Stacey Greenberg, a freelance writer here in Memphis, decided to join Memphis Adventure Boot Camp. She lived to tell about it and has written an article in the January ‘10 issue of Memphis Parent Magazine. Check out her experiences here: http://www.memphisparent.com/2010/01/workout-warriors/. Also, check out her amazing, award-winning blogs at http://diningwithmonkeys.com/.

Memphis Adventure Boot Camp is the premier fitness offering for the women of Memphis. Get the complete package of fitness while doing it with other likeminded women. Memphis ABC meets for 4-weeks at a time all year long. You have nothing to lose but fat and you have your new body to gain!

First, let’s look at the issue from a perspective of natural history. (Dexter: Let’s take evolution with a grain of salt. There’s always evolution occurring in the world and we don’t have to view it as a religion vs. science thing.) Our evolution into the human species from our ape ancestors is thought to have occurred some 2.8 million years ago. Spanning the duration of this vast period, it should strike you as interesting that the first reported heart attack in the U.S. occurred in 1920, only 12 years after the grain industry began hydrogenating plant and grain oils. Now, I personally find it interesting that there is such hype over cardiovascular exercise as necessary prevention for heart attack or even heart disease, when such diseases were relatively nonexistent less than 100 years ago. That’s but a flash in the pan of human evolution.

Our next logical question should be, did our ancestors regularly participate in cardiovascular exercise? Not likely. First of all, it would not be energy efficient to run around gathering berries, firewood and nuts in your target zone. Nor would it have been wise to run through the bush trying to get a workout while hunting, since any animal would hear you coming from hundreds of yards away and be long gone by the time you got there. If there was a cardiovascular stressor in our native environment, it was most likely when we had to send a messenger to a neighboring village or during times of battle, when you were either running or fighting for your life.

When you look at most sports played today, recreational activities, and work related tasks, the great majority of them place anaerobic demands on the body. Now, surely some of you grew up on a farm or have done hard labor before. When performing any intense work, you begin breathing faster and faster…in fact, you will go aerobic within a few minutes if the work efforts demand so much of your anaerobic energy systems that the demand for energy can’t be replaced by intermediate and anaerobic energy systems (fast glycolytic and aerobic).

I have many memories of bucking hay; the bails weigh 75-120 lb., yet you’ve got to keep up with the tractor as it moves through the field (no, my dad didn’t let me stop for a minute every 12 bails).

When you have thousands of bails to haul in, and will be in the field for hours at a time, you will soon find that your anaerobic stimulus (the bails) produces a demand that the purely anaerobic phosphagen system can’t maintain on it’s own (it only lasts about 8-12 seconds), resulting in ATP production by anaerobic glycolysis and aerobic metabolism respectively. By this very mechanism, our anaerobic capacity is recharged during sports such as tennis, soccer, hockey, basketball, etc., that require explosive movement for prolonged periods of time.

I use hay-bucking because it is a real-world example of how we have maintained aerobic fitness from the beginning of human evolution. If you can follow my logic here, you should be wondering why we are so encouraged to offer aerobic exercise to our patients and clients by most every medical, physical therapy, chiropractic and personal training education program that exists. It’s simple actually. It’s the very same reason we are being told that we must eat a high carbohydrate diet for energy…why doctors tell people they must take this or that drug…BIG INDUSTRY INFLUENCE.

Quite simply, there’s not much money in the manufacture and sales of dumbbells, weight plates and Olympic bars, but there are huge amounts of money to be made if you can convince the masses that aerobic exercise is necessary for disease prevention. After all, have you priced a treadmill, step mill, spin bike, rowing machine, elliptical machine or any such equipment lately? They cost anywhere from several hundred, to several thousand dollars per unit! They often have hundreds of moving parts, which wear out, break and need to be replaced. How many Olympic bars or dumbbells have you replaced lately? It is not at all unusual for a gym or rehab clinic to spend $75,000-$100,000 on cardio equipment alone, and, they will need to be replaced every few years; the same facilities often don’t spend more than $15,000-$20,000 on free weight training equipment and it can last the life of the gym. Yes, I know they spend large sums of money on fixed axis resistance training machines, but that is but another sign of industry influence and professional passivity!

When you get several large equipment manufacturers with multi-million dollar investments in the production of aerobic exercise equipment, you can rest assured there will be a comparatively large commitment to creating an aerobic exercise consciousness. The proof is all around you, in your exercise and bodybuilding magazines, trade journals, on TV infomercials, in your training manuals from most educational institutions. Who do you think sponsors the educational institutions and pays for the supportive research?

So Who Needs It?

The issue is not one of prevention of cardiovascular disease by aerobic exercise, it is an issue of getting the right kind of exercise to benefit both your physiology and meet the demands of your work and sports environment. For example, aerobic conditioning is not general. If it were, any world-class marathon runner could jump on a bike and win the Tour De France, or even the Hawaii Iron Man! Strength training is also not general; there is a very finite amount of carryover from one lift or movement pattern to the other. Otherwise, the best squatter would be the best dead lifter too.

Everyone needs to build fitness, yet for fitness (aerobic or anaerobic) to last, it must be built upon foundation health principles. Proof of this premise can be seen when world-class marathon runners (Jim Fix) and champion bodybuilders (Lou Barry, a former Mr. Australia) die of a heart attack at an early age. When we eat correctly for our metabolic type, eat high quality organic foods, eat regularly to maintain our blood sugar levels in an optimal range, get to bed at a reasonable hour and learn to manage our stressors, the addition of an exercise program of any type becomes truly therapeutic and offers disease prevention. Aerobic fitness atop the standard American diet (SAD!) of Carbohydrates, Refined sugar, Additives and Preservatives (CRAP!) will not offer resistance to disease. In fact, it may well bring it on! Why? That’s simple…because exercise is a stress and if you add more stress to an already stressed system, it will crash.

You may think this is simple, logical, straightforward stuff, but it isn’t, because again, there is BIG money involved here. I will site one of hundreds, even thousands of examples; Scripps Hospital here in San Diego recently partnered with McDonalds. So now McDonalds feeds all those sick and dying people in the hospital their SAD CRAP, while they pedal away on bikes, pump pedals on stair masters, and about every other expensive aerobic machine you can imagine!

Functional Aerobic Fitness

While you are in the process of vitalizing your body from the inside out, I recommend that you choose movement patterns that offer injury prevention and improved performance in the environment where you work and play.

While exercising, all you need do is wear a heart rate monitor and determine your target heart rate zone. If you want a greater aerobic stimulus than your work or training environment is currently providing, simply shorten your rest periods. In short order, you will progressively get a greater aerobic response to the stress impinging upon the system via the activity you have chosen. If your heart rate begins to rise too high, simply take a little longer rest period or decrease the number of repetitions you are performing or the amount of time under load.

If you follow this simple guideline, you will learn to “eat, move and be healthy!” and, you will have the greatest form of prevention of heart disease you could ever have, HEALTH!

http://www.chekinstitute.com/articles.cfm

Many foods come naturally equipped with immune boosting and antiviral qualities and the good news is these foods can be easily incorporated into your daily menus. Here are some suggestions:

1. Choose foods rich in Vitamin C: Since we cannot store vitamin C in our bodies, we need to consume it regularly. We should be eating 5-6 servings daily of fruits and vegetables which are rich in this vital vitamin. Such foods include bell peppers (especially red), cabbage, broccoli, leafy greens, kiwi fruit, citrus fruits, and berries. Consider making a smoothie for breakfast using banana, orange juice and organic frozen blueberries. Or just add thawed blueberries to your granola or yogurt. Peel and slice a kiwi or an orange to have with your toast. Other ideas include sautéing spinach with garlic in olive oil for dinner or make festive fajitas with chicken and brightly colored peppers. These are all easy ways to increase your consumption of vitamin C, a natural immune system enhancer.

2. Eat more garlic and onions: Garlic is a highly esteemed vegetable to many cultures around the world and for good reason. In fact, its use as a vegetable and as a medicine dates back to 5000 BC. Garlic certainly adds wonderful flavor to food, but it also has a positive effect on the immune system. It is rich in phytonutrients which are known for their antibiotic and antiviral properties. Garlic’s medicinal benefit is most potent when used raw so consider adding it to salad dressings for this use. However, garlic still offers benefits when cooked so use it generously in stir frys, soups, and casseroles. Top crusty bread with roasted garlic instead of butter. Similarly, onions enjoy a long history with their cultivation dating back to 3200 BC. Clearly onions are the most universal seasoning used today. The flavonoids in onions actually work with vitamin C to help kill harmful bacteria. It’s hard to find a savory recipe that doesn’t use onions but consider making a soothing and delicious pot of onion soup or include onions with slow roasted winter vegetables.

3. Eat brightly colored fruits and vegetables: While nutritionists tout the health benefits of beta carotene, its conversion into vitamin A in the body has immune boosting qualities as well. Fortunately foods rich in the nutrients are readily available in the fall and winter months including winter squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. Additional sources include cooked spinach, apricots, and mangoes. Instead of a russet potato, substitute a delicious sweet potato. Just that simple change increases antioxidants significantly and also provides more vitamin C and trace minerals. Use that can of pumpkin puree in your pantry to make pumpkin bread. Make a pot of carrot ginger soup. Fish are also good sources of vitamin A including halibut, wild caught salmon, and cod. Evidence suggests the nutrients in these foods can prevent or lessen the severity of certain infections.

4. Drink tea: And in particular, drink green tea. Studies have shown that drinking green tea can enhance the immune system because it has a high concentration of polyphenols, known for their antioxidant properties. Green tea is also less processed than black tea. And finally, enjoying a hot cup of tea forces you to slow down and relax and this is always a benefit to your immune system.

While each of us usually get a cold or two each year, it’s important to know that our diets and habits do impact our health. Get plenty of sleep, stay away from highly processed foods and include some of the healthy foods included above and you are on your way to a healthy flu season and healthy year ahead.

Be Better!

Knowing this and applying it will give you Jedi nutritional powers above and beyond almost all other people trying to lose weight through ineffective means. The Proximity Rule is not something I made up, but something that has been researched and proven to be true no matter your education level, status, sex, or income. You want to increase your results and eat more supportive more consistently, you need to watch this video and then apply it!

Be Better!

Dexter

I don’t have time. My Memphis Adventure Boot Camp for Women meets at 5:30 a.m. I consider it the “no excuse” time.

Working with Dexter is too expensive. Answer #1: Maybe it is, but my new assistant Anna Langston has learned the same synergistic approach of the Power of 5 to be an extremely effective and lower cost option for you. Schedule the sessions in a way you can afford. Answer #2: My Memphis Adventure Boot Camp for Women is only $14.95 a session so you can’t tell me that I am too expensive to work with.

I don’t exercise during the times you don’t meet with me. OK, Memphis Adventure Boot Camp for Women meets 5X a week so you don’t have to think about any of that anymore!

The eating part is where I have the most trouble. We all do! I am in the final stages of working with a person who will offer a 5-meal or 3-meal option that is supportive of the Power of 5 fitness approach. Definitely be looking for that in the very near future.

I don’t have enough time to eat five to six meals a day. See above. Also, I have found a super-excellent option from Dr. Fred Hatfield. His meal replacement squares taste SOOO EXCELLENT! I have an account set up through the website, so you will need to use my trainer code when checking out. It’s 114330.  Here is the direct link to these awesome bars. http://drsquat.com/propower/supplements/meal-replacement-squares He has other products I will review in the upcoming months.

Exercise isn’t fun. Memphis Adventure Boot Camp, myself, and Anna all specialize in making sure you get what you need in exercise. You never know what you are going to get in a one-on-one session or Memphis Adventure Boot Camp!

I don’t have support at home. OK, then look elsewhere. There’s nothing like having 49 other women and me   giving you the support you need to get through the week! On a one-on-one level, we get to the root of your issues and work to find the best way to help you to be inspired and encouraged throughout the week!

I think that almost wraps all the excuses up. You now know I am here to help Memphis become fit, healthy, and reverse disease.

Be Better,

Dexter

In the outdated theater of the Malco Four here in Memphis, I experienced with 15 or so people, a movie that is eye opening, frustrating, and life changing. Food, Inc. dives into the modern technological age of making food. According to the movie, we have changed how we grow and produce food more in the past 5o years than in the past 10,000 years. And, the reason for this: money. This initially seems like a good thing, but the techniques and processes that are being used are showing correlation with health and disease problems of the 21^st century.

This movie isn’t some hippie movement or PETA driven movie. It is a movie that encourages the public to understand what is going on in the food industry currently and asks them to demand more natural foods. It really is that simple! The movie doesn’t directly talk about fitness and nutrition, but it does give another, yet important viewpoint as to why it is imperative to eat in a more supportive manner. Health is a HUGE concern when dealing with nutrition and this movie nails it on the head!

So, I encourage you to take action and see this film! When it comes out on DVD, I will buy it and make sure all of my clients have an opportunity to see this film because I believe it is that important!

Here is Food, Inc.’s Official Website: http://www.foodincmovie.com/

Here is the trailer for Food, Inc.:

Here is a website dedicated to local farmers’ markets and event around your area. This is a great place to find more natural growing and animal raising techniques. Some farmers do organic, but simply cannot afford to be labeled organic. These are great finds at reduce costs. Let’s does this for your health!

Always Better,

Dexter

Dexter has been my trainer, nutritional counselor, and fitness consultant for over two years. Being a physician, I am a very difficult client to please. Fortunately, Dexter is not the usual fitness professional. He combines cardio, flexibility, and strength training in each custom workout. He also gives a lot of attention to nutrition. His dedication to his client’s health shows in every encounter. It is not unusual for him to check up on me with a text message the day between workouts to answer questions and encourage me to workout on my own. If he still has any slots left, I would recommend him to anyone!

-Dr. Fred Hidaji, Visionary Eye Care, http://visionaryeye.org

Ernie Schramayr, CFT

I have known Dexter for about 4 years now. We have had the pleasure of networking on a professional basis on matters concerning health, fitness, nutrition, human performance and business. He continually impresses all that work with him. His passion for fitness is immediately apparent and it is hard to imagine him doing anything else! Dexter has transformed himself physically and is the ultimate student of fitness. His knowledge base is impressive and he continues to bring science together with his own ideas and innovations. Dexter is not afraid to challenge convention and truly stands up for what he believes in! For a life-changing experience, you must see Dexter!

-Ernie Schramayr- Owner All Canadian Fitness Personal Training, http://allcanadianfitness.com/

Jason Morgan, CFT

As a Certified Fitness Professional, I am very hesitant to put my endorsement behind much of the fitness industry due to the overwhelming amount of mis-information that is so rampant in the fitness industry today. Over the last several years, Dexter has been at times a mentor, a guest on my radio show, and a friend…but most importantly he has proven over that time that he truly cares about his clients and empowers them with the knowledge to get great results every time. I highly recommend Dexter to anyone in the Memphis area looking to reach their fitness goals.

-Jason Morgan, Owner Muscleworx Personal Fitness Systems Carolina Beach, NC, www.muscleworx.com

Susan Hutchinson

I am in my 50s and I was recently diagnosed with osteopenia. My waist was thickening, I was just too heavy. I was feeling as if nothing looked good on me, and decided it was time to “do something”. In July, I decided to take action. My impetus to begin working out was both to change my appearance and health. I could not be happier with my results over the past five months since beginning my personal training with Dexter. Dexter takes a three-pronged approach to fitness for life, which is an adherence to supportive nutrition, aerobic conditioning and resistance training. When I met Dexter the first time he told me that just because I was 55, it did not mean I could not have the body I had at 25 years. That was riveting, and remained a huge motivator for me. Dexter expects you to work the program but the program WORKS! I would not have believed my results if I had not personally experienced my bodily transformation. My waist has returned, I have toned arms and legs, my abdomen is flat, and I have lost close to 15 pounds. I have more energy, and feel in control of my body because I now understand how it’s supposed to function. I don’t feel helpless or resigned to pounds “creeping up on me” as I did before. And, very importantly, I am NOT ever hungry. The food principles learned allow for wide varieties of foods, and even one “day off” when you are allowed to eat something not especially healthy. In fact, these days are encouraged, so nothing is forever forbidden!!

I began my work with Dexter wearing a size 10 (and climbing to size 12 in pants). After 4 months I bought my newest pair of pants at a size 6 — and they are not even tight! Following Dexter’s individualized plans for me, I have done this not with hours and hours in the gym sweating away, but with moderate exertion that is easily accomplished by anyone, even my age and older. That’s what’s so amazing. And you progress so steadily and assuredly that before you know it you find yourself looking and feeling better than you have in years, and best of all, your clothes fitting loosely. I have had personal trainers in the past who have told me to “just exercise more and eat less”. Right. But Dexter gives you results and they speak for themselves. Dexter is knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, professional, and personable. He has given me my body, energy and a healthy life back. And for that I am eternally grateful.

Angela Orso

I have lost weight in the past doing other programs but I never was tone and fit like I wanted to be. I wanted to look my best for my wedding coming up and I came to Dexter for help. Dexter was very considerate of my desires and needs and he taught me all aspects about living a healthier lifestyle in order to become leaner and more toned. After a few weeks, I began to lose inches all over and became so happy! Continuing working with Dexter, I still lost inches and it got to a point that I had to tell Dexter if I lost any more inches, I would not be able to wear my wedding dress because it could not be altered any further!

To make a long story short, I was ready for my wedding day and I looked and felt so good! If you want someone to get you ready for your big day, Dexter is your choice!

Teresa Wampler

Dexter and I met once a week. We started with weight and resistance training, and each week Dexter changed my routine, adding more weights and doing more reps. Between our weekly sessions, I would use the print out that he gave me that detailed each exercise and work out on my own. Dexter was always very mindful of my lower back pain and showed me alternative ways to do exercises so that I did not put stress on my back. He also showed me how to do the same exercise in different variations in case the dumbbells or machines were in use. After about three weeks I began to notice definition in my arms. After about six weeks, I began to get compliments on my arms, back and shoulders. My friends asked me if I had started working out and total strangers would comment on my back and shoulders. After our ten week program, I felt stronger and more confident. I try to work out three times a week alternating routines that Dexter personalized for me. I continue to receive looks and compliments and I’m very pleased with my body transformation.

C. C.

Client’s request to remain anonymous

I have always struggled with weight. There were a couple of years when I was single; I dieted diligently and was able to bike and swim rather regularly. I looked pretty good for a 27 year old. Other than those 2 years I’ve always struggled.

I work with a nurse who was training with Dexter. She had changed the way she looked rather dramatically; she had biceps, shapely calves, a flat stomach, and apparently lost a bit of weight. We discussed our common weight issues, previous attempts at weight loss and found we were alike. Her energy and enthusiasm about her work with Dexter was contagious. She urged meet Dexter to see what he had to offer. So in I went with an open mind and a need to do something positive about my health and fitness.

At our first meeting Dexter cleared misconceptions about dieting, offered a healthy manageable eating plan, and started me on a progressive fitness program. After 17 weeks I have succeeded in achieving goals that I set with Dexter in our first meeting. I have never felt this fit, even at 27, or had this sense of achievement about my physical condition. The program that Dexter developed for me never felt over-taxing. I was not sore. I felt a weekly sense of achievement as Dexter tailored my program. Over progressive weeks I could see measurable progress; the increase in stamina, weight I could lift, and my body shape. I am hungry for foods that feed me nutritionally, knowing that my muscles and body need specific balanced foods.

Those of us who’ve struggled typically want a fast and easy solution to change the way we look. It doesn’t happen; it doesn’t exist. Rome wasn’t built in a day, we didn’t get big over night, and there is NO quick fix. Eighteen weeks could seem like a long time, but when you think about what you would otherwise do in those eighteen weeks, why not do something worthwhile. The time has not been an issue. My sights were set to a near goal, Christmas. From mid July to Christmas, I could do that. I believed I could do that. In December I’d look good, be able to wear a smaller size, and feel really good. December has come and gone and I’m 2 sizes down and I look better than I did when I got married. I am very proud of what I’ve done and thankful to Dexter for giving the tools to get here.

Now that I am turning 48, my goal is to be fit and fabulous at fifty. Thanks to Dexter and his personalized program, I have accomplished changes in my body and fitness that I have not been able to do on my own.

Angela Wong

I am a student pianist. I had tendonitis in my right elbow before and I fear to get injured again. During the summer, I wanted to exercise at the gym, but I had no idea how to get started. So, I looked for a personal trainer that I could learn how to work out properly. My goal was simple: I want to stay healthy and to avoid injury.”

During the first coaching, I was impressed that Dexter is very well organized, he explained his plan clearly. He asked me to keep a “food journal”, which is an effective way to watch my diet. He is knowledgeable and he cares a lot about his clients. After four weeks working out with him, I already felt stronger with my whole body.”

Dexter was considerate of my needs, he customized his program so that I can accomplish it. Since I had a full load during the semester, to work out efficiently is very important. In addition, having coaching with him once a week is affordable, and his program becomes achievable.

I really enjoy working out with Dexter and I am very thankful to him. I highly recommend Dexter’s workout program.

Cyndy

The success and accomplishments I made while going to Dexter were above what I ever expected. I started Dexter’s program with a couple of goals in mind, learn how to resistance train correctly and safely, gain muscle strength to become a stronger runner and avoid injury, and lose fat without starving myself. I am in my 40s, had not run or done any consistent exercise for a couple of years. My muscles had become hidden under a layer or two of fat.

Before I started the program, I really was not aware resistance training made such a positive impact on running performance, fat burning and overall sense of well being. I used to think a good cardio workout was enough. It did not take long for me to see the benefits of resistance training. Two months after starting Dexter’s program, I started to run 5K races. I had run a couple of 5K races a few years ago finishing in 32 to 34 minutes. I thought I would never be able to finish in under thirty minutes. Resistance training helped me accomplish this. During the eighteen week program, I ran six 5K races and won three medals in my age group, two third place and one first place (with a time of 27 minutes and 39 seconds). It is incredible the amount of strength, speed and endurance I have gained just by adding resistance training.

In terms of diet and nutrition, I have never gone hungry following Dexter’s diet and nutrition advice. I have changed my attitude about diet and food. I do not count calories or weight myself anymore. My focus is on fueling my body frequently with a balance of good foods.

Dexter’s combination of correct nutrition, resistance training and cardiovascular exercise have all worked together to give me a strong, lean energy efficient body.

Adrienne Cheatham

I am a woman in my 70s. About 15 years ago, I was in a bad car accident that left me badly injured and my spine was displaced. Also, ever since the accident, I have always had headaches and back aches. I went to doctors and I tried this and I tried that, but nothing really worked. I went into a depression.

I was in the hospital for my husband and I overheard a nurse talking to other nurses about what she was been doing to help her low back and help her become stronger and lose fat. I chased her down and asked her what she’s doing and she said she is working with Dexter Tenison. I called him that day.

There are so many benefits that I have received since working with Dexter. My back is so much stronger and my back pain is now much less frequent and intense. I am making much better eating choices. I realized that I now can walk faster and longer than ever before! I overheard my son talk to my husband about me and he said that I look more slender and younger than I have looked in years. I know I don’t suppose to check the scale, but I saw that I lost six pounds and I am down two pants sizes!

” feel so much better and I know that exercise is releasing the chemicals in my body that makes me feel so much better. I can’t see myself without exercise now. I am taking a trip to Jordan to visit my son and I know I wouldn’t have been able to do so without the new body I now have. I highly recommend Dexter and his work.

Patricia Dudley

I am a recent convert to exercise in general, and to Dexter Tenison’s methods in particular. Dexter has a common sense approach to exercise and nutrition, and I have begun to feel so much better and to have more energy after only a month of working with him. I even think my memory has improved! I can’t wait to see my progress in the coming weeks.

Pat Jameson

I have been working with Dexter for about 6 weeks now, and I am extremely pleased with what I have learned and the results I am seeing. I sought personal training services with the advice of my physician, and Dexter’s program had all the components recommended. Dexter’s method of teaching as he trains has helped me to understand more about what I’m doing, and to ultimately stay focused and committed. I would recommend his services to anyone who truly wants to take control of their health and fitness.

]]> http://dextertenisonfitness.com/blog/2009/06/sandi-rogers-testimonial/feed/ 0 http://dextertenisonfitness.com/blog/2009/05/kirstie-alley-oprah-and-friends-who%e2%80%99s-getting-fooled-by-the-weight-loss-industry/ http://dextertenisonfitness.com/blog/2009/05/kirstie-alley-oprah-and-friends-who%e2%80%99s-getting-fooled-by-the-weight-loss-industry/#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 17:26:28 +0000 Dexter Tenison, MSS http://dextertenisonfitness.com/blog/?p=227

Kirstie Alley made an appearance on Oprah’s show and I couldn’t help but find out more about it. In fact Yahoo! had a front page story on her Oprah appearance and the new article in People magazine. If you didn’t get to watch or read the story, here are some links:

http://www.oprah.com/article/health/weightloss/20090417-tows-kirstie-alley-weight

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/kirstie-alley-yes-i-gained-83-pounds/22171?nc

If you don’t know, Kirstie Alley was the spokesperson for Jenny Craig for over three years. During that time, she lost an amazing 75 pounds and sported her smaller body during an Oprah’s show in 2006. However, when Jenny Craig decided to drop her as their spokesperson, she put all of the exercise equipment she used into storage and then begin to eat the same ol’ low density, high caloric foods she used to eat. Inactivity and excessive food-spurging caused her to regain over 80 pounds! 

I have some questions to ask you, Kirstie, and Jenny Craig.

1. If Kristie Alley wanted to lose weight and keep it off, would losing 75 lbs and then regaining 80 lbs., considered successful weight loss?
2. Does Kristie, Oprah, and Jenny Craig know that calorie restrictive diets ultimately cause muscle loss, which slows down metabolism?  Maybe a better question is, do they care?
3. On Jenny Craig’s website, they do mention that exercise is a part of a healthy way to lose weight. However 98% of their website’s main emphasis is their products that consumers can buy.
4. When viewing Jenny Craig’s website, which exercises are best to do in order lose weight and keep it off? 
5. Does Kirstie and Jenny Craig not know that all exercise is not created equal? 
6. Why would you trust a company that was been sued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for fradualent claims of weight loss? My mentor, Phil Kaplan, compiled a list back in 1997 of companies that have been fined by the FTC. See it here: http://www.philkaplan.com/thefitnesstruth/ftc.htm.  Go ahead and see some other familiar names there as well.

Of course, most of these questions I give do not need an answer. It is pretty obvious that Jenny Craig was, is, and probably always will be a multi-million dollar fad diet that does “business as usual” with 10s of millions made each year. When the FTC does catch up with them, it will be a slap on the wrist compared to the amount of money they made overall.

Let’s all hope that Oprah sat down with Kirstie after the show to give her Bob Greene’s business card =)

Be Better,

Dexter