Slim People in Progress

3 Months of Free Fitness Coaching Videos

Recently I told you about a new book by my colleague Rachel Cosgrove. Her book, The Female Body Breakthrough hit #19 overall on Amazon.com the day it launched. That is HUGE when you consider the millions of books on Amazon. It also was #1 in sports training, sports coaching and health and fitness categories.

At the time, Rachel was offering 3 months of fitness coaching on video as a bonus for people who bought the book on launch day. However, I got an email from Rachel and she told me she's offering the free coaching videos to EVERYONE. I don't know what value Rachel puts on this, but I'd say it's got be worth at least several hundred dollars.

I've been watching the videos and they are good. I just watched #4 and Rachel discusses the difference between aerobic exercise and strength training and why you need to focus on strength if you really want to change the shape of your body. Every video so far has been excellent. If I lived closer to Rachel's gym, I'd be a member.

My recommendation is that you grab a copy of Rachel Cosgrove's book (or ask for it for Christmas!) and sign up for the videos. The video coaching will accelerate your progress through her fitness program.

Fast Track Detox Diet: Review

I've been remiss in pointing out an excellent review of The Fast Track Detox Diet (Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D. C.N.S.). Early in January I posted that I had bought the book and was thinking about doing the diet. I asked if anyone had any experience with it.

Erica Ross-Krieger, The Wellness Coach, responded a couple of weeks ago with an indepth review of the book and the diet plan. Erica's rating is one smiley face:

Overall Rating: ☺
Note: The book itself is thorough, well presented, and comprehensive. As I said though, I’m not a fan of fasting or diets and this didn’t change my mind. Does contain other useful information though.

I recommend that if you're considering this program, that you read Erica's complete review to get the pros and cons of the plan.

Sugar-Free Maple Syrup

I have a sweet tooth. During the Backyard Bootcamp though, I'm supposed to stay away from sugar. Artificial sweeteners are OK, but I really cannot stand the taste of most artificial sweeteners. 

I like to put a little syrup on my oatmeal so I bought Cary's Sugar-Free Syrup as recommended.  Yuck. Tastes like artificial sweetener.  The other recommendation was Joseph's Sugar Free Syrup so I bought some. 

Joseph's tastes much, much better than Cary's (kind of like molassis), but it's sweetened with malitol. Since I didn't know what that was, I looked it up and it doesn't get good marks. It's actually a sugar alcohol and is used in a lot of sugar free stuff because it most closely resembles the taste of sugar. Apparently some people cannot digest it very well and end up with intestinal cramping and gas.

What's a girl with a sweet tooth to do if she cannot eat a little sweet stuff now and then???

Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook: Review

I ran across a review of Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook 2007.  I do not personally own this book, nor do I cook too much so the views expressed do not reflect my own. I link to the review here as a service to you.

Dr. Praeger's Tex Mex Veggie Burgers

Tex Mex veggie burgers are my latest favorite lunch.  I've heard people talk about Dr. Praeger's products and finally decided to try the veggie burgers.  Being a Mexican food fan, I was attracted to the Tex Mex veggie burgers.  They are 2 points each and delicious.

Here's how I get the most mileage out of one burger:

Heat up one veggie burger - 2 points
Heat up 2 mini corn tortillas - 1 point
1/4 avocado - 2 points
Salsa - 0 points

Split the veggie burger between the two tortillas, spread the avocado on burger, then top with salsa.  You get TWO mini soft tacos for 5 points.  For me, this is a filling lunch and fulfills my desire to eat a "bigger" meal. I found Dr. Praeger's products at Trader Joe's and I think they are at most grocery stores.