Sunday, December 21, 2008

Cruz Control Newsletter Volume I

Think back to your childhood for a moment. If you are like me, then food dominated the holidays. It is hard to stay away from certain holiday treats because it is something that we were taught since childhood. Unfortunately, for those of you who are trying to eat healthy, this presents quite the dilemma.

The important thing to remember is that nobody should coerce you into eating something you don’t want. If you want to have something then make sure it’s because it is your choice. Too many people buckle under the pressure of wanting to please those family members who have cooked all that food. We were taught during our childhood years that this was an insult.

However, does anyone really have the right to tell you what you can and cannot eat, especially if you have been working so hard to try and achieve certain goals? Will those same people be there after the holidays as you work even harder to burn off those extra calories? The answer is probably not.

I’m not saying not to indulge but I am saying that make sure the choice is yours. One of my favourite sayings is that food tastes much better without a side of “guilt!”

If your intentions are to eat healthy throughout the holiday seasons then I suggest that you tell as many people around you about how hard you have worked at achieving your goals. Ask family members for support during this tough time. If you have to travel to a family member’s house ask them if you can bring a healthy dish to dinner.

I hope you all have a very festive holiday season.

Sincerely,
Greg D’Cruz
gregdcruz@rogers.com
www.cruzcontrollifestylemanagement.blogspot.com

Friday, December 12, 2008

What is Cruz Control Lifestyle Management?

Cruz Control Lifestyle Management offers a wide variety of nutrition and exercise programs. I provide custom meal plans with unlimited email support. In addition I teach a running program for those interested in learning how to run or trying to improve their running. Most recently I successfully helped a client achieve her goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

While my expertise lies in nutrition, my passion is without a doubt running and I wanted to combine both services under one umbrella.

I am a firm believer in nutrition through education and I teach a philosophy that I have created.

For more information about my services, please contact me at:
gregdcruz@rogers.com

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Isagenix

Here is the link to the website where the 9-day kit can be purchased:

http://blazingtrails.isagenix.com/ca/en/home.dhtml

Isagenix Success stories

My husband and I joined a gym in June 2007 and set goals of losing 40 and 25
pounds respectively. While we were initially doing well in losing weight
and making lifestyle changes (i.e. exercise and nutrition), we found our
weight plateaud after the first three or four months. It was around this
time that we were meeting with Greg D'Cruz for counselling on nutrition.
Greg recommended that we try Isagenics products to help us achieve our
goals. We decided to try the 9-Day Cleanse. The products were easy to use
and great tasting - we particularly enjoyed the Tasty Snacks. More
important than the ease of use and the taste was the result. At the
conclusion of 2 days of pre-cleanse followed by the 9-Day program, I had
lost 10 pounds and 15 total body inches while my husband lost 14 pounds and
12 inches. The program helped us take a huge step forward with our fitness
goals. We were extremely satisfied with the product and have continued to
incorporate the snacks and shakes into our meal plans. We truly believe in
the Isagenics products and recommend them to anyone looking for a kick-start
to achieve their fitness goals or lifestyle changes.

Sara Duffus-Martin and Jeremy Martin



Just finished the 9-day Isagenix Cleanse and wow...I lost 9.9 pounds! Dancing as I type this (shrug...I'm talented).

My nutritionist, Greg, mentioned to me that he was doing this in December and thought I might want to try it. Showing skepticism clearly on my face, he suggested I read about it on his blog. Well, I decided to go for it but wanted to wait until the Christmas season was over. I did order the products so that they would arrive on time for my anticipated start in early January.

Greg and I continued to speak about it in general terms but my head was not really into it at that point. Yes, I was still working out religiously but the eating part was sorta on cruise control, if you will. Anyhow, I decided to start on Monday, January 7th. I did the weigh-in that morning at home and measured all of my body parts as they recommended.

Followed the "menu" as per Greg's recommendations and did not cheat (not even once). Didn't eat any of the extra options other than a hard-boiled egg on one of the work-out days with the trainer. Didn't feel hungry but had hungry thoughts...but only when my family was having something yummy for dinner on the, what I call, liquid-only days. And even though I outlawed potato chips from entering my home, somehow my teenage son managed to sneak them in AND he even waved one under my nose. But I resisted as I'm one that once the floodgates open, then all is fair game.

Now as far as the "food" goes, well, I have to be honest. I am a foodie, a food connoisseur, and/or a freak about good-tasting food. Well, I didn't expect the food to taste good and well, it met my expectations. The liquid-only cleanse stuff was awful. It tasted like iced tea and I detest iced tea and the fact that it was yellow in colour didn't help. I did find that it was best drunk VERY cold and that's probably so your throat numbs on the way down. The chocolate snacks were ok. Not great, not awful...just ok. The chocolate shakes were the same...ok...100% better if you can do them up in a blender (and I would add 6 large ice cubes AND 500ml of water). I thought that I was going to die when I got back to the liquid-only days but really, they were totally fine. Knowing that I was down so much weight made it more than liveable.

Did I feel better? I didn't feel any different. Did I feel more energetic? Nope. Did I feel cleaner? Well, I didn't feel dirty...lol. I just don't think about things like that. The only results I was looking for were the ones on the scale. And I got those.

So would I do it again? Sure. With results like these, who wouldn't? Would I recommend it, well, of course. Wouldn't you pay a little bit of money and have nine days of non-indulgence for 9.9 pounds? I'm sure glad I did.




"After training for about 3 months I noticed that my weight loss was pretty minimal. After speaking with Greg about my low weight lost he suggested that I consider doing a cleanse. I am not the type of person to try anything unless its prescribe by a doctor but after working with Greg I knew that I could trust his recommendation.
I began the 9 day Isagenix program at the begin of December with great hopes to lose some weight,cleanse out my body and mostly to build some self discipline. After the 9day program I had lost 5 pounds and went down 2 inches in my waist!
The weight loss was great to see but the best part of this program was how great I feel. My energy level has skyrocketed...and I just feel upbeat, light, and simply...healthy!
This is a great product, which I will continue to incorporate into my daily life!"

Jennifer Chadwick-Hartley
Scarborough, Ontario


Karen Macfarlane
ISAGENIX CLEANSE PROGRAM – DEC 5-13, 2007

Day 1 – Wed Dec 5 -Weight 155lb, upper right arm 12.5 inch, waist 35in, hips 39in, upper thigh 22.
7am – Cleanse drink – Berry and accelerator capsule
10am - snack 1
12pm – Cleanse drink – accelerator capsule
2pm – snack 1
3pm – snack 1
5pm - Cleanse drink
6pm – snack 2
7pm – 10 Almonds
8pm – Cleanse Drink
8:30pm – hardboiled egg 1

The Berry cleanse drink tastes like watery prune juice, tastes not bad, make sure it is ice cold, I prefer to drink it straight and then water. Throughout the day no hunger but by 6pm really hungry chewable snacks aren’t cutting it. Very hard to not eat when use to consuming 6 meals a day. OK after eating egg, went to bed at 9:30pm so I wouldn’t think about eating, had a cup of boiled hot water . I hate being hungry. Still very skeptical but will push through this day trying to convince myself as to why I am doing this when I have spent the last year losing 54lb and am at my goal weight. Will give an honest opinion when complete.
Day 2 – Thurs Dec 6
7am – Cleanse Drink and accelerator capsule
9am – snack 1
10: 30am – snack 1
12:00 – Cleanse drink and accelerator capsule
12:30 – snack 1
1:25 – snack 1
2:30 – snack 1
5:00pm – Cleanse Drink, 10 blackberries
6pm- snack 1, 10 almonds
7pm – handful of plain croutons
8:00 – Cleanse Drink
8:30pm – 1 hard boiled egg

Had a cup of boiled hot water this morning, made my brain think it was tea. Not too hungry this afternoon, very busy at work. By 3:00pm I was starting to get really hungry. Missed my Boot Camp cardio class due to incident at work, not very happy. Really hungry by the time I got home. After 8pm, I had the egg, the urge to eat everything in my kitchen cupboard went away. Went to bed at 9:30pm. Still asking myself why am I doing this.
Day 3 – Friday, Dec 7 -Weight 150lb, upper right arm 12 inch, waist 34.5in, hips 38.5in, upper thigh 21in.

7am – Replacement Meal shake (Vanilla), accelerator capsule
9:30 – snack 2
12:00 – accelerator capsul, chicken, green pepper, tomatoes, 2 slices whole wheat bread
1:00 – snack 2 (before I work out)
3:00pm – snack 1 almonds
5:00pm- Replacement Meal (Vanilla) shake with blackberries
7:00pm – snack 1
8:00pm – hardboiled egg 1

Had to drag myself out of bed this morning, not sure if it’s the weather or not going to the gym yesterday. Got on the scale, what a surprise 5 lbs in two days and ½ in on all measurements. Feeling lighter all over. Prepared my lunch, looking forward eating food today. Lunch was delicious. Went to the gym 1:00pm, had a good workout 45 minutes Heavy Compound weight routine, 15 minutes of abs, 20 minutes interval training on the bike and felt my energy was good. Replacement meal for supper, used the blender and added blackberries to it and ice cold water, tasted pretty good. I found I was very thirsty today. Not really making any more trips to the bathroom as my body was already use to drinking over 2 litres per day. First day of getting rid of solids from my body. Feeling better about program and will stick with it.
Day 4 – Saturday Dec 8
8am -Replacement Meal Shake (Vanilla) with blackberries
11:00am-Snack 1
12:00 – accelerator capsule, lunch chicken, tomatoes, green pepper, spinach, balsamic vinaigrette dressing, whole wheat bread 2 slices
3:00pm – snack 1 and almonds
5:30pm – Replacement Meal Shake (Vanilla) with blueberries
7:00pm – almonds and 1 hard boiled egg
This is my recovery day and I do not work out. Feeling full of energy today and enjoyed my lunch. I find eating mid day is best for me. Keeping busy all day putting up Xmas decorations and out shopping (this is my workout today). The hardest time was making supper for my family and not eating. Just went and watched T.V. I feel that the excess fat I was carrying around my middle and my legs is less. I won’t weight myself until tomorrow. I have been drinking about 6 cups of boiled hot water in a mug, it gives me something to do when I want to eat. This is in addition to the 8 cups of water I drink during the day. Many trips to the bathroom but I do not feel as dehydrated today. Getting rid of solids from my body once a day instead of 3 times a day is taking a toll on my system. The hard boiled egg at night takes away the urge to eat and I do not wake up starving in the morning. I am motivated to stay on the program to see how I feel at the end.

Day 5 – Sunday Dec 9 – weight 150lb
8am – Replacement Meal Shake (Vanilla) with blueberries, 1 accelerator capsule
10 am – 2 snack and almonds
12:00pm – Replacement Meal Shake (Vanilla) with blackberries, 1 accelerator capsule
2:00pm – 2 snack and almonds
5:00pm – Salmon, broccoli, asparagus
8:00pm – 1 egg

Went to the gym 11:30am. Workout today was 45 minutes Heavy Compound weights, felt the quad muscles weak but pushed through the workout. I prefer the shake with blackberries, more flavour released from berries once put in the blender. Had my meal at supper time.
Day 6 – Monday Dec 10 – weight 150lbs
8am – Replacement Meal Shake (Vanilla) with blackberries, 1 accelerator capsule
10 am – 1 snack and almonds
12:00 - chicken, spinach, celery, tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette dressing, 2 slices Whole Wheat bread 1 accelerator capsule
2:00 – snack 2
6:30pm – Replacement Meal (Vanilla) with blackberries
7:30pm – 2 snack
8:00pm - almonds
Half way through and feeling great, had lots of energy today, my whole body feels lighter. I am off work this week getting ready for Xmas, worked all day cleaning the house that was a workout in itself and at 4:00pm worked out in the gym for 45 minutes lifting weights and then went to Abs class at 5:00pm. Feeling lighter all over and energy was good through workout and abs class
Day 7 – Tuesday Dec 11 – weight 148lbs
7:00am – Replacement Meal Shake (Vanilla) with blackberries, 1 accelerator capsule
10am – 2 snacks
12:30pm – chicken, spinach, celery, tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette dressing, 2 whole bread slices 1, accelerator capsule
3:30pm – 2 snacks
5:00pm – Replacement Meal Shake (Vanilla) with blackberries
7:00pm – almonds
Personal Trainer session. This is the day I was really interested in seeing how my energy level sustained as I push myself to the limit for 1 hour. Had a great training session, felt lighter on my feet today and sustained my energy for the entire session. Weighed myself prior to training 148lb. The excess fat or water I was carrying at my waist/hips and legs has gone. Just need to improve the strength in my legs without affecting my knee joints.
Day 8 – Wednesday Dec 12
7:00am – Cleanse Drink – 1 accelerator capsule
9:00am – 2 snacks
11:00am - salad
12:00pm – Cleanse Drink – 1 accelerator capsule
2:00pm – 2 snacks
5:00pm – Cleanse Drink
7:00pm – 2 snacks
8:00pm – Cleanse Drink
8:30pm - almonds
This is my recovery day, no weights or cardio today. I found the 2nd round of cleanse days was easier than the first two days, as I knew what to expect and how I would feel. I haven’t had the urge to clean out my kitchen cupboards. Energy is good.
Day 9 – Thursday Dec 13
7:00am – Cleanse Drink – 1 accelerator capsule
9:00 – 2 snacks
12:00pm – Cleanse Drink – 1 accelerator capsule
2:00pm – 2 snacks
4:30pm – Almonds – Pre Boot Camp class.
5:00pm – Cleanse Drink
7:00pm – 2 snacks
8:00pm – Cleanse Drink
8:30pm - almonds
5pm Boot Camp – 45 min. cardio/weights, 45 min abs class back to back. I did this class just to see if I could on my final cleanse day. I made sure I was fully hydrated and my energy was good all the way through. I made it.



Recap: Weight 147 lbs, I lost ½ inch on my upper right arm, right thigh, hips and 1 inch on my waist.
The hardest time was the first two cleanse days. I had to dig deep mentally to get through. The next 5 days were easier. I think it would be easier to do when it is warm outside and light at night so I could keep busy outside. Once I come home from work or gym at night and it is dark all I did was think about what I couldn’t eat. It felt like, you know you can’t have something the more you want it. I kept telling myself, if I could take myself to the gym for 9 months straight, workout 6 days a week and lose 54 lbs and become physically fit I could certainly handle 9 days to rid my body of toxins and hopefully feel better by the end. I have my ‘Positive Thoughts’ in front of me all the time, “Guard your goals like a knight would guard his castle and don’t let anyone get in your way”. Half way through my whole body was feeling lighter, have lost my love handles at my waist and my legs feel lighter, don’t know if it was excess water I was holding or I reduced fat but when I put my jeans on this weekend there was nothing hanging over the waist. My final two cleanse days were excellent as I knew what to expect. I was hungry by 3:00pm on both days, but I am feeling better mentally and physically. I felt my energy levels for the 9 days stayed the same throughout the day and did not struggle with my physical ability but sometimes had to dig deep with my mental. After both cleanse days I found I was very dehydrated even though I drank in excess of my 8 litres of water daily. The next day I drank all day to rehydrate. It was definitely worth doing the program and I will continue with the products.