Showing posts with label Reasons and Inspirations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reasons and Inspirations. Show all posts

Friday, August 11, 2017

10 Years and We still Do

Is wedding anniversary overrated? I am thinking out loud. A response is optional.

Anyway, it has been quite awhile since I last wrote anything about "anything" here. Being said, the last thing I want to write about is... relationship (and all the crap that goes with it). But it looks like I'm leaning towards that topic now.
@The State Capital

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Blog Rebump, the Nth time around

You got that right!

I know. I know.

This is probably the Nth time I am going to reconstruct, revise, redesign, redo this blog and rethink if I want to continue blogging again.

I have no alibi. And I wasn't in hibernation mode either. I just lost the passion in blogging.

Probably, I reached the point when I feel that I don't want to do anything at all. Or maybe, I'm getting old.

Monday, February 2, 2015

I am a Horrible Fan!

Yes, you read that right... I am a horrible fan!

I stopped watching the Super Bowl right after the halftime show simply because I don't want to experience the pain I experienced during the first 2 Super Bowls where the Patriots lost to the Giants. Trust me I was devastated and bawling when they lost to Giants 2 times in a row.
This time I was quite sure I jinxed the games so I decided to watched Criminal Minds reruns instead. Boy, I was happy to hear it from the 11pm News that the Patriots won. I may not experienced the excitement watching the game but I surely spared myself dying of heart attack last night.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Remote Party Planning

I'm back!!! Yes, I have been A.W.O.L for a long time, so what else is new? "I'm too busy" - is not just an understatement of my real predicament, it's the ultimate lie! Anyway, I just don't feel like blogging. I did make several attempts but inspiration was nowhere to be found. But now that I am back it only means one thing. I'm inspired!
Yes, I'd been busy event planning for my dearest cousin Joey's birthday celebration in Los Angeles, California. No, I didn't go to California. Oh, how I wish. I just organized her party remotely. And yes, there is such a thing. I organized her party with the aid of SKYPE.


Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Japol's Maine Adventure - Day One

After all the trouble that my baby brother caused me, I was still so excited to see him and show him around my "other" home - Maine.
@ Parsonsfield Seminary

He arrived about half an hour before midnight. Since the following day was a Monday and my itinerary for him was already messed up we just went home from the airport instead of driving straight to LL Bean which was the original plan if his flight wasn't cancelled the day before.


Thursday, January 2, 2014

Definitely Trying to Start the Year Right!

Happy New Year, Everyone! As usual, I'm late in greeting you all. I have a reason for that. "I want to be the last one to greet you all for greater impact". Wink***
Yup, that was me in gray hat and scarf and aviator sunglasses.

So how was your New Year? Mine was awesome! It was freezingly awesome! It was brutally cold but awesome! And I was totally cool and awesome!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Thank God it's Saturday!

 There are two things I look forward to Saturday.
1. Sleeping in. I wake up 4 in the morning every day to go to work. But on Saturday, I still wake up at 4 AM still but not to go to work but to the bathroom. LOL. Then I would go back to bed and sleep in. And when I wake up, I don't need to change. I can stay in my PJs and browse on Groupons to look for discounts or play candy crush or some other thing that I don't usually do on work days.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

A Birthday Party in NH

This is already a long-over-due post. I have been too lazy busy doing tons of stuff here and there and just knowing that alibi fact made me feel guilty beyond reasonable doubt. I've promised myself again to be more active on blogging but I guess I'm set to fail again one way or another. Hey, the sayings "History repeats itself" was coined for a reason, wasn't it?

Anyway, last September (tons of Older-Posts-Coming-Soon ALERT!) Medy tagged me along to a Filipina friend's birthday party in New Hampshire. I was a little reluctant to go for 3 reasons. 1. I only know a couple of people she mentioned that might be there. 2. I'm on a strict diet. And 3. I don't want to drive.
But Medy knows how to talked me out into doing things I don't want to do. 1. She insisted that I should come since the birthday celebrant Mhel asked her to bring me with her and that she will introduce me to other Filipinas there. I have been here in the U.S. for over 6 years now and I only know a handful of Filipinos whom I consider friends. I get invited to parties and get-together a lot of times too but I usually turned them down because I'm usually busy during the weekends due my races. Good thing I have no race that weekend.
When Filipinos get together, no matter what part of the world they are... parties will not be the same without food. Well, yes any race or nationality for that matter when it comes to parties food is always involved. But we are not talking about hotdog, burger and ice cream here. 2. We are talking about TONS of FILIPINO FOOD. A whole table of deserts of all kinds (high sugar level ALERT!). A long table of Filipino dishes that I craved for so long. And another table for additional dishes that kept on coming and kept on cooking. In short, all the food I miss so much!
And 3.  New Hampshire is a neighboring state. It's pretty much like Maine in almost all aspect except in "taxes". Yes, we love to go shopping in NH because - no taxes on goods. wink* The venue was about an hour drive from Maine. And Medy said the magic word - You are not driving! She knows I hate driving and she knows that the only way to convince me to go anywhere she badly wants to go to is to NOT make me drive. Poor Richard, good thing he is kind enough to drive us to NH. We got there just in time for lunch.
Well, we had fun eating, chatting, laughing, singing and crooning to our hearts desire. We all enjoyed belting our lungs out to a popular OPM (Original Pinoy Music). But the American husbands beat us in points singing TAGALOG songs. That one was really funny. We all had a laugh and enjoyed listening to their American accented version of Filipino music.
And of course, it will not be the same if we are not going to have a group photo. wink* We Filipinos are very camera shy. LOL.
So yeah, that was one fun weekend that I had last month. I went to a birthday party and glad that I did.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Maine Shopping Attractions

First of all, I am a recovering shop-a-holic. LOL I really don't know if there is such a thing but whatever. Shopping for me is not really my main priority. I just shop on "if-need-be" basis.

Second of all, I don't really post anything about my shopping spree online for fear of being tagged as a "brag or show-off". But I think I need to write about my shopping experiences now for "if-need-be" reasons.
Who doesn't love bargains like this one?

Well, I have noticed on several blogs that most bloggers are now writing and posting about their shopping escapades. A lot of them are mostly product reviews and tips on where to find bargains and sales to help shoppers. Some of them are giving helpful alternatives to shoppers to choose wisely. But a few of them are using these kind of posts for online monetizing reasons. And in that case... I am joining the band wagon.
And who doesn't love the thrill of acquiring "on sale" stuff like these?

So, whether you like it or not. I will be posting stuff about shopping, bargains, clearances, discounts, on sale items, 75% off, 90% off and whatever "off" there would be around Maine.

And I will be giving tips and ideas where to find some cool items at discounted prices. I will also write some reviews of products and stores. Note however, that my reviews are all 100% mine and they will not in any way be influenced by the store or the product manufacturers. Just to be clear, I have it written in my disclosure policy about my views on specific things that I am writing about. So you can check it out HERE.

So here is a short list of MY Maine shopping attractions. These are several of may go-to-stores that I where I am having if-need-be shopping moments. Just to let you know, they are not paying me "right now" for writing and  mentioning them here in my post. But I will be happy to write about them and get pay for it in the near future. So watch out! LOL
1. Walmart. It's the happiest place on earth. wink* This is where I go to to find practically anything and everything and I do pay less here. This was the very first place I drove to when I got my license. LOL.
2. Big Lots - They got lots of cool stuff on discounted price. I usually get emails from them every week to let me know what items are on sale. Yeah, where kinda close, you know. hahaha
3. Marshalls - This is my shopping haven for designer goods and I don't pay full price for them. Going to Marshalls is always a good shop-portunity. And on certain days you will get lucky to get items priced at $1.
4. Hannaford - This is where I do my grocery shopping. There are items that are priced low here on certain days. I love their organic produce because they are reasonable priced.
5. Dollar Tree - Yeah, just what the store says - everything here is a "buck". From food to toiletries, from diner ware to party supplies... everything is a dollar. This is where I get most of my party planning supplies.
6. Goodwill - This place is where you can find rare treasures. This is a thrift shop but I do find some brand new things here too. This is where I bring my old stuff too for them to sell. This is a store for all the good reasons. 
Photo Credit: From the internet.

7. The Christmas Tree Shop - Yes, it's Christmas all year round in Maine. This is one of the best places to find anything at discounted price Christmas or not.
Photo Credit: From the internet.

8. Target - Lots of cool items here at low price too.
Photo Credit: From its Facebook Account... Here

9. Marden's. Oh I tell you, when you find an item here that you really really really like... buy it because if you don't you will regret it. As the song goes - "you should have bought it when you saw it at Marden's!" Yeah, that's how it is because I learned my lesson hard here.
Photo credit: Kendra

10. Nordstrom Rack - This is my newest go-to store for one item... shoes! Oh yes, they got my size. They have sizes 4, 41/2, 5, and 51/2. And they got them in stilettos too but not in stilettos-high price.

There you go. Those are the places where I go when I need to relax, recharge and spend some "me-time". But be aware too that when I go to those stores... most of the time I don't buy. I just want to check items and dream about them. So don't judge me! LOL.

Sometimes, a woman just needs a place to relax... a hobby... and a sports.  For me, it's walking in the store. wink*

-------------------------------Maine Attraction-------------------------------

 


This is a SPECIAL POST for MAINE Attraction... a regular blog that features everything and anything about my home - Maine.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Some Moments

I'm having a long weekend. It's a good thing. It means I can sleep in longer instead of getting up at 4AM. And moments like these are precious.
It also means that I can do nothing or focus on things that seem unimportant.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

The "S" Word

The "S" word. No, it's not "snow". Neither it is the nasty one. Nor the inappropriate one for a wholesome blog like this. It's all about the most important thing for women of all ages, sizes, shapes and color.  It stands for SHOES! You dirty-minded! LOL
This MK flat pair is one of my favorites. And I got it @ 50% off from Marshall's.
The pedicure was free. I'm too cheap to get a professional one. wink*

Friday, September 13, 2013

My Take on Online Dating

Years ago, I happened to have so much time in my hand that having 5 or 6 active blogs of my own were not enough to satisfy my thirst to express my nagging thoughts and desire to earn extra income online. So, I did some blog moonlighting stints on the sides for a virtual friend's blog Bizarre Marriage.
These blogs are basically about Online Dating and my personal experience in Online Dating. As many of my old friends here in Blog-o-sphere know, I found my Knight-in-Shining-Armor not riding a white horse but surfing the world-wide-web... and the rest is - the publication of this blog.


Here are some of the blogs I published about Online Dating. Hope you enjoy reading them.

The Wake-Up Call
* a lifetime occupation - Posted @ My Refuge Online

Pre-Online Dating
1. The Last Train and Class Reunions
2. The Late Bloomer
3. The Modern Day Quest
4. When You Forget to Smell the Roses
5. The Thing of the Past and the Present
6. Confession of an endangered Spinster (Part 1) - Posted @ My Refuge Online
7. Confession of an endangered Spinster (Part 2) - Posted @ My Refuge Online

Online Dating 101
1. The Introduction
2. Acceptance
3. The Mission
4. The Vision
5. Getting Started
6. The Seeker
7. The Age Factor
8. The Big Plunge

Post-Online Dating
1. I thought it would be easy!

When I finally got a day job my blogging time suffered a big blow so as my 7 blogs' PR. But my passion and desire to write about my nagging thoughts did not change a bit. I only struggle on time management. So Maybe I will continue writing about Online Dating here to continue what I started. What do you think?

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

The Gregoires went picking

Last Wednesday my Sweetest didn't go to work and since it is still vacation for me and B, I decided to plan a blueberry[slash]raspberry picking for the three of us. Good thing my Sweetest didn't really have a plan to go anywhere that day so he said yes.
raspberries
blueberries

We went back to Libby's and Son U-Pick in Limerick because it was shouted out in their facebook page that raspberry picking is open for the day.
back to the orchard

We came a little late because my Sweetest wanted to finish his coffee first. So when we got there the raspberries were all picked out already. But I insisted to see the bushes hoping I would be able to find even just half a pint of raspberries. I just need to have raspberry. It isn't that hard to ask, is it? [wink*]
my Sweetest and B getting ready to be transported to the blueberry/raspberry fields
the view of the raspberry field from top of the hill

So yes, I could see from top of the hill that the raspberry field was already deserted. But when we got there, there was one old lady patiently picking some berries. I decided to go to the farthest end of the field where the bushes are all low and smaller.
the only soul I found in the field combing the bushes for some sweet ripe raspberry

And yes, I found some ripe ones enough to fill a half a pint container. And I was happy.
there you are
and there are more to go back to

At the other side of the field, my boys were busy picking blueberries. My Sweetest and B are not big fans of raspberries but both are fanatics of blueberries so they really went with me on a different mission.
my boys picking some blueberries
Hubby picking the ripe ones

So yeah, we had fun at the orchard and enjoyed our berries.
the pick of the day

A pint of blueberries and half a pint of raspberries... mission accomplished. The Gregoires are happy.


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This is a SPECIAL POST for MAINE Attraction... a regular Blog Series that features everything and anything about my home - Maine.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Hen Night Venue Inspiration

Every wedding is different because every couple is different, and while a blow-out, booze-fuelled hen night might be perfect for some brides, for others it would be their worst nightmare. It isn’t always easy to come up with fun hen nights that aren’t centred around clubbing and drinking, but it is most certainly possible, and needn’t be seen as a poor substitute for the most popular hen night format. So, brides-to-be, what are your other options?
My Weeding at the Lighthouse years ago.

One fantastically sophisticated component of a hen weekend is a prim and proper afternoon tea. You can all dress up like ladies in your finest pastel twinsets and pearls and enjoy an elegant tea comprising finger sandwiches, pastries, mini cakes and cream scones, not to mention all the tea and champagne cocktails you could ever want. Many hotels now offer afternoon tea, or head to a specialist tearoom for the full authentic experience.

This next one is fabulous as it gets everyone fully relaxed and in the right frame of mind for the big day. A spa weekend is the perfect way to unwind and get the wedding day body of your dreams with a range of treatments selected specifically for the bride and her party for a tailor-made weekend of pampering. Choose from massages to relieve pre-wedding stress, get a spray tan for the much-coveted bridal glow or get a manicure for perfectly groomed nails.

Hen party boot camps are also becoming increasingly popular. You and your party can book yourselves in for an exclusive weekend with a trainer who will get you all looking your best with a series of exercises designed to get you looking fit and toned for the biggest day of your life. You all want to look good in the photos, so a weekend of detoxing, healthy eating and exercise will get you well on your way to a photographer-friendly body.

You could also try a creative hen party activity. Pottery painting could be a great way to let your creative side out by designing plates, bowls and even piggy banks ready for the kiln. A makeup artistry course can give you all wedding makeup inspiration and teach you tips to take with you even after the big day. Alternatively, a cookery course could see you rustling up some sweet treats such as macaroons, cupcakes and brownies to expose your inner domestic goddess.

As you can see, hen parties don’t need to be about getting drunk and suffering with sore feet in a hot, crowded club. There are lots of chic ways to have fun and still remember it the next day, and your friends will thank you for the lack of hangover!

About the Author:
Carla Brown has fallen in love with the spa ever since spending a weekend getting herself and her bridesmaids pampered before her dream wedding

Thursday, August 15, 2013

11 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Oranges



There are several reasons why you need to consider eating oranges besides being a rich source of vitamin C. An orange is a citrus fruit that is popular worldwide for its nutritional value. One orange is made up of more than 60 flavonoids and over 170 various types of phytonutrients. These are stout compounds that are well-known for their therapeutic traits.

Several researchers have discovered that consuming oranges is quite beneficial to consuming vitamin and mineral supplements. As is the case with other citrus fruits, oranges can aid the body in absorbing nutrients. Rather than drinking an orange juice, it is highly recommended that you take a whole orange since several nutrients, including minerals and vitamins are lost during the processing stage. Besides, eating a whole orange provides your body with fiber which is essential in the digestion process.
Listed below are some of the health benefits that you stand to gain by opting to eat whole oranges over processed orange juices:

1.       Aids in Preventing Cancer
Several studies have discovered that citrus fruits can help in preventing and fighting cancerous diseases. In a study that was carried out by an Australian scientist, it was discovered that eating citrus fruits, for example, oranges minimizes the odds of pharynx, stomach, larynx and mouth cancers by at least 40%. Oranges are not only rich sources of vitamin C, but antioxidants that have been linked to decreased formation of malignant tumors in the colon.
2.       Prevents Lung Cancer and Aids in Respiratory Wellness
Oranges are made up of large quantities of a type of carotenoid commonly referred to as beta-cryptoxanthin. In a research that was printed in a journal entitled “Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention” in the year 2003, it was stated that foods that are rich in beta-cryptoxanthin such as oranges helped in promoting respiratory wellness in addition to minimizing the odds of acquiring lung cancer by at least 27%.
3.       Rich Source of Vitamin C
Vitamin C provides the body with antioxidants that are responsible for getting rid of free radicals that can damage not only the cells, but DNA. A single orange can provide you up to 116 percent of vitamin C. In addition to eliminating free radicals from the body, vitamin C is essential in boosting the immune system. Vitamin C has also been found to aid in lowering blood pressure as well as reducing lead quantities in the circulation in addition to enhancing eye wellness, thereby minimizing the odds of developing cataracts.
4.       Rich Source of Antioxidants
Vitamin C is essential to the wellbeing of the body since it provides the body with antioxidants that are necessary in fighting various diseases. Antioxidants minimize the chances of developing cancer, cardiac ailments and premature aging.
5.       Boosts the Immune System
The high amounts of vitamin C in oranges is also thought to aid in the boosting of the body’s defense system, which is essential in preventing a myriad of diseases such as colds and flus. Common skin conditions like acne and blackheads can be prevented by boosting your immune system.
6.       Great Source of Dietary Fiber
Oranges are also excellent sources of dietary fibers. A single orange can provide you with at least 13% of dietary fiber, which is essential in aiding the digestive system. If you are looking for weight loss foods, consider eating at least 2-3 oranges on a daily basis as it helps in harmonizing the metabolism, reduction of cholesterol levels and blood sugar.
7.       Balancing Blood Sugar
If you are suffering from diabetes, you need to consider taking oranges as it is an excellent of fructose which is essential in balancing of blood sugar.
8.       Rich Source of Potassium
Besides vitamin C and dietary fibers, oranges are also excellent sources of potassium. Potassium is an important ingredient that the body should be supplied with since it aids in lowering blood pressure in addition to enhancing cardiac wellness. Then again, potassium aids in sustaining proper bone density. Lack of potassium has been associated with a number of bone ailments such as osteoporosis.
9.       Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Several studies have indicated that oranges can aid in providing your body with anti-inflammatory agents that are essential in treating conditions such as arthritis and cancer. There are also studies which reveal that the anti-inflammatory agents provided by oranges can aid in minimizing ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and osteoarthritis.
10.   Cardiovascular Wellness
Oranges contain an element known as herperidin which aids in minimizing blood pressure on top of minimizing cholesterol levels in the body. Then again, the anti-inflammatory agents provided by herperidin alongside vitamin C aids in promoting cardiac wellness.
11.   Stomach Wellness
Finally, the other reason why you need to consider taking oranges is stomach wellness. Several studies have discovered that oranges aid in treating stomach disorders such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. There are also other studies that reveal that oranges can be helpful when it comes to treating stomach ulcers.
Along with oranges, nuts are also possesses tremendous amount of vital elements, especially a Brazil nut, more about it’s features you can read following this link http://wikitalks.com/2013/04/brazil-nut/

Monday, August 12, 2013

How to Ease the Process of Bringing a Foreign Spouse to the United States

Marrying someone from outside the United States can be exciting. Perhaps you met your partner while on a study abroad trip, an extended vacation, or while on a work assignment overseas. If you spent most of your relationship living in your partner’s country and plan on immigrating to the United States, you may have some fears and questions in your mind about how well you both will readjust. Will your partner fit in well with your family and friends? How quickly can your partner learn how to speak English and find a job? Will your relationship remain the same? These are all valid questions on the minds of many couples facing this same adventure. Here are some tips to help you sort through the process.
My Sweetest met my family for the first time in the Philippines.
Include your family and friends in your decision to marry a foreigner
My Sweetest met my friends in the Philippines.

This may sound simple, but many people leave the United States for months or even years at a time with little communication with the family and friends left behind. Preparing them for your decision to marry will allow them to create a welcoming space in their lives when you return home. Try using technology, if possible, to connect your soon to be spouse with your family -- and vice versa. Tools like Skype, Facebook, and even plain old telephones can build a bridge between two very different cultures. Create an online photo album that includes photos of life with your partner. Even if the families cannot talk to one another, having at least seen others in photos will create a sense of familiarity.


Get a referral for an immigration lawyer

Having access to the best immigration lawyer who is up to date on all the laws, visas, and other items can give you both peace of mind. No one wants to have to face threat of deportation due to noncompliance with rules you did not know about. To find the best immigration lawyer try asking your friends and family for assistance. If you are working in a foreign country, perhaps your co-workers can offer a referral. Try looking online for associations promoting immigration lawyers in your state as that may also be a useful reference.



Teach your partner about American diversity
My first lobsters at my first clambake.

Moving away from what may be the only country and culture your partner ever knew will cause culture shock. For many foreigners, their only reference to American culture they know is from pop culture materials like old westerns and tv shows. The reality may be difficult to learn to navigate if they are not properly prepared. Be sure to explain that there are a number of different cultures represented in America, people who may still have close ties to other countries. However they may still fully identify as an American. This diversity can also be seen in state and regional accents, religions, political viewpoints, etc.

Bringing your partner from another country to the United States can be a stressful time for the both of you. However there are many stories of families who have been able to survive it. If you are able to communicate with one another and fully commit to the relationship, then there should be no problems you could not work out together.


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Joan Price is a relationship specialist who specializes in martial counseling. In her free time, Joan enjoys blogging about relationship tips as well as her own personal relationship.

Friday, August 9, 2013

5 Great Muscle Mass Building Secrets

I am a runner. Whoohooo! Boy, it sounds so powerful coming from a 40-ish year old woman like me who never played tag-you're-it when she was little.

What? I have dreams too and know I can achieve it. By saying that - I am a runner affirms that desire within me. [wink**]

But yeah, I am not really a runner-runner. I just love to run. What is surprising though is that, I have what it takes to be a runner or more likely - the will to run.

I run. I run on the treadmill... on the roads... on the trails...
by the lakes and bonds... and in the playground with my kids at work.
I run regardless of the kind of weather we have... sunny... or rainy...
cloudy... or snowy.
As a runner I know the importance of training. Strength training and muscle mass building are very essential parts in any sports training. It is not only for the purpose of success but for fitness and health issues.

Like what Zach Holstrom taught his students on the importance of muscle mass building... [and I quote]
"If you are training and one of your goals is to build muscle mass, there are some things you need to know. Most people think that hitting the gym is all there is to building a well sculpted body that is reflective of low body fat and lean muscle mass. The truth is that knowledge and preparation play a major role in the success and proficiency of any workout.

There are tons and tons of men in the gym everyday doing killer workouts and experiencing minimal results in the way of increased muscle mass. This can be frustrating and discouraging. The key is in understanding the elements that are involved in accomplishing what you are trying to accomplish. When I counsel or train someone, I insure that I educate them as well. I don’t simply tell them what to do, I tell them why. I explain the dynamics of exercise, diet, and supplementation.

You can spend countless hours in the gym, but if something is not in balance, you will find that you are spinning your wheels and getting no results. Speaking of balance, one of the primary reasons that mean find it difficult to increase muscle mass and improve muscular devlopment is they are suffering from a testosterone deficiency. Testosterone is a vital hormone in the process of increasing strength and muscle mass.

The body naturally produces testosterone in both men and women, but it is present at much higher levels in men. The problem is that the body begins to slow down the production of testosterone at age 30. As this takes place the body’s ability to produce muscle decreases in proportion to the testosterone levels in your body. The key is to find ways to stimulate testosterone production in the body."

Below are some of the benefits of increased testosterone production:

  • The ability to effectively manage insulin levels in the blood stream
  • Decreased risk of osteoporosis
  • Improved cognition (That’s right, testosterone can improve the function of the brain.)
  • Increased energy levels
  • Increased muscle mass (This is where you start with any muscle building campaign.)

Below you will find 5 great secrets to increasing your testosterone levels, which subsequently will allow you to be able to effectively increase your muscle mass.

  1. Get Rest – You need to get a significant amount of sleep; at least an average of 7-8 hours per night. Rest and recovery is just as important to development as the expenditure of energy. There is an extremely strong correlation between getting enough sleep and reaching optimal testosterone levels.
  2. Lower your consumption of alcohol. Alcohol has a negative effect on the production of testosterone. It is also a major contributor to a shabby waistline. This is not to say that having a drink every now and then will totally sabotage your training, but consistent long term use definitely will.
  3. Control your carbohydrate intake. Studies show that testosterone levels immediately fall after the intake of carbohydrates. This drop is only temporary; however, if you are eating multiple (3-4) high carbohydrate meals per day, this will ultimately lead to lower overall testosterone levels.
  4. Keep your intense workouts to 45 minutes or less. When you extend your intense workouts beyond 45 minutes, the cortisol levels in the body increase dramatically. Cortisol is a hormone that counteracts the production of testosterone.
  5. Do compound resistance training exercises more frequently (rows, squats, shoulder presses, dead-lifts, etc). Exercising large muscle groups helps to increase testosterone levels.

There are numerous other ways of increasing your testosterone levels, but these should get you well on your way.

Zach Holstrom is a professional hunter and wilderness survivalist trainer who coaches people on living off of the land. He is also the father of three kids alex, john, and mary.

Knowing these facts are very essential for any athlete or sports enthusiasts regardless of what fitness level you are. Training our body and our mind helps one not only build strong body but well-founded discipline as well.

As for me, I am seriously considering every aspects of strength training and muscle mass building because I know that it will help me run many races in the future.