Sorry–again long time no posts.  I have been busier than a one-armed wallpaper-hanger, & none of my occupations at the moment let me anywhere NEAR a computer!  Things are going GREAT with my training, & I will be competing in just over TWO WEEKS at the Pittsburgh Championships!  This is a HUGE show, & I am very excited about the opportunity.  I have been working SO HARD–literally 3 workouts a day, 5 days a week, & 2 workouts over the weekends.  It is really paying off though!  My legs have NEVER looked this good–although I still have a long way to go to get them where I want to be!

I will try very hard to do a better job at keeping you updated on my progress.  My training business is really taking off, & I am so excited about that too.  I have discovered a new love—BOOT CAMP!   I am now teaching Boot Camps at my local gym & I am in love with it!  I have never taught group classes before, so this required me to step outside my comfort zone, but I am SOOOOO glad I did!   I have wonderful ‘troops’ & we are calling ourselves the “Buff-Armed Forces”.  We all should have the right to BARE ARMS! 

I have several things in the works, too, so I hope to be making some big announcements soon.  Stay Tuned!

I was forwarded this wonderful article by my friends at Sun Warrior, & just HAD to share it with you all!  Enjoy!

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Is Your Favorite Protein Powder Causing Cancer or Preventing it?

Protein is something everyone likes to talk about. Plant-based eaters, especially those who consume high raw and vegan diets, often find themselves on the defensive end of these conversations. This is unfortunate, but the tables are slowly turning. It is now common knowledge that cholesterol, found in all animal products, greatly increases the risk of heart disease, often leading to a heart attack or stroke. Eggs and red meat are notorious for being high in cholesterol, so some avoid beef and eggs and look to chicken or fish as protein sources. While lower in cholesterol than fatty cuts of red meat or egg yolks, poultry and seafood still contain substantial amounts of cholesterol. People are best served to avoid cholesterol altogether by eating a plant-based diet.

Most everyone is familiar with Dr. T. Colin Campbell’s landmark work, detailed in his book, The China Study. Campbell’s research dealt with casein, which is the primary protein component in cow milk and cheese. In his study, rats were fed casein above their protein needs, which caused experimental tumors in the rats to grow. The protein needs of a rat are similar to those of a human, about 10–12% of total calories.1 In Campbell’s experiment, the rats were fed up to 20% of their diet as protein. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2004, protein intake for Americans ranged from 13.4% of total calories in children aged 4–8 years to 16% of total calories in men aged 51–70 years.2 Additionally, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) recommends consumption of 0.4–0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight for exercise levels ranging from sporadically active to very active.3 The high end of this protein range is about 15% of total calories. Considering these numbers, it’s easy to see the relevance of Campbell’s work regarding protein consumption.

Traditional bodybuilding and sports diets, especially those targeting muscle growth, typically far exceed the NSCA’s protein recommendation, often doubling it. One can simply search the internet for “macronutrient ratios” and they’ll find that countless people are eating 30% or more of their calories as protein. Whey protein is a popular product to supplement the diets of those aiming to reach this protein surplus. Whey is the byproduct of the manufacture of cheese or casein. While whey is the more popular of the two, both whey and casein are marketed as protein supplements. All animal-based proteins, including powders made from milk or egg whites, should be avoided because of the cholesterol they contain and their link to cancer.

The trend in sales of protein products indicates people are learning the truth about animal proteins. According to 2008 research from Global Industry Analysts, annual sales of protein ingredients are expected to top $18 billion by the end of 2010. While animal protein ingredients account for 69% of the market, the plant protein ingredients market was the faster growing segment, with a projected growth rate of about 8% through 2013.4 There are several plant-based protein powders on the market—rice, hemp and soy are all popular options. None of these protein sources have cholesterol, but there’s something very special about one of them. One of them has cancer-fighting properties.

While casein can encourage the growth of cancer, certain components in rice protein can help prevent cancer. Sadly, these beneficial elements in rice are greatly reduced, or removed altogether, by the time it gets to the plate. Rice bran is the brown coating between the rice kernel and its protective hull. Brown rice maintains a thin layer of rice bran around the seed, but in the case of white rice, this nutrient dense layer is polished off. This is why white rice is a nutritionally dead food.

Inositol hexaphosphate acid (IP-6) is a potent antioxidant found in rice bran. In addition to its cancer-fighting properties, many experts also believe IP-6 can prevent and treat heart disease, kidney stones and liver disease. The process isn’t fully understood, but IP-6 suppresses the production and activity of cancer-causing free radicals. It also reduces the abnormal rate of cell division that defines cancer and tumor growth, allowing cells to normalize and return to regular, controlled growth. Additionally, IP-6 enhances the body’s potential to kill existing tumor cells by stimulating the activity of the immune system’s natural killer cells, called lymphocytes.5

Arabinoxylan compound is produced by altering the outer shell of rice bran using enzymes from Hyphomycetes mycelia mushroom extract. This compound is a major component in a popular alternative cancer treatment called MGN-3 (known as BioBran® in Japan). More clinical trials are needed, but arabinoxylan has shown promise in improving immune reactions in cancer and diabetes patients. Also, pre-clinical experiments suggest that MGN-3 may also be of potential value in treating AIDS patients.6

Rice bran looks to have a very promising future not only as an alternative cancer treatment, but as a treatment for a host of other diseases and conditions. Whole grain brown rice also makes a fantastic protein supplement. There is a great protein product on the market today called Sun Warrior. Naturally rich in vitamins and minerals, Sun Warrior rice protein provides a complete amino acid profile. Their old world process combines the sprouted endosperm with the bran from raw, sprouted whole grain brown rice to offer a protein with a 98% correlation to mother’s milk and a 98.2% digestion efficiency. Sun Warrior is raw, vegan and GMO-free.

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Interesting info!  As you all know, I am a huge Sun Warrior fan, & more reasons are being added every day!  Click on the link to the right to order.

Be Defiant!!!

Christy

Many of you will remember one of my recent ‘rants’, where I was so appalled at the treatment my friend’s daughter received at a supposedly ‘top’ day care center here in Lexington, SC. I have followed up with my friend, and asked him to provide the details of the consequences in his own words. His daughter became very sick from the processed food they fed her–and that is just the beginning.  I recently interviewed him on the experience.   Read the following interview for details:

First, tell us what happened.

Jhazmyne’s experience with daycare was not a good one. Less than two weeks after enrolling her at Gateway Academy in Lexington, not only did I have to remove her from their care, I filed a complaint with the Department of Social Services (DSS). The investigator found them guilty of multiple violations and issued them citations for their actions. This information is made publicly available on the DSS website.
To recap what happened, on Jhazmyne’s first day at Gateway, her “teachers” completely disregarded her dietary restrictions, negligently ignored her documented and listed food allergies, chose not to use the food which I provided, and fed her a variety of toxic, chemically preserved, denatured processed food. The director of the daycare was given specific written instructions to not feed her any food unless provided by the parents. Jhazmyne became very sick because of this, which I will describe below.
This situation was bad enough and I wanted to pull her out of that center as soon as possible. I began looking for alternatives but one week later and before I was able to line anything else up, there was another incident. The regional director of Gateway, Debbie Williams, allowed the extermination company “Orkin” to come into the center while children were present and spray poison in the classrooms. This exposure to these chemicals made Jhazmyne violently ill (uncontrollable vomiting and shaking), within hours and it lasted for 3 days. I immediately removed her from enrollment and contacted DSS.

Was your daughter sick after eating the processed food?
Jhazmyne was very sick after being forced to eat a nitrate and sodium filled, processed turkey sandwich on white bread, along with canned corn syrup sweetened fruit. For the first time in her life (she was 1 year at the time) she was sick. She had stomach and digestion issues (diarrhea and bloating), congestion and breathing problems, followed by a 103 fever, which lasted two days. Her entire recovery time from this food was over a week.
What were her symptoms?
See above
Has she ever been sick before?
At no point before this time had Jhazmyne ever been sick. I feel that it is important to mention that she had never experienced a single illness or problem that would normally be associated with babies. She never spits up, she never had colic, never diarrhea, no runny noses, not even diaper rash.
How do you know it was the food and not just a coincidence of her ‘picking up a bug’ at day care?
First of all, I don’t believe in the “contagion theory”. What I have seen to be true is that all sickness comes from within and is a form of detoxification from what we are exposed to in our diet and environment (not referring to germs). Children are born with perfect immune systems and they only begin to degrade because of what they get exposed to (vaccines, medicines, formulas, chemicals). That being said, Jhazmyne has never been an isolated child. She has been around many different people and animals since the day she was born. She had been around groups of children before the daycare center and has been in contact with people both healthy and sick. In over 365 days of being on this Earth, the only day she ever got sick was on the day someone fed her processed food. Being a long-term primarily raw foodist myself who has occasionally fallen off the wagon, I recognize what she was going through as a 100% reaction to cooked food.

How did you feel about them ignoring your food that you provided and feeding her what they wanted?
I am a very serious person when it comes to diet. I firmly believe that how we eat is the key to how we live and that improper diet is the sole cause for just about every health problem that the human race faces. Getting in between me and my health or the health of my family, would not be a desirable place for anyone to be. This might be hard for some to understand, but I can see no difference between what the daycare center did by ignoring my daughter’s dietary restrictions or putting a loaded gun to her head. Both of these actions to me are an indistinguishable act of war and hostility towards her well-being. There will be no forgiveness in my heart for anyone who crosses these lines with me.

What is her normal nutrition program?
Jhazmyne, like all living creatures, was born into this world a raw foodist, and for the most part remains to be. She never is given anything artificially made, processed, preserved, or refined. Her diet consists of foods that would be considered biologically appropriate for a human to eat such as avocados, coconuts, fresh fruits, nuts, meat, fish, and eggs; as well as foods that have proven to be extremely beneficial in their raw form such as unpasteurized raw dairy, (milk, cheese, butter, cream and cultured dairy, kefir, yogurt, and buttermilk). Because of her lifestyle and diet, Jhazmyne has been able to do things that most other children are not able to do at the same age. Within a day or so of being born she began to support her head by herself and look around the room. At 8 weeks she began to stand with a little support. By 10 months she was walking non-stop, climbing onto couches and off of beds. At 11 months she was running all over and getting into everything. She has always been physically able to do things that children 3-6 months older than her are just able to do. This is without a doubt because of her diet and upbringing.

Thank you so much.  Your story will help warn many caring parents of the dangers of processed food & chemicals!

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Wow! As you can see, this was serious, and even the DSS agreed.  The amazing precocious development of this child, and her lack of ‘typical’ childhood illnesses, just lends more credence to the fact that sickness is not a normal part of childhood.  It is literally given to the children to eat in the junk food that the vast majority of parents allow–or even encourage–and their bodies react to it.  And isn’t it amazing how toxic all those bug chemicals really are?  If they kill bugs, which are hard to kill, then………what do they do to our bodies?

So many of the things we think are ‘bugs’ or ‘viruses’ are really our bodies rejecting toxins and the natural detox reactions to them.  The body detoxes by either SECRETING or EXCRETING.   ‘Infections’ are most often a simple mucus reaction as the body secretes tons of mucus to help capture & flush out toxins.  Stomach ‘viruses’ are most often food-related, as the body purges from one end or the other, or both if it’s really nasty!

Be Defiant!  Defy those nasty processed foods full of toxins & chemicals.  Protect your health, & the health of your family!  Stand up for your health, as my friend did.  He said that they thought he was crazy, because most people think a turkey sandwich is ‘healthy’, but he was willing to face their ridicule & resistance because he deeply believes in his values, & the power of whole, raw foods.

Misbehave!  Raise a ruckus!  Fight for your health!!!  I am so glad my friend did, & he won!  Now it’s documented for the world to see.  Good job, my Defiant Friend!

Be Defiant!

Christy

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Here is the link:   Celery as Raw Viagara?

The title surely is an attention-grabber, but what really piqued my interest was the mention of the steroids androsterone and adrostenol. And it is high in arginine, which is the amino acid that creates great ‘pumps’ in the gym, and is in many Nitric Oxide supplements.   It makes me wonder just how powerful celery is as a body-building food? I knew its natural sodium was perfect for post-workout recovery, but maybe there’s even more!

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Defiance note:  I love my celery-kiwi-banana smoothies!   See the video HERE for an awesome post-workout celery smoothie.   Hmmmm….maybe there is another reason……

Be Defiant!

Christy

“Aging Disgracefully—and Proud of It!”

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I have another rant that kind of got dumped in my lap this week, because of something that happened to a dear friend of mine. I won’t give out names because I just don’t want to go there, and you’ll understand why in a few moments.

I have a dear friend who is an absolute guru in raw foods, and I consider a mentor. His advice has been invaluable to me over the past couple of years. I know his deep dedication to the raw lifestyle, and complete adherence to his principles of avoiding the dangerous toxins in processed foods. He has a beautiful baby girl, now a little over a year old, who has only had the purest raw organic food all of her little life. She has never been exposed to sugar, flour, sweets, etc that so many people start giving babies at an early age, which then sets them up for sugar cravings and diseases for the rest of their life.

When I ran into my friend the other day, he was incredibly upset. After much searching and screening, he and his wife had chosen a day care facility to take care of their daughter. They had to jump through tremendous hoops because they wisely do not believe in childhood vaccinations, and of course have not subjected their child to vaccines. Her health is beyond outstanding, due to her nutrition and lack of exposure to toxins through vaccines, etc.

One of their big concerns was what their daughter would eat while she was there. So they signed everything in the world that they could, stating that she absolutely could not eat anything unless it was provided by them. He said they stretched it a bit, saying she had allergies, they had religious convictions, etc, so that every single reason they could possibly use as a deterrent to her being fed the Standard American Diet (SAD) food was in force. All this was in her file, with the strict orders that she was never to be allowed to eat anything unless provided by the parents.

The VERY FIRST DAY she stayed at this, supposedly outstanding and highly recommended, child care center, when they picked her up, on her chart it read that she had eaten a ‘turkey sandwich and canned peaches’. And of course, this was a processed lunch meat turkey, full of nitrates, nitrites and who knows how many hormones, antibiotics, etc. And it was on white bread, made of toxic refined white flour. For a great article on why bread–even the ‘healthy’ whole wheat ones–is so dangerous, read THIS ARTICLE.   And canned peaches are full of all kinds of toxins, pesticides, etc. Not to mention that they are cooked, & the cans contain very harmful chemicals. The beautiful meal and smoothie they had provided for her for that day was still in the day care center’s refrigerator, untouched.

Naturally, my friends had a fit. They hadn’t even tried to explain their lifestyle and food choices to the center.  They had stated that she couldn’t have the food because of allergies, religious beliefs, etc., which are more socially acceptable to the ’sheeple’ who mindlessly believe in the fallacy of the food pyramid and think that marketing lies are solid food science.   So for all these people knew, this child could really have had a deadly allergy. Do they just feed peanuts to any child, without checking the file to see if the child is allergic to peanuts, or do they just roll the dice and see if they asphyxiate? They fed the child their own food, ignoring the food the parents provided, and without looking at her chart. How dangerous is that?

Their response to the fury of my friend was, “It’s just a turkey sandwich!” You see, to them, that nasty fake processed meat on white bread is perfectly acceptable, or even considered healthy, as a food choice. What they don’t understand is that a child like this, who has never been exposed to those kinds of toxins, can have a very serious reaction. A ‘clean’ body will violently react to an ingested toxin and vehemently work to purge itself of the intruder. Even someone who has in the past partaken of toxic foods, will find after cleansing their body on raw foods that when they eat the foods that they formerly enjoyed, they will have nasty reactions now. It’s not fair! Like me, if I have even a half glass of wine now, I get a splitting headache and get so sleepy I can’t function. But it’s because my body is clean, and it clearly sees the alcohol for the toxin it is. (Sorry folks–it is a toxin! I am not judging anyone, but the truth is the truth.)

I don’t know if she did get sick from the SAD food or not, as I have not had the opportunity to talk with my friend since I saw him the other day. I felt so sorry for him, as he was clearly heartsick over the treatment of his daughter. And he is paying big money for her to attend this day care center, too. Those things aren’t cheap!

And you know the sad thing? Those people probably think my friend is a nut case, because they are so blinded by marketing and by their own addictions to processed food. They think children are ‘deprived’ if they don’t get cake and ice cream. Another dear friend of mine who is a raw foodist, has taught her sons well. Although only about 6 or 8 years old, they will reject a food offered to them by an ignorant adult, educating that adult by telling them that the food has ‘hydrogenated oils’ in it, or whatever the toxin may be. And as vigilant as she is, she has caught her babysitters giving her children candy at 9 o’clock at night and insisting they eat it, since their own children were eating candy. And these people think they are being kind. It’s so sad–the food extended by a loving hand is often the food that will send you to an early grave.

And the schools…….where do I start? The absolute crap that they serve to children as ‘food’ is criminal and reprehensible. And they wonder why they have behavioral problems, ADHD, hyperactivity, etc? No mystery there! It’s so hard to protect a child, even an older child. But when your baby is only a year old, they have no defense whatsoever. They are at the mercy of whatever an adult feeds them.

Even if you throw the raw food completely out of this scenario, it’s still alarming! That a day care center would ignore a child’s chart and blatantly disregard a parents’ wishes, even refusing to feed the child the food the parent had lovingly provided, is absolutely unbelievable, reprehensible, and downright dangerous. There could definitely be lawsuits or criminal charges as repercussions from that sort of negligence. That is why I don’t want to name which center this was–I am not opening that can of worms! But just know that even the best ones may not be a very safe place for your children, at least if you truly understand what good nutrition for your children is.

This made me very angry as well, and I hurt inside at seeing the pain and anger my friend was suffering. I wanted to pass it along to warn others of the dangers! I have done a lot of ranting lately, and I like it! I am sick of the travesties being foisted on people. The only saving grace is education. We have to share information, help educate others, and most of all educate ourselves. Do as my friend did–Be Defiant! Stand up against the mainstream and fight the current of ignorance. Fight for your health, and the health of your precious children.

Remember, well-behaved women rarely make history! And well-behaved people do little to change the course of history. Today will be tomorrow’s history, and you have the pen in hand. Write it like YOU want it to be! If you just make the changes within yourself—make yourself healthy, remove yourself from the juggernaut of conventional sick care, and become free of pain and disease—then you will make a little ripple which will influence others to follow your enlightened path. And the little ripple will become a splash, and then a wave, and then a tsunami as it gathers momentum, powered by truth. You literally change the world by changing yourself first.

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On a fun and positive note, I want to thank the awesome Bob Garon for featuring an interview with me on his excellent blog, Bob Garon Training. Bob is an expert with kettlebells and has a camp called Synergy Kettlebell Kamp. It sounds like a blast! I work out with kettlebells whenever I see them, but very few gyms in this area even know what they are. It’s a big trend that is gaining steam. Please check out Bob’s website at Synergy Kettlebell Kamp, let him know you visited, and give him some Defiant Love! You may even discover a great new workout!

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I also was interviewed this week by the incredible Shea Lynn Baird, who is coming out with a book on raw athletes.  I am honored to be included in her book!  I will be offering it here on the site when she releases it.

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And I got to have some fun today.  The owner of one of the gyms I train at, Back in Shape Fitness Center, is a successful chiropractor and a powerlifter named Dr. Ed Bull.  He has blended the gym with his practice, and offers great rehab for patients, as well as a really fun and hardcore workout environment.   Today, he shot a commercial for one of the local TV stations about his unique practice, which he is expanding to include a Medical Doctor who believes in natural treatments and rehabilitation.  And I got to be in the commercial!  You guys know me–I have never met a camera or a stage I didn’t like!    In the commercial, I am playing one of the ‘patients’ who is rehabbing her knee and shoulder on the weight machines, under Dr. Bull’s supervision.  I had to do about 5000 seated leg curls before the cameraman was satisfied with the shot–and I had already worked legs for the third time this week!  My hamstrings sure did get an extra workout today!

I will see if I can get a copy of the commercial for here so you all can see it.  I hope it turns out well!  I am probably only going to be in there for about two three-second shots, but it’s still fun!

I am offering personal training at Back in Shape in Chapin and also at Brickhouse Gym in downtown Columbia.  If you are local, give me a call and let’s get you started on a program to create a fit, fabulous, fierce new you!

If you don’t live in the area, check out my online training and nutrition programs on the Team Defiance page! I can work with you no matter where you are!

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One more thing, I have launched a fun new social network for my clients and those who are interested in building muscle, releasing bodyfat, and becoming ridiculously healthy and energetic through the power of organic living foods. The site is www.Defiant-Health.ning.com. You can also click on the link on the upper right of the page. Please join us and share your knowledge and insight, and feel free to ask any questions you may have. Invite others–all are welcome! And I am posting a Defiant Tip of the Day every day, so you can get a little dose of Defiance every morning!

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Until next time–Be Defiant!  Start that ripple, and make some serious waves!

Christy

Aging Disgracefully—And Proud of It!
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Watch this video! You get to meet two of the owners of Sun Warrior, and Matt & Angela Monarch of The Raw Food World test out the amazing new Ormus Greens from Sun Warrior. Wait until you see what they do to a light bulb!

My greens are on their way, and I am totally psyched! I can’t wait to try these. It sounds like the energy rush will make one of those toxic ‘energy’ drinks look like flat soda!

The Ormus Greens are available NOW on the Sun Warrior website. Click any of my Sun Warrior links to visit the site (like the one flashing to your right!), and you will find it on the Products page, along with the protein and the awesome Activated Barley.

This company is poised to explode. Sun Warrior has some new products in the works that will blow your mind, in addition to what they have already. I am so proud to be associated with them!  Quality, integrity, and earth-shattering products—truly a rarity in the market!

Be Defiant!

Christy

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I am going to be working harder than ever, with an eye toward improving my lat spread and continuing to carve out shape and definition overall. And I get to eat a lot more, though still very controlled and an excellent nutrition plan of whole foods. You can’t grow muscle and lose bodyfat unless you are feeding your body plenty of the right kind of fuel!

That’s one thing people just don’t get. They want to keep cutting calories and eating less, and many times the answer is the opposite. But the food intake has to be balanced with the workout routine, and if the workouts aren’t proportional then either fat gain or muscle loss can result, neither of which is desirable.

The Eleven Percent

So what are you doing during this holiday season? Are you defying all the foods laden with toxins and chemicals that are health-destroying? Are you working toward improving for the future? Or are you giving in to all the temptation around you, your willpower laid waste by the stress of the season? Be Defiant! Damage done now in the wink of an eye will take long hard workouts over a long time to undo! Of course, enjoy yourself and some treats, but keep it in moderation.

Let’s be honest, how many holiday parties will you actually go to? Three or four? Ten? And then the family get-togethers on the actual holidays? Let’s estimate high–say 20 holiday meals and parties. There are 31 days in this month, and you should be eating at LEAST 5 or 6 meals a day, so that’s 150 to 180 meals. An average would be 170. Twenty divided by 170 is 11 percent. How do people gain so much weight over the holidays on only 11% of their meals? Come on, be real. Most folks are eating badly ALL the time, not just the special occasions. Keep that other 89% of your meals full of great whole foods chock full of living nutrition, and the measly 11% won’t do that much damage.

A few other tips:

1) Eat BEFORE you go to a party! Don’t go hungry, for crying out loud! That’s a recipe for diet disaster. Keep up your regular schedule of 5 to 7 meals. Don’t skip any meals!

2) Workout HARD the day before and the day of a party or big family dinner. Set your body up to use as many of those extra calories as possible on actually building muscle! Do big, full-body movements that incorporate all the biggest muscle groups, and use weights that really challenge you.

3) Do short, high-intensity cardio sessions with added plyometrics and intervals that set your fat-burning thermostat on high, and help your body incinerate fat and build shape and muscle definition, even through the holidays. Not sure what to do? I can design a plan for you! See Team Defiance! for details! I will also give you plenty of support to get through the season.

4) Keeping your nutrition very strict except for the 11% can actually set your body up to lose even more fat. Having a ‘cheat’ meal after a few days of strict dieting will replenish your hormone levels, especially leptin, and help you burn fat! And many people report that their workouts the day after a big meal are awesome, when the muscles are fully loaded with glycogen and get really pumped.

5) Keep your carb choices to mainly green veggies the day or two before a big dinner or party. That will help with the ‘cheat’ meal cycle previously mentioned. Avoid starchy carbs, sugars, refined flours and breads. But you do that anyway, right?

6) Avoid alcohol as much as possible. There’s just nothing good I can say about it from a physique standpoint. Sugary, fatty drinks are the worst—a doubly-bad diet ding! (Yes, like eggnog!)

7) Enjoy yourself. This is a time of love and celebration. Love yourself enough to put your health as a top priority. But if you fall prey to temptation, no biggie! It’s just part of the measly 11 percent! DON’T beat yourself up and get caught in the trap of feeling guilty and then eating to comfort yourself. It’s what you do in the 89% of the meals that really counts.

BE DEFIANT!!! BE AN 89-PERCENTER!!!

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Rough Weekend With a Sick Kitty

In case you don’t know, my ’son’ is a precious white and orange kitty named “Jukebox”. I know I have mentioned him before on here. It’s just not right how much I love that cat! I probably need therapy. But he is so loving and precious, and just has the best little personality. He tries so hard to talk to me. He doesn’t really meow–he “wows”. And he “wows” a lot! Thus the name Jukebox–he sings all the time.

Poor Jukey got very, very sick last Thursday night. He was pitiful. I won’t go into the details, as it was not pleasant. I only got about 3 hours of sleep, and even ended up laying down with him on the bathroom floor to try to comfort him. It turned out to be a UTI, which was upsetting his stomach terribly and causing him great pain in his hind end. I was so worried it was more than that. He is better now, and today began eating again. He didn’t eat from Thursday night through yesterday (Monday). But the antibiotics seem to be helping and he is much more like himself again.

Juke is 16 years old. I know the inevitable is coming. I just hope it’s many years from now. He has been doing so much better on his raw fish diet. He used to weigh over 20 pounds, and this weekend he weighed 12 pounds which is a much healthier weight for him. The vet was pleased. I didn’t go into why–vets hate the idea of raw food diets. I guess it doesn’t pay their mortgage like the prescription food does. Going to the vet is highway robbery anyway. Absolutely unbelievable!

I can’t bear the thought of life without Jukebox. I can’t really think about it or I will start crying. I know a pet is not the same as a child or family member, but for me he is, and he is as close to human as a four-legged creature can be. He gives so much love so freely. He is my shadow, and absolutely has me trained–I have to sleep on my back with my left arm (not the right arm, only the left!) out so he can curl up in my arm. If during the night I roll up on my side, he will paw at me and “wow” until I assume the proper position. He is not ‘my’ cat: I am ‘his’ human!

How many of you have a pet that you love so dearly it will rip your heart out to lose them? Have you lost one in the past? I have lost two: my horse ‘Bee” that I had for 27 years, and my first cat ‘Dooger’ who lived to be 18. I still cry over their graves (and even now I have tears rolling down my cheeks–I can’t help it). Both were heartwrenching losses, but the joy and love that they brought to my life for so long is worth it all. Leave a comment and tell me your story about your babies.

I am just so thankful I have Jukebox and all the joy and love he brings to my life. May his precious little soul continue to live in health for many years.

This is Jukebox. It's an older picture, when he still weighed 20 pounds!

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I have been making some changes to the Defiant Health site. And more changes are in the works. Soon you will be able to order many of my favorite products directly from the site, which will make things much easier. Please explore around the site, especially the Defiant Tools page, and keep checking back for new content. I am getting some help from people who know far more than I do about web design!

Be Defiant!

Christy

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This weekend was just wonderful. It was a great experience all the way around. We were never rushed or panicked. Everything was very well planned and organized, down to the last detail. That’s a great testament to Shannon and Rob. Backstage, all I had to do was get a glaze put on by the tanning people, and wait my turn. No problem!

I know deep in my heart that there was nothing else I could have done to get any more ready than I was, given the time I had to prepare. Am I as ready as I NEED to be? No WAY! But considering I just started this journey in August, with the plan of training for a small regional show, and then ended up at the biggest, most prestigious NPC Nationals show–and PLACED!!!–I am absolutely thrilled with my progress.

If you haven’t seen it online, I placed 12th in my class. That may not sound very impressive, but it was a big accomplishment. First of all, none of the judges had ever seen me before, didn’t know me from Adam’s housecat, and had not seen me progress over a series of shows. That’s a big deal. Human nature dictates that when you see a girl over and over, and she improves every show, and there a million good physiques on the stage in front of you, you tend to gravitate toward those you know have been on the circuit and working hard for a long time. Rob told me before the show, that even though I looked great, to expect to not even be called out, and certainly not to place in the top 15. He said it was just a matter of unfamiliarity, and that next year, when I am on the circuit, I would be a recognizable face and stand a much greater chance.

I was perfectly OK with that, so I went on stage with no pressure, just wanting to pose my best. And I ended up in the third callout, and I DID get noticed! Considering half of the girls in the top 10 have been in all kinds of magazines, websites, etc, and I held my own against the best bodies in the business–I felt great! Rob and Shannon were thrilled with the results. I didn’t even hit my back pose well , and I still made top 15! I am going to GET that back pose, if it KILLS ME!

One reason I screwed up one of my back poses was a bit of a mishap on stage. When we are doing our quarter turn comparisons, when we move from our side pose to our back pose, we are taught to step out a bit with the left foot to make the turn to the back. Well, when I stepped out, the girl beside me stepped RIGHT, and put her clear high heel right into my left foot! It hurt, and bled, and we both tripped a little. So I was way late on even getting turned around to pose! Oops! But you never know when something like that is going to happen, so you deal with it, and we both laughed about it back stage afterwards.

I definitely need to add size to my shoulders, back and legs. But then again, that is what I have known all along. I have come so far, and feel very confident that given the next 6 months to work on them, I will present a totally revamped package next season. I will be focused on adding size for the next few weeks, not dieting down for a competition, so it will be much easier to gain the muscle I need. Plus, I have all the faith in the world that Rob and Shannon will put together the perfect plan for me to make the gains I need to make. I just can’t wait to see it, and get rocking!

Shannon told me not to work out for an entire WEEK. Arrrggghhh!! That is SO hard for me! I actually feel really rested and recovered, since my final prep week was very laid back, and I am raring to go.

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The Westin Diplomat Resort was the host hotel and venue, all in one, for the Nationals. Wow! What a gorgeous place! Our room was the corner with a balcony overlooking nothing but miles of the beautiful turquoise waters of the ocean. Our room was very well-appointed and comfortable. The convention center was attached, and a simple elevator ride and short walk from our room. So convenient. The hall was HUGE–both the contest and the Expo were all in the one big room. They had big screens up and we could even see the contest while we were backstage on the screens.

The Expo was awesome, and star-studded. I saw one of my heroes, Jennifer Nicole Lee, who is just as gorgeous in person as in her pictures, and taller than I expected. Miss Figure Olympia, Nicole Wilkins-Lee was there, as was the current Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler and last year’s Mr Olympia Dexter Jackson. We met Dexter’s fiancee, Gail, in the fitness center, and she was one of the sweetest, most outgoing people I met during the whole time we were there. What a great lady! We scored some great deals at the Expo, and I even made some great contacts with VPX Sports, and hope to be hired to represent them soon for modeling in some shows and booths at various places.

I met the awesome owner and creator of my FAVORITE supplement Sun Warrior Raw Vegan Protein, Nick Stern! He is a fireball in person, as I knew he would be. This new product is so amazing, and really needs to be more well-known in the marketplace. We discussed some possible strategies, so look for some cool new videos and things coming out soon featuring me and the awesome Sun Warrior products. They have some really cool things on the horizon too, so stay tuned for more muscle-building foods to come! You can order Sun Warrior by clicking the link to the right of the page. It’s an absolute MUST in my nutrition program, and I highly recommend it!

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I want to also thank my incredible husband and Soul Mate, Michael, for all his support, encouragement, and unwavering love throughout my journey. He is my rock, and I appreciate him so much. He was by my side the whole weekend, helping me any way he could, the entire time we were there. Many of my Bombshell ’sistas’ commented on how great he was, and I am so proud to be the one on his arm. He is a true treasure, and the answer to my prayers. If I lost everything else, and still had Michael, I would still be the luckiest, most blessed woman in the world. I love you, My Baby!!!

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So now begins my new journey, through “Improvement Season”, to next year’s competition circuit. I hope each of you will join me on this great adventure of self development, and self-discovery. Your friendship, support and encouragement means the world to me! You can support me even further by joining Team Defiance, and I will support YOU in turn with great workouts and superior nutrition plans! See the Team Defiance tab at the top of the website page.

Have an incredibly blessed Thanksgiving, full of love and laughter, and be grateful for all your blessings. Your health is your greatest gift! If it’s not where you want it to be, Be Defiant! Defy all the forces keeping you down, and let’s get going on YOUR new adventure to vibrant health!

Be Defiant!

Christy

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Sun Warrior really is a godsend, and an incredible product. I highly recommend it. I use it several times a day! Even if it weren’t raw vegan, it is still far superior to whey or other proteins out there on the market.
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And the incredible Raw Beauty, Lauren Michelle Kinsey, also known as Sweet Raw La-La on her VERY popular blog, Awakening Raw Beauty, was kind enough to include me in her “Raw Built Body Project”. Her site is wonderful and extremely informative. Here is the link to my post:

http://laurenkinseynaturalbeauty.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/an-update-from-christy-duffell-seguin/

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Today was a three-workout day, but comparatively very easy. Rob and Shannon said they want me to recover and rest this week, as I have done all I can do to prepare my physique, and they want me rested and on my A-game come this Saturday. I did really bust it on back and arms, though. I was jelly by the time I was done. The cardio was a piece of cake!

We leave for Florida on Thursday morning. I will keep you as updated as possible!

And THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! To all of you who have shown interest in Team Defiance and have sent me some incredible comments. My heart is filled to bursting with gratitude for each and every one of you, and just knowing that I somehow make a positive difference in the life of others is the best gift I can get. I am humbled and honored to be a part of your life. And I promise to keep working hard and hopefully inspire others to be the best they can be.

Be Defiant!

Christy

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As you all know, unless you have been under a rock or don’t have cable, the real estate market is, well……not what it used to be. The reality of that situation coupled with the realization that I am now the happiest I have ever been, has made me want to pursue my true passion–fitness and nutrition.

Now, I am not by any means abandoning real estate! I just have a lot of time now that I didn’t have before, and have put it to good use in the gym. And in studying holistic nutrition. If I had the funds, I would pursue a PhD in Holistic Nutrition, and I do plan to someday. But I study nutrition passionately, and learn as much as I can every day. With what I learned in my studies, and with the consistent workout schedule, that led me back into competition. Which then led me to Team Bombshell, and the rest, as they say, is history.

My friend asked me last week if I was happy. It only took me a second to stop and realize–I am living my dream. I told her, truthfully, that I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. I am so grateful for everything I have—my incredible husband and soul mate, Michael; the ‘bestest’ kitty in the world, Jukebox; a wonderful family; fantastic friends; and I finally had the guts to step out there and really pursue my dream of competing in Figure. People come into our lives for a reason . ‘When the student is ready the teacher appears.’ I was ready, and Shannon and Rob appeared. And my life has changed.

The only thing missing right now is a consistent source of income. I am still working and have been blessed with much more business than most agents have in this market. And I do feel positive that good things are to come. But when I really sat down and thought about what it is I really want, I realized that I really want to work in the fitness industry and positively affect people’s lives through better health and nutrition. Basically, I want to get paid for working out!

I have been working on a recipe book for a while, although I have been very intermittent and not committed enough to it. That is going to change. I am going to work on that with a vengeance. With what I have learned, I really feel I can help guide people to health through Living Cuisine.

But the big thing right now is this:

I just became re-certified as a personal trainer! I had let my certifications slip after I moved here and got so busy in real estate. But I realized I wanted to train people again, especially because I get so many requests from this site and people that I meet in every day life. Plus, with training, I can have a flexible schedule that allows me to also work real estate. So it’s the best of all worlds!

A BETTER WAY:

But with the economy the way it is, the number of people paying 50 bucks an hour for someone to stand over them and count reps has dropped dramatically. I see the trainers in my town suffering the loss of many clients, and the gyms are letting many of their in-house trainers go. So, there has to be a better way. A way to provide excellent services to many people, at a very affordable cost.

I think I have found that way. Inspired by the way that I am trained by Team Bombshell, which works so incredibly well, I realized that this model of training could be applied to ‘regular’ folks–not just us gym bunnies in sparkly swimsuits! Come on–you know how to count. You can count your own reps! What most people need is a plan.

So here is what I am now offering:

Nutrition plans and workout plans emailed every four weeks, with unlimited email support throughout the month.

Everything will be detailed and spelled out for the client, on a daily basis. Each plan will be customized to the client, based on a thorough initial consultation. The initial consultation can be in person or on the phone. I will create the programs and send them to the client. The clients’ responsibility is to simply FOLLOW THE PLAN! Print out the plan, tuck it in your workout journal (you DO have one, don’t you?) and take it to the gym. Have your meal plan with you, and you won’t even have to think about what you are eating every day–it will all be spelled out for you and relieve all that stress!

I want this to be accessible for EVERYONE, so the fee structure is as follows:

–4-week workout plan: $100

So, basically, you get a comprehensive, customized nutrition or workout plan starting at $100 per month! That’s the equivalent of only two private training sessions! If you are serious about your health, you can save $100 per month just by following the nutrition plan and eliminating a lot of unhealthy things that are also costing you money. Heck, $100 is just one decent dinner out anymore.

This would also be on a month to month basis–no contract, no obligation. Your success will depend on the level of your commitment and motivation. 50 percent effort will be a disaster and you will say that the plan didn’t work. So don’t go there. But if you are really committed and self-motivated to achieve a healthy lifestyle, then this would be perfect for you. And remember, it is customized to you, so you don’t have to fear the plan. It will challenge you to achieve a new personal best, but will be very achievable.

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If you are interested in working with me, please contact me through this site, or email me directly at cduffell@sc.rr.com. I am so excited about this new venture, and already have been working with some wonderful clients. I can work with anyone, anywhere in the world. I am even talking to a wonderful lady who lives in Dubai who will hopefully become a client after recovering from surgery. What a cool place to live!

One big thing!!! If your goal is to compete in Figure, Fitness or NPC/IFBB Bikini—then I will refer you to Team Bombshell at www.bombshellfitness.com.

Team Bombshell offers so much more than just the plans–it’s like having your own PR or modeling agency, coaching you in every detail for competition. They own their own magazine, and just do so much for the Bombshells. It’s a comprehensive, incredible program and they have so many connections in the industry to help launch their athletes. For example, Bombshell Cheryl Brown just was awarded a sponsorship by GNC!!! Wow! (What I would give for something like that!!!) I cannot offer that kind of environment, and the serious competitor needs to be in a place that can maximize their exposure and career. So I will send you directly to Shannon and Rob, do not pass Go, do not collect $200!

I am looking for the person who wants to be in their best shape and health. I especially want to work with people who want to explore the Living Foods lifestyle in more depth and still be fit, toned, and not stick-thin and gaunt like so many people perceive vegetarians to be. But I can work with anyone–you don’t have to go raw vegan for me! I promise! I WILL teach you about the power of whole foods, though. It’s your choice what to do with the education.

So here is my pitch–I want clients! I am available and eager to get you on the road to beautiful health and a gorgeous body! Please contact me, and I will go right to work for you!

Be Defiant! Fight for your health–and I will be right there fighting for it with you. I got your back!!!

Christy

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I have been running so hard (literally!) the past week I haven’t had much of a chance to update you. Things are going well in my training. My calf is MUCH better, and I have been able to return to some of my plyometrics and even some treadmill work, such as walking lunges, side lunges, walking backwards, and that type of thing as long as it doesn’t involve running. Dr. Renick hasn’t released me to run or do any weighted calf work yet, but I should be able to get back pretty quickly. Honestly, the step mill FEELS much more difficult than the treadmill, from an intensity and exertion standpoint to me. But I know my coach, Shannon, wants me on the treadmill for specific muscle-building reasons, so I am looking forward to being able to get back to my prescribed routine. She has been great through my injury, always stressing that health comes first, and that it is better to substitute than to risk a worse injury. She always says that I am in this for the long haul. I sure hope so!

I must tell you how invaluable the A.R.T. work was for me. I talked to two different people, one man and one woman, who had the same injury I do. They both said that it was three MONTHS before they could get back to doing any kind of running. I was distressed when I heard that, of course. But I have made incredible progress in less than two weeks. I asked Dr. Rennick, and he said they probably didn’t receive any kind of soft tissue therapy, and that I had been smart in getting therapy within 24 hours after the injury. I am continually amazed by the difference the soft tissue therapy has made in my body. So many of the chronic pains I had just come to accept as part of my life are now non-existent. My flexibility is so much better. And the obvious speed in healing after what I thought was a debilitating injury is incredible. (I do think my raw diet has a LOT to do with that, too!)

I have to say that I am SO glad I got the therapy, but it HURT! You know in the Western movies, where they have to cut a bullet out of someone, and they give him an arrow to bite down on? I was wishing I had an arrow when I had that first session! Whew! But considering I could barely hop into the office on one leg, and was walking normally within 48 hours afterward, I would say the pain was definitely worth the gain!

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Nationals is now three weeks from yesterday. I have a new set of meals, cardio and diet. I was supposed to start tomorrow, but I already got a bit of a jump start on it. I jsut want to be the best I can be!

We worked out yesterday in The RUSH! Fitness complex in Knoxville, at the East location in Knoxville Center Mall. That is one of the most radical gyms I have been to! We really enjoyed it. The people were all so nice, and when they found out I was competing, went out of their way to make sure I had anything I needed. One thing I really liked was that all the weight equipment was arranged according to bodyparts–a ‘Legz’ area, ‘Shoulderz’, etc. (Everything has a ‘z’ on the end, which was cute.) I was doing cardio and didn’t get to really test it out, but it seems to me that would be great for the superset and giant set type of workouts I do. Michael did work legs, and he loved it. We did go to the ‘Abz’ area and did a great circuit, one of the best I have ever done.

RUSH! had so many off-the-wall features, too. They had this ‘Dunk-oline’ thing which was a trampoline with basketball goals and curtains around the side so you could jump ridiculously high and dunk basketballs. Awesome! And the coolest feature was this big tall rock-climbing wall rising right out of the middle of the gym. Oh, how I wished I had time to tackle that thing! I LOVE climbing stuff!

So if you are traveling in the Knoxville, TN or Asheville, NC area, definitely stop in at a RUSH!. They are great, and very reasonable on the fees. I just wanted to give them a shout-out in appreciation for a great workout and exceptional hospitality!

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Another shout-out must go to my FAVORITE place in the entire world–Litton’s Market in Knoxville, TN. Michael and I have eaten at many fine places in great cities, including a restaurant rated in the top 10 in the world in the Bahamas–the Greycliff. But I wouldn’t trade fifty of those places for one meal at Litton’s. It’s just a down-home ‘burger joint’ that is so relaxed and fun, but has the best of everything. I don’t care what we get there, it’s always the best I have ever had. Even the coffee! You know how you just drink coffee and may say, ‘Oh that was good’? This is like, Wow, every sip has to be savored, holding it on my tongue as if it were a fine wine. It’s just that delicious. And that’s just the starter!

How good is Litton’s? Well, it has been featured in Southern Living Magazine, among many others. It gained national notoriety as one of ‘Todd’s Taste of the Town’ Features on a ESPN football game a couple of years ago. And, as luck would have it, when we were there Friday night, Todd Blackledge, Erin Andrews, and the rest of the ESPN Game Crew had just left from having dinner. Darn! I would have loved to meet them! Eric Litton, son of Barry Litton the owner and founder, talked with us for a long time, and is always delightful and a good friend. Barry is recovering from rotator cuff surgery, so best wishes for a speedy recovery to the man who makes many thousands of people blissfully happy! I told Michael as I took my last bite Friday night–It will be a year before I am this happy again! I was good, though. Yes, I had my ‘cheat meal’ but I didn’t blow it out like I normally would have. Hmmm…….maybe we should drive back after the contest. It’s worth a four and a half hour trip!

They now have a website where you can order their incredible desserts. Visit Littons Mail Order to have their incredible treats delivered to you, wherever you are. I cannot recommend their desserts highly enough. Your taste buds will think they died and went to heaven! Definitely try their Red Velvet Cake, if nothing else. Put it on your ‘Bucket List’—it’s that good!!! The Italian Cream Cake is a close second. For you chocolate lovers, the innocent-sounding ‘Cream Cheese Brownie’ is a chocolate explosion with a shot of Almond that sends you into the stratosphere! OMG! I am making myself hungry!

Come to think of it, I think I may do that for Thanksgiving. Having a Litton’s cake would be out of this world, and since Thanksgiving is a few days after Nationals, it would be perfect! Although, I may still have to give the nod to my Mom on the German Chocolate Cake contest. Mom’s is the best!

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I did put a house under contract last week, so please pray that inspections go well this week. My client is a first-time home buyer and we need to close before the end of November to get him that $8000.00 tax credit. (And for me to continue to make a living!)

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Michael took a big step last week, and resigned his position with his current company to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity as the Major Accounts Manager for Digital Office Solutions. His role will be expanded also, to include implementing a new printer program and software programs. He is very excited and so am I. It’s a great company with dynamic ownership, and has been growing, even during the recession that has hurt the office equipment business so much. So, to my Soul Mate and Best Friend—I love you and support you on this exciting new adventure!!!

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I am so ready to kick this week into high gear on my pre-National workouts! I am raring to go! I am going to work harder than ever before, and just be the best that I can be.

Blessings to you all, and always remember—you have to FIGHT for your health! Be Defiant! Stand up to the forces that conspire to keep you down. YOU are in control, not the fast food joints, Big Food companies, Big Pharma, your cravings, and even your family. Only you are in control of every bite that goes in your mouth, and you are also in control of whether you make the time to put your health first and get to the gym, or at least get in some good exercise. You can do it! You are worth it! Fight!

Be Defiant!

Christy

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P.S. Watch for a big announcement coming from me very soon!

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