Optimal Nutrition Inc.

Optimal Nutriton Inc. was a proud sponsor of an event called Uproar At the Warehouse featuring Monique Marvez & Kyle Fitzgerald, two of San Diego’s top notch comedians!

This night benefited two great charities: The Live Well Project & Photo Charity. Just in case you missed out on the event check out this great highlight video!

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Join Jenna Phillips from Mission Possible as she puts Michelle Weinstein from Optimal Nutrition Inc. through an arm circuit workout.

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Written By: Dr. Chris Mohr

At just 14 months old, our daughter Ella isn’t always the best at sleeping … almost always sleeping through the night, these days, but occasionally (read: LAST NIGHT) she decided she should wake up at 3 AM and not want to sleep for the next hour before we had to get up for Mohr Results Boot Camp

Sometimes leaving me and Kara woozy … tired doesn’t even scratch the surface.

But we of course need to still function during the day — at 5:30 AM during adventure boot camp and throughout the day.

As I sat drinking a few cups of green tea this morning, Kara drinking her coffee, I thought about one of the most common questions we get — “is it OK to drink coffee?” For some it’s a savior — what I call a “liquid nap.” But is this drug (yes, caffeine is a drug) a true necessity? It surely can help keep you alert (particularly with a non sleeping baby at home).

I have to be honest, I would never in a million years get between a person and their coffee. Of course not everyone is a coffee drinker, but for some it’s a staple.

So if you’re trying to lose weight and you’re paying attention to your calories and all of your food where does coffee fit in? I have to be honest, I’m fine with you drinking coffee … it’s not coffee itself that’s the “issue” it’s everything most put in it.

Sugar, cream, half and half, or that horrendous artificial, imitation, fat free creamer junk.

Those things all add up — 100 calories here, 100 calories there — and you’re left wondering why you can’t reach your fat loss goals.

A regular cup of black coffee — no calories — no worries. In fact, there are some very unique health benefits to drinking coffee — in fact, one study recently came out suggesting a couple cups per day can help post menopausal women keep their memory sharp as a tac! It’s also a powerful source of antioxidants.

However, on the downside, a coffee shop latte can pack a wholloping 400-500 calories!
Talk about sabotaging your fat loss efforts! Particularly when coupled with a scone, muffin, or whatever else you may pick up on the way to the office.

The bottom line is you need to know how many calories you’re truly taking in and how they all fit in your daily routine. Drink an extra 100 calories each day (which would be just a bit of whole milk and 1 tsp of sugar in a coffee) and you’ll pack on 10 extra lbs at the end of the year. Couple this with other added calories and that weight can come on pretty quickly.

And if you were to rationalize that you’re going to exercise to “balance” out those added calories, remember that walking or running 1 mile burns just 100 calories.

Therefore, drink a latte and run 5 miles — you’ve essentially stayed the same.

Not that I’m saying walking or running is the best way to burn fat, but you get the point.

Moral of the story? You need to account for the calories you put in your body … all the calories you put in your body.

3 Things will help you do this:
1. Eat attentively — don’t eat or drink when distracted. That means NOT in front of the TV, while reading, or in front of your computer. Doing any of those means you’ll eat more calories, without even “knowing” it.
2. Avoid the extra BLT’s – bites, licks, and tastes — tasting while cooking, finishing off your kids’ drinks or foods, or eating before putting food away (you know, when there’s leftover dinner and you take a few bites before you put it away)
3. Write down what you eat and drink — this increases your awareness and will help you lose fat.
Oh yeah, and coffee is OK — just watch those added calories.

For more information on: Dr. Chris Mohr visit: http://www.mohrresults.com/

Yes, being in the sun does feel good and it can rejuvenate you and give you exactly what you need, but there are things that you can do to make it a safer experience. Some sun expose provides us with essential vitamins, but too much exposure can cause wrinkles and age spots on your skin. Also, extreme sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. The sun speeds up the skin’s aging process as well. The ultraviolet light damages the elastin fibers in the skin, which causes skin sagging, stretching, and its ability to go back into place after stretching. Also, due to excess and unsafe sun exposure, the skin bruises and tears more easily, which can take longer to heal.

Most young people want that nice bronze tan during the summer months, but do not understand the lasting effects the sun has on the skin that will definitely show later in life.

Here are some tips that you can follow to only get the necessary vitamins from the sun and avoid the getting overexposed:

•Frequently apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater, especially 30 min before sun exposure
•Apply sunscreen to all areas of the body that will be exposed to the sun, don’t forget the nose, ears, neck, scalp, and lips
•Apply sunscreen more frequently if you are swimming or sweating a lot, the SPF value decreases when in contact with water or sweat and therefore does not work as well
•Use an SPF lip balm or cream of 30 or higher to protect your sensitive lips
•Use a higher SPF when in higher elevations or in tropical climates
•Wear sunglasses or contacts with total UV protection
•Avoid sun exposure during the prime UV radiation hours, 10:00am to 3:00pm
•Don’t be tricked, you can still get sunburned on cloudy or hazy days
•Keep an eye on any moles on the body and consult your doctor if you notice any changes at all after sun exposure
•Avoid tanning beds because the artificial lights can cause skin damage and can increase the risks of skin cancer

The best way to protect yourself and your family is as simple as the ABC’s :
A=AWAY. Stay away from the sun during the prime UV hours stated above.
B=BLOCK. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
C=Cover up. Wear clothing to cover skin, hats with wide brims to protect the face, and sunglasses to protect the eyes.
S=Speak out. Teach others how they can protect their skin from sun damage.

Next time you plan on a day at the beach with your family, make sure you remember the ABC’s. It is worth it to protect your skin now, rather than pay the price in the future.

To Your Health!
The Optimal Nutrition Team
http://onistore.com/wordpress/

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Sources:
“The Energy Buzz: Sun Safety”. Strategic Energy Coaching, Inc.. Web. 12 August 2010. www.energy-for-me.com.

Hey folks!

We have a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Vivian Payne, on board here at Optimal Nutrition Inc.

Check out some of her tips to survive summer vacation!

With Summer just around the corner, one thing pops into everybody’s mind….VACATION! But how do we stay in shape and beach body ready while on the road?

Here are some smart and practical ideas to help you survive the diet disasters during your summer fun.

1. Always stay hydrated! Many people (including myself!) misinterpret thirst for hunger. I recommend at least 8 glasses of non caffeinated fluids throughout the day. If having a cocktail, remember to follow it up with a glass of water. Not only will this keep you hydrated, it will also help you cut down your consumption of “empty calories.” One margarita can have about 600 calories….more then a cheeseburger!

2. Be a menu genius. Know how to make smart choices while at a restaurant. Steer clear of creamy sauces, anything fried and processed foods and meats as well. Not only are they packed full of sodium, (which can cause bloating), but they are harder for our bodies to digest , which can leave you feeling tired, puffy and lazy. Not exactly how you want to spend your vacation.

3. Plan Ahead. Stock your travel bag full of nutritious snacks for the car and hotel room. This helps save not only calories but money as well! (Who wants to spend $6.00 in salted hotel nuts!) Make your own 100 calorie snack packs with ingredients such as whole grain organic crackers, nuts, dried and fresh fruits, string cheese and pre-cut veggies. Organic PB & J is a great travel companion. No refrigeration needed!

4. Bring those walking shoes! What better way to explore a new town than by foot. Ask your hotel or travel advisor for safe walking routes near by…then lace up those sneakers and get moving!

5. Indulge. Remember that you are on vacation and have fun! It is okay to treat yourself every once in a while, just all the time. Think, what’s better…those hotel cookies left bedside or the natural taste of a real Florida Key-lime pie. Enjoy your surroundings, atmosphere, and good company. Be aware of the sights, smells and sounds around you. Be mindful of yourself and have a good time!

The bottom line, be mindful about the choices you make on vacation. Vacation literally means to take a break, so it’s important for your body, mind and soul to relax a bit.. Enjoy special foods and have a drink – but don’t overdo it.

Remember, moderation is always key.

To Your Health!
The Optimal Nutrition Team
http://onistore.com/wordpress/