absorb nutrients, and can leave you dehydrated.
If you wish to drink alcohol at a special event, forget about sugary mixed drinks and wine coolers. Opt instead for a diet-friendly white wine spritzer, a lite beer, or a
shot of rum in a Diet Coke. Be sure not to overindulge; alcohol is notorious for lowering inhibitions, and might make it harder to say no to unhealthy food choices.
           

Own it on DVD here!!!

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Relax This Way to Burn Fat!

by Suzanne Andrews

(Week two of Functional Fitness with Suzanne Andrews three month FREE Fat Burning Series)

Who would have thought that you could get a firm belly while you relax? It's possible with the help of yoga. Yoga has a two-fold effect on our bellies. First, it reduces high stress hormones that lead to weight gain. Stress-induced weight gain often results in excess belly fat. Reducing your stress level can also give you a flatter belly, trim hips and thighs and lower your risk for many diseases.
 
To focus on your mid section, look for a yoga routine that includes triangle to firm your love handles and other postures that work the abdominal muscles. See the video here for three of the best fat burning yoga poses.  Try it and you’ll feel all your muscles  firming up.
Lose weight with yoga try:

Beginners Dynamic Yoga for Stress Release and Weight Loss

CLICK HERE TO ORDER!

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Stressed?

by Suzanne Andrews

My Christmas Gift to You for Stress Relief…

With all the added demands, Christmas can be stressful. I give you this gift of stress relief (script from Beginners Dynamic Yoga for Stress Release and Weight Loss).

Put on some quiet music, light some candles and record this or invite someone you are comfortable with to recite the following in relaxed, calm voice.

“This is your time to yourself. Be here right now with me: in mind, body and spirit.  Inhale and allow your belly to expand. Let love enter and fill your entire being.  Now feel your chest rise. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Now tighten your forehead, clench your lips and squeeze your cheeks. Hold for 3 seconds.  And now relax all of your facial muscles. Relax your forehead, your temples, your eyes, your cheeks, your nose, your lips and your chin. Your mind is relaxed, your eyes are relaxed, and your forehead, cheeks and lips are free of stress. 

Inhale through your nose and slowly exhale a long breath through your mouth.  Squeeze the muscles in your neck, your shoulders and continue down along your arms and hands.  Inhale with a belly breath, feel your belly rise before your chest expands. Exhale slowly for 3, 2, 1. Tense the muscles in your chest. Hold. Relax your chest. Let go of tightness. Inhale and release with a forceful exhale. Tighten your abdomen. Relax all of your abdominal muscles. Picture a butterfly in the pit of your stomach. This butterfly feeds from negative thoughts. Allow the butterfly to take your negative thoughts and set the butterfly free. Release all negative energy from your body. Your stomach feels completely relaxed.

Inhale clean, vibrant energy. Exhale sorrow and any problems that you may be experiencing. Stiffen your hips, your legs, feet and curl your toes. Hold. Relax your hips, legs, feet and toes. 

Your entire being is in a state of blissful relaxation. Know and feel all of your anxieties leaving you. You are free, no longer enslaved by anxious thoughts.  Know that you are a very special person with the ability to let go of whatever has troubled you.  Feel the warmth of relaxation blanketing your mind, renewing your body and soothing your spirit. Your spirit feels free now; free to restore yourself to a state of well-being.  You now know that you can let go of stress and find profound peace deep within yourself knowing that you are in control of your life’s choices.  Your mind is relaxed, your eyes are relaxed, your forehead, your cheeks and your lips are free of stress. You are calm and comfortable. Visualize yourself feeling and looking decades younger.

Do this every time you are faced with temptation.  Breathe in the strength that is within your spirit.  Exhale and know you are strong enough now to make healthy choices.” 

Supercharge your weight loss motivation and stress release with Beginners Dynamic Yoga for Stress Release and Weight Loss.!

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Is This On Your Christmas List?

by Suzanne Andrews

If you were to be honest with your Christmas list,
You wouldn't need Santa to know you exist.
You'd wish for more energy and a better night’s sleep.
You’d wish your best health was yours to keep.

You’d ask for quality time with family and friends
Without having to wear those expensive depends!
You’d wish to be to bend down without pain
And have stronger arms to pick up your grandchildren again and again.

Let me support your life with your best functional health
Because feeling functionally fit gives your body wealth.
We save you heart attacks from those expensive doctor bills
And help you not need all those pills, pills, pills.
So let's get you started – don’t hesitate.
Get started now, 40 or 80, it’s never too late.
Functional Fitness is good for your soul,
Better than Santa bringing you a lump of coal :)

With love from my team, and of course me,

Suzanne Andrews

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Are You the Best You Can Be?

by Suzanne Andrews

As I walk along the Florida beaches thinking about how lucky I am to be able to see my family all around me, I can’t help but appreciate the little things.

Being able to walk, to talk, to breathe and to laugh.

Yesterday, I treated a patient who had no legs from diabetes (2) complications. (60 % of people with diabetes lose a limb).  

Her name is Melinda and she is 56 years old - and what an incredible woman she is.

When I got near her room I could hear the familiar sound that is always associated with Melinda -laughter.

There she was - sitting on her bed surrounded by 2 church friends, who were so captivated by the amusing stories being shared by Melinda, they barely noticed me enter the room.

Melinda has this amazing ability to lift people up, put smiles on their faces and make them feel good about the world - even if she is facing tough times.

“Have you always been so uplifting?” I asked.  “No,” she responded.  “When I had two legs I was always miserable.  I never listened to the doctor when he told me to stop eating junk food.  And exercise? Forget about it! How I wish I had my legs to go for a walk now.” 

Which brings me back to the amazing attitude change from Belinda. We’re working on getting her arms and abdominal muscles strong enough so she can transfer into her power wheelchair independently.

It’s hard work and she is so cooperative with her therapy sessions. But the amazing thing is; before arriving at the rehab facility and despite all that she has to deal with, Melinda has created a life of happiness and giving for everyone she comes in contact with.

I left her after an hour of providing her with her exercise treatment, but as I went back to document her session for Medicare, I had tears in my eyes - not tears of sadness but tears of joy and thankfulness.

After all I have two legs and can walk.  I'm no longer focused on them being a size skinny, but instead, being a size healthy because that’s what we at Functional Fitness strive for.  The media has brainwashed too many women to feel like if they’re not a size tiny, their not attractive.  Hog wash, I say!  It’s is better to be a size healthy, than a size skinny! 

What about you?  What are your health hopes and dreams?  To have enough energy to play with your grandkids?  To be able to have strong legs to go on a cruise or sightsee?  To have a strong core so you have better balance and not become one of the 11 million people who fall every year, or to have strong arms to be able to reach into cabinets without pain?

You can achieve all those things. Never give up your dreams and always strive to be the best you can possibly be!

Healthiest blessings,

Suzanne Andrews

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Stop Craving Junk Food

by Suzanne Andrews

3 Fast Ways to Stop Craving Junk Food 

Would you like to fall in love with delicious healthy foods you never knew existed? Try eating for functional energy and see the pounds melt away!

Do you have a sweet tooth or crave chocolate? Maybe you love desserts, or maybe you prefer salty potato chips and fries.  In either case, when you overdo, you're stuffing your body with calories while depriving it of real nutrients.

The holidays are coming and while junk food is fine in moderation and on special occasions, what about those cravings that hit you at the most inconvenient times - or, worse, the cravings that just never seem to go away at all?

Improbable as it seems, they can be tamed. Here are three proven strategies for ending junk food cravings.

Tip 1: Control blood sugar spikes and crashes

Never skip meals; recent studies have shown that dieters are more likely to binge on junk food if they haven't eaten in several hours.

To really knock out cravings, combine a healthy fat with some protein and a fruit, like a tablespoon of peanut butter on apple slices. It will be more nutritious and more satisfying than the junk food your body is asking for.

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS: TOTAL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING WITH SUZANNE ANDREWS

Tip 2: Avoid artificial sweeteners and MSG

When we eat sweet-tasting foods, our bodies produce insulin which makes us store fat. (If you have to use sweetener, try Stevia type substitutes which is what I use).

These findings were reported in the British Medical Journal in 2004, along with the result of eating foods sweetened with artificial sweeteners: deprived of the real sugar it was anticipating, the body experiences stronger sugar cravings at the next meal.

MSG (mono sodium glutamate) a flavor-enhancer found in many prepared foods has also been linked to incessant food cravings, including the infamous 'Chinese restaurant syndrome': you eat the food, then feel hungry an hour later. (It should be noted that many Chinese restaurants now offer MSG-free foods.) Other foods, such as canned soups, contain MSG.

Eat natural foods you prepare yourself. (You can make a big batch and freeze it in portions on the weekend to save on prep time during the week). Don't consume too many diet sodas. Instead, hydrate with water infused fresh (or frozen) fruit.

Tip 3: Cheat (but only a little.)

If you find yourself fixated on a craving that won't go away, give yourself permission to indulge a little. But have a glass of water first to help fill you up before you down your treat. In the long-run, it's better to have that half-cup of ice cream (but make it low calorie ice cream and eat it slowly) than to keep denying yourself and obsessing over it.

Simply adjust your plan to include more exercise that day, or take away extra calories from another meal to compensate. If weight loss is your goal, do both.  With the urges in control, you will soon have all the functional energy needed to be at your best weight ever!  

P.S Want 2 More Fast Tips to Stop Cravings? Watch the 1 minute video!

 

Healthiest blessings,

 Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Ever Feel Like You Don't 'Fit In'?

by Suzanne Andrews

If you've ever felt like you just don't fit, you're special! Growing up, I never fit in. Everyone was smoking in high school and I never did, so I stayed away from the "smoke pit" where people socialized. I was sipping mineral water at parties while others drank themselves into oblivion.

I don't swear either, unless I'm really mad! So I guess I was not one of the "cool" kids. I skipped 3 grades in high school, loved business, the arts and the only high I got was from exercise. I was different and bullied constantly because of it. Even beat up. The point I'm trying to make is don't worry if you are different, that just means you're NOT a sheeple. You're a people - a born leader!

Let others know it's OK to be different. Share this message with your friends, family and social media!

Order Total Strength & Conditioning Workout HERE!

Suzanne Andrews, Occupational Therapy Practitioner/L

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Using Weights Speeds Weight Loss

by Suzanne Andrews

Why Using Weights in Your At Home Workouts Speeds Weight Loss

Don’t have tіmе to go to a gym or the mоnеу for a mеmbеrѕhір? Transform your рhуѕіԛuе with weight bearing workouts. In as little as 30 days, it’s possible to lose two dress sizes if you include weights in your at home workouts. Consistency and a sensible diet are key. 

By uѕіng just a simple set of dumbbells and ankle weights, you can strengthen all major muscle groups when following the instructions in the Functional Fitness with Suzanne Andrews Total Strength and Conditioning DVD. Weights also strengthen уоur stabilizing muscles which help with balance when walking or climbing. In fасt, you rесruіt mоrе muѕсlе fіbеrѕ while performing exercise with weights. Dumbbells also activate nerve activity which boosts your mind and muѕсlе соnnесtіоn for improved реrfоrmance of daily living activities.

Best Lower Bоdу Exеrсіѕеѕ for a Firm Butt and Legs

Dеаd lіftѕ, Squats and Lungеѕ wіth dumbbеllѕ аrе аll extremely effective in toning and firming weakened leg and buttocks muscles. Nоt оnlу аrе thеу mоrе comfortable to use than dеаd lіftѕ with a bar, ѕԛuаtѕ аnd lunges with hand weights offer lеѕѕ ѕріnаl compression and pressure on your lower bасk. Nice feature.

You саn реrfоrm саlf rаіѕеѕ by holding dumbbells іn either hand and raise up on the balls of your feet. Sԛuаtѕ аnd lunges target the quads but also work the calves, glutes аnd hamstrings.

Best Uрреr Body Exеrсіѕеѕ for Firm Arms

 

Dumbbells аrе аlѕо very effective in buіlding muѕсlе quickly іn the uрреr bоdу. Single аrm  rows tone and build the bасk muscles, (latissimus dorsi) and rеаr deltoids. They саn also bе uѕеd to build a firm chest аnd toned shoulders. (Think sleeveless dress!) Whіlе реrfоrmіng flat, decline оr іnсlіnе bеnсh presses you create an іnсrеаѕеd range оf mоtіоn thаt  targets the mid, lower and upper chest muscles. Alѕо dumbbells can bе uѕеd tо perform flyes on thе bеnсh аѕ an іѕоlаtіоn mоvеmеnt that really hіtѕ the ресtorals. Thay аrе grеаt fоr toning shoulder muѕсlеѕ as wеll. Sеаtеd shoulder overhead presses are very еffесtіvе, аѕ аrе ѕіdе and frоnt lаtеrаl raises. You can аlѕо do trарezius work by реrfоrmіng shrugs аnd upright rows.

And of course, уоu саn tone thе bісерѕ, triceps, аnd the forearm muѕсlеѕ which helps you carry just about anything with greater ease. Standing alternating bicep curls really help to bring оut the dеѕіrеd arm firmness. Ovеrhеаd triceps extensions are great for reducing that behind the arm flap. Dumbbell hammer curls work both the fоrеаrmѕ аnd biceps.

When beginning any workout routine start оut wіth light wеіghtѕ. Thіѕ is nееdеd tо allow аnd the additional stress оn уоur ѕtаbіlіzіng muѕсlеѕ to adjust safely. As you become stronger, slowly build up thе аmоunt of wеіght you lіft аnd over time watch your ability to do activities of daily living become easier.

As you саn ѕее, thеrе аrе many еxеrсіѕеѕ you саn реrfоrm tо buіld strength and endurance wіth dumbbеllѕ. A uѕеd set оf dumbbеllѕ аnd an exercise bеnсh wіll uѕuаllу соѕt under a hundred dollars. Alѕо, this set up doesn’t rеԛuіrе a lot of space. They can easily be рlасеd іn a corner оf a small room or the gаrаgе. Itѕ іmроrtаnt when lооkіng tо tone muscle уоu реrfоrm thе right аmоunt оf rерetitions, pacing and ѕеtѕ so you can lose weight the fаѕtеѕt. With that ѕаіd, be ѕurе tо gеt оut mу other Functional Fitness tips hеrе on mу frее Functional Fitness blog. If уоu wаnt tо work оut аt hоmе, or уоu dоn't have thе money tо аffоrd a gуm, іt'ѕ реrfесtlу fine tо uѕе dumbbеllѕ to lose weight аnd get thе rеѕultѕ at home.

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Have Hypoglycemia?

by Suzanne Andrews

How Much Protein Do You Need for Weight Loss?

A Functional Fitness Fan shares her weight loss story…

Dear Suzanne

“Hypoglycemia has been my nemesis, but because of it, I have learned to manage things much better, and have lost 45 pounds!! There is no medicine for hypoglycemia...just old fashioned common sense eating and exercise!!  I was not able to even keep up with your tv episodes, but now I am finding I can do them, even if it is one of the modified versions.

Blessings to you, Cindy.”      

Suzanne’s response…

“Hi Cindy, by doing the modified version you proved that you don’t have to exercise hard to lose weight, just smart. 

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is something I’m very familiar with. Not only as a medical professional; I was diagnosed with it in my early twenties.  I lost over 60 pounds with hypoglycemia and a malfunctioning thyroid. Talk about a double whammy!  Hypoglycemia makes it especially hard to lose weight because you must eat to keep you blood sugar level. Hashimoto’s slows down your metabolism. A turtle has a faster metabolism than me.

Needless to say I had to be very strategic about losing weight safely. A severely restricted diet plan could make you go into a coma. 

So what do you do to lose weight?

Exercise 5 – 6 days a week and eat protein!  Grill it, bake it or use 0 calorie cooking spray to keep it lean.

Good Protein Sources are:

Eggs, fish, yogurt, low fat cheeses and lean cuts of beef.”

High intensity workouts are not recommended for people who have hypoglycemia. A moderate pace of exercises that includes low impact cardio and strength training are VERY effective. Be consistent and you can be two dress sizes smaller next month!

Check out this weeks Functional Fitness 60 second video to find out all the benefits of protein and how much you need to consume for weight loss.

Suzanne Andrews, Occupational Therapy Practitioner/L

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.