Do you know much about why it’s important to balance your bacteria?

Do you struggle to lose fat, even though you’re eating a healthy, clean diet and getting plenty of exercise?

If so, there’s something else you might need to be paying attention to: balancing your bacteria.

Your gastrointestinal system is home to trillions of microbes that carry out dozens of essential functions. They train the immune system, synthesize vitamins (including B vitamins and vitamin K), and regulate hormones.

And research shows they affect weight, too.

While the “good bugs” in the intestinal tract (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) promote digestion and elimination, harmful gut bacteria (including Bacteriodes and Clostridium) slow the motion that propels food forward, causing stagnation and weight gain.

The good news is that “friendly bacteria” can crowd out those fat-storing flora. All you have to do is feed them the right food.

What’s the right food?

Boost your friendly flora with a high-fiber (especially soluble fiber) diet that’s low in sugar. Aim for at least 60 percent of your food to be fresh (not processed), and always opt for organic and naturally raised meats.

Again, this balancing out of your bacteria might just be what you need to pay attention to in order to reach your fat loss goals.

shelli

One question I get very often from both women and men is, “How can I firm up my backside?” They don’t always ask that question using such polite words, but that’s what they mean.

I’ve met very few people who don’t want a better looking butt!

Most of you are familiar with lunges. You see lots of women doing lunges, whether in gyms or on the street.

Often it’s a good idea, but unfortunately I see a lot of bad execution.

The right way to do lunges is one leg at a time.

Do not alternate between both legs or do walking lunges.

It is hard on the knees, and it doesn’t take advantage of the mind/body connection that focusing on one leg at a time can give you.

Here are some lunge tips for you:

1. Work out the muscles on the first leg with both mental and physical focus.

2. After you do one leg, do the other.

3. Rest one minute. Then do a set of 20 squats using dumbbells or just your body weight.

4. Repeat the lunge exercise, one leg at a time, then the squat. That should be plenty for most of you. You’re done!

That’s two super sets: two sets of one-legged lunges and two sets of squats. That’s it. You can do it in less than 10 minutes.

Not only is this a great exercise for your legs, but your butt will be screaming for mercy. Try this and let me know what you think!

shelli