Thankful (by Melissa)

Life can get so busy. Taking care of a family of 8, although rewarding can be very exhausting at times… home school, laundry, three meals a day, grocery shopping, haircuts, orthodontist appointments, motivating pep talks (lots of them) and the list goes on and on. Oh! And trying to get a new business off the ground. Okay I’m sure you are getting bored, exhausted
or both but my reason for saying all of that is to show you what little time I have left to exercise which is and has always been important to me. Although exercise, not being at the top of the priority list, is easily neglected – 30-45 minutes per day is a lot of time. 

So why am I thankful? Well, I have many reasons to be thankful, but this post is about being thankful for the ROM Machine. Having to find only 4 minutes per day for exercise is a wonderful thing to me. I know it sounds so ridiculous, 4 minutes of exercise per day? How in the world could you possibly accomplish anything in this amount of time, right? Typically this would be true but the ROM Machine is not your typical piece of workout equipment. The masterful design and engineering behind this machine is so incredible. 

If you would read this  ARTICLE  with an open mind you will understand how and why the ROM Machine truly works so successfully. I have worked out 3-5 days per week for the past 20 years and I can promise you that none of those workouts ever demanded as much effort in 30-45 minutes as the ROM Machine workout does in just 4 minutes. I have developed a love-hate relationship with this machine. I love what it is doing for me with increased stamina, strength and energy, but I hate the last 2 minutes of each workout. I never knew 2 minutes could feel so long. This ROM Machine really, really works you out! Not just in one area either… this is a full aerobic, cardio, and strength training at one time. Plus your muscles are being properly stretched throughout the 4 minutes, so there is no need to spend extra time stretching before and after each workout. 

So to sum it all up… our benchmarking results prove the effectiveness of the ROM Machine and Marco and I are thoroughly impressed, convinced, and motivated to continue on this 12 month health & fitness challenge with the ROM Machine!

Go Challenge yourself!


Melissa

Hunker Down

Any time the radio announcer says “hunker down” in our part of the country, it usually means we’re going to experience a severe tropical storm or small hurricane. Not so yesterday. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for most of the South. We last had one of those around here in 2008. Supposed to be severe weather for the next day or so. Roads/ bridges are supposed to ice over and some areas are supposed to see significant snowfall amounts.

Traveling will be difficult. Our state has more bridges than any other, and you know the saying on the road sign: “Bridge Freezes Before Road.” Thus, a lot of people have to stay put during times like these, including us. We have to cross over bridges to get just about anywhere. Thankfully, we don’t have to miss our workouts (nice having a ROM Machine in the house). The problem isn’t that we can’t handle the cold down here. It’s that we don’t see it very often. Makes little sense to invest in de-icing equipment when it’s hardly ever used. So for the next couple of days we’ll be staying close to home. Then it’s back up into the 70’s for the weekend. Isn’t it this kind of “back-and-forth” in the weather that makes people sick?

We’ve been fortunate…. Melissa and I have been healthy thus far. Maybe it’s the regular exercising we’ve been doing. No doubt that’s a least part of it. One other thing we’ve been doing is to drink a mixture of Vitamin C powder (1000 mg- Emergen-C brand), Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar- with the “Mother” ( 2tsp), and a little water. We try to drink this mixture at least two times per day. I highly recommend it.

Why raw Apple Cider Vinegar? There are several benefits (from Braggs website):
Internal-
– Rich in enzymes and potassium
– Supports a healthy immune system
– Helps control weight
– Promotes digestion and ph balance
– Helps sooth dry throats
– Helps remove body sludge toxins

External-
– Helps maintain healthy skin
– Soothes irritated skin
– Relieves muscle pain from exercise
– Helps promote youthful, healthy bodies

I was impressed by the testimonials on the website. I think it’s pretty clear that natural/ whole foods are key to healthy living. That, and exercise.

I’m a results-oriented person. I’ve been pretty pleased with the results of our lifestyle changes so far. I hate being sick or having anything that might slow me down. According to the local news, the flu has been pretty bad in our part of the world this year. And I’ve seen a lot of different people suffering from illness the last three months. It feels good to not be one of them.

To Good Health,

 
Marco

A Well Balanced Diet

I realize this is kind of a long post but when I read about this I felt like it was important enough to share here. 

A well balanced diet is one that gives your body the nutrition it has to work effectively. In order to get genuinely balanced nourishment, you should acquire most of your daily calories from fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins.

What Are Calories?
The number of calories in a meal is a measure of the quantity of energy saved in that food. Your body makes use of calories from food for strolling, thinking, breathing, and everything else it does. The typical person has to eat about 2,000 calories every day to preserve his or her weight.
An individual’s daily calorie consumption should be based upon age, gender, and exercise level. Men usually require more calories than women, and active people need more calories than sedentary (inactive) people. The following examples of calorie intake are based upon U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards:
-children ages 2 to 8: 1,000 to 1,400
-active ladies ages 14 to 30: 2,400
-inactive women ages 14 to 30: 1,800 to 2,000
-active men ages 14 to 30: 2,800 to 3,000
-sedentary men ages 14 to 30: 2,000 to 2,600
-active males and females over 30: 2,200 to 3,000
-sedentary men and women over 30: 1,800 to 2,200

The source of your day-to-day calories is just as essential as the number of calories you eat. You should restrict your usage of “vacant calories,” or those that provide little or no nutritional value. The USDA specifies empty calories as calories that come from sugars and solid fats, such as butter and shortening.
According to the USDA, Americans consume empty calories frequently in:
bacon and sausages
-cakes
-cheese
-cookies
-doughnuts
-energy beverages
-fruit beverages
-ice cream
-pizza
-sports drinks and sodas

Why a Balanced Diet Is Important.
A balanced diet plan is necessary due to the fact that your body’s organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work efficiently. Without great nutrition, your body is more susceptible to disease, infection, fatigue, and poor performance. Young children with a poor diet plan run the danger of growth and developmental issues. Bad eating habits can stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Rising levels of weight problems and diabetic issues in America are prime examples of the effects of bad diet and lack of exercise. The USDA reports that four of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States are directly affected by diet plan. 

These are:
-heart condition
-cancer cells
-stroke
-diabetes

The best ways to Achieve a Balanced Diet.
At the core of a balanced diet plan are foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients and low in unneeded fats and sugars. The following are vital parts of a well balanced diet plan.

Fruits – Besides being a great source of nutrition, fruits make quick and tasty snacks. Select fruits that are in period in your area– they are fresher and supply the most nutrients.

Vegetables – Vegetables are primary sources of vital minerals and vitamins. Dark, leafy green veggies usually consist of the most nourishment and can be consumed at every meal. Examples consist of spinach, kale, green beans, broccoli, and collard greens.

Grains – In the United States, we eat refined white flour more than any other grain. During the refining process, the hull of the grain– the external shell– is tossed out. Unfortunately, the hull is where most of the grain’s nutrition lies. Whole grains, which are prepared utilizing the whole grain, consisting of the hull, offer a lot more nourishment. Go ahead and make the switch from white to whole-grain breads and pastas. You won’t regret it.

Proteins – Meats and beans are primary sources of protein, which is vital for proper muscle and brain development. Lean, low-fat meats such as chicken, fish, and certain cuts of beef and pork are the very best choice. Getting rid of the skin and cutting off any visible fat are simple methods to decrease the amount of fat and cholesterol in meats.
Nuts and beans, such as lentils, peas, almonds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts, are likewise good sources of protein. Tofu, tempeh, and other soy-based products are exceptional sources of protein and are healthy alternatives to meat.

Dairy – Dairy products provide calcium, vitamin D, and other necessary nutrients. Nonetheless, they are likewise major sources of fat, so it is best to choose reduced-fat or fat-free cheeses, milk, and yogurt.

Oils – Oils ought to be used moderately. Choose low-fat variations of items which contain oil, such as salad dressing and mayonnaise. Excellent oils, such as olive oil, can replace fattier grease in your diet. Avoid foods that have actually been deep-fried in oil due to the fact that they consist of a multitude of empty calories.

If you’ll change your eating habits and give the ROM Machine a try, your chances for a long healthy life will dramatically increase.

To healthy eating and ROMming!

Marco & Melissa