Summer Slimdown

I have FIVE new spots in my upcoming SUMMER SLIM DOWN weight loss group! I know you want to lose some weight and get healthier this year but may not know exactly where to start or maybe you'd like to enhance what you're currently doing. That's where I come in.

I am looking for FIVE people who have 5 or more lbs to lose and need the support and accountability to stay on track. You need to be READY to make the changes and stay committed with me.

You want in? Go to my like page at www.facebook.com/mariapaulercio and Like my page.  Next, send me a message.  I'm ONLY accepting the first five that COMMIT.

Health is Wealth

A new month is here and some use it as a time for new beginnings.  Forget about what happened yesterday. Strive for consistency, not perfection.  Think of your health as your responsibility.  

Here are 8 simple tips on how to lose weight and tighten up.

1. Do cardio
2. No processed foods
3. No pop drinks
4. Exercise 20 minutes 3 times a week
5. Eat smaller portions
6. Drink lots of water
7. Don't add too much stuff to your coffee (stevia is good)
8. Set a goal and reach it 

Need accountability and support?  Visit my page at www.facebook.com/mariapaulercio and join us.

Become the BEST version of YOU

If your goal is to lean out, shed weight and improve your health, in my opinion, the key to success is to have a plan, know your numbers (calorie intake vs. how much you burn) and forgive yourself if you mess up.

I rely on two apps to guide me towards my goals:  myfitnesspal (connect with me at www.myfitnesspal.com/maria365) and my Fitbit. 

At the end of the day you can NEVER make a mistake with food.  Everything you do is an experiment.

So rather than saying, "Oh my gosh i really messed up today."  Say, "Wow, that was another food experiment that didn't work."

Through trial and error we will be able to find the foods that work for us, rather than staying on a fixed rigid diet.  Take your blinders off.  Our head will say one thing and our body will say another.  Find what works for you!

Tips for getting lean

If your goal is to lean out, then follow these tips:

• Eat at least 5 times per day
• Stop eating 3 hours before bed
• eat lots of lean protein and veggies (minimal starches)
• drink plenty of water
• avoid soda and similar junk
• enjoy healthy fats like nuts, seeds, olives and avocados
• when dining out, if you don't see it on the menu, ask to have it your way

Is it worth it to go organic?  Well it can't hurt, especially when it comes to soy and dairy.  Organic crops, including soy, cannot be genetically modified.  This means that by paying a little more for organic tempeh, you're avoiding those weird GMOs, not to mention pesticide residues.

With organic dairy, you're avoiding all the hormones and antibiotics they feed conventionally raised cows.  And a recent English study shows that not only is organic milk more nutritionally consistent, but contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

As for organic produce, science has yet to determine how much more nutritious it is, think about this, you're still avoiding all the chemical pesticides and herbicides they load on conventional fruits and veggies.

Eat well-balanced meals and remember that excess calories, even if they're from food that's fat free and high in protein, will turn to excess weight. No matter what the latest fad diet says, extra calories equal extra weight!

Stick with eating plans you can maintain indefinitely. Remember that no matter how hard you're working out, if you're consuming too many calories, you'll never see the muscles that lie beneath layers of fatty tissue.

To get my FREE weight loss secret that has helped me shed 30+ pounds click
Simple No Brainer Food Guide

May Challenge

Last month I tweeted:  No candy, no cake, no donuts, no muffins, no white bread, no chips, no fast food, no pastries, no ice cream. Do it for 21 days = #results

My April challenge was a success.  We focused on making positive changes, eating clean and fitting in exercise.  Being in a group setting and seeing posts from others who are doing it too makes you feel like you are not alone and empowers you to stay focused.

As we turn the page on the calendar to a brand new month, realize that real results require time, patience, your consistency and accountability. Making an effort to improve yourself everyday is the goal.

This month, our goal is to select food in its most whole, natural state, free of added unpleasantries. This is a lifestyle, not a short-term diet. Rule of thumb: eat 100% clean 80% of the time. That means 8 of 10 meals/snacks are "perfect." The 2 out of 10 can be your choice. Make an effort over the next 30 days and you will get results.

If you want to jump in and join my group then friend me on Facebook.com/maria365 and we'll take it from there!