Got Babies? How To Avoid Toxic Chemicals in Baby Products

Today we're not talking about weight loss - we're talking about protecting babies from harmful chemicals in places you wouldn't suspect, like baby shampoos and body washes.

Well, actually, if you'd read my blog on April 3rd or if you'd listen to me preach for the past 5 years about getting toxic chemicals out of your home, then you wouldn't be surprised. From skin rashes to earaches to learning disabilities to cancer, the chemicals in the products we use daily are potential disasters to our health. And since babies are 10 to 65 times more vulnerable that adults they are at a much higher risk.

Two things are happening that are positive but will take valuable time to implement.

First, a US Senator has proposed the Safe Baby Products Act, directing the FDA to regulate hazardous contaminants in children's personal care products.

Second, more than 40 organizations representing 1.7 million parents, health care providers, doctors and nurses, and environmental health groups delivered a letter on May 26th to the CEO of Johnson & Johnson urging the company to remove toxic ingredients from their baby products. Click here to read the letter.

If you're willing to wait for congress to pass the bill (then god forbid the FDA is in charge of regulation), or for Johnson & Johnson to take this seriously and reduce their profits by using more expensive ingredients to replace the cheap chemicals, then don't worry, we all eat a peck of dirt in our lives. Unfortunately this dirt can cause cancer.

A better choice is to call me and replace - in the time it takes for UPS to get to your house - the toxic chemicals in your baby products and in all your other household cleaners, with non-toxic, better quality, and more cost effective products from a company I have represented for 5 years and who for 24 years have manufactured safe products at reasonable prices.

Although I'm selfishly thinking of my 13 nieces and nephews who all have kids, this plea is to all parents who want to eliminate the exposure of their babies to these harmful chemicals.

Two things to do right now if you have kids or know people who do:

First, you can get some great information about these better safer products by clicking here and watching a brief video.

Second, call me at 330-858-1906 and let's talk about how to keep you and your family safer for less.

One of my HR consultant friends always ends her emails with the line "It's always about the people". I'd amend that and say that "It's always about the children" since they rely on us to make the best decisions for them.

Comments below or by email, but call me on this important topic!

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com
330-858-1906

Got Milk? Losing Weight? Not If You're Drinking Pasteurized Milk!

Two things: First, I've been wondering how to get this picture on my blog in a relevant way, and second, I guarantee Rebecca doesn't drink pasteurized milk or she would look more like a cow than the beautiful model she is.

I was reading a blog today from the author of my diet program about this very topic - how milk - particularly pasteurized milk - is negatively affecting people who drink it, particularly in the US because Americans drink the most milk of any other country.

What do we have to show for it?

1. One of the fattest populations in the world - two thirds of the population is overweight or obese, with obesity in children approaching 40% (44.4% in Mississippi).

2. The highest rate of osteoporosis in the world.

How can that be if milk is so rich in calcium? What about "you never outgrow your need for milk"?

There are two culprits here (three if you count the Food and Drug Administration).

The first is a combination of two things: the fact that milk sugar (lactose) easily converts to sugar in your body which has a roller coaster effect to your blood sugar levels; and second, the addition of Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone, a genetically engineered hormone produced by Monsanto and called POSILAC. Sounds like a baby formula!

The FDA approves it although it's banned in Europe and Canada. It is like "crack for cows" in that it revs up their system and forces them to produce 10-15% more milk, but it also makes them sick by producing udder infections, reproductive problems, digestive disorders, foot and leg ailments, and persistent sores and lacerations.

But just having rBGH in your milk (also contaminated by pus from the infection) isn't the only problem. Drugs to the rescue. Antibiotics are used on the sick cows, so now the milk they produce has antibiotics in it as well. Sounds delicious!

rBGH milk is supercharged with high levels of a natural growth factor (IGF-1), excess levels of which have been incriminated as major causes of breast, colon, and prostate cancer.

So on top of messing with your blood sugar levels; introducing growth hormone into your system that actually does make you grow - women's breasts actually do get larger, but so do men's; providing you with an antibiotic dose whether you want it or not; milk also makes you more vulnerable to several cancers. Oh, by the way, about 40% of the beef used to make hamburgers comes from "old" dairy cows. It just gets better.

The second is pasteurization. By pasteurizing milk you kill off all the necessary digestive enzymes that product lactose intolerance in humans. It also makes about 50% of the calcium in milk insoluble, so people who drink milk as their main source of calcium are only get about half of what they expect, leading to osteoporosis.

Here a few solutions....

If you must drink milk (I gave it up 7 years ago when I did my first research on the topic) you need to:

1. Be sure the cows have not received rBGH or any antibiotics and are preferably grass fed.
2. Try to find raw (unpasteurized) milk. www.realmilk.com is a great resource.
3. If you can't find raw milk in your area at least drink organic milk which will be drug free.
3. To get more calcium you can eat more green leafy vegetables, broccoli and salmon and take a highly absorbable calcium supplement everyday. A company I work with has the best on the market - just email me and I'll get it for you.
4. For osteoporosis prevention commit to a strength training program to not only build your muscles but also your bones.
5. Send an email to the FDA and tell them to start doing their job - protecting the public.

The milk mustache is great as long as you don't drink the milk.

Have a great day and please leave your comments below or email or call.

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com
330-858-1906

Revolutionary Weight Loss Plan - "Common Sense"

Yes, if you look closely at the hat you'll see it's an Indy 500 Centennial hat. Maybe not a totally patriotic expression, but I'll venture a guess that there is a higher percentage of "constitution lovers" at the race than at any other large event, except maybe a "Tea Party".

So what does this have to do with a Revolutionary Weight Loss Plan called Common Sense?

Well, I guarantee that on this new plan you'll lose at least a pound or two in the first few hours. How can that be?

Stay with me here. I just finished reading Glenn Beck's book "Common Sense", based on the anonymous pamphlet that Thomas Paine wrote back in 1776. Paine was articulating how the British government was oppressing the colonists with ever increasing taxes, no representation, and a continuous assault on private property and personal rights. Sound familiar. It gets better and the weight loss tie-in is just a paragraph or two away.

As I was reading this 107 page book I started thinking that perhaps our government now is acting like the British government did 233 years ago with arrogance and little concern for what the people want. There were several questions asked in the book that made a convincing point. See how you'd answer.

1. Do you trust those in power to always tell you the hard truth - especially if it would hurt them at election time?

2. Why are those who respectfully question the "science" behind global warming mocked and condemned?

3. Are we to honestly believe that the country that took the idea of putting a man on the moon and turned it into a reality in eight years, or the country that built a transcontinental railroad in seven years (without power tools or machines) doesn't have the ability to completely build a 670-mile fence along our southern border that was promised in 2005?

4. Do you believe that those in Washington see your face when they make decisions or, instead, the faces of those who richly contribute to their campaigns?

I was starting to get a little frustrated because I knew the answers and they weren't positive.

Then I read the quote "you cannot take away freedom to protect it, you cannot destroy the free market (bailouts, takeovers, etc.) to save it, and you cannot uphold freedom of speech by silencing those with whom you disagree. To take rights away to defend them or to spend your way out of debt defies common sense". Now I was getting angry.

Maybe you're way ahead of me. You see, by using Common Sense and looking at the situation in today's world where our economy is threatened, N. Korea and Iran do whatever they want with no consequence, and our politicians are more concerned with their power and reelection, the only thing a believer in the American Way of Life can do is be frustrated and angry.

Which...leads to higher blood pressure, higher metabolism, faster fat burning and rapid weight loss!!

I told you it would tie-in. To further increase your weight loss just think how wonderful universal health care will be since the government runs every program so well, and Cap and Trade which will allow you to pay skyrocketing electric bills and at least double the cost of gasoline. Can't you feel the pounds melting away?

To take advantage of the miraculous power of the Revolutionary Weight Loss Plan - Common Sense just go to your local bookstore and for less than $10 ($7 and change at Sam's Club) you can purchase Glenn Beck's "Common Sense". To super-charge your weight loss on July 4th first read a copy of the New York Times then read Common Sense - you won't believe effect.

In all seriousness as Independence Day is two days away, I'm very concerned that in the near future we"ll be celebrating Dependence Day instead which I believe is unacceptable. This is not about Republicans or Democrats, it's about finding representatives that believe the Founding Fathers put together a structure that stood for the rights of the individual not the power of the government. I hope we still have men and women of character and values who will reignite the American Spirit and get us off this track to ever more dependence on the government.

If you'd rather use a more "common sense" approach to weight loss, then you'll definitely want to visit two websites to get a Great Plan
to follow and a Great Product to help you achieve your weight loss goal.

Have a great Independence Day and do what you can to insure that in the future we can continue to celebrate the success of the American experiment.

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com
330-858-1906

Weight Loss Update - 23 States Get Fatter - No State Improves

I've used this picture once before, but in honor of the nation's annual obesity rankings it seemed appropriate. And the title of this piece should really be a "weight gain update".

Here are the facts, the recommendations, then my analysis.

The Facts

In the last year during recession, people losing jobs, less spending, more weight loss diets, obesity rates in adults - measured as a body mass index of over 30 - rose in 23 states and didn't improve in any of the others. Impressive.

Mississippi leads the fat parade with a rate of 32.5%, and although this report doesn't go into the scandal of child obesity, Mississippi leads in that category at 44.4%. I guess they won't be losing the lead for many years. Colorado remained the only state under 20% at 19% while in every other state the adult obesity rate was between 22% and 32.5%.

The Recommendations

So here are the recommendations from the Trust for America's Health, a nonprofit public health group pushing for legislation to include community level programs to teach people to make better choices and, are you ready for this, build more sidewalks in residential areas so people can walk their neighborhoods instead of drive. Sounds like a winner to me.

Their quote focused on taking any possible solution out of the doctor's hands and putting it in the communities hands because "that's where we change norms". The Government To The Rescue Again!!

My Analysis

It's really hard to know where to start. Obesity is a self inflicted condition. If most obese people were honest with themselves instead of blaming everything from hormones, to stress, to a bad childhood, etc. then they would look in the mirror for the culprit.

Anyone can change their overweight situation if they truly want to. Look at Jared in the Subway commercials. Look at the popularity and great results of the participants on "The Biggest Loser". The problem most obese people have is they don't want to lose the weight bad enough. They're not willing to pay the price in discipline and hard work. When you're obese there are things you don't have to do, or can't do, and it takes you off the hook to have to contribute much or participate much.

My Recommendations

Stop putting junk in your mouth and swallowing. Eat real food that you find on the edges of the grocery store and stay out of the middle where all the processed foods reside that make you fat.

Find a common-sense plan that shows you exactly what real foods to be eating in a structured daily plan - then stick to it everyday!

The Trust group above said there is no "magic bullet", but maybe there is. Trustworthy information that you can review at http://www.WeightLossToTheMax.com will give you some excellent information about the key role "Leptin" plays in fat burning and storage.

The Summary

Public health and wellness education - particularly in our school systems - is a joke. Add to that all the conflicting crap that comes out of the media about what's good for you and not good for you or the latest "wonder diet", and no wonder no one knows the difference betweens real food and processed, artificial junk food.

As technology has advanced at a blistering pace we expect everything including weight loss to happen at warp speed. If it doesn't then it's no good. Keep in mind that the maximum healthy weight loss is between and 1-2 pounds a week. If you've let yourself get 100 pounds overweight then you can expect that will take between 1 to 2 years to lose it.

Finally, there are groups out there of obese people who try to convince other obese people that it's okay to be that way and to celebrate it. What great logic. So even though the harsh financial calculation that obese people would die sooner and that would save money has been debunked - obese people live about as long as others -new studies show they will just be much sicker for longer. Comforting I'm sure.

The bottom line - take control of your body and life and make the necessary dietary and exercise changes to allow you to be the best you can be. I'll be glad to help.

Your comments are always welcome below or email me or call me. With Independence Day only 3 days away, this could be the perfect time to break out of the obesity trap.

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com
330-858-1906

The Key to Weight Loss Success - Consistency

I built this house 24 years ago. It was the nicest house on the street with beautiful landscaping. It stayed the nicest house on the street and improved for the next nine years because it got consistent attention.

I sold the house in 1994 and moved to Ohio. The house has seen 4 other owners since we left who didn't understand the principle of consistency - you can see the result.

So how does this relate to weight loss? Simply put, losing weight requires a plan of action that is executed in a very consistent way. Like the house, you can't decide to not mow the lawn for a month and then complain that it looks horrible. With losing weight you can't throw out the plan and eat whatever you want - except on cheat day - and then complain that you're not losing weight.

No matter what your goal in life is, the only way I know of to guarantee that you'll reach it is to make consistent progress everyday for as long as it takes. Yes, the progress may slow, maybe slower than you'd like, but incremental progress toward your goal is what matters.

So, here are three things to keep you consistent:

1. Have a clear plan to follow - know what your meals and snacks will be for the day and stick to the plan. Just fill out the information box top right and I'll send you a copy of my updated plan.

2. Don't think too much just follow you plan everday, including cheat day if that's part of your plan.

3. If you slip or falter get right back on the plan the next day. Don't let a simple slip start a downward spiral that you can't recover from.

We're human beings and we're not perfect. Consistently doing the right thing helps us attain positive progress to our goal.

As for the house, it was a tragedy to see it in that shape two weeks ago. I can't even imagine what the inside looks like. Having a positive goal like living in the nicest house on the street and taking consistent action towards that goal would never have allowed this to happen. The same is true for each of us who look in the mirror everyday.

Love to hear your comments. Please add the below, email me at billehmann@boomer-solutions.com or call me at 330-8581-1906.

Have a great day and get ready for the Independence Day celebrations!

Bill Ehmann

5 Vacation Weight Loss Survival Tips

You're doing great on your weight loss program, but then it's vacation time. What to do? You don't want to come back looking like a "blimp" - I just happen to live near Akron, OH which is blimp headquarters.

For many people vacation time and dieting to lose weight just don't go together. Cookouts, eating out, all that junk food while traveling, and the need to just "take a break" from the day to day routine put people in a tailspin that it's hard to recover from.

Having just come back from a 10 day New England vacation, I know the temptation. I also know that having a goal and a good plan can keep you on track while you enjoy your vacation. My goal was to come back home at the same weight I left at. Reality and common sense have to play a role here and losing weight on vacation doesn't fit either category.

So here are a few tips that may be of value for you:

1. Pack the cooler for the trip - Water, apples, carrots, celery, raw almonds or other real foods to snack on prevent being sucked in at the gas station convenience stores. If you're flying, buy a cooler as soon as you land and keep it stocked.

2. Pick a Cheat Day - this is really important - decide ahead of time that Saturday, for example, will be the vacation day that you eat what you want without any guilt. Caution: don't make everyday cheat day.

3. Portion control is always a key - vacation doesn't mean that you forget everything you know about weight control. You can be more liberal about what you eat as long as you maintain reasonable portion sizes. Keeping your alcohol consumption to a couple of beers, or glasses of wine, or other drinks makes sense as well.

4. Be active - vacations usually mean swimming, biking, hiking, golfing, playing tennis, playing with the kids or grand kids, or just walking. Boosting the activity level will do wonders for your metabolism.

5. The Secret Weapon - before the two biggest meals of the day I take a great product that reduces leptin (a messaging hormone that signals your body to stop storing fat, burn fat instead, and increase your metabolism) levels so your body tells you when enough food is enough. I highly recommend this product as it kept me at the same weight when I returned home as when I left on vacation.

I hope these tips are helpful - they certainly worked for me and I know they can work for you as well.

If you'd like further discussion on the topic please either comment below, email me, or call me directly at 330-858-1906.

Have a terrific day a great summer vacation!

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com

The Scientific Nutritional Breakthrough That Will Enhance Your Life & Lifestyle

When I started this blog 3 months ago, the initial purpose was to allow others to follow my weight loss journey, join in if they wanted to, and selfishly, to push me along. Well just so you know that that process is still going forward, you can check out the scale. That is the lightest I've been in over 10 years. I'm still 18 lbs from my goal so the journey continues and I'll keep passing along weight loss info as we go forward.

Today I wanted to share some information about a breakthrough product that I've been using for 2 weeks now and it has already made a noticeable impact. Instead of going into the science behind the product (just click the link and watch a very brief video) let me just say that this product enhances each of the cells in our bodies to production of a natural substance called glutathione to protect from oxidation (rusting, to the layman) and free radical damage, resulting in a healthier body, more energy, quicker recovery, an enhanced immune system, and slower aging of our cells.

Now that's a mouthful. Here's the story. I learned about this very unique company about a month ago. This was a company owned by people you will recognize who are only interested in marketing truly breakthrough, scientifically verified products that nobody else has and that enhance peoples lives. I did research for a couple of weeks and decided that I needed to be using this product and that I needed to share it with everyone that I knew and cared about.

As you blog followers know, I'm 61 years old. I have serious arthritis issues, two knees and a hip that will need replacing at some point, and have been taking some of the best nutritional products in the world over the past eight years.

Memorial day weekend we went to the Indy 500. I didn't have any of this new product because it hadn't arrived before we left. We walked many city blocks on Saturday getting to the Indy Parade. On Sunday - race day - with 300,000 fans in attendance, it is a walk-a-thon to get to see all the hundreds of booths all around the track. On Monday morning I was a wreck. I could barely get up and down. Every muscle and joint was in serious rebellion.

I started using the product the day after labor day. Fast forward two weeks.

This past weekend on Saturday we rode bikes for about 15 miles. On Sunday we had tickets to the Memorial Golf Tournament just outside Columbus, Ohio, about two hours from home. If you've ever been to the Muirfield Village Country Club you know it's absolutely beautiful, but if you watched it on tv you know it is one hill after another. They even have signs on the cart paths warning about the steepness. We walked all over the course (about 7 hours total) following Tiger Woods (along with 5-7,000 other people) in 85 degree sun followed by a two hour car ride home.

Monday morning I woke up with no aches, no pains (well a little minor sunburn) and ready to start the day. I absolutely couldn't believe how great I felt. I expected to be a pretzel, but felt absolutely great.

So, here's my request for you. Visit both the links and don't worry about a few words about the business opportunity. Please listen and learn about this life-enhancing product and give it a try. If you're over 20, this product is essential in maximizing the performance of every cell in your body.

Also, please call or email me with any questions or concerns you may have. One of the people I've partnered with is Dr. Daria Davidson and she'd be glad to share her medical expertise and answer any questions you may have.

Have a terrific day - and check this out!

Bill Ehmann
bill@living-life-to-the-max.com
330-858-19066

Weight Loss To The MAX - The Secret Weapon

Three great things happened last week that I want to share with you.

First, my wife and I went to the Indy 500 and met "Chloe" from the show "24" which has nothing to do with this blog except that it was great fun and she was very nice, very slim, and the picture was great - the race was great too!

Second, I broke the 180 lb. barrier - a 20 lb. weight loss in 90 days, and third, I became aware of a breakthrough Secret Weapon to accelerate the weight loss process.

As I've mentioned in previous blogs on this weight loss journey, I really relied on two great, science based programs - The Diet Solution and the CheatYourWayThin program, and I recommend them highly. I couldn't have lost the first 20 lbs. without them.

Now, as I embark on the next 20 lb. weight loss quest by August 8th, I'm adding another tool - a true breakthrough product - that will be my Secret Weapon to reach my goal of 160 lbs. by my birthday.

I encourage everyone to check out this product by clicking the "Secret Weapon" links above or visiting http://www.WeightLossToTheMax.com

You can watch a video and get some terrific information that will open your eyes to what really blocks most people from being successful long term in any weight loss program. This is information that will eliminate the excuses that people may have for not being able to lose weight. This product will work for everyone who tries it and is serious about losing weight.

Please visit the site, then call me or email me with any questions you may have. This is information you need to know. Whether or not you need to lose weight, I guarantee you know someone who does and is searching for an answer. Well, let them know the answer is here!

I know this sounds pretty "salesy" but when you watch and read the information, you'll want to let the world know too.

Have a terrific day,

Bill Ehmann
330-775-2419
bill@weightlosstothemax.com

Weight Loss Goal Achieved?

Well, the goal was 175 by Memorial Day and technically I still have 3 days left, so even though I won't be exactly on the number, I'll be close. The key reason for having a goal in the first place is to always know what your target is and to take actions that keep you on track to that goal. I'm still on track.

It's a huge improvement from February 24th when I got on the scale at 199.8. Twenty pounds in three months - not bad. The continuing goal is to be at 160 (another 20 pounds) by my birthday on August 8th - but this time I have a secret weapon that I'll be sharing with you Tuesday.

There were 4 keys to losing this weight:

1. Making the decision to do it no matter what.

2. Developing a plan of action and sticking to it (you can fill in the box on the right to get a copy of my initial plan).

3. Enhancing the plan along the way - I did that by following The Diet Solution Program. You should check it out - I highly recommend it. It's where most all of the meal planning comes from.

4. When you fall off the wagon or hit a plateau, change something to get you going again! I found Joel Marion's Cheat Your Way Thin Program that allowed me to have one "cheat day" a week, maintain leptin and metabolism during the week, and got me off the plateau to lose an additional five pounds to date.

I've done a tremendous amount of research during this weight loss journey and for the first time in probably 30 years of battling the roller coaster weight game, I now am in control of the process, know the science, and will reach my continuing goal.

I hope you've enjoyed the journey so far and if you've been fighting the same weight battle I have, please join me.

On Tuesday I'll be introducing the final component to this process that will propel me (and you, if you choose) to another 20 pound weight loss in 75 days!!

Please call or email me with any comments or questions, or add a comment below.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and if you're going to the Indy 500 parade on Saturday, I'll be at the downtown Hilton in the lobby afterwards to say hello.

Bill Ehmann
330-858-1906
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com

Weight Loss Disaster!

No, not me, thankfully. As you can see by the picture, the weight continues to come off. I still can't figure out the "Body Fat" percentage - it's all over the board. I guess my electrical impedence is a little erratic.

A little perspective and then I'll share the disaster. On February 21st I weighed 199.8 lbs. On April 22nd I weighed 184.6 and was on track to reach my goal of 175 by Memorial Day. But then the dreaded plateau that is always lurking hit and nothing changed for 10 days.

In the past I would have gotten frustrated and rationalized that this must be the weight I'm supposed to be at, and gone back to adding in all the things that got me to 199.8 in the first place.

They always say that "when the student is ready the teacher will appear." Well that is exactly what happened. I found a great science based program that has gotten me back on track. What is different this time is that I found the correct way to lose weight by managing my leptin levels, and I changed strategy instead of giving up and going back to old habits.

Which leads nicely into the "weight loss disaster" of Kirstie Alley - a star who always struggled with her weight because she had horrible eating habits. She was the "butter queen". She is well known for being the spokesperson for Jenny Craig and lost 75 lbs using their products. Unfortunately for her, the relationship with Jenny Craig ended in early 2008, and as soon as she stopped eating the artificial food, so did her resolve to stay away from butter.

Since then she has gained 83 lbs and reached her highest weight ever of 228 lbs. She is the poster child for not only the "yo-yo" dieter, but a prime example of why these artifical food diets (see the real reason they never work), and virtually all "diets", don't work in the long term.

And guess what? Her plan of "diet and exercise" that has never worked for her, is what she vows to do again and get to 140 once again. She's a student who needs the right teacher because otherwise she'll be right back over 200 again.

If you've struggled like I have over the years with having two wardrobes - the 34" inch pants and the 38" pants (or maybe the size 6 and the size 12)- and would really like to once and for all attack the fat demon, then please give me a call or email and I'll be glad to share what I've found. The weight roller coaster is not just frustrating and a blow to the self esteem, it really is harmful to your overall health.

I look forward to your comments and conversation.

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com
330-858-1906

Weight Loss Roadblock For Many is Just "Too Much" of a Good Thing

What is he talking about "too much" of a good thing is bad for you?

Since my weight loss journey formally began almost two months ago, I've talked to many people who tell me they don't eat junk food or desserts and they still gain weight. I believe that's true for many overweight people who have had the pounds just slowly add on over time.

I was reading a blog today by Isabel De Los Rios (appropriate on Cinco de Mayo) who has certainly clarified the meaning of "too much" and what detrimental effects over time it poses. She talks about Portion Distortion as the culprit for weight gain even if you're eating the right foods.

She was recently at a nephew's Christening where the food was catered. As it was being brought to the table her first reaction was that it must be a family style meal, but to her stunned surprise each platter was for an individual. About 75% of the people attending ate the whole thing. Not because they were necessarily hungry, but because the food was right under their nose.

We all see at most restaurants food portions sizes that are obscene. The good news is that many people do box up part of their meal and take it home with them. The bad news is that many don't. They just clean their plate and wonder why the scale numbers keep getting higher.

So here are some of her tips:

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. This sounds so juvenile, but aside from not choking, you actually prepare the food to be better digested and you actually get to taste it.

Select the correct portion size (the palm of your hand for meat, your fist for carbs, your thumb for fats). In a restaurant separate the right portions of your meal and eat only that. Take the rest home for another meal.

Put food on your plate in the kitchen at home. Don't have a platter or bowl of food on the table - it's too easy to take just a little bit more.

Finally, unless you'r dieing tomorrow, there's more food available to you. Your last supper is the only good excuse for overeating in America.

So even if you do eat normally healthy foods, don't let portion size be the culprit that puts a roadblock between you and your weight goals.

One little aside. You may want to check out my Phase II Plan to reach my weight loss goal by Memorial Day. I started on Saturday, and even though I was cautioned not to weigh in until next Saturday, I did hop on the scale this morning and am at my lowest weight in about 7 years!!

Please vist sites mentioned and give me your comments.

Real Weight Loss Solutions - The Truth, Finally

In my humble opinion the hardest thing to find these days is the truth - about almost anything. I know everyone has their own slant about what is true for them, but somewhere there has to be some universal truths we can rely on.

The giraffe to me is a great metaphor for not only what you'll look like if you eat too much fast food, but it also represents how much crap - untruthful information, useless information, swine flu information, over-hyped information, etc. - that we have inside us that has us ready to explode at any moment.

The internet has become so congested with crap that it's almost too painful to plow through. On this blog site there are ads that I cringe at because I know the "lose 18 lbs in 4 days" stuff is just not true. I write for Ezine Articles, also on the topic of weight loss, and when you look at the article you can hardly see it because it's surrounded by so much drivel.

I asked the question on Twitter the other day, "doesn't anyone communicate with each other anymore or do we just pitch stuff at each other"? One person responded that he communicates once in a while.

So how do you figure out what is the truth and what isn't? The keyword in the answer is "think". I started this blog process with the premise that I would focus on presenting "common sense" information with scientific support that came from people I trusted. Thinking is critical. If all the diets out there like Atkins, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, South Beach, NutriSystem, body cleanses, low carb, high protein, and on and on, worked as advertised then why are almost 65% of Americans fat?

Let me leave you today with two suggestions to "think" about. If you or someone you know has been taken in and disappointed by any of the above or other plans, you need to check out the opening page of the Diet Solution to see why they all fail in the long run. Isabel will share some great, common sense information that if you think about it, you'll know it's true.

The second suggestion is to visit a site where you'll find information on the second phase of my weight loss journey - Cheat Your Way Thin The "cheat" word may sound "hypey" but it is scientifically supported that you must maintain a high metabolism and high leptin hormone level to successfully lose weight. No other diet plan accounts for that fact and it's why people try them, lose a little weight, plateau and get frustrated, then get off the diet and put the weight right back on.

I'll be implementing this program starting tomorrow morning to "push" to my goal by Memorial Day and then reach my second goal by my birthday in August. I'll keep you informed on the progress, but check it out and see if it makes sense to you.

Your comments are always welcomed.

Well, that's all I've got for today - and that's the "truth"!

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com

Found - The Missing Link to Weight Loss Success!

For the past three weeks on my weight loss journey I've been reviewing a new program that I believe is the "missing link" for long term diet success.

This new program, which was launched today, focuses on what is really going on inside our bodies when we reduce caloric intake and why that hormonal reaction dooms dieters to failure.

I won't go into the science of it all, but what happens when we cut calories is that we signal the body that we are heading into starvation mode. The body reacts by lowering leptin levels (the hormone that allows us to burn fat), slowing our metabolism, storing fat, and burning lean muscle for energy. All of which are the exact opposite of what we want our body doing. After a few weeks of losing some weight we hit a plateau and our metabolism is so low that we can't move forward. We end up quitting and quickly put on any weight we may have lost.

The Missing Link

The answer was found by Joel Marion. You can check out his credentials at http://www.giving-comes-first.com. What he found was that you have to trick your body into thinking that you're not starving by having "cheat" days each week and strategically adding specific carbohydrates during the week. This keeps the leptin levels and your metabolism high and at a peak, fat-burning efficiency.
The "cheating" (a day when you eat anything you want) is absolutely essential to both physiologically and psychologically being successful and reaching your weight loss goal.

I've been virtually following this exact plan (including the exercise part I've blogged about) except for the "cheat" day, and I've experienced exactly what most people do - initial weight loss (15 lbs) followed by a plateau.

The best part about adopting Joel's program is that you start the program with a "CHEAT DAY"!! That will either be tomorrow or Thursday. I'll keep you posted, but I'd encourage anyone who has failed in the past to lose weight and keep it off (and that's almost everyone who tried to lose weight) to check out this terrific program. It is inexpensive and very effective.

Have a terrific day and I look forward to your comments!

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com

For your Health & Wellness - Sugar is Bad, Sunshine is Good!

I know, I know. This picture is very unkind, but you can bet she didn't get to this point by eating a healthy diet. I got it sent to me today with the caption "it's almost time to show the belly button again". Can you imagine the bathing suit? At least she's getting the sunshine I'll talk about, but really missed on the sugar part.

Well, how could someone let themselves go this far without doing something about it? You read all the time that one of the most "sinister" aspects of sugar is that it not only wreeks havoc with your insulin levels, which will stop any weight loss dead in it's tracks, but that it triggers a reaction that makes you crave more and more food containing sugar.

Unfortunately, if you shop the center of the grocery store, virtually everything you buy - crackers, cookies, candy, most packaged meals, cereals and breads, etc. - all contain either high fructose corn syrup, refined corn syrup, sucrose or cane sugar. If you shop the produce area you can find nature's alternative to refined sugar in the form of fructose or fruit sugar. Fructose produces a much slower insulin reaction in the body, and eaten in moderation (not three apples at a time), will diminish the sweet cravings and be a much healthier option.

Does this mean you can never have sugar again? No, but you'd be better off if you limit sweet treats to special occasions, like birthdays or parties, and eat them in moderation. To get more information and learn why all diets fail in the long run Click Here!


Let's switch to "sunshine" - something we don't get much of in NE Ohio. You'll want to ignore the medical communities war on sunshine when you hear the results of studies done at the University of San Diego, a university in Nebraska, a Swedish study, and a study released in Anticancer Research.

Here's the summary:

Looking at rates of breast cancer in 107 countries, those closest to the equator had the lowest risk factors. The data shows that regardless of other risk factors like smoking and being overweight, women who live closer to the equator have higher levels of vitamin D, the "sunshine" vitamin, in their bloodstream.

Swedish scientists found that men who already had prostate cancer were 7 times less likely to die if they got enough vitamin D.

Scientists found that vitamin D has the potential to lower the risks of all cancers in women by 77%.

How much sunshine do you need? If you are fair skinned you need about 20 minutes of sunlight exposure a day, and if you're darker skinned you need two to four times that amount. If you can't get that much sun in your busy schedule you can ramp up vitamin D through diet by adding salmon, sardines, tuna, eggs, beef liver and swiss cheese. To get all the details of the studies you can go to www.alsearsmd.com.

That's a lot for today, but important stuff. Please add your comments!!

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com

All Calories Aren't The Same! For Weight Loss You Need To Know The Difference.

Good Friday Morning,

I just read an article from nutritionist and author Isabel De Los Rios from her book, The Diet Solution

This just makes great common sense. She says that All calories aren't the same. The theory that "it's all about the calories stupid" just doesn't stand up to science.

Most of the calories we consume from processed foods like sweets, candies, crackers with high hydrogenated fat, chips, etc. are sent immediately to our fat stores. They screw up our natural insulin levels and reek havoc with a weight loss program because our body wants more.

Certain foods, like natural meats, raw nuts, fruits and vegetables, good fats and certain oils, will cause an elevated metabolic response in the body and actually help burn off more calories.

She has three ideas to help figure out this "good calorie, bad calorie" issue.

1. Stop counting calories. Don't buy 100 calorie snack packs from the grocery store because you think it's only 100 calories. These snack foods usually are high in sugar and processed chemicals that both contribute to weight gain.

2. Focus on portion size. One of the key principles of any weight loss program is not only eating the right foods, but eating the right portion size of the right foods. The typical rule of thumb is that if the food can fit in the palm of your hand, it's probably close to the right portion size.

3. Don't get sucked in by the "Low Cal" product claims at the store. Again, all calories aren't the same. In reality most "low cal" products are worse because they contain so many artificial sweeteners and chemical that they may cause more weight gain than the normal varieties.

The real key concept here that Isabel promotes is what you've heard consistently through my weight loss journey - let's switch from the calorie mentality to the "healthy food portion" mentality. This common sense approach is what will keep your weight loss program on track.

You can get more great, common sense information from Isabel at her website

Have a great weekend and don't forget to pass your comments along.

Regards,
Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com
330-858-1906

Green Products, Green Lifestyle - Really?

I've got several competing thoughts going through my head - always a dangerous combination - but hopefully they tie together.

Yesterday I attended a very uplifting, grassroots Tea Party in Medina, OH where there was a lot of passion for changing the direction our government seems to be taking us. Signs like "It's the Spending Stupid" and "Free Markets Not FreeLoaders" and many more were boldly displayed.

Stay with me here. This morning my wife showed me a front page story in our local paper about "Living Green - A Way of Life", and a big Earthday event going on this weekend. It focused on the organizer, a mother with a very asthmatic child who literally got rid of all the things in her house that could contribute to her sons attacks. Out went the carpeting, all the chemical laden cleaning products, foods that weren't organic, and guess what - it worked.

Well, all this input sent me back to an earlier blog I wrote about Need vs. Want and got me thinking that we all say we need certain things. We need to lose weight. We need to get the government to stop spending our money and lower taxes. We need to use safer "green" products for our own health and well being as well as to benefit the environment.

We all know what we need, but too often our "wants" take over because we don't "want" to get out of our routine or our "box" and make the changes necessary, even though we'll surely benefit from them.

We keep electing the same reps who spend our money like drunken sailors (as a former sailor I can say that). We keep eating the same refined crap that puts excess weight or our bones and damages our bodies. We keep using products that contain harmful chemicals and toxin, that risk our health and the health of our families. Until something radical happens. The child gets sick or you're diagnosed with type II diabetes or you get laid-off or you can't pay your mortgage payment.

My suggestion: change your Need To Attitude to a Want To Attitude and take ACTION to make positive changes in your life now instead of when you're forced to and you'll live a healthier, happier life.

I know this sounds like a sermon, but I did get a lot of inspiration yesterday being with 800 or so people who were ready to take action and focus on what needs to happen so that their wants can be realized.

For the self serving part (and for serving you) I can help you at least take action on your physical wellness by partnering with the company I work with and getting the harmful chemicals and toxins our of you, your home and your lifestyle. Let's stop the talking and start the positive actions to make our lives better.

For further details and how to get started, please call me or email me. You comments are always appreciated.

Bill Ehmann
330-858-1906
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com

The Cardio Training Myth

Good afternoon,

The Feast Day of Easter is over and the next stop is Memorial Day and Summer. As we've been talking about for over a month now, if you want to change your physical appearance for the better before the bathing suit goes on, then there are some changes that you can start making right now that will make all the difference.

Today I want to focus on one component that frustrated me for many years. I believed that if I just did 30-45 minutes of steady pace cardio (the eliptical for me) 3 to 5 times a week, that I would be getting my heart and body into great shape. Well, after many years I finally read enough and saw such limited results that I knew there had to be a better way.

I read books that talked about exercising for the activities we encounter in day to day living and that made sense to me. It isn't too often that I have to chase anyone at medium pace for 45 minutes like I was training to do on the eliptical. If you want to get some information on how to get off the "hampster on the wheel" that produces very little results Click Here!

When you think about the games we play like basketball, football, soccer, baseball, tennis, golf, etc. you'll see that these games require bursts of activity followed by recovery, then more bursts. Housework is much the same.

So, how do you change your routine for the better? You simply add highly varialbe cyclic training. That means periods of high exertion followed by recovery periods done through 4 or 5 repetition cycles. Think of it this way...Execise that trains your heart to rapidly increase and rapidly decrease will make your heart more capable of handling everyday stress.

Besides being more interesting than long steady rate cardio programs, it can be done in half the time.

In summary, some of the benefits of variable cyclic training compared to steady rate endurance training are as follows: improved cardiovascular health, increased anti-oxidant production, improved immune function, reduced risk of joint wear and tear, increased muscularity, increased residual metabolic rate following exercise, and an increased capacity for the heart to handle life's everyday stressors - all in half the time!!

Again, get all the details including specific workouts for different forms of exercise when you Click Here!

Have a terrific day and remember it's not too late to get in shape for summer.

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com

9 lbs of Fat Loss in 31 Days!!

The Scale Tells the Tale.

At this first natural checkpoint - one month - I'm a little ahead of target, and on track to lose 22 lbs overall by Memorial Day which is two lbs over my goal.

So how do I know this is fat loss? I lost 5 lbs in 14 days prior to March 9th, the official start of the journey, and I'm sure that was mostly fluid loss which typically happens when you start eating consistently good food and your body adjusts. The last 9 lbs has been consistently coming off at a 2 lb a week clip, which is about the maximum fat loss a person can achieve.

The most satisfying reward of weight loss is watching the clothing sizes shrink. I have officially put away all size 38 pants and now am comfortably wearing 36's!

The good news is that I'm on track to reach my goal. The better news is that you can be too.

I've got a new challenge for you and it doesn't matter if you're 61, like me, or 21 or 81. This weekend, get out your bathing suit and put it on. Then take a picture of yourself in a mirror. If you're happy with what you see, then send that picture to all your friends (including me) and tell them you're READY FOR SUMMER! If you're not happy with what you see then Click Here!

I've been researching many weight loss programs over the years and have recently found a lifestyle program that will simply and in a common sense manner show you how to eat better, not just to lose weight which you will, but also to be healthier and able to live life to the fullest. You can click above to check it out or go to http://www.squidoo.com/mydietsolution where I wrote about this great program yesterday. See if it makes sense for you.

On Monday, I'm going to be integrating this program with what I'm currently doing and I believe it will enhance the results I'll get over the next 45 days until Memorial Day.

So, if the bathing suit idea motivates you please join me and we'll journey together!

In closing, I just want to say that I know many of you are in great shape and I applaud you for that, but I would suggest this new program, if implemented, will increase your physical wellness and that's the whole goal of this blog.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend,

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com

5 Universal Keys to Weight Loss

This is where I started one month ago on March 9th.

Tomorrow you'll see where I am after 31 days on my Weight Loss Journey, and I must say that I'm anxious to see the progress myself.

If you remember, my plan was to forget everything I'd been taught about "diets" (and I've tried many of them) and focus on a "common sense" approach that blended eating the right foods, smaller portions, and exercise. In other words, a plan that I could live with now, and was sustainable into the future. Too many times I've lost weight only to see it return after the "diet" was over because the plan was not sustainable.

I embraced this question. "If what most people believed was actually true about weight loss, would we have over 65% of our population overweight or obese?"

I've done a ton of reading and investigating over the past couple of months and I'll share with you tomorrow some information on a program that just takes mine to a higher level.

The plan I'll share tomorrow meets all 5 of what I call the Universal Keys to Weight Loss.

1. The weight loss plan must be designed by someone who is healthy and got that way as a result of the plan itself.

2. REAL food must be the basis of the plan. Not prepackaged, pre-mixed, dehydrated or anything else but real whole foods.

3. The plan must educate you on why you're eating what you're eating, what foods to eat more of and what foods to stay away from, and provide real meal plans that make sense whether you're at home or at work everyday.

4. If it isn't sustainable it isn't worth starting because it will only lead to failure.

5. The right weight loss plan must be focused on health and vitality. If you're skinny but feel like crap, you haven't accomplished much.

Okay, enough for today. Please share your comments below and check the blog out tomorrow for the results of the first milestone and an introduction to a program that will make sense as we go forward.

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com

My Three Keys to Headache Relief

Well it's a snowy day in Northeast Ohio and seems more like November that April, but that will all change in a few days.

The big "?" symbolizes the fact that this Thursday's Weigh-in (April 9th) will be the end of the 1st month on my weight loss journey. What will I weigh? I'll report the results and refocus my goal for the final 45 days of the 20 lb challenge before Memorial Day. I'm pushing hard because I'm really focused on my goal..

I wanted to briefly give you some information on the three things that have really changed my life for the better and they've happened over the past 4 years.

If you suffer from migraine headaches or know someone who does, then you can relate to the desperate search to find a way to end the cycle.

Since I was in my mid 20's I would get migraine headaches, sometimes as often as 2 to 3 times a week. By mid-afternoon of those days I would be a basket-case in a dark room praying for the pain to end. I had CAT scans, MRI's, you name it, I had it to try to figure out what was causing them. If you know me you know I'm not a very "stressed" person so that didn't really seem a very likely cause. I had some medication that only really worked if you took too much, then ended up like a zombie.

Over the years I would try to eliminate things like caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, nuts, and other things that were considered triggers for migraines. Although occasionally they would subside for a short period of time, they would usually come back to that same 2 to 3 a week schedule.

Key #1. Well things started changing for the better 7 years ago. I started taking nutritional supplements from a company I was associated with at the time, and then for the last 4 years with the company I'm currently associated with . I honestly believe everyone should develop a consistent nutritional supplement program if living longer and healthier is one of your goals. I was ensuring that each cell in my body was getting the nutrition it needed and my headaches subsided to roughly once every 7 to 10 days.

Key #2. Getting the harmful toxins and chemicals out of the home. The number #1 example for me was changing laundry detergents and dryer sheets. Again, back to reading the labels. If you do read the labels of Tide or Cheer or any of the other grocery store detergents, you read about phosphates, bleaches, perfumes and other strong chemicals that may clean the clothes (while destroying the fibers and depleting the colors) but leave a residue that you breathe or your skin absorbs.
Once I switched to a natural product that didn't contain any of the above, my headaches decreased to once or twice a month.

Key #3. Eliminating diet soda and the very harmful sugar substitute Aspartame. The one product I hadn't eliminated over the course of years was diet soda. Hey, 1 calorie, couldn't hurt any weight loss program. An 8-year Univ. of Texas study showed that people drinking diet soda actually gained more weight than groups drinking regular soda. One reason is that the artificial sweeteners create a negative hormonal response in the body that increases the fat storing hormone production and increases cravings for sweets and refined carbohydrates. So it's bad for weight loss but it turns out that artificial sweeteners are also a trigger for migraines. The result of curtailing diet soda - no headaches in the past 29 days.

Since one of the benefits of being on my weight loss plan is that I really only shop the edges of the grocery store (not the middle where all the processed and refined food are) I've really eliminated pretty much all artificial sweetener from my diet. I hope you will too - you'll feel better and be healthier.

If you'd like specific information on any of the products mentioned above please contact me.

Please keep those comments coming in! I've gotten a lot of great information from many of you and can better talk about subjects you're interested in.

Have a terrific day,

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com
330-858-1906

The Weight Loss Planner/Tracker I Told You About

One last thought for the week - actually I hope I have many more thoughts, but this I wanted to share since I mentioned it last week.

There is an excellent tool that I'm using to track my weight loss, the food I eat and my exercise, as well. It allows me to totally customize a meal, then shows the exact calories, fat, carbs, and protein that the meal contains.

It also provides great reports so I can see where I'm progressing and where I need to work a little harder.

This planner/tracker is made by FitDay and comes in a free version, and a PC download version for $29.95. I use the PC version because it is more robust and I don't have to be connected to the internet to use. Check it out by clicking FitDay and check it out. You'll like it.

Since I'm here, I'll put a cool picture on the blog.

Have a great weekend. Bill

Phosphates and Formaldehyde and Bleach - Oh My!

Good Friday morning,

Would you believe that these nice looking products that you've all probably used often in your lives contain chemicals that are very hazardous not only to your life, but everyone who resides in your home.

If you did the homework of reading some labels on cleaning products in your home that we talked about a couple of days ago, then you won't be surprised to hear what's actually in the products pictured.

Let's start with Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo. I used this product on both my kids hair when they were babies because I believed the advertising that it was gentle and had the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. Well, like most people I didn't read the label, and if I had, I wouldn't have known what Quarternium-15 was anyway. Well here is what it is.

Quaternium-15 is an ammonium salt that is used as a preservative (keeps it nice and golden even if it sits on the shelf for several years) in many cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial substances, huh? It acts as a formaldehyde releaser. Hmmmmm....that doesn't sound gentle - isn't that for dead people? It can cause dermatitis, other allergic reactions, and ear aches especially in those with sensitive skin, on an infant's skin, and on other sensitive areas such as the genitals.

Just the kind of ingredient you'd want to be putting on your baby's head, right?

Example number 2 is dishwasher detergent. This picture of Cascade actually is a phosphate free version but the Electrasol does contain phosphates, which are truly damaging to the environment, as well as to people. They both contain chlorine bleach which is extremely dangerous to breath or get on your skin, and deadly in many cases if swallowed, not to mention that after repeated washings the colors come off your dishes.

The back label warns you not to breath the fumes (well they come out of your dishwasher's vent - so stay out of the kitchen when in use) and they out-gas from the container itself. If it gets on your skin it will burn you, if your child gets any in his/her mouth and swallows, death or serious injury can be the result. You are told in this event to call the Poison Control Center or doctor immediately. It's a good thing most kids don't put things in their mouths or like to play under the kitchen sink.

Why would we even keep these products in our homes, not to mention use them. The answer is we are suckers for advertising. We want to believe that these products are safe and wonderful because we see cool looking people using them in TV commercials. In reality we're being tricked because it's a lot cheaper to use harmful chemicals and preservatives in products than it is to use natural ingredients that are actually not harmful and work better.

So what do we do? Everything in the grocery store is pretty much the same.

Well, I'd be glad to share some information with you about a company that only manufactures products that are safe for you and the environment.

So, please email me, call me, or fill out the contact form in the upper right corner. There is a better, safer alternative that is actually more cost effective than what you're currently using. You physical wellness depends on it.

I'll review a few other products next week, and I'm still progressing on my weight loss journey - how about you? Bathing suits in a couple of months!!

Your comments are always appreciated.

Have a terrific weekend - even talking a little snow in NE Ohio.

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com
330-858-1906

Let's Stop Poisoning Our Children - and Ourselves!

Good afternoon.

We've talked for weeks about Physical Wellness from the standpoint of setting goals, weight loss, nutrition, nutritional supplements, exercise, and measuring your success.

Another key component of Physical Wellness is reducing or eliminating your exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins in everyday life. The reason for that is that if your body is spending its resources fighting off the negative effects of these chemicals and toxins it isn't working efficiently to rebuild the billions of cells normally rebuilt everyday.

What most people don't recognize is that products we routinely use in our homes, thinking they are safe because we see them on TV and in the grocery store, are actually like having a loaded gun lying around the house. It's only a matter of time before someone picks it up and pulls the trigger.

The two brochures that are pictured here contain information, that if everybody was aware of, would cause most people to be very upset at manufactures who sell these toxic products that are not just potentially hazardous, but cause thousands of deaths and illnesses every year. You might also be upset at government agencies that allow these products to be sold for home use. Here's the dirty little secret. There really is no agency that is monitoring products manufactured for home use. Yes, the government does require warning labels on certain products, but they still allow them to be sold to consumers.

Did you know that the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health analyzed 2,983 chemicals used in personal care products (soaps, lotions, creams, cosmetics, shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste, etc.) and found that 884 were toxic. Does that upset you?

How about from the Consumer Product Safety Commission stating that "of chemicals commonly found in the home, 150 have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer, and psychological abnormalities." Does that upset you?

When I was growing up you never heard of ADD, ADHD, Autism, Alzheimer's disease, Fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, and on and on. Well, is there any common link between these diseases and lifestyles in the past 50 years? I believe the link is the tons of chemicals and toxins that we've brought into our own homes nicely packaged as super cleaners of all descriptions, from soap to laundry products to every other type of surface cleaner. In 65% of cosmetics sold in the US and Canada you'll find formaldehyde, mercury, lead, mineral oil, and more. Does this make any sense? The skin absorbs anything it comes in contact with which is why patch technology is so prevalent. Imagine what happens when you put those directly on your skin everyday.

I'd encourage everyone to read these two brochures and get the information to make better choices about what you bring into your homes and the negative impact they can have on you, children, and other family members.

Just fill in the contact form in the upper right and I'll gladly send you both brochures.

After reading them, I think you'll agree that a change is necessary.

I've lived in a toxic free home for over 4 years now and I can tell you that I rarely get sick, have drastically reduced the headaches that used to be almost a daily occurance, sleep better, think better, and know that I'm doing what I can to protect my family.

I'll look forward to your comments, and I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Have a terrific day,

Bill Ehmann
Copley, OH and Hilton Head Island, SC
330-858-1906

Weight Loss & Nutrition Plus Removing Harmful Chemicals

That's a big topic, but the reality is that Physical Wellness - which is what this blog is all about - is more than just eating right, getting the right supplements, and getting down to the correct weight, it is also about removing all the harmful chemicals and toxins we encounter everyday that damage our chances for long-term Physical Wellness.

That's a mouthful, but hopefully what you'll see over the next couple or weeks is how the two are inextricably linked if you want live at your optimum wellness level.

First to the weight loss program. I have to admit that I haven't seen 185 staring back me at from the scale in too many years. A couple of you emailed me yesterday and basically said that I finally got your attention so "what is it that you're really doing"? Okay, the quick answer is to please fill out the contact form in the upper right corner and I'll send you the plan, but let me tell you about yesterday as a prime example.

Exercise. I went to 24/7 Sweat (cool name) and got on the stationary bike for 20 minutes doing the 2 minutes of slow pedalling, the 1 minute full speed routine for 5 repetitions. The last speed rep is for 2 to 3 minutes.

Breakfast. A chocolate meal replacement shake made with a cup of soy milk and one scoop of fiber. I also take my nutritional supplements after the shake.

Mid-morning snack. An apple - simple, easy to carry, and if you're driving just toss the core into the median strip because the birds eat it. (My wife will not be happy with me for that comment).

Lunch. A simple egg salad with 3 medium chopped hard-boiled eggs, chopped celery, and a couple of tablespoons of Smart Balance mayonnaise. Ice water to drink and no bread.

Mid-afternoon snack. I could have had a nutrition bar, or fruit, but I pulled out the old Juiceman Juicer and had carrot, celery, and a slice of apple juiced. It was delicious.

Dinner/supper. I had a pork chop - about 5 oz's, small portion of Uncle Ben's 90 second rice, and a small salad with broccoli and a tablespoon of Thousand Island dressing (it reminds me of Hilton Head Island or at least that's how I rationalize it). Water to drink with the meal, but I did have a glass or red wine prior to the meal.

Boring? Spartan? Well, maybe. But I have a goal - 174 by May 24th and 162 (I recently lowered it by 3 lbs.) by August 8th. And when I looked at the scale this morning and saw 185.2, boring and spartan where not the words running through my head.

So for full details, please request the full plan.

Of course, I've gone long here so let me just ask you to do 2 minutes of homework for tomorrow's class. Please read the labels on three products you have in your home right now. Find your Cascade or other diswasher detergent you use, your laundry detergent, and whatever all purpose cleaner you use, like 409, etc.

Tomorrow I want share some information with you that might make you rethink the simple things we do (and the products we use) to clean our homes, and the negative effects they may have on our Physical Wellness.

PLEASE ADD YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!

Happy April Fools Day, although in these times it doesn't seem quite as appropriate to fool around.

Bill Ehmann
Copley, OH & Hilton Head Island, SC
330-858-1906

A Weight Loss Key - Avoid Temptations

I was going to change the subject a little today and talk about toxic chemicals in the home and how to get rid of them, but I woke up at 4:30 am and wrote notes on the topic of avoiding temptation.

There are three reasons that I believe can be weight loss downfalls, but by being aware of them, you can control the urges. Here they are: Overconfidence, Hunger, and Lack of Planning.

Overconfidence. As you can see from today's scale picture I'm doing great!! Now if I looked at the number 186.2 and said "I deserve a reward for this, and hey, how bad could one Big Breakfast at McDonalds be", I'd be on the slippery slope of overconfidence. You just have to realize that this is just one day on the journey and remember that "we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit". We need to maintain our daily habit to reach our goal.

Hunger just shouldn't happen unless you skip a meal or snack. If you're out shopping and it's late morning or late afternoon, plan ahead and have an apple with you or a meal replacement bar. If you can't do that, then drink a bottle of water. Remember, you're in control of what goes in your mouth.

I guess it really comes down to Planning, Planning, Planning. I grew up in Massachusetts, the home of Dunkin Donuts. There are two DD's in my area of NE Ohio, both about 8 miles away. If I am overconfident or hungry, one of the first places that comes to mind is Dunkin Donuts for two chocolate glazed donuts. So, how do I handle it? I really do like the coffee there, so occasionally I stop for coffee only, and go to the drive-thru window. I don't want to look at the donut rack. If I'm feeling really weak willed, I get in the passing lane and make sure there's a car in between so I can't go there at all. You need to have a strategy.

If your weakness is pizza, then plan your evening meals for the week and shop to your plan - that's why we have freezers. Don't leave open nights when pizza becomes an easy option.

If crackers and chips, etc. are tugging at your subconscious and you're in the grocery store, then skip that aisle. The only aisles you should be going down are those that contain items you've already planned to purchase.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO STAND IN THE PATH OF TEMPTATION.

So, if you're really serious about reaching your weight loss goal you just need to ask yourself if succumbing to temptation is getting you closer to your goal. Sometimes you just have to say "____________" (you fill in the blank) to temptation and stay in control!

Two last thoughts: If you didn't take the Longevity Quiz they you really should. It is very informative. It says I'll live to 92, and that's 11,800 days or 8425 blogs - sorry folks.

Second, I'd really appreciate your comments on temptations you're currently having, or have had in the past, and what you did about them when following a weight loss program. I'm hoping to compile the information and put it together in an ebook to help people face the challenges.

Have a terrific last day of March,

Bill Ehmann
Copley, OH & Hilton Head Island, SC
330-576-6061

Weekend Getaway Weight Loss Success!

Good Monday afternoon,

From the picture I'm sure most of you can tell where my wife and I were this past weekend - yes, Niagara Falls. When I last communicated on Friday I weighed 187.8 and I have to admit I was a little concerned about going away and taking my own advice about how to stay focused while travelling. I gave myself an "in-my-face" talking to and proceeded to execute the game plan. I focused on two things: the portion size and eating the right things. I had two excellent steak dinners, but limited the portion to about 5 ounces. I had salad (dressing on the side and used about a third), vegetables, and iced tea. Breakfasts were eggs and bacon with no bread or potatoes, and lunches were salads.

The end result was that when I got on the scale this morning I weighed 187.6 and I'll gladly take the .2 loss.

We did a lot of walking between the Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls itself, and a great trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake - about 30 miles north of Niagara Falls. All in all, a fun trip that allowed me to continue the momentum of losing weight. Now it's pedal-to-the-metal to get rid of the remaining excess!

Here's a fun thing to do. If you're interested in finding out how long you'll live based on your past and current lifestyle, then go to: http://www.sonnyradio.com/realage3.swf and check this out. It is a great test that will show the affect of your current lifestyle on your longevity. It will also point out key areas, where by making some small changes, you can make a significant and positive impact on your longevity.

I've mentioned before that nutrition plays a key role in the weight loss process, because if your nutritional needs aren't met on daily basis your body starts to crave things and that usually means a bad thing for weight loss.

Tomorrow I want to introduce another topic that can be extremely detrimental not only to weight loss, but to your overall health as well - toxic chemicals in the home, and how to get rid of them.

So until tomorrow, in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "most of the shadow of this life are caused by us standing in our own sunshine". Since we create most of our own obstacles, we are in the best position to remove them.

Have a terrific day and keep the great comments coming.

Bill Ehmann
billehmann@boomer-solutions.com

Measuring Success

Good Friday Morning.

A wise man once said that "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."

That certainly applies to many areas of life, but definitely to a weight loss program. Sometimes you get lost in the day in, day out routine and need to step back to see where you are and where you've come from. That's what I want to do today.

On Feb. 24th when I first saw my picture from my anniversary night a few days earlier I was appalled. I weighed 199.8 and was headed in the wrong direction. At that point I made the decision that Enough was Enough.

As I was deciding how best to move forward and lose weight my subconscious mind was already starting the process. After deciding to go public and "blog my way to my goal" it took a few days to get that set-up. So on March 9th the formal process began and I weighed 194.2. I had lost over 5 lbs before the formal program began simply by doing what I've written about for 3 weeks now. So today, 18 days later, I weighed in at 187.8. That's 12 lbs in 31 days, simply by making small efforts day in and day out.

I'm not patting myself on the back - although I'm very happy with the progress - I'm just sharing that having a goal, and a plan, and measuring the progress along the way is a true key to success.

The goal was the first step and most important step. Knowing that I needed to get to 165 lbs. by August 8th has truly kept me focused. What I mean by that is whether eating or exercising, I'm asking myself if what I'm doing is getting me closer to my goal or not? That's a powerful question to ask yourself when you have a small or large decision to make - will the answer get you closer to your goal? If the answer is yes, then that's probably the direction to head.

The plan is next and if you don't have it just fill out the form in the upper right. I've just followed the plan day in and day out.

Measuring the progress is the key to staying on track. I talked about why weighing in everyday was important because you couldn't get too far off track that way. Tracking what you eat (sounds like a pain, but takes about 5 minutes a day) each day is very important because you can compare what you're doing with the results you're getting. If you're honest about what goes in your mouth (and why wouldn't you be) then it's easy to see where the problem is if you reach a plateau.

I will share with you on Monday a great tracking system (I couldn't get all the information I needed for today) that I've been using for several days that is very easy and comprehensive with great one click reports to show you exactly where you are.

One thing I've learned about trying to reach any worthwhile goal - you can't be casual with the day in, day out activities or you'll never reach your goal.

My wife and I are headed off to Niagara Falls for a brief getaway and a little blackjack. Hope you have a great weekend, and stay true to the plan.

Comments always welcome below.

Bill Ehmann
330-858-1906