Monday, January 22, 2018

4 Water Fitness tips that you’re probably not doing...but should be



It’s the time of year for focusing on fitness, health, and self-improvement; and, as to be expected, I’m busier than ever with clients looking to shed pounds and to take the New Year by storm.

I love seeing this renewed enthusiasm for fitness and the surge of motivation in the air! I hope that you’re feeling it too.

What’s not as awesome is the struggle that I see so many of you endure when it comes to shedding pounds and transforming your body to firm and toned. Improving your fitness level should be enjoyable, and it’s my sole purpose to help you in this process of achieving your best body and best health yet.

Let’s start with the easiest fitness hack of all, something that I can almost guarantee you’re not doing. By making this small change to your daily routine you’ll quickly find those unwanted pounds coming off quickly and easily.

***Warning: This fitness hack is going to sound so easy that you may be inclined to simply dismiss it. My advice is to try it out before writing it off as too easy.***

The easiest fitness hack that you’re not doing is to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water daily.
Now I know that sounds boring, but take a moment to reflect on your water intake over the past few days. Did you even get close to the minimum of 64 ounces? Really, for optimal fat loss, you want to be drinking closer to a gallon of water each day.

Why is water such a big deal? Here are 3 compelling reasons as to why drinking a minimum of 64 ounces of water a day will help you drop pounds and achieve a stunning transformation…

#1) Water Aids Fat Metabolism in the Liver
When it comes down to the technical process of losing fat, your liver is where the action is. The key to having a highly functional liver, one that quickly removes metabolic waste and built up toxins, is to be properly hydrated by drinking a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day.
Your liver is a filter for your body. When you aren’t drinking enough water, your liver accumulates a build up of waste product that slows the process of fat metabolism down.

#2) Water Helps Balance Hormones
Without getting too technical about the science of fat loss, it’s important that you understand that your hormones play an important role in your body’s ability to lose fat. When your body enters a state of dehydration, your organ and digestive functions are compromised, which in turn negatively impacts hormonal balance.

This stress, brought on by dehydration, impacts your adrenal glands, signaling the need for an increase in cortisol, which encourages your body to begin storing fat, rather than burning it.

#3) Water Reduces Calorie Intake
Now that you understand the science behind water and weight loss, let’s examine the positive effect that proper hydration has on your daily caloric intake.

By drinking a minimum of 64 ounces of water daily, your desire for high calorie, sugary drinks like soda and high fructose juices will diminish. This decrease in fattening calories really adds up!

In addition to weight loss, drinking water has an infinite number of benefits – including improved skin complexion, boosted immune system, cleansing toxins out of the body, etc.

While it’s important to drink plenty of water in general, be sure you’re increasing your amount before and after your workouts. The more you sweat, the more water you lose, and it’s important to replace that lost water to avoid dehydration.

Does this make sense? Remember: Drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day.

I hope that you find this simple fitness hack to be helpful in your quest for a new and improved you this year! Remember that participating in a challenging and consistent exercise program is absolutely vital when it comes to getting into great shape.

I’m here to help you on your fitness journey. Call or email me today to get started! You can reach me at uskadojo@gmail.com or call 719-388-2020.

P.S. Here is a bonus tip #4

#4 Water ALSO Boosts Your Energy!
When you’re dehydrated, your body becomes sluggish, tired, and even irritable. Which means productivity is out the window.

The next time you feel tempted to hit the vending machine for a “pick-me-up” sugar filled snack during the 3pm slump, try chugging a tall glass of water.

You’ll see your energy and mood get the boost it needs to power through the day. So drink up, my friend, drink up!

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Warning Signs your child may be a target of bullies.

Warning Signs your child may be a target of bullies.
• Your child comes home missing things or his property has been damaged
• Has injuries he can’t or doesn’t want to explain.
• Has not interaction with other kids after school.
• Seems nervous taking a school bus or walking to school.
• Finds or makes up excuses as to why they can’t go to school
• Takes alternate routes home
• School grades are slipping
• Appears lonely or sad.
• Complains frequently of headaches, stomachaches or other physical ailments
• Loss of appetite
• Has lost self confidence.

Note: Children with disabilities may be at a higher risk of being bullied than other children.
Noticing signs like these are your cue to talk to your child and his teacher or counselor.

When talking to your child be sure to connect first.   

Example -  I’ve been seeing a lot of news reports about bullying.   It scares me.  Is this type of behavior happening at your school?    Are you or your friends having any problem with others picking on you?   Who are some of your friends at school?    Any kids at school you don’t like?  Why don’t you like them?

Follow up with the teacher and ask how your child does socially in school?    Who he is friends with?   Does the teacher think your child could be bullied or teased?

Continue to seek help.  If these signs are not those of being bullied you will want to find out what is causing them.   If he is being bullied take some action steps to rebuild his confidence self esteem and possibly his self defense skills before things get physical.  

Need help?  Email us and we will send you a free bullying report.  Please put Free Bullying Report in the subject line.

Friday, January 12, 2018

Sake Marinated Steak

Sake Marinated Steak
Sake Marinated SteakWhat’s better than a salt n’ pepper grilled steak? A Sake Marinated Grilled Steak! The complex flavors contributed by this Sake Marinade combine to create a steak experience that you’ll want to repeat.
Sake flavored marinades often go hand-in-hand with soy and sugar, however in this lightened up version I’ve removed both of these offending ingredients. In place of the soy sauce we are using coconut aminos, and in place of the sugar we are using a touch of liquid stevia. While these might sound like trivial ingredients, removing simple sugar from things like marinades and dressings makes it easier to stay lean, energetic and healthy for the long haul.
Courtesy of RealHealthyRecipes.com
Servings: 4
Here’s what you need
  • ½ cup sake
  • 6 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • ½ teaspoon Liquid Stevia
  • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 4 (6 oz.) boneless rib eye steak (or similar cut)
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large ziplock bag. Place in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
  2. Bring the steaks to room temperature. Grill for about 6 minutes per side. Remove from heat and tent with foil for 5 minutes. Slice and enjoy!
Nutritional Analysis
451 calories, 13g fat, 8g carbohydrate, 1g sugar, 186mg sodium, 0g fiber, and 61g protein.
I hope that you get a chance to give this recipe a try this week. Remember that I’m only a call or email away to assist you in all things fitness. And if you are not yet one of my prized clients then call or email me now to set up your first workout – I’d love to help you achieve your best body ever!

If you want to receive recipes like this, let me know or go to:
https://results.fitproconnect.com/Newsletter/2018/1/8/ to subscribe to our cool and awesome newsletter.

Talk Soon,

Miguel 

Thursday, November 16, 2017

United States Karate Academy News:

Attitude of Gratitude


November is always one of my favorite months of the year. Fall is in full swing and the Holidays are right around the corner.

This is a wonderful time to think about what we are grateful and thankful for in our lives.

Sometimes, you can have a bad day. Nothing seems to go right and everything just goes wrong. Maybe you got into an argument with a friend. Or maybe you got a bad grade in school. Maybe the dog really did eat your homework. Maybe your mom or dad got upset with you for not cleaning your room. Maybe your Boss at work didn't approve of your latest idea.

Whatever may be happening in your life, one thing that will help you is to "Always Have an Attitude of Gratitude." This means that instead of being upset about something that may not go the way you want it to, think about something you are grateful and thankful for each day. Be grateful that you have your friend in your life, or that you are able to go to school and learn. Be grateful you have a room that you have to keep clean or if you are an adult, be grateful that you do have your job and have the opportunities to improve on your life.

In fact, I would like for you to think about something you are grateful for each day. Write it down, and share it on our United States Karate Family Facebook group. You can also make a poster or a video about things that you are grateful for and share it on Facebook or at the dojo. Please share with all of us by Thanksgiving.
"Always Have an Attitude of Gratitude" and good things follow!


Thanksgiving Day Camp 



Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017
9:00AM - 3:00PM 

We will be hosting a Thanksgiving Day Camp at our Rockrimmon Dojo the day before Thanksgiving, as a service to all the parents and kids in our dojos as well as their friends and families.

The Pre-Thanksgiving Day Camp will be held on 

Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017

9:00AM - 3:00PM 
The cost will be $25 per child. Each additional family member will receive a $5.00 discount.

Join us for FUN, games, pizza, crafts and of course, AWESOME martial arts training. Please register by calling 719-388-2020 or register with your instructor at your dojo.

See all of you there!

***Special note: No Regular evening classes onWednesday, November 22nd or Thursday, November 23rd.

Thanksgiving Schedule



We will be Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday at ALL locations on Wednesday, November 22nd & Thursday, November 23rd (except for the Pre-Thanksgiving day camp at Rockrimmon onWednesday, November 22nd. See above).

Rockrimmon dojo will re-open on Friday, November 24th with a special All-Ranks Karate class at 4:00pm followed by Kobudo at 5:00pm.

Braodmoor & Galley Road Dojos will re-open onSaturday, November 25th with regular classes at10:00am for Knee-High Samurai, and 10:30 am for all juniors and adults, followed by Kobudo at11:30am.


Stripe and/or Rank Examinations & Rank Promotions:
Juniors & Adults 


Stripe and/or Rank Examinations & Promotions will be in December per the following schedules:

Brown Belt Stripe Testing and/or Rank Examinations will be on Saturday, December 2nd at 10:00am at our Rockrimmon Dojo.

This event is for High Green Belts and Brown Belts and will serve as a progress check for Black Belts.

ALL levels of Brown Belts are strongly encouraged to come and participate, even if you are not stripe or belt testing. This is a great preparation seminar as you progress towards your Black Belt testing. Examination results will be given at your home dojo the following week per the schedule below.

Please wear a clean, pressed heavy weight gi and be prepared to rock!

Stripe and/or Rank Examinations & Promotions for Juniors & Adults will be at your home dojo December 4th & 5th (see schedules below).

Rockrimmon Dojo: Monday, December 4th at 6:00pm

Galley Road Dojo: Tuesday, December 5th at 6:00pm

Broadmoor Dojo: Tuesday, December 5th at 6:30pm

Please make sure you have turned in your Intent to Promote form before your test night and also that you have made up any missed classes. ***All students should attend whether or not they are testing as it does count towards attendance.

We will have a refreshment table set up after the examinations & promotions that will be provided by the United States Karate Academy. Feel free to bring something if you would like to.

Invite your friends & family, and parents. Don't forget your cameras!

***NO earlier Karate Classes on December 4th & 5th. All Juniors & Adults should come to the later class time for testing***


Annual Holiday Potluck Party 

You are cordially invited to our Annual Holiday Party Saturday, December 9th, 2017 at our Rockrimmon location.

The party starts at 11:30AM and is Potluck Style. Please bring your favorite dish to share with everyone and please come prepared to have a good time. Invite your friends and family. There will be games, crafts and Tons of Fun!

The address to our Rockrimmon dojo is:
207 W. Rockrimmon Blvd. Suite A, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

We look forward to seeing all of you and having a great time! 



Chicken Pot Pie Soup 

Who doesn’t love Chicken Pot Pie? Creamy, hearty chicken soup wrapped up in a warm flaky crust…it sounds dreamy, but it’s actually a nutritional nightmare! Not only are there far too many carbs and calories in the crust, but the soup itself is often filled with heavy dairy products and noodles that make weight gain automatic.

I have a lightened up this recipe for Chicken Pot Pie Soup that gives you the same flavors and comfort of Chicken Pot Pie, while keeping you on track with your fitness and fat loss goals. Enjoy this warming recipe on chilly day!

Courtesy of RealHealthyRecipes.com

Servings: 16
Here’s what you need
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 yellow onions, diced
3 stalks celery, sliced
2 teaspoons Garlic, minced
¼ cup coconut flour
½ cup white wine
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups Butternut Squash, peeled and cubed
2 cups sweet potato, peeled and cubed
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 bay leaf
3 cups roasted chicken, chopped
2 (14 oz.) cans coconut milk, full fat
1 cup Pearl Onions, halved
1 Green Zucchini, diced
¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
Melt the coconut oil in a soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions, celery and garlic. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in the coconut flour and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the wine and cook until evaporated. Stir in the broth, butternut squash, thyme, poultry seasoning and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce to medium. Simmer the soup until the butternut squash and sweet potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes. Discard the thyme and bay leaf.
Add the chicken, coconut milk, pearl onions, diced zucchini, parsley and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and simmer for another 5 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional AnalysisOne serving equals: 227 calories, 15g fat, 11g carbohydrate ,4g sugar, 329mg sodium, 3g fiber, and 12g protein.

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Be Unstoppable!


What do you think UNSTOPPABLE means?  What does it mean to you specifically?  Here is one way you can be UNSTOPPABLE. Always have an “I Can” Attitude!
How many of you remember the story about The Little Engine that Could? Most of us, at some point, have heard that story.

In essence, the Little Blue Engine wanted to help get the toys and food over the mountain. She wasn’t sure if she could do it but she gave it her best shot!   She constantly repeated “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can”. Finally, the Little Blue Engine dug deep down and tried with everything she had and finally made it over. She was very proud of herself and her “I think I can” changed to “I thought I could”.

Have you ever been in a situation where you weren’t sure if you would be able to do something? Did you give up?  If you gave up, how did you feel afterwards? Did you do like the “Little Engine that Could” and tell yourself over and over again that you could do it?  How did you feel after you did it?

To learn more about having an “I Can” Attitude and being #UNSTOPPABLE click here!