Diet Soda-aka-Diet Poison

So, I’ve had some interesting conversations with some people lately about life, disease, and death. Some of my conversations have gone something like this-Question: “Why do you think so many people have cancer these days?”. Answers: “I think we are being poisoned by our food”.”I believe its in our water.” “I believe its chemicals we are exposed to.” Have you taken the time to sit down and actually think about this subject?  Hmmm…after some thoughts and some studying, I decided that I would write about some of these ideas and let you know where I’m coming from. Afterall, I consider myself a great trainer but even though I try to lead by example, I’m not perfect. In fact, I’m far from it. Even though we are smart it doesn’t always mean we make the right choices all the time…right?! So, in that regard, I’ve promised my clients that this blog will be about my thoughts regarding soda specifically diet soda. Soooo, here goes- I am a trainer who on occasion is known to drink a diet soda. I specifically pick my poison (no pun intended-haha) when I go to the movies. This is the one time where I give myself a bit of a hall pass on my health. Like you, when I’m enjoying junk food I don’t think of the consequences. I have my special combo: small diet, large popcorn (I share) and either cheese (yes, cheese) and/or sour patch kids. Weird? Maybe. It’s my thing. It’s like a party in my mouth as I’m enjoying a good flick. Of course, when I ‘partake’ I consider it my ‘cheat meal.’  Now, luckily for my body, I don’t get to go to the movies as often as I like. Here’s the thing-a growing number of studies link the consumption of diet soda to weight gain, higher BMI and a bunch of other health problems. Greattttttt. We all probably know that…right? Not quite enough to cut it out because we workout and eat clean otherwise…right?  Well,  here’s some more super news. According to Noelle Larson, MD, at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, diet soda leaches calcium from our bodies. Over the course of two days, Larson had 20 healthy Young women drink 24 ounces of diet soda while the control group drank only water. After three hours , Larson analyzed the women’s’ urine: The diet soda group lost on average 6.85 milligrams more calcium and 41 milligrams more phosphorous than the water control group. Ok. Super-just super. Diet pop sucks the calcium and phosphorus out of our bones. If that’s not enough to make us stop here’s some more news. Aspartame is horrible for us. HORRIBLE! It causes headaches, mood swings, dizziness, and memory loss and guess what? It’s in diet soda. If you think that’s bad, Sharon Fowler, MPH, a researcher at the University of Texas Health Center at San Antonio, found some real danger long-term effects of drinking the artificial sugar substitute. Studies have linked high intake of aspartame to developing lymphoma, leukemia, cancerous tumors of the liver and peripheral nerves and nerve cell death within the brain.  Huh? To me-it sounds like diet soda causes cancer and potentially alzheimers. Cancer? Alzheimers? Really? Is that sucky or what?! Last but not least lets chat about metabolic syndrome. According to studies, drinking diet soda increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by 34 percent. Metabolic syndrome is a group of symptoms that includes extra weight around the midsection, elevated insulin levels, and increased blood pressure. In other words, if you drink diet soda you are at a greater risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses. 34 percent people–that’s a high percentage. I think about child obesity all the time and these kids who have lived on soda all of their lives.  I have an issue with this.  I’m done-I need to set a better example.  I would’ve been done a long time ago but since I am a believer in ‘moderation’ I still allowed it ‘once in a while.’  Heck,  I even kind of enjoyed the ‘fizz’ with the sour patch kids. No more!  It’s time we’ve had enough!   I need to start checking any flavored waters I’m drinking as well.  No more aspartame.  Alright, alright–here’s the scoop–next time I go to the movies, I need to find a new combo. Maybe I will order a water. Maybe a little coffee to ensure that I stay awake.  Oh!  I know!-I do enjoy cheese, popcorn and beer.

Got Goals?

I’ve been away from my blog for a while and decided to hunker down and write something meaningful that may help inspire someone to set some goals and to better their life. You know, it’s funny-We are at that point of the summer where I need motivated myself to reinstate the discipline and set a good example for my family, friends, and clients. People come to me not only to build strength and prevent injury but for advice about motivation, goals, and nutrition. Sometimes what we need to do is to shake up our routine and ask ourselves, what motivates me? Have I tried something new?  Have I found time for mindfulness-even on the run? Have I set short-term goals? What are they? Have I set long-term goals? Hmmm…Summer is coming to an end. It’s back to school for the kids and its back to goal setting for all of us!  If you knew you could not fail, what would you commit to doing tomorrow?  Life sometimes gets in the way-believe me. I know! I think that I have enjoyed many a cocktail this summer (; but really, when you think about it-when is it really a good time to “take the leap.” Sometimes, all it takes is having someone there to help you-to motivate and inspire you!   I don’t really think about training/dieting/discipline so much as “taking the leap” as much as I do modifying your lifestyle just a bit. Making yourself better and in turn, making the world better. And just when you think that you have answered all the questions, do me a favor and do one more thing. Find time today to do a random act of kindness. I swear- you won’t regret it.

Video of Client Appreciation

I would like to personally thank four of my clients, Tiffany, Kristen, Cheryl and Sara (who shot the video) for their kind words regarding training with me.  I am so blessed to have such great people like you to see everyday!  You all have worked so hard and should be very proud of yourselves! You can check it out at www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3HetrA1

Thank you to my business partner and best friend, Ashley Thank you also to all of our other clients who have made this year so successful!  You have walked down the aisle, lost baby weight, ran marathons, competed in the warrior dash, competed in figure competitions, lost the beer bellies, buffed up, leaned out, lost 421 lbs, 261 inches and have worked hard to achieve healthy happy bodies!  I am so proud of you all!    Here’s to your health!

Demi

The Happiness Advantage

After reading The Happiness Advantage, by Sean Achor, I decided that I too could really benefit from the psychological, emotional, and mental benefits of naming and remembering the things in life that I’m happy about.  So here’s a start.  Some small.  Some big.  Some between.  I’m going to try to start each day with writing down at least 10 things I’m happy about.  Feeling a little ambitious, I’m starting with 50.  When are you going to start your list?

1.  My morning ritual of a hot cup of coffee (or two).  Amen.

2.  Funny voicemails from my sisters, usually involving bad singing

3.  Finding $5 in my coat pocket (never gets old!)

4.  Hugs…lots of them

5.  Telling stories to my sons about my father

6.  Entering That Gym On Grandview every single day

7.  Holding hands with my husband

8.  My mom’s southern accent and general helpfulness

9.  Thank you notes from my clients for achieving their goals

10.  My sister, Stavra’s sense of humor.  She is hilarious.

11.  My daughter waking up smiling and making sweet little baby noises 

12.  Little glimpses of Spring

13.  Dollar movies

14.  Cuddling on the couch

15.  Finding an old letter from middle school

16.  Visiting old photographs from my childhood

17.  Mid-day Staufs brainstorming with Ash

18.  Getting back to my original weight pre-baby!

19.  Traveling to L.A. to see my sister, Melinda…I do miss her so!

20.  Any John Hughes movie

21.  A sunny day- patio- cold beer-good friends-need I say more?  Can’t. Wait.

22.  Knowing my family and friends have my back

23.  VACATION

24.  Jumping on our trampoline

25.  A clean house

26. Just the perfect playlist to do cardio

27. Blonde hair

28.  The beach

29.  Repeating over and over any of our Tsapatsaris family stories…they never get old

30.  A great workout

31.  Spending time with Ashley everyday-I do love her so

32. Going shopping and having everything fit just perfectly–unbelievable

33.  The Office-it makes me laugh out loud!

34.  Watching my boys play sports

35.  Receiving surprise tulips

36.  A new cd that a friend has made

37.  Listening to my boys sing every word to my Mumford and Sons cd

38.  Hearing a sincere thank you for my hard work

39.  Something said or done that is so funny it makes me laugh so hard I cry

40.  My clients~ you make coming to work everyday a pleasure

41.  My dog, Kukla~never a doubt she will greet me with love

42.  My workout partners for competition–we have some good things goin! Wuhusin~lol

43.  Pancakes.  The one food I have truly missed prepping for competition.

44.  My husband or friends doing a task for me I may dread such as filling up my gas tank or running to the grocery when I am dead tired

45.  That feeling that I am on the right path

46.  Warm sand between my toes….ahh…Can’t. Wait.

47.  Listening to great music~no complaints on the hip-hop peeps

48.  A relaxing mani/pedi

49. Outdoor shower in the evening in the summer

50.  Reconnecting with old friends and catching up where we left off

Let’s Make 2011 YOUR YEAR!

It’s that time…time to celebrate the new year!  The new and improved you!  This is the year!  Maybe, it’s the year you are getting married and want to look more beautiful than ever before!  Maybe it’s the year (again) that you are going to quit smoking, for good! Maybe it’s the year that you are going to land that dream job!  Whatever the case, I can guarantee that you will feel better, carry yourself with confidence and overall be a better person if you train with me.  That may sound kind of cocky to some of you~oh well.  I don’t make the rules but I know the rules. 

 I have a wonderful client who I have become so fond of and who I admire as she started with me two months ago when she quit smoking.  She said to me the other day, “Demi, you need to tell people, if they quit their pack a day habit  it will pay for a  training package with you monthly.  Then you need to tell them, how good I feel-how much better I feel-after working out with you!”  Isn’t it time you make the switch?

Will 2011 be the year you decide to be strong both physically and mentally?   “If you don’t have the time to do it right, when will you have the time to do it over?”  Isn’t that the truth?!  So, as you are toasting the new year, set 2 new fitness goals!  Write them down and bring them to me.  Here’s to 2011, YOUR YEAR!

GREAT HOLIDAY PERSONAL TRAINING SPECIAL! GET FIT FOR THE NEW YEAR WITH THESE LIMITED TIME SPECIALS!

1 session $25

2 sessions $45

BONUS SPECIAL:  1st five people to purchase minimum of 2 sessions will receive 1 free!

*No contracts; No Membership fees

*Some restrictions apply to these specials.

*New Clients Only

*Offer expires December 24, 2010

Contact:  demimcbeath@att.net for more information

Happy Holidays!

Demi

“DO. OR DO NOT. THERE IS NO TRY” ~ YODA

Have you had time to think about your new years resolutions?  Have you had time to think about how to make you a better you?  Take a moment right now–this very minute and think about what makes you happy.   I don’t mean that nonchalantly.  I mean take this moment in time and focus on your mind, body, and spirit and do a self-check and ask yourself–really ask yourself, “What would make me happy for the new year?”

For me, for example, this new year, I have several things on my agenda.  I realized that I really, really, miss competing.  Therefore, I am going to do several figure competitions.  I am going to show my clients how I can take my body looking good to looking AMAZING with diet and exercise.  I am going to do no harm.  I am going to be thankful for all that I have and make it a point to do so everyday; I am going to be the best mother/daughter; sister; wife; friend; personal trainer that I can be; I am going to volunteer and give back to the community by giving my time to a homeless shelter;  I am going to wake up in the morning feeling like P.Diddy…Ha! Am I boring you?  Just checking!  I am a personal trainer–not a writer.  Anyway, you get the picture!  Right?!  Alright, alright, enough about me.

I’ve talked to a lot of clients this week regarding their New Years resolutions and goals.   I’ve asked my clients, do you want more energy?  Do you want to  feel confident about yourself?  Do you want to look great for your wedding?   Do you want to be the best human being God created you to be?  Do you want to walk past the mirror and shock yourself that you really are that  sexy beast in the reflection?  (LOL) 

Then, I asked what exactly in the past has stopped them from achieving their goals?  What has really stopped  them from losing the 40 lbs. they need to take off to be healthy?  What has stopped them from eating clean so their cholesterol is at a healthy level?  What has stopped them  from taking their fitness to the next level?   What exactly has stopped them from competing if that is what they really want to do? You know, it’s interesting because I have found one underlying theme in many of the answers that I received.  FEAR.

For each of us fear may be different .  Maybe, you fear that you will try and you will fail.  Maybe you fear that you don’t deserve to be happy.  Maybe you fear that you can’t do it.    Maybe you feel that starting something new is scary.  Maybe you fear I will hurt you.  (LOL)  Maybe it’s time to try something new?

The next thing I said to my clients is an old quote from Yoda (I’m a quoting kind of girl).  “Do.  Or do not.  There is no try.” (Wait.  Before you read on–think about that quote I just gave you and reread it.)   I “DO.”  We will “DO.”   We will get together, make a plan and “DO.”   We will work  TOGETHER as a TEAM.    You and me–a team.  THAT GYM ON GRANDVIEW and you–a TEAM.  We will all be behind you.  supporting each other every step of the way.  Know right now, you are not alone.  I am here for you and we are in it together, my friend.

I look forward to our adventure together.  If we have never met, please know that I look forward to meeting you!  You can do it!  We can do it!  I also want to take this moment and let my clients know how thankful I am for you.  You are truly appreciated and you make my studio so special!  I look forward to coming to work everyday!  Also know that I am proud of you!  May you all have a very happy holiday and a truly, HAPPY!  NEW YEAR!

Demi

AVOID THE EXTRA HOLIDAY POUNDS! JOIN US ON SATURDAYS FOR BOOTCAMP!

Looking for something fun to do at noon on Saturdays?  It’s almost the end of football season, the holidays are approaching quickly and the cold of winter is on the horizon.  Why don’t you think of mixing it up a bit?  Whether you are a current client or new to the studio, we are offering a fun-loaded Bootcamp!  It will be an intensive cardio workout!  It will incorporate the TRX Trainer, BOSU, Balance Balls, Elypticals, Treadmills, etc.  Expect to challenge your cardiovascular endurance, elevate your heart rate, and, of course, BURN FAT!  We are offering a six-week package for $60 (clients) or $90 (non-clients).  Individual sessions can be purchased for $15 (clients) or $20 (non-clients).  Bootcamp dates are November 13, 20, December 4, 11, 18 and January 8th.  We will offer a make-up date on January 15th.  Call me to reserve your spot while space is left!

Why You Will Benefit From A Personal Trainer

Hi!  For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Demi and I LOVE to eat, I LOVE to drink and I love to have a kicken’ bod.  I have spent many years learning discipline and persevering all the while trying to maintain balance in my life.  I know that it is not an easy task.  I know how hard it is to stay focused on your goals while wanting to be with your friends at happy hour.  I know how hard it is to take off the weight after having a baby and no sleep for days.  I know how hard it is to get in a workout in when you have sick kids.  I know how hard it is when everyone in the Bus is tailgating, eating BBQ wings and drinking beer.  I am a real person with real feelings with a real life. 

There are people out there (and maybe you are one of them) that think that they do not need a personal trainer.  Well, let you in on a little secret…you need one whether you know it or not.  Take a good hard look at yourself.  Are you happy?  Are you healthy?  My dad would always say “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.”  I think that we all have those two things  in common.  We all want to be happy and we all want to be healthy.  Part of being happy is feeling good about yourself and I don’t just mean your appearance.  I mean really feeling good about yourself and I can help you do this.  I understand the economy is rough.  I understand you are busy.  I want you to understand that if you invest in your health, if you invest in your happiness it will make you a better person.  Better for everyone who knows you.  It’s not a selfish thing.  It’s a smart thing.   Let me help make you better.  I mean mentally, physically and spiritually better.  I know, I know, maybe you ”don’t have time.” Then I want to say to you that we all have 24 hours in a day.  We all need to make our health a priority.  Come on, no more excuses. How many years of “I will start tomorrow…” have you lived overweight, unhealthy and unhappy?   It’s time to put on your tennis shoes, walk into That Gym On Grandview and change your life. 

I understand that many of you are purchasing dvds for exercise instead of hiring a trainer.   Believe me–I have been drawn to the infomercials–late at night–and even I can’t stop watching them.  We are educated people.  We are smart enough to realize that these products were intentionally designed to cater to a massive audience that tends to value appearance more than health.  We sit there and watch the average joes get shredded.  It’s inspiring.  It’s fascinating.  We sit there and think, this could be me!  This could be the year I achieve the body I want!   I must openly and honestly admit that it is a beautiful thing as a trainer that a product can get people pumped up to exercise.  Take a hard look at Columbus, Ohio.  We are obese.  Our children are obese.  Our pets are obese.  We are a fat town.  I want you to take a moment to ask yourself this question…and really be honest…After three months of following the restrictive diet, will you gain the weight back because the diet is unrealistic for everyday living?–just like The Biggest Loser contestants gain their weight back because the show is over and there is no one to hold them accountable?  Now is the time to hire a trainer–a certified, educated, smart, fun trainer.  (:  

Accountability is very important when you train.  For those of you that know me you know that I come with built-in motivation–it’s just the way I am made.  I realize not only are you investing your money but also your time.  Time is a very important aspect and I will not waste it–I may make you laugh but you will be working hard while cracking up.    Lets be serious, a set of ripped abs may turn heads but the more important concern is what actions you took to get those muscles and how will those abs function into old age.    I can make you look amazing but I will help you in a positive and safe manner.  Whether you are the average joe or elite athlete I promise to give you the most bang for your buck and even hold you accountable on your days off.   

If you are a beginner and just don’t know where to start.  Please call me immediately.  I can help you set up a balanced schedule that includes all activities for all body parts which can be confusing when you are just starting out.  I can help you maximize your time while helping you stay in your limits without overdoing it.  A DVD can not do the same.  We can set goals and map out your schedule–together–as a TEAM.  Our studio is not intimidating–it is really cool, comfortable and friendly.  I give a complimentary consultation so come in and meet me, check out our studio and see if it is the right fit for you.  Our clients know each other by name and we pride ourselves on a family feel.  It’s just the way we roll.  Whether our clients  are trying to lose  200 lbs. for their wedding or are training for competition, make no mistake, each are respected for being in the studio TRYING .  I want to challenge you to take the first step.  Pick up the phone and call me.    I want you to join our family.  I want you to be happy and healthy.

If you are a seasoned athlete,  maybe you haven’t considered working with a trainer.  It can be a great choice if you need variety or if you have hit a wall.  You may be training for a marathon or a golf tournament or maybe you are prepping for a cheerleading tryout.  I can help you figure out what you need to do to stay strong without taking away from your other training.  We can take you to that next level.  Believe me, I’ve heard it all.  Especially being a “chick” training “dudes.”  Don’t be fooled.  I may be little –but I’m scrappy and I hold my own.  You will not walk into the gym and just see BOSU’s fellows.  We know what we are doing to give you the results you want–At That Gym On Grandview, we  pride ourselves on our creativity and guarantee that you will never be bored and you will see results!  That is what makes us different from everyone else.

Think about calling me for a consult and do it!  We can look at what you are doing–your current program or lack there of and your eating habits to help you make changes for more effective workouts.  We can also determine if your goals are realistic for you.

I want to take just one last-minute a write a special note to my current clients–I am so proud of how far you have come and I thank you for trusting me to be your personal trainer.  I so enjoy spending time with you and am so happy that you are seeing results.  Hold onto every accomplishment and use it as your next handhold to complete your next goal. We are in it together!  Love, Demi

10% Off!

I wanted to mention that I am offering 10% off to all students, teachers, student teachers,Grandview residents, Grandview businesses and Upper Arlington staff.  Visit our website, in the upper right corner, for contact information!