10 Urban Food Myths

There have always been rumors spread about food. Remember the one about the Kentucky Fried rat or Mikey, the kid from the Life cereal commercials, who allegedly expired after washing down his Pop Rocks with a Coca-Cola? These, like so many, turned out to be apocryphal, but now in the age of the Internet, it seems like there’s always some story making the rounds about a grocery item that will poison you or a food that will miraculously cure what ails you. Here are some myths we were able to dismiss. Continued…

Is Drug Company Marketing Money Well Spent?

Two stories on World News Tonight Saturday evening grabbed my attention. One was about the collapsed economy in Zimbabwe under the Presidency, since 1980, of Robert Mugabe. The other story was about how much money drug companies spend on marketing and how much of that money is directed to doctors.

In Zimbabwe, the life expectancy is 43 years. In a country that was once considered the breadbasket of Africa, poverty is now rampant and people can’t feed themselves. Because the currency is virtually worthless, with inflation running at 100,000 percent, a bunch of carrots costs $35,000 Zimbabwean dollars, a bundle of 50 rolls of toilet paper costs $5,175,000 Zimbabwean dollars and a loaf of bread costs the equivalent of a weeks salary.

In this country, drug companies spend $11.4 billion on marketing their products, and of that, $7.2 billion is spent marketing these products to doctors to “educate them”, for the most part, on the newest and most expensive drugs.

Imagine, for a moment, working for a week to buy a loaf of bread and having a life expectancy of just 43 years in a country where agriculture was once the leading export producing sector.

Then imagine for a moment, $7.2 billion being spent just to promote drugs to doctors in a country that in 2007 spent $2.3 trillion on health care or $7,600.00 per person. Health care spending is expected to reach $3 trillion by 2011.

If I were a researcher, I would have spent a lot of time finding more examples of money “well” spent. I instead just found two more examples of spending, one outdated but still mind boggling and the other a sad example of misplaced priorities. According to an FDA consumer reprint from a 1995 Institute of Medicine report, Americans spent $33 billion on “weight reduction products, such as diet foods and drinks”. I can only imagine how much we are spending 13 years later when we are in the midst of an obesity epidemic. Sadly, in 2006, Americans spent just $3.54 billion on fitness equipment in a country with a total population of over 303,741,000 people.

Zimbabwe is suffering under the rule of its current government and has become one of the poorest countries in the world. We are the richest country in the world, but I can’t help but think that we are squandering some or much of that wealth. Focusing only on drug company marketing budgets and health care spending, the numbers are staggering and it does make me question whether it is money “well” spent.

Dollars and Sense of Being a Fitness Coach

I am a full time Beachbody Coach and I love what I do. I live and breath health and fitness and I am a role model to everyone around me. I’m 57, don’t take any prescription medications, no Aleve or other anti inflammatories,, don’t have aches and pains, etc. etc. and I sure don’t feel old in any way. I love having a home based business and I love the concept of what I do and wouldn’t think of doing anything else.

I want you to understand the dollars and the sense of what I do and to think about whether it would be something that you would love to do, too.

Would you like to have a home based business?
Would you like to have a home based business that helps people lose weight, get healthier and get fitter?
Would you like to have a home based business that helps people lose weight, get healthier, get fitter and you make money?

If you answered yes to all three, then keep reading. If not, then being a coach wouldn’t make any sense to you.

Question: How much does it cost to start your business?
Answer: $39.95 for a Coach Starter Kit containing essential sales and marketing material and literature to help you build your business.

Question: What are my monthly expenses for being a coach?
Answer: $27.91.

Question: What do I get for $27.91 a month?
Answer: $14.95 pays for your personalized e-commerce site to promote your business and service your new customers. It will be the same as mine in format and you just put in your story - click here for sample website. $12.96 pays for a full Team Beachbody Club membership with all of the benefits, information and fitness and weight loss tools available to members.

Question: What are the benefits of being a coach?
Answer: You get a 25% discount on all Beachbody product purchases. You get a 50% commission on every person that you get to sign up as a Team Beachbody Club member. You get a 25% commission on all of your customer’s product purchases. You get a 15% commission on all of your Team Beachbody member purchases.

Question: Are there any more benefits to being a coach?
Answer: Besides having a home based business and helping other people become fit and healthy, yes. Please read the Team Compensation Plan for full details - click here.

Question: Can I work part time?
Answer: Yes, absolutely. You can get a discount on products that you would be buying anyway - vitamins, weight loss products, workout recovery drinks, etc., make commissions by getting your family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers to become members and pay for your monthly costs and make money besides.

Question: Can I actually make a substantial amount of money as a coach?
Answer: Yes. If you are passionate, determined, willing to “walk the talk”, meaning being in shape and being a role model and you embrace the vision of building a national fitness community that is working to ease the obesity crisis and improve people’s quality of life then the sky is the limit. Read and understand the Team Compensation Plan and you will grasp the full potential of this business. Click here to read it.

Question: How do I sign up to be a coach?
Answer: Simply click on this link

Question: Can I contact you if I have more questions?
Answer: Yes, please email me at howtobefit@aol.com or phone me toll free at 866 797-7336

Battle of the Organic Giants

Walmart and Whole Foods are battling it out for supremacy in the organic food business, Walmart having the advantage in name recognition, size and infrastructure and Whole Foods having the advantage of having a better name and being the world’s leading retailer of organic products.

In corporate news, Walmart has announced that “its private-label Great Value milk is now being sourced only from cows that have not been treated with artificial growth hormones, such as recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST)” (source: Reuters Health).

In Whole Foods news, they announced that they are launching Whole Earth Generation, a video podcast series dedicated to raising environmental awareness among today’s youth.

The initiative kicks off with a search for six fresh-faced personalities ages 8 to 17 to be considered as hosts of this green-themed series. Children from all over the United States and Canada have a shot at becoming the face of the original online series, premiering March 11, 2008 and running through April 29, 2008.

Importance of Breakfast

This week, we are going to focus on “breaking the fast”, which is the true meaning of the word breakfast. Most of us have gone 6 - 8 hours or more without eating, so our bodies need fuel to get us going. Thus, the importance of this first meal of the day in terms of quality and quantity.

5 Ways to Bring Back the Real Meaning of Breakfast
Test Your Breakfast Facts IQ!
Breakfast Of Champions
Awaken Your Body With Breakfast
Eating Before Your Morning Run

Health and Fitness for the Real World

My life has revolved around sports and fitness for over 45 years. In many ways, that has put blinders on me in the ways that I experience the world. I am narrow minded in terms of what I eat and in terms of how I take care of my body, but that, it turns out, seems rather unrealistic in today’s world.

Sunday evening, I had to go to the local Walgreens for batteries for Grace’s new potty (yes, these days they have to sing songs and do a myriad of other things). On the flashing sign outside of the Walgreens, it said, “Happy Easter” and then the words in bright red words changed to “Bud Light 30 pack $22.99″. Is beer a hot seller now on Easter Sunday or was that just a poor choice of sequence in their advertising?

Next door at the McDonald’s there was no line at the drive up, but only because it was closed. Maybe McDonald’s closes on Easter because more people drink Bud Light than eat Big Macs. If I didn’t have such a narrow focus on health and fitness, then I would probably know these things, but I don’t. I don’t drink, I don’t eat fast food and actually, just before I went to Walgreen’s, I had done Yoga X, making me even more weird.

So what’s my point? I have been creating a theme each week for my blog and newsletter with health and fitness themes that I could think of that were important to me, but now I realize that with my tunnel vision, I was missing a lot of topics that people are really thinking about. So instead of themes like positive thinking or motivation or time management, I need to direct my readers to the topics and themes that are on the minds of most people.

Now my blog will not just have ideas gleaned solely from resources in my “tunnel”, but instead, I will now direct you to the health and fitness news headlines that are impacting your everyday lives. By doing so, I believe that I will enhance your knowledge so much more - and mine too.

Meet the Winners of the Million Dollar Body Game 2008!

“It’s so surreal,” said Earl Broughfman. “I feel like I may wake up in the recliner where I saw my first Power 90® infomercial.” But it’s no dream. Broughfman, along with Kimberly Barnett, are now $250,000 richer thanks to their steadfast dedication to lifestyle transformation.

Last week at a lavish ceremony at The Grove in Anaheim, California, Barnett and Broughfman were the inaugural Grand Prize winners of the Million Dollar Body Game® Awards Gala. The pair were picked out of a group of eight finalists who all received $50,000. It was the culmination of a year of MDB™ giveaways that have included daily and monthly winners. The Gala event also awarded Million Dollar Body’s most successful Coaches, which came at the end of a two-day Coach’s Summit meeting. But the spotlight was on the Grand Prize winners, whose transformation stories have inspired hundreds of thousands of Team Beachbody™ community members.

The eight finalists for the 2007 Million Dollar Body Game.

“It is an indescribable feeling of accomplishment,” adds Broughfman. “All of those people and I was voted the best transformation. I can’t believe it. I still find myself looking through the stories and videos and wondering how I was the one chosen.”

The transformations
“For years, I didn’t know how to take a stand for myself,” wrote Barnett in her Grand Prize transformation application. “It took my daughter pleading with me to quit smoking because she didn’t want me to ‘get a black heart and die’. As a single mother, this broke my heart because a seven-year-old shouldn’t be worrying about her only parent dying; she should be playing with her dolls. So I quit smoking 4 days after her birthday. Unfortunately the solution to not smoking was to sit on the couch and eat my way through my withdrawals.”

Barnett was able to keep from smoking but a year later she topped the scales at 208 pounds. Her health deteriorated to the point where she was put on medication for hypertension. She had a hard time moving around, became depressed, and couldn’t sleep.

Beachbody® CEO Carl Daikeler announces the 2007 Million Dollar Body Game winners.

“I did everything I could to pretend it wasn’t happening,” she said. “Reality hit me hard the night I had to read off a number located on my broken clothes dryer for customer service. I couldn’t get to it because I had to maneuver in a way that wasn’t possible because of my weight. I hung up with them, devastated and embarrassed, and sat there on the floor for hours crying . . . what happened to me???”

Three years of failed fad diets later, she stumbled upon a Turbo Jam® commercial. “Looking back now that’s what saved [not being able to sleep] me; because I was up late flipping channels, I stopped flipping long enough to see the infomercial for Turbo Jam, and it got my attention FAST!!! I bought it, pushed play, and the pounds came off! It was FUN, and I worked 58 pounds off in less than a year!!

Through Team Beachbody and the guidance of my coach, Doug Couch, I have learned proper nutrition again and have now lost 82 pounds! I always try to eat a clean diet with one “cheat day” each week. I also began taking Beachbody Slimming Formula, ActiVit®, and Joint Formula which have helped me achieve even faster results! Better yet, my doctor declared me to be hypertension free and I’m completely off of meds! I’ve inspired her so much that she’s asked me to speak at her public health seminars; which is so rewarding and exciting for me.”

“I made a promise to my daughter a long time ago that I would be around a long time for her, and I intend to keep that promise. With my new body, my new business, a great mentor in Coach Couch, and friends that I’ve met along the way; I know how to get fit, stay fit, and help people get there too!”

Broughfman had struggled with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, sleep apnea, and feet that were breaking down, making it harder for him to get out of the hole he’d dug into. “Life has a way of hitting you hard and waking you up to reality,” the railroad engineer of Covington, VA, recounts in his transformation story. “I remember a day at a park a year before I started my new life, I went to the test seat of a thriller roller coaster and it seemed fine. Then, after waiting for over an hour I was asked to exit the ride because the restraints wouldn’t fit. That was so embarrassing; it made me feel like every eye in the park was on me.”

Beachbody CEO Carl Daikeler and President Jon Congdon award Kimberly and Earl $250,000.

Since that night on the recliner, Broughfman has lost over 49 inches and 140 pounds. He’s graduated from Power 90 to
Power 90 Master Series to P90X®. “I have been fortunate to have a life partner, my wife and soul mate, Suzie, who has stood beside me as my cheerleader, chef, and confidant,” he states. “She has given me emotional and inspirational strength during tough times and reassured me that I can do anything, if I set my mind to it. My Coach Elizabeth Dedek has been an encouragement to me, always having a good word of motivation and taking time out even when traveling to call me to keep me moving along with my program.

“I’ve overcome my major obstacle, which was overeating. By using the 40/30/30 Balanced Slim Down Plan, I’m feeling the best I ever have in my life. It feels great to go into a store and be able to buy “normal” clothes, not off the “big and tall” rack like I had done for so many years! It’s amazing to me when I look at my “before” and “after” photos taken in my kitchen and realize, there IS a DOOR there!”

Spreading the love
Both winners have become Coaches and say that helping others change their lives is highly rewarding.

Kimberly and Earl are congratulated by trainers Tony Horton and Chalene Johnson.

“I am so honored to be one of the first MDB Grand Prize Winners!” says Barnett. “It gives me yet another opportunity to put my success story out there even more to help other people realize that their own success story can come true. I struggled for years to get fit and healthy and I finally found the tools in Beachbody. I see so many people struggling like I did and I am so excited to be able to bring to them the tools to help them succeed. I love seeing their transformations and especially seeing their smiles. What a gift to be a part of so many wonderful people’s lives!”

“My greatest joy is now having credibility,” adds Broughfman. “I may be able to change some lives now because people will take me seriously when I give them advice with their programs. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am grateful that the judges and all the people of the Team Beachbody community voted and showed their confidence in me.” Barnett seemed to sum up everyone’s feelings on the first annual event and what the future holds by stating emphatically, “I love this stuff!!!”

Beachbody Coach’s Summit 2008

On Friday, March 7th, more than 300 Beachbody Coaches descended upon Anaheim, CA, for the first annual Coach Summit. Celebrity fitness trainers energized the crowd, Top Coaches shared the spotlight, the MDB executive team shared plans and business strategies, a new contest was announced, and most excitingly, the $250,000 winners of the Million Dollar Body Game™ Grand Prize giveaway were crowned. Now that she has had time to reflect on the event, Beachbody Coach Wendy has decided to tell us about her experience.

Rich: What was your first day like at the Summit?

Wendy: We arrived on Thursday morning so that we could attend the afternoon activities with the other coaches. We did the meet and greet and check in and then listened to presentations by a number of the other coaches.

Rich: What did you do after the coach’s presentations?

Wendy: We had a choice of doing a workout with Shaun T, Chalene Johnson or Tony Horton. We worked out with Tony!

Rich: That must have been a thrill. What did you do next?

Wendy: Yes, it was a once in a lifetime experience! Afterwards, we showered and then socialized and had refreshments while the Diamond Coaches had a reception.

Rich: Who did you meet at the Summit?

Wendy: Well, obviously, we got to meet Tony Horton and we also met Carl Daikeler, the CEO of BeachBody and Shaun T and an endless number of people who work for BeachBody and so many great coaches.

Rich: How would you rate your experience?

Wendy: My experience was priceless! I knew it would be phenomenal and I knew we were going from the day it was announced and I am so glad we did. You just can’t put a price on a time to be with others joined for the same purpose of helping other people achieve their health and fitness goals. I haven’t ever felt so united! It’s two weeks today we left and I’m still on a buzz from Coach Summit!

Rich: Has your view of the company changed from your experience?

Wendy: YES! I’ve gained an even more deeper understanding of Carl and BeachBody’s mission. For me I saw the infomercial for Power 90 and Slim In 6 and started for personal health reasons. Then shortly thereafter came the coaching opportunity which was a great fit for a part time job for me. And even in the beginning I understood our purpose was to be a product of the product and share with others BUT it wasn’t until sitting in that room on Friday at the Summit listening in person to Carl and the vision and learning about the American Diabetes Association endorsing BeachBody and seeing the visual aides on how HUGE a problem obesity and diabetes is for our society that this is no longer about me! I am a part of a solution to a HUGE epidemic and that is POWERFUL! So now my journey is peanuts compared to my journey of sharing with others, I can no longer keep quiet!

So again, YES my view of BeachBody has changed in that I respect and love BeachBody now more than ever and I can’t wait to see the lives ‘we’ as a whole are going to change!

Rich: Thank you Wendy for your firsthand report from the BeachBody Coach’s Summit 2008.

If you would like to learn more about Wendy and be part of her team, please click here.

Entrepreneur Magazine Hot 500 Fastest Growing Companies

I am thrilled to let all of you know that in the Entrepreneur Magazine Hot 500 Companies list for 2007, BeachBody (Product Partners) comes in at # 69!

You can read the details here - http://www.entrepreneur.com/Hot500/Details/69.html - but the bottom line is that Carl Daikeler and Jon Cogdon took $500,000.00 in 1998 borrowed from friends, family and private investors and turned it from a business of 2 into a $139 million business by 2006 with 185 employees by the end of 2007.

As a full time BeachBody Independent Coach, I am part of that phenomenal growth and will be a continued part of their success. If your nature is to help other people and you want to help other people get fit and healthy while improving or maintaining your own fitness as a coach and role model, please contact me at howtobefit@aol.com or call toll free at 866 797-7336 so that you can be part of this incredible success story and start creating your own!

Week Twelve Articles

Today is St. Patrick’s Day and I hope that it is a happy day for all of you. This week’s articles continue the theme of the “lecture”, What’s This World Coming To? and challenge all of us to work together to make this world a better place.

Time Management Tips - The 80 20 Rule
Will the Children Return to Play?
12 Steps to Having Fit and Healthy Kids
The Worst Food on the Planet
10 Scariest Fast Food Dishes