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Old Tyra WAS fat, HOW she LOST 30 Pounds!

She says ‘Women should be proud of their bodies at any size’, but even Tyra feels pressure to be slim.

This is the OLD Tyra

Tyra Banks has gained support from women everywhere by promoting positive body image at any weight. Yet, she has recently lost 30 lbs and critics say her new slim frame doesn’t match the message of Tyra.

Let’s be clear with one thing — being lean is sexy. All women are sensitive to this. But, it’s not so much about sexual appeal as it is the cause behind the appeal: being lean is an indicator of health.

Lean people also feel better about… nearly everything. It’s not because they are lean — instead it’s because their bodies are being nourished on a daily basis by healthy food and lifestyle.

How Tyra LOST 30 lbs

Today’s Tyra show will apparently reveal the secrets. Since I’m not a viewer, I’ll just come out and say how she did it, because this is how every celeb does it:

1. Eat healthy, whole foods, with plenty of protein and fiber.

2. Exercise on a regular basis.

3. Support system from friends, family, Personal Trainer, and Nutritionist.

Now That’s sexy…health.

Healthy is sexy. Tyra shouldn’t let critics sway her from maintaining low body fat levels. Yes, we need to appreciate each other for the challenges we face, but make no excuses for Health and Wellness.

Tyra is most happy about…

The NEW Tyra

…NOT having anymore stomachaches from eating poorly. Imagine that, she is happier about having a positive digestive system than losing 30 lbs.

Health first, and then physical appeal comes naturally.

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion
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Physique Bible: The Law of Carbs

Good carbs, always welcome.

Delicious source of energy, fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants

Like apples, I eat most of my carbs in the morning and daytime for energy, and I’m leaner than ever.

The Law of Carbs

1. At least 90% of daily Carbs must be from Whole Foods.

Bad things happen when you don’t eat enough whole foods…

McDonalds: Clearly NOT a whole food

McDonalds: Clearly NOT a whole food

Fruit is a whole food. Mcdonalds is not.

Brown rice is a whole food, White rice is not.

Whole foods benefit the body because these foods are more nutrient dense.

Whole foods leave you full longer, feeling more satisfied, promoting brain health, and a lean physique. Mcdonalds does not.


2. Carbs must be slow digesting carbs, except around bouts of intense physical activity

Slow burning carbs usually contain…

  • Protein, slow digestion, essential for muscular and immune system.
  • Fiber, aids in digestion, promotes healthy blood sugar levels, and a happy colon.

In general, protein and fiber slow digestion, so your body can efficiently absorb the energy from food instead of wasted on abdominal fat.

If the choice is between white rice and brown rice, always go brown. White rice has been stripped of nutrients and fiber, and unless you are physically active within one hour of eating white rice — the insulin boosting white rice goes to rest on your belly.

TIP: Before, during, and after intense physical activity, your body can more readily uptake Simple Carbohydrates for muscle glycogen. This is why basketball players can drink endless Gatorade and not get fat — they actually use the energy.

3. If lacking in protein, carbs must make up for it in Antioxidants and other Nutrients.

Vital to our body’s cells — and therefore your physique…

  • Antioxidants, keep skin looking young, along with rest of body.
  • Nutrients, vital to life, includes everything from vitamins and minerals to probiotics and enzymes.

Delicious road to fitness

Antioxidants: Fruits and Veggies.

Enzymes: Raw foods, living foods.

Probiotics: Yogurt, Kefir

Vitamins & Minerals: Balanced diet

TIP: Diversify the colors of your fruits and vegetables — color does matter when it comes to anti-oxidants. For example, both Carrots and Pumpkin are high in Vitamin A Beta-Carotene, so diversify with broccoli next time.

4. Limit total Sugars to less than 50 grams per day

Aside from the cardiovascular benefits, reducing sugar in your diet will have a significant impact on every physique goal.

You could get all that sugar from one 16oz Coca Cola, but then you’d be missing out on apples, oranges, yogurts, and other healthy foods.

TIP: Cut the soda, and Reap the benefits.

5. Grains, seeds, and oats during the day, Vegetables in the evening

Morning: Body can efficiently utilize carbs for energy, and therefore less is available for body fat storage

Evening: Unless energy deprived, some carbs may be wasted at night — leading to body fat storage.

Both legumes and vegetables are vital to healthy life, but for the optimal physique, it’s best to save the higher energy carbs for the daytime when you actually need it. High energy carbs in the day and vegetables in the evening is a POWERFUL physique transforming combination.

TIP: To take it to the next level, consume massively nutrient dense vegetables as low-cal dinner carbs.

Carbs are a powerful source of energy for the body, best when used wisely.

You can get lean without worrying about how many carbs you eat.

Respect the power of carbs, and enjoy quality carbs at appropriate times.

Oatmeal in the morning, fruit for snack, split pea soup for lunch, carrots for second snack, mixed greens with dinner, and yogurt before bed. Voila.

Abide by My Law, and Yee Shall Receive

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion
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Vitamin D helps to Burn Fat, Deal with Carbs, Prevent diabetes

Vitamin D just keeps getting better!

Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition indicates that Vitamin D helps with Insulin Resistance and Insulin Sensitivity.

Insulin Sensitivity: The capacity of cells to respond to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake following ingestion of carbohydrates.

Wonder Gems

Wonder Gems

 

How this helps burn fat

People who have better insulin sensitivity will be able to utilize carbs more effectively as energy instead of storing the carbs as fat.

The subjects were taking 4,000 IU of Vitamin D per day, which is a relatively high dose — though still completely safe.

Vitamin D enhances life’s functions. This is by far one of the MOST important supplements available.

I personally take 4,000 IU per day, from Carlsons.

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion
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Pop-culture Probiotics: Good as they say?

Does yogurt withstand the scrutiny?

After a lawsuit, Activa now displays scientific names for each Probiotic strain on its label

After a lawsuit, Activa now displays scientific names for each Probiotic strain on its label

Society is becoming more and more aware of the host nature that humans hold with bacteria.

There are more cells of bacteria than there are human cells in our bodies — does that make us more bacteria or more human?

It’s all part of the system. We need the sun, we need the Earth, and we need each other.

Not all probiotics are created equal

There are an abundance of bacteria species, which seem to have varying and overlapping properties.

We know that S. Boulardii works well for preventing and treating diarrhea. For immunity, studies indicate that strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidus lowered incidence of flu symptoms by 70% over a group who wasn’t supplementing. It’s difficult for science to say which strain is the best, but we find significant evidence in how these foods benefit people so immensely.

Probiotic supplements are better, Living Foods are Best.

Living foods include Yogurt, Sauerkraut, Kim Chi, Tempeh, Kefir, Kombucha, etc…they are alive and want to help you stay alive.

For example, Yogurt : Benefits include…

  1. Active beneficial bacteria — stimulates immune system and aids in digestion
  2. High in protein
  3. Low glycemix index (plain yogurt helps you get slim)
  4. Vitamins and minerals

Kefir and Raw Sauerkraut are powerful as well. No need to choose one — eat them all!

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion
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Good Carbs, Bad Carbs: Glycemic Index for Belly Fat Loss

FOOD choices for belly fat loss, reader Q&A #1.

Andre! I have a health question that perhaps you can answer, and can benefit other readers of your blog as well!

Currently, I am at 192 pounds. I feel like I am in the best “physical” shape of my life. My muscles and veins are popping, I can go all day without naps or coffee, and I am drinking lots of water every day.

Right now, my diet is a mix between taco time (mahi mahi burritos are my kryptonite), and cereal. Basically, VERY LITTLE home cooked meals. I am trying to correct this by preparing meals in advance. (I packed my own lunch today).

My question is this: I want to lose weight, without losing too much muscle mass. I know I am naturally a muscular guy, but I also know my BMI could be lowered down a few points. I want to get back to my old 178 and fit into my old tee-shirts again. Any suggestions?

Your faithful reader and friend,

~Drew

Thank you for the question Drew, I too have smelled the seductive scent of Taco Time. Resistance may be difficult, but the end result is so. worth. it.

At work today, I assisted two gentlemen who had similar goals. To be as valuable as possible, I uncovered their eating habits — which included rice every single day!

Most people know that carbs generally make weight loss more difficult, but in reality it’s not about how many carbs as it is the type of carbs. Unfortunately, some of the most delicious carbs — like starches (potato, tortillas) and cereals (even “healthy” ones) — will raise blood sugar levels faster than Usain Bolt’s 100 meter dash. Let’s face it, the most popular carbs from Fast Food Restaurants do the OPPOSITE of weight loss.

All excess energy from high blood sugar will be stored as body FAT

The key is choosing the slow-burning carbs, so that you maintain high energy levels while regulating blood sugar at a healthy level.

Just me hangin on the beach, I had oatmeal for breakfeast.

Just me hangin' on the beach, I had oatmeal for breakfeast.

Therefore, we put a premium on carbs that have LOW effect on blood glucose levels, such as oatmeal, beans, and yogurt. One tool we use is the Glycemic Index.

  • The Glycemic Index (GI) is a system of ranking carbohydrate-containing foods based on their immediate effect on blood sugar levels.
  • The GI ranks the quality of carbohydrates, on a scale from 0 to 100, with pure glucose having the highest GI value of 100.

In terms of cost/benefit, the best carbs will contain some or all of the following:

  1. Dietary Fiber (Green veggies, Lentils, Split peas)
  2. Protein (oatmeal, beans)
  3. Antioxidants (fruits, berries)
  4. Vitamins, Minerals (Yams, Spinach)
  5. Additional Nutrients (Onions, Broccoli: anti-cancer)
  6. Low to Medium Glycemic Index

Ensure that all of your carbs are nutrient dense, and you will already notice benefits in body composition.

Aside from simply reducing calories (which is also VERY important for fat loss), the TYPE of carbs will make or break any six-pack abs diet.

Final Tips for Belly Fat Loss

  • Aim for at least 100 grams protein per day (includes protein from non-meat sources)
  • Use Branched Chain Amino Acids upon waking and/or with foods lacking in protein (e.g. take BCAA’s while eating fruit)
  • Consume less than 2,200 calories per day. (Less than 1,800 calories/day for women)
  • Your last meal of the day should be ~2 hours before bed, and it should be a high-protein / low carb meal.
  • Whey Protein is your Friend.
  • Prepare meals at home. Only go to restaurants ONCE per week OR Special order all of your food to your specifications. They must oblige (feel free to tip more if they do well).
  • Fiber, Fiber, Fiber — it helps regulate blood sugar levels.
  • A little green tea speeds up the metabolism and fat burning process.
  • EAT AS MANY LEAFY, GREEN VEGGIES AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN – you can stuff your face all day long with spinach and broccoli and you’ll see results within DAYS!

Drew, my good friend, I hope this benefits you as it has me.

Be sure that I will write many more articles promoting healthy fat loss in the upcoming episodes.

Best to all who wish to GET LEAN,

André

EllisonFitness

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion Weightloss Now