fitness - Minorsan

Thank You 2017 ~ Hello 2018

December 29, 2017 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

Yes 2017 is now coming to a close

Setting up for 2018 and what exciting things it holds in store for Minorsan. If 2016 was full of drastic change (venue moving), and collaboration as a new way to build my business, 2017 was the year that we settled into our new partnerships. We have been one full year at The Tannery, and at Garfield, formerly a church, and (just recently) purchased. It will be a new community center for the Westside. This holds exciting possibilities for all of Santa Cruz.

Getting to know my new partners

While this method of doing business has its challenges, they are far outweighed by the benefits. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Christopher Drury, Pastor of Garfield Park Community Church. He is individual, unlike any other pastor I have ever known. I’ll be forever grateful that he welcomed Minorsan with open arms. Looking forward to working with the new owners of the much-needed community center.

I am also grateful and thankful that I’ve gotten to know Cat Willis, Director of Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center. The Tannery is a beautiful space, and Cat is a wonderful human being. She also welcomed Minorsan with open arms. It is a wonderful cultural space to be sharing.

This collaboration, helping these two non-profits, and they in turn, allowing Minorsan to have a space to hold our classes, has been extremely rewarding. If you read the email about my personal process in 2016, then you understand why and how this has been a most wonderful experience.

And how can I not thank the ladies of Optimal Health & Fitness, Leta Jusilla, and Michelle Bean? These two women have collaborated with me for the past 7 years. Minorsan has hosted their (formerly Santa Cruz Challenge, and now Start With Yourself) 12-week experiential program for one or two weeks each of those years. I have met so many people thru this program, have acquired new members, and have formed many lasting relationships and friendships. What else could anyone ask for in collaboration with similar business goals through social media?

Together we accomplish so much more and share in our support of each other. No one can stand alone and be truly happy. We all need some type of connection. For these connections, I am forever grateful.

Huge thank you’s to my Staff and all Minorsan Members

Without my Staff, I could not have accomplished all that I have thus far. They are the ones who allow me to even have a business, much less ‘run’ the business. There is simply no way that I could teach every single class, and still, run a business.

I am so grateful for my loyal staff of instructors and support staff for 2017: Bernadette Franzel, Connie Kreemer, Jenna Giuliani, Julie Graff, Kira Durant, Melissa Finsthwait, Patricia Matthews, Robin Ludington, Robin Holland, Samira Hartje, Sheri Moise, and our newest support staff, Odessa Cross. And thank you to Emiley Stake for all the work accomplished with our social media this past year.

However, I mostly have to thank all of the people who have come through our doors, and those who come weekly, to take classes. That is all of you. You are all the reason I have a business. I thank you for allowing me to service your health and fitness needs. I know everyone has different goals and some of you have achieved personal accomplishments in your health and fitness journey. I am forever grateful and thankful for all of you, and look forward to bringing you more value in 2018.

Providing a space for people to have fun, enjoy moving their bodies, forming friendships with each other, and at the same time finding ways to empower themselves in many different ways through our workouts, is a most rewarding experience for me.

And what will 2018 bring?

I look forward to 2018 bringing more exciting fun stuff to Minorsan, beginning with our FigherFit program, which is in conjunction with the Martial Arts program. FighterFit has already had a ‘soft’ launch. Be on the lookout for a ‘Formal’ Launch of this program. We are also collaborating with the Hyper Fight Club and Bully Defense folks to bring more value to our members and our community at large in 2018.

Also launching in 2018 is STRONG by Zumba.® For those of you not familiar with STRONG by Zumba®, read about it HERE (it is not Zumba dancing at all, but instead another HIIT-type of workout, more in line with the goals of my services). Exciting additions for 2018, for sure!

Our ‘Intro’ program, Get Fit Challenge, will continue. This has proven to be so valuable for women who have not worked out in a long time, are not comfortable in a gym, appreciate working out in a women-only environment, or who have had different challenges on their journeys to health and fitness (ultimately happiness with who they are, and how they feel in their bodies.). I thank Project Level Up for this collaboration. Once again, working together brings each of us so much more.

We all have a purpose, we all have a reason, we each have a season. And no one can do it alone. We need each other for every aspect of our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for your connection to Minorsan and all that you have to offer with your special ‘you.’

On a personal note

I have thoroughly enjoyed being with my family more this past year, and look forward to more trips to be with them in 2018. I will continue to make it a priority to be with friends outside of my working environment, and attend more parties! I will also continue with activities that enrich my spirit, my soul, my mind and my body. It can be no other way. And I will always continue to cultivate my own #badasscourage.

Here’s to saying goodbye to 2017 and a huge hello to 2018! May we all benefit in huge ways this coming year.

With all my love and care (and cheers!)~

Happy New Year!

Clara E Minor

Why-What of Hemp Oil Extract

November 12, 2017 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

Those of you who take my classes have heard me mention this after class: my ‘crazy’ energy is from PMB Hemp Oil Extract (and just a dose of Clara too).

What is PMB Help Oil Extract?
I’ll explain in a bit. First, I want to give you a bit of the history. I have been introduced to the next level in our quest for healthier bodies/minds/souls/spirits. It is one of a few ‘revolutionary’ discoveries. There has not been a greater discovery in the scientific/nutritional community in the past 30 years. This is huge!

Nanotechnology Opened Up Our World (and it is not scary…)
In 1992, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his colleagues, using the newly developed technology (the ability to break particles down into infinitely tiny particles—under 0.1 micrometer), discovered the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Ever since scientists all over the world have been clamoring to find out more about it. They realized that we have ‘receptor sites’ all over our bodies, influencing our nervous system, hormone system, and immune system. Humans have been on the planet for how many years now? So this is a very recent discovery.

And Just What Are Receptors?
Receptors (on the edge of our cells), as in ‘receives,’ receive information from our blood; they respond to hormones, neurotransmitters, signalers throughout the body and they take cues from what is presented through the normal process of our bodies, and turn them into proteins and organize the biochemistry around the things that are hitting the receptors. (Yes, this is kinda scientific, but bear with me for a bit.)

The receptor ‘sites’ are everywhere in the human body (the biggest class of receptors in the human body are the cannabinoids), with a predominance in the brain and the central nervous system, and in the periphery on the immune cells; plus women have a large cluster of receptors in the lower abdominal region (uterus/ovaries, etc).

Cell to Cell Communication
This happens through the cell membranes. When the membranes are damaged, cell to cell communication, and communication within the cell, is compromised. Healthy cell to cell communication demands healthy cell membranes. All of this, and more is explained in the 45-minute video posted below.

(You’ll need to get past the whoops and hollers, as Dr Christopher Shade, a well-known award recipient in the world of advanced nutrition, and considered by his peers to be the ‘expert’ in the science of detoxing the body, is preaching to the choir here—filmed at the PMB launch conference in June 2017).

It is extremely insightful in learning about this newest scientific/nutritional discovery. Watch his hour-long video at the link below.

In short, we make cannabinoids inside our bodies, with our endocannabinoid system. They modulate our hormones, the way we run our immune system and the way we run neurotransmitters in the brain. The scientific evidence around the healing properties of the hemp plant is well-documented. Dr. Christopher Shade has been working on this formula for years. (Oh this is so scientific!) Watch the video below.

Why am I telling you all this?
Because to not tell you would be a disservice on my part. I educate people whenever I can. If I am wrong, I will stand corrected. I educate myself, so I can educate others. People then make their own choices. The discovery of vitamin C was huge. So is this. And, yes, I will tell you up front I am using the PMB product. I am also making it available to others. How could I not? I truly want everyone to know about this option. It is truly revolutionary.

How many people do you know:

• that feel sluggish most days
• feel ‘out of whack’
• have ‘brain fog’
• are depressed
• feel low
• think a lot of negative thoughts
• have no energy
• just can’t get anything done because they are lethargic
• have sleepless nights
• are dealing with chronic health issues
• hate exercising
• have immune disorders
• have constant infections
• get sick a lot
• have mental illness
• get exhausted easily,
• are exposed to environmental toxins (think car exhaust/diesel fumes)
• or lack the wherewithal to make positive changes, etc.?

This is not ‘normal,’ however, it is the ‘norm.’ Being ‘the norm’ does not make it ok. There are many people who don’t have any of these issues, and say they ‘feel ok.’ Being in a sickened state, or even feeling ‘ok,’ is not normal. It is imbalance.

What is Normal?
Feeling vibrant and energetic, in a content and happy state—that, is normal. Facing challenges with a positive and open attitude is normal. The human body was made in a perfect manner. It has the ability to heal itself, given the proper tools. Yes, it can get complicated to think of all the ‘proper tools’ for any imbalance, be it a cold, or cancer, or autism; however, it is possible.

Most of the time we need expert advice and/or expert help. Some expert advice/help can assist us in making our condition better. Some of the expert advice/help can even assist us to regain full health. Full and vibrant health is normal. Most of us know know that to ‘heal’ anything, we need to get to the root of the problem, not cover it constantly with bandaids. As long as there is no ‘cure’ or answer, we must use the bandaids. I’ve always (as long as I can remember) been about finding the root of the problem: what, when, where, why and how? Thus, I had to open my mind when people began to tell me about this hemp stuff.

Homeostasis: ‘Coming Home’ to Our Bodies
This revolutionary dietary supplement and it’s amazing properties allow our bodies to reach homeostasis, the process whereby our bodies work like they were meant to work. Most babies have perfect to near-perfect homeostasis at birth. As our bodies gather more and more toxins from our environment, with each added year, homeostasis becomes more challenging, thereby compromising what our bodies are meant to do to be optimally healthy. Toxins can make our receptor sites shut down (cell membranes become unhealthy). As adults, many of us live our lives in less than optimal health.

Why is this dietary supplement so revolutionary? There is no other growing thing on this Earth for which we have receptor sites, like we do for the hemp plant’s extracts.

Let’s Talk About Hemp
Just the very word brings up images in many people’s minds, mostly related to illegal substances. When I first heard about this product, I had no interest in taking any into my body, as I too had preconceptions about it’s relationship to other illegal substances. ‘Just don’t talk to me…I’m not interested,’ was what I was thinking. And then I decided to just listen, as I was closing off my mind (something I strive to overcome when I hear something I disagree with).

The hemp plant has been around for 5,000 years. There are a multitude of uses for this most amazing plant, from healing, to clothing, to industrial use. And, it is a legal plant in all 50 States.

Dr Christopher Shade’s formula is PrimeMyBody’s Hemp Extract (Oil)
This formula contains synergistic (the sum of all work better together) ingredients that have been specially formulated to make this product the absolute highest quality on the planet, and to make it the most ‘bio-available’ (more about in the video), of all hemp oils in existence. All ingredients are organic. Each ingredient has passed the EWG’s (Environmental Working Group) tests for purity and the least toxicity. Ongoing quality-assurance testing is conducted for each ingredient. All are tested to be GMO-free.

So What is ‘Bio-Availability’ and Why Does it Matter?
Bio refers to our biological system, the way our muscles, nerves, blood, bones, hormones, etc, all work together. ‘Available’ refers to how the body uses the foods and liquids that we put into it. How much of the ‘usable’ parts of any food or drink (nutrients) actually can be used by the body, as opposed to being excreted as they go through our small intestines into the large intestines and filtered out through the liver, kidneys, urine, stools, and skin, is the ‘bio-availability’ of the product.

The bio-availability of PrimeMyBody’s Hemp Extract is more than 90%. This means that your body uses 90% of the product. There are other hemp oils on the market. Their bio-availability is about 6%-10%. (Yes there is scientific research to back this us. Watch Dr Shade’s video.) So even though other brands cost less, you have to use/buy more to get the same result. And it takes longer to achieve results. This is a huge difference.

How Does the Bio-Availability Happen?
The PrimeMyBody Hemp Extract is administered with exact precision (small pump on the bottle), and is taken under the tongue. The ‘oil’ is nano-enhanced, which means that the particles are so small that they can absorb through the membranes in the mouth. Within 30-90 seconds it is absorbed into the system (placed under the tongue). The other oils are taken internally and go through the digestive process, therefore they are not absorbed quickly and directly. Much is destroyed in the stomach alone. This is where the bio-availability is compromised.

Homeostasis Discussions
You have heard me talk about homeostasis in classes, especially in Tabata Bootcamp, as it relates to the muscles needing to recover. The muscles can only recover when your body reaches homeostasis. The muscles need to relax in order to repair and rebuild. This process then boosts your metabolism, thereby making weight loss easier, by making your muscles leaner (which require more energy to sustain themselves in their new leanness), and your bones become more dense (which combats osteoporosis).

Your body needs to be functioning in the parasympathetic nervous system to repair and rebuild. This is where it goes when we sleep soundly. When we ‘can’t get to sleep’ our sympathetic nervous system is active. PMB’s Hemp Extract helps the body to reach homeostasis and easily go into the parasympathetic nervous system when it is time to rest and sleep. You can also get there through meditation and deep breathing. (However, this can’t fully heal the cells’ membranes.)

When our brains are ‘on fire’ (when our sympathetic, fight-or-flight nervous system is activated), we cannot truly rest. If there is inflammation in the brain, we cannot truly rest. And inflammation in the brain causes many mental ‘instabilities.’ When we are in normal waking hours (daytime) we need energy. This product then enables us to feel the pure energy of our bodies without adding stimulants.

If our bodies are in constant high-energy expenditure, and don’t have time to rest, then the body cannot recover to do what it is supposed to do best in homeostasis: repair and rebuild. Our bodies are wonderful works of perfect art. We are the ones who mess them up. And by ‘we’ I mean humans create the toxins in our air, food and water, and we are even subjected to toxic people.

Sometimes as individuals we have no control over what others choose to do. Their choices can affect us, an entire community, and even the entire world. We have the choice to do something about it. We can start with our own bodies/minds/souls/spirits. Fix that first, then we are set to begin helping others find their true fix, and dealing with larger problems in the world.

Our ‘Cultural Default’
Many conditions of sluggishness, inactivity, always feeling tired, brain fog, lackluster existence, and generally being in a state of unhappiness are common. We are toxic. It is the ‘norm’…however it is not normal. It is (as Robin Holland stated to me), our ‘cultural default.’ There are so many of us feeling so much less than optimal, that we take it as a normal thing. “Oh yeah, lots of people I know feel this way too.” Therefore, we make it ‘normal.’ It is not normal. It is the norm. Again, not really ok if you want to reach your highest levels of vibrancy, energy, nutritional balance, and health.

I am giving you this information because if you ever get to a point where you are just fed up with your health as is, the ‘cultural default,’ and you’ve tried ‘a million things,’ here is a great option that could very possibly help turn it around. You just have to give it a chance…Just give it a chance.

Text me, IM me, contact me however you can if you want more information, or if you are ready to make a purchase.

You can purchase this oil at minorsan.primemybody.com

If you’d like a small sample bottle for $35, let me know.

My Mission is to ‘Heal the World—One Person at a Time, and It Begins with You’

It took me all day to write this…(lol). I spent this time because I truly want as many people as possible to know about this discovery. And if it moves you too, spread the word.

Watch the video HERE.

Sincerely,
Clara E Minor

Breaking up is hard to do…lol

June 11, 2017 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

Well… I never thought I’d be saying or doing this…after 9 years of having Zumba on my studio schedule, it’s time to let it go. Sad and happy at the same time. I started Zumba because of my LOVE of dancing. I have been moving to sounds since I was at least 7 years old. (Can’t remember earlier than that…lol). My parents were both music movers (social ballroom dancers). And when I saw Tanya’s Beardsley’s vid (like many of us) almost 10 years ago, I was hooked. I knew I had to teach Zumba.

It was so popular, that I held “how-to” classes for the community. Many of you came to those. And they were often free. They were a hit. My classes were a hit, as were the classes of my other instructors. Zumba was everywhere. As with many new formats, they have a peak, and then they drop into the valley of their comfort zone. Just as kickboxing did. It peaked in 2002-2003, and then started declining; but the decline was mostly in gyms. Private martial arts studios are still rocking with it today. It is still my most popular workout (KickAeroBix™).

In some areas, Zumba is still huge! The decline has been mostly in the USA, although some instructors can still draw huge crowds! Zumba will never go away. We are a dance community. It will be in Santa Cruz for a long time. And we have many quality instructors still teaching it all over our community!

Fast forward to today. My focus is clear now. When I went solo with my studio (2010), I had to go through lots of ‘changes’ and mostly they were in my head. At that time, there was no reason to let go of Zumba classes.

As I got more and more focused on my purpose and my brand, I realized that Zumba was not truly aligned with the rest of my programs. Although dance is my love, and has been for my entire life, the Universe has sent me into a slightly different direction. My programming has to reflect what my purpose has become.

I am so thankful and grateful that I provided Zumba classes. My circle of friends has grown because of Zumba! I’ve had the privilege of having some awesome instructors on my staff (and subs) over the years (in alpha by first names!) : Amanda Clark, Brenda Sproule, Carolyn Wormhoudt, Deb Voison, Dixie Mills, Elizabeth Charlton, Eugenia Rice, Itziar, Janet Antolini, Jenna Giuliani, Jillian Chesley, Joanie Vigil, Joann Tassone, Joanna Dover, John Perez, Linda Pearson, Michelle Bjorkman, Shauna Horton, Sierra Varela! And thank you to Terry DelDiego for teaching at our awesome Holiday Z Party, and Jim Furlong for drumming!THANK YOU ALL! It’s been a long and happy trip!

With that, I bid adieu to Zumba Fitness® classes, and HELLO to STRONG by Zumba®! Yes, we have a new format on the horizon. I will probably launch this in September. It is HITT training (as compared to HIIT). The emphasis on the first T is Tempo. High Intensity Tempo Training. I have already taken the training. I love this format! It will so closely align with my other programming. You can google YouTube vids and watch it. There is no dance in it whatsoever. They did have a bit of dance in the early stages of this format, as they felt they needed a transition for all the Z peeps who knew just dancing fitness.

Now they have realized that it is not necessary anymore and have phased out all dancing. It is STILL to the BEAT of the MUSIC! That is what makes it so fun. (What we do in KickAeroBix and BodyPump).

No worries, Pilates and Yoga peeps…those classes are a great complement to our other intense workouts. Pilates Barre (Brenda) Pilates Mat (Jenna) and Yoga (Connie) are awesome classes, and they are staying!
So stay tuned for info on our launch!

Until next time…

Clara E Minor
Master Instructor/Trainer @ Minorsan Self-Defense & Fitness
minorsan.com
contact@minorsan.com

Minorsan’s New Locations Effective 10/3/16

September 28, 2016 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

Minorsan is moving! Effective October 3, 2016. Closed Oct 1 & 2 (so we can move!)

We are Pleased to Announce…

Studio B (in 110)

All early morning thru noontime classes, Monday-Friday will be held at The Tannery World Dance Center!

We know you will be pleased too with this beautiful campus.

Most classes will be in Studio B and some in Studio 111 (original dance studio).
Click here to see the locations on the campus.

Our locations are the ‘green’ colored buildings on the graphic. Scroll down more and you’ll see the numbers of each building. Studio B is in 110.

Entrance will be thru the middle gates near Studio 112. Walk through the courtyard to Studio B (Building 110). Bathrooms will be to your left.

All Classes at our Mission St location will end on September 30.

Morning—Noontime Classes, Mon-Fri, will begin at the Tannery Monday, October 3, 6:00 am BodyPump!

And did we say The Art Bar Cafe is located in the courtyard? Easy to get refreshments after class, and get extended time with your friends.

Our Other Exciting News….

All late afternoon/evening and Sat/Sun classes will be held at Garfield Park Community Church campus. We’ll be starting there the first or second week of October.

We are helping Christopher Drury, Pastor, to mobilize his venture for both the community and for Minorsan, as it brings much to both for the foreseeable future. You can help support this effort for yourself and for the community in these three ways:

1- Helping with fundraising efforts by donating

2- Sharing the gofundme link on Facebook (and in your emails) to your friends (this can go a long way). You can even forward this blog.

3- Getting the word out that the pews are for sale. They are in great condition, beautiful wood, red cloth covered seating. They can be sold as is, or repurposed!

Phase 2 includes removing all the pews in the Sanctuary and replacing them with movable tables and chairs, which is the space we’ll be using for Minorsan’s classes, as well as for other community-wide events.

This can be done in one day. He can’t move the pews until he has the tables and chairs. He can’t get the tables and chairs until he has at least $6,000.

The Church needs at least $6,000 of the $12,000 they are seeking to purchase tables and chairs. The remaining $6,000 will go towards the purchase of new audio/video equipment and high-tech wifi for the live-streaming of events. Can you imagine watching an event live from home (anywhere in the world really) because you could not go? How exciting!

You can make an immediate difference by donating here: Garfield Park Community Church GoFundMe

If 60 people contribute $100, the $6,000 will be there! If 120 people contribute $50, the $6,000 will be there. ALL amounts welcome. Even $5 will help! These are tax-deductible donations, as he has a 501c3 non-profit status. You can donate here: Garfield Park Community Church GoFundMe

The Sanctuary is just to the right in this photo.

Christopher Drury has a long-term vision for his church:

• A community venue for events (seminars, weddings/receptions, special events, talks, workshops, entertainment, including live streaming, and classes/programs for various non-profits and for-profits)

• A leading-edge Church that is all-encompassing of community members with different needs, who all wish to contribute to our community. He welcomes people of all persuasions to participate in any event/activity at his Church. He is truly all-inclusive.

• Continuing with Phase 3 of development, which will include a cafe, serving espresso drinks, beer (preferably his own brand) and wine, plus small bites (possibly expanding to more later)

> Members of the Coryell Autism Center will work at the cafe, learning real-life skills and social interaction

> All proceeds from the cafe will go right back to the Coryell Autism Center

> Everyone who makes a purchase at the cafe will know they are making a direct difference right in our community.

If you wish to donate, click this link for the gofundme page. Any amount works! And share-share-share!

Thank you for anything you can do. It is truly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Clara E Minor
Master Trainer-Instructor
Minorsan Self-Defense & Fitness

Fruits, Sugars, Diets, and Weight Loss

August 9, 2016 by Clara E Minor Leave a Comment

Fruits, Sugars, Diets, and Weight Loss can be so confusing!

Why is weight loss so difficult? Why are ‘diets’ challenging? Why is ‘sugar’ so confusing? I have a link below that explains sugars, refined and in whole foods, for easier understanding of how all these sugars affect our bodies.
There are specific ‘diets’ out there that are tailored for weight loss. And some of them actually work. In a controlled environment—i.e., your kitchen. Yes, you can eat on your ‘diet’ when eating out, however it can be challenging. It can be done when you are highly motivated. You must stick to the parameters of the ‘diet’ and you will surely lose the weight. I have seen it. There are so many ways of eating out there, and the common bond they often share is they promise ‘weight loss.’ As I said, some of them work, for a while, and as long as you stay on them. Great if you stay highly motivated. What happens when you lose the motivation? The problem is that if you make a sudden and drastic change to your eating habits, most people will get a response from their bodies that is so powerful, that they must go back to the foods, and the ways, they left behind. The body was ‘shocked’ too fast, and it simply does not like to be shocked. You will be craving those foods you are used to eating, and those which you’ve been eating for a long time. It is easy to go back to how and what you used to eat. Then you think there is something wrong with you, or you just don’t have the will power. Remember you are fighting you body’s cravings. Your body craves the long-time food. Our bodies are brilliant, and they love security too. They want to stay the same. Each of us has a set point (metabolism), and each of us has eaten in a specific way for a long time. Whether it’s in a haphazard way at attempts at weight loss, or it’s always the same-o same-o. We always buy the same foods. Therefore, our bodies always crave the same foods. So, how do you change this? Seems like an impossibility, right? Wrong. Here is what you need to make this work: desire, persistence, knowledge, and a huge dose of patience. Yes, take your time making changes. When you make changes slowly, your body does not go into ‘shock’ at the change. It is gradually getting used to the new foods, new ways, new habits. There is no magic pill, no magic time, no magic food. It is truly desire, persistence, knowledge and patience. We have an abundance of foods from which we get all the nutrients our bodies need. We cannot get everything we need from just fruits and vegetables, even though they are ‘healthy’ for us. We need protein too, and we most certainly need healthy fats. Even ‘unhealthy foods’ have their place. If nothing else, they remind us (after we have consumed them), that we might not want to do that again for a bit. When I eat ‘unhealthy’ foods, it is almost always with someone else. It is when I eat out, or share food, or go to an event. I stay pretty regimented when I eat at home, however, I am not strict! And this regimentation is because I have eaten this way for so long. Remember, above I said that your body craves what you eat the most? Yes, because I have been eating this way for so long, my body craves healthy foods. (I know somewhere out there that dark chocolate is in this mix..lol…yes, that is my go-to fun food.) And, btw, in my search to avoid (remember, I said ‘avoid,’ not eliminate entirely) sugar, I found some organic unsweetened dark chocolate chips. I am discovering different ways to make them palatable (i.e., sweet) without adding refined sugars, and how to use them to make my fave chocolate goodies. When speaking of sugar, people often throw anything with ‘sugar’ in the mix, such as grains and fruit. Yes, these have natural sugars in them, and research shows they react in an entirely different way when they go through the digestive process and are used by our bodies. Eating whole foods in their natural state gives us a feeling of satisfaction (even from the beauty of the food and all the colors in fruits and vegetables), and satisfaction that you just can’t get from refined sugar and sugary foods and drink (although these can be satisfying in other ways).
Here is the link to the article on how this happens. Yes, you can stuff up on a plate of brown rice, or a huge piece of cake, or or even a huge bowl of iceberg lettuce, but remember that eating too much of anything is not a good thing.The lettuce will leave you feeling full for just a bit, and then that ’empty’ feeling sets in, the brown rice alone won’t give you the vitamins and minerals you get from fruits and veggies, and for the next few hours, you might not feel so good if you ate a lot of sugar. And sugar drains your energy. Even the next day you can feel your body reacting to the sugar you ate the day before (dull, sagging energy). You can eat too much fruit, too many vegetables, too much protein, too many complex carbs, and too much healthy fat. So, in order to achieve that which you wish (getting healthier and feeling more fit, and even if weight loss is not a part of your intention), do it s-l-o-w-l-y. Your body will be happily surprised without the shock. And if you are looking for more support with your weight loss and fitness goals, check out our next Tabata Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Workshop FREE and coming up Saturday!

Laters! Clara E MinorMaster Trainer-InstructorMinorsan Self-Defense & Fitness
contact@minorsan.com
www.minorsan.com