Let me fill you in on a little healthy secret ...

OUR BLOG HAS MOVED

2010-07-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

Our Slim Secrets Blog can now be found at http://www.slimsecrets.com.au/blog/
and we look forward to you joining us there...

Slim Secrets new website launch

2010-07-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to unveil our new look website at www.slimsecrets.com.au
The site is designed with Slim Secrets bright and funky branding and has many new features which will add depth and interactivity to the user experience.
We have also integrated an online shopping option for our Australian consumers due to huge demand but only selling in bulk. All orders of $100 or more will receive free delivery.
We hope you like the new look!!

WEIGHT BLAME ON PARTNER???

2010-07-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

Slim Secrets Spotted in yesterday's Herald Sun newspaper: Failed dieters blaming selfish partners for wrecking their efforts to lose weight. How? By eating fatty treats in full view. Anyone here guilty of the blame game? Is it fair to ask your partner to ease up on treats while you're on a health-kick? Debate away folks!

US Biggest Loser Breaks Weight-Loss Record

2010-05-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

Biggest Loser Breaks Weight-Loss Record
Biggest Loser winner Mike Ventrella lost a whopping 50.19 percent of his body weight during season nine, dropping 264 pounds to break the show’s weight loss record.
After months of suffering through low-cal meals, high-octane screaming matches, and backbreaking workouts, the final three contestants weighed in for the season nine finale of The Biggest Loser. The winner? Mike Ventrella, who dropped 264 pounds as a result of his time at the ranch, breaking the show’s previous weight-loss record of 239 pounds, set by Danny Cahill.

Ventrella was also the heaviest contestant in the show’s history, starting the season at 526 pounds. The final weigh-in showed he had lost 50.19 percent of his body weight — and the images of Ventrella up on stage showed he had also packed on some serious muscle.

As the reward for his efforts, Ventrella beat out fellow finalists Ashely Johnston and Daris George to take home the $250,000 prize. But all was not lost for the runners up. Daris proudly announced to host Alison Sweeney that he has a new girlfriend, and Ashely can undoubtedly breathe easier after shedding 183 pounds, nearly 49 percent of her body weight.

Critics of The Biggest Loser note that the show puts contestants through a grueling — and some say dangerous — diet and fitness regimen to achieve the extreme weight loss results for which the show is known. Viewers may have unrealistic expectations about how to achieve a healthy body weight safely as a result, they say. Moreover, the contestants are set up for failure because they are unable to maintain the same level of activity and eat the same type of diet when they return to their normal lives.

In fact, season three winner Erik Chopin gained back 122 pounds, and returned to the stage for season nine to serve as a warning to contestants. Similarly, first season winner Ryan Benson has also packed the weight back on.

Proponents of the show’s counter that The Biggest Loser offers hope to millions of Americans who struggle with morbid obesity, proving that it is possible to beat the scale and regain one’s health.

“At 526 pounds, nobody at that weight can ever feel any sense of hope,” Michael Ventrella told Meredith Vieira on the TODAY show the morning after his Biggest Loser victory. “You feel like any day is your day, is your time: You’re going to die.”

With one-third of the U.S. population being categorized as obese and rates continuing to rise, hope may be a critical first step in overcoming the epidemic.

Ventrella, for one, is committed to maintaining his new, healthy physique, and serving as a role model for others who struggle with their weight. He told Viera, “My motivation is to get healthy and live a long life; live a life that my grandfather didn’t get to live to his fullest, and my grandmother didn’t get to live to her fullest,” he said. “As far as how I’m going to keep it off, I’m not that Michael at 526 anymore. I’m a new person that’s been reborn. The workout regimen, the eating regimen, is all second nature to me now.”

What are your thoughts on the Biggest Loser show?

Recommendations from White House task force to combat childhood obesity

2010-05-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

Recommendations from White House task force to combat childhood obesity can be found at

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/11/AR2010051104570.html

Kim Kardashian in Australia/Slim Secrets samples

2010-04-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

It was great meeting Kim Kardashian when she was in Melbourne this week! I had the opportunity to give her some Slim Secrets bars and cookies and have a photo with her.
She looks gorgeous!

WINNER OF HEALTH RETREAT COMPETITION!

2010-04-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

We would like to congratulate Elisabeth Crocker for winning our competition for 2 to the Golden Door Health Retreat for 5 days. We had some amazing entries and want to thanks everyone who participated. We will post some of the great 1 line entries on our Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/SlimSecrets
We look forward to bring you some more exciting competitions in the future!

“Check out the Slim secrets bar in Kristen Bell’s handbag”

2010-04-14T04:11:00.000-07:00

“Check out the Slim secrets bar in Kristen Bell’s handbag”
in OK magazine this week

Slim Secrets now available in the US

2010-03-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

After so many requests for the Slim Secrets bars and cookies in the US I am excited to let you know that they are now available in the US online at www.sandbardistributors.com
We recently had celebrities from Oscar nominated movies such as Avatar and Blindside munching on Slim Secrets

CHIA superfood on Today Tonight

2010-02-23T15:01:00.000-08:00

Last night on the Today Tonight program they discussed the benefits of the new superfood chia. Slim Secrets is one of the first to use these chia seeds in their designer cookies...so not only are they a source of protein and fibre and under 125 calories per cookie but they have the added benefits of chia. For details on what was spoken about on the program go to

http://au.todaytonight.yahoo.com/article/6844322/health/chia-new-superfood

Chips also now in Coles

2010-02-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

For those of you looking for our Slim Secrets Chips we just wanted to let you know that selected Coles supermarkets are now selling the Salt and Vinegar variety in their diet/nutrition section.
Be quick as they are flying off the shelves as a result of some of the great PR we are receiving.

Check out our new Slim Secrets TV commercial

2010-02-02T21:11:00.000-08:00

2010-01-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010 and hoping that is will be a great year for all! WE started off 2010 with some great PR. In OK magazine for their Best New Bodies edition we were surprised to find this great editorial

WIN A 5 DAY RETREAT AT GOLDEN DOOR FOR 2

2009-12-03T02:07:00.000-08:00

To celebrate our new members club we're offering you the chance to win a trip to the Golden Door Elysia Health Resort for you and a friend valued at close to $5000.

Anyone over 18 who is an Australian or New Zealand resident who purchases a product from our range and enters the competition here is eligible to win.

All you have to do is purchase a product from the Slim Secrets range and enter your details and the barcode below. Then answer our question "Why I love Slim Secrets?" in 10 words or less. The competition runs from December 1st, 2009 to March 31st, 2010. The judges will choose the most creative answer as the winner. More details and terms and conditions can be found on the website www.slimsecrets.com.au

Good luck, and let your friends know. This is one competition you don't want to keep secret.

Slim Secrets wins another award!

2009-11-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

The Cookie Diet

2009-11-16T17:39:00.000-08:00

As you may know by now I am not a big advocate of dieting as such rather eating healthier options and increasing physical activity and pampering yourself.
I recently came across a diet fad in the US called Dr Siegal's cookie diet. I am sure this diet has worked for many but I am not sure I could eat too many cookies in one day. However what excited me about this cookie diet was that when I looked at the nutritional profile of their cookies and our new Slim secrets designer cookies ours look very similar in comparison of the nutritional profiles and ours also have protein and fibre to help fill you up. Our cookies are slightly bigger but for the sake of comparison we have changed our details as if they are both the same size. Here are the comparisons FYI
Nutrition Facts Dr Siegal Cookie Diet Cookie Slim Secrets Designer Choc Chip Cookie
Serving Size 22g (1 cookie) 22g (adjusted for comparison purposes)
Calories 90 82
Total Fat 2.5g 2.5g
Saturated Fat 1g 1g
Trans Fat 0g 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0mg
Sodium 150mg 63mg
Total Carbohydrate 11g 9g
Dietary Fibre 2g 2g
Sugars 2g 3g
Protein 5 4.5

4 powerful ways to lose weight before Xmas

2009-11-11T01:26:00.000-08:00

Many of us want to look our best and get into shape. But the vision you hold in mind will be just a dream unless you take action today to make it happen. The only way you can get into shape and achieve your ideal weight is to take persistent action and stick with your goals until they are reached. With Christmas just around the corner, many of us dream of looking the best we can for whatever reasons we may have. But with the temptations around nudging you to over indulge on the next delicious meal or party that comes your way, how do we keep ourselves motivated and reach our weight loss goals before Christmas is upon us?
Here are four powerful ways you can use to ensure your weight loss goal is achieved before Christmas.
1. Exercise

I know… you must have heard this over and over again. However if you have not initiated your exercise regimen to promote our weight loss goals, now is the right time to start. So how and where do you start your fitness program? You don’t have to turn this into a tedious or difficult task. Losing weight can be easy if you know the right way to do it.
Select an aerobic activity that will burn off the fat and increase the muscle mass. There are plenty of exercise programs that will how you just how to do that. Aerobic activity helps you increase the metabolic rate and this active state will let you burn off kilos faster than what was possible before. By building on the muscle mass, fat will be burnt off faster as well. Muscles have the ability to burn off 90% calories more than fat. So what this means is you will be able to eat more without putting on weight than before once you have those muscles in place.
However I know that it can be a really busy time of year now with the lead up to Xmas and you may be saying “I don’t have time to do any of these activities”. No worries. Below are the sorts of simple routines that can be built into a busy lifestyle so that you can feel better, keep trim and maintain a healthy weight. However I still recommend that you find pockets of times in your week where YOU are the priority and do what is important for your health.
• Simple exercises can be squeezed into the most hectic of days. For instance, try doing pelvic floor exercises, or simply holding and releasing stomach muscles, whilst standing at the sink doing the washing up, ironing or even in your car whilst stopped at a red light.
• Whilst watching TV try to get up and do something every time the adverts come on. Stretching exercises, stomach crunches, dips, squats, or simply dancing. Such simple things to do, during what is effectively dead time, can make a huge difference.
• Taking a bath? Try doing sit ups whilst waiting for it to fill.
• Leave the car at home and walk the kids to school.
• Taking the bus or train? Get off one stop earlier than necessary and walk the rest of the way.

2. Eat smaller meals with healthy snacking between meals and limit Sugar Intake

This is a very important element that will accelerate your weight loss process when followed diligently. Sugar is something you want to reduce when trying to lose weight. It actually fills you up when consumed, but quickly diminishes and create cravings leaving you wanting for more. It release insulin into the blood, which causes your body to store more fat than what it should, then create a big appetite that compels you to binge on the next meal or snack.
• Sugary snacks are a common source of empty calories, so swap high GI fat/sugar chocolate bars for fruit, nuts, vegies or if you want the chocolate hit a low GI protein bar or cookie.
• Buy low fat spreads, one-cal spray oils for cooking with and semi-skimmed or skimmed milk. These sorts of changes will hardly even register.
• Cut down or, if possible, eliminate alcoholic drinks. They are full of empty calories.
• Switch to low sugar/no sugar fizzy drinks, or simply drink juices (without added sugar) and water which are much healthier.
• Eating smaller meals and healthy snacks in between helps keep your metabolism moving which in turns helps burn the calories. Those who starve themselves are more likely to halt their metabolism which makes it near impossible to burn calories plus it also leads to inevitable bingeing sooner or later.

3. Pamper Yourself
You need to make yourself feel good when you are trying to lose weight (actually this applies long term!). This is the only way you will stick with your weight loss program. Pamper yourself with the best life has to offer as you deserve it. Spend some time visiting the spa if you can or alternatively, you can get a spa treatment at home using homemade remedies. These are pretty inexpensive to do but give you results that match those from professional spa centers.
What it takes to lose weight is just the right knowledge followed with the right action. Just get started and stick with the program no matter what obstacles come your way. Add some creativity and you will soon turn the tedious chore into a fun and rewarding process

4. Determination
Determination is the key to any weight loss program. If you are not determined, it does not matter what diet you follow, you will fail. Being determined to succeed in losing weight is the one thing that will make all the difference. There are a few ways you can help yourself to be more determined.
Get your family and friends to help and support you, and surround yourself with positive people. With friends and family aware that you are trying to lose weight they can help by not eating certain foods in front of you. Maybe one or two of your friends, work colleagues or neighbours may want to lose some weight as well, get them to join you in your weight loss program.
Just following these simple steps is how to lose weight for Christmas. Follow a healthy weight loss program with some daily exercise and you will see the weight drop off you in time for that Christmas party.

For more secrets go to www.slimsecrets.com.au

Flying High with Slim Secrets

2009-11-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

PR is not always an easy thing to come by in business but at the moment the PR for Slim Secrets has been sensational. At the moment if you fly either Qantas or Jetstar you will find some great PR for our brand.
On Qantas for the month of August if you turn on the radio to the Talking Business Channel Peter Switzer and I are having a chat about Slim Secrets. A transcript of the talk can be also found on the Qantas website at http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/flying/inTheAir/entertainment/talkingBusinessNovember2009.pdf

Also if you fly Jetstar in the month of November and open up their magazine to page 11 you will see a great little write up on the Diet Bites page about Slim Secrets as well. So for those lucky enough to be taking off somewhere this month...happy reading.

We will also be launching a very exciting competition soon (ssh don't tell anyone as it is a secret but the prize will be a trip for 2 to a fantastic health retreat). We will also be starting our new Twitter and Facebook Fan pages soon as well as expanding our membership club (go to www.slimsecrets.com.au if you want to be a Slim Secrets member and find out first about all these new events)

Easy way to get your Slim Secrets in Japan

2009-10-31T02:17:00.000-07:00

Japanese ladies and men can now easily purchase Slim Secrets healthy snacks from the new online shop. Details are
Address : http://www.rakuten.co.jp/eat-lab/ for PC
http://m.rakuten.co.jp/eat-lab/ for cell phone.
Mail address : info@eat-lab.co.jp

Welcome to all the Japanese Slim Secrets customers.

GREAT PR FOR SLIM SECRETS!

2009-10-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

We have had some fantastic PR this month on all of our product ranges which is amazing.
This article appears in health.ninemsn.com.au and I thought you should see it.
http://health.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=920949

University of Southern California (USC) Farmer’s Market Coming up!

2009-10-23T02:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys!!!

Its amazing to see that over the last couple of weeks we've had about 60 new people join the Slim Secrets facebook group and majority of the new additions are from the University of Southern California (USC).

So I thought I'd inform you all about the upcoming USC Farmer’s Market thats being held at the end of this month!!

Date: Thursday October 29, 2009
Location: Alumni Park (In front of Doheny Library) at USC
Time: 10:30 AM- 3 PM

We will be doing sampling as well as selling the bars.

I hope all of you will be able to make it and pass it on to all your friends!

Enjoy xxxx

Breast Cancer Awareness month

2009-10-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

We are proud at Slim Secrets to have been involved with many functions around Australia in October that have been dedicated to raising money for Breast Cancer. The colour pink being the representative colour for this campaign has meant that we have sent many of our pink packaged Binge Buster Bars to all parties we have been asked to be involved with.
I have included a great photo from one of those mornings held this Saturday by what looks like a great group of people. It looks like they had lots of fun (and hopefully enjoyed their Slim Secrets Binge Buster bars) and well done to Kerry for organising this for such a great and important cause!!

DESIGNER COOKIE REVIEW

2009-09-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

I really love receiving emails such as the one below. It always amazes me that people take the time to write and send these positive comments about Slim Secrets.
So thanks to all and please keep them coming!

"Hi Sharon,

Just wanted to say thanks for sending me those cookies! I've finally finished all of them and I keep re-reading the nutritional facts because I cannot believe they can taste so good and be good for me as well. I LOVE them with a thin layer of 100% almond spread on top.

Cheers,Su "

Amazing Testamonial

2009-09-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

I just received this fantastic email from a Slim Secrets customer which I just had to share with you as we couldn't write such good PR ourselves. This email is the reason why I am so proud of Slim Secrets and love doing what I am doing. I have been asked by the press many times as to what are my greatest achievements with Slim Secrets and I would say helping people such as Indy below with their weight/health goals is up high on my list!

Hello, my name is Indy and I am 19 years old. i would just like to write to thank you for your wonderful products.
I have managed to maintain a healthy weight for sometime now, and i can honestly say that a large factor in my success has been your 'Slim Secrets' protein bars! when i finish work and need to eat, i always have one ready in my bag. These bars are all so delicious,and so satisfying that i don't feel hungry or deprived, and i don't binge at dinner. My favourite flavour is the 'Berries and White Chocolate', and it tastes so good, i can't believe it's safe to have on diet. I have tried many similar products over the years, trying to find a good, healthy snack that doesn't taste artificial and bland, and this is the only product that achieved that!
So, i wanted to show my appreciation for what i feel is the best diet/snacking product on the market. Thankyou so much for this delicious solution. It's decadence on a diet!

xxxx

2009 Telstra Business Women's Awards

2009-09-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to be chosen as a Victorian finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s awards as founder of Slim Secrets amongst hundreds of amazing Australian women. I was nominated by some Slim Secrets consumers because they love the Slim Secrets brand. It is fantastic to be recognised in this way and also a great plus for the Slim Secrets products which many of you have been a great support of!
Please see the links below with the press release and details from Telstra.

http://www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com/2009-awards/2009-finalists-178.aspx
http://www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com/news-8.aspx

Journey to International Business

2009-09-08T22:38:00.000-07:00

Last week was the launch of the new educational book/CD put together by Austrade for International business students called the 'Journey to International Business' (editor Leigh Derigo)
The book is a great guide for students on importing and exporting. They have a few case studies in the book of companies that export and Slim Secrets was one of these case studies together with the likes of Gloria Jeans. It was such an honour to be included in this book. It was also great as I went to the launch by the Hon. Anthony Byrne MP (parliamentary secretary to the PM and parliamentary secretary of trade)and was asked by him to come up and answer any questions that any of the students/guests had. If I had realised that I would be getting up and speaking I would've been nervous but luckily I didn't know and actually really enjoyed the questions being asked. Hopefully students will find the book a great resource!

Please help us spread the secret about Slim Secrets Globally

2009-08-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hi All!!
Want to score some free samples of our new slim secrets designer cookies??
Well then I’ve got a great offer for you!!
What we are trying to do at the moment is spread the word about Slim Secrets via the Internet by word of mouth…
If any of you update your Facebook status, twitter, write a comment on a blog you are part of, or any other source that can help to spread the word about our great products we will send you some samples! All you need to do is let us know where you have spread the word and the best address to send the designer cookie samples to. Just send me an email at sharon@slimsecrets.com.au with those details.It’s as easy as that!
We had some great PR on the cookies in Sundays newspapers as shown on the left or have a look at these links
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/lifestyle/
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25960776-5006012,00.html

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sunday-telegraph/latest-slimming-secrets/story-e6frewt0-1225764805545

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/bodyandsoul/
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25960776-5006012,00.html

Slim Secrets arrive in the US and Japan

2009-08-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

It is really exciting after many inquiries from consumers in both the US and Japan that Slim Secrets products are finally going to be distributed in both these countries.
If you would like to stock or buy Slim Secrets in Japan or US please go to our distributors page on the website http://www.slimsecrets.com.au/distributors.asp
Our distributors in both countries are great and will help you with any inquiries.
There will be more new overseas distributors and stockists over the next few months but I will keep you informed with any progress.

BMI WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

2009-08-12T22:48:00.000-07:00

In searching for potential weight loss programs which has been requested by many mme, we had stringent requirements. We didn’t want a “diet” through which our clients would lose weight during the programme and then suffer the weight yo-yo effect upon completing the course and reverting to old bad habits. With our firm belief that good weight loss should be a combination of good healthy food intake and exercise and should consider metabolism and genetics, we wanted a program that would incorporate science behind its teachings and be tailored to our client’s individual body types. We wanted the programme to teach our clients how to manage their weight and metabolism better for life.
The Body Metabolism Institute (BMI) has met all of our requirements and more. BMI’s founder, Dr. Leon Massage has specialised in weight loss for 20 years. Through his research and work at the Body Metabolism Institute he has accumulated a wealth of experience in weight loss and nutrition.
Slim Secrets are excited to have been able to organise a risk-free trial for our members.
You can now have a risk-free way of becoming a member of the BMI Insiders Club so you can see why people are raving about the results they are getting with the BMI Weight Loss Program.
The membership fee to the BMI Insiders Club is normally $47.00 and then $17.00 per week for each of the 12 modules of the BMI Weight Loss Program plus the weight loss tips, recipes, newsletter and other goodies. But, as our special offer to you, as a member of Slim Secrets, you will pay only $1 for a week’s trial membership. This gives you access to all the supporting material including recipes, worksheets, diet myths and some interactive tools immediately and the 1st module in the program.
You will also receive a special offer of a 7-day money back guarantee if you choose not to continue with the program – and you get to keep the first module.
I am certain you will be motivated and inspired. It won’t be long before you start seeing your weight drop off before your eyes, and see the great changes to the way you look and feel.
To grab your risk-free test drive and experience the awesome potential of the BMI Weight Loss Program - right now;

quote coupon number ss87395 (this coupon will expire after a few weeks so be quick) for your risk free trial
JUST CLICK HERE
http://bmiweightloss.com.au/Default.aspx?afid=1

Slim Secrets Nutritional profile

2009-08-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

I was amazed when I was given the performance data from the supermarkets this week.
Slim Secrets is in the top 12 SKU's in the sports nutrition area of the Woolworths which is great! However what amazed me was how well the Atkins bars also sell. These bars are loaded with fat and have artificial sweeteners and with everything we know today about both those things I cannot believe that consumers are still buying them. Yes they are low carb (so are Slim Secrets) but at what cost. We don't use artificial sweeteners in our bars and we have managed to keep our fat content down in all our products significantly compared to Atkins and many others.
Positively there are more and more consumers recognising the benefits of our snack range as the demand has grown dramatically over the past 6 months.
The other thing that amazed me was the amount of meal replacement shakes that people are buying in the supermarkets. I am not sure that these have long term benefits for people wanting to maintain lifetime weight control and they are certainly a fad now which we won't be following. All the Slim Secrets products are designed as quick, convenient snacks between meals which helps keep the metabolism going but also allows for healthy meals at other times. To me that is something that is sustainable for a lifetime where as meal replacement shakes are not sustainable for a lifetime.
They may prove a good kickstart for some but what happens when they go back to eating real food for meals (and they will get sick of the shakes after a while)...often the result is weight gain with interest.
We are working on increasing our range of between meal and pre/post workout snacks...so stay tuned!!

Empowered - New Book Goes to Number ONE in the USA

2009-07-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

Empowered - New Book Goes to Number ONE in the USA

Empowered - the power of people working together

My husband Peter has often said that it is extremely difficult to create a business of significance all by yourself. Maybe that is true too when attempting to write a book that truly resonates with enough people for it to become a Number ONE Bestseller!
It has taken the combined efforts of more than fifty writers, mentors, entrepreneurs and professional leaders to make the difference of a lifetime and ultimately create this awesome publication.
From his perspective, it has been a wonderful experience to have contributed to Empowered and to have played a role in this sensational book going all the way to Number One in the self help category at Barnes and Noble in the United States of America.
Celebrity contributors include Steven E, Lee Beard, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Brian Tracy and Gregory Scott Reid.

And to add to the excitement, John Assaraf, Dr. Michael Beckwith and Bill Harris all of The Secret have made contributions to Empowered.
In his book, "be the best you can be", he makes it very clear that you must always believe in your ability to achieve your goals. Then, by embracing the small step strategy set out in the book, you will build unstoppable momentum leading you to achieve major results in your life.
In his new book, Empowered, you will find an assortment of stories that will empower you to "get into the game" and create the future for yourself that you say you want!
Millions of people have talent, intelligence, vision and amazing gifts, yet
 They do not believe in their own abilities.
 They cannot conceive that they have a right to happiness or success.
 They are imprisoned in a frustrating present by shortsighted lessons of childhood, or the disappointments of failed efforts.
 They are captives of fear and insecurity.
Good intentions won't get the job done. You have to do something! So, as you read the book, keep a journal. Make notes and take action on those notes.
Be inspired by the stories you read but always ask yourself, how can I apply the learnings to my situation?
Then you will be Empowered!
Remember, one step at a time.
If you would like to purchase the new book or book Peter for your next conference, function or as a mentor within your business please go to www.blackbeltinexcellence.com.au

Fun breakfast ideas for Slim Secrets designer cookies

2009-07-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

Telstra Business Women's Awards

2009-07-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

I would really like to thanks those people who nominated me for the Telstra Business Women's Awards. I don't have contact details to contact those individuals personally but hopefully you know who you are and will read my blog. I love some of the reasons for the nominations and in particular that you think the Slim Secrets brand is fantastic. This in itself is like winning an award. To see something that started from an idea one sleepless night to becoming a well recognised global brand in 3 years is a prize all on its own and something I could never have imagined 4 years ago. I get such a buzz out of what I do and most importantly I love the positive impact that Slim Secrets has had on so many people. So thanks to everyone who supports Slim Secrets and thanks once again to those who nominated me for the awards.

BUY SLIM SECRETS DESIGNER COOKIES

2009-06-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

We are trying to get our new cookies into as many outlets as possible as the response from so many of you has been fantastic! As mentioned previously they are being sold in selected Woolworths Supermarkets (in the vitamin/health/sports nutrition area) and the actual WW stocking them are listed in a previous blog. GNC livewell stores are now also stocking them as are Vitamin Me outlets and other health food stores. They can also be purchased online from http://www.nutritionwarehouse.com.au/slim-secrets-m-61.html
They will also be available in New Zealand and Canada very soon too.
Some of the emails we have received about them has been great e.g
Hi Sharon

Just sold out of the protein cookies. They only arrived today.

Can you send me 8 cartons of each flavour please… so 160 boxes all together.

PS They taste sooo yummy!!

Hi Sharon,

Thanks for my cookies which I received in the mail yesterday. I have just eaten the choc chip cookie and it is heaven. Hopefully I will find them in my local woolies soon.

How to Slow the Aging Process - Look and Feel Younger!

2009-06-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

When we talk about the aging process, there is no doubt that all of us at some time realize that we are growing old and that the signs of old age appear with regularity. It happens to everyone of us and it is amazing how quickly it happens. It seems almost in the blink of an eye. However, the way we look after our bodies can have an enormous bearing on how we look as we grow old.

Studies that have been conducted show that people age in different ways and that aging can be attributed to genetics and the environment in which we spend our lives. Further studies have shown that your genes only make up a small part of an individual's aging process. Other factors to have a profound bearing on the aging process include diet, exercise (mind and body) and a purpose in life. The good news is there are still many things we can do in the anti-aging process.

I am sure you have often wondered why it is that there are people in their 80's who look fit and healthy, not only in the way they appear but also in mind alertness. Quite often these people can have sharper minds than others 20 or 30 years younger. There is no doubt that diet has played an important part in the way they are aging.

Your diet is a very important section of the anti-aging process. The fact is, if we do not consume the correct foods our bodies cannot function at a high level. If we combine our eating habits with the necessary amount of exercise, our bodies can be kept in good condition and consequently we will feel more energized and even look younger.

Your effort should be focused on reducing the amount of red meat you are including in your diet and at the same time increasing the volume of vegetables, nuts and fruit. Ideally, to begin the change, the main portion of the meal should consist of vegetables and the smaller portion should be the meat section. This is in contrast to most western countries.

Although diet plays a huge part in the aging process, it is just as important to include some form of exercise in your daily routine. A minimum of thirty minutes a day is a good start. Walking is great way to increase your fitness. Try short walks to begin with and gradually extend the distance as you feel more confident.

Aging is a fact of life that none of us can escape. However, we can all do something about slowing the process. If you have neglected your body in the past, now is the time to change.

A wise man once said "There is nothing we can do about our yesterdays but there is something we can do about our tomorrows."

Andrew Lacie is a writer and researcher on anti-aging processes To keep yourself looking and feeling younger you can receive more valuable information and tips on anti-aging please visit http://www.theanti-agingprocess.com Join the thousands we have already helped

Slim Secrets reviews and testamonials

2009-05-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

We ran a competition and asked some of our Slim Secrets members why they enjoyed Slim Secrets products in 25 words or less...here are some of the responses we received;
• Hi, I am a fan of the Nutrient Secrets Smart Vanilla & Almond Bars – I have them for my afternoon snack everyday. They fill me up for ages, I love the taste and I don’t feel like I am missing out on having a sweet snack!
• So delicious
Luscious flavours
irresistibly packaged
most affordable
Store anywhere
Eat anytime!
Cravings gone!
Reduces hunger
Enjoyable, always
Tastes naughty but isn’t!
Slim - MY secret!
• The introduction of a high protein bar specifically for women has changed my life! I lived on these for the 4 months pre wedding, now 33 wks pregnant, I can be confident my pre baby shape will return with these bars and now cookies to supplement my diet!
Thank you slim secrets!
• I enjoy filling up and not out on all of these great products, Mintabolism is my favourite tasting bar, with the morning rev up a close 2nd
• A staunch supporter and lover Slim Secret bars because they act as the perfect between meal snack, but most importantly, they taste great.(thanks from Brendan)
• I love slim secrets,
their bars are great!
They keep me full,
and they satiate!
AND THEY TASTE FANTASTIC!
• I would love to try any of the new slim secret cookies; I always have the Slim Secrets bars in my handbag and work draw. They are my saviour even when I go out to have a cup of coffee I have a Slim Secrets bar. I love them and look so forward to trying the cookies. Sounds yum
• I love them as much as my clients love them………. They are delectable, slimming, convenient and perfectly packaged! Bet the cookies are delicious!
• 'Turning' the BIG 40, I love slim secrets because I can stay young
and feel good about myself, concentrating on the important things
in life.
• I enjoy Nutrient Secrets bars because they are low in fat (<0.1% trans fat), carbohydrate and sugar compared to similar products. Great afternoon snacks!
• I love slim secrets products because they are nutritious, delicious and fabulously convenient.
• The slogan is true! They fill me up, are protein-packed and taste naughtier than they are
• I enjoy Slim Secrets as it helps me to get through the day without blowing my waistline or budget while still tasting good.
• While shopping I have checked for the best snack Bar for me. After reading each one I chose Slim Secret to try -
It was soooo good : the taste was just awesome!!! Didn't need anything else before dinner and to know it is actually healthy made me feel fantastic - it is not a Sean or crime to snack. Today I'll have 7 - 11 bars a week; slim secret is my secret in between meals. Love it.
• My favourite Slim Secrets prod is the Mintabolism Boost Bar. It’s delicious, with a strong peppermint choc taste that fills you up for hours!
• I like Slim Secrets products because although they are low in calories, they are high in protein, high in delicious-ness and make the perfect healthy
• Being in the fitness industry, I am always looking for something yummy and healthy to eat, and I have certainly found it with slim secrets!
• I genuinely love the products - so innovative while being nutritious and delicious.
And the price doesn't hurt the hip pocket in comparison to other products out there.

I'm known to carry a Slim Secrets Binge Buster in my handbag on a Saturday night - when it comes to the small hours of the morning and everyone is off for a kebab, I have my bar!
I'm addicted!
• I love slim secrets products because: they taste great, they're good for me, and help me stay slim effortlessly!

SLIM SECRETS NEW COOKIE LAUNCH

2009-05-07T01:42:00.000-07:00

Our special secret blend of fibre and protein in our designer cookies is DESIGNED to fill you up without filling you out!

All under 125 calories our cookies are a great snack for between meals when you are craving something sweet but want a healthier alternative. They are ideal to take with you to work, to have with your afternoon tea, after a gym workout, in your bag to keep you going between meals when you are out and about or any other time you need something to curb your hunger.
Designer Cookies from Slim Secrets are billed as the sweet tasting snack your stomach would ask for if only it could talk.
“Designed to fill you up, not fill you out,” says the packaging - with an added promise to satisfy your cookie craving without busting your belt buckle.
The claims are backed up though with fat contents between 8.8% and 11.3% (depending on cookie variety) and sugar levels of 11.6% to 13.4%. Moreover, the levels of protein range between 18% and 19.4%, which lends credence to the product’s “Cookie + Protein” sub-title.
Four 32.5g individually wrapped Designer Cookies are contained in each retail pack and they come in two varieties – Choc Chip with a mere 122 calories per cookie and Trail Mix with just 115 calories per cookie.
But the “secret ingredients” are Chia seeds - said to be a perfect additive for the weight conscious. Not only are Chia seeds rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids, they are also high in fibre, calcium, high quality protein and slowly processed carbohydrates. And if that’s not enough, they are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well.
Our cookies are available at this stage from selected Woolworths supermarkets in the health food/sports nutrition aisle.

NEW SLIM SECRETS DESIGNER COOKIES and CHIPS available from selected Woolworths supermarkets

2009-05-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who has been inquiring about the availabilty of our new chips and cookies. As of this week they can be found in selected Woolworths Supermarkets.
Please see the list below of the supermarkets that they are stocked in per state.

Store Name Address Suburb Post Code
DARWIN CITY CNR CAVENAGH & WHITFIELD STREETS DARWIN 800
NIGHTCLIFF DICK WARD DRIVE NIGHTCLIFF 810
PALMERSTON CNR CHUNGWAH & TEMPLE TERRACES PALMERSTON 830
MONA VALE CNR PARK & KEENAN STREETS MONA VALE 2103
CARLINGFORD CARLINGFORD COURT PENNANT HILLS RD CARLINGFORD 2118
THORNLEIGH 2 THE COMENARRA PARKWAY THORNLEIGH 2120
CHERRYBROOK VILLAGE SHOP 17  SHEPHERDS DR CHERRYBROOK 2126
GRANVILLE CNR LOUIS & BLAXCELL STREETS GRANVILLE 2142
SEVEN HILLS CNR FEDERAL ROAD & PROSPECT HIGHWAY SEVEN HILLS 2147
KINGS LANGLEY CNR JAMES COOK DRIVE RAVENHILL ST KINGS LANGLEY 2147
BLACKTOWN CNR ALPHA  & PATRICK STREETS BLACKTOWN 2148
KELLYVILLE 88 WRIGHTS ROAD KELLYVILLE 2155
DURAL ROUND CNR 494-500 OLD NORTHERN ROAD DURAL 2158
CHESTER HILL 1-13 LEICESTER STREET CHESTER HILL 2162
WETHERILL PARK CNR POLDING & RESTWELL STREETS WETHERILL PARK 2164
BONNYRIGG BONNYRIGG AVENUE BONNYRIGG 2177
BASS HILL 223 HUME HIGHWAY BASS HILL PLAZA BASS HILL 2197
ROCKDALE PRINCES HWY & ROCKDALE PLAZA DRIVE ROCKDALE 2216
MENAI ALLISON CRESCENT MENAI 2234
ERINA KARALTA ROAD ERINA 2250
TUGGERAH COBBS ROAD TUGGERAH 2259
BATEAU BAY THE ENTRANCE RD BATEAU BAY 2261
BELMONT CNR MACQUARIE & SINGLETON STS BELMONT 2280
GLENDALE CNR MAIN & LAKE ROADS GLENDALE 2285
MAYFIELD CNR MAITLAND ROAD & VALENCIA STREET MAYFIELD 2301
SALAMANDER BAY BAGNALLS BEACH ROAD SALAMANDER BAY 2301
RUTHERFORD CNR ALEXANDRA AVE & HILLVIEW STREET RUTHERFORD 2320
GUNNEDAH 119-129 CONADILLY STREET GUNNEDAH 2380
FORSTER CNR THE LAKES WAY & BREESE PARADE FORSTER 2428
KEMPSEY CNR FORTH & SMITH STREETS KEMPSEY 2440
PORT MACQUARIE CNR BAY & PARK STREETS PORT MACQUARIE 2444
COFFS HARBOUR 7 PARK AVENUE COFFS HARBOUR 2450
TOORMINA TOORMINA S/CENTRE TOORMINA ROAD TOORMINA 2452
GRAFTON 42 DUKE STREET GRAFTON 2460
LISMORE CNR CONWAY & CARRINGTON STREETS LISMORE 2480
LISMORE SQUARE CNR BREWSTER & MCKENZIE STREETS LISMORE 2480
TWEED CITY 54 MINJUNGBAL DRIVE TWEED HEADS SOUTH 2485
TWEED HEADS TWEED MALL PACIFIC HIGHWAY TWEED HEADS 2485
WOLLONGONG 63 BURELLI STREET WOLLONGONG 2500
SHELLHARBOUR NEW LAKE ENTRANCE ROAD SHELLHARBOUR 2529
DAPTO CNR PRINCES HWY & MOOMBARA STREET DAPTO 2530
EAGLEVALE CNR GOULD & FELDSPAR STREETS EAGLEVALE 2558
CAMPBELLTOWN MALL 271 QUEEN STREET CAMPBELLTOWN 2560
INGLEBURN CNR NARDOO & NORFOLK STREETS INGLEBURN 2565
CAMDEN CNR OXLEY & ARGYLE STREETS CAMDEN 2570
GOULBURN CNR SLOANE & VERNER STREETS GOULBURN 2580
WODEN CNR HINDMARSH & MELROSE DRIVES WODEN 2606
MAWSON 15 MAWSON DRIVE MAWSON 2607
BELCONNEN BENJAMIN WAY BELCONNEN 2617
QUEANBEYAN CNR CRAWFORD & ANTILL STREETS QUEANBEYAN 2620
LAVINGTON-ALBURY 337-363 GRIFFITH ROAD LAVINGTON 2641
WAGGA WAGGA CNR BERRY & FORSYTH STREETS WAGGA WAGGA 2650
GLENMORE PARK CNR TOWN TERRACE & GLENMORE PARKWAY GLENMORE PARK 2745
RICHMOND CNR LENNOX & PAGET STREETS RICHMOND 2753
ST CLAIR CNR BENNETT & ENDEAVOUR STREETS ST CLAIR 2759
ST MARYS 302 CHARLES HACKETT DRIVE ST MARYS 2760
BATHURST CITY CENTRE CNR HOWICK & BENTINCK ST BATHURST 2795
GUNGAHLIN 31 HIBBERSON STREET GUNGAHLIN 2912
SUNSHINE MARKET PLACE 80 HARVESTER ROAD SUNSHINE 3020
DEER PARK CNR NEALE & STATION STREET ST ALBANS 3023
HOPPERS CROSSING CNR OLD GEELONG & MORRIS ROADS HOPPERS CROSSING 3029
WERRIBEE CENTRAL CNR CHERRY & WATTON STREETS WERRIBEE 3030
MOONEE PONDS CNR PRATT ST & PUCKLE STREETS MOONEE PONDS 3039
ROXBURGH PARK CNR DAVID MUNRO DRIVE & SOMERTON RD ROXBURGH PARK 3064
CRAIGIEBURN CRAIGIEBURN RD WEST & HANSON STREET CRAIGIEBURN 3064
PRESTON 334 MURRAY ROAD PRESTON 3072
NORTHLAND (EAST PRESTON) 50 MURRAY ROAD EAST PRESTON 3072
MILL PARK CNR CHILDS ROAD & REDLEAP AVENUE MILL PARK 3082
THE PINES CNR REYNOLDS & BLACKBURN ROADS DONCASTER EAST 3108
DONCASTER SHOPPING TOWN SHOP 1200/619 DONCASTER RD DONCASTER 3108
CHIRNSIDE PARK MAROONDAH HIGHWAY & EDWARDS ROAD CHIRNSIDE PARK 3116
CAMBERWELL 5-57 STATION STREET CAMBERWELL 3124
EASTLAND 171 MAROONDAH HIGHWAY RINGWOOD 3134
CHADSTONE CNR CHADSTONE & PRINCES HWY CHADSTONE 3148
THE GLEN - GLEN WAVERLY CNR SPRINGVALE & O'SULLIVANS ROADS GLEN WAVERLEY 3150
WHEELERS HILL JELLS ROAD WHEELERS HILL 3150
FERNTREE GULLY CNR BURWOOD H/WAY & LYSTERFIELD RD FERNTREE GULLY 3156
CLARINDA CNR BOURKE ROAD & VINEY STREET CLARINDA 3169
WAVERLEY GARDENS CNR POLICE & JACKSONS ROADS MULGRAVE 3170
STUD PARK STUD ROAD ROWVILLE 3178
SEAFORD CNR NEPEAN HIGHWAY & SEAFORD ROAD SEAFORD 3198
KARINGAL CNR CRANBOURNE ROAD & KARINGAL DVE KARINGAL 3199
CARRUM DOWNS 100 HALL ROAD CARRUM DOWNS 3201
SOUTH MELBOURNE 113 CECIL STREET SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205
CORIO CNR BACCHUS MARSH & PURNELL ROADS CORIO 3214
WAURN PONDS CNR PIONEER ROAD & PRINCES HIGHWAY GEELONG 3216
PAKINGTON STRAND 95 PAKINGTON ST GEELONG WEST 3218
MARYBOROUGH TUAGGRA STREET MARYBOROUGH 3465
BENDIGO MARKET PLACE 116-120 MITCHELL STREET BENDIGO 3555
SEYMOUR CNR WILLIAM & WALLIS STREETS SEYMOUR 3660
ENDEAVOUR HILLS HEATHERTON RD & MATTHEW FLINDERS DR ENDEAVOUR HILLS 3802
FOUNTAIN GATE (NARRE WARREN) MAGID DRIVE NARRE WARREN 3805
WARRAGUL 58-66 VICTORIA STREET WARRAGUL 3820
ROSEBUD CENTRAL 991 NEPEAN HIGHWAY ROSEBUD 3939
CRANBOURNE CNR THOMPSONS RD&STH GIPPSLAND HWY CRANBOURNE 3977
WONTHAGGI CNR MURRAY & BILLSON STREETS WONTHAGGI 3995
BRISBANE AIRPORT VILLAGE CENTRE 1 AIRPORT DRIVE BRISBANE AIRPORT 4007
SANDGATE LOT 8 BOWSER PARADE SANDGATE 4017
TAIGUM BEAMS ROAD TAIGUM 4018
REDCLIFFE CORNER ANZAC AVENUE & SUTTON STREET REDCLIFFE 4020
CHERMSIDE CNR WEBSTER & GYMPIE ROADS CHERMSIDE 4032
BROOKSIDE OSBORNE ROAD MITCHELTON 4053
MOUNT OMMANEY DANDENONG RD & CENTENARY HIGHWAY MOUNT OMMANEY 4074
MOOROOKA CNR BEAUDESERT ROAD & DURACK STREET MOOROOKA 4105
CALAMVALE NORTH 678 COMPTON ROAD CALAMVALE 4116
BROWNS PLAINS BROWNS PLAINS RD & MT LINDSAY HWY BROWNS PLAINS 4118
WESTPOINT BROWNS PLAINS BROWNS PLAINS ROAD BROWNS PLAINS 4118
GARDEN CITY CNR LOGAN ROAD & KESSELS ROAD UPPER MT GRAVATT 4122
GREENBANK 235 TREVIOT ROAD  (CNR PUB LANE) GREENBANK 4124
LOGANHOLME CNR BRYANTS RD & PACIFIC HWAY LOGANHOLME 4129
CAPALABA CNR OLD CLEVELAND & MORETON BAY RDS CAPALABA 4157
ALEXANDRA HILLS CNR FINUCANE ROAD & CAMBRIDGE DRIVE ALEXANDRA HILLS 4161
CLEVELAND MIDDLE STREET CLEVELAND 4163
VICTORIA POINT EAST CNR COLBURN AVE & REDLAND BAY ROAD VICTORIA POINT 4165
VICTORIA POINT SHOP 27  BUNKER ROAD VICTORIA WEST 4165
COOMERA WEST CNR OLD COACH AND DAYS ROAD WEST COOMERA 4209
RUNAWAY BAY CNR BAYVIEW STREET & LAE DRIVE RUNAWAY BAY 4215
HARBOURTOWN CNR OXLEY & GOLD COAST HIGHWAY BIGGERA WATERS 4216
BURLEIGH HEADS WEST BURLEIGH ROAD BURLEIGH HEADS 4220
ROBINA ROBINA TOWN CENTRE DRIVE ROBINA 4226
FERNVALE 1455 BRISBANE VALLEY HIGHWAY FERNVALE 4306
STRATHPINE WESTFIELD SHOPPING CTR GYMPIE ROAD STRATHPINE 4500
BRIBIE ISLAND CNR GOODWIN DRIVE & HORNSBY ROAD BRIBIE ISLAND 4507
NORTHLAKES NORTHLAKES DRIVE NORTHLAKES 4509
CALOUNDRA 20 BOWMAN ROAD CALOUNDRA 4551
MAROOCHYDORE PLAZA PLAZA PARADE SUNSHINE PLAZA S/CTR MAROOCHYDORE 4558
HERVEY BAY CNR TORQUAY & TAYLOR STREETS HERVEY BAY 4655
BUNDABERG CNR MARYBOROUGH & GEORGE STREETS BUNDABERG 4670
NORTHSIDE PLAZA (QRX) MUSGRAVE ROAD BERSERKER 4701
NORTH ROCKHAMPTON (QRX) ROCKINGHAM S/FAIR YAAMBA ROAD ROCKHAMPTON 4701
YEPPOON (QRX) L1-2 CNR ROCKHAMPTON RD & PARK ST YEPPOON 4703
CANELANDS (QRX) CANELAND SHOPPING/CTR MANGROVE ROAD MACKAY 4740
ANDERGROVE (QRX) 23 OAK STREET ANDERGROVE 4740
MISSION BEACH (QRX) 38-40 DICKINSON STREET WONGALING BEACH 4852
EARLVILLE (QRX) STOCKLANDS S/C 537 MULGRAVE ROAD PARRAMATTA PARK 4870
HARBOUR TOWN TAPLEYS HILL RD WEST BEACH 5024
MARION 297 DIAGONAL ROAD OAKLANDS PARK 5046
UNLEY 204 UNLEY ROAD UNLEY 5061
PARABANKS JOHN STREET SALISBURY 5108
ELIZABETH WAY ELIZABETH CITY CENTRE ELIZABETH WAY ELIZABETH 5112
GAWLER 2 COMMERCIAL LANE GAWLER 5118
GOLDEN GROVE CNR THE GOLDEN WAY & THE GROVE WAY GOLDEN GROVE 5125
COLONNADES CNR BURGESS RD & GOLDSMITH DRIVE NOARLUNGA CENTRE 5168
MOUNT GAMBIER 145 COMMERICAL STREET MOUNT GAMBIER 5290
RENMARK RENMARK S/CENTRE RENMARK AVENUE RENMARK 5341
WHITFORDS CITY CNR MARMION & WHITFORDS AVENUES HILLARYS 6025
CURRAMBINE CNR SHENTON & MARMION AVENUES CURRAMBINE 6028
CLARKSON 36 OCEAN KEYS BOULEVARDE CLARKSON 6030
DOG SWAMP 6 WANNEROO ROAD YOKINE 6060
MORLEY CNR WALTER & COLLIER ROADS MORLEY 6062
ALEXANDER HEIGHTS CNR MIRRABOOKA AVE & GRIFFON WAY ALEXANDER HEIGHTS 6064
KINGSWAY CNR WANNEROO RD & HEPBURN AVE MADELEY 6065
ELLENBROOK THE PROMENADE ELLENBROOK 6069
CANNINGTON 1358 ALBANY HWY CANNINGTON 6107
SOUTHLANDS PINETREE GULLY & BURRANDAH BLVD WILLETTON 6155
LIVINGSTON CNR NICHOLSON & RANFORD ROADS CANNINGVALE 6155
MELVILLE CNR STOCK ROAD & LEACH HIGHWAY WILLAGEE 6156
PALMYRA 265 CANNING HIGHWAY PALMYRA 6157
MANDURAH FORUM CNR PINJARRA & FREMANTLE ROAD MANDURAH 6210
BUNBURY FORUM LOT 63 SANDRIDGE ROAD EAST BUNBURY 6230
ALBANY LOCKYER AVENUE ALBANY 6330
NEW TOWN 192-196 NEW TOWN ROAD NEWTOWN 7008
EASTLANDS 26 BLIGH STREET ROSNY PARK 7018
GREEN POINT SUPERMARKET 28 GREEN POINT BRIDGEWATER 7030
KINGSTON 37-59 MARANOA ROAD KINGSTON 7051

Businesses take positive action today! Downturnaround

2009-04-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

Hi All... there is so much doom and gloom around businesses at the moment which can't be good for morale or for positive outcomes. Whilst there are some areas of businesses that we can't control there are others that we can and you can make a difference in those areas today. Please see information below about a one day program which can impact highly on your people and is definitely worthwhile!

Are you thinking economic downturn
or downturnaround?
Businesses that will experience success
in this climate are those continuing
to pursue business improvement.
The call to action right now is clear.
Invest in your people.
Mobilise the existing talent in your
business to deliver exceptional
performance.Downturnaround is a high powered one-day event that will take your business
from routine to remarkable within the current financial climate.
We will focus on the 5 success factors critical for your business to mobilise
your people and organisation culture to deliver outstanding performance.
People The performance mindset
Leadership Leverage your people or perish
Culture Create a performance climate
Focus Don’t simply enter the future; create it!
Change Develop momentum for change
Outcomes
Now more than ever getting the most from your people is critical. In fact it will be
the difference between businesses that slide and those that thrive in the current
climate. Attending this event you will:
Upgrade your ‘thinking performance’ to create a mindset for success
Learn key skills to leverage what you know to secure your desired future
Develop tools for personal & business success that you can implement now
Grow your intellectual capital
Advance your capability to outperform your competition
Focus you to take the right actions that will deliver performance
Support you to make effective change
Move your business from having potential to delivering performance
Be inspired by Andrew and Peter’s ability to turn desire into action
It is rare that someone captures our team’s attention so completely that you
literally can hear a pin drop. Your conference presentation was the best
we have experienced in 11 years and we have seen some great speakers –
thank you for challenging and inspiring us.
Andrew Maloney, Manager, Flight Centre
We have had many consultants work with a complex and often complicated
team due to the nature of our work. Your ability to be dynamic, respond
to our needs and make new learning real, applicable and impact our
performance is already being seen. Thanks and we WILL see you again!
Jo Hansen, HR Adviser, BAE Systems Australia
Make no mistake. This is not another event where
you sit passively and just receive great information.
We know it is in taking action where great results live.
How does it run?
Our commitment is to ensure we provide you with practical knowledge,
skills and tools to advance your people performance and business success.
To do this takes 3 steps:
Get prepared...
Through the pre-event pack we send prior to the event to sharpen your
focus on the content and ensure we hit the ground running on the day.
Get involved
Our belief is that your development and success is most powerful when it’s in
your own hands. To become ‘individually and organisationally fit’ we will ensure
and support you to do your own push ups!
Get busy!
Actions = outcomes. Every participant will have specific actions to assist them
move from knowing to doing. The key to turning desire into action, to create
outstanding results
Testimonials
Downturnaround
Peter Thurin
Peter Thurin is the founder of blackbelt in excellence
and has been empowering thousands of people from
all parts of the world for over a dozen years. As a leading
professional speaker, author, success mentor, facilitator
and international business consultant, Peter continues
to inspire audiences in every major continent. He is a
powerful catalyst for ongoing change, with his relentless
focus on motivation, commitment and a passionately
desired end result.
He owned successful pharmacies for over 20 years, represented Australia
twice in tennis, coached Australian Rules Football, and is a third Dan blackbelt
in taekwondo. He has been married to his wife, Sharon, for 26 years and has
three children, Jamie, Melanie and Matthew.
Andrew Horsfield
Andrew Horsfield is the Director of Thrive Group and
one of Australia’s new thought leaders in the area of
performance consulting. His passion and expertise
focuses on accelerating human performance to achieve
exceptional business results.
Andrew is a natural facilitator, coach and speaker
that understands however performance is measured,
individuals, teams and organisations want it to get better.
Andrew identifies strengths, engages the challenges being faced and develops
actions that ensure people and organisations deliver performance.
A career that has ranged from working on the streets with at risk youth to
consulting in the Boardrooms of Australia’s Top 500 companies, Andrew is
now sought after internationally as a facilitator and keynote speaker.
What’s included?
You get to access the same thinking, actions and impact that companies like BP,
KPMG, BAE Systems, Goodman Fielder and National Australia Bank have recently
experienced in working with Andrew and Peter.
In addition to the one day event to develop the skills for you and your business
to be the best it can be, you also receive:
Peter’s book Be the Best You Can Be
Andrew’s book Check Up from the Neck Up
The book Ideas; original perspectives on life and business by leading thinkers
What’s my investment?
This one day event is an exceptional opportunity to mobilise the performance
of your existing resources to achieve outstanding business performance.
Merely continuing to do what you do is just not enough. A delivery focus
for today will not ensure your business success for tomorrow.
Implementing our 5 strategic focal points is going to be a key differentiator
from those businesses that slide and those that thrive.
1 person $695
5 people $575 per person
10+ people $500 per person
Contact
Peter Thurin | 0407 568 416 | prt@blackbeltinexcellence.com.au
Businesses who will thrive in the future are investing in productivity
and performance, but demand exceptional value for money.
If you are committed to moving your business from routine to remarkable
then we highly recommend you attend this event.

Why Weight loss diets fail? Tips for proper weight loss

2009-04-01T02:08:00.001-07:00

Why Weight loss diets fail? Tips for proper weight loss

Posted using ShareThis

Weight loss basics

2009-03-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

Weight loss basics
By Mayo Clinic

Your weight is a balancing act and calories are part of that equation. Fad diets may promise you that counting carbs or eating a mountain of grapefruit will make the pounds drop off. But when it comes to weight loss, it's calories that count. Weight loss comes down to reducing extra calories from food and beverages and increasing calories burned through physical activity.

Once you understand that equation, you're ready to set your weight-loss goals and make a plan for reaching them. Remember, you don't have to do it alone. Talk to your doctor, family and friends for support. Also, plan smart: Anticipate how you'll handle situations that challenge your resolve and the inevitable minor setbacks.

If you have serious health problems because of your weight, your doctor may suggest weight-loss surgery or medications for you. In this case, you and your doctor will need to thoroughly discuss the potential benefits and the possible risks.

But don't forget the bottom line: The key to successful weight loss is a commitment to making permanent changes in your diet and exercise habits.

Healthy Snacks sales getting stronger

2009-03-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

Snack sales: healthy snacks even stronger

Despite the increase in sales for the fast food chains research shows that whether it’s parents purchasing the snacks or kids consuming them, consumers said they are seeking out healthier snacking options both for themselves and their kids. A recent survey found that kids and teens are receptive to healthy eating messages and are choosing foods with healthful ingredients.

When asked why they eat what they eat, 2-in-5 kids responding to the Mintel survey said they reach for foods that give them more energy. Over a third said they purposely eat foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients, 25% said they sought out foods low in fat and 22% look for foods low in sugar.

Parents are interested in healthier foods for their children as well, and healthfulness may trump price, even in the current economic environment. “Yes, consumers are economizing, but there’s a new definition of value, and it’s not just about price,” said Shelley Balanko, VP ethnographic research at The Hartman Group. “Consumers put a premium on kids’ health and wellness and are willing to pay more for whole, real foods with less processing.” Balanko said Hartman research showed more consumers looking for snacks with high fiber, whole fruits and less sugar.

The market also seems to be supporting growth of fortified, enriched foods, as well as simplified products that offer fresh ingredients.

Buy Slim Secrets Chips

2009-02-26T01:22:00.000-08:00

We have been receiving daily emails from consumers interested in buying our new Slim Secrets chips. They can be purchased on line from http://www.australiansportsnutrition.com.au/ or www.vitaminme.com.au
They will also be available from selected Woolworth Supermarkets from mid March.
For those of you who live in China they are available from City Shop.

We sent some of our snack products to the victims of the Victorian Bush fires and received the most amazing phone call. A lady called me to ask where she could buy the Slim Secrets chips. She had been given a gift bag which included the chips and she and some of her friends loved them so much she wanted to buy some. I was amazed by this call from someone who had just lost their home. Anyway we sent her a box of the chips to enjoy with her family.

Slim Secrets at the Women's Image Awards in Hollywood

2009-02-20T02:16:00.000-08:00

WOW! CREATIONS TAKES SLIM SECRETS TO THE WOMEN’S IMAGE NETWORK’S WIN AWARDS IN HOLLYWOOD.

Hollywood, Ca. February 18th 2009: WOW! Creations says Congratulations to the winners of this years Women’s Image Network WIN Awards. Wow! Creations provided gift bags for this year’s event which took place Tuesday February 17th at the historic Avalon theater in Hollywood California. Some of the celebrities who were invited to the event and receive one of the WOW! Creations Gift Bag valued at Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars included this year’s Living Legend Award Recipient Cloris Leachman, Eric Roberts, Timothy Bottoms, Tina Fey, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Eva Mendes, Laura Linney, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, Susan Sarandon, Dan Ackroyd, Patti Smyth, Judy Tunuto and, Sean Young to name a few.
Since 1993 Women’s Image Network (WIN) has applauded movie stars, television artists, media makers, politicians and others who help level the playing field for women. It’s biggest event is The WIN Awards show which honors media work that dispels female stereotypes as it forwards their mission. While The WIN Awards began as an invitation-only awards show in 2001 Women’s Image Network expanded its awards program by inviting television broadcasters and film studios to compete for an honor ing in ten categories.
The Gift Bags were created by Wow! Creations. WOW! Creations Gift Bags & Lounges are considered one of the best gifting companies around and have provided gift bags for the Oscars, Emmy, Miss America, Kentucky Derby and more.
Wow! Creations is a Los Angeles based creative marketing and publicity company specializing in creating celebrity VIP Gift bags and hosting celebrity gifting lounges since 2004. Some of the partners that were included in the gift bag were :
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki Beach, provided a four night stay at their newly refurbished hotel www.royal-hawaiianhotel.com skin care by www.buypurity.com Malibu Dream Girl provided their new swimsuit line, www.malibuswim.com www.tropicalhowie.com The green bags were provided by www.cleangreenbags.com Tea was provided by www.dakotavalleyproducts.com other brands in the gift bag were Kix by Katie, Hollywood Fashion Tape, Botox procedure by Dr. Tiffany McCormack MD. www.plasticsurgeryrenotahoe.com, the best protein based snack bars from Australia www.slimsecrets.com.au Sun umbrellas from www.umbrellashawaii.com The best fudge sauce in America provided www.fudgeismylife.com Gus Soda, Yes to Carrots shea butter, Happy Hippo Bath Bakery and candles by scent of one.

Slim Secrets Mintabolism Boost Road tested as the best for taste and nutrition

2009-02-20T02:02:00.000-08:00

The Healthy Food Guide in their March Issue road tested a number of protein bars and the Mintabolism got the pick for not only the best tasting of the bars but also the best nutritionally. This is very exciting as normally products that get road tested win in only 1 category because if they taste the best they are usually not as good nutritionally and vice versa.

I also wanted to let you know or remind you about the new launch of our Slim Secrets Potato chips (1.2g fat per 40g bag, gluten free and source of fibre and protein to help fill you up).
We now have stock of all 3 flavours (please go to our website www.slimsecrets.com.au for more information about them) and so far the feedback has been great!

Slim Secrets new low fat chips

2009-02-05T01:08:00.000-08:00

What an exciting week it's been. We received our first deliveries of our new Slim Secrets guilt free potato chips and they have flown out of our warehouse.
For those who don't know about our new GLUTEN FREE, LOW FAT (just 1.2g fat per 40g bag)potato (not corn or rice) chips with under 140 calories and source of protein and fibre please go to our website at www.slimsecrets.com.au for more information.
At this stage we are waiting on our first order from Woolworth's Supermarkets (however just in about 200 of their larger outlets to begin with)but they will be available from selected Health Food stores (Including vitamin me shops). I will update the stockists soon.
Some of the comments we have received about the chips are;
Great innovation, everyone in the shop is raving!!

Those chips are FANTASTIC!! Order for more is attached – I think we definitely need to do a big display of these ones, people are going to love them!!

I just LOVE your new potato chips! My favourite are the Salt & Vinegar

Slim Secrets at the Women's Image Awards

2009-01-28T02:56:00.000-08:00

We will be providing Slim Secrets bars for the upcoming WOMEN'S IMAGE AWARDS in Los Angeles on Feb 17th. At the Women's image awards we will be gifting some of the biggest names in the industry. We will be providing Slim Secrets in gift bags for

EVA MENDES
SUSAN SARANDON'
ALYSSA MILANO
LAURA LINNEY
CHRISTINA APPLEGATE
TINA FEY
ANGELINA JOLIE
MERYL STREE DIANNE WEIST
KATE WALSH
JULIA LOUIS DREYFUSS

And many more!

Diets, Diets, Diets!

2009-01-28T02:46:00.000-08:00

Since New Year we are bombarded with so many new diets, diet shakes, meal replacements,detoxes and more. Yes it is true that so many of us use New Year to make our resolution to get fit and healthy and or lose weight. However I still believe that it is important to eat 3 real meals where ever possible with a couple of healthy snacks in between. Our busy lifestyles don't always allow this but it is important to make "me" time and fit these in together with some exercise. A healthy lifestyle is NOT a diet as a diet is usually only temporary.
For more tips please read some of our past newsletters.

Season's Greetings

2008-12-19T03:01:00.000-08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a prosperous and healthy 2009
and an enjoyable break during the festive season. May you set yourself new challenges for 2009 and proceed to enjoy the journey towards achieving them. Whether your goals relate to health, weight, relationships, financial, friendships, travel or anything else that you desire, it is always a great time NOW to start working towards them.

Best wishes and my last blog for 2008!

WOW! Creations Dazzles Oprah Winfrey with their Glamorous Swag Bag which included Slim Secrets Bars

2008-11-27T19:34:00.000-08:00

WOW! Creations Dazzles Oprah Winfrey with their Glamorous Swag Bag
Oprah Loves WOW! Creations & Friends. The Windy City gets taken by Storm with this fabulous gifting event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Nov 26, 2008 – (Chicago, Ill) WOW! Creations is pleased to announce the successful presentation of their highly anticipated Oprah Winfrey Swag Bag. The Queen of daytime talk was gifted by Los Angeles based WOW! Creations with a sensational bag filled with cutting edge, fun, hip and trendy gifts and services.

"Our objective with this gifting to Ms. Winfrey was to help introduce these new products and hope that she falls in love with them and displays them on her hit show" said Chris Harris head of Product Placement for WOW! Creations. "Brand Integration in day time talk shows is quite popular now and who wouldn't love to receive new products".

The below list represents some of the fabulous items that were gifted to Miss Winfrey in November.

www.slimsecrets.com.au
Best selling book : "Be the Best you can" by Australian Author Peter R. Thurin www.blackbeltinexcellence.com.au
www.saphoros.com
www.jsabatelli.com
www.babychix.com
www.themargaritaking.com
www.yestocarrots.com
www.candlesofeden.com
www.herenergy.com

WOW! Creations fosters a business climate where private enterprise can operate profitably. It perpetuates the spirit, values and vision that a company must exercise in order to achieve an exemplary lifestyle for it's business partners.

WOW! Creations is a Los Angeles based celebrity marketing /public relations agency and acts as a niche marketing company offering celebrity VIP Gift Bags and Celebrity Outreach lounges for Award Shows, Film Festivals, Sport Events, Charity Events and individual gifting experiences.

Snack and Win a great prize!

2008-11-23T00:33:00.000-08:00

Purchase any Slim Secrets or Nutrient Secrets protein bar and you and 2 friends could win treatments at Endota Day spa plus an Endota spa organic skincare pack - total prize worth $1575!(Only open to Australian residents)

HOW TO ENTER: During the promotional period (10th November to December 22nd) simply purchase any Slim Secrets Bar from any Slim Secrets stockists including selected Fitness First clubs, supermarkets, pharmacies, health food stores and Boost Juice.
Send in the barcode and tell Good Food Magazine in 25 words or less “Your best day spa experience and favourite Slim Secrets Bar flavour?’’
Post your entry and barcode to Locked Bag 4200, South Yarra, VIC 3141 and you could win! So why not pamper yourself on both the inside and the outside?

Slim Secrets is a unique product designed to combat common snacking habits, providing tasty nutritious bars that will quickly help get you back into a gorgeous beach-ready body.

Each bar is a great source of soy protein and fibre, is low GI and wheat free so it gets your metabolism firing on all levels, releasing energy slowly and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

http://www.slimsecrets.com.au/spacompetition.asp

For more information on Slim Secrets and terms and conditions for this competition please go to www.slimsecrets.com.au or contact info@slimsecrets.com.au

COACHING FOR NZ WOMEN

2008-11-23T00:24:00.000-08:00

I recently received a call from someone in NZ and after chatting with her and reading some information on her I believe that she could be a great coach for any of my NZ friends.I have included an expert from Lysa's email to me which includes details about her coaching business and her contact details (I have not included her photos in this blog but I am sure she would email them if you wished.

LYSA to Sharon "It was a pleasure to speak with you briefly Monday afternoon. I truly admire your devotion to providing women with a product that allows women to enjoy delicious, satisfying, healthy snacks. It is one of the fundamental key's to achieving, and maintaining lasting results. I attached some piccy's of me so you can see why I'm so passionate about coaching women to lasting results. I have slimmed 30kg (Age 17) and maintained it for 5 years now! I was a nutritional advisor, and a personal trainer and discovered they do nothing for how women think and feel about the Slimming Process. I know that Coaching is the most powerful medium for achieving lasting change.

Some of my promotional material explains how:

Some women can slim easily. However, some women become frustrated and overwhelmed, with all the different approaches:shakes, clinics, diets, medical procedures and so on... Slimming Coaching inspires you to create lasting results discovering processes you love that suit your lifestyle, goals and needs. After 7 years of experience I have helped hundreds to slim. Slimming Coaching packages start from 6 wks. You can contact me via email myslimmingcoach@gmail.com or via mobile in NZ 02102346647.

Mission Statement: To guide any woman who knows what she wants to a simple approach to slimming that she loves, with a focus on lasting results."

2009 Slimming and Health Award Nominations

2008-11-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys,

Last year Slim Secrets bars were voted the best weight management product for 2008 as well as the best Healthy Snack in the 2008 Slimming and Health Awards.
I am pleased to announce that both Slim Secrets and Nutrient Secrets bars have again been nominated this time in 4 different categories.

Q15: best cereal/snack bar
Q17: best healthy snack
Q29: best weight management product
Q 35: best low GI products

Many of you helped by voting for Slim Secrets last year and if you feel that our products deserve to win again and you are able to take 5 minutes to vote online for Slim/Nutrient Secrets this year it would be greatly appreciated.
This year there are many more entries and the field is tougher but if all the positive emails from Slim Secrets fans are any indication then hopefully we can be successful again in 2009.
If you know of any Slim Secrets consumers or friends that you think may be able to vote for us too, please feel free to forward this blog onto them or post it on your face book page.
Please click on http://www.slimmingandhealth.com.au/ or http://www.magsurvey.com.au/TakeSurvey.aspx?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=92LMm87 to start the voting.

In anticipation THANKS!

Nutrient Secrets bars available in Coles

2008-11-02T19:08:00.000-08:00

As of the middle to end of November many Coles supermarkets will be selling Nutrient Secrets bars in the "Good For You"/health food aisle. They will be stocking the Smart Vanilla Almond and the Hearty Cranberry Crumble to begin with.
For those of you unfamiliar with this range they are all GLUTEN FREE, UNDER 100 CALORIES and HIGH FIBRE. They also all have added nutrients such as flaxseed, green tea and more!

We are also very pleased to announce that Sigma pharmaceuticals is now also distributing all the Slim Secrets and Nutrient Secrets products. So any interested pharmacies that have an account with Sigma can contact them for orders.

What's stopping you?

2008-10-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

I read this newsletter that came into my inbox from my husband Peter (Blackbelt In Excellence) and I thought it worthwhile sharing this with you. The principles and stories can relate to both your business and personal journeys and hope you are as inspired as I was when I read it! ENJOY

October 2008
OK, what's stopping you?

Hello, it's Peter Thurin again. I hope you've got everything that you wish for and are doing everything that you want. If not, refer to the subject line of this newsletter.
"What's stopping you?"

In this issue:
 What's stopping you?
 Rob ... You are an inspiration!
 Stop Press!
What's stopping you?

The fact is that sometimes lots of things stop us from achieving our dreams. And guess what the most common one is? No, not bad luck or the wrong advice or the economy or the government or the kids or the boss or our busy lives. Do you know what the most common cause of people achieving way less than they could/might/should/were-born-for might be?
One word.
Excuses.
So, some thoughts this month about the most common form of failure known to man(kind). Firstly, I have to say that I'm really inspired by my good mate Nick, and it's his challenges that have started me thinking about excuses, and not living out our full potential.
Nick was the absolute best he could be. In his field, the equivalent of a black belt. And in fact, it was a martial art that he excelled in. Two, actually: boxing and kickboxing. Nick was a world champion kickboxer and ranked #7 in the world as a boxer. How's that for a talent? Nick was given to me as a gift about six years ago. In fact, I actually used to corner for him when he was fighting professionally. These days, he comes around to my house every Wednesday morning at an ungodly hour, we clear out the garage, and I pay him to belt the living suitcase out of me!
At the moment I'm working with Nick on the next phase of his life journey. As a retired boxer/kickboxer, with a new wife and a baby on the way at Christmas, Nick's great challenge now is to establish his next career - as a boxing teacher and personal trainer. But what's exciting is that THERE'S NOTHING STOPPING HIM!
Here's what I know. And it's the same for you as it is for Nick. Nick's got skills. He's got disciplines. He's been all the way to the top. Can you imagine what he put himself through - hours on the road running, early mornings every day for years, jumping endless rope, throwing countless punches at a bag and at sparring partners (who hit back), doing whatever it took to achieve his goal. And he's been a world champion!
What Nick's doing now is taking all those same disciplines that propelled him to the top and applying them to his new life. And I already know how successful he's going to be, because he's already got the skills, he's got the desire, he's got the commitment. As I like to say, he's in the game.
What about you? Think back to something in your life that you're proudest of, something that you set your heart and mind and very being on achieving, and which you accomplished. Did you let excuses get in your way? Did you let anything stand in your way? Of course you didn't. You were single minded, focused and determined to have/do/be whatever it was that was lighting your fire. One of my mates devoted every single ounce of his energy for months on end to wooing the new girl he'd just met. Nothing would stop him. He also most literally swept her off her feet. They've now been married for 24 years, with two fantastic kids. Another good friend spent about three years pursuing his desperate and urgent goal to break 80 on a golf course. Early morning practice sessions, lessons, equipment ... he was playing 5 days a week. His eyes still fill up as he describes the sound of the ball dropping into the hole on the 18th for a 79. (And he went right out the next day and shot 77.)
So now, there are new goals in your life, yes? Maybe in your workplace? In your family? There's a personal fitness level you want to achieve, a weight you're aiming to be, a marathon you want to run? Well, let me ask you - are you just interested in that goal, or are you really committed? Are you in the game, like Nick? Or are you trotting out the same old excuses?
Your choice!
Rob ... You are an inspiration!

My friend Rob just wrote to me. And I mean WROTE. 1697 words. And the most awesome 1697 words I've ever received. Here's a cut and paste of what he had to say. Rob's a builder, and a bloody good one. A few weeks ago I gave him a copy of my book, "Be the Best You Can Be”. As you'll learn, Rob was pretty good at excuses.
Was.
"Who is this guy and why is he writing this book", you asked early in your book. More importantly "Who am I and why am I reading it?".
Two reasons, firstly I watched your "YouTube" video and was more than impressed by what I saw so I was naturally interested in looking into your product in more depth, and secondly you found it in your more-than-generous heart to give me a copy.
And who am I? I'm Rob. Happily married to Kelly with two boys Tim 13 and Billy 11. Live in Gisborne and build houses for a living.
September 1 2008 will live in my memory for ever. Why? Because that was the day we made a deal. You, Peter, will give me a copy of your book to enjoy and in return I will learn what your favored charity is all about and will make comment on the one (or more) things I learn from your book.
Peter, unfortunately I am all that is good .... and bad .... about your book. First, the good. Grand final day 2004. Brisbane v Port Adelaide I remember it like it was yesterday. I was out the back cooking on the barby at half time. Standing there necking a stubby and having a cigarette and chatting with mates when my youngest came over and asked if we could have a kick of the footy before the game restarted. As I lit another fag I told him I was busy and we might have a kick a bit later on. After the game he again asked if we could go out for a kick and again I said in a minute mate, to which he replied "why don't you go out and have a cigarette and I'll kick the ball to you". I nearly threw up. My "sense of purpose" was a no brainer. We not only went to the local footy ground for a kick instead of the back yard, but my pack of cigarettes went straight in the bin. I did not want my sons associating kicking the footy (or any exercise for that matter) with smoking . I havent touched one since. So I know when I put my mind to something I can achieve... But...
Now for the bad. Remember the taxi driver in your book... well that is me, as well. Twenty years ago I told my father I was going to do the "Big M Melbourne Marathon". Five years ago I told my wife I was going to do the "Round The Bay In A Day" bike ride and I think you know full well how I fared in both. Yep, I was "gunna.... gunna do this... gunna do that..." For god's sake I even bought the bike... yep, its still in the box.
Peter, I have an excuse for every thing. Yesterday after you gave me the book I got home put it on the table and had dinner with the family. We chatted about our day and about the upcoming weekend, I then told Kelly I was going to walk down to the post office box to get the mail, its only a km each way so its no big deal. I took one step outside the back door and decided it was too cold to walk down into town... so I drove. A couple of hours later I started reading your book... "EASY TO DO... EASY NOT TO DO". Then it dawned on me... you wrote this book about me. My favorite excuse was "if I didn't do this job (carpentry.. Physical work) for a living I'd be a real porker". Without really ever thinking about it, I had been justifying my gut size on the fact that im doing well, cause in reality it could be even bigger than it is now. In effect being slightly overweight was an achievement, compared with being a lot over weight. Its bulldust. Enough is Enough.
DO I HAVE A GOAL... of course I do, albeit short term ones at this stage. Im going to QLD later this year and I wanna be able to take my shirt off without embarrassing my wife and kids and without making anyone else throw up.. That is my short term goal... long term goals are to sustain weight loss for longevity of life and lifestyles. To do the bike ride... To do the marathon... To be able to keep up with my kids. It is my black belt.
And at work? Well, Pete, in the past I have been the type of bloke that would go out and buy a dog and then bark for it. Meaning I really hadn't had the confidence to allow people that I work with the freedom to be creative in their own way. I thought "why let them do it their way when I knew my way was better" (or so I thought), so I would do it for them. They will never get to be the best they can be if I don't allow them and encourage them... and nor will I.
Remembering back only now I can recall my old man saying to me one day "that's a different way of doing it than im used too. I'll remember that for next time" Dad taught me what being humble was all about.
In essence Peter I have learnt that anything is possible. Although I probably already knew that, you have shown the footpath that needs to be taken to achieve my goals and as small as they may be at the moment I now believe in myself enough that I can put in place the structures that are required to achieve. To achieve any thing. To be the best that I can be. Or maybe even better.
As I have mentioned I have been on both sides of the fence. Quit smoking and never went back to it and on the other hand I've been the taxi driver. My inspiration will always be my family but my motivation will need to come from with in. It has been instilled in me by you, but will be executed by me. I no longer want to be a red belt, thinking that close enough is pretty good without ever getting to the summit of the mountain. Each time I get to the summit I will re-evaluate and re-define my goals. To aim higher and higher.
Tonight I took the bike out of the box. It was a bit dusty but looks strong enough to carry me on the start trek that will end up being ridden all the way to the summit... TO MY BLACK BELT IN EXCELLENCE.
P.S C.A.R.E. actually means Carpenters Are Really Everything
Thank you

Kind Regards
Rob

How good is it possible for one man to feel? Thanks, Rob.
(But you KNOW I'm gonna hold you accountable, my friend. I wanna share the glory of that mountain top with you.)
Blackbelt in Excellence Book and CD available

Stop Press!
I just heard from my dear friend Andrew Blode, the Chairman of ACCYO, my favourite charity in the whole world. As you'd know, I’m sure, ACCYO is the Australian Council for Children and Youth Organisations. Part of the proceeds of every copy of my book "be the best you can be" go to the wonderful people at ACCYO.
Well, Andrew's beside himself (two of him... scary thought!) The new Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce, has agreed to accept the position of patron of ACCYO.
Like Nick the boxer, like Rob the builder, like Quentin the Governor-General: it's all about being the "BEST YOU CAN BE".
Let me know about your successes too. I'd love to share them with our online community.
Until next time, may the weeks ahead be magnificent for you. Don't forget to email me any time at comments@blackbeltinexcellence.com.au
And here's how to order yourself copies of my book. (How many can I send you??) Or maybe the audio CD I put together with radio marvel Peter Byme - a fantastic way to absorb success principles on the move.
Click here to book Peter Thurin

And remember, I'm always happy to work one-on-one with you too.
blackbelt in excellence specialises in:
 Conference, seminar and workshop facilitation
 Keynote presentations
 Performance consulting
 Coaching and mentoring
 Team building through martial arts activities
To your success. Be the best you can be.
Best wishes,
Peter Thurin
and the blackbelt in excellence team
61 407 568 416
www.blackbeltinexcellence.com.au

Say goodbye to diets. Make permanent weight loss a reality!

2008-09-27T23:28:00.000-07:00

Say goodbye to diets. Make permanent weight loss a reality!
It’s time to say goodbye to diets forever! Yes, it’s true. At last, permanent weight loss can be a reality. There’s a new weight loss system that’s getting lots of attention. It’s new, it’s revolutionary and it’s called ‘The Slim Habit’.
What’s new about The Slim Habit? Well, it’s all about habits. It’s not a restrictive process like a diet, instead it concentrates on helping you to change your behaviour by learning new habits, Slim Habits.
The number of people who are either overweight or obese is rising rapidly, but so are the numbers going on a diet. Clearly diets aren’t working.
The sad fact about diets is that they fail to deliver permanent weight loss. A recent study by psychologists at UCLA which analyzed the results of 31 long-term studies which followed people on a range of diets for between 2 and 5 years, found that you can lose between 5% and 10% of your weight on a diet, but in all but a few cases the weight reappears – with interest. In another report, the failure rate was put as high as 99%!
Those who have tried lots of diets will understand how depressing and damaging it is to your self-confidence and self-esteem to constantly fail to achieve permanent weight loss. Serial dieting is bad for your health – mental and physical.
There’s no need to be caught in this dilemma. The way out is to get The Slim Habit.
Learn to change your behavior and by learn new habits, new Slim Habits, you’ll make a permanent difference to your life. No short-term diet-fix, but a lasting solution which will allow you to enjoy a slim, healthy life, free form diets.
The Slim Habit is a very comprehensive program. It answers the ‘why’ and delivers the ‘how’. It helps you to gain control of your life through learning and development. Through a Personal Exercise Plan it helps you to establish your own exercise program and it offers huge support through the Cycle 9 Journal and the online Slim Habit community, SlimPals.
Find out more about The Slim Habit here:
Click Here!
The Slim Habit is revolutionary in its concept, but also in its simplicity. It is straight forward and easy-to-follow. It is revolutionizing weight loss. If you want to lose weight permanently, join the revolution and get the Slim Habit!

Wal-Mart Canada

2008-09-14T02:19:00.000-07:00

Due to an amazing team of Slim Secrets representatives in Canada particularly Angele and Stella our distribution has grown hugely in the last few months. Slim Secrets bars can be found in 7Eleven, Choices Market stores, Planet Organic market, Nesters Market stores, Sobeys stores,selected Timothy's Coffee shops and some very exciting news...as of October Slim Secrets bars will be ranged in Wal-Mart in the Natural section of their Supercentres.
The list keeps growing and the emails and feedback from consumers in Canada has been fantastic!

Skin Saviour skin care

2008-09-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be great if you could cleanse and moisturise without exposing your skin to a smorgasbord of toxic chemicals?
Take a moment to look at the long list of ingredients on the back of your current skin care product...
Are they good for your skin? Safe even? Not necessarily....
That's why Jo Packer from Skin Saviour did her research and created her own range of products that she could trust....
I met with Jo over a cup of coffee and loved the look of her products so I thought I would fill you in about this skin care range.

Introducing skinsaviour...
Skin care formulations designed by a naturopath for men and women.
Key benefits:
Promotes healthy skin that feels good and looks great
An active, potent moisturiser that absorbs instantly
Safe, gentle yet effective cleanser
No harsh chemicals
No animal testing
No risk to try it - full money back guarantee
With our busy lifestyles, wouldn't it be great to have just two products that take care of our daily skin care routine?

skinsaviour cream is a multipurpose product designed to be non irritating and as perfect for the face and neck area as the delicate eye area, saving you time and saving you money.

skinsaviour cleanser is a creamy rich formula providing superior daily grime and makeup removal and can be used with or without water.

Let's face it - we all want value for money and that is why she chose to sell skinsaviour exclusively on line - there are no retail markups. Jo also refuses to use filler ingredients.
You get what you pay for - skin care products with no known harmful ingredients but packed with active, cell communicating ingredients and antioxidants that actually work.
All this is backed by a no questions asked money backed guarantee.
If you would like to find out more go to www.skinsaviour.com.au

Project Runway Fashion Parade

2008-08-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

My husband and I went this week to Foxtel's Production of the finale for the final five designers of Project Runway.

The event companies brief was to ensure the right people were at the event (yes we saw a few celebrities), judges past and present, designers, project runway past designers, celebrities, media, social etc to fill 530 seats.

The fact that this is not the usual runway show made it a little different as the audience sat through 2 takes of the parades for filming purposes (felt a bit like ground hog day). With this in mind Foxtel gathered water for each seat and was looking for a ‘fashionable’ snack to include to keep the crowd going over two hours of filming. The event company called us at Slim Secrets as "we loved the product when we tried it." When we walked into the venue for the parade each and every seat had a Slim Secrets Afternoon Snack Attack on them. It was great to look around during the show and see so many people under the one roof munching on their bars!
Unfortunately the winner of Project Runway wasn't announced at this filming so I can can't share those details with you. However some of the fashions were great and some unwearable.
The final 5 are definitely a talented bunch and I am sure most of them will go on to be successful fashion designers.

Fitness First Clubs to sell Slim Secrets

2008-08-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

For those Fitness First health club members in Australia I am excited to let you know that Slim Secrets bars will be available from selected clubs in the very near future.I am actually a very long standing member of Fitness First in Melbourne and love doing my spin classes there.
It is great that members will have access to the reasonably priced Slim Secrets bars unlike the expensive products available at present from some of the vending machines in gyms!

Food diaries, physical activity can increase weight loss when dieting

2008-07-06T23:03:00.000-07:00

I recently read a news article from a US Journal of Preventative medicine that claims that food diaries and physical activity can increase weight loss when dieting
Patients who are participating in a long-term weight management program tend to lose more if they exercise and record what they eat, according to a study that was published the August American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Investigators with a Center for Health Research in the US, signed up 1,685 individuals who were either obese or overweight and who also were taking drugs to lower their blood pressure or cholesterol.
Over a six-month period, these participants attended 20 group sessions that were focused on reducing the number of calories and the amount of salt consumed.
The study's investigators also attempted to have participants get more exercise and eat more fruits and vegetables.
Patients lost an average of 5.8 kilograms (12.8 pounds), and food diaries and physical activity seemed to cause much this weight loss.
These results are from the study's first phase. The study will continue for another two years. For links to a great range of food diaries go to
http://www.weightloss.com.au/weight-loss-tools/food-diary.htm

Nutrient Secrets bars finalist in Food Challenge Awards 2008

2008-06-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

News flash:
I hope you don’t mind if I share Slim Secret’s good news with you…our sub branded new bar range Nutrient Secrets have been nominated as finalists in 2 categories in the highly regarded Food Challenge awards 2008. The 2 categories are Health & Wellness Award Finalists and Snack Foods Award Finalists.
Since their inception four years ago, the Awards have gained momentum and grabbed the attention of industry heavyweights and individual, smaller players alike. The Awards are a great opportunity for these two sectors of our food industry to come together. This year's Awards are the biggest ever, and the excitement surrounding the nominees' entries has been simply overwhelming.

BUY Slim Secrets bars in the UK

2008-06-10T04:15:00.000-07:00

For those UK residents who have been asking for some time now when they can purchase Slim Secrets bars in the UK, I can excitedly tell you that they are now available for sale at www.australiashop.co.uk . All of the Slim Secrets and the Nutrient Secrets ranges are on sale for your guilt free snack alternatives. For more details or information you can contact
Diana Latchford
Anglo Australian Trading Company Limited
27 Maiden Lane
Covent Garden
London WC2E 7JS
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7379 0723

EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED FOR WOMEN WHO HAVE HAD BREAST CANCER

2008-05-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share with you an event which my husband and a team of inspiring people are putting on in Victoria soon. This event supports The National Breast Cancer Foundation and is exclusively for women who have had breast cancer.
Featuring, in person, Peter Thurin - Higly acclaimed International Speaker and author.
Here it is! The perfect 3 day live-in, live-it-up program for women moving to perfect health and radiant energy.
For 3 blissful days, enjoy a stunning location amongst 1,000 secluded acres in the glorious Yarra Valley. Pamper your beautiful body with wonderful accommodation, exquisite food, relaxing surroundings, awesome facilities (including pool, gym and day spa), while reviving your spirit with inspiration, leadership and training from one of Australia's most soughtafter speakers, Peter Thurin, creator of the Blackbelt in excellence program, a program to inspire and empower you, to encourage and support you to be the best you can be!
You'll enjoy activity sessions throughout your stay with Peter Thurin, and the Personal Excellence Team, focusing on the magnificent themes outlined in his book and audio program "be the best you can be".
You'll leave with powerful mental attitudes, a dynamic feeling of commitment, the ability to focus on solutions and opportunities, inner strength, and strategic goals for positive, sustainable change in your life.
Long-lasting and healthy lifestyle changes begin with the small step strategies which Peter Thurin and the team will put in your hands. The programs are fun, energy packed, dynamic, challenging and invigorating, crammed with key success messages that could transform your entire life!

Relax The Outer Body While Working On The Inner You

You'll be soaking up the comfort and luxury of the Sebel Heritage resort in the dazzling Yarra Valley...around 1,000 acres of secluded landscape, a luxurious haven which promotes a healthy balance between mind, body and spirit.

Finally, you will walk away with absolute clarity and empowerment, to take the steps you need to take to achieve YOUR goals and life objectives.
For Information, Bookings & Reservations call Warren at Flight Centre Cairns Central on or visit
www.bbipe.com or View the online brochure at http://www.bbipe.com/Brochure/Breast-Cancer-Retreat.jpg (copy and paste it into your browser)

Slim Secrets sponsors Bowie Wong for Rosemount Fashion week

2008-05-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

What an amazing couple of days I have just experienced in Sydney for Rosemount Fashion week.
I was lucky enough to sponsor Bowie Wong for his fashion show again this year and it was a spectacular parade. They were gutsy enough to plan the parade outdoors in Sydney (it had rained all week) at 9.00am on the edge of the harbour looking out to the bridge, opera house and water. Well the sun shone and it was not cold at all (lucky as some of the models wore very little clothing). The sun shimmered over the water and this was the backdrop to his beautiful parade. Guests looked on munching on their samples of Slim Secrets and Nutrient Secrets bars which they were all given for their "morning rev-up". Many of the models also took some bars to keep them going (yes they do eat) and except for the early start it was a great morning.
I also had the good fortune the night before to spend it at my hotel in their cocktail lounge watching the first night of Australia's got talent. Over a glass of red wine I noticed that the group of people that I was watching with turned out to be some of the cast and crew of the show namely Dannii Minogue and Grant Denyer. There were lots of laughs and they were all a great bunch. Dannii and Grant had a photo taken with the Slim Secrets bars which you can see on the website under the heading "celebrity secrets". Sydney was fun!

Win a break for 2 people at Camp Eden Health Resort

2008-04-22T02:21:00.000-07:00

Australian Table Magazine Promotion: win a break for two people to a health resort (only open to Australian residents)
Overworked? Stressed out? Relax and rejuvenate at Camp Eden Health Resort. Nestled in Queensland's Currumbin Valley, Camp Eden is offering one lucky Table Magazine reader a weekend retreat for two people, valued at $2840, including transfers, meals and two 1 1/2 - hour massages or beauty treatments (flights not included).The spectacular location and wide range of facilities at Camp Eden means you can design your perfect break, whether it be for fun, fitness or simply the chance to put your feet up. So unwind in the resort steam room and sauna, get active on the tennis and volleyball courts, or lie by the pool and enjoy the view while the day drifts by.
Competition closes at 23.59 (EST) on 22/05/08. For full terms and conditions please phone Freecall 1800 107 993. Helpdesk 1800 653 344.
By entering via email you consent to the receipt of any email regarding this magazine, and other emails which inform you of ACP's other publications, products, services and events and to promote third party goods and services you may be interested in.
To enter, purchase any Slim Secrets bars (from any Australian stockist), between 23/04/08 and 22/05/08 and retain a photocopy of the receipt. Explain in 25 words or less why you deserve to win a weekend away at a health resort. Tell us your name, daytime delivery address and phone number and email your completed entry to:tablecompetitions@acpmagazines.com.au
or send it to:
Australian Table Health Challenge, PO BOX 462, Eastern Suburbs MC NSW 2004.
What a great opportunity to enjoy Slim Secrets bars and be in the running to also enjoy a weekend break for 2.

PURCHASING NUTRIENT SECRETS BARS

2008-04-10T00:09:00.000-07:00

I am getting daily emails from people wanting to know where to purchase Nutrient Secrets bars from. There are not many snack bars on the market that can promise under 100 calories, gluten free, protein based, source of omega 3's as well as other added nutrients. Oh I also forgot to mention that they taste great too!
If you are unable to buy them from your local health food shop, pharmacy, practitioner, gym etc then either please ask them to get them in for you or if you live in Australia they can be bought on line from
www.pulsepharmacy.com.au
www.vitaminme.com.au
www.fitnessonline.com.au
Call GNC livewell on 1800 779 990 for mail order service

If you live in New Zealand please go to www.ebody.co.nz and they can help you with buying the bars on line and also direct you to your nearest NZ stockist.

If you live in Singapore please go to http://www.essliv.com/ and they can help you with buying the bars on line and also direct you to your nearest Singapore stockist.

If you live in Shanghai China they can be purchased from Shanghai City Shop

I hope this helps all those who have been requesting Nutrient Secrets bars!

OMEGA 3 BENEFITS

2008-04-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

When the words oil or fat are mentioned in the same sentence as diet, do you tend to run for cover? What you may be missing is that there are different types of fats and some are great for you, some are bad depending on how much you eat and other should never be eaten. In the long run total avoidance of fats would actually be bad for your health.
When you avoid fats you are missing a whole group of fats called Essential Fatty Acids. These fats essential because your body can not create them and they are required for good health. You must obtain these fats from the food you eat.
Essential fatty acids are divided into two families: omega-6 and omega-3 EFAs. While there are very small differences that distinguish these two types of essential fatty acids from each other their impact on your body is dramatically different.
Studies have revealed that too much intake of omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. The good news is that omega-3 EFAs provide the balance to the effects of excess omega-6 EFAs.
The three most nutritionally important omega 3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 EFAs can be found in fish oils, flaxseed oil, canola oil, walnut oil, and green leafy vegetables. These are all excellent alpha-linolenic acid sources. Generally fish oils are the best source for EPA & DHA which is why these are so closely associated with fish.
Take note that of the different omega-3 EFAs, EPA & DHA provide the biggest benefits. These fatty acids have been observed to provide many special benefits to the human body. Physicians and scientists are of the same opinion about the causes behind the decreasing health of people today. This decrease in health is continuing in spite of better health and fitness knowledge. Cases of heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and certain kinds of cancer are on the rise and they can be linked to the imbalanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs.
Other Benefits of EPA/DHA
The two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are incredibly helpful in preventing heart attacks, atherosclerosis, various forms of cancer and even depression. Fish oil has also proven effective in treating illnesses such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Raynaud's disease. The list doesn't end there it is just too long to include here. There are many more cases that have proven the increased intake of fish oil is dramatically beneficial.
Naturally, it's in your's or anyone's best interest to have healthy heart and a proven way of doing that is with supplementation and/or eating foods that are high in omega-3s particularly EPA & DHA.
Hopefully you understand the importance of returning the natural balance of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs to your diet. Increasing the EPA & DHA you get through your diet whether through eating more fish or supplementing with fish oils would be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health.
It is never wise to consume anything to excess but complete avoidance of any particular food is equally detrimental. Seek the assistance of a qualified professional to get your diet on track to better health and make sure that the regular consumption of omega-3, EPA and DHA fatty acids are part of that plan.
Why not give Nutrient Secrets bars a try today...with added flaxseed (omega 3's), gluten free and under 100 calories per bar, what a great start to getting some essential fatty acids today.

Is permanent weight loss achievable?

2008-03-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

Whilst Subway's Jared is celebrating 10 years of keeping his weight off. Jenny Craig's Kirstie Alley is rumored as putting weight back on, and as we approach month three of the New Year, many weight-loss resolutions are succeeding, but many more have fallen by the wayside.
Some win, but many others lose in this idea of permanent weight loss. It makes you wonder if it is really possible to lose weight and keep it off.
The topic of a US CNN news special suggests the answer to that question is "yes." The report discussed a study, conducted by Drs. James Hill and Rena Wing, of 3,000 members of their National Weight Control Registry.
The study found that people who lost an average of 60 pounds (27 kilos) and kept it off for an average of five years hold seven things in common.
They believe failure is to be expected, but that when you keep trying, ultimately you will be successful. They've tried and failed and tried and tried again, until they got it right. They know firsthand that setbacks are par for the course.
Weight loss is not an exercise in denial, but rather a lifestyle built on moderation and the inclusion of a wide variety of foods. Those who kept their weight off realize that deprivation leads to binging and binging leads to setbacks. They've learned to eat a wide variety of foods — even an occasional treat.
They closely monitor their weight, daily and/or weekly tracking loss or gains. They plan for and exercise moderately for an hour each day. While many of those successful in their weight loss exercise for one hour, it's OK to do less. Thirty minutes of daily walking, for instance, can bring tremendous benefit.
Just kept in mind that it's not exercising for 30 minutes instead of an hour that has made much of our population overweight or obese — it's the fact that we do not exercise at all that has led to that national trend.
Beyond planned exercise, they add in activity wherever they can. That means taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking to work, parking in the farthest parking space from the store when shopping, and any other thing you can to do to make your day more active.
They eat a balanced diet most of the time. As a permanent way of life, these weight-loss successes choose plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meat and diary products and occasional allowances of sugar and fat.
They eat small frequent meals — often five — spread out over the day. Daily calorie needs are spread out over breakfast, lunch, dinner and a couple of snacks throughout the day. This "grazing" method of eating is believed to more effectively stave off hunger and lessen the chances of overeating and also keep the metabolism more active throughout the day.
As you choose your path to permanent weight loss, consider how your plan aligns to the key principles.
When they do, you'll know you're on the path to safe, permanent weight loss and a healthier new lifestyle.

Photos from 2008 Oscars gifting suite

2008-03-05T19:24:00.000-08:00

Photos are of Jai Rodriguez from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Kathy Joosten from Desperate Housewives (with Angele Miller my agent from Canada and me) and Deidre Hall from Days of our Lives.

View more celebrity photos on the Slim Secrets website

2008 Oscars

2008-02-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

What an amazing week it has been in LA for Slim Secrets and myself. I have to start from last night as that was definitely the highlight being at Elton John and his partner David's Oscar viewing party. After watching the Oscars and having the tastiest food we were then treated to Elton John playing song after song and then joining with Mary Jane Blige. If that wasn't enough I had the pleasure of meeting people such as Larry King (my favorite for the night), Sharon Stone, Sean Penn, Ellen and Portia, Elton and David, Calista Flockhart and Harrison Ford, Lional Ritchie, Stevie Wonder, Simon Cowell and more! I am sure I have left out heaps of names but you can see that it was a great collection of people. What a great way to finish off my journey to the US to promote Slim Secrets at the Oscars gifting suite. My Canadian agent Angele Miller met me in LA and we worked together at the Oscars gifting suite. We had an amazing response to the brand. Although we do not sell to the US as yet the interest was fantastic considering the competition in the US. Our products have a definite point of difference which was pointed out by many who saw the bars.
I haven't got the photos as yet from the suite but when I do I will put some on the blog. Another great night out was at a charity concert where I heard Damien Rice and Michelle Branch play. I also met some interesting people there such as Adrian from Entourage. LA is definitely a party place and heaps of fun!

Slim Secrets walks down the red carpet for the Oscars

2008-02-17T23:01:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to be escorting the Slim Secrets and Nutrient Secrets bar ranges down the red carpet in Los Angeles this week for the 2008 Oscars. My agent from Canada Angele and I will be meeting and greeting invited celebrities and press and providing them with some of the Slim Secrets bars as part of the Main Event Red Carpet lounge. Hopefully we will capture some great photo opportunities for this blog on our return. Till then...

GNC STOCKING ALL SLIM SLIM SECRETS BARS INCLUDING NUTRIENT SECRETS

2008-02-04T18:45:00.000-08:00

Nutrient secrets bars have been selling very well. To find a snack bar that has SO many of the added benefits that they do is nearly impossible till now. The good news is that most GNC livewell stores in Australia will be stocking our new Slim Secrets range of products known as Nutrient Secrets as of next week.The address details of most of their outlets can be found on our website www.slimsecrets.com.au/stockists or on their website www.gnclivewell.com.au
I saw this saying somewhere and think it fits in so well with our snack products
"Life is a journey...bring a healthy snack along"

Group fitness ideas

2008-01-29T21:45:00.000-08:00

The ratings winner that is "The Biggest Loser" series has spawned a healthy new social trend – groups of people vowing to lose weight together. Numerous studies have shown that one of the most important factors in sustained weight loss is support, so why not get your friends or workmates together and get on each others’ cases? You’ll all win!
I was reading the Fernwood Magazine and for all those members or potential members they are having a 12 week "war on the waistlines" challenge which starts nationally on Feb 4th. These types of motivating group weight loss challenges can be just the catalyst that you need to get you on a positive track. I am sure if you googled "group fitness challenges" or similar wording you will find something in your neighbourhood.

Tips to stay fit in 2008

2008-01-22T01:22:00.000-08:00

Helpful advice from eight high-profile fitness enthusiasts: I really like some of these suggestions compiled by Cary Castagna

It's mid-January and chances are you've already broken your New Year's health and fitness resolutions - if you made any.
I feel your pain. My resolution to eat healthier was crushed on the afternoon of Jan. 2 with a sugary binge. Curse those Cadbury Mini Eggs! Sigh.
Well, there's no sense in waiting until Jan. 1, 2009 to start over. We've got to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and get back at it immediately.
I'm no expert myself. But luckily, I've managed to glean countless words of wisdom over the past few years while interviewing health-conscious subjects for this column.
Here's a compilation of some of the best advice from eight high-profile fitness enthusiasts. Just call it the top eight for '08.
BE CONSISTENT
For WWE wrestler and movie star John Cena, it's all about being consistent in the gym.
"A lot of people get focused for a month or two months and then just screw off. And then they wonder why they don't get results," he tells me.
"I've been training since I was 13, straight up. I don't miss. You know what I'm saying? I've been lucky enough to get results. At the same time, I bust ass. And I can tell anybody out there that if they get in the gym (on a consistent basis) ... they're going to see results. I don't care what program or what diet they're doing."
Cena, who weighs a chiselled 240 pounds at six-foot-one, says it helps to do something you enjoy.
"If you don't like being in a gym, find something else to do. Walk, run, play hoops, do something, but stay active because it adds years to your life."
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Although she could afford the fanciest workout machines with her sky-high earnings on the LPGA Tour, reigning queen of golf Lorena Ochoa prefers a basic workout regimen that includes explosive-type barbell and dumbbell exercises for high reps with a moderate amount of weight.
"I don't need anything fancy," explains the 26-year-old, who also performs basic ab and stretching exercises.
DON'T MAKE EXCUSES
Fashion magnate Peter Nygard is a busy man, but he always makes time for his workouts
"My body craves it," he says. "I feel guilty if I don't do it."
The founder and chairman of Nygard International, one of the largest women's clothing manufacturers and suppliers in the world, set up a company tennis club for his employees.
"I play every Wednesday," he says. "I'm always there. Some of the other people find an excuse - they're too busy. I never use that excuse, even though I'm the busiest."
MIX IT UP
Edmonton model Leanne Lemire doesn't let her fitness routine get stale.
"I try to change it up. I get bored otherwise," she says, explaining she also likes to routinely vary her training sessions to ensure that her five-foot-four, 113-pound body never gets acclimatized to a particular workout.
START YOUR DAY RIGHT
Rock icon Randy Bachman, who dropped 145 pounds several years ago, likes to kick-start his metabolism with some cardio first thing in the morning.
The 64-year-old Guess Who veteran and founder of Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO) typically begins his day at 7 a.m. with a 90-minute ride on an exercise bike.
"That burns off anything your body has stored," he says.
TRY THE TREADMILL
Alberta Health Minister Dave Hancock, who has shed more than 75 pounds over the past year, says there's no denying that the treadmill is the king of the cardio equipment.
"Once you turn it on, it goes and you have to go with it. All the other machines, you have to make them work," he says with a laugh. "With the treadmill, you have to make a conscious decision to stop."
SCHEDULE A BREAK
It's not advisable to work out seven days a week. Nor is it wise to perform intense physical activity over a prolonged period of time without some scheduled rest and relaxation.
Pittsburgh Penguins tough guy Georges Laraque usually gives his rundown body about three weeks to recuperate in the offseason.
"Once the season is over, you have to take a break," says the former Oiler.
KNOW WHAT YOU'RE EATING
Environmentalist David Suzuki, 71, opts for mostly organic foods and locally grown fruits and veggies when they're in season.
"People have to realize that their health is directly related to what they put in their body," the buff senior citizen explains.
"It's not enough to say, 'How much is it?' You've got to ask, 'Where did it come from? Is it organic? What chemicals are in it?' You've got to make decisions on an informed basis."
All good advice indeed.
And remember, keeping fit - much like life itself - is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the journey.

Purchasing Nutrient Secrets bars

2008-01-05T22:42:00.000-08:00

I have been getting heaps of emails from people wanting to know where they can purchase on line our newly launched range of bars Nutrient Secrets. They are available from http://www.thefitnesssolution.com.au/ and also http://www.vitaminme.com.au/ There are other countries selling Nutrient Secrets (Singapore, New Zealand and China) but for those in Australia they will also be available from retail outlets very soon (they are currently available from Pulse Pharmacies in Vic and NSW). For those who don't know about these new innovative bars they are almost exact 40-40-20 ratios for protein, carb and fat, size 28g, gluten free, with added flaxseed (omega 3,) and are a very handy snack to keep the edge off your appetite without the guilt but with the added nutrients.

Keep Your 2008 New Year resolutions

2008-01-02T20:55:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! This past week I've had an opportunity to reflect on my life over the past year and have recognized how truly fortunate I am. I have a wonderful family, great friends, a fun business to work in each day, and I get to spend our time with great people like you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your friendship and support in 2007...I look forward to growing our friendship and supporting your health and weight goals even more in 2008.
And speaking of 2008...With every turn of a new year many of us set resolutions in a spirit of creating a positive new habit or ending an old, potentially harmful one. And most resolutions center on enhancing health, losing weight or improving fitness. Although success in creating a new lifestyle habit is absolutely possible, many resolutions are abandoned well before the goal is achieved.
And as you already know, regular exercise and consuming quality nutrition offers unlimited benefits - improved sleep and relaxation, reduction in stress, elevated mood, better performance during work and play, enhanced self confidence, increased energy and enthusiasm for life, weight management and a general sense of well being. All it takes is getting started and being consistent, then often a positive momentum takes over.
So today, I offer the 3 critical steps that, in my experience, determines the long term success of implementing a new fitness lifestyle or resolution. 1. Use the power of "WHY?" Unless you know "Why?" you desire to embark upon a new habit of exercising and eating right, it is too easy to quit once the "voices" inside your head begin to tell you that you can't. Write down and embellish on your top 3 reasons why YOU want to get fit, improve your health, energy and vitality. Review your reasons every day to remind yourself of the powerful reasons you're enhancing your lifestyle.
2. Set realistic goals! The common mentality, especially when it comes to fitness and weight loss, seems to be "all or nothing". Instead of saying I'm going to lose 10 kilos in 14 days, set obtainable goals. Authorities agree that 1/2 to 1 kg is all someone can permanently lose in a week. Aim for 3-4kg per month and you won't set yourself up for failure.
3. Make it Fun! Let's face it, if we hate the fitness or weight loss program we're on we just won't stick to it, no matter how hard we try. Find a program that you enjoy - there are unlimited options out there. If you enjoy the social aspect of exercise, then join a group program such as a boot camp. If you enjoy playing sports, find an adult sports league. If you like hiking, join a hiking group. Remember what it was like to be a kid - you could ride your bicycle 6 km round trip to your favorite playground or run around with your best friend all day long. Act like a kid with your fitness, find something you enjoy and the benefits will follow!
Write down your reasons WHY you want to get fit, set goals that are achievable and make sure you find a fitness routine that is fun! When you follow these keys, success in achieving your 2008 fitness resolution becomes significantly greater.

Are you worried about your child being overweight?

2007-12-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

Helping overweight children is much more than a matter of healthy eating

I found this article written by Chrissie Webber who has battled obesity for most of her child and adult life, and she explains what did and didn’t help her.
This is a MUST read for anyone with children that have the potential to become overweight or who are already overweight. Chrissie captures the problems children face and comes up with some real solutions to help.
CHILDHOOD obesity is a growing problem that will soon reach epidemic proportions. The issues, though, for parents and children, are far more complex than those of education in healthy eating and lifestyle.
Attitude to food, body image and the psychology behind this weighty issue must be addressed if we are to help our children.
This highlights for me – an obese child who grew into an obese adult – the issue of how we act as role models for our children. For 98% of us, diets don’t work. In fact, they gradually increase our weight problem.
The mindset dieting creates generates demotivation and low self-esteem through guilt, shame, self-loathing and a battle with food. Is this what we want for our children? If the tools of the dieting game are not working for us, how can we possibly teach them to our children and expect them to work?
Parents need new tools – habits and beliefs around food and body image – for parenting in a world of food abundance. They need support, just as the overweight children do, in discovering a life without food as its central focus.
Both parents and children need support to learn to love themselves and their body in a way that aids permanent weight loss. So, what else is needed to fight the childhood obesity crisis?
I can only talk from a personal standpoint, one that has seen me break away from the cultural concepts of a dieting mindset to find the weight I was born to be. Making changes in the way I view and use food, how I motivate myself to exercise and the life changes I have made, enabled me to drop five dress sizes and maintain the weight loss.
My life experience convinces me that we need to support and help parents and children who struggle with the issues of obesity. The last thing they need is condemnation and shame.
Shame dominated my life. My problems began at birth, weighing in at just 2lb 12oz. It was no wonder that my concerned mother began her campaign to “fatten me up” when I eventually got home from hospital. She was doing her best, just like all parents of children who are larger than nature intended.
However, it was not until I went to school that my weight problems really began. I would come home each day, having eaten a school lunch, and nibble on crisps, sandwiches and biscuits. When my father finished work, I would eat again as we took our evening meal together as a family.
There were no boundaries where food was concerned, no rules about what or how much to eat. I ate because I could and because if I was not feeling full, all the time, I felt very frightened. This fear was illogical but very real to me.
On reflection, the reality was far more complex than just the issue of what I ate. In my case the issues that impacted on my weight gain were five fold – I came from a family which put on weight easily and I had a deeply ingrained feeling that there was never enough food. Irrational it may have been, in this world of abundance, but the fear of being hungry has taken me over 50 years to conquer.
My mother had no idea what a balanced diet was. She had been a very skinny child and therefore delighted in my love of food. In addition to this she used food as a comforter.
As I got older, I used food as a means of rebellion against what I then saw as a very controlling father. My size was a cry for attention. Inside I was crying out to be seen and to be loved for who I was and for the potential of who I could become.
And so the weight piled on until I was a size 22 at 16 years old, then later to a massive size 30 (over 21 stone) by my mid forties.
This, of course, brought its problems right through childhood. Growing up as a fat kid was not easy. The stigma and bullying were only part of the problem. Worst of all were the ingrained messages that I was just not good enough.
Most of the time I didn’t fit in, no matter how much I tried. As for feeling attractive, that was just not possible when the latest fashions looked awful on me. My teenage years were in the mini-skirted era of the ’60s, so you can understand why.
These messages became my belief systems that wrongly informed me, in adulthood, that I was a failure, unattractive and unlovable. For too many years they bound me to a life of food and weight obsession. That was unless my self-loathing kicked in and then I would not care what size I was.
I just wanted to eat food and be happy. Well, that was the illusion created by a childhood of comfort eating. The reality was one of deep unhappiness, where I felt unlovable. As for loving myself enough to care about my health, that was something I had never considered, so powerful were the negative messages I had absorbed as I grew up.
These negative messages from those around you, in childhood, have a powerful impact on future life. Other people are never aware of the huge effect they have. Even a passing remark can be as devastating as continuous bombardment of negative messages.
They often come, as in my case, from the fears or embarrassment of others. My belief that I was ugly and not loveable stemmed from the jokes my father used to make about my size, when he showed people a picture of me taken at London Zoo with an orangutan. It was his way of overcoming his embarrassment at having a fat daughter and one I forgave him for a long time ago.
As for the belief that fat adults and children are lazy, in so many cases, that is a myth. In junior school I loved Scottish country dancing. At secondary school I played rounders, netball, tennis and badminton. It was the competitiveness I loved and I was often picked to play on the school team. I also cycled everywhere as we lived in a village and all my friends were in the next village. My problem was that my intake of food far outweighed my daily exercise.
For many children, these days, the inclusion of physical activity in school has decreased. The government is focusing on healthy eating in childhood but this is only one part of the equation. All children need to enjoy exercising, with the emphasis being on fun.
I dreaded and hated the gym as I could not climb the ropes or jump the vaulting box. This made me feel useless and a failure. So the fear of gyms and exercise followed me into adulthood.
I was lucky though, that in other ways I was successful. I had an inner drive that made me determined to show people that I was good enough in other areas of my life. My singing voice was good, along with my acting ability, and often led to me taking lead roles in school plays and musicals. Also, like many overweight children, I learnt how to draw people to me by my fun and caring nature.
This ability to make people like me was not always enough. I was different but needed so much to be accepted for who I was, despite my size. Prejudice played a large part in my childhood. The belief that because I was large I would not be capable of doing things like canoeing or water skiing was in adult minds, not mine. This was despite the fact that I had been a strong swimmer from the age of nine. What so many large children lack, as I did, is the ability to feel that they can achieve despite their size.
Once size and food become dominant issues, the potential of the child is no longer the feature. For me it was the impetus to say, “I’ll show you how good I really am, in my way,” which created my ability to eventually succeed in life. Sadly, for many overweight children the struggle for their own identity is too much of a battle and they give up. The struggle is all the more difficult when your self-esteem is at rock bottom as mine was at times. So I quickly learnt to put on a front, to laugh at all the “fat jokes” and even to make fun of my own size before others did.
To my detriment, this approach only allowed the bullies to win as I gave my personal power over to them by losing control of my emotions. Bullying is something I experienced all through my school years. The adults, though, considered none of it a problem. So it felt to me as if it were my entire fault. I was fat and ugly and I deserved to be treated in that way.
Eventually I was introduced to the one thing I believed would rescue me from this fat jacket that had grown around me – my excess weight. The Diet. This game with food was my rescuer and then my persecutor. I learned to make certain foods “bad” only to crave them and then believe it was my fault for not being able to lose weight permanently. I learned to listen to what others said I should do or eat and never learned to listen to my own body.
The more I failed, the more I felt not good enough and the more stressed I became. And the result of all this negativity and stress was the usual comfort eating with its inevitable weight gain.
This is what we are now instilling into our children. Following more than three decades of a dieting culture, children are growing up believing that food is “good” or “bad”.
Inevitably, this brings into play the negative emotions of guilt, shame and self-loathing. This is the inheritance we create for our children when we perpetuate the belief that to be happy and accepted you need to be a certain shape, size or weight.

What I needed as a child was a healthy attitude to food, to know how to listen to my body and to eat consciously. I needed to learn what it was to love myself and to view food as a fuel on which to live my life to my full potential. Many children are destined for a life battling with food, hating themselves and their body image, unless we begin to do something about it.
Firstly, it begins with us, the adults. We need to learn and then teach a healthy attitude to food and body image. We need to look past the weight to the potential, teaching children that self-love is the most important gift we can give ourselves. From this flows a body awareness that enhances “conscious eating” habits and a positive body image.
By teaching this we give them the building blocks on which to create their lives where the focus is on eating to live, not living to eat.
* For more information about Chrissie Webber’s motivational techniques, please visit www.lifeshapers.co.uk

This would make a great gift for the entrepreneur in your family!

2007-11-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you a secret new CD which was launched this week.
Be the best you can Be CD now available!! Real stories and true inspiration from Australia's inspirational leader, Peter Thurin and founder of Black belt in Excellence.
Become Your Absolute Best!!
In this audio program, author, success mentor, international business consultant and human dynamo, Peter Thurin will take you through the same step-by-step processes he himself used on his own personal journey to a black belt in martial arts. Whatever your goal, Peter will help you reach it, help you become the best you can be. And a wonderful journey awaits you!
To order on line just go to http://www.blackbeltinexcellence.com.au/default.asp
It makes a great gift for work colleagues, friends or family members.

Nutrient secrets bars availability

2007-11-24T18:10:00.000-08:00

For those of you wanting to purchase our new range of Nutrient Secrets bars they can now be found at www.vitaminme.com.au, Pulse Pharmacies in Australia, selected health food stores, gyms and are available in Singapore and will soon be available in New Zealand.
They are are a great snack if you prefer a smaller 28g size and the best part are that they are all under 100 calories, gluten free, contain omega 3,s and for their size are still a great source of protein. If you need any more details about them please contact us at info@slimsecrets.com.au

Slim Secrets Nominated for the 2008 Healthy Eating Awards

2007-10-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys,

Slim Secrets bars have been nominated in 3 categories for the 2008 Healthy Eating Awards. If you think that they deserve to win and would like to vote please go to the link below.

The link is http://survey.emap.com.au/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=l8KK3o6 and the categories that slim Secrets has been voted in are

Section 2- Weight Management product
Section 14- Food Cereal/snack bar
Section 16- Food Healthy Snack

Thanks in anticipation for your help!

Regards

Sharon

ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF NUTRIENT SECRETS…YOUR SMART SNACKING SECRET WEAPON WITH A TWIST

2007-10-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF NUTRIENT SECRETS…YOUR SMART SNACKING SECRET WEAPON WITH A TWIST.

Slim Secrets, the makers of Australia’s most delicious health bars announced the launch of Nutrient Secrets, one of the first nutrition bars to harness the power of a variety of nutrients to promote their antioxidant properties.
Nutrient Secrets offers a new twist on the popular Slim Secrets range. Each 28g bar has a special twist of nutrients, contains less than 100 calories, has just 2.3-2.5g fat, is gluten free and a source of omega 3,s protein and fibre. They contain NO artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
In keeping with the funky packaging and names of the original Slim Secrets bars, Nutrient Secrets look and taste great! They are available in 3 delicious flavours; Smart Vanilla Almond (with flaxseed and ginkgo), Hearty Cranberry Crumble (with flaxseed, soy and green tea extract) and Radiant Peaches and Cream (with flaxseed, primrose and collagen).
Nutrient Secrets are the perfect snack to keep you going between meals whether you are at work, play, gym, school or anywhere else that you may be when a snack attack hits.
With a nutritional panel better than most snack bars on the market they won’t stay secret for long!
Nutrient Secrets is building on the trend for functional ingredients in healthy snacks in Australia and many other countries.
Sharon Thurin founder of Slim Secrets said “We know how busy life can be, which is why we combine a protein based snack with a twist of special nutrients, all in one neat small pack. With a brand that communicates to the consumer and has a special personality, Nutrient Secrets is an ideal entrant to the popular snack bar market.”

Pricing and Availability Nutrient secrets are sold at selected health food stores with a suggested retail price of AU$1.98. For additional information on Nutrient Secrets, please visit the website: www.slimsecrets.com.au

DID YOU KNOW??

2007-10-01T03:21:00.001-07:00

Did you know that eating protein helps burn calories? We all know that getting enough protein in our diets is important for complete nutrition, but did you know that it's a key nutrient for boosting your metabolism and burning calories? Protein helps preserve muscle mass – and the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. It's more difficult for the body to metabolize protein versus carbs, so you expend a lot of energy (burn calories) digesting it!

SLIM SECRETS GOES TO THE EMMY AWARDS

2007-09-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

Celebrating The Emmys With Celebrity Style And Luxury: Main Event Red Carpet Lounge
In anticipation of the 59th Annual Emmy Awards, Celebrities, Media, Producers and Hollywood's Elite Tastemakers will gather at the luxurious Main Event Emmy Red Carpet Lounge at the historical Friars of Beverly Hills for some quality interaction with today's top brands, spa services, beauty products, one-of-a-kind jewelers, Celeb Pet Portraits, Eco-Friendly products, to donate some of their time for charity with Invisible Children and spcaLA.
Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.durkinentertainmentgroup.com/" alt="Link to website">Main Event Red Carpet Lounge is the place to see and be seen, where celebs and the media can come together, get pampered, and discover different brands that they may want to integrate into their lifestyle and projects, as well as providing opportunities for the brands to meet their favorite celebrities and secure press coverage.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 7, 2007 -- In anticipation of the 59th Annual Emmy Awards, Celebrities, Media, Producers and Hollywood's Elite Tastemakers will gather at the luxurious Main Event Emmy Red Carpet Lounge at the historical Friars of Beverly Hills for some quality interaction with today's top brands, spa services, beauty products, one-of-a-kind jewelers, Celeb Pet Portraits, Eco-Friendly products, to donate some of their time for charity with Invisible Children and spcaLA.
The lounge offers attendees luxurious massages, eyebrow shaping, Botox treatments by a top plastic surgeon, and hair & make up services provided by Bed Head. The lounge will also feature a Celeb/ Pet Portrait Studio by John Manning Photography for celebrities in attendance to benefit the spcaLA. Celebrities can bring their own beloved pets or elect to take their photo with a stuffed animal. Pampered Pets have their own Green Room off the stage where are pet wranglers and pet stations for the animals to be cared for while celebs enjoy the suite. Celeb-autographed pet portraits will be posted on the spcaLA website for auction to benefit the Charity. Our "Green" suite is dedicated to products that are environmentally sustainable, featuring Ed Begleys Best. Over 50 sponsors will be present including Patron's Spirit Bar, and a never done before event- a LIVE, worldwide radio and video stream broadcast hosted by NowLive.com. LA Confidential is a media partner. After a guest enjoys spa services they might relax by challenging a buddy to a Guitar Hero game in the Frankie Lounge, or by singing Celebrity Karaoke, hosted by DJ B-Loc, who is doing live call-ins to KBER ( 101.1FM) rock station in SLC, Utah and One-of-a-kind jewlery by Celebrity Designer, Fileena.
Debbie Durkin/founder/producer says, " Main Event Red Carpet Lounge is the place to see and be seen, where celebs and the media can come together, get pampered, and discover different brands that they may want to integrate into their lifestyle and projects, as well as providing opportunities for the brands to meet their favorite celebrities and secure press coverage."
Expected celebrities include: Joe Mantegna, Dyan Cannon, Barbara Eden, Patricia Wettig, Mary-Louise Parker, Cheryl Hines, Adrian Pasdar, Kevin Connolly, Marie Osmond, Melanie Paxson, Gary Dourdan, Shar Jackson, Nick Carter, Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn.
Some of the product participants include: Lamborghini E-Gear Chronograph Watches, Patron Spirits, Mojito Island, Utah Entourage/DJ B-Loc/Celebrity Karaoke, Guitar Hero, Grand Events LA, HER Energy Drink, Begley's Best, Shaklee, Don't Bug Me Patch, H2OM Water with Intention, Fully Loaded Tea, Boresha Coffee, MonaVie, Marius Morsels, thinkproducts: thinkThin, thinkPink, thinkGreen Products , Lara Noel Hill Designs, Magnotti Designs, Konstantino's Treasures, Lady Lanell's Swarovski Sandals, Brendan Theatres, MausWear, Petit Four Legs, Magic Dog Studio, BBA Wine, Alyse Ziede Designs, Shamar Custom Designs, Cherella USA, Oli-Co & Co., UndercoverWear, Bedroom Magic, LaTeeDa Fragrances, Biatta Intimates, Designs by Fileena, John Kelly Chocolates, Caribbean Escapes Travel, John Manning Photography/Celeb Portrait Studio "Stars & Their Pets," Drobe of Beverly Hills, The Art of Chipotle, Bags On The Run, Paper Nor Plastic, Sea Allure, Dr. Melina, One Dog One Bone, Canine Essentials, TNI, Extra Virgin, DragonFly, Edward Dada, Dr. Celina Yue, M.D., Selia Hansen Massage of Beverly Hills, Pink Pear Giftware and Slim Secrets all the way from Australia!
About Durkin EntertainmentDebbie Durkin is a TV/Film/Internet brand integration Producer whose recent credits include Nat'l Lampoon's Cattle Call, Blades of Glory, Rocky Balboa, The Sexiest Women of Reality TV, and Sundance Celebrity Swag Hunt. www.durkinentertainmentgroup.com
About spcaLA: The Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (spcaLA) was founded in1877. Today it is 50,000 members strong and is dedicated to the welfare of all animals. It offers many services and programs which benefit the animals in California. www.spcaLA.com
About Invisible Children: The Bracelet CampaignThe Invisible Children Bracelet Campaign creates economic opportunities for people in Northern Uganda's IDP camps through employment and the facilitation of savings and investment, while evoking compassion and raising money around the world to support war affected children in Northern Uganda. Finally, a bracelet that comes full circle
For media credentials and talent submissions only please contact Juliette Harris at "it" girl public relations (310) 577 1122-- Debbie Durkin, producerDurkin Entertainment, Inc.www.durkinentertainmentgroup.com, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1389201/ Important: This e-mail transmission, including any previous messages or attachments to it,contains information that may be proprietary, confidential and/or privileged. If you have received this transmission in error, please delete the original transmission without making copies, disclosing, distributing, saving or making use of it in any manner (all of which acts are strictly prohibited), and notify the sender by reply. Durkin Entertainment accepts no liability for any errors or omissions arising as a result of transmission. 310-485-5377
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Weight Loss in the Martial Arts

2007-08-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Weight Loss in the Martial Arts

Written by EditorChoice
August 2007
Obesity, or being over weight, is a condition in which having too much fat in the body may pave the way for other diseases. Obese people have a high risk getting various diseases like heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Obesity is nowadays a serious public health problem. The United States has the highest rate of obesity in the world. According to the latest statistics, 32.2% of people who were above the age of 20 years were over weight. The number of obese people is increasing at a steady rate and showing no signs of stability. There are many causes of obesity like lack of activity, lower relative cost of food, increased food production and changes in lifestyle.Doctors say that losing body weight will help two out of every three people in the United States. Losing body weight can put many diseases away. Obese people always have greater risks of getting a heart attack. Being over weight increases the amount of cholesterol in the blood. This cholesterol gets deposited in the blood vessels and narrows them, so that blood does not flow to the heart properly. Due to lack of blood, the heart is deprived of oxygen and eventually fails to function. This causes heart attack. Taking the negative effects that being over weight can cause, it is very advised to take measures to decrease body weight.Exercising for about 20 minutes a day helps to burn out the excess fat in the body. Exercise can involves light jogging, running or aerobics. During exercise, the cells of the body utilize the fat for producing energy and so the fat gets depleted resulting in body weight loss. Controlling the diet is also very much important. Junk food should be avoided at all costs as these contain a large amount of fats. Changing lifestyle is the best solution to obesity.Martial arts have been known to be very effective in reducing body weight. Martial arts involve a variety of techniques to overpower an opponent and learning these techniques involves a lot of physical exercise to the body. Joining a local martial arts club may be very effective. It is very a necessity to be physically fit to learn martial arts. Physical fitness will be acquired during training. Regular training in martial arts like judo, karate and jujitsu will improve agility and make one perfect. They are also known to improve confidence and will power. Confidence and will power are very much necessary during the weight loss program. So martial can be an effective means of losing body weight.
My husband is a 3rd dan blackbelt in Taekwondo and all of our 3 children are also blackbelts so I have a very "tough" family. If you would like to check out my husband's new book called "Be the Best you can Be" which incorporates the martial arts belt system to help you achieve your goals go to Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/be-best-you-can/dp/0975704214/ref=sr_1_1/103-6396748-8196601?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186380660&sr=1-1

GREEN TEA BENEFITS

2007-08-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

There have been many studies on the benefits of green tea antioxidants. It has been found that with proper dosing green tea antioxidants can help those struggling with weight loss achieve their goals. The benefits of green tea are not limited to weight loss. Green tea also is reported to help increase energy levels. It is not known with one hundred percent certainty as to why green tea antioxidants assist in weight loss. Many experts believe that green tea antioxidants speed up metabolism which helps the body burn fat faster. Undoubtedly, the scientific community will continue to study the benefits of green tea antioxidants. Early results indicate that the medicinal properties are vast and it may take years to study them all. Green tea has been around for centuries as a cure for ailments in other cultures. Science is just beginning to shed light on all of the health benefits of this natural remedy. As the studies continue, we will continue to learn more about the numerous benefits of green tea antioxidants.

SLIM SECRETS WOW's HOLLYWOOD

2007-07-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

WOW! Creations - WOW 's Hollywood in 2007
WOW! Creations is off to a busy 2007 as they return from Mexico City where they just provided the gift bags for the 2007 Miss Universe Pageant and Cannes France where they participated with a Gifting Villa on the French Riviera for the Cannes Film Festival.
Beverly Hills, Ca. (PRWEB) July 7, 2007 -- WOW! Creations a Beverly Hills based celebrity gift bag and celebrity marketing company is off to a great 2007. Just back from Mexico City and Cannes France where they provided gift bags for the 57th Annual Miss Universe Pageant and 60th Annual Cannes Film Festival.
This was the third event for the Miss Universe Organization for WOW! Creations and it's first international event. www.missuniverse.com VIP Gift bags were provided for all the beauty contestants in addition to Hosts of the evening Mario Lopez and Vanessa Minnillo in addition to the celebrity judge MIchelle Kwan, Rony Romo, Dave Navarro. WOW! Creations was also asked to host the 6th Annual Asian Excellence Awards Gift Lounge from Royce Hall in Los Angeles. www.azntv.com. Some of the celebrities who dropped by the lounge for our Luxury Gift bags were: Rob Schneider, Quintin Tarentino, Kenny G. Sanjaya Malakar, Chow Yun-Fat, Carrie Anne Inaba, Rex Lee and Geoffrey Rush to name a few.
Some of the items that were part of these great events were:
The Sun Pill sunpill.com Prevent a sun-burn with The Sun PillPS Designs jewelry psdesigns.com Distinctive beaded jewelry designsSlim Secrets slimsecrets.com.au Australia's number one energy barThings that Make Sense things that make sense.com Hand poured Soy CandlesTiko Soy tikosoy.com hand made candlesMystic Orient mysticorient.com Luxury bath productsSonya Paez sonyapaez.com Luxury watchesGoody goody.com Activewear for your hairJust for Redheads justforredheads.com Beauty ProductsSmart Heel www.smartheel.com Protection for the heels of your shoesFruitaiga fruitaiga.com Taste Success with this great tasting fruit energy drinkHint Mint hintmint.comJaqua Beauty .jaquabeauty.comTrixie and Peanut trixieandpeanut.com luxury pet productsPretty Darn Swell prettydarnswell.com Aftwork from AmericaNatty Products nattyproducts.com Santa Barbara based luxury bath itemsSamy Salon samysalon.com hair productsBaby Dagny babydagny.comNet Flix netflix.comHouse Of Hendrix Vodka houseofhendrix.com Monster Energy Drink monsterenergy.com
WOW! Creations is pleased to announce that they have just been invited back by the Miss Universe Organization to provide gift bags for the Miss Teen USA pageant live from Pasadena California on August 24th. Also in August We will be partnering with other Hollywood Gifting companies for Hot Summer Nights at the Playboy Mansion benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and also in August the MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas.
On July 27th WOW! Creations will be delivering our Bad Girls Of Hollywood gift bag to Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. In celebration of Lindsay's 21st Birthday and Paris Hilton's release from Jail.
Some of the products already in those bags are :
Things that Make Scents, Slim Secrets energy bars from Australia, Jaqua Beauty products, Samy Salon, Hint Mint, Sonya Paez watches, Joker t.shirts and more.
WOW! Creations is a Beverly Hills based gift bag provider and celebrity marketing company. We are a boutique agency offering celebrity gift bags, gift lounges, public relations and celebrity marketing.

SLIM SECRETS TO GO TO CANADA

2007-07-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Things are very exciting and busy here at Slim Secrets. In a couple of months Slim Secrets bars will also be available in Canada which should be great!
They are also selling very well in NZ, China and Singapore so thanks to all those who buy from there. In NZ the bars will also be available from Progressive supermarkets in the next month so look out for them there.
We have also supplied Slim Secrets bars for Amy Winehouse PR, Lindsay Lohan's 21st, the extras involved in the opening show for the US footy season with Faith Hill and for our local fashion designer Bowie's 1st birthday.
We are also getting amazing success stories from many our customers who regularly snack on Slim Secrets bars as part of their daily eating ritual and physical regime. The whole package is what counts in order to reach your desired goals!

FILL UP ON FIBRE

2007-06-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

Fill Up on Fibre
Cutting calories doesn't have mean going hungry. One easy way is to fill up on fibre. According to a study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center, women who doubled their fibre intake from 12 to 24 grams per day cut their calorie intake by 90 calories per day. That's almost 10 pounds a year! Eating a high fibre diet can also add energy to your day. Tanya Zuckerbrot, M.S., R.D., author of "The F-Factor Diet", writes, 'By eating a combination of fibre and protein at every meal, you are providing your body with long-term energy. If you eat a meal with simple carbohydrates (carbs without fibre), you will find yourself crashing soon after and heading to the vending machine for a quick pick me up. Try eating food enriched in fibre, like a cup of raspberries, to avoid the trip to the vending machine.
Slim Secrets bars are also a great source of both fibre and protein for that between meal snack.

Woolworths supermarkets to stock Slim Secrets

2007-05-31T02:43:00.001-07:00

It is with great excitement to add Woolworths to the list of large supermarket chains to stock Slim Secrets. They will initially be stocking the Mintabolism Boost and Night time Binge-Buster but if they prove popular will add the Morning Rev-Up and Afternoon Snack-Attack. They should be in stores by mid June, so please look out for them.
To all those who have not entered the Table Magazines competition to win a family trip to Phuket hurry before it's too late. The competition is in conjunction with Coles Supermarkets and runs till June 16th. All details can be found in this month's Table Magazine.
As it is getting colder here in Australia a trip to Phuket sounds like perfect therapy!

Scientist Finds Another Clue To Why Soy Promotes Weight Loss

2007-05-07T23:53:00.000-07:00

Scientist Finds Another Clue To Why Soy Promotes Weight Loss
07 May 2007

Research shows that when soy consumption goes up, weight goes down. A new University of Illinois study may help scientists understand exactly how that weight loss happens.

"We wanted to compare the effects of soy protein hydrolysates and soy peptides with those of leptin because we hypothesized that soy might behave in the body in a similar way. Leptin is a hormone produced in our adipose tissue that interacts with receptors in the brain and signals us that we're full so we stop eating," said Elvira de Mejia, a U of I assistant professor of food science and human nutrition.

The researchers wanted to see if soy protein hydrolysates could affect these regulatory hormones and their receptors.

"And we found that soy did have an effect on these mechanisms and hormones that are induced in the body to help us degrade lipids and reduce body weight, but it did so by boosting metabolism and not by reducing food intake," she said.

To compare soy peptides with leptin, de Mejia's graduate student Nerissa Vaughn, with the help of associate professor Lee Beverly, implanted cannulas in the brains of lab rats; they then injected leptin as a positive control. When the scientists could see their model was working, they injected two formulations of hydrolyzed soy protein and soy peptides so the scientists could monitor the effects of each on food intake and weight loss.

Injections were given three times a week for two weeks; during that time, the animals had unlimited access to food and water. Food intake was measured 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after injection, and the rats were weighed 24 and 48 hours after injection. All rats received the same amount of exercise, and all rats lost weight.

But, after the third injection, de Mejia and Vaughn noticed a significant weight loss in the group of animals that had received one of the soy hydrolysates, even though the animals hadn't changed their eating habits. In this instance, soy protein appeared to have caused weight loss not by reducing food intake but by altering the rats' metabolism.

The experiment not only showed that soy peptides could interact with receptors in the brain, it also demonstrated that eating less isn't always the reason for weight loss, the researcher said.

"Weight loss is a complex physiological event. It's not always as simple as 'Eat less or exercise more,' said de Mejia.

"Losing weight is a cascade of many steps, beginning with the production of certain hormones and continuing with their action in the brain. Some people are resistant to these hormones, just as other people are insulin-resistant. These people never receive the message from the brain that tells them they're full," she added.

de Mejia plans to continue investigating the effects of soy proteins on weight loss. She believes soy contains anorectic peptides that signal a feeling of satiety as well as peptides that boost the metabolism. Her next step will be to fractionate and purify the soy hydrolysates so that she can identify each peptide and understand its bioactivity.

###

de Mejia and Vaughn presented their findings at the Experimental Biology meeting in Washington, D.C. The study was funded by the Illinois Soybean Association and SAI Company.

Contact: Phyllis Picklesimer
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=69599

The Skinny model debate

2007-05-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

I spent the day yesterday in Sydney for the Rosemount Spring/Summer fashion show. I was there with my daughter Mel to represent Slim Secrets who was the sponsor of the parade by designer Bowie. We had the Slim secrets snack bars back stage and Mel also handed them out to the guests. It was great to see some of the models (both male and female) eating the bars before the parade! They loved the fact that someone had brought them a snack alternative that gave them energy, provided them with protein but was not laden with calories. The parade itself was terrific and I am pleased to say that none of the models looked like skin and bones. They actually looked slim and healthy which was great to see.
Photographed eating Slim Secrets bars were Deni Hines (who seems like a gorgeous person) as well as Holly Brisley from Home And Away.
All in all it was a great day. However it finished off on a high whilst flying back to Melbourne on Virgin Airlines we see the air hostesses munching on Slim Secrets bars whilst on their break.
When we told them that we had flown to Sydney to represent the bars they got all excited and asked for boxes of them as they loved them! What a great way to finish off a fun day.

Woolworths Bankstown

2007-04-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

If you live in or near Bankstown you can now purchase Slim Secrets bars from the Woolworths supermarket at Shop A, Bankstown Square Shopping Centre Bankstown NSW from after Easter.

A Special Motivation Message that is so TRUE!

2007-03-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

A Special Motivation Message
From Jim Rohn: "People often ask me how I became successful in that six-year period of time while many of the people I knew did not. The answer is simple: The things I found to be easy to do, they found to be easy not to do. I found it easy to set the goals that could change my life. They found it easy not to. I found it easy to read the books that could affect my thinking and my ideas. They found that easy not to. I found it easy to attend the classes and the seminars, and to get around other successful people.They said it probably really wouldn't matter. In fact, the primary reason most people are not doing as well as they could and should, can be summed up in a single word: neglect.
It is not the lack of money - banks are full of money. It is not the lack of opportunity - America, and much of the free World, continues to offer the most unprecedented and abundant opportunities in the last six thousand years of recorded history. It is not the lack of books – libraries are full of books - and they are free! It is not the schools - the classrooms are full of good teachers. We have plenty of ministers, leaders, counselors and advisors.The major reason that so few take advantage of all that we have is simply, neglect.
Neglect is like an infection. Left unchecked it will spread throughout our entire system of disciplines and eventually lead to a complete breakdown of a potentially joy-filled and prosperous human life. Not doing the things we know we should do causes us to feel guilty and guilt leads to an erosion of self- confidence. As our self-confidence diminishes, so does the level of our activity. And as our activity diminishes, our results inevitably decline. And as our results suffer, our attitude begins to weaken. And as our attitude begins the slow shift from positive to negative, our self-confidence diminishes even more ... and on and on it goes.
When giving the choice of "easy to" and "easy not to" that you do not neglect to do the simple, basic, "easy"; but potentially life-changing activities and disciplines."
"So as you make a mental note telling yourself "I need to start eating better" OR "I need to stop eating those biscuits" or "I should look into joining that gym", remember you are still one step away from ACTION. Taking one step in the right direction - deciding first what that one step will be - will start the momentum in the right direction. Don't wait for the right time - there never seems to be a 'right' time. Set a goal and follow a plan.

Slim Secrets on their way to Singapore

2007-02-24T02:31:00.000-08:00

For those Australians who enjoy their regular Boost Juice and Slim Secrets bars, if you find yourselves in Singapore you will be able to visit Boost juice there and also purchase your favorite Slim Secrets.
They can also be purchased from City Shop and First Food Stores in Shanghai when visiting China.
There are many more overseas Slim Secrets stockists which will be confirmed in my blog soon.

SLIM SECRETS IN 2007

2007-02-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

It has been an amazing start to 2007 for the 1 year old brand of Slim Secrets snack bars both in Australia and internationally.
Firstly here at home we are receiving many inquiries daily from people telling us how much they enjoy the products and how they have helped them with their poor snacking habits and of course that they are the BEST protein bars out on the market due to their taste and balanced nutritional profile. I love those emails!!

Secondly we are getting new and satisfied stockists daily as the bars grow in demand. This includes from March 700 Coles supermarkets in Australia. The bars are also selling very well in Boost Juice around the country. We are also selling the bars in many more gyms, personal training studios, Health food outlets Doctors, Naturopaths and weight loss clinics in both Australia and New Zealand.

Thirdly we have begun 2007 with some successful advertising in national magazines with more to come throughout the year. We have also been approached by TV and channel 9 are doing an advertorial on Slim Secrets products in Adelaide in March. We have been approached by media in the US and one of the largest nutritional and functional magazines is doing a write up on Slim Secrets products in April.
We are also sponsoring functions such as the Vecci women's networking forums and have been asked to be a sponsor of one of our fashion designers in Fashion Week in Sydney in early May.

Lastly Slim Secrets is spreading it's wings on the international market. They are being sold in New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Singapore (Boost Juice Singapore will be selling them) with serious interest from the UK, US, Taiwan and Canada.
All in all things are very exciting at the moment and VERY busy!

Dr. OZ with Oprah

2007-01-31T13:00:00.000-08:00

I watched the interview with Dr Oz and Oprah last night where they discussed many diet/weight loss related questions that are asked by many people.
One of the questions Oprah posed to Dr Oz was about protein bars. He made the comment that so many of these bars are full of sugar and or fat that they are not usually a great snack alternative.
I agree with Dr Oz about the poor nutritional panel of most of these products. That was one of the main reasons that I started Slim Secrets and created a range of these protein based bars that was very well balanced AND tasted great. The combination is generally hard to find!
Slim Secrets bars are low in sugar, low GI, contain no trans fats and have under 4 grams of fat per bar. Some of the protein bars out there are very low carb but generally high in fat or the opposite being low in fat but very high in carbs and sugar.
The reason for the very quick and great success of Slim Secrets in Australia and now many overseas countries is that it is a great tasting, balanced, snack alternative in our fast and busy lives to help keep us going between meals.
There were many issues discussed between Dr Oz and Oprah that was so informative for both adults and children!

YOUR SLIM SECRETS

2007-01-16T20:27:00.000-08:00

Do you have any Slim Secrets that you are able to share with me for a future publication?
Have you tried some things that have worked really well for you or that others have done that have worked for them.If so I would love to hear from you. The secrets can relate to eating habits, nutrition, exercise, stress or anything else that may fall into being a Slim Secret.
Would you please send your Slim Secret to info@slimsecrets.com.au and please specify if you would like your secret/s to be anonymous or include your first name and country you live in.
I will be gathering secrets for 3 months from now, so PLEASE help me help others with some great tips. Can you also please direct others you know who may also have some Slim Secrets, to the email address above.
I look forward to sharing these with you in a publication in 2007.

5 New Year's Resolutions YOU might want to consider making:

2006-12-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support of Slim Secrets in 2006. You have helped make it a VERY exciting year for this new brand on the block!
I look forward to sharing another great year with you all.
Slim Secrets wishes you and your families a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous Festive Season and New Year.
Be safe and have fun

Some Resolution ideas from the experts include:
1.Carry a water bottle with you at most times and drink from it often. Drinking water will eliminate much of the confusion of hunger vs. thirst. Drinking plenty of water will properly hydrate your system, allowing your body to function at optimal capacity, make your skin and hair look healthier and make you feel great!
2. Bust your worst habit. Identify the very worst thing that you are doing on a regular basis that contributes to the current condition of your body and then stop doing it!
3. Find some form of physical activity that you enjoy and make doing it non-negotiable. I do not allow family events, travel, work or anything else to interrupt my regime. If I can't make it to the gym, then I substitute for my at-home routine...but I get my exercise in most days (I don't beat myself up if I can't do something).
4. Find something you are passionate about and lend your time to helping further that cause. Getting involved and making a difference in the world is a lot more positive and productive than wasting your time counting points, combining foods, journaling each bite eaten and obsessing over your physical condition. From your children's school to a neighborhood food pantry and more...there are organizations in your area that would benefit greatly from some of your time, treasure and or talents. Lend a hand to someone in need, it will do YOU good!
5.Become more aware of your actions and the ramifications of them. I believe that we so many things mindlessly without ever stopping to realize the significance of what they do to our mind and body. I wish I had a dollar for every person whom I have helped to realize what their soft-drink habit does to their body. I can tell you dozens of cases of people who simply gave up drinking their customary 5-10 soft-drinks a day and have lost significant amounts of weight as a result. They never knew that a seemingly innocent beverage was to blame for much of their excess weight. Awareness coupled with change of habits can lead to dramatic results.

Most importantly
HAVE A HEALTHY AND SAFE NEW YEAR!

Obesity Becoming A Health Problem In China

2006-11-13T01:17:00.000-08:00

Obesity Becoming A Health Problem In China

China has an obesity problem.

The government figures about 60 million of its citizens are obese.

An official of China's committee on food and nutrition blames rising affluence for an increasing number of Chinese eating less grains and vegetables and more fat and junk food. That's also resulting in more cases of high blood pressure and diabetes.
Changes in traditional diet, including a new fondness for Western fast food, and a sharp rise in the use of cars have been blamed for bulging waistlines in China, where famine and chronic malnutrition caused the deaths of millions in the 1950s.

Slim Secrets bars are currently being sold in China and with these figures coming out they should gain popularity very quickly!