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Should I hire a community association management company to help organize my community?

The first question you need to ask does your Homeowner Association Board have extensive and practical experience in financial budgets, governance, community operations, and training for new board members. If you didn't immediately answer yes to each of those questions than a professional community association Management Company could be of service to your board. One more thing to consider is with your homeowner association board is not just do you have the experience, though do you have the time.

Unless your homeowner association board is made of fulltime board members which it probably is not, you have other responsibilities to your own business or employment that take priority for your time. This is why hiring a community management company is so important. That way you have a fulltime staff working to run your community.

One of the most beneficial items from using a professional community management team is operational budgets. The process of having a detailed and accurate budget for board members to make decisions from is crucial to community success. Since management companies with extensive experience have created many successful budgets the difference in accuracy is immense. With realistic budgets and planning your board members can feel confident that they are making the right decisions for their residents. Management services can guide board members through operational challenges that will arise no matter how detailed planning is. The biggest mistake most homeowner association boards make is a lack of a consistent communication process to updates and how the challenge will be solved.

When all community processes are handled by trained fulltime staff your community can run smoothly and it makes you look good for your residents. The reality is that most home owners only notice their association board when there are issues. The best boards are the ones that the residents don't even think about.

Have you ever been frustrated with new board members? Not that they are not bright and highly accomplished people, though they lack the experience of how your board and community works. Professional community management companies should have experience in how to train new board members into effective decision members that can contribute faster to their respected development.

The part that most residents notice the most is the up keep around the properties. Making sure that every person or business responsible is delivering can be overwhelming. The most effective community management companies have systems in place to organic and manage each community to keep property values and impressions up.

Just think if your homeowner association board is having any issues that professional community management could take care of. Less head aches and smoother management makes being on a association board more enjoyable and effective.

Parker Finch specializes in professional community management with online resident services for home owners.

How to Determine the Value of Your Gold Coins

Gold has been mankind's most desirable asset for more than 3,000 years. It freely circulated as everyday money - except during times of great economic turmoil - from the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans right up to 1933. Until that year, the value of the great majority of gold coins was the same as their face value. That meant a $20 gold coin could be freely exchanged for 20 one-dollar bills. And 20 one-dollar bills could be exchanged for one $20 gold coin. It was a two-way system that promoted a stable value for our money.

That era ended in 1933. As part of his effort to re-inflate our economy from the depths of the depression, President Roosevelt recalled all circulating gold coins. He had his Treasury Department melt them and send the newly formed ingots to Fort Knox for storage. Then Roosevelt revalued gold, in a series of steps, from its pre-1933 value of $20 to $35 per ounce.

The Market for Gold Coins Changes

Literally overnight, a $20 gold coin contained more than $20 worth of gold. Owners of the limited number of coins that survived the federal recall order, primarily collectors and overseas banks, wondered how to determine the value of their gold coins. Were they only worth their gold value, or would the government's efforts turn once-common issues into scarce and rare dates?

Today we know the answer to that question. The government's massive melting of our circulating $1, $2.50, $5, $10, and $20 gold coins created hundreds of rarities out of coins with original mintage that suggest easy availability. Here's one example: the Philadelphia Mint struck 2.9 million $20 gold coins in 1931, one of the higher mintage of the 1907-1933 series. Based strictly on its original mintage, the 1931-P should be easily available and not too expensive. Thanks to the government's melting, all 1931-P $20 gold coins are rare and extremely valuable.

Gold Coin Values Today

Speed forward to 2009. All U.S. gold coins minted before 1933 are worth FAR more than their face value, and many are worth FAR more than their bullion (metallic) value. That's true because the number of collectors of U.S. gold coins of the pre-1933 era has expanded tremendously. At the same time, the available supply of these coins has remained relatively unchanged. Because rare coin market values are set by the interaction of supply and demand, the long-term value of pre-1933 U.S. gold coins has shown a distinctly rising trend.

So how can you determine the value of your pre-1933 U.S. gold coins?

We live in an age of tremendous availability of information. Early in the last century, collectors and investors were content to determine their gold coins' value by following (and interpreting) auction results. In the late 1940s, publishers began offering a once per year guide book that listed values for every U.S. coin. Then monthly publications were introduced, providing ads and estimated market values. Then weekly coin newspapers, filled with articles, auction results, and market commentaries, were established. Today we have all of these sources, plus the information on the Internet.

All of these sources, when you know how to use and interpret them, are extremely valuable. All of these sources can help you determine the value of each gold coin you own. But none is perfect. Each has its own quirks and its own idiosyncrasies.

The single best way to determine the retail or wholesale value of your pre-1933 U.S. gold coins is to have your trusted adviser perform a professional review, this will provide your most dependable estimate of value.

Determine the Value of Bullion Gold Coins

Bullion gold coins, like American Eagles and Canadian Maple Leafs, are struck by governments for sale to investors through a network of distributors and wholesalers. They are minted in unlimited numbers, so scarcity is not a factor in determining their value. That means the value of gold bullion coins can be easily determined with reasonable accuracy on any day.

To determine the value of your gold bullion coins, you need to know their pure gold weight and the spot (or cash) value of gold. Determining a gold coin's weight is usually simple: the coin's design should state them. If it does not, contact your coin dealer.

Once you know your bullion gold coin's pure gold content, it's time to identify the market value for an ounce of gold. For today's value, contact your broker. Your broker provides up to the minute bid and ask prices for spot gold, as well as spot silver, platinum, and palladium.

Now you know the weight of your coin and the value of an ounce of pure gold. To learn your coin's pure gold value, simply multiply the two numbers. For example: you want to know the value of a half-ounce American Eagle gold bullion coin. You know the pure gold content (one half ounce) because it is stated on the coin. You locate gold's current market value, and find it is $950 per ounce. Multiplying one-half (your coin's pure gold contents) times $950 (gold's current market value) yields a gold value of $475 for your coin. Market premiums, distribution charges, and dealer commissions will vary and will affect your coin's value, so be sure to consider them when determining your coin's value.

American Eagles, the world's most popular gold bullion coins, are guaranteed for their content and purity by the United States government. Their value is primarily determined by the price of gold, which fluctuates throughout the day.

Contact ITM Trading Senior Analyst for how to buy Gold coins or more information on buying Gold for Investment.

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Phoenix, AZ PARKER FINCH MANGEMENT ADDS NEW HOA CLIENT

Parker Finch adds new community management properties in the Camelback Corridor of Phoenix, Arizona.

October 13, 2009 --
Parker Finch Management, a leading national community association management firm, has added a new community to its roster: Biltmore Reserve Condominiums, a 28 unit community located along the Camelback Corridor. The neighborhood features lush mature landscaping, community pool, gas BBQ, outdoor fireplace and clubhouse.

Stu Burton, President of Parker Finch Management of Phoenix, was looking forward to working with the community. “We are excited to have the opportunity to help this fine community reach their goal for their neighborhood,” said Burton. “Through our state-of-the-art systems and customer service, we will increase the homeowners’ property values and the sense of community within the association.”

Parker Finch Management, with several offices around the country, is a leader in the community association management industry. The company provides a comprehensive suite of services to homeowners associations as well as developers. The firm’s expertise, professionalism, and commitment to quality service are second to none which allows associations that partner with Parker Finch Management to experience a better community.

For more information:

Phoenix, AZ

Visit our website: http://www.parkerfinch.com

Is it Safe to Mix Birth Control and Diet Pills?

What are Diet Pills Changes in diet and lifestyle are producing a generation, which is facing weight problems. More and more people are looking at quick and easy methods of losing weight. With advertisements, such as "lose weight with just a pill" and "melt those pounds," people are finding weight loss pills, an attractive way to get rid of the excess weight. No one wants to go the hard way of exercising and eating a proper healthy diet. It is no wonder that diet pills have turned into a multi-billion dollar industry with several takers.

Truth about Weight Loss Products

There is a huge range of diet pills and drugs available in the market today. While some are herbal formulations, others include prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs. Some of these diet pills are addictive and some contain laxatives. Used in excess or continuously over a period, these tablets to lose weight may result in insomnia, restlessness, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in menstrual cycle, hair loss, change in sex drive, and many more problems. In extreme cases, heart attacks, renal failure, and even death are not unheard propositions. A closer look reveals that these diet drugs mostly work well, if you change your overall lifestyle, diet, and have a regular exercise routine.

The connection between Diet Pills and the efficacy of Birth Control Pills

Diet products act by speeding up the metabolism of the body. It therefore may not be wrong to suggest that these diet pills may hastily remove the effects of birth control pills on the system. However, there is no clear scientific evidence and research to show the possible effects of taking both, the birth control pill and the weight loss pill, together. At the same time, it is extremely important to remember that drugs and medicines, whether over-the-counter or prescription, taken for a particular problem, have the potential to intermingle with other drugs taken for other reasons. This in turn may result in a decline in the effectiveness of one or both the medications. Moreover, in extreme cases, the drugs might react with each other and may cause devastating effects. It is therefore extremely important to remember to consult a proper medical practitioner, before mixing and taking two or more medications or drugs together. Birth control pills affect the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the female body, while diet pills affect the whole body.

On this note, we can say that the effect of diet pills on the efficacy of birth control pills, when taken together, remains an important field for further research, open for all science and medical enthusiasts.

Precision Trials offers birth control research and the latest information including what happens if missed birth control pills.

How Does Organic Food Affect Your Body

Present day health conscious people are attracted more towards natural living fundamental, which includes organic foods as well. But, why do people prefer organic foods instead of conventional foods? How does organic ingredients affect your body? Organic products actually are specially grown food products, rich in organic ingredients, inculcated deliberately. Diets rich in organic health items give natural and fresh dose to the body, as compared to the pesticide inflicted non-organic foods, generally available in the market. Sometimes, conventional foods contain genetically modified organisms (GMO).

Problems associated with non-organic foods The following problems are commonly associated with non-organic products:

Low energy Levels

Low libido

Low motivation levels

Low metabolism Benefits of organic foods for the body Organic items provide not only mental and emotional benefits, but also the physical ones. Therefore, organic foods are fulfilling mentally, physically, and psychologically. Organic products do not contain toxins such as pesticides, antibiotics, additives, and nitrates that are mostly present in non-organic foods. According to an article in the Journal of Applied Nutrition, organic foods are nearly the best ones in the terms of nutritional quality.

Nutrients content of organic foods

Haves: Some of the rich nutrients, largely available in organic health items are:

Chromium - A micro-nutrient, found less in conventional food. Its deficiency may cause diabetes and atherosclerosis in adults.

Selenium - An antioxidant micro-nutrient, which protects from cancer, heart disease, and environmental chemical

Calcium - A mineral required for strong bones and teethes

Boron - This trace element prevents osteoporosis

Lithium - Good for the treatment of certain level of depression

Magnesium - Decreases the death rate, caused due to heart attacks and eases the symptoms of PMS

Vitamins - They are necessary for the body in limited supply for its proper functions and its protection against toxins. Vitamins A, B, C (antioxidant), and beta carotene (immunity booster & prevents lung cancer) are found well in organic foods

Have Nots: According to the researchers, organic foods contain less level of minerals, especially the following heavy metals:

Aluminum - Is responsible for the development of Alzheimer's disease

Lead - Has mental implications and can adversely affect children's IQ

Mercury - It causes neurological damage

Therefore, consuming organic produce is certainly a good idea and promise for good health and long lives, provided you follow the right diet patterns coupled with regular exercising! Organic products have health benefits for you and for the environment that makes long term differences.

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Natures Organic Market offers discount prices on organic baby clothes, organic coffee, and more.

Local Online Bridal Store Saves The Day For Jilted Brides

In MIAMISBURG, Ohio, SharNett Bridal and Prom store is closed for business. This has left Brides To Be scrambling to salvage their upcoming wedding day without having a gown to wear. The store has posted two signs on its door citing the economy as the reason for shutting down.

The store claims that it does plan to contact current customers. However some unhappy customers have been reporting that they are not being contacted by Sharnett.

Luckily for brides there is a concerned wedding dress retailer stepping up to help save the day.

One of the world's largest online bridal gowns websites, which is based in Centerville OH, is stepping in to help the worried brides. Scott Wells, the owner of the store, says he knows that many of the brides affected by the closing are probably in panic mode right now and he wants to help.

Wells is offering 50% off any of the 6,000 gowns in his inventory and a free tiara to go with it.

When asked why he would do this, Mr. Wells told us "This isn't the first time we have had to help out brides to be. Due to recent bad economy there have been other closings of bridal shops and we have stepped in with the same offer. We are not just in the dress business we are in the memories business as well. I cannot stand by and watch these women's dream day be crushed and do nothing."

This store is actually selling some of the dresses below cost to help the women obtain the wedding dress they dreamed of. Brides just need to show some sort of receipt or documentation that they had merchandise at Sharnett.

Mr.Wells wants to stress that they understand how important a woman's wedding day is and he and his staff are there to help, ''Even if their wedding is next weekend or this weekend, we can put them in their perfect dress. With over $1,000,000.00 dollars worth of inventory in stock and being in business for nearly 30 years, I'm certain we can take care of every bride beyond her expectations."

If you are a victim of a bridal shop closing you can always contact an office online, by email or directly by phone.

If you search Google online and go to the more prominent locations you will be able to find contact information and toll free numbers. Many also post local number listings also.

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An online Company with over 6000 quality wedding dresses can be found at http://romanticgowns.com Email info@bridalonlinestore.com Phone: 937-291-1610, 866-694-6967, or 866-437-1588

Pick a Beach Wedding Dress

You have decided to have a gorgeous wedding on the beach. Beach wedding dresses are usually made of lighter material. The more casual bridal gown still delivers images of class and style. Most often women looking for a beach wedding gown make sure that the hemline doesn't got all the way to the sand. Beach wedding dresses are not just for the skinny brides. Bigger brides can look just as beautiful in their beach wedding dress.

The key in picking your beach wedding gown is to pick a dress that matches your figure. It is important for everyone to look their best on their special day. Finding a dress that compliments your specific body type and figure is the key to looking gorgeous. A good plus size dress should flatten your curves instead of making them look bigger. Handling your curves is the key to plus size beach wedding gowns.

Look for a dress that fits well and doesn't dig into your skin. The high quality beach wedding gowns should be soft to the touch, with no itchiness. Beach wedding gowns should be made of breathable materials to keep your dress soaking up sweat. The breathable materials will keep your gown staying white all day long. This will keep your dress flowing and beautiful through the ceremony and reception.

A-line dresses make for the best plus size gowns. A full skirt dress should be avoided. Always look for a dress that will flatter your figure.

A high quality beach wedding dress is formed with lightweight, flowing materials. Stay away from heavy or cumbersome gowns. Popular materials are linen, silk, lace, gauze, rayon, or light cotton.

Sarongs are now becoming the rage for beach weddings. Wear a one piece, for a strapless mini gown style, or use as a skirt with matching halter top. Search online for the best prices for bridal dress shops.

The top styles for beach wedding dress are strapless or spaghetti strap gowns. It is typically hotter for beach weddings and this important to take into account when picking your dress. Remember to always pick a dress the matches your figure. Lacy sleeves are a great option for people who have larger arms.

Beach weddings are starting to become exceptionally popular. You now can have a high end and stylish wedding dress for your beach wedding. Search online for the latest styles to match your figure.

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New Partnership to Provide Research Options to Thousands of Arizona Women in Need

Precision Trials to Provide Services to Clinical Trial Participants at Planned Parenthood Arizona Locations.

For_Immediate_Release:

United States of America (Press Release) May 1, 2009 --
Phoenix, AZ, February 24, 2009 – Improved healthcare for Arizona women in need is the target of a new partnership between Precision Trials, a leading local women’s health research
organization, and Planned Parenthood Arizona, the state’s largest sexual health organization.

Precision Trials helps bring new potential treatments to market through its rigorous multi-year testing and evaluation process. Planned Parenthood Arizona provides healthcare to thousands of women in need each year at its 20 Arizona locations. The partnership allows Precision Trials to provide services, such as medical exams, tests and trials in birth control options and Human Papilloma Virus testing, to qualified candidates as part of its clinical research trial program.

“It’s a privilege for us to be working with Planned Parenthood Arizona to offer additional options for Arizona women,” said Ken Levin, CEO of Precision Trials. “Our partnership is a natural fit that benefits all involved. We conduct the clinical research necessary to bring new potential and commonly sought after services to women, and Planned Parenthood Arizona serves women every day who potentially can benefit from the healthcare solutions we provide.”

Planned Parenthood Arizona also sees this relationship as a means to embrace a segment of the community that might not otherwise receive potentially innovative medical care. “Clinical research is a logical extension of our larger mission to help meet the needs of women’s health in Arizona,” said Cynthia Locke, Director of Quality Improvement for Planned Parenthood Arizona. “We look forward to improving the lives of more Arizona women through our partnership with Precision Trials.”
source: FPR


Precision Trials LLC is a Women’s Health Research organization comprised of physician investigators and research professionals dedicated to enriching the lives of future generations of women. Through its high quality, measurable clinical trial process that focuses on the safety and protection of its subjects and the production of timely and accurate clinical data, the Arizona-based organization provides care to thousands of valley women. For more information, visit us online at www.PrecisionTrials.com .

Planned Parenthood Arizona is the largest sexual health organization in Arizona and is affiliated with Planned Parenthood Federation of America. We serve 70,000 health care patients annually, and more than 35,000 teens and adults through educational programming, outreach and public policy advocacy. Planned Parenthood Arizona operates 20 health center
locations in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Globe, Prescott, Tucson, and Yuma. For more information, please visit www.ppaz.org.

For more information, contact Ken Levin, CEO of Precision Trials at 602.931.4507, ext. 220, or Jolinda Nestor, Media and Communications Coordinator for Planned Parenthood Arizona at 602.263.4246.

For more information:
Phoenix, AZ

Visit our website: http://www.precisiontrials.com

Lipodrene Maximum Weight Loss Without a Prescription

Lipodrene addresses the three key issues to fat loss: 1. serotonin enhancement, 2. metabolic elevation, and 3. lipase inhibition, mking Lipodrene the most complete diet aid anywhere.

Lipodrene contains a unique extract found in the proprietary appetite suppressant, Hoodia Cactus. Lipodrene also contains Thermo-Rx, a proprietary blend of four plant extracts, whose alkoalod compostiion achieves an unprceedented thermogenic response. Thermo-Rx contains 1. acacia rigidula - 95% extract containing phenylethylamine and an alkaloid profile superior ro that of any other species, 2. 2-phenylethlyalmine HCL, an unparalledled stiulant and thermogenic that promotes a sense of satiety, 3. theobroma cocoa extract, which blocks dopamine and increass serotonin, giving a sense of well being and 4. green tea extract the most effective catechin profile available for optimum thermogenesis and increasing metabolism. Lipodrene also incorporates the extend rx deliver ystem that enhaces the pharmacological activity of its active components, without the unwanted side effects associated with regulated stimulants.

Tone Lean Sexy Fit Competitor Tiffany Yee Ms Fitness Routine

How does fitness really help weight loss

We want you to think the next time you're tempted to diet your way out of so that unwanted weight gain, to stop and consider your fitness-based alternatives. One thing to always keep in mind as it relates to fitness and weight loss is that if you are unable to do it for life than it probably won't work. Here are the biggest reasons a comprehensive fitness approach is a more effective and sustainable weight-loss solution:

Fitness revs your cellular engines. Your cells' mitochondria are the calorie burning powerhouses in your body. Mitochondria need oxygen, so the more oxygen you consume per minute (VO2 max), the more efficient your cells become, and the more calories you burn.

Fitness balances your hormones. Over time, fit people experience positive hormonal changes that help keep them fit. Lower stress hormone (reduces inflammation), higher growth hormone (builds muscle) and lower insulin (controls cravings) are just a few of the hormonal benefits fitness brings.

Fitness grows on you. Unlike dieting, which few people can tolerate for long, fitness quickly becomes a way of life. The more fit you become, the more you're inclined to move. So for most fit people, seeking daily activity becomes an almost instinctive habit.

Fitness gives you a metabolic advantage. Fit people have more lean muscle mass and a higher metabolism, which helps them weather setbacks such as holiday binges that can pack on excess pounds.

Fitness is fun. People often overlook the emotional and spiritual benefits of exercise. A fitness lifestyle involves regularly participating in activities for the sheer enjoyment of them. It's more fun, it relieves stress, and it's easier to sustain.

One aspect of fitness that is often overlooked is that when you are working out you are not indulging in an activity that adds to you gaining weight. As you look at your day, there are countless activities that are not supporting your weight loss goals. Every time you workout even for 15 minutes it is 15 minutes that you are building a habit that promotes the results your want and takes you away from activities like eating while watching television that does noting to promote healthy living.

It is this last point that we strive day in and day out to pound home, that it is getting to the point that fitness for its own enjoyment is what we are after. One a person likes to work out because they like it, they will exercise forever.

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Are tanning beds bad for you

Many people want the fashionable tanned look. They go in for various things to solve this purpose. Generally, they go in for sun tanning and tanning lotions. One of the things which have gained popularity among the masses is the tanning salons where people get tanning done through the special machines and under the professional guidance. The reason for the growing popularity of these salons is that tanning through sun is causing harm to the skin in the process of tanning the skin. Therefore, people think that tanning salons is a safe choice. But before going for these salons one should really things that are tanning salons bad for you? Just blindly going in for these salons will not really solve the purpose as it can also have a negative effect on the skin.

Yes, it is true that these salons are not really safe. Therefore this question “Are tanning beds bad for you?” is a very genuine one. Make sure you are aware of the pros as well as the cons of these salons before you enter these salons. Because in the process of getting your skin tan you may end up spoiling the skin and make yourself look ugly.

One of the major problems regarding these salons is that some of them use improper tanning beds which are very harmful. In some case the tanning salon owners in order to save money they use very cheap tanning bed which have a very low standard. In addition to this they also go in for cheap acrylic sheets which do not protect the skin from the damage. The wrong machinery can have a very negative effect on you skin as well as your health. So you need to be extra cautious regarding making a choice of the right salon.

Then another major problem which these salons have is the unawareness of the persons who operate these tanning beds. Some of the salon professionals do not know the right duration of time for which one must be exposed to the rays in the tanning beds. This may be out of ignorance or lack of knowledge. Over exposure can even burn the skin because these tanning bed lights emit ultraviolet rays which can cause diseases like skin cancer or even some permanent damage to the skin? Therefore, it is very essential to think are these tanning beds bad for you before you make the final choice.

In some cases even the tanning salons owners misguide the customers by hiding the truth and giving wrong and fake reasons to convince them when they ask him the question “is tanning bed safe for me?”. Then they just make them a fool by giving false reasons.
Sometimes a customer is aware of the fact that these beds are harmful but they still use them in order to get the fashionable look. These people should realize that these beds cause irreversible harm to the skin and in the process of looking beautiful they may end up with an ugly look for the rest of the life.

Therefore, there is no such thing as safe tanning. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) help in answering the question “Are tanning bed safe for you.” These agencies have the responsibility of regulating the sunlamps and tanning devices. They check the labels of the devices of these salons. They also have the authority to remove the product from the market place if they are not satisfied. So, the ads which claim that indoor tanning are safe are just making a fool of you and these salons through ads just want to mint money. The over exposure to these rays can even cause injury to the eye, premature wrinkles, skin rash and in this way even lead to cancer of the skin.

Now ultimately it just your personal decision to decide “are the tanning beds safe for you?” if you make a decision that they are not bad for you then it is very important that you think again about protecting you skin and also your health. Remember that well being is more important that just looking beautiful.

Three Big Rules for Eating and Reaching Your Fitness Goals

Whether your fitness goal is weight loss, athletic performance, more energy, better health, or just simply toning up, it is vital that you pay attention to your nutrition and food intake to reach this goal. In my experience as a personal trainer, working with thousands of clients over a period of 16 years, I observed that the role that food intake plays in a person reaching his or her fitness goal is paramount. In fact, it makes up for more than 75% of the influence of whether or not a person is successful. The challenge for me was that people who would be working very hard in the gym expected to see results and couldn't understand why they weren't getting them, even after all that work. I would always say to my clients and anyone in the gym that would listen, "You can work out ‘till the cows come home, but if you're not eating well, your body won't change, at least not cosmetically, period." Frequently, that statement would be met with some confusion and the response that they had been eating well, and things just weren't working anyway. Well, upon further review of the actual diet and food intake the clients actually had, it usually wasn't difficult to see what could be improved with them so they could start seeing the results (typically weight loss) that they desired.

What I found was that people who want to lose weight believe that the only way that is going to happen is if they eat less food, which in many cases is actually counter to what the person actually needs. They have been eating a certain way for awhile and they are dissatisfied with their appearance, so they take the food intake they have been eating and they reduce the calories while they come to the gym and work with a personal trainer. They get sore and maybe see some change in the beginning of their program, but it isn't long before they are at a plateau and frustrated, because this plateau certainly isn't the result of a lack of effort.

Here is where a basic knowledge of the way that food intake actually influences weight loss is a tremendous help. It takes some of the mystery out of the equation and allows a person to make some intelligent choices that will help them reach their fitness goals. There are three big concepts that I find have really helped people get a grasp of the basics.

The first is to EAT ENOUGH! As I said before, the tendency is for people to really restrict their food intake in an effort to lose weight. If a person comes into beginning a fitness program having truly been an overeater, then a reduction in calories is appropriate. However, the culprit with most people who are overweight or overfat is not that they eat too much, it's that their metabolism is shot from a lack of exercise and bad eating habits. So, ironically, one of the things that has to happen with a person who wants to lose weight is that they frequently have to increase their overall intake of food somewhat to keep up with the demands of the new exercise and keep from starving, allowing the metabolism to rise naturally.

The second is to EAT OFTEN. Rule #1 doesn't do any good if all the calories you might be taking in come at dinner after starving yourself all day. This is the biggest single reason people have trouble with their physiques, this lack of regular eating. Regular eating throughout the day never lets the body get too hungry or too full, and the body responds by raising the metabolism and burning more fat. The ideal number of meals and snacks combined throughout the day is from 4-6, spaced evenly starting with breakfast as soon as you get up in the morning.

The last rule is to EAT BALANCED! I once had a client who said that she was eating 5 times a day like I had suggested, yet upon further examination I found that she was eating a handful of Cheerios for three of those meals. The result was that she wasn't eating enough food overall to fuel her body, and she was missing some key necessities in her diet, like adequate amounts of protein, that kept her from reaching her fitness goals. Eating balanced means getting adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fats, fruits and vegetables spaced evenly throughout the day with each meal, if possible. This controls appetite and keeps the body feeling well fueled throughout the day, contributing to fat loss.

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