So you have probably heard lots about Acai (ah-sa-ee) berry supplements or acai juice lately. Acai is an antioxidant-rich palm fruit that grows in South America, and is consumed  in various forms in that region. Acai berries are round, dark-purple and about 1 inch in diameter, similar to a grape and grow in bunches that contain hundreds of individual fruits.

Interest in Acai berries and Acai products has grown with the discovery that the fruits have an exceptional nutritional profile, including high levels of antioxidants, amino acids and nutritional fats.  Seeking to capitalize on this interest, many Acai products and brands have come onto the market in a relatively short period of time.  Specially after Oprah called it the "Superfruit" in one of her shows...  Some make exaggerated or unsubstantiated claims. This has further intensified interest and demand, drawing even more Acai products to the market, with ever more attractive claims. Some have even gone as far as calling it the "Fountain of youth fruit".

Most of you know I am always very skeptical when ti comes to such products.  The trouble is that in order to get the most out of this natural wonder you must consume it when it is fresh.  And that is nearly impossible.  The problem is that it stays fresh for only a certain short amount of time.  And to get it here to us in the States or even in Europe in a most fresh state would be very difficult.  But some companies have figured out ways of processing it and mixing it with other healthy juices.  Their products do not necessarily keep 100% of the fruit's nutritional value but they come pretty close.  We will talk about that in just a bit.

I decided to check out this so called miracle of nature for myself.  I have studied it and it truly does show the highest amount of natural antioxidant  But that is not all - it also effectively regulates sugar levels, normalizes our cholesterol while stabilizing our cardiovascular system. It fights against infection and strengthens our immune system. It cleanses the body of dangerous toxins. It improves circulation, ameliorates arthritis pain, and with its unique tropical flavor, it’s a delicious fruit to boot!

But some people claim that it "slows down the aging process" and that it helps with weight loss.  After my motorcycle accident two years ago I have put on some unwanted weight which resulted from medication as well as lack of exercise.  This I am now remedying by getting back into a regular exercise routine and eating healthy.  So I have always been one of those people that does not fall for these miracle wonder products.  Do I think it will help me lose weight?  I am not sure.  I would say I don't believe it until I try it out.  So I have ordered some Acai Berry from "Acai Burn" which is said to have the most potent product.  And they had a FREE trial so I have nothing to lose.  I will be reporting back to all of you and letting you know how it goes.  But as for the "slowing down the aging part".... I am not going to believe that.  Nothing can slow down the aging process.  And if it does, you would have to consume it every day and that is not really possible either.  Statements like that are usually made by companies that are glorifying this product and wanting you to be hooked on consuming it EVERY day.

You want better skin, that glow about you and to feel young?  The answer is SO simple and yet so easily ignored.  The answer to all that is proper rest, exercise and having no stress.  If you can do away with stress, laugh and enjoy yourself every day, remembering that life is only a song and to enjoy it while you are here on Earth you will notice the changes in the way your body physically reacts right away.  Life is short.  People waste too much time worrying, stressing, arguing and bringing all kinds of negative energy to themselves.  And so their bodies react to that negative energy and lash out.  Those who live calm, stress-free and happy lives show it on the outside as well.  Their bodies are always glowing and their skin looks great, their smile can bring warmth to just about any crowd in any room they are in.  So learn from this my young wolf cups and do not let these companies lure you into their sales pitches by promising the fountain of youth in a bottle.  Always remember that the key to unlocking a healthier you is within yourself.  You just need to know how to unlock that mystery from within :)

More to come on my experiment with the Acai plant....

First off, I want to say happy Thanksgiving to all of you readers out there.  I hope you spent it with family / friends around you in an atmosphere filled with joy, laughter and good vibes.  If we do not have that around us during the holidays, all the hard work we do on a regular basis really means nothing at all.

With the holidays comes a difficult challenge for those of us that are trying to watch our diet and calorie intake.  Despite our best efforts, all the holiday dinners and not to mention the cookies, pies and other treats that come our way mean that we will most likely be over eating and that we will eat more than usual during this season.  But that does not mean we have to surrender to a big belly or unwanted weight.

I have always believed to be happy one should be allowed to eat what one likes, so long as it is enjoyed in moderation and that it is followed by exercise and a healthy diet.  If we were to exercise regularly and burn the calories of the treats we like to enjoy before they turn into fat in our bodies we can eat almost anything, enjoy the food we enjoy the most and not put on the unwanted weight that usually follows such indulgence.

If you have the time and like to do cardio, try and do a 60 minute cardio workout on your none party days.  So lets say you have two party days during the thanksgiving weekend.  Each day you are having guests or visiting someone you may be taking in an additional 1,000 to 1,500 calories.  So what you need to do is adjust your workouts during the none party days to burn the extra 1,500 to 2,500 calories you have consumed during the party days, spreading it out over the rest of the week.  This way you are burning those calories before they turn into fat in your body.

But if you are sitting this reading and thinking "Oh God HERE WE GO about exercise... my most dreaded thing ... " do not threat.  Exercise is important as a daily regiment there is no doubt about it.  However it does not always have to be the only way you are going to control the extra calories consumed during party seasons.

Here are a few things you could do that are fun and you will not even feel you are burning calories while doing them:

• Walk your dog for 20 minutes more than you usually do and do a little speed walking (this is good for your dog also :)
• During none party days drink diet soda or better yet just water instead of sweetened drinks.  Try and consume less calories and leaner meals to help offset the extra calories you have consumed during the party days of the season.
  
• I can never emphasize enough on this one - At stores, malls and work ALWAYS try and take the stairs instead of the elevator if you can.  Did you know if you do this 5-6 times a day it equals 100 calories burned?!
• Dance to 4-5 of your favorite songs that get you pumped and going.
• If you have stairs, walk up and down the stairs for 15-20 minutes.
• Do your house chores while listening to music and getting into it like a workout.  You would be surprised to find out just how many calories a good series of chores can burn.
• Do some march in place, jumping jacks, jog in place, some more jumping then march in place to cool down.  You could do this while waiting for something (food to be cooked, laundry, file transfer...etc)
• If you have family visiting, entice them to go for a walk with you.  A group walk is always more fun and a great way to bond and spend time while burning off some calories.

As you can see It is not that difficult to find alternate ways to have fun and burn the extra calories during the holiday season.  The trick is to be doing it during the season and not cheat.  Waiting until the season is over then trying to burn off the extra calories consumed can be difficult and frustrating.  All in all the best thing you could do for yourselves is to make sure you are active and exercise at least lightly or moderately after the party days so that you allow your body to burn the calories before they turn into fat.  Remember you do not have to do vigorous workouts if your schedule does not allow them.

Make sure you do the following ever morning when you get up and during day if your schedule allows:

• Be sure and stretch well before and after your workout.
• March or jog in place to get your heart rate going.
• Use light weights to do some curls, thrusts and squats.
• Kick in place to get your lets going, again speeding up your heart rate also.
• Do jumping jacks as many as you feel comfortable doing.
• Do some sit-ups and stretch your back and legs.
• March or jog in place while you slow down your rate and cool down.

Please seek professional advice from our trainers at the studio on a specific workout custom tailored to your body and needs and send me your feedback about what your routine is after the holidays for burning off the unwanted fat and calories.  I always love hearing from you all.