Keith Ahrens

I received my certificate as a Specialist in Fitness Nutrition (SFN). The certification is from the International Sports Sciences Association.  This credential compliments my Certified Fitness Trainer certification.

I wanted to become more knowledgeable about basic nutritional science and how to apply that knowledge in the art of fitness nutrition.

Continued education and implementation of sound strategies will be critical to my well-being and the people I have the privilege to work with in the future. ~ Keith

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2011 — Agriculture Secretary TomVilsack and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government’s evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity.

Because more than one-third of children and more than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, the 7th edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans places stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity.

Reprinted with permission from The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Dept. of HHS

On Sunday, America and the world lost a health and fitness icon.

Jack LaLanne, The Godfather of Fitness, passed away at the age of 96.

I’m having trouble finding anyone that compared to LaLanne.  He was the original, the first, and the leader of the modern fitness movement.

LaLanne influenced and inspired more people to get fit and live a healthier life than anyone I can think of.

When I look at LaLanne’s website, JackLaLanne.com, It’s hard not to be in awe of his accomplishments and achievements.

What impressed me so much with LaLanne is that he always approached fitness in a way that made it so easy for the sedentary to understand. He made fitness approachable.

With such a sedentary nation, video games, inactivity, poor eating habits, and other factors, perhaps we need LaLanne now more than ever.

Because of LaLanne, fewer of us will be in a hurry to get to heaven and heaven will just have to wait a little longer for us.

R.I.P. Jack LaLanne.  Thanks for everything – Keith

To learn more visit JackLaLanne.com

Wal-Mart’s getting healthier and taking its customers with them.

According to a story in the New York Times, Wal-Mart is going to announce a plan to reduce unhealthy salts, fats and sugars from their packaged foods.

They’re also reporting that they will be lowering prices on fruits and vegetables.

This is fantastic news for the consumer and millions of families.

Read Full Article Here: (Wal-Mart, NY Times Story).

A team can’t win without scoring. Neither can we.

Think of any team sport that you like and how a team scores.  Is it a touchdown, a basket, a run, a goal, a point, or something else?

Teams get excited and have momentum when they score.

So do we when we’re trying to lose weight or increasing our fitness level.

We need to score and have the “little wins” in order to feel good and stay motivated.

The energy level rises when a team scores and spreads to every player and fan in the stands.  The same is true about the people around us.  They can just feel the added energy and vibes we put out.

By having little wins it keeps us focused on a bigger picture.  Losing that pound, walking that extra mile, lifting the higher weight all have huge effects when it comes to motivating us.

Create momentum in your own life.  It seems to take on a life of its own. – Keith

We call things that hamper us from reaching our health goals “Limiting Factors”.

Typically there are 3 limiting factors that are real when it comes to achieving our overall health success and well-being.

We need to be aware of all 3 but we need to concentrate mainly on 2 of them.

Typically our genetics, although it’s something we can’t control doesn’t stop someone from achieving to be in better overall shape.

Physical activity and better nutrition ARE things we can control.

To be in overall better shape when we neglect one over the other we do so at our own peril.

I’ve never met anyone that exercises all the time and eats like a garbage disposal to be very healthy. Conversely, I’ve never met anyone who eats a very heart healthy diet low in saturated fats, high in fiber, low sodium, lean meats, and whole grains and doesn’t exercise to be very healthy either.

Balance is the key.  Physical exercise and Heart Healthy Nutrition go hand in hand.

Consider a brisk walk as important the as eating your veggies and visa versa. – Keith

Have you ever said that you’re dying for a certain type of food or treat?  I sure have.

What I didn’t realize over all the years was that I was contributing to an early death when I took each bite.  My heart and overall health were being sabotaged with every over-indulgence.

We should always strive for nutritional balance in our lives and we each need to decide at what point is that “little something” worth it.  When is “just one more bite” too much?  I think the answer is different for each of us but the healthy principles are the same.

The holiday season has descended upon us. Food is everywhere we look. Just getting through the grocery store or Costco or Sam’s is a challenge these days. Samples here, samples there.  Most offices look like a diabetic coma, heart attack waiting to happen or a saturated fat grenade.

Keep your eye on the “little something’s” this holiday season. That may just mean going without some of the foods that we love to die for. – Keith

Fresh fruit comes from the earth and each variety has so many natural minerals, vitamins, fiber, natural sugars, antioxidants and more.  Most of don’t get enough fruits and veggies per day.  Fruits help keep away chronic disease and helps with our immune system. Next time you go to the market pick up some extra fruit. Try something different. Maybe the list here will help 🙂  – Keith

To: Mr. Jim Skinner, CEO – McDonald’s Corporation

Dear Jim,

As CEO of the largest food distribution and marketing company in the world, is it too much for me to ask that you develop and serve several “Heart Healthy menu items? I was one of your most loyal and devoted customers for over 40 years. Unfortunately, I had to stop eating at your restaurants almost 4 years ago after my heart attack, which led to life saving open-heart surgery. Oh yeah, after I stopped eating at McDonald’s, and the other fast food places, I’ve lost over 200 pounds by making heart healthy food choices and exercising.

Because of your locations throughout the world and on every corner, I would love to be able to stop by and enjoy a quick meal again. You guys are smart people who have the ability to change the world, again, but for the better.

If I were CEO of McDonald’s, I would direct my corporate chefs and marketing department to make this happen. I would love a $1.00 grilled chicken breast on a whole-wheat bun with lettuce and tomato. How about a value pack of celery, carrots or any other non-processed fresh veggies? Can I have an apple with that?  I’m sure you get the idea. As a matter of fact, I would pay more than $1.00 and be your first customer. Hell, I may even “supersize” it. Actually, I would change the name from “Supersize” to “Hearty-size” and instead of “billions and billions served”, which I find to be a non-flattering tag line, let me help you get started to use the tag, “Billions and Billions Saved”. I mean lives, of course. I will be the first in line to get a “Hearty-size” value meal that’s heart healthy.

McDonald’s has the opportunity to lead the world to better health.  Can you imagine a McDonald’s ad that says come on in for your heart healthy meal? I Can. How about placing a heart healthy happy meal on the menu? After people fall out of their chairs hearing this ad, they can drive on down to McDonald’s and place an order. I will.

McDonald’s does so much great work with The Ronald McDonald House, and countless other charities and projects in our communities that improves the lives of the ones they touch.  I’m just asking you to redirect some of the effort and do it through your food. I believe you can give to so many more this way.

I have a lot of ideas and if I wielded your power, influence and prestige in the business world, I would begin to re-shape my legacy.

I’m just a guy trying to live healthier and shape a healthier planet.

Jim, I would really like to say, “I’m Lovin’ It” again and will always believe that anything is possible. I have faith in you.

Have a Heart Healthy Day Jim.

Keith Ahrens

Keith@KeithAhrens.com