Setting and Achieving Realistic Goals

You know that saying "You can do anything you set your mind to"?

Well it is only partially true. You can do anything realistic that you are determined to achieve. There are some goals that are unachievable and some that are not.

Yes, you can exercise and get a younger looking body... but will you end up looking like a teenager again? No, you won't.

But that should not discourage you from trying to exercise to have a younger and healthier body. You can achieve that goal and many other goals too.

Lets take some sample goals.

#1. You weigh 260 lbs and want to lose 100 lbs.

Yes, it is doable. But you don't want to do it too quickly or else you will get loose skin. Ideally you want to lose 50 lbs per year over a 2 year period. Approx. 1 lb per week. This is a goal that is certainly doable.

#2. You are on a diet and want to get nice abs.

No, not doable. If you want nice abs you need to be exercising and doing cardio. A diet will help with general weight loss, but it won't tone up the muscles or help you to lose lots of belly fat. If you take up jogging daily you can achieve your goal. Doing sit ups and crunches will help a little, but its the cardio that does most of the work.

#3. You want to eat more healthy food on a budget.

Yes, completely doable. You will need to learn which foods are healthier and also cost effective. You can also find lots of healthy recipes online.

#4. You want to become a fitness model.

Yes, doable, assuming you have the face for it and are willing to make the honest and concerted effort to do it. It isn't going to be easy, but it can be done. You will need to revamp your nutrition program, hit the weights harder than ever before and do lots of research on how to achieve this difficult goal. Don't forget tanning, protein bars and a personal trainer. It will take blood, sweat and tears on the gym floor, but it is doable.

#5. You want to fit into your skinny jeans from high school.

Yes, doable. Combination of a healthy diet and lots of cardio exercise and you will do it.

#6. Run a Marathon.

Yes, doable. But you will need to jog daily and do longer and longer runs until eventually you can handle longer distances. You will also want to do a complete physical with your doctor and get their advice. But at the same are you sure you really want to wake up early on Sunday morning, strap on a fanny pack and commit to a 40k with a running group while consuming liquid gel? (They're like liquidated gummi bears.) Truly, running a 40 km marathon is not for the faint of heart.

You should never feel discouraged from trying such things. But you also need to be aware of what your limits are and what is realistic. If you weigh 300 lbs and are morbidly obese you won't be able to run a 40 km marathon. It just isn't going to happen.

But if you want something badly enough and are willing to train hard to achieve it, then you can do it.

However lets keep some things in mind before you embark on such things.

A) Body building and endurance sports are SPORTS. They are competitive and they don't just train hard; training becomes a lifestyle. If you aren't into that lifestyle then its just not for you. You don't need to bust your ass and change your lifestyle so completely when all you want is to look good in tight pants.

B) Many athletes are physically awesome. They come from extensive backgrounds of gymnastics, track and field and other demanding sports. They have abs that should be considered lethal weapons. But do you really want to look like that? Or do you just want to look like a young Tom Selleck, Sean Connery or Burt Reynolds?

C) The exercise industry is a pissing contest. A lot of it is very macho and has nothing to do with paying for a mortgage or raising a family. Its an industry full of narcissists who like looking at themselves in a mirror. You really should not be encouraged to go into that industry unless you absolutely want to and are basically already in it.

D) Becoming a "male underwear model" like Marcus Schenkenberg won't make you happy. Yes, you will have the abs that women will drool over... but it won't make you happier. You can achieve this goal of looking 'drop dead gorgeous', but it will require daily discipline in both exercise and diet... and not everyone can make that kind of commitment.

The end result is be careful what you wish for... and remember that you can make your wishes come true if you're willing to pay the price.

Running Marathons: Fun and Challenging

So...

You've started running regularly and you're beginning to feel the benefits of having a healthier body.

You can run farther and faster. You feel stronger and less winded as your endurance grows. You've even gotten that infamous runner's high (which is why marathon runners often get Exercise Addiction because the chemicals act like heroin). You are feeling so confident you want to try running a marathon...

If you think you are ready to test your new abilities and try out a marathon race you might want to ask around and get a 2nd opinion. Yes, you can do it. But is it worth it? Your first stop should be your doctor to get a complete physical.

You will have your options too. You don't have to do a marathon race, you could try sprinting or a mid-range race instead. With so many races scheduled each year, both locally and throughout your region, it may be hard to choose the one that's right for you. Here are some things to consider to make the best selection so that your first race is a great experience and encourages you to sign up for more:

The Marathon Course

Of course, one the primary considerations for race selection is the distance.

If you are a beginner, signing up for a marathon is not realistic. Since it's your first race, choose a small distance, such as a 1-mile fun run, the classic 5K (about 3 miles), or, if you're up for a challenge, a 10K (about 6 miles). Many marathons and half-marathons include a fun run or a shorter run as well. If you're interested in working up to one of these longer races, you can sign up for a 5K as part of a larger event to get a sense of the course and other race-day conditions. Also, keep in mind the layout of the course. Hilly courses can be much more challenging to complete as a first-timer. A flat course on a paved trail will make your first attempt a bit easier.

Time Limitations

Some races have a time limit. This means that you are required to finish the race within a certain time. Otherwise, you will either be disqualified or find yourself running along a road that has been re-opened to traffic. Be sure that you are able to run the distance within the time specified, based on your past training times. Check race rules for any other limitations that may detract from your experience. For example, some races do not allow the use of headphones or portable music devices. Some races do not allow strollers if you wish to run with your child. Others may have limitations on your dress or the support team that you can have with you. Be sure to review these rules in advance to be sure that you can have the experience you would like.

Attendance

Do you prefer the roar of the crowd to get your adrenaline pumping? Or do you prefer a smaller group so that you can focus more intently when you run? Check out the anticipated attendance or the registration limit of the race to know what kind of crowds you can expect. Larger races can be overwhelming for beginners, who may feel crowded or pushed around on the busy streets. But if you feed on the energy of others, larger crowds can motivate you to your best performance.

Atmosphere + Weather

There are races for every type of running personality. There are races for the serious runner, which focus on the course and the competition. Then there are races for those looking to have a little fun. Many races allow participants to dress in costume -- particularly holiday-themed runs like a Turkey Trot or a Jingle Bell Run -- and others have a fun course (like the Walt Disney World marathon) or include entertainment (like the Rock n' Roll Marathon). Decide what type of course appeals to you best.

Weather is another factor you should pay attention to too. It could be raining or unbearably hot outside. You will want to practice running in different weather conditions.

Setting Goals

Finally, keep your personal goals in mind when determining your first race. Do you just want to finish the race? Or do you want to try to meet a personal goal, such as finishing within a certain time period or finishing a long distance? If you just want to put yourself out there and finish a race without a lot of pressure, choose a fun run with a lower distance or one of the themed runs with a party atmosphere. If you want to challenge yourself or meet a fitness goal, enter a longer race with official timing.

The experience you have with the first race you enter can influence the way you feel about racing in the future. Make sure you choose a race that complements your personal style and that will allow you to meet your goals.

Training

You aren't going to be able to do that well in a marathon unless you train in advance. Having a personal trainer can give you extra edge during your training. If you live in Toronto and want to compete in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon then you could even hire me as your personal trainer.

Happy running!

The Top Three Worst Dieting Mistakes

#1. Not Indulging

If you're not enjoying your food, what's the point? Is being skinny more important than happiness? Really, think about it... What you really is to be able to eat your cake and enjoy it too, without feeling guilty about it.

#2. Saving Calories

When you skip a meal or eat less because you know you are going to a party or an event where you are likely to indulge then you are just causing a sugar imbalance that will ultimately lead you to binge eat on junk food when the time comes to finally eat. The better strategy is to eat a big, satisfying meal beforehand and you know what? Those chips and sweets don't look nearly as appetizing when you are already full on healthy, wholesome food.

#3. Mindless Eating

NEVER eat when you are busy on the computer or on the phone. I don't necessarily mean eat in complete and utter silence. I am talking about paying attention to what you are eating and eat measured amounts. Don't just watch TV with a bag of chips and suddenly the whole bag is empty. Be mindful of how much you want to eat by pouring it into a bowl, decide your limit and then don't go back for more when the bowl is empty.

BONUS TIPS

When you are feeling emotional because there's so much work to do and you're hammering away on the keyboard chances are, you're going to eat a lot more than is required, before feeling satiated.

If you are trying to change your lifestyle and eating habits then you need to address some of your worst offending mistakes. Learn to tackle your weaknesses and control your cravings. You can still eat the foods you enjoy, but you have to exercise control and work on building up a mental immunity to your "weaknesses".

There is a chocolate bar in my fridge right now calling my name, but I am supposed to save it for when my girlfriend visits. Which brings me to a final tip: Save the good stuff for special occasions!

Exercising while on Vacation

When I was little my parents really only had 1 kind of vacation they went on:

ROAD TRIPS.

Hours upon hours in a stuffy car (not always with AC), not getting any exercise and when we did get outside it was usually for guided tours of caves (spelunking, huzzah), historical sites or museums.

Small surprise that when I reached adulthood my standard for vacations were very different.

#1. I went via train or bus and once there I walked, cycled or took a taxi. It was more relaxing and I got more exercise that way.

#2. I took up freehand mountain climbing. Lots of exercise and some danger involved because there is no safety harness. No more caves for me.

#3. I love Buddhist temples in Asia... and they're usually near the top of a mountain, so again, another excuse to exercise. Take your camera with you.

However not everyone is like me and embraces exercising while on vacation. So here is Three Ways to Be Fit on Vacation

1. Book Hotels with Fitness Facilities

You should rarely book accommodations that doesn't have a gym. Not only does this narrow down your search results for a hotel or resort but it allows you to stick to my normal running + gym regimen.

You will discover that working out first thing in the morning helps you to stay mindful of your diet throughout the day (people tend to overeat while on vacation), and although a vacation allows a little leeway on nutrition initiates, it still helps toward not completely destroying my pre-holiday results!

2. When a Gym is not Available, Make Do

Even though you can make the best effort to stay in hotels with fitness equipment it doesn't always work out. Sometimes, the resort never even had a gym in the first place, their facility is under renovation or they open later than when you need to exercise. In this case you make the most of what you have by running on the beach, doing body weight exercises in your room or walking the grounds of the resort.

3. Plan for some Activity

It's great to sit on your butt all day and heck, you very well may deserve it but planning some hikes, swimming or any other activity is not a bad idea! Not only will you see more of the country that you are visiting but you will work up an appetite for those restaurant sized meal portions.

4. SWIM!

If you are staying at a place near the beach or has a pool, make an effort to use it. Don't just pack your swimsuit and then forget to use it.

Better yet, take up snorkeling. It is AMAZINGLY GOOD FUN.

If a tiger can swim, so can you. :)

Why Calcium Rocks!

I drink over a litre of milk per day. Sometimes more.

I'm one of the few that seems to thrive on dairy. Milk, chocolate milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt... I have my favourites of course. During university I was notorious for drinking chocolate milk daily.

Of course, calcium isn't only found in dairy. Hardly! Even greater amounts are in leafy greens and veggies such as broccoli, spinach and kale.

There are scientific studies that have linked calcium to increased fat burning capabilities in women (probably men too, but that will have to be a separate study).

Can a daily cup of yogurt give you a slimmer silhouette? That is the idea yogurt makers would like you to believe, but how accurate is the facts? Well it turns out it may have a real basis in scientific fact. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition not only shows a calcium-rich diet is associated with fat loss, but also explains why.

Normal-weight women ranging in age from 18-30 years were randomly assigned to a low (less than 800 mg per day) or high (1000-1400 mg per day) calcium diet for 1 year, and the rate at which their bodies burned fat after a meal was assessed at the beginning and end of the study.

After 1 year, fat oxidation (burning) was 20 times higher in women eating the high calcium diet compared to those in the low-calcium control group (0.10 vs. 0.06 gram per minute).

TWENTY TIMES HIGHER. That is a huge difference.

The women's blood levels of parathyroid hormone were also checked and were found to correlate with their rate of fat oxidation. (The primary function of parathyroid hormone is to maintain normal levels of calcium in the body. When calcium levels drop too low, parathyroid hormone is secreted to instruct bone cells to release calcium into the bloodstream.)

Higher blood levels of parathyroid hormone were associated with a lower rate of fat oxidation and lower dietary calcium intake, while lower blood levels of parathyroid hormone levels were seen in the women consuming a diet high in calcium, who were burning fat more rapidly after a meal. So, it appears that a high-calcium diet increases fat oxidation, at least in part, by lessening the need for parathyroid hormone secretion, thus keeping blood levels of the hormone low.

In theory it should work just as well in men too, although that will require a different study to make certain.

So yeah. Want to lose weight? Eat more calcium!