Why Vitamins & Minerals Are SO IMPORTANT

After you read this, take a look at what you consume and determine if you feel you get enough vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat. Could your health & wellness be improved if you consumed or supplemented more?

Source: The Health Awareness Foundation

Where do vitamins/minerals come from?

VITAMINS are natural substances found in living things such as plants. Vitamins must be obtained in the body from foods or supplements, as the body cannot usually produce them

MINERALS are found in plants. Plants get their minerals from the soil – soil gets their minerals from water washing over rocks. For vitamins to do their job, they require minerals. Minerals must also be obtained from food or supplements.

ANTIOXIDANTS are specific vitamins or minerals that protect body cells from the damaging effects of Free Radicals. Free radicals come from or are caused by smoking, sunlight, stress, exercise, etc., and are one of the primary causes of premature aging, sickness and disease.

How do vitamins/minerals get in the body?

Vitamins and minerals get into your body when you eat plants such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and spices or when you take a vitamin/mineral supplement. You can also get some vitamins and minerals into your body by eating meat as most animals eat plant food.

SUPPLEMENTS are vitamins and minerals that have been extracted from a plant or created in a laboratory and put into a form that can be ingested and used by the body.

There are effective supplements, ineffective supplements and hazardous supplements.

Uneducated consumers are at risk from two sides:

1. Consumer knows they should supplement but doesn’t know how to select an effective supplement, therefore wastes their money, time and health.
2. Consumer is uninformed (or given bad advice) on the need to supplement and sacrifices their health.

Where do vitamins/minerals go in the body?

Vitamins and minerals go from your stomach to your intestines. They then go through a very complex allocation system whereby the body distributes certain vitamins and minerals to parts of your body based on its own priority system.

If a nutrient is needed in a certain organ that it (the body) deems more important, it will take the nutrient from a less important organ, and allocate it to a more important organ. Sort of a “rob Peter to pay Paul” action. That’s why it is critical to maintain proper vitamin & mineral levels.

Vitamins and minerals in your body should not be viewed as independent substances, but rather as a cooperative network of nutrients working together. If one nutrient is missing, it throws the entire network of nutrients out of balance.

“A deficiency of a vitamin or mineral WILL cause a body part to malfunction and eventually break down – and, like dominos, other body parts will follow.” James F. Balch, M.D. Prescription of Nutritional Healing.

How do vitamins/minerals leave the body?

Vitamins and minerals are “used” by the body. As they perform their function, they often use themselves up in the process, which is the case with most of the critical disease fighting antioxidants.

Even thinking uses vitamins and minerals. Exercise and stress use a lot of vitamins and minerals; the use of diuretics (substances that increase the discharge of urine) such as drugs, alcohol, coffee, tea and sodas – washes vitamins and minerals out of the body creating deficiencies – this can create a major health problem!

Tobacco and alcohol can also inhibit the absorption of vitamins and minerals, or accelerate the loss of them.

YOUR HEALTH, YOUR INTELLIGENCE, YOUR ENERGY AND YOUR APPERANCE ARE DEPENDENT ON YOU REPLENISHING YOUR VITAMINS AND MINERALS SEVERAL TIMES PER DAY.

What do Vitamins and Minerals do for you?

Build Up Your Immune System

Illness and disease are not “caught.” One doesn’t catch cancer, heart disease or a cold. You create these ailments with deficiencies based on what you eat or don’t eat.

Increase Your Energy Level

Vitamins & minerals are involved in the release of energy from digested foods. Strong, lasting energy levels are good indicators of a healthy vitamin and mineral intake.

Enhance Your Appearance

Skin clearness, tone, and elasticity; hair strength, thickness and color; fingernail strength, color and texture all depend on vitamins and minerals. Some people look 50 years old at 30. Some look 30 at 50.

Everyone will die, but how you look and feel for the last 20-50 years depends on your lifestyle and vitamin & mineral intake throughout your entire life.

For more information on how to properly supplement your body in obtaining an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals, contact me at 614.477.1794 or visit www.aalthoff.isagenix.com

Do You Work Out All the Time and Get Less Than Optimal Results?

Several weeks ago I was asked about the best strategy for maximizing weight loss in the gym. It should be obvious to everyone reading this post that despite the amazing potential for Isagenix® products, systems and packs to help you reach your weight loss and fitness goals, your success can be expedited and enhanced by a well planned workout regimen. What I have discovered…Drum roll please…is that there is currently no consensus that can lead you to one specific workout plan to maximize weight loss. Virtually every source seems to have a different opinion as to what will lead to the greatest success. With that said, there is some information available that can help you make some better personal choices on how to utilize your time in the gym. Ultimately, everyone seems to say that weight loss success in the gym is a great experiment unique to each individual. I can suggest some things you can try to discover what best works for you. Remember, these suggestions are assuming your goal in the gym is to facilitate weight loss while improving your level of fitness.

Both cardio and weight training have their pros and cons when integrated into a fitness regimen. Most sources suggest that you should ensure adequate energy exists to make it through an effective workout routine. Therefore, you may consider splitting your cardio and weight training so these workouts occur on separate days. Another suggestion is to combine the two specialties with interval or circuit training, which give a full body workout. Weight lifting often burns more calories per minute than performing endurance exercises. Furthermore, muscles require energy, i.e. the more muscle you have, and the more fat you will burn. However, you will most likely fatigue more quickly if you focus entirely on weight training in a workout. This, once again suggests that a combination of cardio and weight training is the best strategy (combined with good nutrition of course!).

So should cardio occur at the beginning or the end of your workout? Many sources suggest it is better to do cardio first and then lift weights when your desire is to increase weight loss. Yet cardio has a tendency to deplete the body’s carbohydrate stores. Therefore you are eliminating the fuel your body needs to get in a good weight training routine. Too much cardio can also be a bad thing as you may find your body burns muscle to ease the demands of doing too much aerobic work. We should then pay attention to the “Hierarchy Scale of Energy”. If you understand how your body burns fuel, then you may be able to build a workout that best serves your fitness desires.

The human body accesses certain nutrients for energy in the same way and in the same order every time.

1. Muscle Glycogen—Sugar processed from carbohydrates and stored in muscle for contraction.

2. Liver Glycogen—Storage organ for excess Glycogen; this is the primary fuel source for brain function.

3. BBA (Blood Borne Amino Acids)

4. Fat

(http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/smart-cardio-to-burn-fat-574698.html).

As you can see fat is the last thing to go. Ultimately Perry NIckelston in his article Smart Cardio to Burn Fat suggests the following framework to help reach your weight loss goals (Smart Cardio to Burn Fat, Nickelston, Perry, Articlesbase.com, September 23, 2008).

1. 5-minute cardio warm-up

2. 30 minute weight training routine (This will eat up #1-3 on the hierarchy scale)

3. 15-20 minutes of cardio to now hit the fat reserves

The last consideration is heart rate and I will address this in my next post. If you would like to find out more about how Isagenix® can help you to achieve your weight loss and fitness goals when coupled with a strong workout regimen you can contact us through our web-site at www.aalthoff.isagenix.com, or by calling 614-477-1794.

Don’t forget, new members enroll for FREE until December 31^st, and all new products packs get a FREE before and after BodPod assessment until December 31^st too.) Happy Holidays!!

Friendships, Relationships and Weight Loss

Harvard University researchers have predicted that within the next 40 years Americans will hit a 42% obesity rate (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6A35SO20101104). Something has to be done and I am trying to lead that mission of informing as many people as I can. I enjoy getting information out there for you to review and make informed decisions best for you.

We must consider addressing these recent findings. As Americans we have become much more accepting of excessive weight and obesity simply because it has become so prevalent. Also, I realize it is infinitely more difficult to critique someone else’s problems when you share that same problem or have similar bad eating habits and weaknesses.

I attend and teach multiple group fitness classes during the week. I do this to accomplish several things. First, I am a workout junkie. I got my ACE Personal Training, BodyPump, Cycling and Primary Group Fitness Certifications for a reason. My ultimate goal is to train and help others with health and wellness. Daily, I watch others to see how they change during their journey to lose weight – personal visual field research if you will. If they don’t lose weight, I find myself questioning why from afar. Ultimately, I would like to not be watching from afar, but being trusted and helping hands on. I know I will never know it all; however, the more information I have the better position to open a conversation with someone about health and wellness, which is most important to me; the health of my family and close friends fall into a similar category.

The second reason I find myself at the gym so often is due to a desire for full accountability. I do not mean that I wish to hold others accountable; rather, I wish to surround myself with people who will hold me accountable and let me know when I am not living the life I wish for…a life of health and strength. So what does this all have to do with effective weight loss, effective weight control and fitness? The very first line of the article states, “Americans will keep growing fatter until 42% of the nation is considered obese, and having fat friends is part of the problem…”

Essentially, the researchers determined that your friends are a reflection of you and visa versa. If you hang out with people that drink too much then you need to ask yourself if you drink too much as well. Likewise, if your friends are obese then eating may become an issue in your life. Maybe it is already. It is very hard, if not impossible for an alcoholic to stay clear of his/her demon if all their friends meet at a bar. The same is true for you if you have difficulties with your weight and all of your friends meet at the desert bar.

Because our national weight problem is getting worse, things will become exponentially more difficult for people with weight challenges. There are fewer people out there that take their weight seriously, so the relational support systems are disappearing. The study showed that “…an American adult has a 2% chance of becoming obese in any given year, and each obese social contact increases the risk of becoming obese by .5% per year.

So what is the solution? The first step is to find a weight loss and fitness program that you can do. Personally, I know through over 150 testimonials the Isagenix® 30-Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System or the 9-Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System may be the path to a thinner & healthier you. It certainly was for my immediate family and me. However, if your friends and family are constantly challenging your efforts by offering you candy, chips and soda then that path will be filled with landmines that may undermine your success.

The second step is to make a choice. Either extricate yourself from that social circle (this is very difficult I know), or decide to be the example. Tell your friends or family that you are seeking their support or organize a “Biggest Loser” contest. Working toward the same goal with others holding your accountable is extremely motivating!

Challenge each other, support each other and go for the gold! Run the race like you want to win it! If you would like more information then you can visit our website at www.aalthoff.isagenix.com or call me at 614-477-1794.

Isagenix Testimony for Nicholas

Isagenix Testimony for Nicholas

My son has struggled with recurring fevers and illnesses for several years. He has undergone much blood-work and most recently several EKG’s followed by a full cardiology work-up at the University Hospital. His medical records already at age 6 are over an inch thick including so many ear infections by age 1 that he had tubes put in his ears. His preschool teachers noted that he missed so many days of school- and his fevers were never in conjunction with other illnesses being passed around the classroom. The latest conclusion by doctors was that his immune system was just missing something that caused him to have the same response each time - 1-3 days of fevers with swollen lymph nodes, a bellyache, and lethargy.

My sister-in-law introduced us to Isagenix and we decided to try it out. Nicholas had just finished a cycle of recurring fevers every 2 weeks (3 times repeated). We use the IsaShakes each school morning as well as IsaMune spray and IsaKids vitamins. We have also removed as much processed food and high-fructose corn syrup as possible from his diet. He was less than thrilled to not have pop-tarts on the menu – but has now forgotten about even asking for them.

He started Kindergarten this year – exposing his body to a whole new myriad of kids and their “germs”. He has not had one fever, one illness, or missed one day of school. He has been completely healthy and within 3 months of using the products we have seen only positive changes. He calls the shakes his “Superman Shakes” and tells everyone they are keeping him strong and from getting sick. Even his sister who has an “iron-clad” immune system has picked up some sinus junk from school and he has not even shared that with her.

I know that no medical doctor will say that these products will treat or cure an illness but I believe that the combination of healthy foods and Isagenix have made a world of difference with my son. It is a joy and blessing to see him strong and healthy and thriving! Teaching our kids about healthy eating habits is a gift we give them that will last a lifetime.

Thanks Isagenix!!

Kristy M. Cone

Finance Manager and Church Treasurer

Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene

If you would like to learn more about how Isagenix® products, packs and systems can help you, then visit my web-site at www.aalthoff.isagenix.com or call me at 614-477-1794.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Isagenix programs and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or health care profesional before starting this or any other health or fitness program.

How Committed are You to Weight Loss?

Just last week I overheard some women espousing the latest diet craze. This particular plan involves injections or drops at a doctor’s office coupled with a 500 calorie per day diet (HCG Diet). The one woman was proudly showing off her new body and praising the program based upon her own success. However, when she was quizzed on what would happen with her diet at the completion of the program the woman indicated there would have to be some modifications to change the way she ate…literally, she would have to change her lifestyle…to maintain her success. I thought about telling her about Isagenix® but I decided to hold my tongue.

I would venture to guess that virtually everyone that is reading this post has attempted to change their eating habits to facilitate weight loss at some point in their lives. There have been times in my own life when I decided to eat nothing but fruits and vegetables for lunch (yeah, right! —that didn’t last long).

There is a reason that the diet industry is as large as it is. Authors keep generating books and the American public keeps buying them looking for the diet plan they can actually stick to for the rest of their lives. Just go to any large bookstore like Barnes and Noble® or Borders® and walk down the nutrition aisle. All it would take is for just a couple of those books to work (Adkins Diet, New York Diet, Mayo Clinic Diet, etc.) and virtually every other book on dieting would cease to exist. Yet there are new diet books popping up every day. I believe a diet book can affect your attitude, but it cannot alter your appetite or taste buds.

If you can’t stick with something for your whole life it is doomed to failure. Eventually you will backslide into your old ways and the weight will come back. What if someone told you the only way to get into excellent physical shape was to run…but you hated running. You may be able to stay with the regimen for a while; however, your hatred of running would eventually overcome your desire to be in good shape.

Isagenix® offers an alternative I have not seen before. It does not ask you to eat only grapefruits. It simply offers a way to deal with the food you do eat so you can efficiently and effectively lose weight. I am not saying you can eat a gallon of ice cream every day and melt off the pounds. I will say though that I am an excellent cook. I still continue to make all the same food that I did when I was much heavier. In addition, my husband and I LOVE to eat out. We still do that too.

I believe that the Isagenix® packs and systems (for example the Isagenix® 9-Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System; the Isagenix 30-Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System; or the Isagenix® Total Health and Wellness System) can help you to achieve your health goals just like it did for Rick and I.

If you would like to learn more about how Isagenix® products, packs and systems can help you, then visit my web-site at www.aalthoff.isagenix.com or call me at 614-477-1794.

Weight Loss Methods of Wrestlers, Body Builders, Boxers, etc…

Why are some athletes willing to engage in weight loss behaviors that might ultimately physically harm them?

There is a group of sports competitors that go to extremes to achieve weight loss. The groups I am referring to include…

Wrestlers

Boxers

Body Builders

MMA Fighters

…and any other sport where minimizing your overall weight on the day of competition is advantageous.

I have had the opportunity throughout my life to interact with athletes of all types. I was a high school athlete, and even participated in competitive sports such as volleyball and flag football into adulthood. I got to meet and compete against some great athletes and the experience made me a better person on several levels. I believe that all kids should be involved in some type of competitive sport as they grow up for several reasons…

You learn that winning doesn’t just happen…sports success involves a great deal of preparation, both mentally and physically.

Competition helps to define you and your individualized skills.

Competition helps you to learn how to deal with defeat. Sports promote a desire to win while encouraging tenacity.

Competitive sports prepare young people for a life of physical fitness. Athletics make staying fit and healthy a daily routine that can become a life-long habit.

I learned through my own experiences that all dedicated athletes are looking for an edge over their competitors. Some will go to extreme lengths to achieve that edge. For example, I used to spread BENGAY all over my legs before a track meet (weird, huh). Ironically, some of these practices have serious health implications. Sports that are broken down into weight classes such as boxing and wrestling lend themselves to the belief that less is more. Athletes will do whatever they can to get themselves into the lowest weight class possible. They will utilize methods that are foreign and even unattractive to those of us outside of these arenas. Some of the methods include…

- Restricting food intake

- Fasting

- Restricting Fluids

- Rubber/Plastic Suits

- Laxatives

- Diet Pills

- Diuretics

- Enemas

- Vomiting

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0887/is_8_20/ai_77555116/

The potentially damaging side affects to these methods should be obvious, yet they have been employed for years either covertly or overtly.

There has to be a better way!

What if you could continue to provide your body with high-grade nutrition, while safely losing weight through the cleansing of toxins from your body? Isagenix® has the answer.

In a sponsored study of the Isagenix® 9-Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System it was determined that men lost an average of 8.3 pounds while women lost an average of 7.2 pounds during the same time frame. See the study here…

http://www.isagenix.com/us/en/file.ashx?id=e44e7bc5-8eb2-48e2-8f37-a392db55a835

This weight loss was accomplished without starvation diets, dehydration, or without ingesting dangerous laxatives or diet pills. I can show you how to have an advantage over your competitors like you have never experienced before with the many Isagenix® paks and products. Some examples include Isagenix Want More Energy?® energy drink, and Isagenix Ionix Supreme®.

Visit me at www.aalthoff.isagenix.com and I will tell you more!

The Isagenix® Line of Products: Isagenix® IsaLean® Shake

The Isagenix® IsaLean® meal replacement shake, available in either chocolate or vanilla, is one of the flagship products of the many Isagenix® systems and paks. Isagenix® works because the shakes provide high-grade nutrition while the Isagenix® Cleanse for Life® dietary supplement cleanses the body of harmful toxins. This is important information that helped me to make the decision to make Isagenix® products a part of my daily routine. I do understand, however, that many of the readers may not have adequate information to make a similar decision. For this reason I have decided that over the course of the next several weeks I will be making posts in order to introduce you to many of the amazing Isagenix® products.

Where I have spoken previously in generalities, I will now speak to you specifically on how these products are formulated, how they are used and finally, how each product can benefit you in your effort to achieve better health.

I chose to write about the IsaLean® Shake first since it is the product by which most people recognize Isagenix®. In addition, if Cleanse for Life® is the product that brings people to Isagenix®, then the IsaLean® meal replacement shake is what keeps them coming back.

Here are some of the basic facts about this wonderful shake:

1. Contains high-quality undenatured whey and casein protein from New Zealand grass-fed cows with no added hormones or antibiotics and exceeds USDA organic standards.

2. Low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol and have added enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats to maximize the absorption of key nutrients.

3. Only 240 calories, 6 grams of fat and less than $2.64 a meal.

Many supposed nutritional weight loss products serve the sole purpose of filling you up so you don’t eat as much. Isagenix® offers you so much more!

1. Clinically shown to support healthy weight loss and weight management.
2. High in quality whey and casein proteins to maintain or gain muscle.
3. Low lactose for easy digestion without bloating.
4. Promotes healthy bones with macro-minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
5. Supports well-being with Ionic Alfalfa™, an alfalfa juice concentrate that is enriched with trace minerals.
6. Contain zinc for energy metabolism and protein synthesis, iodine for support of thyroid hormones and chromium to help support healthy blood sugar levels.
7. Low in sodium and cholesterol to promote heart health.

If you would like to find out how to order your first canister of Isagenix® IsaLean® meal replacement shake then you can contact us through www.aalthoff.isagenix.com or by calling 614-477-1794. Coming soon–Isagenix® Cleanse for Life® dietary supplement.