The Biggest Weight-loss Mistake Women Make

I came across this on the web today and it really makes sense!

The Biggest Weight-loss Mistake Women Make

One of the top roadblocks women run into when they're trying to slim down has nothing to do with food or a treadmill: It's not getting enough sleep. Missing out on rest causes your body to produce more of the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin and less of the appetite-controlling hormone leptin. One study found that people ate an average of 221 more calories when sleepy—an amount that could translate into gaining a pound of fat every two weeks if you're consistently sleep-deprived! To be sure you're getting the most out of your Body by Glamour food-and-fitness plan, make sure you're logging seven to nine hours of shut-eye a night.

Ghrelin sounds like an evil little creature, doesn't it?! Yet another reason to get more beauty rest (and focus on my goal of going to bed by 10pm and waking up by 6am).

Here's a past T-Tapp newsletter by Teresa Tapp that explains this a bit more.

The Hormone That Makes You Hungry!

April 2004

Since I've been working with several hospitals across the nation teaching pre and post rehabilitative exercise programs for Bariatric or LapBand patients, I've been exposed to research data that substantiates the importance of hormonal balance for weight control.

Did you realize that one of the strongest appetite stimulants known is called Ghrelin (pronounced GREL-in), a hormone produced within the human body? It's so potent that people injected with it immediately become so hungry they chow down as if there's no tomorrow. Researchers have suggested that Ghrelin, which is produced in the gut, might be the reason why the more people diet, the hungrier they feel and why so many diets fail.

Ghrelin links the stomach to the brain chemically, letting the stomach communicate a "feed me" signal when food gets scarce. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, May 2002, reveals that when dieters lost 17% of their body weight, their levels of Ghrelin rose by 24%. "This may be the way the body tries to fight weight loss, a survival signal that evolved to get us to search for food in times of scarcity," says endocrinologist David Cummings of the University of Washington and the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, the lead author. "So that, of course, suggests use of an anti-ghrelin drug could be used to fight weight."

Dieting raises the level of Ghrelin but shrinking the stomach through surgery lowers it…and lowers weight, perhaps by reducing the hunger signal along with the organ size. Cummings and his colleagues looked at 5 obese patients who had gastric bypass surgery to shrink the stomach so less food gets absorbed. Amazingly, all their Ghrelin levels plummeted by more than 70%. "These people lost a lot of weight, and we've often thought the reason can't just be mechanical," says Philip Schauer, a surgeon at the University of Pittsburg Medical Center and a gastric bypass-expert. "Sure the area that holds food gets smaller, but that shouldn't stop between-meal snacking and slurping milkshakes. Our patients say they have a much-reduced appetite."

However, research continues because hunger is a complex sensation and past attempts to find a single key have not panned out. The last appetite hormone to weigh in with big promises was Leptin, in 1995, but it has yet to yield a successful diet drug. But Ghrelin may have more to offer. "It makes you hungry, in theory, so all you need to do is block it, and it's relatively easy to find compounds that block," says endocrinologist Eleftheria Maratos-Flier of the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, "With Leptin, we never really understood the physiology that well."

Weight loss is a tricky business and researchers have been disappointed by other substances besides Leptin. "You don't want to focus on one thing and say -This is it,” cautions Maratos-Flier. "There's Leptin, there's Ghrelin, and above the neck, in the brain, there are several other substances that affect appetite." And the gastric bypass patients had their stomachs physically rewired, so what happens to them could be very different in people without drastic plumbing changes.

Cummings agrees. "If we end up with anything, it may be a kind of cocktail. Look, hunger is important in our evolution and we have many backup mechanisms to keep us from starving so we may need to deal with all of them."

Our body produces a variety of substances that make us feel hungry or make us feel full. Here are some of the major ones:

• LEPTIN - A protein made by fat cells appears to produce a sensation of being full, but overweight people resist its effects.
  
• GHRELIN - Made in the stomach, this hormone's levels drop as people eat and rise when they don't.
  
• OREXINS - These proteins stimulate neurons in the hypothalamus, a brain region that influences appetite.
  
• NEUROPEPTIDE Y - A brain protein that stimulates hunger (at least in rodents), but Leptin may work by disrupting it

So, can you see why approaching weight loss by diet alone doesn't work? The human body is a complex machine that's always working towards homeostasis. A calorie in vs. calories out is an oversimplified approach to weight loss. Not all calories are created equal - in fact, some calories can create biochemical imbalances. Then we have to consider what "chemical calories" we consume and how they affect our endocrine system, but I'll talk about those within another newsletter.

Clinical studies have proven that exercise is the most important factor in successful weight loss and/or weight management. The human body is designed to move and needs movement to stimulate important metabolic factors. The T-Tapp Basic and Total Workouts were created to be much more than a workout to burn calories and fat. In fact, I designed these workouts to help the body help itself rebuild primary body functions such as digestion, assimilation and elimination, as well as lymphatic and neuro-kinetic flow. The special sequences of these movements also stimulate release of several neuro-transmitters, hormones and other biochemical factors involved in metabolic homeostasis. There's a lot more involved within T-Tapp besides comprehensive/compound muscle movement, linear alignment and leverage isometrics! Additionally, while working with people of size these past 2 years, I realized I needed to create a special version of T-Tapp Total Workout called T-Tapp More - for those who have more to lose, more candles on the cake, or more health issues to overcome. I'm happy to report that T-Tapp More is now available! Even though most movements are done with 4 repetitions, these workouts are challenging even for the beginner/intermediate exerciser when done with continual isometric activation during large muscle movements, NBT and KLT.

So in summary, one must eat to lose! Don't diet - enjoy quality food and move your body. The definition of calorie is "energy unit" and our bodies NEED energy to function! In my opinion, the easiest way to regain control of food consumption is to follow the "God Made/Man Made Dietary Plan". For 2 days consume only "God Made" foods (i.e.: meat, vegetables, soups and salads) and then for 1 day relax and consume "Man Made" foods (i.e.: anything processed with preservatives or commercially created). Continue with the 2-day/1 day plan for 6 to 8 weeks followed by an every other day plan for maintenance. The combination of this with T-Tapp allows freedom to enjoy favorite foods without guilt and the ability of the body to overcoming cravings. It's all about bio-balance - chemically, mechanically, mentally, emotionally and physically.

Hungry hormone Ghrelin, is just one piece of the puzzle, but I hope this newsletter has created better understanding why diet deprivation actually makes it more difficult to lose.

So, MOVE IT and MAKE IT HAPPEN ------ Yes You Can with T-Tapp!

Best wishes to all,

Teresa Tapp

There, now I feel a bit more educated.

Au revoir!

P.S. If you would like a copy of the God Made/Man Made Dietary Plan email me at casey@t-tapp.com.

T-Tapp Exercise for Menopause and Thyroid Balance

I love this article by Mary Shomon about T-Tapp. Check it out...

T-Tapp: The Exercise for Menopause and Thyroid Patients
By Mary Shomon

I'll be honest. I'm not the least bit athletic, and I have little skill when it comes to exercise. But as a writer, I'm chained to my desk too many hours a day, my back frequently gets creaky and stiff, and as a thyroid patient, my metabolism isn't optimal, so I absolutely need to exercise. I've done yoga, and Pilates, and used my treadmill, and while they help with flexibility and energy, they haven't done much in terms of changing my body shape.

So when I kept getting emails from readers, telling me about T-Tapp, I was interested. The readers were sharing their stories about being hypothyroid, and trying to lose weight and tone up, and nothing had been working...until they started doing this program called "T-Tapp". (Seriously, when I first heard the name, I thought it must be some sort of tap dancing exercise program!)

One reader, Denise, wrote:

I have been diagnosed as hypothyroid for a number of years, but have never felt normal and have continued to gain weight until I don't know who that is in the mirror. Over the last three months I have worked out an hour a day, T-Tapping. It is a fabulous workout. I forced myself to do it because I had become nothing but flab and had no energy. I was desperate to find a way to build some muscle, hoping it would help to reduce the fat. In three months, I have actually lost ten inches. The T-Tapp team is great and very encouraging. I was told to do the routine less often for a better result (!) and it works. Amazing!

After receiving a number of similar emails, I decided I had to find out more. I learned that T-Tapp was created by exercise physiologist and rehabilitative fitness specialist Teresa Tapp -- hence the name. No tap dancing at all; instead, a series of unique movements that are designed to improve spinal alignment, flexibility and strength, as well as to build muscle, improve lymphatic function, raise metabolism, and control glucose levels. Plus, T-Tapp had a built-in focus on rehabilitation. You didn't need to be an athlete to get started. Plus, the program promised results.

In my own case, the first week I T-Tapped (I was doing the T-Tapp Total Workout) I did the routine -- which is easy to follow -- three times...about 40 minutes each session. I lost 12 inches in that first week alone, with 3 inches of it in my waist! It wasn't hard to convince me to keep T-Tapping! (And needless to say, after that first week's loss, I'm not losing 12 inches a week, but as long as I do my T-Tapp workout several times a week, I'm making progress!) Meanwhile, everything is firming up, I wake up without aches and pains, and my body is far more flexible. Going up and down the stairs, my legs feel lighter, stronger.

I didn't understand how even a week of T-Tapp, compared to months of Pilates, could have such an immediate effect on my body in terms of inch loss. Teresa Tapp explained it:

While T-Tapp has some elements similar to Pilates and even yoga, I specifically designed the sequence of exercises in T-Tapp to provide a comprehensively non-impact, aerobic conditioning workout that activates muscles at various points, for maximum effectiveness. But with T-Tapp, your muscles don't bulk up. My approach helps you develop longer, leaner, denser muscles, and these muscles act like girdles to support and cinch in key areas.

An additional benefit of T-Tapp is that Teresa Tapp designed it to specifically optimize lymphatic function. According to Tapp, T-Tapp is not only isotonic (like most exercise) and neurokinetic (NK) -- communicating mind-to-muscle (like Pilates and yoga, for example) -- but, says Tapp:

With T-Tapp I add leverage isometrics. These are acupressure points to intensify the mind-to-muscle nerve transmission, which optimizes isometric activation. Using small added components -- even something as simple as changing the position of your thumb, or keeping your knee to little toe -- activates muscles better than if you are just thinking about it.

Check out this YouTube video about T-Tapp to get an idea of what it's all about!

T-TAPP WORKOUTS

T-Tapp features a variety of workouts -- including workouts you can do lying on the floor, seated in a chair, using a broom for balance, walking, and a number of various T-Tapp routines and approaches. I do the T-Tapp Total Workout, which takes about 40 minutes, and is an incredible workout!

You don't need any weights or equipment to do T-Tapp. And there's no jumping!! (Your knees will thank you!) If you have back or knee problems, T-Tapp is actually very rehabilitative. It may look simple -- and it's not hard to do -- but the results are not simple at all, because you're working muscles at multiple levels. As Teresa says, "Instead of working long and hard, you'll discover how quality of movement can be more important than quantity!"

T-Tapp is actually working and building multiple muscles at the same time, clearing the lymph system and detoxing, and aiding with flexibility. I love it! (And when you buy DVDs or materials directly from T-Tapp, you also get free 800# support from Teresa's staff, and they're fantastic. I had a problem with my heel that was flaring up while I was exercising, and they gave me detailed modifications to the exercises so I could work around my heel problem. Problem solved!)

I also love that T-Tapp has a DVD program, called T-Tapp MORE, which is, as Tapp describes it, is for people with more to lose, more physical limitations/injuries/health issues, or more candles on the cake.

If you haven't been working out regularly, T-Tapp MORE is a wonderful way to ease into exercising and enjoy results. And you don't end up flat on your back for two days, exhausted, after doing a workout.

You can also learn all about T-Tapp with Teresa's terrific book, Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes, in which Teresa Tapp walks you through her signature T-Tapp workout, and teaches you how to "use your body as a machine so you can lose inches quick, build bone density, and condition your heart, all with only 8 repetitions and no equipment." Each book includes a free DVD with bonus exercises, plus a 30% coupon for purchase of any T-Tapp products, including the DVDs. "Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes" is a great way to get started with T-Tapp.

If you don't have an exercise program that you regularly follow, I would encourage you to find out more about T-Tapp and adopt it as your exercise program. And even if you participate in regular exercise, adding T-Tapp into your program can help improve your overall fitness and the results you get from your workouts.

MINDFUL MOVEMENT
FOR MENOPAUSE MANAGEMENT

For several decades, Teresa has worked with perimenopausal and menopause patients, as well as women with a slowed metabolism due to thyroid problems, so she knows what works for us.

So I was thrilled then, when Teresa graciously offered to developed a special sequence of T-Tapp exercises, which can help us with hormonal balancing, blood sugar management, and toning of key areas!

This specialized T-Tapp program is called "Mindful Movement for Menopause Management," and is featured only in the book Menopause Thyroid Solution! (Order your copy of Menopause Thyroid Solution now from Amazon.com!)

And stay tuned for a companion instructional DVD on "Mindful Movement for Menopause Management," coming soon from T-Tapp.

2009 T-TAPP RETREAT: POWER OF MINDFUL MOVEMENT
OCTOBER 1-4, 2009

The T-Tapp Retreat will be held at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, in Safety Harbor, Florida, from Thursday, October 1st through Sunday, October 4th. Led by Teresa Tapp, and featuring Mary Shomon as the keynote speaker, the focus of this year's Retreat is the Power of Mindful Movement for Better Brain and Body Function, including Menopause Management. Teresa Tapp will teach how to implement the primary principles of T-Tapp and muscle activation techniques into daily activity to optimize metabolic function and how to apply T-Tapp techniques to improve effectiveness of traditional exercise training and how to increase the intensity of any T-Tapp workout without increasing reps or sets. (And if you participate in the various T-Tapp workouts, the average inch loss during the Retreat is 8 inches!!)

Get more information about the T-Tapp 2009 Retreat now.

Whittle (Your Waist) While You Work

Just got this email today from Best Life and I really like their ideas.

Whittle (Your Waist) While You Work
By Liz Plosser

The office might be good for many things—a paycheck, gossip, a lively holiday party, to name just a few. But if you're watching your weight and trying to live healthier, it can be fraught with obstacles that threaten to throw you off track—from the doughnuts at morning meetings to the vending machine you're tempted to raid on late nights. Use this 9-to-5 guide to stick to your diet and stay healthy:

8 a.m. Slip on flats when you're getting ready
Folks who wear comfy clothes and shoes to work take an average of 491 more steps a day than their dressed-up, high-heeled colleagues, reports a study by the American College of Sports Medicine. Those extra 500 steps add up over the days, weeks and months and can help you drop a few pounds by the end of the year, according to the study authors.

9:30 a.m. Stretch it out
Set an alert on your computer to remind yourself to stop and stretch your arms, neck, upper back and shoulders for a couple of minutes. You'll reduce pain, prevent tension headaches and reduce the occurrence of migraines, reports a study out of the University of Turin in Italy.

10 a.m. Stand up when chatting on the phone
The more activities you do while standing up, the better, says James Levine, Ph.D., a scientist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, whose research has found that standing boosts your calorie burn by about 50 calories for each half hour you would've been sitting.

12:30 p.m. Take a lunch break
Ditch your cubicle at lunchtime: Folks who eat while they're distracted consume an average of 40 percent more than those who take a break and focus on enjoying their meal, according to a study by Brian Wansink, Ph.D., a behavioral eating researcher at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

4 p.m. Look out the window
Pause for a minute and take a look at the outside world: Researchers at University of Washington in Seattle found that when study participants viewed the outdoors, their heart rates decreased by up to nine beats per minute—and their pulses fell twice as fast after a stressful situation—compared to those who looked at blank walls or digital images of nature scenes.

The Claim: Daylight Saving Time Can Affect Your Health

It seems that when the clock is moved forward or back one hour, the body’s internal clock — its circadian rhythm, which uses daylight to stay in tune with its environment — does not adjust.

See... my body didn't wake up for a reason!

The Claim: Daylight Saving Time Can Affect Your Health

The Claim: Morning Is the Best Time to Exercise

Perfect timing for my discovery of this article today:

The Claim: Morning Is the Best Time to Exercise

Pretty, interesting.

RealAge YOU: Younger, Stronger

I received this email from RealAge yesterday. These widgets seem to be pretty neat and who can resist popping bubble wrap?

Your Best Strategy: Heading Off a Headache
What's the fastest way to relieve a headache? Not getting one in the first place. It's easier to do than you think. Try these simple strategies:

• Refresh. Dehydration can cause headaches. Make sure you're drinking enough water. Use the Hydration Tracker to set reminders and track your water intake -- right on your computer desktop.
• Refuel. Skipping meals can cause a headache. So can figuring out what to eat. Get help with this Lunch Selector widget, and when lunchtime rolls around, simply spin the plate for a suggestion.
• Relax. Stress is a leading cause of headaches. So if your day gets overwhelming, pop stress away with this bubble wrap.

T-Tapp in Woman's Day Magazine!

Woman's Day magazine featured a little T-Tapp article in the January 2009 issue!

Learn how to get perfect posture using T-Tapp techniques...

Teresa is offering some super specials for Woman's Day readers.

Buy the T-Tapp Total System for only $145.00 and receive Step Away the Inches and Teresa's book Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes! That's a $36.90 value absolutely FREE!

(The T-Tapp Total System includes the Total Workout that is featured in

Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes as well as the CRT Skin Tightening System.)

OR

Buy the Introduction to T-Tapp package for only $10 and free shipping. This package includes the Yes You Can Instructional Seminar and Teresa's new TappCore. TappCore has 9 Mindful Movements that can be done throughout the day and is also the workout that Florida Governor Charlie Crist wrote a Letter of Recognition to T-Tapp about. This is a great way to get started with T-Tapp and you receive a $10 credit toward a future T-Tapp starter package.

Happy Holidays From Teresa and the T-Tapp Staff!

These offers are good through January 15, 2009.

PLEASE CALL 1.877.TAPP.FIT (877.827.7348) TO ORDER THESE SPECIALS!

TappCore Article in Tampa Tribute

'TappCore' Exercises Tap Into Brain, Show Results

By CAROLE DICKEY

In The Loop
Published: November 7, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - Teresa Tapp taps into a person's brain in her exercise workouts. Forget jumping, lifting weights and dieting.

"Each side of the brain controls the other side of the body," said the national fitness expert as she introduced her workout program, TappCore, to a group of clinical assistants recently at a Pasco County School Board meeting.

Tapp created TappCore for students and teachers. It requires only one set of eight repetitions, and students don't need to be athletically inclined as they learn how to activate their muscles.

Because the exercises stimulate left brain and right brain function, they are designed to improve mental focus, coordination and kinetic awareness.

The series of exercises requires only 3 square feet of space, so it can be done in a classroom, hallway, gym or outdoors.

Melanie Hagerty, a Pasco County school nurse, began the program in February.

"I started because we did a health screening and my cholesterol was really high, like 257," Hagerty said. "By doing 15 minutes a day, in three weeks I went down to 171, and I've lost over 30 pounds and 30 inches. It has absolutely changed my life."

TappCore is in several Florida schools, and Tapp's goal is to get a grant to expand into more schools.

"Teresa has a passion for teachers, and she developed TappCore for the kids," Hagerty said. "She is a loving, giving person and she just wants to make a difference in kids' lives and in people's lives."

Tapp has written a book, "Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes," which includes a DVD and sells on her Web site for $16.95. It features a workout she calls T-Tapp.

Tapp offers free demonstrations of several of her exercises on her Web site, including "The T-Tapp Secret for a Flat Stomach," "Awesome Legs Workout," "Diva Derriere The T-Tapp Way" and "Spot Reduction for a Trim Torso and Long, Lean Arms."

Visit www.t-tapp.com to check out TappCore!

T-Tapp on the Daily WD blog: Fit Flicks

Check it out!

Women's Fitness Magazine Summer 2008

Women's Fitness Magazine (formerly FitBody - Women's Fitness) has hit the newsstands! I know T-Tappers have been anxiously awaiting the release of this issue, especially for the free TappCore exercise DVD that comes with each copy.

The Summer 2008 issue includes great information about T-Tapp, such as the exercise article featuring T-Tapper Summer, the Thyroid article written by T-Tapp Trainer Kate, the TappCore article titled "Honey It's Not Baby Fat Anymore", plus bonus TappCore DVD.

I loved seeing Summer's photos and reading about Kate's success. There's also lots of info from Dr. Roizen and Dr. Oz that's worth a read. I hope that you get to check out this issue!

June 2008 FITNESS Magazine Features T-Tapp

The article that mentions Teresa Tapp is titled "I ♥ My Trainer".

Here are the June T-Tapp specials...

Step Away the Inches Walking Workout - This VHS or DVD aerobic walking workout provides cardiac conditioning as well as total body sculpting without any jumping, kicks or equipment. Step Away the Inches builds muscle strength and flexibility in the upper body as much as the lower body! Best of all, the techniques taught in this workout can be applied while walking throughout the day and will optimize any walking program. Discover the difference walking the T-Tapp way with every step you take. Special price - $19.95 (regular retail $24.95) FITNESS super special: $10.00 + free shipping* with coupon code: Step10

T-Tapp Total Workout - This comprehensive, full body program includes Instructional 1, Basic Plus, Instructional 2 and the Total Workout at Beginner/Rehabilitation level. ABC tv in Philadelphia called this workout "The Workout that Works" for all fitness levels. Its special sequence of comprehensive, compound muscle movements use isometric linear alignment along with large muscle movement and lymphatic pumping to deliver higher aerobic, strength, flexibility and body sculpting - as well as rehabilitative benefits to shoulders, back, hips and knees. Inches drop quickly since muscles are developed with density, not bulk, to cinch-in, uplift, tighten and tone. Total Workout also teaches how to increase intensity without adding weights or repetitions so you can always challenge your body and get results with only one set of 8 repetitions. Less IS more with T-Tapp and Total Workout delivers a full body program that not only builds a better body with optimal fitness and wellness, but helps you keep it for the rest of your life. Special price $79.95 also includes "Yes You Can with T-Tapp Seminar", Measuring Tips, T-Tapp Measuring Tape, How to Guidelines, God Made/Man Made Dietary Program and unlimited Free 800 Tech Support (retail value over $190.00!) FITNESS extra 20% discount + free shipping* with coupon code: Total20

*Note: Free shipping only available for US and Canada customers.

I'm featured in Lani's Fitness DreamMaker eZine!

Lani Muelrath, Head T-Tapp Trainer, recently started a fantastic email newsletter. Last month she emailed me and asked if she could feature my T-Tapp blog in her upcoming eZine. Well, it just came out today! Here it is...

{ Click Photo to Enlarge }

Check out Lani's Blogspot eZine archive: http://lanimuelrath.blogspot.com/

RealAge.com

This website is fabulous! RealAge doctors Dr. Roizen and Dr. Oz have covered it all on this site.

Take the RealAge Quiz to find out your "real age" and what you can do to make yourself grow younger. (Apparently I have a little work to do.)

RealAge.com has a wealth of information about diet, exercise, health, youthfulness and stress reduction.

If you haven't already checked it out... do it.

Benefits of Lavender Aroma

I just got an email newsletter regarding the benefits of lavender aroma. Check it out...

According to RealAge.com, inhaling the aroma of lavender for as little as five minutes a day reduced cortisol levels (cortisol is a stress hormone that has also been linked to increases in belly fat) and may also enhance additional antioxidant activity in the body.

Ahh, the sweet smell of health.

Bulgarian Lavender oil can also be applied directly to the skin for bruises, burns, rosacea, wrinkles and any need to heal the skin. I like to use a few drops in a salt soak, but now I'll be smelling it during the day too.

Purchase one from www.t-tapp.com today!

Eating Green

I'm becoming more and more aware about food. What goes into it matters. I try to buy organic when I can, but still end up getting some of the "regular stuff". No one likes to think about eating GMOs, HFCS, trans fat, pesticides, chemicals and hormones, but it's a growing reality these days.

Check out this great article from FitnessMagazine.com...

How Do I Eat Green?

Cellulite-Blasting Secrets

This article just came out March 1st on eDiets.com. How exciting! Check it out...

Cellulite. An estimated 90 percent of women have it, experts say. And most women fear it. Can you get rid of it or not? And if you can zap it, how do you do it?

We consulted two fitness experts who gave us the lowdown. New York Times best-selling fitness author and certified physical trainer Joyce Vedral, Ph.D. and exercise physiologist and former supermodel trainer Teresa Tapp are in the trenches day in and day out with women in the battle of the bumps.

"Is it possible to become cellulite-free?" we asked our experts. The good news is yes, they say -- you can kiss most, if not all, of your cellulite goodbye. How? Through good old-fashioned diet and exercise. That's a balanced diet and the right kind of exercise.

The bad news? You guessed it: "You mean I have to work at it?" we hear you saying.

"I get furious when I hear fitness and medical professionals say you can't get rid of cellulite," said Vedral, who at 50+, has the tight, toned body of an in-shape woman half her age. When the fitness guru appeared on a talk show with a physician who said that nothing could remove cellulite, she did everything she could to maintain her composure.

"Cellulite is just bunched-up fat," she says. "Build lean, shapely muscle underneath those dimply thighs, and the skin will become smoother and firmer as the fat melts away."

Most experts agree that cellulite owes its waffled appearance to strands of tissue that connect fat to your skin. As soft fat bulges through these connective fibers, it pushes against your skin to produce the dreaded rippling effect.

Vedral used to have cellulite. She found her secret weapon in weight training, in her 40s, and says she has coached hundreds of women to do the same.

Tapp, on the other hand, says she has helped hundreds of women become cellulite-free through a preventive wellness program that took seven years to develop. The copyrighted T-Tapp workout combines dance theory, tai chi and theories of Western strength training in a regimen that is designed to fatigue muscle groups layer by layer. "My system works from the inside out," she says, because the carefully planned moves stimulate the body to rebuild its digestive system, flush out toxins, and improve lymphatic function and neuro-kinetic flow. The movement sequences affect multiple muscle groups, organs and body systems. The result: You burn calories and develop muscle density instead of muscle mass. No equipment is necessary. As a bonus, says Tapp, the workout is rehabilitative, especially for the lower back and knees.

You may be surprised to learn that both fitness experts believe just about any healthy, balanced eating plan that avoids refined carbohydrates will aid in reducing cellulite. Tapp also advises staying away from carbonated beverages.

If you want to see sleeker thighs and buttocks in as little as three weeks and near perfection in 12 weeks, Vedral says, try her Cellulite Be Gone package. It consists of three workout videos that are designed to be used in rotation to shock the body for maximum fat-burning and body-shaping results.

Tapp, who has helped supermodels such as Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell get and stay in top shape, says you can tighten up and drop a dress size in two weeks with T-Tapp. Other skin-tightening solutions she recommends are body brushing and specially developed supplements. Tapp recently released a book about her program, Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes.

Cellfood Drops

I recently started taking Cellfood again and don't know why I ever stopped. This stuff is amazing! Most of us don't get enough minerals, amino acids or enzymes in our diet... Cellfood is a great way to supplement. Here's a newsletter that Teresa Tapp sent out in 2000 about the benefits of Cellfood.

The Importance of Oxygen for overall Health and Fitness
T-Tapp Newsletter: July 30, 2000

The following newsletter is condensed from an article by Dr. Svet Boulatov, a medical doctor and homeopath. Dr. Boulatov lectures and consults in classical homeopathy, iridology, colon and tissue cleansing, and nutrition.

Most people don't realize how nutritional deficiencies can lead to diseases. Because our soils have been depleted of necessary minerals, many of our fruits and vegetables now have less than 12 minerals out of the over 70 minerals we need that were present in our foods 100 years ago. Furthermore, growing pollution has led to the depletion of oxygen in our atmosphere – from above 38% to less than 21% today. Our bodies are not designed to breathe air with only 21% oxygen in it. When oxygen drops to 6%, we suffocate. Without oxygen, a person can only live for a few minutes.

Our bodies need oxygen, water, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. With reduction of oxygen in the atmosphere, cellular oxygenation decreases, which results both in our metabolism slowing down and in toxins not being oxidized and expelled from our bodies. Chronic oxygen deficiency at cellular level leads to the accumulation of toxins and waste matter in our systems, resulting in some form of cellular mutation. Otto Warburg, twice Nobel Laureate, stated "the primary cause of cancer is the replacement of normal oxygen respiration of body cells by anaerobic cell respiration."

The heart never gets cancer. Why? Because the coronary heart vessels deliver­ to the heart muscle­ blood that has the highest concentration of oxygen, which comes directly from the lungs. Thereafter, the slightly less oxygenated blood goes through the aorta to all the other parts of the body.

Water is needed for life. Without water, a person can live for only a few days. Water forms between 72 and 80% of the body. Minerals are needed for the proper composition of the body fluids, the formation of blood and bone, the maintenance of healthy nerve function, and the regulation of muscle tone. Lack of a single mineral can cause mental and physical problems. Enzymes break down foods so nutrients can be absorbed by the body (digestive enzymes), and build the body from proteins, carbohydrates and fats (metabolic enzymes). Amino acids make up the proteins that the body needs. These proteins are not obtained directly from the diet. Dietary protein is broken down into amino acids, which the body then uses to build the specific protein it needs. We can see how these five elements sustain life in our bodies, but is there a dietary supplement that can supply us with all of these?

Fortunately, there is. It's called "Cellfood". This highly concentrated and super-energized liquid contains 78 elements and trace minerals, 34 enzymes, 17 amino acids, in a special dipole/dibase full aqueous solution which causes water molecules to split into hydrogen and oxygen, and supplies the body with these elements at the cellular level. Oxygen is used for oxidizing metabolic waste and for stimulating cellular respiration, and hydrogen is used for solidifying tissue cells. As a most complete nutritional supplement, "Cellfood" can offer tremendous benefits to humans, animals and plants. It both detoxifies and supplies essential micro-nutrients to balance any living tissue.

"Cellfood" boosts the immune system. In 1991 Dr. Aristo Vojdani, Vice President of Immunosciences Laboratories USA observed significant increases in T-cells with increasing dosages of "Cellfood". It's rapidly absorbed by the body because it's delivered directly into the blood stream through the mucous linings of the mouth, throat and esophagus; many other nutritional supplements are absorbed through the digestive system.

"Cellfood" scavenges free radicals at the cellular level. When "Cellfood" causes the splitting of a water molecule, the single oxygen atom that is released has a negative electromagnetic charge. A free radical is a positively charged atom that is damaging the cell because of its inability to bond with something. When this free radical encounters the negatively charged oxygen atom generated by "Cellfood", it bonds with it. The result is an oxygen molecule, which is used by the cell for cellular metabolism.

"Cellfood" increases the bioavailability of other nutritional supplements or medicines. That's why doctors must regularly monitor people who are on medication and take “Cellfood”. The need for medication can often be gradually decreased as the body cleanses, and gets stronger and more balanced. "Cellfood" can also be applied externally on the skin. It can be used undiluted on bruises, warts, moles, corns, scars, etc. If there is an open wound, dilute it from 1:10 to 1:20 with distilled water and apply it to the wound. For eye infections, it can be used as eye drops diluted 1:40 with sterile distilled water, and for sinus problems, it can be used like nose drops diluted 1:30 with distilled water. In an emergency, such as oxygen deficiency, a car accident, or shock a couple of drops can be put directly under the tongue.

Until we replenish our environment with sufficient oxygen, unpolluted water supplies, and soil balanced with all the elements and minerals in it, we'll need to use a nutritional supplement like "Cellfood" on a daily basis. By cleansing, nourishing and balancing our bodies, we are making a meaningful investment in ourselves – ensuring prevention of disease, quick healing if we do get ill or hurt, and improving our quality of living at every level.


My opinion: I knew about "Cellfood" approximately 5 years ago but it's just now arriving at general health food stores. In my opinion, "Cellfood" is the most comprehensive, nutritionally dense, most economical product I have ever discovered. Its unique oxygenating process and ionic delivery system enables it to deliver dissolved oxygen, electrolytes, 78 ionic minerals, 34 enzymes and 17 amino acids to every single cell. Talk about getting your money's worth! This super-concentrate comes in a 1 oz bottle and makes over 22 quarts of super-energized supplement! Its unique time-release delivery system ensures that all vital nutrients are rapidly absorbed by the body at the cellular level. And to top it off, it is created from all-natural plant substances. It retails for $24.95, but I've seen many health food stores price it at $26.95 or $29.95... you can get it on special for only $22.46. Order online on my web store yet or call 1-800-342-0717 (free shipping too). I mentioned this product months ago in a "Shared Secrets" article in Women's Fitness International magazine and the response was unbelievable... testimonials of increased energy were the most common with majority saying that they felt the difference within the first day!

The most amazing thing about this product is its ability to oxygenate from within the body. Most oxygen boosting products have infused oxygen (like water), but the oxygen escapes every time the bottle opens so the amount of oxygen assimilated by the body is minimal. No other delivery system is as effective as "Cellfood". It actually splits the H20 molecule from within our body to H (hydrogen) and O (oxygen) like Dr. Svet Boulatov explained in his article. So after you take this supplement, it continues to work within your system slowly reaching its peak 6 to 12 hours later.

Oxygen is a carrying agent and is necessary for the overall health of our bodies. Many celebrities/models frequent "oxygen bars" and drink special health tonics while sitting around with tubes in their nostrils (really!) to ensure youthful appearance and glowing skin texture. I saw one in Los Angeles nearly 10 years ago; it looked like a Star Wars set! Many professional make-up artists carry special "oxygen spritzers" to mist actor's faces while filming so their faces look smoother with less lines. Jennifer Anniston from the TV show "Friends" even admits to doing this – but most all actresses do. Then for those who can afford it, lie in an oxygen tank for 20 minutes or more for ultimate oxygenation. Remember all those bizarre stories how Michael Jackson would go in an oxygen tank on a weekly basis? Well, he's not the only celebrity! On a more common level, we've all seen many athletes intake oxygen to accelerate rebound time to get back into their game with renewed energy. Well now, we ALL can receive the benefits of oxygen with "Cellfood" ­ plus it's cost effective.

The Cellfood company also has a Cellfood Oxygen Gel for the face and neck. It's also a great product. If interested in purchasing either Cellfood Drops or Cellfood Oxygen Gel T-Tapp retails them online!

Muscle Activation by Lani Muelrath

I received [ Lani's FitDream eZine ] First Edition yesterday. She wrote a really intriguing article about T-Tapp and the muscle activation research she's been working on. Check it out...

Things are really cooking in T-Tapp classes at San Francisco State University - in the workouts as well as the laboratory!

As you may know, I am working with the Kinesiology Department Senior Research Seminar group at San Francisco State University while also teaching T-Tapp classes there for students and staff.

Exciting preliminary results - DIRECTLY related to your experience! T-Tapp alignment principles and isometric isolation techniques create a significantly deeper energy demand than similar exercises done WITHOUT attention to T-Tapp principles. OK, you knew it all along, but to a teacher like me, so exciting to see those graphs going wild in the lab!

And we didn't just go by "feel" - we utilized technical lab equipment for analysis. Specifically, yours truly underwent a batter of tests utilizing, electro-myography, or EMG (see image). This utilized placement of electrodes at specific muscle fiber points in the body. Here's how the testing for me was set up:

I was "linked up" with electrodes at 4 specific sites: biceps, rhomboids, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Then I performed 4 reps of various exercises, in a "traditional" fashion, then with T-Tapp forms. Specifically, I performed bicep curls, side lunges, side leg lifts (T-Tapp Balance sequence) and triceps kick-backs. The repetitions performed with T-Tapp principles of alignment and isometric isolation proved performance at significantly higher muscle activation and recruitment than those without implementation of same!

What are the implications of this for you? You can be confident that by utilizing the T-Tapp instructions of functional alignment and isometric isolations that you are indeed creating a greater metabolic workload, increased calorie consumption, and comprehensive training! This means less workout time, more out of what you do, and increased benefit of time spent. All features I love about T-Tapp!

Sign up for [ Lani's FitDream eZine ] at fitnessdreammakers.com!

Good Fat VS Bad Fat

We've all heard about "good" and "bad" fat, but do you know the difference between them? This article by Diet-to-Go discusses the skinny on fat.

Check it out... The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Fats!

"Wii-hab"

I love to play the Nintendo Wii! It's so fun. Some of the games actually make me work up a sweat or at least increase my heart rate due to moving around so much. Wii Sports, WarioWare: Smooth Moves and EA Playground just to name a few.

A newer Wii game that I want to try is Wii Fit. This game uses a Wii Balance Board (a pad that players stand on while doing various types of exercise) and includes calisthenics, yoga, and balancing. The Wii becomes your personal trainer at home!

Exercise Video Games seem to be a new trend that will continue to grow. At least it helps keep kids active!

Check out this article from CNN.com: "Wii-hab" uses video games to help patients heal