With summer almost here, I decided to join the weight loss challenge offered to me by Pharmica. I was set up with a great adviser named Ricki who has a background in nutritional counseling as well as weight management and sports nutrition. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was greeted with a smile before we got down to business. We discussed my goals (to get leaner), and how I was going to accomplish this.
Next we took my measurements using an electronic scale that broke my weight down into body fat percentage, muscle mass, and fat mass. We spoke about my food intake and I mentioned that I use an app to log food daily. Ricki went over my carbohydrate intake, calorie recommendations, fat intake, and protein (of course).
I was given a workout guide to follow (if I wasn’t already) and a book to log my calorie intake and food. However, since my food intake was already being logged in the app, Ricki and I decided to continue with this version. The exercise guide was also a good start. We decided I would keep exercising the way I had been but add in some supplements to increase my calorie burning (naturally) and glutaine to help with muscle fatigue and recovery.
Here are the 2 products we chose …
Muscle Definition and Recovery
I wanted to increase definition, decrease fat, and increase muscle recovery. I was told to take one teaspoon of the powder formula at night mixed in water or juice before bed.
Weight Loss / Fat Loss
Since one of my goals was to lose body fat Ricki suggested an all natural thermogenic. It does have caffeine but I didn’t experience anything more then the buzz I get from a cup of tea. I was advise to take one in the morning and one mid day. He said if it got to be too much I could back it off to one a day.
“Antioxidant source, supports cellular health. Herbal Supplement containing Green Tea (98% polyphenols, 50% EGCG) Green Tea Leaf 200 mg.
All Pharmaca Supplements are manufactured to ensure safety and potency in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the FDA.”
Since my food was already being logged and my workouts were already consistent we discussed the supplements in depth. I was amazed at all of the things glutamine could do for you and the amount of knowledge Ricki had in so many different facets of health and nutrition. We set up my next session and I was to report back in 4 weeks to check results and follow up on any changes that need to be made. Stay tuned for the next follow up article. If you want to mimic my supplement recommendations, click the images above to see them on the Pharmaca site.
Fit Tip Daily user receive 20% off on all online purchases !!!
Use Coupon code – BPWCBLOG14
While I was doing this in the Pacific Palisades location in California, my mom was doing the same program at the Portland, Oregon location. My mom’s goals were similar but with different recommendations. Her adviser, Doctor Karen Carelton, wanted her to focus on adrenal fatigue from stress, increase her exercise and get more sleep. She loved the doctors advice and recommendations but was surprisingly shocked when she was told to FIRST focus on the sleep and exercise, THEN focus on the food intake. I am happy to report that she is getting more sleep and loves the adrenal products her adviser suggested. She uses them when she gets overly stressed. They calm her down instantly without getting sleepy. She actually had to cut or phone conversation short yesterday because she needed to go to bed !!! She’s also researched gym memberships and will be signing up this week to begin her new exercise routines. Talk about some great progress!
Her goal is weight loss and to just FEEL better overall. She’s currently almost 60 and would like to gradually lose 50 pounds the right way.
Her are the products she’s currently taking …
She takes 2 when stress level increases. Her doctor (Karen Carleton) suspects that due to her VERY demanding job, coffee intake, lack of sleep, and lack of exercise, her cortisol is level is high.
“Nutritional and botanical support for healthy adrenals*
- non-glandular vegetarian support for the adrenals
- contains key adaptogenic herbs to improve the body’s resistance to stress*
- helps reduce fatigue*
- optimizes adrenal function for better stress management*
The adrenal glands play a critical role in our ability to respond to stress. Stimulation of the adrenals causes a release of cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and other chemicals. These chemicals raise the heart rate, increase blood pressure, heighten senses, constrict blood vessels to the digestive tract, and raise blood sugar – all in an effort to rally quick energy to either meet an impending challenge head-on or escape a threatening situation.
Nowadays, most of us are all too often bombarded with various forms of stress that can, if not properly managed, exhaust the adrenal glands. A diet high in refined carbohydrates, the demands of work, managing personal finances, and exposure to environmental pollution are just a few of the modern stress factors that can push the adrenal glands past the ability to adapt. In addition, constant over-stimulation of the adrenal glands can have an adverse effect on the body and produce stress-related symptoms that can detract from good health and well-being.
Chronic stress can exert a range of detrimental effects on bodily systems vital to long-term health, such as the immune, cardiovascular, neurological, and endocrine systems. To effectively adapt to stress, it is critical to optimize the functioning of the adrenal glands, and Phytisone has been designed with this in mind.* A unique combination of adaptogen botanicals and nutrients, Phytisone provides the nutritional support needed to optimize the adrenals’ response to stress.*
Astragalus membranaceus is used, typically in combination with ginseng, to promote energy and support immune function.* Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) appears to have a modulating effect on cortisol activity.* Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has the capacity to increase the bioavailability of other substances.* Perhaps the two best-known adaptogens (substances that improve the body’s resistance to stress) are Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus.* An abundance of research demonstrates an enhanced response to physical and chemical stress, as well as a beneficial physiological effect on the central nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems, following administration of Panax ginseng.* Similarly, ample evidence supports the use of Eleutherococcus to help normalize the body’s response to stress.* Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been called Indian ginseng and is considered to be the preeminent adaptogen from the Ayurvedic medical system.* Ascorbic acid, thiamine (vitamin B1), pantethine (the active form of vitamin B5), pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (the active form of vitamin B6), and zinc are included for their strengthening and supportive role in optimizing adrenal function.*
Fitness Tips: Since my mom has a HORRIBLE commute that can sometimes take over 2 hours. Dr. Carleton suggested that she take her gym clothes with her to work and go directly to the gym. This allows for no excuses. It also keeps people from hitting the couch before trying to workout. Going home can be a dangerous move, because you may never come back out!
Follow along with my mom and I as post our progress in this 3 part series! If you love these recommendations and can relate to some of our issues, stop by the Pharmaca page to use our exclusive Fit Tip Daily Discount
Fit Tip Daily user receive 20% off on all online purchases !!!
Use Coupon code – BPWCBLOG14
Adria and Jane Ali
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