Thursday

A sinister health problem - the area you live, your skin pigmentation, and vitamin D

This is an important article and video below that shows how the area that you live could be harming your health.  The video also shows how this relates to our skin pigmentation and could cause a problem quietly brewing inside your body:

Is the area that you live harming your health through Vitamin D deficiency?

Also, if you missed the article the other day, make sure to read about how problems in our food supply could be causing you to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

On an unrelated note...

If you remember from a newsletter a while back, I warned that although I love most of Prograde Nutrition's products, there was one particular product that I recommended NOT using, and that was Prograde Lean, because it contained artificial sweeteners (and I'm strictly anti artificial sweetener).

Well, my complaint about that product didn't fall on deaf ears... Prograde has changed the formula and come out with a new and improved Prograde Lean meal replacement that is naturally sweetened with stevia!

It has coffee and chocolate flavors, and supposedly the coffee flavor is surprisingly good.  And it has either 8 grams (coffee flavor) or 11 grams of fiber (chocolate flavor) per serving, along with a whopping 35 grams of protein!

My boys at PG tell me that they're having a 10%-off sale until tomorrow on the entire store if you want to try out the new Prograde Lean.


Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer

Wednesday

Is vitamin D deficiency destroying your health?

Today's article will probably shock you.  Most people don't realize they are deficient in this vital substance that regulates almost everything inside your body.

And although you're probably aware what this nutrient is, there's a very important aspect I cover in this article that almost nobody is talking about...

The missing link destroying your health?  

Please read this article in full, as it is very important to understand the EXACT reasons why you are probably deficient in vitamin D and don't even know it.

If you missed this article last week, make sure to read about the new study that shows why high-fructose corn syrup can actually be WORSE for you than plain sugar (keeping in mind that sugar is bad too).  You'll get a laugh out of the end of this article too!

Talk to you soon,

Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer

Saturday

3 Major Fat Loss Mistakes

I've got a brand new article for you today from our favorite physical therapist, Dr K, guest author... Make sure to avoid these 3 MAJOR fat loss mistakes if you want to get truly lean for life:

3 major fat loss MISTAKES to avoid


Great points from Dr K in that article!  I'm always amazed at how many people I see at the gym pumping away for hundreds of situps and crunches thinking that their stomach fat is "melting" away or something like that... but they're just wasting time in reality... time that could be better spent on exercises that actually trigger a metabolic change, like squats, deadlifts, lunges, etc. 

Also, you may have missed Dr K's other recent article, which was quite a shocker to most people:

The 7 WORST exercises to NEVER do

Enjoy the articles!

Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer

Thursday

New study shows high fructose corn syrup worse than sugar

You've heard the debates about which is worse, high-fructose corn syrup or plain sugar... and you've also probably seen the ridiculous propaganda campaign that the Corn Refiners Association has been spreading trying to make you think that HFCS is "natural" and "no worse than sugar".

But now a new study has emerged that might shock you.  Make sure to read this whole page, as it even shows exactly why HFCS does make you fatter than plain sugar!

New study shows HFCS does make you fatter than sugar

And I also have something on that article page that is going to give you a good laugh... you'll see what I mean on the site!

Share this article with your friends to spread the word on the new studies on HFCS.

Also, I just wanted to give you one last reminder that this is your last chance to check out the new ShapeShifter Body Redesign system for the launch week special.


Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer

Tuesday

Unique Home Workouts - the ShapeShifter System

You've got to check out these super-unique new home workouts that my friends Adam and Ryan just released today... these guys always blow me away with how different and innovative their exercises are...

Check out Adam and Ryan's new weird "ShapeShifter" workouts

ShapeShifter


What is the ShapeShifter?
Well, we're talking innovative bodyweight training programs fully integrated with no-nonsense diet and lifestyle lessons. One of their beta testers of the "ShapeShifter" lost 8.5 inches off her body in only 6 weeks--without setting foot in a gym! The exercises were all done at home.  And every inch that she lost was fat!

That's the secret of their body "RE-DESIGN" system. They've arranged the program in a day-by-day format that removes fat off your body fast while maintaining or even adding muscle in EXACTLY THE RIGHT PLACES for the most impressive VISUAL impact... hence, re-designing your body in 6 weeks!

And that's what getting in shape is all about, right? Changing your shape. I mean, there's no point working your butt off in the gym if no one notices!

And that's exactly what usually happens with generic exercise and diet programs. You might lose weight and simply end up with nothing more than a smaller version of the same flabby body. But NOT with the ShapeShifter!  With this, you will lose body fat while reshaping your body.

Get the Shapeshifter system now (re-design your shape)

This is by far one of the best bodyweight training programs I've ever seen.  It's also one of the highest quality and most innovative programs I've seen in a long time, period.

If you try out the ShapeShifter program for the next couple of days during this 51% off launch special, you'll also get some killer bonuses that I don't think you want to miss...

Get started on re-designing your shape (no gym needed)

Have fun with this...  These are awesome workouts to add to your arsenal for a lean chiseled body!

Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer

Friday

3 counterfeit foods that have deceptive health claims

Whenever I go to the grocery store, I always have to shake my head at how deceptive so many food labels are... no wonder so many people are confused as to what foods are healthy and which are not. 

In today's article, I show you 3 examples of foods that have been manipulated from their natural state and transformed into processed "counterfeit" foods.  Shockingly, the food manufacturers try to claim that these foods are "healthier" than the original natural version.  Don't be fooled!

  3 "counterfeit" foods that are deceptive

Last thing for today:

If you haven't done so yet, make sure to try out the new Prograde Fusion protein/fiber tasty drink concoction that helps to satisfy your appetite and control cravings between meals.

I'm excited about this new product, and the origin of the idea came from when I was doing a cutting cycle and needed something to control my appetite mid-day between meals and late night when the cravings might creep in.  So I talked to my boys at PG about maybe producing something like this... and a year later, voila!

PG Fusion has 24 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and only 2 grams of sugar (and ZERO artificial sweeteners)... but it tastes like a delicious fruity drink. 

Heck it might sound crazy, but the next time I'm having cocktails with friends, I might try a Fusion mixed with vodka or rum...

I'm not recommending alcohol obviously, but if I'm hanging out with friends and going to have a cocktail anyway (let's face it, most of us aren't willing to give up alcohol entirely), we might as well get 24 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber with it too!

By the way, on this topic, here is an article I did that explains how to stay lean and healthy if you don't want to entirely give up alcohol.


Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer

Saturday

The 3D Metabolic Exercise Method for Flat Abs

I've got a special Q&A piece for you today that shows you all about a new exercise technique called "3D Metabolic Exercise" from my good buddy, Dr. Kareem.

**The 3D Metabolic exercise method for flat abs**

Mike:  Hey Dr. K!  Most of my readers come to me because they want an honest source on health
and fitness... aka "The Truth" -

A couple weeks ago, I shared with everyone why I think your Metabolic Abs program is one of the most cutting-edge and effective fat loss workouts out there, but I'm not sure everyone is clear about your method.  What is 3D metabolic exercise and why does it work so well?


Dr. Kareem:  Awesome to be here, Mike.  Thanks for having me.

Before you fully understand what 3D Metabolic Exercise is, let's just take a peek at the problem that this method was designed to solve:

Most workout programs either take too long to do, require a gym membership, or recommend unrealistic diet expectations to help you get six pack abs.  By definition, if you can't follow something, it can't work.

3D Exercise is basically the fastest way to lose fat and build six pack abs.  By working your body in real-life ways, in all directions at once, you are simulating the same demands that take place in daily living, but with greater resistance and intensity.  This allows the carryover effect from exercise to be that much greater.

Metabolic exercise is a strategic balance between your three energy systems in your body.  You have your ATP-PC energy system, Anaerobic energy system, and Aerobic energy system.  When you work all three for a specific amount of time/workout, and you work them in a specific sequence, you get much better results.

Finally, we combine 3D movement and our metabolic protocols with ‘Neuro Fat Loss' techniques.  Basically, we reposition your body for better alignment of your joints and muscles.  In turn, your posture improves, but so does your strength.  With a better muscle strength to length ratio, your body moves more fluidly and accepts muscle growth more readily.

  
Mike:  Can your 3D Exercise method be done at home and if so, how much equipment is required?


Dr. Kareem:  These workouts can absolutely be done at home.  That's where I do them... or when I'm traveling, in a hotel room or hotel gym. There are a few pieces of equipment I use in the videos, but I also
provide you with household equipment suggestions if you're working out in your home and need some advice there.

I have clients who do just the bodyweight version of every exercise and they get GREAT results.  I find that I do this if I'm in a hotel room and don't have a great place to exercise.  It's my ten minute back up plan
when I'm in a pinch, because it consistently gets me some of the best results out of anything I do, no matter how long.

If you don't have a lot of time, I totally get it.  I've been there too.

Each workout is 10 minutes.  There are 5, meaning that you will exercise 5 days/week for 10 minutes/workout.  That's a total of 50 minutes of workouts per week.  Less than one hour!


Mike:  10 minutes a day is fast.  That's one of my favorite aspects about Metabolic Abs training, is the speed.  Sometimes you just want to grab a really quick workout and know it's super effective.


Dr. Kareem:  Thanks Mike!  I want to bring up another point... A lot of older adults out there are afraid to participate in an exercise program that is intense.  Age alone isn't a reason not to do an intense fat loss
program, but it's always wise to check with your doctor before starting an exercise program if you have any conditions that would warrant his/her approval or if this is your first time exercising.

For your information, my current oldest client in Ab Strength Guide is an 84 year old woman.  My youngest is an 8 year old boy, who does bodyweight only.  It doesn't matter - they're both getting great results.

The key is that you choose an exercise program that is adjustable by intensity, duration, and range of motion.  Then, you simply work to progress all the time.  Once you are able to hit a certain level of intensity,
your results show up nearly instantly.  It's really funny how we hit a "tipping point" with so many things in life, ya know?


Mike:  Totally.  I think the same thing is true with nutrition.  A lot of people don't have a clue how to start eating healthy and clean until they do.  It takes a few days or weeks to find where you can get the
best deals on everything, but then you're all set.... When you look back, it's hard to imagine eating any other way.  ...all the while, you're just getting leaner the whole time.

That said, one thing that caught my attention that you just said was that you've created a workout method where your client can self-adjust the level?


Dr. Kareem:  Now, that's the really cool aspect of Metabolic Abs Training. In the beginning, just learn the movements and how to ‘feel' an exercise in the right place.  This, alone, will produce an outstanding result if you're just starting out, especially because of how dynamic each movement is. Your body will naturally balance out, and fat will shed right off once your body is in balance.

As you become more experienced, or if that's where you are right now, your intensity increases, and the results do as well.  At my record lowest bodyfat of 7.5%, I was using these workouts on a regular basis, b/c I can depend on them to get me insane results every time.


Mike:  Shifting focus, completely, there's something really cool I'd like to share with you:

In addition to getting you six pack abs, these workouts were designed to reduce joint pain if you have any.  That's one of the reasons that I love referring you to the doc.


Dr. Kareem:  Thanks Mike.  You know I consider you a mentor to all of us with your exercise program design for fat loss.  That said, I used these exact workouts in my own personal transformation.

I used to have extremely severe pain in most joints of my body before I got leaner and in better shape.  I don't have great genes, but I'm a big believer in taking advantage of your body's full potential. Metabolic Abs Training will help you do that.


Mike:  It certainly will.  I know I get a crazy sweat when we work out together.  It's been a lot of fun... you can definitely see changes going on all the time.  It's really cool how we just come up with stuff back and forth.  I remember not too long ago we were talking about how men and women are still confused
about exercising for fat loss - would you mind explaining this in your own terms for everybody?


Dr. Kareem:  Sure, I'd be happy to.  A solid fat loss workout is proven to work with both genders.  Here's the deal, as I know you explained in an article before, we are all human beings. Our bodies secrete different amounts of testosterone and estrogen, depending on whether we are male or female, but we both have...
well, both.

If anything, it stands to argue that a woman who wants to lose fat will have to build a little bit of muscle first if she doesn't have a whole lot of meat on her body.  Otherwise, she'll never raise her metabolism.  I know you've talked about this before, but it's your muscle to fat ratio that ultimately dictates your metabolism.


Mike:  Thanks for the interview Dr. K!  It's always great chatting with you about health and fitness.  Make sure to check out this special video presentation Dr. K put up for you:

Dr. Kareem's Method Explained --->  3 Odd methods to get a flat belly


Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer

Monday

How to redesign your body - FREE 6-day plan

I've got a killer gift for you today from a couple fitness pros that I've spent time with quite a bit over the past couple of months... Adam Steer and Ryan Murdock.  These guys have some of the most unique and innovative exercise techniques I've seen out there... really cool stuff!

Check out their site below and grab a free copy of their 6-day "body redesign" program.  You're gonna love this!  Instead of just losing weight and ending up with a thinner, but still flabby body, this is all about re-shaping your muscle while losing body fat.

Grab your FREE 6-day "body redesign" program here

Inside this resource, you'll find cool info such as:
  • a NEW technique, called "ShapeShifter 3D Strength", for super-charged fat loss
  • a simple food mistake that could be keeping you soft and flabby
  • small physique changes that make a BIG visual impact on how you look

FREE 6-day plan to lose fat and redesign your body

Enjoy!  I really think you'll like Ryan and Adam's stuff!

Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer
TruthAboutAbs.com | BusyManFitness.com | AvalancheSkiTraining.com

Sunday

Are sunscreens harmful to your health?

If you listen to some clueless news reporters, you would think that being out in the sun without sunscreen on for even just 1 minute is going to instantly give you cancer and lead to your death.  Yet, for eons, our ancestors spent at least 10x more time out in the sun than the average person in the modern world.

And more info is surfacing lately about possible health risks with heavy use of sunscreens (carcinogenic, estrogenic effects).  In fact, did you know that underexposure to the sun is as big of a health threat as overexposure to the sun?  It's true...

Read today's article to see the gory details on this...

The TRUTH about sun exposure and sunscreens

I have another good article for you below that shows a unique way to ingest a natural nutrient that gives you "internal sun protection"...

Unique natural nutrient that gives you internal sun protection

Please pass these articles onto your friends and family to help protect their health!

Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer

Friday

What about lecithin, dextrose, and maltodextrin?

After the announcement yesterday about the new tasty protein/fiber drink mix, Prograde Fusion, I had some friends ask me why I would personally drink something that has dextrose, maltodextrin, and lecithin in it when I'm so strict about sugars and soy products.

Good question, and a fairly easy answer too...

First of all, let's talk about the dextrose.  Yes, this is basically just sugar, and most of the time, I try to avoid refined sugar.  However, the amount of sugar in this new Prograde Fusion drink mix is only 2 grams per serving, which is pretty miniscule.  Remember that you could easily down about 30-40 grams of sugar in some of the popular "sports drinks", so 2 grams is basically negligible.

Plus, when you combine only 2 grams of sugar with 24 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, it makes that 2 grams of sugar completely a non-issue, and will have almost ZERO effect on blood sugar. 

Also, although I may be extremely strict about avoiding some things such as artificial trans fats, I don't believe in being super-militant about a couple grams of sugar or tiny amounts of things I might normally avoid.  Sure, something that contains 40 grams of sugar I might save for a cheat day, but tiny amounts like 2 grams is nothing to worry about.

Same thing goes for the maltodextrin... yes, it's a processed carbohydrate and will effect blood sugar and insulin response, but not 1 gram!  In fact, some post-workout shakes can have 50 grams or more of maltodextrin or similar fast acting carbs, which after a workout, has benefits and helps to speed nutrients into the muscle cells for recovery.

So while I might sometimes choose post workout drinks that contain high amounts of maltodextrin, the purpose of the Prograde Fusion drink mix is NOT for post workout, but rather for appetite control and amino acid balance between meals or any time that you need to control cravings, and 1 gram of maltodextrin is nothing to worry about.

As for lecithin... yes, it's derived from soy, and as you know, I'm fairly anti-soy in most cases.  But that's mostly referring to heavily refined soybean oils or highly processed soy proteins (and other soy junk foods like soy milk), both of which I recommend staying away from as the article above explains.

But when it comes to tiny amounts of lecithin, it's not something I'm concerned about, and may even have benefits.  This article here shows why added lecithin is nothing to worry about, unless you're strongly allergic to all soy derivatives.

Again, with all 3 of these ingredients (lecithin, dextrose, maltodextrin), if the amounts are miniscule, such as in Prograde Fusion protein/fiber drink mix, this is nothing I would worry about. 

Remember that this week is your chance to try out the tasty new PG Fusion as they have a 10% off sale on the whole store to celebrate the release of this new product.

Enjoy!

Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer

Wednesday

My protein and fiber drink mix to burn fat

If you've read my Fat-Burning Kitchen ebook, then you know that one of the dozen or so tricks that I used during my 23-day cutting cycle was to use a special protein/fiber drink concoction during specific times of the day to control cravings, preserve lean muscle, and keep my metabolism high. 

Here's an excerpt from the book that describes this:

"When you're doing an accelerated fat burning cycle, protein and fiber are easily 2 of the most important things that you need adequate amounts. Both of them help you to keep hunger under control, and a high protein intake during the cutting cycle can help to prevent catabolism, so you don't lose lean muscle.

This was another of my secret weapons that I used each day... what I did was concoct my own protein/fiber drink mixes and have 1 drink each day at a time when I needed to control hunger but didn't want or didn't have time for a full meal. I either used these drinks in the afternoon on non-training days to keep satisfied or I used them at night to keep appetite under control and get an extra dose of fiber and protein."

When I wrote this section, I was at the time buying the protein and fiber ingredients separately and mixing them myself each day.  My good friend Jayson Hunter, who is head of R&D for Prograde Nutrition, told me to tell them what I was looking for and he could probably formulate something exactly like what I was looking for, but with an even better taste.

So I told Jayson that this was what I was looking for:

1.  A drink that has about 20-25 grams of protein per serving.
2.  This drink should also have at least 3-4 grams of fiber per serving
3.  And it should also be lightly sweetened with stevia (no artificial sweeteners!), and very little sugar, if any.

Well, over a year later, Jayson and Prograde just recently introduced the brand new Prograde Fusion, the exact type of protein/fiber drink that I was asking for.

PG Fusion contains a whopping 24 grams of protein per serving, 3 grams of fiber, and only 2 grams of sugar!  Only 145 calories total per serving, most of which comes from the protein!  And it tastes like a delicious sports drink but without all of the crappy added sugars that most sports drinks have.

These are the 2 main times when I think this drink is PERFECT:

1.  In the middle of the afternoon to hold off your appetite and cravings until dinner, but still give you an added jolt of protein and fiber to help keep your metabolism burning high.

2.  Late night, just when those late night cravings start to come on and you want to grab some junk food.  But instead, just grab this protein/fiber drink and your cravings will go away without doing any damage to your waist. 

Since this product was just released last week, Prograde is having a 10% off sale on the entire store to celebrate the release of this new product.  Give it a try and see what you think! 

Check out the new Fusion protein/fiber tasty drink here  (and save 10%)

This is probably my favorite new product and very handy to help quell those cravings at key times throughout the day...   And MUCH healthier than those crappy sugar-laden sports drinks!


Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer