TNT Facebook Fan 'Refer-a-Friend' Contest

We're super excited to tell you about Total Nutrition Technology's Fan Referral Contest! YOU are invited to play and possibly win!

It couldn't be easier. Simply suggest Total Nutrition Technology's Facebook fan page to your friends and have your friends write on Total Nutrition Technology's wall, telling us who sent them.

Here's the step by step:

From now until December 31th, suggest as many friends as you can to become a fan of Total Nutrition Technology on Facebook and you could win a $50 TNT store credit*!

Simply follow the instructions below:

Step #1:

Click “Suggest to Friends” underneath our profile picture

Step #2:

Select the friends you want to invite to our page

Step #3:

Click “Send Invitations”

Step #4:

Once your friends join, have them write YOUR name on our wall (for example, “Kelly Jones recommended me...”)

The person who refers the most friends by 11:59pm on Dec 31th will win a $50 TNT store credit*!!

Good Luck!

--Suggested friends must become fans to receive credit. For every person who tells us your name, you get 1 entry. The more friends who join, the more entries you receive!--

*$50 credit to be used in TNT's store on TNT product. Exclusions apply: Polar & Queen of Oats.

How To REALLY Reach Your Goals

By: Darnell Jones, TNT Health Educator

Have you ever wondered why you were exercising as hard as you can, more than just a couple of days a week, and still not achieving results? Everyone’s body reacts differently to various stimulants and it takes specific behaviors to achieve particular goals. Now is the time to learn how to strategize – how to make your workouts work for you!

There are many problems that arise when someone aimlessly creates a health and wellness program for themselves. This is true with everyone: from the general population to professional sports players. For example, someone looking to obtain weight loss goals may run into the problem of reaching a plateau and not being able to come down in body weight or body fat. In addition, they may also find it difficult to get that “ripped” and “toned” look even if their weight is coming down. On the other hand, athletes looking to attain sports performance goals will run into different kinds of issues if they do not follow a specific program to help them reach those specific goals. Nutrition and exercise guidelines are simply not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. The most elite athletes in the world are only separated by a fraction of a percent. With this being said, there are two main problems that athletes who are not getting personalized programming will face. The two main problems are 1) losing the competition because of a lack of energy and/or 2) losing the competition due to a lack of strength. If there is no plan designed specifically to reach these goals by a professional or with the advice of a professional, it will be an incredibly challenging feat, but not impossible…

The solution to the problem of unsuccessful guesswork would be to:

1) contact a health and fitness professional to take a look at your current goals, look at your current approach and help you devise a plan. They don’t call them professionals for nothing! These people train to effectively research and implement health and wellness problem solving so they can point you in the right direction. Or...

2) look into target heart rate training which will help define your efficient heart rate zone in which to train. There are certain concepts that accompany the process of target heart rate training and are all related to certain responses of the body, which may, again, require consultation with a health professional. There is the warm up which gets your body ready to train. This typically ranges from 100 beats per minute (bpm) to 128bpm. There is also the steady state which is the most important concept because this is the zone in which you do the majority of your training. In order to be time efficient, it would be wise to spend your time in the steady state zone at the appropriate heart rate. In addition to the appropriate heart rate, you should also be able to sustain the level of energy needed to complete workout and ultimately achieve your goal.

For example, someone looking to lose weight needs to stay in the lower heart rate zones where an athlete may need to incorporate interval training into their target heart rate program. With either of these goals, the ability to sustain the desired amount of energy for a certain period of time is the challenge, even with a personalized plan from a professional. There are only a few things that can help you on this and it is, as you have heard before, nutrition as well as safe, natural and effective supplementation. When my clients are looking for advice; I recommend Total Nutrition Technology, a company with over 20 years of experience in researching health issues to help design and implement customized nutrition and supplement programs. Proper nutrition is important to fuel the body to be able to sustain energy of any sort. There is also a need for supplements to assist the body in preparing for the workout at any given intensity. TNT has developed a ground-breaking pre-workout supplement called “TNT Impact” that will help you sustain energy in your target heart rate zone, regardless of your health goals. If you are looking for weight loss, it will give you the energy to sustain your steady state for longer period of time resulting in greater amounts of fat loss and weight loss. For athletes and those looking to put on muscle mass, this product will help you sustain higher energy levels as well as intervals to maximize performance, and increase strength.

It is incredibly important to evaluate your current health status, health goals, and current routine with a professional to help steer you in the right direction. In reality, that is not always a viable option, and that is where TNT’s Impact can help you bridge that gap.

To learn more about TNT's IMPACT and can take your workouts to the next level!

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Tag : Darnell Jones, Fitness, Wellness,

TNT Success Story: Jamie Rule

Many times, when people think of Total Nutrition Technology, they think weight loss. And yes, TNT has an amazing team of Health Educators and Registered Dietitians that can help you reach your weight loss goals. BUT Total Nutrition Technology is also very experienced in help you reach your total health and nutrition goals as was the case with Jamie Rule. After trying for some time to become pregnant, Jamie looked to TNT to help her look into her nutrition and how that might be impacting her ability to become pregnant. Jamie shares her journey to motherhood with us...

"My husband, Ron and I decided to start “trying” to get pregnant in August of 2013. I had thought I had prepared myself for this time in our lives and that it would take no time at all.

I had gotten off birth control 2 years in advance to give my body time to adjust and my cycle to regulate. Needless to say, it took a bit longer than we expected to get pregnant. We tried ovulation tracking via calendar and actual ovulation tests and just as we were about to consult with my OBGYN about alternative methods, I had discussed our issues with my good friend, Stacey Gretka who also happened to be a Nutrition Specialist with TNT.

She had brought to my attention that my pregnancy issues could be related to my nutrition. I had never thought about that but once she explained that nutrition had a lot to do with the preparation for carrying a baby, it made complete sense. From that point on, I had started a TNT nutritional meal plan recommended by Stacey for pregnant women. I did this for a couple of months and just as my husband and I were considering (again) discussing with my OBGYN, we found out we were pregnant in February 2014!!!

I truly believe that the TNT plan that Stacey had set me up on played a HUGE factor in me getting pregnant and WE cannot thank her enough! Little Corbin Knight Rule is expected to arrive around November 11, 2014 and we couldn’t be happier!" ~Jamie Rule

Congratulations Rule family...We can't wait to meet your sweet baby girl!

TNT Health Educator, Stacey Gretka has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 12 years, beginning at her local YMCA. She graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition: Dietetics, with a strong interest in endocrine and metabolic disorders. She has helped to develop nutrition programs in several fitness facilities, as well as an online support group for those with Diabetes, Neurofibromatosis, Multiple Sclerosis, and other endocrine-related disorders and diseases. Stacey is also a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators, driven by the Diabetes and PCOS in her family history.

Though Stacey is well-versed with metabolism, she has counseled those with a wide variety of goals and can help clients achieve their personal goals within their own lifestyle. She believes strongly in the TNT program because it is not a diet, it is a way of life. As a new mom, Stacey used her own TNT-developed meal plan to return to her pre-pregnancy health status in no time!

The team at Total Nutrition Technology believes that results-focused outcomes are the key to YOUR success. To learn more about how you can benefit from a nutrition program that is custom designed to your unique physiology, lifestyle and dietary behavior, contact Total Nutrition Technology today at 704-549-9550!

You succeed with TNT because your results are our commitment to you!

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Bounce Bootcamp Takes Fitness Fun To The Next Level

Bounce Boot Camp is the FIRST company in the world to combine a fitness program for kids with the invigorating fun of inflatable obstacle courses, castles, and slides.

It is a sad fact but unfortunately kids today just aren't getting as much exercise as they should. With the days of video games and iPads in full force, time is often spent inside sitting instead of outside running around. Former NFL player, Thomas Hill recognized this shift and decided to create an invigorating environment that motivates kids to start moving. Enter...Bounce Bootcamp!

Bounce Boot Camp is a set of classes geared towards kids that combines team-building activities, relay races, obstacle exercises (castles & slides), battle ropes challenges and class packages -- making for fun, but structured activity that provides kids with a safe, and healthy outlet for their energy.

Through the packages offered, certified trainers help kids reach a certain level and earn a dog tag based on their rank (private, sergeant, captain, etc). Not every child is interested in, or capable of, getting into sports. This is just another great way for kids to enjoy structured exercise, while mom and dad enjoy their own workout, a quiet trip to the store, or even a stroll in the park.

There are Bounce Bootcamps located throughout the US including right here in Charlotte NC. In addition to kids bootcamp classes, you can also contact Bounce Bootcamp for your next birthday party or Corporate Team Building Event. The Huntersville Bounce Boot Camp is even in the process of planning an adult class as well!

You first class your Bounce Bootcamp is FREE! This is a great way to see just how much fun exercising can be. The next session of group classes begin soon. Contact Charlotte Bounce Bootcamp by January 24, 2015 -- mention 'TNT' -- and receive 10% off your next class session!

For more information about the Charlotte Bounce Boot Camp contact Paul and Elaine Baker at 980-307-8751.

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Incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off. Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true "magic potion" for permanent weight loss! Why is it so important?

The body will not function properly without enough water and can't metabolize stored fat efficiently.

Retained water shows up as excess weight.

To get rid of excess water you must drink more water.

Drinking water is essential to weight loss. How much water is enough??

On the average, a person should drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day. That's about 2 quarts. However, the overweight person needs one additional glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight. The amount you drink also should be increased if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry. Water should preferably be cold - it's absorbed into the system more quickly than warm water. When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally, its fluids are perfectly balanced. Once this happens you have reached the "breakthrough point". What does this mean?

Endocrine-gland function improves.

Fluid retention is alleviated as stored water is lost.

More fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to metabolize stored fat.

Natural thirst returns.

There is loss of hunger almost overnight.

If you stop drinking enough water, your body fluids will be thrown out of balance again, and you may experience fluid retention, unexplained weight gain and loss of thirst. To remedy the situation you'll have to go back and force another "breakthrough". By Donald S. Robertson, M.D., M. Sc

Tips For Getting Your 8 Glasses of Water Daily

Sometimes drinking our eight glasses of water a day can be a real challenge. Here are some tips to help you accomplish that feat! It is said by many beauty experts that drinking your water is the cheapest, quickest way to look better! That should motivate us!

1. Make a bet with a co-worker to see who can drink more water in the course of a day.

2. Have a big glass of water at every transitional point of the day: when you first get up, just before leaving the house, when you sit down to work, etc.

3. Make it convenient - keep a big, plastic, insulated water bottle full on your desk and reach for it all day.

4. When you have a junk-food craving, down a glass of water immediately. You feel full quickly and avoid the calories, and it lets time pass till the craving fades.

5. Have one glass every hour on the hour while at work. When the work day is done your water quota is met.

6. While at work, get a 20 ounce cup of ice and keep filling it up from the office water cooler. The key is drinking with a straw - you take bigger gulps and drink much more.

7. Use an infuser water bottle. They contain a cylinder to hold your favorite fruit, vegetable or herb and naturally flavor your water. This is an excellent way to turn boring water into an explosion of flavor! Check out TNT's Infuser Waterbottle here.

8. After each trip to the restroom, guzzle an eight-ounce glass to replenish your system.

9. Don't allow yourself a diet soda until you've had two to four glasses of water. You will find that you won't want the soda anymore or that just half a can is enough.

10. Drink two full glasses at each meal, one before and one after. Also, drink one glass before each snack so you don't eat as much.

11. Carry a small refillable water bottle at all times and drink during downtime; while waiting in a bank line, sitting on the train, etc.

12. Drink two glasses of water immediately after waking up.

13. Bring a two-liter bottle of water to work and try to drink it all before you leave work. If you don't finish, drink it in traffic on the way home - it's like a race.

14. Always keep a 24-ounce bottle of water handy while watching TV, doing laundry, making dinner, etc.

15. Add drinking two glasses of water to your daily skincare regimen. Drink, cleanse, moisturize, etc., then drink again.

Do you have a trick that helps you get in your 8 glasses of water a day? Please share!

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photo credit: llauren. via photopin cc

9 Secrets To Surviving Your Next Holiday Party

By: Susanne Ware - TNT Health Educator

We've all been there during the holiday season. You've committed to a healthier way of eating and have stayed the course on the way to your goal. And then....BAM! The holiday party invitations start rolling in. But don't worry! We have 9 secrets we are going to share to help you survive those parties and stay on track. And the best part...you won't even feel like you are missing out on all the holiday cheer!

Bring Your Own Food

1. Contribute a healthy dish to a gathering to ensure there’s something you can indulge in.

2. Eat the best-for-you offerings first. For example, hot soup as a first course―especially when it's broth-based, not cream-based―can help you avoid eating too much during the main course.

3. Stand more than an arm's length away from munchies, like a bowl of nuts or chips, while you chat so you're not tempted to raise your hand to your mouth every few seconds.

4. Concentrate on your meal while you're eating it. Focus on chewing your food well and enjoying the smell, taste, and texture of each item. Research shows that mealtime multitasking (whether at home or at a party) can make you pop mindless calories into your mouth. Of course, dinner-party conversation is only natural, but try to set your food down until you're finished chatting so you are more aware of what you're taking in.

Snack Before a Party

5. Before going out, have a healthy snack to curb your appetite.

6. Eat breakfast. This has been shown to prevent overeating later in the day.

7. Limit the number of high-calorie foods on your party plate. Research has shown that when faced with a variety of foods with different tastes, textures, smells, shapes, and colors, people eat more―regardless of their true hunger level. Cutting down on your personal smorgasbord can decrease what you end up eating by 20 to 40 percent.

8. Choose foods wisely, filling your plate with low-calorie items, such as leafy green salads, vegetable dishes, and lean proteins, and taking smaller portions of the richer ones. That way, you can eat a larger amount of food for fewer calories and not feel deprived.

9. Pop a sugar-free mint in your mouth.When you’ve had enough (and don’t want to eat more), the feeling of a fresh palate can curb additional noshing.

Tag : Food Tips, Susanne Ware,

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

INGREDIENTS:

1 (10 pound) boneless turkey breast

2 (1 ounce) packages dry onion soup mix

3/4 cup water

2 tablespoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons onion powder

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 tablespoon seasoned salt (such as

Season-All®)

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 tablespoon dried oregano

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a small bowl, whisk onion soup mix and water. Place boneless turkey breast in slow cooker. Pour the onion/water mixture over the turkey breast, covering the meat evenly.

2. Mix remaining 6 seasoning ingredient in a small bowl and then sprinkle over the turkey breast.

3. Cook on low 8-9 hours. If using an instant read meat thermometer, insert into thickest part of breast and cook until thermometer reads at least 165 degrees F.

photo credit: tibbygirl via photopin cc

We all know them. Those enviably thin people who can eat anything they want all day long and never gain weight. Then there are those of us who even briefly entertain thoughts of a doughnut, and the next thing you know, we can’t zip up those jeans we just bought. What makes us so different when it comes to weight loss and weight gain? Some of the answers lie in the mysteries of our metabolism. It may seem logical to think that significant weight gain or being overweight is related to a low metabolism or possibly to a condition such as an under-active thyroid gland. In reality, it is very uncommon for excess weight to be related to a low metabolism. Weight gain is more likely due to an energy imbalance – consuming more calories than your body burns. To lose weight then, you need to create an energy deficit by eating fewer calories, increasing the calories you burn through physical activity, or preferably both.

What is metabolism? Simply put, metabolism is the sum of all our physiological functions that convert food into energy. During these complex biochemical processes, calories from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, are combined with oxygen to release the energy needed to function. The number of calories your body burns each day is called your Total Energy Expenditure. Total energy expenditure is comprised of the following 3 components;

1. Basic Needs – the energy needed for all basic functions such as breathing, circulation, hormone adjustment, immune response, cell growth and repair. This includes time spent awake and at rest and is known as Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Typically, the BMR is the largest portion of energy expenditure – approximately 75-80% of the total calories burned. Find out your exact metabolic rate with a simple 10-minute MET test.

2. Food Processing – the energy needed for digestion, absorption, transportation, and storage of the nutrients we take in. Typically about 10% of our total caloric expenditure.

3. Physical Activity – The energy required for all movement and all types of movement; playing tennis or golf, running a 5k race, doing dishes, or sitting at the computer, all burn calories. These calories make up the remainder of our total energy expenditure and vary from individual.

There are many influences on our metabolic rate. Some of which are contingent on our genetics, and some that we can control or adjust.

1. Body size – The larger the surface area, the greater the energy expenditure.

2. Body composition – The higher the degree of muscularity, the higher the energy requirements.

3. Age – Metabolism decreases with age.

4. Gender – Men have a higher metabolic rate than women.

Your ability to change your metabolic rate is limited. However, you can increase daily activity to build muscle mass and increase calories burned. Even though consistent aerobic exercise and strength building exercise is best for increasing metabolism, any extra movement will help burn calories. I’ll bet that same thin person, who can eat and eat, is also the type of person who never sits still. If you can envision your metabolism as a fire that you want to keep burning, the best way to do that is to eat smaller more frequent meals throughout the day. Be sure to get that fire started first thing in the morning, and be careful not to put a wet log on that fire at the end of the day. Try to balance out the amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, as opposed to eating all carbohydrates at one sitting.

Based on the factors that determine our metabolic rate, we all need a different amount of calories from food.When trying to determine the proper amount of calories from food to take in, there is a simple 10 minute metabolic test you can have done to determine your exact BMR. This test is available at Total Nutrition Technology offices throughout the Charlotte area. Call or email us today for an appointment at: 704 549-9550 or www.tntgetfit.com, and take advantage of this month's savings - Buy One MET Test and get one 50% Off!!!

Though your metabolism influences your energy needs, it is ultimately your food intake, and your physical activity that determines your weight.

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Oats are a wholesome way to start your day -- they can help reduce bad cholesterol, give a boost to your energy, and aid digestion. But let's break past just basic oatmeal! Here are 10 new ways to use oats for breakfast -- these recipes will add spice to your daily breakfast!

1. Berry Banana Quinoa and Steel Cut Oats Breakfast Bake