Genes and Your Metabolic Rate

Ever wonder if it wasn't a simple mathematical equation? Well, you just might be right. Researchers have recently identified 4 genes- FADS1, LIPC, SCAD and MCAD, that could drive metabolism and possibly help explain why some people struggle more to maintain a healthy weight and have differing responses to diet and exercise programs. Check out the article.

ESPN.com Article on NFL Big Men- Nutrition for NFL Players

Ever wonder some of the challenges of being an NFL big man? Check out this interesting article that Mitzi was interviewed for this article on NFL big men.

NSA Conference and My Upcoming Schedule

I just got back from attending an amazing conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was a National Speakers Association Conference. I met a lot of great people and learned some new stuff for which I have already taken action on many of them. For one, I got my twitter account set up!

Next week I am traveling to LA for a fun media event as a media spokesperson with the National Honey Board. I will then head to San Francisco to discuss a new potential business opportunity.

January will be a busy month as I will be doing my normal March media tour in January to go with New Year's Resolutions. I'm not sure the cities I will be visiting yet but we make sure to keep you posted. I'm hoping to take photos of some of my meals this year since one of my favorite things to do is to try out different restaurants throughout the country.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Mitzi

Families Who Eat Together Stay Together- Healthy Families

Researchers have shown that teens who eat with their families on average five times a week are less likely to be troubled teens compared to those who eat with their families three or fewer times per week. The teens who didn't eat together as a family as often were more likely to do drugs, be depressed, less motivated at school, and had weaker peer relationships.

What can you consider eating together? All family members are gathered together around the same table at the same time. No one is eating in another room and televisions are off.

So, get your kids started young at eating together but if you are often challenged by the lack of conversation consider buying Dinner Games or Family Table Topics which can both be purchased on Amazon.com. My kids love these games!

Is Stress Making You Fat?

Are you constantly stressed out? Do you go to bed at night worrying? With the current economic environment it is easy to understand why many people are more stressed out than ever before. However, it is important to try to manage your stress effectively. When a person is stressed it increases their cortisol levels. With time, elevated cortisol levels are very unhealthy and can actually suppress your immune system and may actually lead to weight gain.

So, make sure you are taking care of yourself. Here are a few tips to help you.
1. Smile and laugh often each day. This will help to reduce cortisol levels.
2. Keep a gratitude journal and each day write down 5 things that you are grateful for in your life.
3. Read a positive book like a book by Jack Canfield or John Maxwell.
4. Surround yourself with positive people.
5. Be present each day for life and love.
6. Keep it in perspective and aim to go to bed without worries.