Six Weeks To Fitness

The interview with Orvel Douglas centered on the healing and transformative power of fruits, particularly those with high water content, and their role in detoxifying the body, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall health. Orvel shared his philosophy of promoting fruit-based interventions as a natural and effective way to address various health issues, emphasizing the importance of choosing fruits that resonate with individual preferences rather than adhering to rigid guidelines.

The discussion highlighted Orvel's guidance to a participant who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She recounted following his advice to eat only watermelon for three days, experiencing a noticeable improvement in her health. Orvel explained that fruits like watermelon, grapes, and others with high water content are effective at reducing inflammation and clearing toxins from the body. He noted that any such fruit could produce similar benefits, allowing people to choose fruits they enjoy for sustained adherence.

A key takeaway from Orvel's approach is flexibility and personalization. He avoids prescribing specific fruits, instead encouraging individuals to select from a wide variety of high-water fruits based on their personal preferences. This inclusive approach makes his guidance accessible to a broader audience, fostering a sense of empowerment and choice.

Another participant raised questions about managing pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol while incorporating a fruit-focused diet. Orvel reassured her that fruits play a comprehensive role in addressing multiple health issues simultaneously, emphasizing their ability to reduce inflammation and toxicity, which can contribute to overall healing. He noted that eating fruits does not target a single condition but instead promotes holistic health improvement, benefiting multiple areas of the body.

The discussion also touched on myths and misconceptions about fruit consumption, which Orvel aims to dispel through education within his Facebook group. This platform provides a space for participants to learn about fruit-based healing, share experiences, and access detailed information on managing various health concerns naturally.

Lastly, a question about colon health and a recent colonoscopy diagnosis highlighted the potential for fruit-based diets to support colon healing by reducing toxicity and inflammation. Orvel reiterated that a clean diet rich in fruits can positively impact multiple systems, including the digestive system, aligning with his broader message of holistic healing.

In summary, the interview underscored the effectiveness of high-water-content fruits in promoting health and reducing inflammation. Orvel emphasized flexibility, education, and empowerment, guiding individuals to make choices tailored to their preferences and needs while addressing a wide range of health concerns naturally.

We’re coming to the end of 2024 and if you still haven’t reached your Fitness goals, this video is for you! Did you know that according to the National Institute of Health 42% of adults are obese? Are you one of them? Are you waiting until 2025 when the #1 New Year’s resolution is to either get in shape or lose weight? Unfortunately, only about 8% succeed in that area.

The best way to ensure that you will lose weight in 2025 is to start working on it now in 2024. In this video, I’m going to give you the 3 steps that I would take if I wanted to lose weight and get into shape by the end of the year. The 2rd step you probably never heard of.

 When I was in the Navy, I indulged in the martial arts and other activities, so I was in very good condition and quite muscular at the time. At the tender age of 22, I was approached by one of my superior officers, who thought it was necessary to provide some unsolicited comments about my muscular physique and how by the time I reached his age of 26, I would no longer have that lean, muscular physique, I would start to look like him, out of shape and flabby. Well, decades later, I think back to that conversation and realize what he said as of this day never materialized. Why? because I made fitness a part of my life, and today, I’m going to share my expertise with you, so let’s go!

 #1 Don’t Eat Three to Four Hours Before bedtime. Your metabolism slows down at night, and eating before bedtime forces your body to digest food when it is least efficient, meaning you will store extra calories as fat, and you are loading your body up with fuel that it does not have the capacity or time to burn. This one thing can cause weight gain, especially around the midsection which is the worse place to carry fat.

 #2 Intermittent Fasting

 In my Six Weeks to Fitness programs, I discuss and strongly encourage Intermittent Fasting for weight loss and to reduce chronic disease. Intermittent fasting is nothing new. For thousands of years, it has been utilized as a healing and spiritual practice. In recent years, fasting has taken on a new direction, one that has its focus on accelerating fat loss.

With intermittent fasting, you not only losing weight, but you gain mental focus and clarity. For those of you who are not familiar with intermittent fasting, it is basically time restricted eating, in other words, you only eat during a specific time. So, it’s not really dieting, it’s just another pattern of eating, and just in case you are under the impression that you can’t fast, think again. Every human being on this planet fasts. When you go to bed at night and wake up 6, 7, 8, or more hours later, you have fasted during that length of time, and when you eat your first meal, you are breaking the fast, and that’s why it’s called “breakfast.”

There are various methods of intermittent fasting out there, but the most popular is the 16:8 intermittent fasting method. This method involves limiting your intake of foods and calorie-containing beverages to a set window of 8 hours per day. You abstain from food for the remaining 16 hours, though you’re still allowed to drink water and other no-calorie beverages, like black coffee or tea (no crème or sugar). You can choose to start your fast at 8:00 p.m. in the evening and fast until the next day at 12:00 p.m. for a total of 16 hours, after which you break the fast with a light meal. You can eat regular meals during the 8 hours and start back on your fast at 8 p.m.

What if the 16:8 intermittent fasting method doesn’t work for you because of the long fasting hours? I would suggest you try 12:12, in other words try fasting for 12 hours and have an eating window of 12 hours. Over time your body will adjust to longer fasting hours such as 14:10, 16:8. Intermittent fasting places your body in fat burning mode during the fasting phase. The first nutrient your body uses for energy is carbs, followed by fat, then protein in that order. When you limit the amount of carbs for 16 hours, your body will seek out the next energy source which is fat, and that is why this type of weight loss program is so effective.

Most people are not aware of the fact that the body heals itself while it’s in a fasting state, which is another reason why you should fast.

Let me read some quotes from some very famous historical figures from our past:

 It was Plato, who said “I fast for greater physical and mental efficiency.”

Benjamin Franklin  said “The best of all medicines is resting and fasting.” Why? You are allowing your body to rest and heal itself.

Mark Twain who said "A little starvation can really do more for the average sick man than can the best medicines and the best doctors." –

#3 “Peak 8 High Intensity Interval Training”

 High Intensity Interval training is a type of physical training that involves short bursts of high-intensity work mixed in with periods of low-intensity work. The high-intensity periods are typically near maximum exertion, while the recovery periods may involve rest or lower intensity. We have become accustomed to believing that doing some type of aerobic exercise for an hour or more is the best way to lose weight, but that’s not the case. If you go to any gym the most used equipment is the cardio equipment and the people showing the least improvement in their body composition are the same people running on the cardio machines. If you’re serious about losing weight and toning your body in a short amount of time, I highly recommend Peak 8 Interval Training. Every client I introduced to Peak 8 has seen positive results in a matter of a few short weeks and this is NO exaggeration.

This activity will put your body in fat burning mode for hours after you complete the activity. In other words, you will continue burning calories for the rest of the day.

Now that I “piqued” your interest into Peak 8 training, let’s discuss how it is performed. You can perform this exercise while walking or running or if you prefer to use equipment, a treadmill, elliptical or stationary bicycle will do just fine.

Peak 8

Start by warming up slowly for three minutes

30 seconds FLAT OUT sprint / 90 sec complete recovery (keep moving slowly)

End with a two-minute cool down

The actual sprinting totals only 4 minutes!

This type of training will put your body in fat burning mode for hours after the workout and this is why it is one of the most important tools to have in your toolbox.

There you have it! 3 Steps that are guaranteed to help you lose 10 pounds or more and will help you to get into shape before 2025.

Don’t be like everyone else waiting for January 1st only to be disappointed by February 1st, the time is now.

Let me know what you think about these steps and if you tried them. There is so much we can do to improve our health naturally and quickly, regardless of your age.

I am available for one on one coaching and virtual public speaking.

I also have an ebook called Six Weeks to A Flatter Stomach, which is based on my very popular Six Weeks to Fitness programs. It comes with my personal money back guarantee. If you don’t see a flatter stomach in 6 weeks, I will return your money no questions asked.

Meet Edwin Richardson, a certified personal trainer, entrepreneur, and inventor of the "Back Buddy," a unique shower back scrubber and massage pad that allows you to easily exfoliate and massage your back while you shower. Edwin's fitness journey began at age 50 when he faced significant back pain, fatigue, and excess weight. With the guidance of his nephew, a bodybuilder, Edwin adopted a disciplined diet and workout regime, ultimately losing 50 pounds, eliminating his back pain, and building a muscular physique. His transformation inspired him to start Jan Jo Fitness LLC, where he now helps others achieve fitness and health goals through structured nutrition and exercise.

Growing up in a physically active era, Edwin remained fit until career demands and poor eating habits led to weight gain. At 50, his declining health pushed him to seek change, leading him to a gym where he found a personal trainer who guided him through rigorous cardio and strength training. Through consistency, he shed the extra pounds and eliminated his back pain by strengthening his core and back.Now, a leading personal trainer in New York, Edwin works with clients of all ages, and emphasizes a holistic approach to fitness, focusing on five pillars: upper body, lower body, core, balance, and conditioning. Edwin also advocates boxing as a tool for fitness and self-defense, sharing how it helped him during a street altercation.

Edwin also discussed his invention, the Back Buddy, which helps people exfoliate and massage their backs in the shower. Available on Amazon and his website, it has received positive reviews and serves as a practical solution for those needing back care.To anyone over 50 who thinks it’s too late to pursue fitness goals, Edwin encourages them that it's never too late, noting that consistent effort can yield remarkable changes at any age. He highlights the importance of four health pillars: sleep, diet, exercise, and stress reduction, urging listeners to start small with exercise and build up over time for long-term health and wellness.

Did you hear that Hollywood actress, Eva Mendes is calling for the removal of artificial dyes from Kellogg's cereals, citing health concerns. She argues that many of the ingredients used in Kellogg's products are harmful for children and banned in other countries. Mendez has encouraged her followers to join a peaceful march to Kellogg's headquarters to demand change.

Kellogg has responded by stating that their products comply with all applicable laws and regulations and that they remain committed to transparent labeling. However, some states are now starting to outlaw these same dyes, raising questions about the company's claims.

In this episode, I discuss the potential health risks associated with artificial dyes, including links to hyperactivity, ADHD, and other behavioral problems. I also discuss why I find it odd that Kellogg's uses natural food colorings in their products in Canada but not in the United States.

I believe there should be greater awareness and action regarding the ingredients in our food and I emphasize the importance of choosing real, healthy foods and demanding better quality products from companies like Kellogg's. Our health is at stake.

Marline Richards, otherwise known as Pastor Joy, is a Jamaican-born minister, health coach, and energy medicine practitioner. During the interview, Pastor Joy shared her inspiring journey and the founding of her Center of Joy ministry. Growing up in rural Jamaica, she developed a deep connection to nature and a strong sense of community. After immigrating to the United States, Pastor Joy pursued a career in healthcare and education, earning degrees in physical education, health information management, and divinity.

A pivotal moment in her life came when she was inspired to start her ministry. Through a series of spiritual experiences, she realized her calling to educate and empower people to live healthier lives. The Center of Joy ministry was born, focusing on holistic health and wellness.

The Healthy Choices Healthy Living Program, a key component of her ministry, aims to promote healthy lifestyle choices through education, community engagement, and support. Pastor Joy emphasized the importance of addressing both physical and spiritual health. Her work has gained recognition for its positive impact on individuals and communities.

Throughout the interview, Pastor Joy's passion for her mission was evident. She shared personal stories and experiences that highlighted her commitment to helping others. Her journey serves as an inspiration to those seeking to make a positive difference in the world

In this episode of my Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I interviewed Tricia Nelson an Emotional Eating Expert, who has lost 50 pounds by identifying and healing the underlying causes of her emotional eating. She is the author of the #1 bestselling book, Heal Your Hunger, 7 Simple Steps to End Emotional Eating Now. Tricia is also a TEDx speaker whose talk garnered over 2 million views on Youtube.

During our interview, Tricia delved into the complexities of emotional eating and its impact on health and wellness. Tricia shared her insights on how emotional eating often stems from unresolved emotional issues and how it can sabotage one's fitness and health goals. She emphasized the importance of understanding the root causes of emotional eating, which often include stress, anxiety, and past traumas, and how these can lead to unhealthy eating patterns.

Here are some key points from the interview:

·         Emotional eating is common: Many people don't realize how much their eating choices are driven by emotions.

·         Healing emotional connections: Addressing the emotional reasons for overeating is crucial for long-term weight loss and improved health.

·         Personal journey: Tricia shared her own experience with emotional eating and how she overcame it.  

·         Identifying emotional eating: Tricia discussed how to determine if you're an emotional eater and provided a quiz on her website.  

·         Strategies for overcoming emotional eating: Tricia offered advice on how to break free from emotional eating habits, including creating a morning routine, building community, and avoiding triggers.

·         Mindful eating: Tricia emphasized the importance of mindful eating and paying attention to hunger cues.

·         Finding healthier alternatives: She discussed how to find healthier alternatives to sugary foods and navigate grocery stores.

·         Sugar's impact on mood and cognition: Tricia emphasized the negative effects of sugar on mental clarity, mood, and overall health.

·         Nighttime binges: She explained why nighttime binges are common due to decreased willpower and accumulated stress.

·         Seven steps to end emotional eating: Tricia reiterated the seven steps outlined in her book, including connection, centeredness, communication, clean eating, consciousness, courage, and causes.

·         Addressing underlying causes: She highlighted the importance of addressing underlying issues like people-pleasing and overthinking, which can contribute to stress eating.

·         Modeling healthy habits: Tricia emphasized the importance of parents modeling healthy eating habits for their children.

·         Self-care and self-worth: She discussed the significance of self-care and believing in one's worth.

This was a very informative interview. Tricia provided valuable insights into the complexities of emotional eating and offered practical strategies for overcoming it. Tricia’s expertise and compassionate approach make her a valuable resource for those seeking to improve their relationship with food and their overall well-being.

In this episode of my Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I interviewed the fit and fabulous, Sheila Agnew McCoy. During the interview, Sheila shared her inspiring journey as a 73-year-old fitness advocate, personal trainer, influencer, author, and speaker. She discussed her passion for helping seniors and women improve their health and quality of life through fitness, strength training, and corrective exercise. Here are the key takeaways from your conversation:

1. Starting Her Fitness Journey Later in Life

Sheila revealed that she only began focusing on fitness as an adult, inspired by a desire to stay active and healthy. Her commitment to fitness has spanned over 19 years, during which she realized the lack of specialized training for older adults and women. This gap motivated her to become a certified personal trainer focusing on senior and women's fitness.

2. Challenges for Seniors and Women in Fitness

Sheila emphasized the specific challenges seniors face in starting their fitness journeys, such as physical limitations, muscle loss, and fear of injury. She highlighted the importance of starting small, staying consistent, and focusing on overall wellness, not just aesthetics. Her philosophy of "start, stick, and stay" encourages consistency for lasting results.

3. Corrective Exercise and Strength Training

Sheila explained how corrective exercise helps seniors and those recovering from injuries regain balance, mobility, and strength. She emphasized the importance of strength training in combating muscle and bone loss, especially for women over 40, to maintain independence and improve quality of life.

4. Mind, Body, and Soul Approach

Sheila believes in a holistic wellness approach, integrating the mind, body, and soul. She encourages people to focus on total wellness rather than just one aspect, advocating for a balanced life that includes mental and spiritual well-being.

5. Nutrition and Lifestyle

Sheila follows a simple and balanced nutrition plan, prioritizing fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. She advises seniors to focus on nutrient-dense meals rather than large portions and emphasizes the importance of good nutrition for longevity and quality of life.

6. Faith and Community

As the health and fitness ministry leader at her church, Sheila integrates faith into her fitness philosophy, believing that spiritual health is the foundation for physical health. She has created a supportive Facebook community, Lifestyle Fitness for Active Adults, to inspire and motivate others on their fitness journeys.

7. Breaking Age Stereotypes

Sheila challenges societal stereotypes about aging, encouraging older adults to push past limitations and remain active. She advocates for "age positivity" and believes that fitness can transform not just the body but also improve mental and emotional well-being.

8. A Life of Learning and Adaptation

Sheila shared how she continually evolves by learning new skills, such as becoming a personal trainer and pursuing acting and modeling later in life. She emphasized the importance of transferring life experiences and skills into new endeavors, showing that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

Through her empowering message, Sheila inspires people of all ages to take control of their health, start moving, and focus on living a fulfilling life at any age. This was a very inspiring interview with Fitness influencer, Sheila Agnew McCoy.

In this episode of my Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Dr. Joseph Antoun, CEO of L-Nutra and a leading figure in longevity science. During the interview, Dr. Antoun shared insights on his groundbreaking work with the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD). Dr. Antoun emphasized that aging-related diseases, including diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular disease, are primarily caused by biological aging rather than mere chronological age. His work focuses on keeping cells biologically younger to prevent these conditions.

Dr. Antoun discussed the motivation behind his shift from traditional medicine to focusing on preventive health. He became disillusioned with the "sick care" model, where patients are treated with pills for chronic conditions without addressing root causes. This led him to pursue public health and policy, with a focus on creating solutions that promote health span (the period of life spent in good health) rather than just longevity.

The Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), developed by Dr. Antoun's company, is a plant-based nutritional program designed to mimic the effects of fasting. Over 25 years of research, including clinical trials at prestigious universities, has shown that the FMD can reduce biological age, rejuvenate cells, and reset metabolism without compromising muscle mass. Dr. Antoun explained how traditional diets, including the popular drug Ozempic, may cause muscle loss and metabolic slowdown, leading to weight regain.

A key takeaway from Dr. Antoun’s research is that fasting stimulates autophagy, a cellular process where the body repairs and rejuvenates itself. He highlighted that five-day cycles of FMD can reverse biological aging by 2.5 years and promote overall health, including improved blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and reduced inflammation.

Dr. Antoun also addressed the importance of balancing nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, and social happiness for longevity. He stressed that adopting the FMD three times a year, along with mindful eating and exercise, can significantly improve health outcomes without the long-term risks of medications or extreme diets.

Coach Reggie Ward, is a former professional football player turned life coach, During the interview, Coach Reggie shared his inspiring journey and valuable insights in this interview. He emphasized the pivotal role of mentors in shaping his life, highlighting the influence of Don Norford and Ike Jones. Coach Reggie discussed his experiences in professional sports, emphasizing the lessons he learned about mental toughness, resilience, and seizing opportunities.

He also delved into his book, The Power of I, which explores self-discovery and personal growth. He explained his unique coaching philosophy, centered around the acronym L.E.G.A.X.Y., which stands for Leadership, Education, Goals, Athletics, Christ, and You. The interview touched on the importance of health and wellness, with Coach Reggie sharing his approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

He discussed his faith and family as foundational elements of his life and coaching work. Coach Reggie also offered practical advice on setting goals and overcoming challenges, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, planning, and seeking wise counsel. He also shared his belief in inspiring others through positive actions and encouraging words.

Coach Reggie Ward's interview provided valuable insights into personal development, mentorship, and the importance of living a purposeful and fulfilling life. His emphasis on the power of "I" and the importance of setting goals is particularly relevant for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance, and it couldn’t come at a better time. I really enjoyed speaking with Coach Reggie Ward. He is a man on a mission.

Donnie Lygonis is the Founder and CEO of Mellanmal, Inc., the creators of the RE:DO Plant-based protein bar. During the interview, we delved into the innovative journey behind their product. Donnie shared insights into the inspiration for creating a plant-based protein bar, emphasizing the growing consumer demand for sustainable and health-conscious food options. We discussed the unique ingredients used in RE:DO bars, highlighting their commitment to using high-quality, natural components that not only provide nutritional benefits but also support environmental sustainability.

The conversation also touched on the challenges faced during the product development phase, including sourcing sustainable ingredients and ensuring the bars met high taste and nutritional standards. Donnie elaborated on their rigorous testing and feedback process, which involved collaboration with nutritionists and fitness experts to refine the product.

Furthermore, we explored the market reception of RE:DO bars, noting the positive feedback from both consumers and health professionals. Donnie shared future plans for Mellanmal, including expanding their product line and increasing their presence in the health and wellness market. The interview concluded with a discussion on the broader impact of plant-based diets on health and the environment, reinforcing Mellanmal's mission to promote a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle through their innovative products.

I personally tried RE:DO and I can honestly say it is by far the best plant-based protein bar on the market (in my opinion). It tastes great and will keep you satiated for hours, something most protein bars cannot claim. You can find RE:DO at mellanmalofsweden.com, on their IG page at redofoodsusa and on Amazon.