3 Day Diets are fad diets that promise that you will lose a small amount of weight (usually about 5 pounds) in just three days.  Some also promise cleansing, lowered cholesterol, and increased energy. These diets are not scientifically proven, but with the limited time scope of the plans, should not cause any harm.

You can actually lose some weight with 3 day diets but don’t expect to have long term weight loss.  These are strictly restricted calorie plans wherein you lose water weight. They’re great if you have an upcoming event such as a wedding or reunion to attend. However, they’re not supposed to be used as a permanent lifestyle solution.

One of the 3 day diets is also known as the Cleveland Clinic Diet.  It should be noted that the actual Cleveland Clinic in Ohio has disavowed any relationship with the program.  This diet has also been called the Mayo Clinic diet (the Mayo Clinic has also disavowed it) and the grapefruit diet. The reason this is called the Grapefruit Diet is because you eat a grapefruit or 4 oz. of grapefruit juice with each meal.  If you eat the grapefruit in its natural state and dig into the rind, you will actually get 6 grams of fibre. It is recommended that people get 25 grams of fibre a day and dieters may want to push that to 30 or 35 grams.  Eating this much grapefruit may help you on your way. It should be noted though that grapefruit juice has no fibre. You should also know that grapefruit has no special fat burning or metabolism enhancing qualities.  It’s simply a fruit that’s good for you just like apples and oranges. The 3 day diets take advantage of this fact and turn it into a gimmick.

The 3 day diets work in part because they are very low calorie programs.  Breakfast might include an egg, a slice of dry toast, and a banana, a total of 200 calories.  Lunch is a cup of cottage cheese and 5 saltine cracker,  again under 200 calories.  Dinner seems more substantial with 3 oz. of lean turkey, 2 cups of vegetables, a banana, and a cup of vanilla ice cream, but you are still eating less than 350 calories. Your 3 servings of grapefruit add another 150 calories.  That’s just 900 calories for the day!

Of course you are going to lose weight on 900 calories, even if you just sit around and watch tv all day!  This isn’t sustainable across time, but for a quick and dirty solution to losing a few pounds, it can work.

A lifestyle choice it’s not, but 3 day diets can get you into your skinny jeans before a big date, let you look like your high school prom picture for your 10 year reunion, or fit into your dream wedding dress.  Anything more is just too much to expect from the 3 day diets.

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This is my favourite time of year, the cold dark days of winter are fading and as I shed layers of clothing my mood lightens and I’m looking forward to the summer ahead – which once again the weathermen tell us will be the best ever – let’s hope they’re right this time.

There’s a tradition of making changes on January 1^st but perhaps now is really the time to do this.  The newness of Spring is the ideal time to slough off old habits and try something new.

Most of us are familiar with the concept of Spring Cleaning our homes but what about Spring Cleaning yourself?

I try to follow Suzi Grant’s healthy eating regime but find that I slip into bad habits over the winter.  As my body emerges from it’s winter cocoon I’m very aware that I’ve piled on the pounds this year so having scoffed my last Easter Egg it’s time now to do Suzi’s weekend detox.

I’m not a great fan of detoxing.  I know how good it is for me but whilst women seem to enjoy this sort of thing us blokes generally don’t get it.  However from past experience I can tell you that it does work.  Much as I hate doing it, I really do feel good after Suzi’s detox and that makes it easy to stick to her dietary advice afterwards.

By the way,  I’m only human and when I say I stick to her advice I’m no saint, but then nor is Suzi and she very realistically says that as long as we eat sensibly at least 80% of the time then there is room for those little treats we just can’t live without.

LBS

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I’m sure you’ve heard  this story – race starts, hare dashes off, tortoise is slow but wins in the end.

Well, life isn’t quite so simple as that but there are lessons to be learnt.  Sometimes it’s wise to take time to consider your position, enjoy the moment or take the subtle approach.

Next time you look at the well dressed hotshot, check out instead the nondescript man behind in a Primark suit…. It may be the next Warren Buffet.  Now that’s a Tortoise to watch, Mr Buffet never rushes, he takes his time, considers and then makes his move.

Now I’m not a slow person by nature but my Tai Chi training has taught me to stop and think, to take things at a more deliberate pace.

There as too many  times I rushed around and achieved nothing in my personal and business life and I still have to engage brain to stop myself doing the same thing now.

Have you looked at Wake Up and Breathe! and thought it’s too slow and gentle for you?   Well think again…. You’re the person who needs it most!

If you want to achieve more with less come to our next  Wake up and Breathe workshop ………  http://www.FiveMinutestoFitness.co.uk

Barry

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Orientals certainly think our Western way of exercise is strange -  all that huffing and puffing.  They focus on martial arts learning a skill, a focus, a method of self defence and becoming incredibly strong, flexible and energised at the same time.

Can you imagine a bunch of aliens visiting one of Earth’s gyms?

“Hey Orrrrk (ok, so I don’t really know what Aliens are called!)

I have just seen some earth creatures in a place they call a Gym.

Some of them are jumping up and down on a rubber mat and others are running on machines that take them nowhere. They spend a lot of time doing this.

My calculations tell me that some of them are damaging their bodies. Some of them are trying to get thinner, some are trying to get bigger, none of them are happy to be what they are.”

Well that may not be entirely how they would see it but who knows?

I spend 5 minutes a day doing my exercise, I’m fit enough to enjoy my life, I’m energetic to work a long tough day and still enjoy some nightlife. But most importantly I feel good… no I feel FANTASTIC.

Wake Up and Breathe!…. it’s Out of this World, but it’s not mad.

Find out more at our workshop  www.FiveMinutestoFitness.co.uk

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A recent study has found that people who genuinely believe that they can do something no matter what are far more likely to succeed than those who don’t.

In other words – a ‘Can Do’ attitude works.

If you want to lose weight, get a new job, partner etc. then you need to be prepared to invest the time and energy to do it.

Try writing down what you want to achieve and the obstacles you anticipate.  Then write down how you will overcome these obstacles.  This helps you to discover if what you want is realistic or a pipedream.  Good things happen to people who are prepared to MAKE THEM HAPPEN.

Let’s look at some of the excuses we make when things don’t happen and how to avoid them.

Your Inner Critic

Do you worry what others will think about you.  Most of us do.  But what’s the worse that can happen?

Will people think you’re stupid to apply for a job that they think you won’t get?  What do you have to lose?   If you don’t get the job you can ask the interviewer what they suggest you do to improve your skills and thereby get valuable feedback so that next time you have a better chance to get the job.  Is that stupid?  What if you do get the job?  Who looks stupid then?

Never worry what other people think of you, only concern yourself with what YOU think about you.

Be Honest

Open your eyes to what is really happening in your life. It may not be pleasant but honesty to yourself is always the best policy.

What habits are stopping you from making progress in your desires?

For example, if you’re saving for a deposit to buy your own home why is the pot not filling?  Write down where your money goes and be honest about how much you want this home.  Enough to give up the takeaways?  The new shoes?  The extra cocktail on a night out?

If the answer to these questions is no then maybe you’re not ready for the commitment to a property.  On the other hand by finding out where you’re failing you can work out how to avoid the pitfalls that stop you achieving your goal.

Negative, Who Me?

It’s all to easy to be negative and focus on what’s wrong in your life.  Negativity breeds nothing but negativity.

Try empowering yourself by turning your negatives into positives.

“I’m so fat” becomes “I am going to lose weight and I’m going to take steps to make this happen”.

“I’ll never get my own house” becomes “My home is getting closer every day”.

See the problem and look for the solution. This isn’t always easy but it is always possible.

I’d like to end this blog by wishing you Good Luck with your plans but as we all know… you create your own luck. So instead I’ll wish you clear vision and determination.

Say Yes

Successful people take risks and grab every opportunity.

When you find yourself saying ‘No’ look at your reasons.  Are they valid?  If not then say ‘Yes’ instead and see where life leads you.

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I am getting very excited about our great Workshop and I know its filling up fast.

The details of  the Workshop is on my  site right here http://www.fiveminutestofitness.co.uk

If you need more information

I have put a BRAND NEW video on this blog as I think I can explain it a little better in Person.

Here  http://www.wakeupandbreathe.com

However just to tell you its about the ORIGINAL  Wake up and Breathe ! Programme which I will be teaching along with  some  extra BONUS exercises and  the price includes my FULL DVD

All for £24.97?  Oh, and even at this price (normal price £95.00 ) we are going to give you our full money back guarantee

Barry

To listen to my video go here

http://www.wakeupandbreathe.com

To book go straight here

http://www.fiveminutestofitness.co.uk

Do you want to try this but  we are not in your area ?

Email me here on   mailto:info@wakeupandbreathe.com

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Lead Researcher, Dr Clare Bambra of Durham University said that the findings from their study of more than 16,000 people were that ‘flexible working might be beneficial for employees’ health if they are allowed to have input into their working patterns.  Police Officers, for example, who were able to change their starting times at work showed signifiant improvements in psychological wellbeing compared to officers who started work at a fixed hour.’

All UK parents with children under 16 may now request flexible working arrangements from their employer, under the Employment Rights Act, which was extended in 2009.

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Have you forgotten all your good intentions before the month is out?  Me too.

This year try something a little different. Instead of promising big changes try this check list of small adjustments. They’re so simple that you may find they become habits rather than being ditched.

DRINK MORE WATER

I know you hear this all the time but it truly is by far the most important step you can take to stay healthy and look fabulous.

DO WAKE UP & BREATHE! EVERY DAY

It only takes five minutes and is the easiest way to kick start your day and be sure that your body is loosened up and blood is pumping around your system and refreshing all your organs.

DON’T START A DIET

I’m not suggesting you don’t pay some attention to making improvements to your eating habits – there’s always room for improvement, but don’t start the year with a crash diet, you’re more likely to end the year heavier.  Plan to change one thing each week or each month.

FLEX YOUR ANKLES AND FEET

Stand upright with your feet about a foot apart (30cm) raise up on your toes and slowly down again. Repeat ten times.  You can also do this the opposite way by standing on the bottom stair facing upwards and with your heels over the edge and gently drop and raise your heels ten times.  Be sure to hold the banister when you do this if you’re at all unsteady.

GROW AN INCH

Standing up?  I bet you’re not.  Feel that cord pulling you taller.  Be aware of the cord all the time and you’ll feel as if you have grown an inch!

TAP YOUR FACE

Use your first two fingers on each hand to gently but firmly tap all over your face. Don’t worry too much about where you tap as long as you’re careful around the eye area. Quite honestly any tapping will work.  It’s a great refresher and does wonders for your complexion, helping to keep lines at bay.

DRINK RED WINE

A glass of red wine or dark grape juice each day could be beneficial. Studies suggest that this may help to reduce the risk of blood clots and lower cholesterol levels.

GET SOME SUN

Virtually the only way we can get the Vitamin D that we need is from sunshine. Make sure that you get outside everyday for at least 15 minutes.  It may not look sunny at this time of year but despite the gloom the sun is up there and you can get some benefit.

SEE THE GOOD

It’s all too easy to get down when it’s cold and the days are short but look for the positive signs that are all around you: the first leaves on the trees, the sun peeping from behind a cloud, a waiter serving you with a smile – in amongst all the bad things in our world there is plenty of good, just look and it’ll find you.

You can help to create good for other people too.  Even the tiniest gesture could make someone’s day.

SMILE

Numerous studies have shown that smiling can boost your mood even when you’re feeling low and it does the same to anyone who sees you.  Put on your smile each morning and keep it on.  It’s infectious too so pass it on.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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For the past two months I’m sure you’ve been reading (or ignoring!) articles in just about every magazine and newspaper and items on TV telling us what not to eat and how to economise whilst at the same time producing ever more calorie-laden recipes and ideas for what to spend your hard-earned money on.

Well I’m not going to do either.  I’m just simply going to say whatever you do this Christmas Enjoy it!

See you in the New Year

Barry

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I have no idea what  stresses you out when you get up in the morning or when you go to work.
Maybe its something that happens when you get home. Stress relief needs to be practical. Here are some  great ways to  relax.

Monday: I thought I might try a glass of wine or two!

Choose your favourite drink (alcohol or otherwise) and find a quiet place to sit and enjoy in peace.

Tuesday : Bath

When I feel I need to get away and relax especially if I feel really tired or have aches and pains, I take a book and run for the bath. Throw in your favourite aromatherapy oil and take it from there.

Wednesday: Meditation not Medication

Start with 5 minutes a day (my magic no.) and aim to do this once a week. If this works for you gradually increase the time.  Check out our blogs there are several meditation techniques to try.

Thursday : Stand Still

I can’t tell you how many people can’t do this. Standing still is part of my WUB program (wakeupandbreathe.com).  You may need to force yourself to stand still and tell your brain (as in meditation) to shut up but the more you do it the easier and more rewarding it becomes.

The Chinese say the mind is a monkey so you need to accept a certain amount of chatter. Stand still see how you get on.

Friday: Lay down and do nothing.

What?  What’s the big deal about lying down?

This is not meditation and I don’t necessarily want you to keep still. Just chill, read a book if you want but best of all just lie and do absolutely nothing at all. Try the following:

• Soft surface preferably on the floor
• Low pillow or a few books to rest your head on
• Music (the WUB music is good), incense or smelly candle. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Saturday: Dinner with Friends

This is only relaxing if you have the right friends – spend your time with people you feel totally at ease with. It’s important to forget the rest of the week and immerse yourself in fun, conversation and good food.

Sunday : Don’t forget your Greens!

No not the kind you eat, let’s get out for a walk in the park. The colour green itself is relaxing.

Breathe in the air. stretch your legs,  take in your surroundings and RELAX.

Let me know which one really worked for you?
Email me at stories@wakeupandbreathe.com

Barry

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