Part V – Is Paul McKenna’s “I Can Make You Thin” a Scam?

And last but not least…

Step 4 – “When You Are Full, Stop EATING!”

Paul McKenna states that many of us belong to the “clean plate club” in which our parents ‘guilted’ us into cleaning every morsel of food off our plate because there are starving children in china – a piece of logic that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

Additionally, we have been conditioned to experience fullness as a ‘stuffed’ feeling where we can’t possible eat another bite.

McKenna recommends that if we eat slowly and consciously, we will be more attuned to the actual full signal which is much more subtle than we think. And if you don’t know, just guess. Besides, if you are hungry, you can eat again later anyway.

Rylan’s Verdict:

Great! For some people, I tell them to eat to 80% of full, because they have become so conditioned to the idea of full being “I cannot stick one more square inch of food into my stomach” type feeling. Full is much, much less than that.

It takes about 20 minutes for the full signal to make it from your stomach to your brain, so if you are cramming food down your yap faster than Jughead at a burger king, then you won’t get the message until it’s too late.

And for goodness sakes, just because you have food left on your plate doesn’t mean you have to eat it. Once it’s cooked, it’s wasted and you having an extra pound on your rear end isn’t going to make life any more pleasurable for starving children overseas.

RD

Submit your questions...

One of the reasons that I created this blog was to offer a forum-like venue to help answer your burning questions.

So, I want to open up the floor and give you the opportunity to ask for the content that you want, not what I think you should know.

Please feel free to email your health, fitness, and nutrition questions to me at info@adonisfitness.ca or post them in the comments section below each post.

I may not always be able to respond right away, but I try my best to get back to everyone within 48 hours.

So, if you have a question, don't be shy. And chances are there are hundreds - if not thousands of people out there with the very same question

RD

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! AND THE WINNERS ARE....

Not often that someone gives other people gifts on their birthday is it?

First off, thank you to everyone who submitted a testimonial. I am humbled by the kind and sincere comments I received. In fact, for the vast majority of testimonials that came in, they didn't even want to be entered into the contest, but were just thankful of how I have helped them change their lives.

So from the bottom of my heart, Thank You Everyone!

Now, for the winning entries...

The judges were looking for a number of things, but their criteria was largely based on putting themselves in a 'potential client's' shoes. For someone who doesn't know me or my business, what would motivate them to pick up the phone and book a consultation with me...

And in first place.....

I am a 60 year old female who had to leave my physically demanding job due to severe back pain that was being managed by high doses of medication. My diagnosed disease is a progressive, degenerative condition which only worsens with time. I knew I had to do something to help myself. Through word of mouth recommendation (rave reviews actually), enter Rylan Duggan.

After an initial meeting, he knew exactly what I needed and tailored a personalized, step-by-step, stretching and strengthening program slowly accelerating a diet and exercise regime that I could do at home that really works. The benefits and results that I have realized since following my program are incredible. For this and so much more, I cannot extol the virtues of Rylan enough.

He is a young man who has channeled his core belief into learning his craft and those fortunate enough to have him cross their paths will enjoy the benefit of that education.

His sound professional advice is aimed at each persons personal goals and success and his quiet "living it" ways brings to the table a natural ability and easy demeanor not learned in school. It is also a comfort to know he is always supportive especially when one falters. Rylan has a much higher goal than to believe in him, his goal is that YOU believe in a healthier, happier and more fit YOU.

Rylan truly is wise beyond his years, and this old girl is grateful.
Kudos Rylan, and from the bottom of my healthier heart, Thank You.

Roslyn Ross, Vernon, B.C.



Second place...

You shouldn’t go see Rylan because he is the most caring and sincere person you will ever find in the fitness industry, although he is. You shouldn’t go see Rylan because he is the most professional, qualified, and knowledgeable individual in his field, although he is. You shouldn’t even go see Rylan because he wants to see you succeed as much as you do, although he does. You must see Rylan because he simply delivers results. Do what he tells you, and you will reach your goals, it’s as simple as that.

Sandra Jenson, Vancouver, BC



And third place...

After years of struggling with my weight after having three children, I had simply ran out of ideas. I had tried every diet and program in the book, with no results, and I was desperate. My friend recommended that I hire a personal trainer, but I had always been skeptical about personal trainers. I knew for a fact that most of them only had to pass a three week course to get their designation, and I’ll be damned if I was going to let someone who wasn’t qualified mess with my health and my body.

But then, through word of mouth, I found Rylan Duggan. To say that Rylan was qualified for the job is an understatement. He has more letters after his name than in it, he has studied the human body intricately and has a university degree to prove it, and he is constantly furthering his knowledge through continued study and education. No matter the question, he always has the answer, and he was the answer I was looking for.

In the brief months that I have been working with Rylan, my body has transformed. Friends and relatives are shocked at the change when they see me. I no longer buy into the ‘I’m too old’ or ‘I’ve had children’ or ‘I’m a woman’ excuses that I once used to explain my inability to lose weight. Rylan has proved to me that no matter the circumstances, I can achieve the body that I want.

Rylan, you are a gem, and anyone who is smart enough to hire you as their personal trainer will see that as well. Thank you!

Kendra Swanson, Okanagan, BC, ken.swan@hotmail.com


Again, thank you to all that entered, and thank you for your kind words.
You are all very much appreciated.

RD

Part IV – Is Paul McKenna’s “I Can Make You Thin” a Scam?

If you haven’t read the last posts on this topic, make sure you go back and review them before checking this one out…

Step 3 – Eat Consciously and Enjoy Every Mouthful

Paul McKenna states that we eat like it’s going out of style. We shovel food into our mouths, hardly chew it, and don’t stop until our stomachs are completely stuffed full. He states that we don’t even stop to taste the food we’re eating, but rather are getting “high” off the chemicals our brain releases in response to the rapid consumption of the food itself. As well, because of these ‘happy chemicals’, we never hear the signal from our brain to tell us that we’re full because we’re in a state blissful oblivion (which is why so many people use food to boost their mood).

Mr. McKenna recommends that we put our fork and knife DOWN after each bite, savor the taste of the food, and chew each bite thoroughly (20 or more times).

Rylan’s Verdict – Great!

I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. McKenna on this one, and this is something I was always guilty of.

Many of us are simply too rushed to even be present in the moment when we are eating. I used to rush from appointment to appointment, and I never had any time to eat. I would pack my day’s worth of meals with me in my car, and when I was speeding from one session to the next I would be munching on something, as I drove, not the best for road safety or my personal sanity.

I have since changed my habits and I book my appointments further apart to allow myself an extra 15-20 minutes to pull over somewhere, sit in a park, and enjoy my meal.

I not only found my stress reducing, but I also would enjoy my food much more, and allow for much better digestion because I would actually chew my food and not simply gulp it down as fast as possible.

I would recommend that you start implementing this habit into your life immediately. It has been one of the most positive changes in my daily routine that I have experienced in some time, and I know it will be for you as well.

RD

Comments Now Open

In order to save everyone the frustration, I have opened the comments section so anyone can leave comments even if they don't have a google id.

Simply click the little blue comments button at the bottom of each post and your message will be posted (there will, however, be a slight delay between when you post and when it shows up).

RD

Midnight Tonight

Deadline for testimonial contest is midnight tonight. If you haven't submitted your testimonial yet, you can sent them to me at info@adonisfitness.ca

Winners will be notified on my birthday, April 17th.

Good luck everyone!

Deadline for testimonial contest!

Don't forget that the deadline to submit your testimonials before they are submitted for judging is THIS friday!

Check out this great one that I received this morning...

"Rylan came highly recommended to me, and now I can see why. I have suffered for years being overweight, out of shape and dealing with many health issues. Sitting and talking with Rylan has been a real learning experience for me. He has told me things that even the diabetic clinics and dietitians failed to tell me. Rylan is a very informed young man…knowledgeable way beyond his years. He has a sensitive and supportive approach that makes you feel comfortable right from the start. The advice that I have been given wasn’t “clinical”, it came from a lot of thought, and it was designed just for my situation and me. Thank you Rylan for being who you are. You are a hidden treasure!"

Bonnie May-Gardner, Vernon BC

Part III - Is Paul McKenna's 'I Can Make You Thin' a SCAM?"

Moving on to the next step…

Step 2 – Eat What You Want, Not What You Think You Should

Paul McKenna states that you should throw out all the things you don’t like to eat (including the healthy foods like fruits and vegetables), and eat only the things that you like. He reasons that by blacklisting bad foods, you naturally increase your desire for them (we want most what we can’t have).

Rylan’s Verdict:

Flawed! While I wholeheartedly agree that by restricting certain foods you are more likely to want them, I follow exactly the opposite approach as Mr. McKenna. He goes into client’s homes and tosses all the foods they don’t like (which are usually quite healthy). When I go into my client’s homes, I toss the foods that are making them fat – the complete opposite approach.

While I never expect my client’s to eat something they hate, I also don’t want them to keep eating the things that are making them fat and unhealthy.

Let’s face it, willpower is not something many people have, and with my approach you simply eliminate the temptation. With McKenna’s approach, you eat the temptation.

The problem with only eating what you really want is that many of the foods that people are eating on a regular basis - they have become addicted to. People crave them because their body is going through ‘withdrawal’ like symptoms. It’s no different than an alcoholic craving booze, or a nicotine addict craving a cigarette.

Many of the foods that people love are also very hazardous to their health; things like trans fats and high fructose corn syrup. Ever try to have just one bite of chocolate? Once that sugar hits your lips it’s like a hungry lion on a wounded gazelle; you’ll keep eating until every bit is devoured. That, my friend, is not a healthy reaction.

In my line of work, I’ve met many people would simply live on hot dogs, cola, and potato chips if they could. Regardless of how much or how little you eat of these things, your still putting garbage into your system, and I'm sure you’ve heard the phrase, garbage it-garbage out.

This rings true here as well. You might lose a little weight because you are reducing the total number of calories you consume, but you aren’t going to be feeling or performing your best.

However, if you are able to eliminate the offending foods from your diet for long enough, you can regain your natural taste for good, healthy food. This is something you can’t hope to do while you are flooding your system with white flour, sugar, and alcohol.

So for Mr. McKenna’s second step “Eat What You Want, Not What You Think You Should” I think you are much better off eliminating the temptations, and making some healthier choices.

RD

Testimonial Contest Prizes

If you haven't read the last post, due so now. The clock is counting down, and you only have a limited time to get your shot at these great prizes...

1st Place - Panasonic Digital Camera
You already know how much I depend on my digital camera, and I love how small and compact this Panasonic one is. Not worrying about film is great because you can take hundreds of practice shots and instantly see how crappy they are. Mind you, being engaged to a professional photographer is helping my camera skills, although I'm not expecting to ever be able to produce stuff even half as good as hers, which you can check out at Keylight Photography.


2nd Place - Sirius Satellite Radio and Car Kit
This is, in my opinion, one of the most amazing inventions of this century. As you all know, I spend a lot of time on the road, and no matter how many cd's you have, you eventually get bored of listening to the same thing. My favorite channels are Octane, Faction, and when I'm really stressed out, the Chill channel helps me bring it down a notch.

3rd Place - 1GB iPod Shuffle.
I can still remember the days I used to jog down the road with a massive sony walkman clutched in my sweaty palm. I swear my right bicep grew 1/2 inch from lugging that big bugger around. Thank heaven for iPods. This tiny little things holds about 15 cd's worth of music, sounds amazing, and you can clip it into your shirt sleeve. I can't do a cardio session without it.

I'm already getting some great testimonials in. Check out this one from one of my online clients in California...

"Rylan is the man! I can't believe how many wasted hours and years I spent doing all the wrong things. I used to do program after program that I found in muscle and fitness magazines, and I never got anywhere. After discovering Rylan, that all changed. He created an incredible program for me to do in the comfort of my own home. I worked out half as much, and I got three times the results! I will never make another decision about my fitness without consulting him first!" Jake Creston, Sonoma, CA.

My Birthday Testimonial Contest!

My 26th birthday is just around the corner (April 17th), and in celebration of that I am holding a little contest.

I am requesting submissions for client testimonials to use in my upcoming websites and promotional materials. As you probably know, my business is based solely on word-of-mouth advertising. Due to the complex and personal nature of the services I offer, many people are simply not comfortable working with a trainer unless their family or friends have recommended them.

As such, by telling others about your positive experience, you will allow me to reach a larger audience to help many more achieve their health, wellness, and fitness goals.

Of course, there are some great incentives for you. I am offering three great prizes for the ‘most compelling’ testimonials as judged by a panel of my fellow fitness professionals.

I have chosen the following prizes because they are essentials to my everyday functioning, and I know you will love them too:

1st Place - Digital Camera
2nd Place - Satellite Radio Kit
3rd Place - iPod Shuffle

See below for guidelines, and keep checking back here over coming days because I will be posting some pics of the prizes very soon...

Rylan’s Testimonial Birthday Promotion
Contest Rules and Guidelines

• Submit a concise testimonial (150 words or less) on your positive experience in working with myself (Adonis Fitness).

• Things you may choose to mention are differences that you saw in your body such as improvements in your health, stamina, fitness, endurance, fat loss, muscle gain etc.

• You may choose to comment on me personally; about my demeanor, professionalism, credentials, etc.

• To get ideas about what to write, think about the types of things that would compel you to call me if all you knew about me was what you read in a single testimonial.

• It is recommended that you include a photo of yourself - testimonials that include a portrait are seen as ‘authentic’ and are much more compelling. If you don’t have a photo to submit, and you have had exercise photos taken by me, you may simply let me know to use one of these photos with the testimonial.

• Your full name, age, and location (city) is required to be considered in this contest. Again, this it to prove authenticity of the testimonial. If you are concerned about privacy issues, please indicate as such, and only your first name, last initial, and age will be used.

• By entering this contest you will be consenting to the use of your testimonial in any of my promotional materials.

• Entries must be received by email or snail mail NO LATER than midnight, April 11th, 2008.

• Email entries may be sent to info@adonisfitness.ca

• For snail mail entries, please email me personally at the address above to request the correct mailing address.

• Winners will be selected based on voting by a group of my fellow fitness professionals. The top three testimonials will be selected based on how compelling and credible they would be to prospective clients.

• The three winning entries will be announced on my 26th birthday, Thursday April 17th, and they will be posted on this blog the same day.

• Winners will contacted by me personally to arrange shipment or drop off of their prizes.