Gabriela BEFORE

Tell us about yourself. I am the married mother with 4 children. I have currently been with my husband for over 16 years and most of those years I have been morbidly obese. When we first met I weighed approximately 140 pounds but slowly gained weight soon after we got married. With every child I put on approximately 40 pounds and never took it off afterwards. I honestly tried several times doing commercial programs. I just couldn’t keep the weight off. I became very depressed after every failed attempt and found it harder on my body every time I put the weight back on. My husband and I had a very difficult time during this period and even filed for divorce about 4 years ago. My kids were following my foot steps and it seemed like and endless cycle of weight gain, depression and unhealthy habits. I was in so much physical pain that it made it difficult for me to get up in the morning and face the day. I had four abdominal surgeries due to my obesity and suffered from severe migraines and asthma attacks on a regular basis. I even had terrible rosacaa at times.

When did you finally realize that you had been neglecting yourself ~ so much so that you finally decided to do something about it? My realization came one day when I was at a friend’s house crying to her how much I feel that I have thrown my adult life away. I never imagined my life would end up this way. I was blessed with four beautiful children and I wasn’t able to enjoy them. I felt that it wasn’t fair to them at all. I was full of shame and guilt. On my drive home from there that evening I suffered a severe asthma attack and quickly realized I didn’t have my inhaler with me. I panicked and called my husband that I wasn’t going to make it home and to meet me on the side of the road. I had all of my kids in the car and was horrified that they had to watch me in this state. I am lucky that I am alive to tell the story and can motivate others to take control of their lives also.

Why did you choose the Center for Weight Loss to help you reach your weight loss goals? After losing some weight on my own I found it more and more difficult to keep up with my weight loss. As I was going through the daily challenges of watching what I ate and incorporated excersize into my routine, I sometimes forgot why I was getting healthy in the first place. It was the longest year and a half of my life, but the most gratifying. The Center for medical Weight Loss makes it as easy as possible to lose the weight. It has a scientific approach to weight loss that helps you maintain your weight long term.

How much did you loose? I lost more than 130 pounds.

Gabriela AFTER

What do you do now to maintain your weight? I am very aware of everything I eat and I exercize on a regular basis. I have moved my eating addiction to moving and find interesting ways to keep myself on the go.

What advice would you give other women who might be experiencing the same decisions in their lives regarding their own struggle with being overweight? Being overweight is definitely not a laughing matter. I understand the struggles women go through. We are so used to putting our needs last that we often times don’t even realize how we got to this obese state. We need to not feel guilty for taking care of ourselves, because the ones we love and nourish everyday are much better off when we are healthy in mind and body. You can be so much more productive when you are happy and full of life. We are the backbone of our families and one cannot stand strong without a backbone.

Who if anyone has been a role model or mentor for your personal journey? I can’t say that I have had a role model or mentor in my personal journey. I knew I wanted to stay alive for my kids and wanted to see them prosper and be well.

What are you doing professionally these days? Today, I own and operate the Center For Medical Weight Loss at University Drive with Elisabeth Cohn-Gelwasser, MD. We help thousands of adults get healthy and lose the fat.

I have been so inspired by our patients that they have motivated me to find a new calling in life as well. That is to write and speak about weight loss to as many people that want to listen. Our country is traveling down a very dangerous journey and our life expectancy is less than ever before. I have published numerous articles in magazines and am working with the South Florida Chamber of Commerce to encourage corporate wellness amongst the businesses in South Florida. I believe if we band together we can combat this awful disease and win the war of the bulge.

Tell us about a typical day for Gabriela Rosenthal? My day starts with getting my kids off to school with a healthy hearty breakfast. I also pack their lunch daily. I do not allow my kids to buy school lunches. Once they are on their way I am off to the office to see weight loss patients that need my help. I tried to fit in one to one and half hour of exercise somewhere in my day. If need be I will get up at 5:30am and spin for an hour. I often have meetings throughout the day and am currently helping the corporate office out of New York to train their bariatric physicians. I sometimes have to travel but prefer to stay close to home. When time permits I will watch my kids play tennis and come home in time to read a book with them and put them to bed.

If I have events on the weekend I will often take my kids with me. We enjoy our weekends together as a family.

What do you enjoy most about being a weight loss specialist? I enjoy changing peoples lives. I am so inspired by the thousands of stories I have heard. I have watched young and old regain their confidence, self esteem and control. I have helped many get off of medications, get new careers and finally feel fulfilled in their life long dreams. It is great helping others and hope I will make a difference in this world.

What do you do for fun/relaxation? I love to read with my kids or just rent a movie and watch it at home with them. We love to play tennis together and find it therapeutic as a family.

Gabriela WAY AFTER

What is the Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year? My number one business goal would be to reach out to as many people as possible. I hope my public speaking career takes off and I can implement as many corporate wellness programs as possible. The media needs to jump of the band wagon and help spread the word.

You want to write a book on … “obesity and how it is never to late to change your life.” How we can change the lives of the ones closest to us by taking care of ourselves.

For more information about Gabriela and the Center for Medical Weight Loss visit: www.cmwl.org.

Note: Gabriela is the newest member of our team of Editors and has taken on the position of Health and Fitness Editor. She will be sharing tips, recipes and healthly lifestyle advice. Stay tuned!

As an entrepreneur, you probably find yourself fighting the balancing act everyday with customers, marketing, employees, and business development, let alone family, friends, and personal pursuits. With all this responsibility, do you find it impossible to fit in time to exercise? Of course you are not alone, many business people want to exercise, but it ends up low on the priority list, after business, family, and all the daily fires that need to be put out.

The irony of this all-too-common scenario is that regular exercise can provide the entrepreneur with business benefits you may have never imagined. Working out will improve not only your waistline, but your bottom line as well!

Energy to Last All Day

Regular exercise can give you the mental and physical energy to meet the challenges of running your business. The fact is, expending energy through physical activity creates more energy. Most business people find themselves more productive and focused on the days they exercise. They also are moving around more during the day, burning more calories!

The long and erratic schedule of entrepreneurs require the energy to deal with customer demands, emergencies, and the unexpected, sometimes long into the evening, all with the enthusiasm and clarity you would give it first thing in the morning. Effective, consistent exercise can give you that needed energy.

Make Exercise Your “Business Development” Time

When you think you are taking time away from work to exercise, look at exercise as business development time, especially when those solutions aren’t coming while you are stuck at your desk.

By stepping away from business, having some alone time and increasing your metabolism and circulation, solutions to problems will come to you, and new creative ideas will develop. Go for a quick walk, walk up and down some stairs, and wait for the ideas to flow!

Increase Exercise, Increase Sales?

You know that exercise is good for your health, right? But did you know that exercise is also good for the health of your business? In fact, in a study on exercise and entrepreneurship, researchers found that running three times a week on a regular basis not only increased personal satisfaction and independence, but runners had higher sales than non-runners. According to the study’s author, Mike Goldsby from Ball State University, “…good physical condition should contribute to entrepreneur’s success in reaching their personal and financial goals…Maintaining a fitness regimen is helpful for attaining goals and sustaining entrepreneurship.”

Exercise and Multitasking

When you really need a reason to stop working to exercise, don’t forget your continuing education. How much reading do you have to catch up on? Knowing you can keep up with industry news, continuing education or self-improvement reading can be a great motivator. Just grab your materials, a reading rack, and a cardio machine and you are ready to go! Don’t forget books on tape and all those training tapes you haven’t had time to listen to – nothing makes a workout go faster.

Whatever reason you can find to make exercise a priority, just know it will ultimately lead to more time, energy and money!

Gillian Hood-Gabrielson, MS, ACSM, is the president of Healthier Outcomes, a nationwide coaching practice specializing in intuitive eating and fitness coaching. She works with entrepreneurs who want to “grow their business, not their waistline”. For more information and to receive our special report, “6 Simple Steps to Guilt-Free Eating” visit www.HealthierOutcomes.com. Gillian can be reached at gillian@HealthierOutcomes.com or 866-650-6464.

What is the 60-day weight loss club?
 
It’s is a new and exciting weight-loss program that provides an encouraging environment where individuals who share a common goal to lose weight can gather on a weekly basis to motivate, encourage and inspire one another to stay the course in getting healthier through weight loss.  Weight loss goals are broken down into 60-day increments and as a motivator, every 60-days an individual will win $1000 cash prize for losing the most weight!

The program involves 5 Powerful Steps in Losing Weight:

Sensible eating of a minimum of 1200 calories and above (based on current weight and pounds you would like to loose).
Drinking 64ozs and above of Purified Water to naturally flush system of toxins and chemicals and to control overeating.
Taking nutritional supplements to enhance your weight loss and provide your body with additional nutrients.
Attending Weekly Weigh-In meetings as a means of accountability and encouragement to motivate you to accomplish your weight loss goals.
Daily Entries in your 60-Day Weight Loss Journal, which helps you to stay focused and commited to yourself.

If you are currently losing weight or seeking a natural and encouraging way to lose weight – look no more!  The 60-Day Weight Loss Program is for you!
 
More info can be found here: WWW.ARDYSSLIFE.COM/NJCITICOUTUR
More great holiday gift-giving articles and ideas can be found in  our new Holiday Gift-giving Guide at http://bit.ly/1Z6LSF

Do you anticipate the holidays but dread the “inevitable” holiday weight gain? Do your holiday events revolve around food more than the meaning, people, presents, decorations, or travel?

Eating mindfully during the holidays can be a real challenge unless you have a strategy. These ten holiday eating tips will help you enjoy the season more while eating less.

1.      It’s easier to get distracted from signals of physical hunger and satiety at social gatherings, especially if food is the main event. Make an effort to pay close attention to your body’s signals.

2.      Be a food snob. Skip the store-bought goodies, the dried-out fudge and the so-so stuffing. If the food you select doesn’t taste as good as you expected, stop eating it and choose something else. Think of how much less you’d eat if you only ate things that tasted fabulous!

3.      Ignore the old diet advice of “eat before you go to a party so you won’t be tempted.” That is absurd! You want to be hungry enough to enjoy your favorites. Pace your eating prior to the event so you’ll be hungry but not famished at mealtime.

4.      Most people are food suggestible so socialize away from the sight of the food.

5.      Survey all of the food at a buffet before making your choices. Choose the foods that you really want most and remind yourself that you can have the other foods another time.

6.      It’s common to have holiday treats lying all over the place this time of year. Grazing mindlessly leads to eating food that you won’t even remember. Eat mindfully by reducing distractions and sitting down to eat—even if it’s just a cookie. Appreciate the appearance and aroma of your food and savor one small bite at a time by putting your fork down.

7.      Before overeating, pause and take a breath; ask “How do I want to feel when I’m finished?”

8.      Be cautious of obligatory eating—eating just because it’s on the table, on your plate, you paid for it, it’s free, or someone made it for you. Deal with food pushers with a polite but firm, “No thank you.” If you’re concerned about hurting their feelings, ask for the recipe or a small portion to take home with you for another meal.

9.      Don’t use exercise as punishment for eating. Instead, look for opportunities to move more. For example, take a walk after dinner to enjoy the holiday lights, take a few laps around the mall before it opens to do some window shopping, or take guests to local attractions.

10. Most importantly, delight all of your senses. Enjoy the company, the atmosphere, the entertainment, and the traditions even more than the food.

Michelle May, M.D. is a recovered yo-yo dieter and the award-winning author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle. Download 101 Things to Do Besides Eat at www.AmIHungry.com.

 
More great holiday gift-giving articles and ideas can be found in  our new Holiday Gift-giving Guide at http://bit.ly/1Z6LSF

The holidays are a great time to celebrate. Celebration, however, usually means lots of tempting foods and less time for fitness. But this doesn’t have to be the case if you create a reasonable fitness plan for this hectic time of year.

First, figure out where you do and don’t have time for fitness. You don’t need hours to fit in fitness; even ten-minutes here and there throughout the day will work. Be creative, you can multi-task, like watching the news while exercising, or throwing in some squats while folding laundry. Do you have an hour lunch break at work? Can you take a ten-minute break from home responsibilities every day? Do you know you will be baking treats for various parties every Thursday night? With responsibilities in mind, create a schedule. In this case, lunch breaks could be a possibility, while Thursday nights are out.

Second, what are your goals? Do you want to lose weight? Are you starting a fitness routine for the first time? Do you simply want to maintain your weight? Well, look at the time you have available. If you have an hour every day to commit to fitness (and you want to!) then a serious fitness routine with weight loss is possible. If you find you have ten minutes to work out on most days, maintaining your weight might be a more realistic goal. Keep in mind, holidays are fun, but also stressful, and adding on the stress of trying to lose weight can be overwhelming. Enjoy the holidays and make your goals achievable. Don’t get caught up in huge fitness goals that are going to cause you even more stress during the season. Consider working on maintaining your weight or starting a fitness routine during the season and working on loftier goals once your days settle down.

Third, reevaluate your goals. What type of person are you? Can you be trusted to work out on your own? If not, grab a buddy. Do you hate getting out of bed in the morning? Then don’t forgo your beloved shut-eye for run. Do you need a goal other than your own fitness to get you going? Then sign up for a road race, or make fitness goals a competition with co-workers or friends.
 
Fourth, find a way to be accountable; Write it in your daily planner, set alarms on your cell phone, have a friend or family member check in on you, treat yourself to something non-edible if you meet your goal for the day. If you really only have ten minutes a day to exercise, setting an  alarm for when your ten minutes starts and an alarm for when it stops can be really helpful. This way you won’t watch the clock and distract yourself from your exercises.

Fifth, don’t be too strict. If you have a day where something cuts into your planned hour of exercise – Relax! Use the time you do have, even if it is five minutes, to squeeze in a few sets of push-ups or sit-ups. If you focus on what you didn’t do, you will only frustrate yourself. If you miss a few days, don’t give up, just move on and get back to your schedule.

Sixth, do something you enjoy. Hate running? Don’t run. Love dancing in your living room? Dance every day. Scared of gyms? Rent an exercise DVD from the library or find an on demand routine on the television. Hate working out alone? Get a group of friends together for a dance party, pilates class, or evening walk. Making yourself workout if you hate it isn’t going to get you fit any time soon. You have to find some enjoyment, so make it fun!

Remember, fitness doesn’t take hours every day, for some quick fitness ideas check out Morgan Vermel’s story on ten-minute workouts and get moving!!
 

Erin Munroe is the author of “The Everything Guide to Stepparenting”, technically reviewed by Irene Levine, PhD, and published by Adams Media. Currently Erin works as Licensed Mental Health Counselor at a Community Health Center where she sees children, adolescents, and families experiencing a range of issues.
More great holiday gift-giving articles and ideas can be found in  our new Holiday Gift-giving Guide at http://bit.ly/1Z6LSF

Lately I have been reading a lot about Yoga for Better Sex and came across this video which shows you exactly which Yoga exercises will enhance your performance in and out of the bedroom (Video is rated PG)

Also, If you have not yet read the article, “Expert Says Improve Your Sex Life With Yoga” Check it out. There are several great tips to improve your sex life and your overall health when you practice the art of Yoga. Check it out here: http://wemagazineforwomen.com/expert-says-improve-your-sex-life-with-yoga/

And I also recommend the following book: Better Sex Through Yoga: Easy Routines to Boost Your Sex Drive, Enhance Physical Pleasure, and Spice Up Your Bedroom Life by Jacquie Noel Greaux and Jennifer Langheld

Click on the Amazon graphic below to find out more and grab your copy today!

Tell us about how you chose your career/business and what your responsibilities include? 
From a young age, I wanted to own a business.  I wasn’t sure what that business would be, but knew that I wanted to work for me to help others.  I struggled through careers as a waitress, bartender, Master Control Operator for a television station, Assistant Video Editor, Office Director for a talent scouting company, and Office Manager for a financial firm.  At the time, these jobs didn’t provide what my heart desired; however, all of these experiences would later provide the tools needed to succeed in my business venture.  I was at the point of giving up hope on finding my passion when darkness struck in the form of a low back injury.  I was in constant pain and felt even more lost as I sank further into a cave.  Then I tried a Pilates class and was hooked instantly.  Soon my back pain decreased, I gained new confidence, and found the hope I needed.  I wanted to help others in their life journey through Pilates.  I worked for several studios before I realized that it was time to open my own business.  I wanted to broaden the focus from Pilates to a variety of holistic therapies creating a community atmosphere to heal and inspire others physically, mentally, and spiritually.   

Tell us about the company you work for or own? 
Mindful Movement is a wellness community offering Pilates, yoga, and massage; however, we intend to add more holistic services as we expand.  I wanted to make sure that the clients felt that they were part of a community rather than another number.  Our mission is to empower the body, mind, and spirit as well as educate and heal through holistic practices, classes, workshops, and cultural events to improve the quality of life of clients to build a stronger community.  This vision creates a community atmosphere where clients have unique experiences, make new friends, and are supported by Mindful Movement.  It has been amazing to see how the clients have responded to this community atmosphere as well as their support of us as a business.  My favorite part is that I get plenty of hugs from the clients.   

What are some of the most fulfilling projects you have been involved with so far?
In 2008, there were floods that left many families in Southeastern Wisconsin without food, clothing, and other household goods.  With the help of Mama Jo’s Natural Care, we held a food and clothing drive to help several of the families get back on their feet during this trying time.

As well, I was honored to be asked by two of my clients to teach Pilates to blind and visually impaired teens at the Wisconsin Association of Blind Athletes Sports Camp.  This was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.  Not only was I challenged as a teacher, but also was brought joy by empowering these teens.  I will never forget the smiles, their dedication, and excitement about Pilates.  I look forward to working more with this program in the future.   
  
Are there any people in your field you would like to meet and/or work with and have not yet had the opportunity? 
I have a passion for researching Pilates and have been blessed to work with some of the top people in the Pilates industry.  I would love to work with the Pilates Elders specifically Kathy Grant, Romana Kryzanowska, and Ron Fletcher.  Pilates Elders trained directly with Joseph Pilates, the creator of the Pilates Method.  I would love to learn more about the work from those who were the closest to Joseph.  I’m sort of a Pilates geek with a rock star edge.
  
What are some of your favorite ways to network? 
I am a huge supporter of local businesses.  I make connections with those businesses through referrals and/or patronizing their establishment.  These connections have led me to other local networking events where I have expanded my connections to other businesses.  As well, I use social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook to connect with businesses that share similar philosophies.  You never know when you may be in their area to have great conversations and gain new knowledge. 

Do you have a mentor – if so how did you choose one another? 
Before I opened my business, I worked with three mentors to assist in the writing of my business plan.  Two of the mentors were Pilates clients of mine that are extremely successful professionals.  The other mentor was my boss at the financial firm.  These three don’t play the same role as they did when I first opened; however, they continue to offer feedback when needed.  I believe mentors are important and I continue to review with several colleagues.  I have found that too many voices can lead to inconclusive feedback.  That’s when I trust my gut to make the decision.  As well, I would love to connect with Tim Ferriss one day.  I am fascinated by his unique approach to life and work.        
   
What have you learned from your mentor? What do you hope to learn? 
The greatest gift my mentors gave me was lists of questions.  They offered advice, but more importantly posed questions that I never considered.  I learned the importance of being prepared, thinking outside of the box, and realizing that no vision is out of reach.  

What’s been the most surprising thing that has happened to you so far in your career? 
I have been surprised by many things in my year and half of business.  Mostly, I am amazed that the vision of creating a community has come together.  It can be daunting as a new business owner to have an idea and not see immediate results.  I have patience, but deep down wanted to see results sooner than later.  However, my desire to stick to my guns created a business that really is about community.  My vision really worked!

As well, I have recently started posting videos on You Tube and Facebook and have received a tremendous response.  I have been contacted by people in India and Canada.  I secretly hoped to make an impact globally, but never expected it.  I may never meet face to face with these people; however, I can still have an impact.

What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I have a passion for writing and am in the process of writing a Pilates manual and book.  Along with Pilates, I love to write about my life experiences.  As well, I love to travel, practice yoga, meditate, cook, and live life to the fullest especially with a great red wine and dark chocolate.  Recently I traveled to Colorado for a whitewater rafting, ziplining, and hiking.  

Any parting advice for someone who would like to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t follow in my footsteps.  Create your own path and trust in your abilities.  It is important to seek advice from those who have walked the path; however, your path will be different.  Your experiences are already different, which leads to great new visions.  Don’t let anyone kill your vision because they have their own experiences and path to follow.  And make sure you understand your fears.  Your fears are what will hold you back…your goals are only as good as your fears. 

How can our readers connect with you?

 www.facebook.com/mindfulmovement 
www.twitter.com/mindfulmovement 
www.youtube.com/mindfulmovementllc
WEBSITE URL www.mindfulmovementllc.com

Here’s a great exercise you can do when you get out of the shower:  Towel Tone-up: Hold onto towel (behind you) with both hands, while pulling and maintaining resistance starting at the hip, slowly inhale and lift towel up to shoulder level or above head. On the inhale work your way back down.

This one’s better than SWEEPING…. Grab a broom and hold it behind your back for 1 to 2 minutes (good for posture). Variation: while holding broom, do deep knee bends – start with 10 then work your way up to 20 (good for upper thighs).

In your CAR: Do the Steering Wheel Squeeze – With your hands in the 9 o”clock and 3 o”clock position on the steering wheel, press your hands inward – hold for 3 counts and release (great for working chest muscles

In Your KITCHEN – Waiting for the water to boil? While facing your kitchen counter, lengthen leg out to the side – pause and hold. Swing leg back beyond the starting position to cross body (works the inner and outer thights)

Work those ABS – Contract your abs tight and breathe normally.

Pillows are for more than sleeping… use your pillow to work your inner thighs – How? Put pillow between your knees and squeeze for 3 to 5 counts. Release. Repeat.

And my favorite is the Hula Hoop for getting back those curves. Shortly before my 50th birthday (2+ years ago) I decided I wanted to learn to Hula Hoop, something I could not do when I was young. I practiced every day until that hula hoop would go for a minute. Today I can do it for 15 minutes without tiring (and 15 minutes is my boredom threshold). This exercise alone has trimmed inches from my waist, hips and has strengthened my legs. It is my favorite exercise and now my six-year old grandson does it with me. Every Sunday we have a hula hoop contest to see who can go the longest!

I also recommend the article Exercise 101 at: http://adam.about.com/reports/Exercise.htm