I was checking out my friend Derek’s Blog, Cheek & Bluster and I saw a link to this site called The Blog Readability Test that rates Blog’s etc. and determines the level of education required to understand it.  So I gave it a shot.

Hmmm. I’m not sure how to take that.

It reminds me of a sitcom a while back (I can’t remember the name where the main character on the show had a Tivo.  Incase you did not know, Tivos can record show based on what it (the Tivo) thinks you would like. On the show the Tivo kept recording gay shows- the Tivo thought he was gay.  Hilarity ensued.

Apparently The Blog Readability Test believes I am dumb. This is not the first time it has been thought, but it is to the best of my knowledge the first time it has been thought by a non-living thing. I think I would prefer to be thought gay. 

Perhaps as my fellow Blogger Derek points out I have been dumbing it down for my intended audience.  Sadly, I know this not to be true (dammit).

In any case to The Blog Readability Test - I think you are way stupider than me.

So there.

Joshua Carter
http://carterfitness.com

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WARNING: First few paragraphs contain adolescent humor and should be skipped by un-funny people as you will not laugh and simply think I am an idiot.

I am a still a kid on the inside. I think stupid things are funny. For instance farts are a riot.  My eldest son recently learned the never-gets-old “pull my finger” gag and I could not be more proud.

I would venture that most men are still this way to a certain degree.  A certain high powered executive I know still giggles like a school boy if you mention the word “duty” in a sentence, and truth be told so do I.  Don’t even get me started on the funniest word there is: “Diarrhea”- always hysterical. (Try this, when someone asks you a question, just answer “diarrhea”. They might not laugh at first, but you will.)

The above childish mentality is why I still think it is funny when people talk about a “food log”. All I can think of is literally a log of food.  It just sounds like something that Hickory Farms gives out samples of during the holidays. And just like Homer Simpson I begin to think “Mmm, food…”

Josh on the inside

Calling it a “food diary” simply leads to the aforementioned world’s funniest word, so that wont work either. I think a better and more accurate term is “nutrition journal.” But realistically at this point if someone said to me “nutrition journal”  I think I would just say “You mean food log?”

Let’s move on…

The reason I bring up the “food log” is a recent study. Kaiser Permanente recruited 1700 participants and tracked their progress as they embarked on a weight loss journey.  This moderate weight loss plan involved both exercise and a healthy diet.

It turns out that the dieters who kept a daily journal (or food log ) of every single thing they ate lost TWICE as much weight as those who did not.

Now the fact that loggers lost more weight does not surprise me in the least.  But losing double what the others dieters did is simply astounding.

It comes back to a point I constantly harp on: Accountability. Keeping track of your eating habits keeps you accountable for what you consume. The majority of Americans  vastly underestimate the amount of food they actually consume.  The proof is in the waistline.  When you write it down everything is right there in black and white.  Hidden habits are uncovered, and nutritional missteps come to light.

“It had a very big impact,” one study participant noted. “If I was walking through the kitchen and wanted to grab a cookie or a brownie, I would think twice because I knew I had to write it down.”

I require all Carter Fitness clients keep a food journal. The ones that actually keep track make better progress every time, without fail.  I tell them they can use the PDF I give them, send me an email, write it in a spiral notebook or write it on a napkin with a crayon - it just doesn’t matter.  So long as it gets written.  You can download the journal I give my clients HERE.

Keeping track of what you eat is one of the easiest secrets to fat loss success I can think of. If it makes you think twice about what you are consuming than it is worth it.

Call it a nutrition journal, or a food log it just doesn’t matter - make it your duty.

Diarrhea.

Joshua Carter
http://carterfitness.com
4 Minute Fat Loss Online

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A few years back a movie grabbed America’s attention. The movie I am refering to is “Super Size Me“:

Super Size Me is an Academy Award-nominated 2004 documentary film, directed by and starring Morgan Spurlock, an American independent filmmaker. It follows a 30-day time period (February 2003) during which Spurlock subsists exclusively on McDonald’s fast food and stops exercising regularly. The film documents this lifestyle’s drastic effects on Spurlock’s physical and psychological well-being and explores the fast food industry’s corporate influence, including how it encourages poor nutrition for its own profit. During the filming, Spurlock dined at McDonald’s restaurants three times per day, sampling every item on the chain’s menu at least once. He consumed an average of 5,000 calories (the equivalent of 9.26 Big Macs) per day during the experiment.

In the experiment he gained 24.5 pounds of fat, and overall health declined so rapidly that doctors begged him to discontinue his experiment. You can actually view an full length educational version of the film for free HERE

As shocking and thought provoking as Super Size Me was, I believe there is something even bigger (yes, that’s a weak pun) on the horizon: Killer at Large.

Here is the trailer.

I haven’t seen it yet - but I will the first time it comes to town.  For more information visit: http://www.killeratlarge.com/

Joshua Carter
http://carterfitness.com

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Nice title huh?  Actually, that was Catherine’s idea.  It sounds kinda creepy, but I assure you it’s not and it will be more clear in a moment. First let me tell you about Catherine. 

Catherine is one of my online personal training clients. I have, over the years, had online training clients that have done very well, but every once in a while there is a superstar. A person who not only asks for my help, but follows my plan almost to the letter.  Yeah, kinda teachers pet.

Before and “During”
43 pounds down, and still the fat is falling off

At the 15 week mark Catherine has lost a total of 43 pounds and 41 inches.

“My daughter is 41 inches tall and my son weighs 43 pounds - I’ve lost my son and my daughter!”

Get it now? Such a clever girl :)   You can read her Full Story Here.

Catherine was faced with the same struggles we all face: Family life, professional life and the constant fight to keep it all balanced.  As it happens so frequently health took a back seat to everything else.

But then something snapped and she decided to do something. She took action and took action big time. She signed up with me.

She worked hard- and I know it was not easy.  But just look at her results.  And as good as she looks, I think she would tell you that is nothing compared to how good she now feels.

I gave her the tools she need: both customized workouts and specific nutritional plans. And I even included my now semi-famous 4 Minute Fat Loss workouts.

It is because of Catherine’s insane success I have re-designed and re-vamped my online training packages and created 4 Minute Fat Loss Online. 

To answer your first question: Yes, some of the workouts only last 4 minutes, but some last longer.  It all depends on what you need as it is all customized.

Ask yourself this:  How well is your current program working? How much progress have you made in the last 15 weeks? Could you stand to have a fresh and unique program designed just for you? What is I told you it was 100% guaranteed?

As these programs are all designed by me personally, I am only accepting 10 more online clients. You can get the full scoop at 4 Minute Fat Loss Online

If you have waited long enough to have the body and health of your dreams then take action. Catherine did.

Will you be next?

Joshua Carter
http://carterfitness.com
4 Minute Fat Loss Online

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2 nights ago, one got me.  And got me good. While I lay asleep, blissfully dreaming of deadlifts and peanut butter a mosquito bit me. 5 times up and down my left arm.  Starting at my middle finger knuckle and going all the way up the the top of my shoulder. 5 red, swollen, itchy annoying reminders of a parasite’s night of evil misdeeds.  Stealing my blood- and in a small way a piece of my life. Ok, maybe I’m being a little overly dramatic.

Life can be filled with figurative mosquitoes and other blood suckers- people (or situations) that steal your time, your energy, your blood and your life. If you do not take action you’ll get bitten- and it will itch, you’ll scratch and it become at the very least seriously annoying. All relationships should be based on mutual benefit- both parties should be able to get something out of the arrangement.  If it is at all one-sided there is a problem.  We all have or have had people like this in our lives.Here are 4 things you can do to avoid the bite and associated pain.

Get Some OFF
Sometimes the easiest way to have someone leave you alone is to simply avoid them.  Do not associate with them, do not hang out where they do, do not return there calls or emails or texts- with any luck they will get the hint.  This in not a proactive approach, but can avoid uncomfortable situations. Yes, it is somewhat of a wussy way out, but it can work.

Send Them Towards the Light:  Bug Zapper
This one works especially well for mosquitoes in the professional environment, the ones that pester you where you work.  The type of person who keeps calling, keeps emailing, keeps texting or is just plain won’t leave you alone.  Send them to the light: Just say "Hey, what’s that bright shinny thing over there? You should check that out." Basically refer them elsewhere. Let them know you think they would be better off somewhere else.  I have had to do that more than once with personal training clients.

Crush Them
This should be reserved for worst case scenario when nothing else works: strike them down.  Remember when they bleed, that is your blood they are bleeding, not theirs.  When nothing else works you need to tell that person in no uncertain terms that you are done with them.  They have siphoned off their last drop, the blood buffet is closed. This is a drastic measure, but in some instances absolutely necessary.

Life is can be hard hard enough.  People who drag you down have no place in your life.  Surround yourself with positive energy and positive people.  People who support you and you support in return.  These are your true friends.  These are the people that deserve your energy, as what you give to them will be returned to you ten fold.

Joshua Carter
http://carterfitness.com

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Maybe I should give this a try….

Maybe not.

Joshua Carter
http://carterfitness.com

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This guy might want to re-think his home gym setup.

Cinder Blocks Make Bad Dumbbells - Watch more free videos

Joshua Carter
http://carterfitness.com/

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I wanted to wish all the fathers out there a very happy Father’s Day. And especially to my father,Ted Carter who taught me (among other things) happiness in life is not found in the money or possessions you have, but in the people that you love and people who love you.

To my Dad, Happy Fathers Day.

Ted & Josh Carter - 1973

Joshua Carter
http://carterfitness.com

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Fitness and fat loss is not easy. I’d go so far as to say it is damn hard. If it were easy everyone would be lean. Having an environment conducive to fat loss is a must. Your surroundings can make-or-break your fat loss program.  I have seen too many programs derailed by various negative aspects of life. These people are often very dedicated, but due to outside influences their program collapsed. It is with that in mind that I have created the following list of 6 tips to create the absolute optimal environment for fat loss.

Turn Off the TV:
Too many hours are wasted sitting on the couch, mowing through bags of whatever while watching the latest reality show. Turn off the TV. I don’t care if it is the latest 65″ HD monster, you will be far better off going for a walk.

 
An average night

Clean House: 
Get rid of all the junk food in your house. You can’t have a late night crap feast if there is no crap to be found. You should stock up on lean proteins, fibrous veggies, and low sugar fruits.

.
Land O’ Chips

Ditch The Spouse:
Whether it be husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend get rid of them.  If there is even a chance they do not share your metabolism or drive to get in shape they have no place in your life.

I love you too, honey

Quit Your Job: 
Co-workers are saboteurs and sometimes flat out jerks. While perhaps not malicious in intent, their actions are meant to derail your program.  Things like “one bite won’t hurt”, or  “you already look fine”. By bringing you down, it makes them less guilty about their own bad habits.  You know how important your goals are for your self image.  By eliminating this toxic environment your results are ensured.

Co-Workers suck

Lose Your Kids: 
Kids have crazy metabolisms.  Too often they can eat whatever they want and not gain weight- and they’ll do it right in front of you. That is just plain mean. Add to that sometimes they don’t eat it all leaving a perfectly good piece of whatever it is on the plate - just staring at you. You are better off without the temptations.

 
Save some for Daddy

Ignore Your Parents:
Let’s face it, it’s ultimately their fault you are not lean. It is they who passed on the faulty genetics plus they fostered bad eating habits in early childhood. Next time around, choose better parents.

Stop Paying Bills:
Bills are a great source of stress. Stress increases cortisol levels which can halt all fat loss efforts.

That’s about right

Lock Yourself In:
The outside world is full of negativity and potential temptation.  Create a sanctuary in your basement or garage. All you need are some dumbbells and a bench, a bathroom is provably a good idea for personal needs and a water source, and a computer with Internet access so you can order your protein powder (which is all you should eat) and so you can continue to read my incredibly helpful fitness tips.

A bit lavish, but it acceptable

Until next time- I’ll be in my garage- alone.

Joshua Carter
http://carterfitness.com/

PS:  Obviously the point of the above was to drag you in with seemingly acceptable suggestions, then illustrate the absurdity of “all out” optimization. There is no way I will stop watching TV, I certainly will never clean my house, I might ditch the spouse for a weekend or so, but that is plenty (same for the kids, they’re too cute). The real challenge lies in creating a program that provides a balance between what is optimal and what is practical.  It can be done.

Chances are you cannot quit your job, and there might be people there who are not the most supportive, but that’s ok.  You can find strength in other areas.  There will always be those you can count on to help you in your fitness quest. Those who believe in you, like your non-optimal parents, spouse and kids (and possibly jerky co-workers.) And you ever need a boost you can always email or call me.

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Both male and female clients often ask me the secret to six pack abs. Sure there is a secret, I know what it is and so does the guy below.

One way to do it.

Probably not quite what my clients had in mind.

Joshua Carter
http://carterfitness.com

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