Tag Archives: diet

Diets

Are you ready for Spring Break weather?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Uh oh, it’s spring break week, and you just realized that you’re not swimsuit ready. I’m sure there are plenty of you wishing you would have stuck with the New Year’s resolution to lose weight.

For those of us who are no longer in school, spring break is only a reminder that the summer months are upon us. We live in this southern heat and humidity, and loose clothing and shorts are part of our daily lives.

You can no longer hide fat underneath big clothes and jackets, even though you’ll try.

What happens to us is we try to set diet and fitness goals, and when we realize that it won’t get accomplished, we give up.

My suggestion is to eliminate goals, even though it’s a motivator for some.

I’ve stopped setting diet goals years ago. I just decided to make lifestyle changes, which created body transformation. It’s a slow process, but, in time, it works and stays.

Don’t set yourself up for failure. Start slow by eliminating certain foods on certain days, eat smaller food portions and choose water over other drinks.

Remember, losing weight isn’t in the gym. It’s in the kitchen.

Because of daylight saving, our days are longer, so get out and start moving to enjoy the air and sun.

Really, we are all beautiful people within our own skin. The true meaning of diet and exercise is to become healthier and have more energy.

Don’t get caught up trying to have a perfect body. I know countless people who compete in the fitness and body building world, and they are never happy with their bodies.

Men, as you get older, it’s normal to carry a little extra weight around your waist. For women, it’s normal to carry extra weight around hips and thighs. Believe me, some of us appreciate it — wink-wink.

Swimsuit weather is here, so start making changes now to enjoy a better energetic lifestyle.

Diets, Fitness

Now is the time to start New Year’s resolutions

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Well, I hope you enjoyed the Thanksgiving feast and all the tasty nondiet foods. Last week I gave you a pass to eat anything and as much as you want without any guilt.

Now, what typically happens to most people is you consider the holiday season and cold weather months as a time to blow off healthy diets.

You’re already trying to fool yourself that January will be different this time. This is a huge mistake in which you set yourself up for failure once again.

Be honest, this is the same destructive cycle you do every year. Snap out of it. It’s never worked, so why is this year different?

The truly best way to reach your 2016 diet and exercise goals is to start right now.

Developing habits and routine takes some time. If you get started now, then you’ll be in the zone by January to accomplish all those goals.

Yes, I know, there will be Christmas and office parties, family gatherings, and lots of homemade cookies and milk for Santa. But that’s even more reason to start now to improve diets and exercise.

The only way to battle through all the holiday calories is a consistent exercise program. Your biggest obstacle will be cleaning up your diet, but at least the party season will be over and excuses should stop.

Believe me, I understand the challenges. I made an eating fool of myself at Nanna’s house, but I started exercising the very next day. Oh my goodness, I was so sluggish and felt like a fat slob.

I went to the gym and walked 20 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes on an eclipse machine, 30 minutes on a stationary bike and ended in the sauna.

Even though I didn’t feel like going back to the gym yet, I knew it’s time to start getting back on the path of a healthier lifestyle. It has taken a few days, but I’ve already made a commitment to make 2016 the best year ever.

Don’t wait until 2016 to make New Year’s resolutions. Make a promise to yourself to change your life now.

Allow the month of December for diet and exercise failures. You need this time to stumble while better habits are being formed. Start crawling, so when January comes, you’ll be running.

There’s a beautiful person staring back at you in the mirror. Fall in love with yourself, take care of that amazing body and make tomorrow the best day ever.

Diets, Inspiration

Reward yourself this Thanksgiving

By David Tepera – Posted: Tuesday, November 24, 2015

By now, you’re aware that if you’ve been dieting for a period of time, that I recommend to reward yourself with foods desired.

Well my friends, it’s Thanksgiving holidays and it’s reward time. I always indulge myself on vacation and Thanksgiving holiday.

Hopefully, you’ve been a good girl and boy and have been training consistently and frequently. This is the one time of year I’m going to tell you to throw the diet out the window. Enjoy every moment with family and friends and all the wonderful tasty foods.

I truly hope everyone is as fortunate as I with the blessing of an enormous holiday feast. It’s the biggest event of the year for my family, and we are going to nanna’s house for a major grub fest.

I will be pouring extra gravy on the turkey and dressing along with all the fixings, extra butter on steamy bread rolls, two scoops of vanilla ice cream on hot apple pie and pumpkin pie engulfed with whipped cream.

Later on in the day, after watching and sleeping through football games, I’ll take a little walk through the neighborhood to help digest my overstuffed belly. It helps create more room to shovel down more helpings of delicious homemade foods.

You and I should not feel any guilt for all the extra calories and the few pounds gathered.

To truly enjoy and embellish the rewards, you know that within two days, it’s back to a healthy diet and fitness training. It usually takes me about five to six days to lose the extra pounds.

Now that I’ve rang Pavlov’s bell and you’re salivating all over this paper, get ready to make an eating fool of yourself.

Most importantly, take the time to sincerely thank everyone who helped participate in the feast and express love for all.

As I’m getting older, my heart has grown softer and I emotionally love all the wonderful people around me.

Life is getting shorter my friends, so don’t waste time on unnecessary hate. There are others who love you, just show them love back. It’s a life changer.

Diets, Fitness

What’s the secret to stay trim and fit?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Just know this article is not a “look at me” moment. There’s a reason and purpose, so keep reading.

I am 54 years old, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weigh 195 pounds. I have a very low body fat percentage with six pack abs on most days. If you need proof, go to my blog — davidtepera.com.

I eat at our local doughnut shop Saturday mornings and McDonalds for lunch on Sundays. I usually eat seven to eight times a day and never go hungry. Typically, I have two breakfast sessions each morning before heading out the door. Also, I eat a handful of chocolate every night before bed.

I rarely drink or eat anything fat and sugar free, except sweet-n-low in coffee and tea.

So, what’s my secret? If you’ve been reading my column during the past year, then you know the answer. It’s as simple as consistency and frequency. It’s really all the little adjustments I do throughout each day.

For example: I work in multiple hospitals and use many parking garages each day and week. I rarely use the elevators and walk with a faster pace than most people.

When eating fast foods, I order grilled chicken wraps or sandwiches with no sauce or fries and take off the top bun.

All my meals throughout the day and evening are of moderate portions. I only eat to be satisfied, not full stomach. I carry a gallon of water in my car and chug on it all day.

I keep my carb portions to a minimal and almost none by dinner. My protein intake is at least 200 grams a day which is important to maintain muscle mass.

I created my own bag of raw nuts and fruits to snack on each time hunger strikes.

You need to keep your metabolism constantly working. When you stuff your face, your metabolism will shut down because all your body’s energy goes into digesting food. That’s why you get sleepy and lazy.

I stopped exercising with extreme intensity almost 15 years ago. But, I do lift weights four to five times a week and cardio-train five to six times a week.

Because of my age, weightlifting is more on the heavy side and targets every muscle group in the body.

Around 35 to 40 years of age, men’s testosterone levels decrease each year, and hanging on to muscle mass becomes a challenge. Heavy weight lifting will help.

My cardio training mainly consists of bike riding in the gym or through neighborhoods. I only keep a moderate pace and rarely with heavy breathing. It depends on the song in my headphones.

Bottom line, I’ve been doing this with consistency and frequency for over 10 years. Of course, I tweak the diet and exercise periodically, but really never taking time off.

Start today by making one healthy adjustment to your routine, then each week — add another. Within a few months, you’ll notice not only the physical change, but mental well-being as well.

Diets, Fitness, Inspiration

Who is the hero saving your life?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, August 26, 2015

If you’ve been following my column, you’re familiar with my work in the medical industry. I’ve been involved with well over 1,000 knee replacements, plus I work with some outstanding medical professionals.

Recently, there was a situation where a patient went into cardiac arrest and my friend Ramon, who is a physician assistant, performed chest compressions for about 15 minutes and saved this man’s life.

Ramon was very humble over the situation and thought of it as another day on the job. 

Of course, we commend all other non-doctors who save lives like firefighters, EMS, nurses, policemen and women, and many others.

But, since this column is about “Simple Fitness,” it made me think about other professions that help save lives.

Let’s take nutritionists and personal trainers who do their best to change lives, but for some people, they’ve saved them or at least prolonged their lives.

There are people with diabetes, obesity and unhealthy lifestyles that are on the brink of catastrophe. They desperately needed guidance, planning, training and education to start or return to a healthier lifestyle.

But really, who is the biggest hero when it comes to saving your life? That person is you.

You’re the one who recognized that there’s a problem with what’s happened to your body. You realized that you no longer have control and a quicker death is inevitable. And now, you’re taking positive steps in seeking help.

You only have one life, take control for not only you, but for all the people who count on you. They deserve it and so do you.

Diets

If you want to lose weight, stop dieting

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, July 1, 2015

If you want to lose weight and keep it off, stop dieting. It seems like I give diet and fitness tips almost daily, but the problem is our definition of dieting.

Most people think of diets as a temporary reduction of food in order to lose weight. This definition is true except for the word “temporary.”

When it comes to losing weight, it should be a permanent change. Almost all of us have tried the many fad diet trends, but they don’t keep the weight off. There seems to be a diet war between all the choices. 

Remember Oprah Winfrey and the liquid diet? Her goal was to fit into a small size pair of Jordache jeans. She accomplished her goal, but we all witness the end results. Oprah said when she went back to her dressing room, she scarfed down a whole big bag of potato chips. Everyone I know who tried that diet became more overweight shortly after.  

When it comes to losing weight, you should be making a lifestyle change. Sometimes, my family thinks I’m kind of strange because I order grilled chicken salads when we are out to eat at a nice restaurant. I explained how much better and energetic I feel after a light, healthy dinner compared to the heavy, saturated meals.

Recently, my 14-year-old daughter decided to order the same light meals as me. To her surprise, the food was tasty, she felt full, and had a better overall feeling. 

The process of losing weight doesn’t have to be a burden. I find pleasure eating nature’s fresh foods. 

Without going into detail, here are a few quick lifestyle diet tips: avoid sodas and junk food, eat healthy snacks between meals to ward off hunger, eat breakfast, choose whole foods over processed, and, most of all, change your environment. 

Remember, if you don’t change lifestyle, the weight will always come back.

A clean diet doesn’t mean doing the dishes while eating chocolate cake.

Diets, Fitness

Are you training according to your body type?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, June 17, 2015

For those of you who train regularly, are you frustrated that goals are coming way too slow or not really at all? The problem could be that you’re not training properly according to body type. 

So many of us read fitness magazines or celebrity fitness books, and then try to emulate those workouts. Even though it works for some people, it might not be best for you.

You need to understand we all have different body types, and according to your type, workouts should be more specific. 

Understanding your body type will help get the results you want.

There are basically three body types – ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph.

Ectomorph bodies are lean and long like marathon runners. They typically have trouble gaining weight and muscle. If your goal is to gain lean muscle mass, then lift heavy weights with compound movements and cut back on cardio because you already have a fast metabolism. You will also need to eat 6-7 times a day with a proper balance of proteins and carbs. 

Mesomorph bodies are naturally stocky, more athletic and gain muscle easily. You have the body most people are seeking. Your downfall might be from taking your body for granted. If you’re not making gains, it’s from lazy workouts and sloppy diets. Mesomorphs should train like an athlete, and you’ll be surprised how fast goals are met. 

Endomorph bodies are pear shaped and hold body fat easily. I feel endomorphs have the biggest challenge of all. Your emphasis should be lots of cardio to boost metabolism. You need to train with intensity and watch your carb intake. Eat carbs in the morning for energy then drastically reduce with each meal. 

So, it’s important to identify and understand your body type. Each one requires different training methods and diet plans. 

Just know, once you recognize body type, you can get the ripped muscular body desired.

Abdominal Reanimater, Fitness

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Inspiration

If you’re wishing for gold, you better be digging some dirt

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, June 3, 2015

I once read, “you can wish for gold, but unless you’re digging some dirt, you’re not going to find any.”

This message is for all parts of life. Don’t we all want to make more money, find that perfect job, lose weight and get in better shape?

I can’t tell you how many people have said to me, “I need to lose this gut.” I’ve led countless people to diet and exercise programs, but unless you’re digging some dirt, you’re going to stay fat. We’ve all heard, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” 

It’s your body, your life, and it’s your destiny. You are the only one who has full control. 

I’m going on 54 years of age, and have grown a passion to inspire and motivate people in their business and personal lives. 

The Daily News has given me a wonderful opportunity to reach people with hopes of changing lives. I receive numerous emails of how my articles have done just that. 

Because of your emails and motivational speaking, my passion has strengthened, so I’m digging lots of dirt to pursue additional opportunities.

I’ve contacted other well-known newspapers, made phone calls, written emails, letters and sent packages to broadcasting stations. I’ve Linkedin with high-profile professionals for stronger connections.

Sooner or later, from all the digging, someone will give me the opportunity to reach a broader base of people. 

What do you really want out of life? Remember, you are never too old or too young. My children started a foundation when they were only 8 and 10 years old. They’ve helped thousands of families through The Dekeday Foundation — www.dekedayfoundation.com.

You can no longer control what happened yesterday, but you can start making steps forward right now.

Start by taking action, dig up some dirt and discover gold. The true reward is within you to have the body and life you wish for.

Fitness

Your body ready for swimsuit weather?

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Is it really Spring Break already? Are you ready for “take my shirt off” weather, or wearing swimming suits in public?

I wonder how many of you, by now, have quit your New Year resolution for fitness and diet? Statistically, the answer to that question is around 90 percent.

I can give you all the fitness and diet tips needed to get in better shape, but my advice won’t make a difference unless you take a “that’s it” attitude.

What do I mean by “that’s’ it”? It means you’re fire-blasting mad and aggressively motivated.

You’re mad, because you’ve lacked self-discipline, and allowed yourself to become a lazy, grease-eating blob. Yep, I just got in your face and told the truth, unlike the people around you. I hope you’re so mad that you punched my picture. You already know your worst diet habits, so tell yourself “that’s it — no more.

I am not driving through a fast food restaurant to and from work anymore.”

You’re now motivated because you’ve come to accept your failures, realize you can’t go back in time and will start making positive changes. Right now is what you control; right now is attitude.

When you’re mad, you get an attitude. Take that same attitude toward getting in better shape and making proper diet choices. Go at it like a prize fighter, because we all have a fighter in us. Come out swinging and kick your lazy bad habit’s butt.

There’s no better self-reward than accomplishing goals in diet and exercise.

Like I’ve written before, it’s not about perfection, its’ progression.

Today’s step is one step closer to goals than yesterday.

Now, get real, try on your swimming suit or take your shirt off. Tell yourself “that’s it, I’m going into ‘beast mode’” and will have my body ready by summer time.

Look out everyone, there’s a new hottie in town.