Ask Sam Now

I am dead tired at around 2 p.m. every day. What do I need to do to do boost my energy and drive? 

Dear Bad Habits, 

Change your habits, change your life. P.E.P. it up: Increase power, energy, and productivity.

POWER UP

1. Get one more hour of sleep.

2. Get active before 2 p.m.–walk, jog, or get to the gym. Moving helps circulation and stimulates the mind.

ENERGIZE

1. Nap. 

2. Eat smarter–Get the right substance in your system. Did you wake up in time for breakfast? Or did you get that huge, super-sweet java and oversized muffin at your local stop? Don’t go crazy over cocoa puffs! Those junk sugars spike your blood sugar levels then send you for a crash later, making you sleepy and unproductive. High-fat and fried foods make you sluggish, too. Delight in a balanced lunch with lean protein and healthy carbs. Protein helps stabilize your blood sugar levels and energy. 

3. Use peppermint oil in your water or green tea. Try matcha tea or spirulina (great additions to your healthy smoothie after that workout). 

PRODUCTIVITY

1. Get priorities straight in order to zap stress. Stress will suck the energy right out of you. 

2. Make the time to power up and energize your body and mind!

3. Change your habits, get P.E.P, change your life!

Flat tummy foods. Really? Everyone has a list or diet! What’s real and what’s not?

Dear Belly Buster, 

Damn good question. Eat real food, and don’t put anything else in your mouth. 
If your food is in an envelope and you just add milk, it isn’t real. If your food can sit in your pantry in a can or wrapper for months on end, it isn’t real. 

I found these “flat tummy foods” on the common lists: cucumbers, lentils, bananas, fennel, papaya, whole grains, chilli peppers, ginger, almonds, yogurt, asparagus, eggs, apples, berries, leafy greens, avocado, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and apple cider vinegar. I’m sure I missed a few. These are all real foods. You could try any flat tummy list and see what works for you. We are not built the same nor do we process food and nutrients the same. One exercise program or diet does not work for everyone. 

Bust the belly with the list of what NOT to put in your mouth: sugars, processed foods, fried foods, white flours, alcohol, and potentially gluten and dairy.  And make sweat happen! Work your abs by mixing cardio and strength training four to five times a week.                                         

Flat tummy vs. fat tummy starts in the kitchen, then train, commit, and succeed. Keep it real!

I just started getting cellulite. 
How do I get rid of it?

Dear Lumpy,

It’s going to take guts to bring back the glory. Heredity, hormones, and dramatic weight change are the most common reasons behind cellulite. 

Cellulite is the hidden, ugly evil and will reveal itself to anyone! It occurs when underlying fat deposits begin to push through layers of collagen fibers under the skin. Some of it’s hereditary, but waste no time blaming your momma and granny. Take some comfort knowing even Victoria Secret models have cellulite, but you do have some control. Focus on nutrition, exercise, hormonal balance, and hydration.

I know you want a magical, overnight cure like a pill, cream, or oil that removes it for life. That ain’t gonna happen! Despite all the reviews and savvy ads, don’t buy into it. None will cure your cellulite. 

If you have a severe case, you can consult your doctor. I’m sure you can find a procedure to make it disappear for thousands of dollars. However, make sure to inquire when it will come back again. 

Natural Approaches to reduce the appearance of cellulite

After much research, these are the best natural approaches to prevent or reduce the appearance of cellulite and boost your overall health, confidence, strength, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, and more:

Change your eating habits

Consume well-balanced and nutritious meals and snacks. Include raw vegetables, fresh fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Stay away from processed foods, white carbohydrates, and sugars. Limit coffee, cola, energy drinks, and alcohol.

Change your exercise routine

Slack and cellulite wins the fight. Get a benchmark assessment at your gym and a few sessions with a trainer. Time to burn fat and tone muscles. Work out four to five times a week.

Balance Hormones

Ladies, shout out to y’all! As women age, their bodies produce less estrogen—a hormone that helps keep blood vessels flowing smoothly. Less estrogen can mean poorer circulation, which can also mean a decrease in new collagen production and the breakdown of older connective tissue. See your doc, and get your hormones in check.

Drink more H20

Start with 16 ounces of water before morning coffee. Water is a cleanser, eliminates toxins and fat, and improves the strength of collagen and connective tissue in your skin—all making your skin firmer. 

Dry Brush

Using a natural bristle brush on bare skin is an ancient method to boost blood circulation, stimulate the lymph nodes, gently exfoliate, and improve your skin quality. Brush your cellulite areas at least three times each week before taking a shower. 

The good news is you didn’t have it before. 
Weave these changes into you daily plan and wave buh-bye to those devilish dimples and creases and hello to smooth, toned skin!