Happiness lies, first of all, in health. George William Curtis
A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools. Spanish Proverb

At the beginning of the year, many of us have visions of being in better shape by the summer. So, we blindly run to programs, products, and gyms for the first two months of the year with the highest hope for our health regimens and ourselves.

Before running to the nearest diet center or gym, read this article and examine your health priorities and objectives.

Priority number one should always be good health. How to achieve that goal is a personal matter. You will be more successful in your quest to lose weight, lose inches, add muscle, or tone your body if you have a clear understanding of yourself and your goals before you begin.

Remember, there is balance in everything, and finding your personal balance is key to being successful and healthy. You can absolutely do anything you set your heart and mind to, and believing in yourself will help you to achieve all of your goals.

Cleanse

Chances are, you've heard of the new "cleansing" and "detoxification" products on the market to help you eliminate impurities, reduce unhealthy cravings in your body, and in the process, flush away fat and shed unwanted pounds. It may come as a surprise, though, that people have been "cleansing" internally, for many years.

Anthem resident, Jaime Palenque was born and raised in Bolivia , South America , where his grandmother used to administer a "cleanse" for him and his brother. "She used to mix something called 'English Salt' and water overnight, then have us drink it in the morning. The first day we would fast, and for the nine days that followed we would drink the same mixture while watching our food intake," explained Jaime.

Today, millions of people throughout the world cleanse on a regular basis to promote good health, giving their bodies time to rest and recover from the day-to-day damage they inflict on their bodies.

Isagenix is one of the "cleansing" products that has taken the market by storm, recently. The system comes in a 30-day or 9-day supply, and is sold online (www.isagenix.com) or through retailers right here in Anthem and in the North Valley. An example of a nine-day program would be two "pre-cleanse days" where one eases into the system by starting out with two meal replacement shakes and one sensible meal (400-600 calories, low fat, high fiber). The "cleanse" would follow on days one and two of the nine day program. These "cleanse" days consist of a 4 oz. drink of "Cleanse for Life," mixed with 8 oz. of cold, purified water, four times daily. One should take the "Isagenix Snacks" as needed, up to six daily. Following the cleanse on days three through seven, one should repeat the system followed on the pre-cleanse days (two meal replacement shakes and one sensible meal). The nine-day program ends with another two day cleanse. Throughout the nine days, one should drink at least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water (more on cleanse days), take the Natural Accelerator Capsules, and exercise at least twenty minutes per day. Though this system has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration, the Isagenix Company reports that most participants lose an average of seven pounds during their first nine-day cleanse. As always, it's important to consult your doctor before starting a weight loss program, to make sure it's a healthy choice for you.

Nourish

It may not come as a great surprise that the official view on what our bodies "need" in order to be fully nourished has changed over the years. The most recent change came in 2005, when the United States government issued a new "Food Pyramid", an updated version of the one issued in 1992. The updated version emphasizes eating a variety of food, including healthful fat, and it underscores the importance of physical activity. The pyramid is based on the 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines which were released to generally wide acclaim for boosting the importance of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and healthful fat including nuts and olive oil, and for limiting fare with added sugar, saturated fat, and trans fatty acids.

The new Food Guidance System includes twelve intake levels, from 1,000 calories per day to 3,200 per day, designed to help consumers find the caloric balance that will help them achieve a healthier weight.

There is also a helpful companion website hosted by the government - mypyramidtracker.gov - which offers 8000 foods and 600 types of physical activity. It enables users to electronically log on and keep a record of as much as a year's worth of food intake and physical activity on the website. Users can analyze their history by the day, the week, the month, or the year, and see how it stacks up against the guidelines.

With the new focus on fruits and vegetables, many of us will be looking for new ways to incorporate that ruffage into our daily diet plan. Local produce groups and services like "Boxed Greens" is a great and convenient way to do this. Boxed Greens, (www.boxedgreens.com) a Tempe-based delivery company will take personal orders for everything from fresh and certified organic produce, to organic meat, poultry, dairy, juice, and beverage products. Customers may place one-time or automatic orders, and they are delivered to the customer's door. Orders are delivered in insulated boxes with ice packs or extra packing as needed for extreme temperatures. For more information, please visit their website.

Meal supplements and replacements are one way that dieters and weight watchers choose to control and maintain their intake of calories. One popular product available is "Optimal". "Optimal" is classified as a "neutraceutical" and are shakes that come in chocolate or vanilla and are only 160 calories each. Josh and Laura Rogers, owners of "Sweat" in Anthem stand endorse and sell the product, and will also sell it in their new gym location, opening this spring. According to Laura, it is "a safe way for people to lose weight on a low calorie diet. It has all the nutrition you need on a daily basis, it tastes good, is affordable, and I know it works!" According to the Optimal website, (www.escapediet.com) it provides exactly the nourishment and vitamins that your body needs. "The product is very versatile, and depending on your desired outcome, there are a number of ways to work the program," explains Rogers .

Josh and Laura believe in Optimal so much that they have created contests around the product. The contests focus on personal training combined with a tailored diet using Optimal. There is a "team" atmosphere and the contestants get a discounted price. There are two different contests: the "Sweat Fitness Challenge" is for those individuals who want to lose weight. These clients take Optimal with a low-calorie diet for three months in order to achieve their goals. They work out two to three times per week at Sweat and attend "Sweat Camp" on the weekend. For those who are already near or at their goal weight and want to tone or build muscle, sweat has created the three-month "Sweat Toning Challenge." Clients in this contest take Optimal as a way to build muscle. Those who are interested in signing up for a challenge may apply online at www.sweatchallenge.com

Anthem resident, Donna Fanning, owner of "Our Kitchen to Yours" in Anthem (located near The Learning Express on Anthem Way ; 623.551.8800) has resolved to help the community in their quest for a healthy diet. She now has a cooler in her shop that holds low calorie, healthful meals that indicate calorie levels and other information that will aid people who are monitoring their intake of calories, sodium, carbohydrates, and sugar. Meals to go, such as Salmon with Whole Wheat Cous Cous, and Rosemary Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce served with Brown Rice Pilaf will be a welcomed addition to any diet plan, including the Isagenix plan which requires that participants have one sensible meal per day. Fanning notes that "Our Kitchen to Yours" takes special orders for people who may have specific dietary restrictions. The shop also sells the full line of Isagenix products.

Condition

There are a number of options when it comes to ensuring an adequate amount of physical activity, and there are more popping up every day, here in Anthem, and many of them don't cost a thing. We have great community parks with basketball courts, softball fields, and skate parks. There are also a number of groups that have formed comprised of people who share the same goals: physical fitness, a love of fun and camaraderie, and a particular affinity for one type of activity or another. It is just a matter of connecting with the right people, and the electronic message boards in Anthem are a great way to do that.

Anthem residents Maureen Becker and Dorothy Ferrante are in the "pre-sale" phase for their new business "Inches-A-Weigh" which will be located at 7545 W. Bell Road, Suite 103 in Peoria (between 75 th and 77 th Avenues; 623-979-1100; www.inchesaweigh.com.) Inches-A-Weigh is a nation-wide company started by Scott Simcik in 1986. The center employs an innovative and balanced concept that combines nutrition and exercise for their clients. They are committed to helping their clients reach their weight loss goals, and maintain a healthy weight.

Inches-A-Weigh uses a three-phase approach to weight management, body sculpting, and cardiovascular fitness, which is reflected in structured one-hour group exercise classes incorporating an element of fun and progression of activities that make it simple for women to initiate and maintain a more healthy, active lifestyle. Their three-phase method is based on the established guidelines set by the American Heart Association and the United States Surgeon General.

"No other weight loss program incorporates all of these things under one roof," explains Becker. She continues, "Potential clients are invited to come in for a "no obligation" complimentary figure analysis. When completed, an individual's needs are identified and how the Inches-A-Weigh program can work for them is discussed and explained. Once enrolled, on a weekly basis, clients are individually weighed in, meet with a nutritional counselor who reviews their daily food diary, establishes their personal menu for the next week giving a printed grocery shopping list for ease and convenience. Weekly behavior modification lessons are discussed individually and issued to each client. An exercise schedule for our toning tables and cardiovascular machines are set up at a minimum of three times per week (up to six times a week per the client's choice.) After one loses unwanted weight, one does not have to "relearn" how to eat in the "real world." An added bonus from Inches-A-Weigh is that the clients who are following the prescribed program are guaranteed to lose at least 1.5 pounds per week, and 8 to 15 inches in three weeks, or they get their money back. This is one time when losing is winning!

If going to a gym and working out in public isn't your thing, and you crave privacy as well as personal attention, hiring a personal trainer is an excellent option. Kathi Horn is a well-known and well-respected personal trainer in Anthem. She has clients train in her home, and she offers a flexible daytime schedule. Horn believes in approaching total health on multiple levels, through exercise, eating well, and cleansing, and she works on all of these areas with her clients. She has used the Isagenix products for one-and-a-half years now, along with her clients, and believes it is part of the "total package" of health. "I definitely believe that in order to achieve optimal health you need a balance of weight training, proper nutrition, and cardiovascular exercise," explains Horn. Those who are interested in contacting Horn about her services or the Isagenix products may do so by email, or by visiting her website (jam-89@juno.com; kathihorn.Isagenix.com)

Boettcher Family Wellness Center is excited to announce its monthly wellness seminars dedicated to improving your health and well-being from the inside out. This motivational workshop will address the "Core Elements" to good health providing you the tools to phenomenal health. It will address nutrition, stress management, body cleansing via Isagenix, antiaging and yes the "e" word, "exercise". Dr. Boettcher will share his personal health challenges and how he has managed to rise above them through these core elements of health without any of the negative side effects medications can sometimes pose. He will further share his secret to success for competing in Ironman distance triathlons and encourage you to transform your own goals and motivations into a successful fitness program for a lifetime. Dr. Boettcher truly lives what he says and can speak from experience about the keys to great health. Health and well-being come from within and the daily decisions we make just as any other successful endeavor in your career, family, retirement etc.lies in our daily health decision making skills that transcend our path to either great health or often unnecessary "dis-ease" and its consequences. This motivating seminar will enlighten, encourage, invigorate and captivate you, and has the information available to help you change your life. Those who are interested in bettering their health may call Dr. Boettcher's staff to reserve a seat for this complimentary, life-changing workshop. Call 623.551.9100 or visit www.boettcherfamilywellness.com & www.doctorb.isagenix.com for more information on the Total Family Wellness Center and complete nutritional system.

There are so many choices available today, it can be overwhelming. Keep in mind that what is a "good fit" for one, might not be good for everyone. Keep your eyes on the prize, and you will finish the year of 2007 as a healthier version of yourself .a true "winner"!

*While we at Images AZ support and encourage a healthy lifestyle, we do not endorse or promote any particular product or service when it comes to achieving that lifestyle.

Is It Right For You?

Successful weight loss means making small changes toward a healthy lifestyle. Make sure your weight loss plan is right for you.

Does it include:

• Foods from all five food groups?
• The right number of servings from each group?
• Foods you will enjoy eating for the rest of your life?
• Foods you can buy from the supermarket?
• Some of your favorite foods?
• Foods that fit your budget and lifestyle?
• Regular physical activity or exercise?

If the answer is "yes" to all the questions, your weight loss plan is right for you. For names of registered dietitians in your area who can develop a personalized weight management plan, visit www.eatright.org

*Courtesy of the American Dietetic Association

Tips For Eating Healthy When Eating Out

• As a beverages choice, ask for water or order fat-free or low-fat milk, unsweetened tea, or other drinks without added sugars.
• Ask for whole wheat bread for sandwiches.
• In a restaurant, start your meal with a salad packed with veggies, to help control hunger and feel satisfied sooner.
• Ask for salad dressing to be served on the side. Then use only as much as you want.
• Choose main dishes that include vegetables, such as stir fries, kebobs, or pasta with tomato sauce.
• Order steamed, grilled, or broiled dishes instead of those that are fried or sautéed.
• Choose a "small" or "medium" portion. This includes main dishes, side dishes, and beverages.
• Order an item from the menu instead of heading for the "all-you-can-eat" buffet.
• If main portions at a restaurant are larger than you want, try one of these strategies to keep from overeating:
• Order an appetizer or side dish instead of an entrée
• Share a main dish with a friend.
• If you can chill the extra food right away, take leftovers home in a "doggy bag."
• When your food is delivered, set aside or pack half of it to go immediately.
• Resign from the "clean your plate club" - when you've eaten enough, , leave the rest.
• To keep your meal moderate in calories, fat, and sugars:
• Ask for salad dressing to be served "on the side" so you can add only as much as you want.
• Order foods that to not have creamy sauces or gravies.
• Add little or no butter to your food.
• Choose fruits for desserts most often.
• On long commutes or shopping trips, pack some fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, low-fat string cheese sticks, or a handful of unsalted nuts to help you avoid stopping for sweet or fatty snacks.

*Courtesy of United States Department of Agriculture.