U.S. Olympic Hopefuls Make Time to be Green, Play Video Games, Design Clothing Lines and Volunteer as XXIX Beijing Olympic Games Approach

(Health & Fitness),Today marks the official 100-day countdown to the Beijing Olympic Games. Over the next three months the eyes of the world will be on America's best athletes as they prepare to represent Team USA on the world stage. Many of these athletes have trained their entire lives in the hopes of competing for the United States at the Olympic Games. But despite long days of training, hectic international travel schedules and intense competition pressure many of these Olympians and Olympic hopefuls have managed to lead incredibly normal, interesting lives.

Aaron Piersol (Austin, Texas), a three-time Olympic gold medalist in Athens, is dedicated to protecting the water he loves so much. A diehard surfer from Oceanside, Calif., Aaron has teamed up with Oceana - an environmental advocacy group that protects the world's oceans. He has even started his own non-profit - Race for the Oceans - and fans can support it by sponsoring Aaron for every mile he swims during his Olympic training. He's also in the process of building his own "green" vacation house in Costa Rica.

Reese Hoffa (Athens, Ga.), a 285-pound shot-putter is not your "typical" athlete. For starters, he has no gall bladder. But the thing that truly makes him unique is the challenges he has overcome. He was given up for adoption at age three, but later, as an adult, he embarked upon an emotional quest and was reconnected with his birth mother. He carries his fierce competitive spirit into playing video games - his favorite way to relax after a meet.

Breaux Greer (Scottsdale, Ariz.) is a javelin thrower you won't forget. The spike-haired, barrel-chested Greer has an impressive collection of tattoos - and he wears only black when he competes. A former lead singer of a hard rock band, Greer hails from a tough neighborhood in Monroe, La.. His edgy personality is occasionally controversial but always entertaining.

Jeremy Wariner (Arlington, Texas) is a two-time gold medal winner in the 400m sprint - who picked up running as a sophomore year in high school. Besides his blazing speed, Wariner is best known for two things: his obsession with video games (he plays between one to three hours every day); and his fashion sense on the track - he always races wearing diamond earrings and sunglasses (even at night).

Shawn Johnson (Des Moines, Iowa), the reigning all-around champion at the 2007 FIG World Championships who spends over 10 hours each day in training, loves to steal away to bask in the fresh air and explore the outdoors. She spends what little free time she has mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing. She is also an animal lover and volunteers at the Animal Rescue League.

Donny Robinson (Napa, Calif.), will compete in BMX Racing as the sport makes its Olympic Games debut this summer in Beijing. He is one of the favorites to win gold, even though he is the smallest competitor by six inches and 50 pounds. He has dreams of performing on Broadway, and loves to choreograph dance routines.

Allyson Felix (Los Angeles, CA), the 200-meter silver medalist in Athens and 2007 world champion, doesn't just look good sprinting across the finish line - this fashionista looks good every time she steps out of the house. When she's not sporting her track shoes, she is always looking for a chance to wear her red Christian Louboutins. But don't let her obsession with shoes fool you, Felix is firmly grounded by her faith in God, and her strong family relationships.

Sanya Richards (Austin, TX), deemed, "The World's Fastest Woman," has found precious medals both on and off the field. She was engaged to New York Giants cornerback (and Super Bowl champion) Aaron Ross in December 2007. The proposal was an unexpected surprise in the middle of a New York Giants-Washington Redskins Sunday Night Football game. An NBC camera, filling for its Olympics coverage, caught Ross asking Richards to marry him. She, of course, offered a resounding, "Yes." The couple has yet to announce a wedding date but revealed that the ceremony would take place in her hometown of Austin, TX. Between training and wedding planning, Richards also finds the time to volunteer for the American Behcet's Disease Association.

Dwight Phillips (Snellville, GA), a long jumper, recovered from two badly broken legs at the age of 14 to go on to win a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. In his spare time, he experiments with photography and has stepped into a completely new role as manager of an emerging hip-hop band.

Bryan Clay (Glendora, CA), was once a rebellious teenager, but his success in sports and acceptance of the Christian faith has led him to an incomparable work ethic, commitment to excellence and unwavering integrity. He has established the Bryan Clay Foundation which provides student-athletes with academic and athletic scholarships, and is providing high school physical education departments with equipment and improved facilities.

The Opening Ceremony for the Olympic Games in Beijing will be held on 8.8.08.

For comprehensive Olympic athlete coverage and a full broadcast schedule,

visit NBC Olympics

Popular Kids Exercise Video Motivating Kids To Fitness With Fun Dance Exercise Moves

(Health & Fitness), Children from all around the country are working out to new 'DanceX for Kids', a fun dance exercise video for Kids with fun workout moves.

During a rainy day in Carey North Carolina, you will catch the kindergarten students in Mrs. Summer's class doing the 'washing machine' or the 'light bulb', These are a few of the fun and creative dance moves in the children's exercise video 'DanceX for Kids'. "The kids absolutely love the video and it's a great workout when they cannot go outside for recess", says Mrs. Summers.

Kids from Evergreen Elementary, who were Washington State Champions for the Governors Challenge for fitness and mileage, have greatly benefited from the 'DanceX For Kids' workout DVD. Tom Davis, a physical education coordinator, tested grades K - 6th grades and he affirms that the test results are astounding. Davis states that after practicing with the fun dance and fitness moves from the kids DanceX DVD, the students are performing much better and blowing away the test standards.

This children's exercise DVD is the creation of Washington, D.C.-based fitness expert, Kenn Kihiu. His new fitness DVD for kids is fun for of all ages and features some of the best music tracks from around the world (Disco, Latin, 50's, Bhangra, Africa, Brazilian Samba, Irish Dance, Classical and Soul) and has dance fitness moves kids will enjoy such as the Hand Jive, Cowboy, John Travolta Point, Disco Rolls, Hug Me/Hold Me, Irish Kicks, the Twist and many others.

According to the enthusiastic and motivating Kenn Kihiu, this kid's exercise DVD is about simple but 'slamming' athletic dance moves accompanied by some of the hottest music from around the world! Kenn is well known for his high energy, sense of humor and passion for health and says that his kid's video is such a great exercise routine that kids have so much fun they want to do it over and over! "I have gotten emails from Mothers who tell me that they have organized their kids 'fitness sleepovers' that revolve around working out to the DanceX 4 Kids fitness video", says Kenn.

Take the Ride of Your Life: The American Diabetes Association Holds Annual Tour de Cure

(Health & Fitness), The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is challenging riders to take part in the annual Tour de Cure, a cycling event to raise money for diabetes -- the nation's fifth-leading cause of death by disease. Tour de Cure is a ride, not a race, with 84 cities in 40 states participating this year. Tour de Cure raises funds to support ADA's mission -- to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Individuals and teams composed of co-workers, family and friends, who want to make a difference in the lives of the nearly 75 million people with or at-risk of diabetes, are welcomed to participate. Tour de Cure is designed for anyone from the novice cyclist to the experienced, with routes from 15-mile family rides to 100-mile century rides. The route will feature rest stops along the route with food to fuel the journey and fans to cheer riders on.

WHY WE RIDE

Tour de Cure is a ride for any individual or team who wants to enjoy a great day of cycling for a worthy cause--to find a cure for diabetes. Courtney Benefiel, an ADA advocate and frequent participant in Tour de Cure recently said "Everyone comes together for a common goal -- to cure diabetes." Her goal is to ride in every Tour throughout the country in the next several years. "Ultimately, I hope a cure will be found before I finish my last ride," she said.

With diabetes growing to near-epidemic proportions, close to 34,000 people have pledged to ride to find a cure. For more information about ADA's Tour de Cure, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-888-DIABETES (342-2383) or online at www.diabetes.org/tour.

National sponsors for Tour de Cure include Gold's Gym, Performance Bicycles, and Discovery Health Channel. National Teams include AT&T, Gold's Gym, Dignity Memorial, Valero, and Johnson & Johnson.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association is a community-based organization that provides services in every region of the country.

Spring Clean Your Way to NaturalChemical-Free Skin Care Products for Your Family

(Beauty), Its spring time and time for spring cleaning! This year, during this seasonal ritual, Stuff for Sprouts advises homeowners to be sure to go through bathroom cabinets and replace old, chemical-filled skin care products with natural alternatives.

According to Consumer Reports, only 11 percent of ingredients in personal care products are tested for safety in the United States. So how do you know which products contain chemicals or additives? When you look at the ingredients and you can't pronounce them? That's a really strong indication that you don't want to put it on your skin.

During Oprah's recent Earth Day special, green expert and author Sofie Uliano highlighted that healthy and natural skin care products are both paraben- and phthalate-free.

The entire Stuff for Sprouts line is formulated without using parabens, nut oils, animal products, soy, artificial colors, or chemical fillers. The company offers parents phthalate-free product choices. Stuff for Sprouts does not do any animal testing and always promises to produce products with "Nothing weird. Nothing gross. Just good stuff for dry skin."

"As a mother of two, I concern myself with ingredients that may be potentially harmful to my children," said Kristen Bassick creator and founder of Stuff for Sprouts. "I created Stuff for Sprouts to provide my own children with a healthy skin care alternative to what was being offered by my local drugstore."

Stuff for Sprouts Products

Cream for Extra Crunchy Kids is the powerhouse formula of the line with high concentrations of no less than 7 natural oils and butters chosen specifically for their ability to help sensitive, dry skin.

Lotion for Crunchy Kids is a lighter recipe appropriate for normal to dry skin. With healing Aloe Butter and Evening Primrose oil, it packs plenty of natural moisture-enhancing power.

Lip Stuff for Crispy Kissers, a generously sized balm with a handy oval shape, is perfect for one-swipe application to even the most resistant "Sprout". The Olive Butter intensive formula is smooth, long-lasting, and, most importantly, super-effective in wiping out winter-chapped lips.

To Lose Weight, Take a Breakfast Break

(Diet & Weight Loss)/(ARA) It is often difficult to prepare a nutritious breakfast when your mornings are already short on time. But you may want to think twice before skipping the meal altogether.There's ample evidence to show that eating a nutritious, balanced breakfast is a must if you're trying to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Starting your day with a healthy meal not only improves your stamina and memory during those busy first hours, it also jumpstarts your metabolism for the day, says Bob Greene, an exercise physiologist, personal trainer to Oprah Winfrey and author of "The Best Life Diet." In fact, several studies have found that breakfast eaters consume fewer calories throughout the course of the day than breakfast skippers.

"People often pass on breakfast thinking that it will help cut calories," Greene says. "Instead, they make up for those calories later on, often in the evening, as they raid the cupboards for chips, cookies and other high-calorie foods. And, if people skip both breakfast and lunch, their metabolism may start slowing down. That's the last thing you need if you're trying to shed pounds. If you're short on time, try a protein smoothie. It provides a refreshing, on-the-go pick-me-up to keep you energized until lunch."

Smoothies are one of the easiest things to whip up at home with a blender and a little creativity. When you begin with a lean protein base like egg whites (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup per smoothie), you'll have a beverage that will help keep you full and satisfied. Egg whites are an all-natural protein source that is fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in calories, making them ideal for a power breakfast.

Because they've been pasteurized and packaged in ready-to-pour cartons, AllWhites offer a safer and more convenient alternative to cracking and separating eggs. Look for AllWhites 100 percent all-natural egg whites in the dairy case of your local supermarket.

With your protein base in place, you can get creative with your favorite fruit and juices. The following recipe has just 282 calories, and is packed with 7 grams of fiber and antioxidants from green tea, raspberries and grapefruit juice to support healthy cells. Pair it with a whole grain cracker spread with a little peanut butter, or a couple of tablespoons of nuts, and you'll have a complete breakfast to enjoy either at home or on the way to work.



Raspberry Green Tea Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

1/2 cup white grapefruit juice

1/3 cup ready-to-drink green tea

1/2 cup raspberries (frozen or fresh)

3/4 cup (6 ounces) fat-free vanilla yogurt

1/3 cup AllWhites 100 percent liquid whites

Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

1 serving (16 ounces)

For additional great tasting smoothie recipes and other healthy breakfast ideas visit www.betterneggs.com or www.thebestlife.com.

Odds Against Making Significant Life Changes 9 to 1 Against You

(Health & Fitness), Based on the principles of Cognitive Neuroscience, Mind Imaging Technology (www.brainwindow.com) provides the tool that allows users to map the building blocks of their mind: thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It gives users the ability to see what is controlling their lives and the power to change it.

Based on the integration of 30 different fields of science, including Neuroscience, Physics, and Systems science, Mind Imaging offers reliable, measurable, lasting painless techniques that are 100% effective in people committed to the process.

The effectiveness of the changes can be measured with a stop watch as the barriers to time, space, language, force, and access are approached through the conscious mind, and reliable, measurable and lasting changes are achieved.

Users can quickly gain freedom from prescription drugs, depression, overeating, and addictions. People worldwide report dramatic changes in health, money, and relationships.

Beat Your Wedding Weight Loss Blues with Great Weight Loss Tips

(Diet & Weight Loss), According to recent research, women are more likely to want to lose weight for their wedding day than any other time in their lives. Most brides questioned by Proactol.com want to lose up to 20 lbs before their wedding. This usually accounts for a 10-15 percent decrease in their total body weight.


It is often the custom nowadays for women to buy a wedding dress which is one or two sizes smaller than their current size to make their weight loss more pressurized, thus more important and time sensitive to them.

Proactol.com has launched a new campaign to help women lose weight for their wedding day. They are offering tips on healthy and natural weight loss in response to this, as they are concerned about the extreme measures that young women undertake, such as skipping meals and taking weight loss pills which are from bogus companies out there.

"We are concerned that women are not approaching their wedding weight loss plans in the right way, so have decided to release some of the best weight loss tips specifically for brides. It's important that women realize that natural weight loss and healthy exercise should be part of the whole weight loss process" suggests Katie Downing-Howitt, Marketing and Product Manager at Proactol.com

Clinically proven, non-surgical weight loss is possible

Proactol™ is a clinically proven fat binder, which is well established as being able to bind up to 28% of your dietary fat, reduce calorie intake and help reduce food cravings.

With no known side effects, Proactol™ is a medically backed fat binder which is naturally organic and taken in tablet form.

As Dr Joerg Gruenwald, a widely respected medical professional within world class medical research, has asserted: "Proactol™ offers a healthy way of making it easier to take charge of your weight and eating habits. It is also addressing issues beyond weight management, such as lowering cholesterol and balancing blood glucose fluctuations."

Unique Weight Loss Program Unveiled in Time for Summer

(Diet & Weight Loss), The weight loss program, At The Heart of Success for Weight Loss, www.attheheartofsuccess.com/weightloss/ uses the latest discoveries to promote weight loss without the use of willpower. Success Coach, Teri Rose has masterfully combined success techniques with the latest discoveries about the mind, memories and quantum physics in a simple, easy coaching program that anyone can follow from the comfort of their home.

In order to illustrate the power of the subconscious mind, Rose shares her own story about the weight management problem that had plagued her since childhood. She says "As a child, I was only allowed to eat fruit as an after school snack while my friends ate cookies. Once I was out on my own, I always chose junk food as a snack. Years later I uncovered and removed an unrealistic subconscious belief that eating fruit was punishment and that I wasn't loved. I was amazed by the difference that made! Without even realizing it, I began choosing snacks like a beautiful red delicious apple over junk food. It happened naturally without any negative feelings. There was no longer an internal battle going on. That was the beginning of a new approach that was the end to my life of dieting. I changed on the inside and my weight changed on the outside."

Teri Rose works with clients in a way that takes advantage of the power of the mind. She uses new discoveries and techniques to help clients remove destructive subconscious thoughts that unknowingly control their behavior. And it's not only for weight loss. The process works for everything in life www.attheheartofsuccess.com, and Rose is a master at teaching people how to use it correctly.

To be successful with weight loss or anything else, the negative emotions coming from wrong beliefs must be removed. That requires getting out the toolbox. Teri Rose's coaching fits the client with the tools to find and remove the root cause of weight gain.

Changing the underlying beliefs makes a dramatic difference in the outcome.

Rose explains, "I was constantly being told how eating such and such was going to make me fat. Without realizing it, I was being programmed to see food only as something that would make me gain weight. Subconsciously, I struggled with every thought I had about food. It was the perfect formula for a lifelong weight problem."

What Teri Rose's clients appreciate the most about her programs is that she has overcome the very problems they are facing. She shares her vast experiences (www.terirose.com) that make her a walking testimonial. That experience makes her value as a coach skyrocket.

12 Minute Makeover Saves Time and Works to Prevent Stroke

(Diet & Weight Loss), Maximized Living has launched the 12 Minute Makeover, a program that promises better overall health and maximum fitness at a commitment level of only 12 minutes per week! New research shows that being moderately fit can reduce the risk of stroke altogether in both men and women and although the majority of people can obtain a moderate level of fitness by committing to 30 minute power walks, 5 days per week, most don't have that amount of time to spare. The 12 Minute Makeover allows the body to reach beyond moderate, elevating you to your peak fitness level in only 12 minutes per week - in the comfort of your home!

Designed by Dr. Ben Lerner, The Maximized Living 12 Minute Makeover is more effective than long-duration exercises, such as an hour a day on a treadmill, due to the maximum effort in minimal time. Not only can the 12 Minute Makeover program greatly reduce your risk of stroke, but it can also eliminate toxins, melt away fat and even work to prevent - and control - diabetes.

Dr. Lerner says, "The 12 Minute Makeover workout has a positive effect on your hormone levels by allowing your body to work itself into a state of continued muscle-building and fat-burning that lasts even after the twelve minutes are over. Exercise also helps to keep the central nervous system, which acts as headquarters for your body, functional and in proper working order."

Please visit 12MinuteMakeover.com to learn how you can improve your health and fitness in only 12 minutes per week.

The Maximized Living Makeover is on a mission to change millions of lives! For more info, please visit: MaximizedLivingMakeover.com

Is Exercise Making Your Belly Fat?

(Diet & Weight Loss), n Dr. Eric Berg's new book

"The 7 Principles of Fat Burning," (www.DrBerg.com) he shows how the wrong type of exercise can actually cause a significant number of people to become fatter in the belly.

To effectively lose belly fat, he cautions, a person should first determine what type of body deficiency they have - adrenal, ovary, thyroid or liver. Then they should follow a specific dietary and exercise plan that addresses all the health issues associated with that body type.

"The body can't and won't release fat until it is at a certain level of health," Berg says. "It shouldn't surprise you to learn why your body is holding on so dearly to fat if you understand the purpose of fat. It is a survival mechanism, and the body will not let go of fat until the source of stress or the threat to survival is gone -- in other words, until the body is healthy."

The outside of the body gives us clues as to what's going on inside, he asserts in his book. In the case of the adrenal glands, the body when under stress will store energy (as fat) around the vital organs -- in the abdomen. If there is an ovary problem, you'll see excess fat accumulate around the hips and thighs with a lower stomach bulge just under the bellybutton. When there is a weakness in the thyroid gland, because thyroid hormones are directed into all cells of the body, an overall appearance of weight gain will occur rather than in just one location. And when the liver is weak, fluid can leak into the sac around the abdomen, giving a "potbelly" appearance.

With this in mind, he has found that many people are wasting a tremendous amount of energy exercising for nothing; some even gain weight. He says that different bodies, especially the Adrenal body type, need a very specific type of plan. The Adrenal type should not be exercising intensely, because this added stress worsens the problem. Exercise of any high intensity (over a pulse rate of 125) is contraindicated for the Adrenal body shape (midsection fat). The more the adrenal stress hormone (cortisol) gets triggered by exercise, the more fat is directed to the midsection. These types just don't experience any reduction of belly fat from intense exercise even after years in the gym.

Interestingly, exercise does not melt or burn fat, he adds; it merely triggers fat-burning hormones which do their work 24-48 hours later during deep sleep if, and only if, certain conditions are present. A person does not burn fat in any significant amounts, but rather at night during the recovery period (non-exercise period; downtime).

In his book he also shoots down a commonly held misconception that people should lose weight to become healthier. Health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and stroke all result from the same cause - an unhealthy body.

Dr. Berg says, "You need to be healthy first before you can actually lose weight." People have misassigned obesity as a primary cause or a disease, when in reality it is an effect or result of something else."

To watch Dr. Berg's Body Types video go to www.DrBerg.com