Tag: Blog

Exercises & Methods To Help You Get More Lean For Summer

by Brandon Mecella, posted in America, Blog

As summer approaches, you might look at yourself in the mirror and feel the sudden desire to get lean. I am sure you look fine the way you are, but there is nothing wrong with wanting to make a few quick adjustments right before the start of summer. With just two months to go, there are plenty of exercises and activities you could partake in to lose a few pounds, and get more lean. Along with dieting and drinking more water, try some of these out over the next two months.

RUNNING

Running is a great cardio-vascular activity. Going for a light run every other day over the next few weeks can lead to weight loss, and it can help boost your confidence and self-esteem. Going for runs helps to burn excess fat that your body stores, and it also get your heart rate up, allowing the flow of blood to move faster burning more energy throughout your body. Running would be my number one recommendation for trying to lose just a few pounds over the next two months.

Try running with a partner.

SAUNA

A lot of people say that saunas do not help you lose weight, but they induce sweating, which is a major part of exercising. Sitting in the sauna for 10 minutes a day helps the body detoxify, eliminating toxins or other things you may want to get rid of. With the addition of excessive sweating, it is a great way to end a workout at a gym. If you have a gym membership with a sauna, try sitting inside for 5-10 minutes after every workout. I guarantee it will expedite your results.

Read a book, listen to music, or just relax.

PLANKS

Planks are great for strengthening and tightening the mid-section of your body. Holding a plank for a few seconds can be difficult for someone who has never done it before, but when you can plank for two minutes at a time, you start to recognize a difference in your torso. Try doing planks for as long as you can on a daily basis, and after you have built a tolerance to holding the plank, rotate between planks and other abdominal exercises to really target your mid-section.

Hold on!

8 MINUTE ABS

One of the amazing things about the internet is that you can almost find anything online. One nifty thing I can across was a workout program on Youtube called 8 Minute Abs. This program is great for beginners, and those who workout a lot (like me). The first video, which I will provide a link for, is for those just getting started off. The video series does include other exercises, so if you feel you have advanced past the first video, do definitely try out the others.

FULL BODY DETOXIFICATION

Detoxing helps to remove stuff from the body that adds extra weight. Switching to an all herbal tea diet, or only drinking fruit smoothies for two weeks can help to eliminate excess fat that the body stores from cosuming high caloric foods, or other foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates. There are several ways to detox your body. You can purchase supplements to help you detox, but the best way to get started is to drink plenty of water, reduce sugar/salt intake, and exercise. Doing those things first will quickly help the body to detoxify itself of anything that it does not need. Other things you can do include eating more fiber and eating foods rich in antioxidants.

REDUCE CALORIE INTAKE!

Counting calories is great. I would say this is the #1 reason people put on too much weight. The average amount of calories recommended for a woman to lose weight is 1500 calories, and the average amount of calories recommended for a man is 2000 calories. First, you have to watch what you eat. In today’s society, calories add up quick. Eliminate fast food, processed foods and soda altogether. Once you do that, begin counting you calories. For men, try to intake anywhere from 1500-1800 calories, just 200 calories shy of what is recommended. For women, try to consume 1100-1300 calories a day, also 200 calories shy of what is recommended. Going into a caloric deficit forces the body to start burning muscle, and fat. Calorie reduction is the best, and most efficient way to lose weight. Start today!

Choose healthier foods first, and always!

Obtaining your ideal figure isn’t difficult. For some of us, it is going to take a bit longer than two months, but that doesn’t meant don’t start now! Try out everything I have listed above, and I promise you that you’ll see results that you love. There is no need is feeling bad about your physique. Take matters into your own hands, and lose the weight. It is easy, and after a while, very fun to do. After you’ve lost weight, let me know about your results!

Staying Positive

by Brandon Mecella, posted in America, Blog

Sometimes forces in the world can be overwhelming. We find ourselves second guessing ourselves, doubting our abilities and losing faith in our beliefs. In those trying moments, it is important to remain positive, and to stay positive.

Here’s a few things you can do to help stay positive.

1. MEDITATION

Meditate for 10-15 minutes

Meditation is amazing. It helps to create positive energy in your world, and teaches you how to reinforce the balance you’ve had in your life. 10-15 minutes of meditation a day can have lasting effects on your self-esteem and spirituality.

2. RUNNING

Run 3 times a week

Running helps the mind release endorphins that help to counter stress. Going for a run a few times a week is a great way to reinforce positivity, and is also very healthy for the body.

3. SMILE

Smile!

Smile more. It seems simple, because it is simple. Regardless of the circumstances, smile. It takes very little effort to smile, and the benefit is instant gratification.

4. BE KIND

Be kind

Being kind is a great way to reinforce positive vibes in your life. Giving to the needy, volunteering at a shelter or donating clothes to Goodwill are all great ways to be kind. Even holding the door open for someone, as a courtesy, will go a long way.

5. THINK POSITIVE

Think positive

Think positive, and put a barrier around your negative thoughts. When you find yourself feeling helpless, train your mind to think about positive places, positive people, and overall positive things. Your mind has a lot of information, and not all of it is bad. Pull out the good stuff, and keep doing it.

6. GET PROPER AMOUNT OF SLEEP

Get 7 to 8 hours of sleeo

Getting the proper amount of sleep can be very important. Some people find themselves overworked, and they eventually burn out. Reevaluate your sleep schedule, and make sure that you get enough daily sleep. After a few days, you’ll find yourself much more positive.

7. TAKE A BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

Take a break and do something else.

It is easy to get swallowed into to social media, and sometimes that can have very negative effects. Take a break. Put down your cellphone, close your laptop and go for a walk. Go to bookstore and check out some new novels. Go try a new entree at your favorite restaurant. There are countless things to do, and social media isn’t going anywhere.

Spring Resolutions

by Brandon Mecella, posted in America, Blog

1. Start investing. There is plenty of money to be made. Everywhere. Discover ways to invest. Smart investing can be used as forms of income, and can be the fast-track way toward retirement.

2. Exercise. Get outside and move around. Go running, go walking, and explore. Daily exercise helps our bodies and promotes healthier existence.

3. Love yourself. Don’t let negativity in the world bring you down. Buy something that makes you happy. Treat yourself. Give your mind, body and soul the positive energy they need for you to feel happier and more accomplished.

4. Start eating healthy. Healthy eating is directly linked to a happier lifestyle. Choosing to eat healthy can help to lose weight, and certain foods help our brains be more productive.

5. Network. Meet new people and exchange ideas. Networking can open the door to new and exciting adventures, investments and lifestyles. Meeting new people helps us exercise our skills, and also shows us ways to improve our lifestyles.

Your Best Days Are Right Ahead

by Brandon Mecella, posted in Blog

They are coming. Your best days are right ahead. Don’t lose hope, don’t let your faith in yourself dwindle. You are capable of really great, and amazing things.

Yes, you can!

You can do whatever you put yourind to. You are a winner, and even when you fail, just know that everyone fails. Falling short of your goals does not make you any less of a person. Failing can be a humbling experience. In those moments, we learn to conquer adversity and we regain the spirit to triumph.

Don’t quit on yourself! Continue to dream!

You are an amazing human being, capable of insurmountable feats. As you approach your best days, know that they will be plentiful. Enjoy life while you are on your way there. Exercise. Learn. Love. Teach and encourage others to do the same. Instill in friends and family that they are winners, just like you. Create a culture of champions. Lead the way. Take charge, and don’t be afraid of risk.

Be yourself, enjoy your life and live to the fullest. Your best days are right ahead.

Tulsi Gabbard interview w/ The Young Turks

by Brandon Mecella, posted in America, Blog

Is Cardi B Cancelled?

by Brandon Mecella, posted in America, Blog

The answer is no. I personally vehemently disagree with what she revealed, that she would lure men to hotel rooms, only to drug their drinks and rob them. That, in and of itself is a terrible thing to reveal to her fans, but her apology and explanation for her actions speak volumes.

Is Cardi B cancelled?

Cardi B explains that she is the product of a hip-hop culture that over-glorifies poor behavior, and she isn’t wrong. Some very notable artists like Jay-Z and Meek Mill made their careers and millions of dollars promoting drug sales, violence with weapons and killing people. That is the message at the core of many hip-hop artists, and people love to hear it. It sales.

But, it is still wrong. In that essence, Cardi B is wrong for what she admitted. There are real victims out there, victims of her doings, and in the era of the #metoo movement, it is a huge shame that she’ll get away with this statement and her actions. But in theory, if she were to get in trouble, what would be her punishment? It would equal the end of her stardom, an investigation into her past (similar to the ongoing investigation of Jussie Smollett), and perhaps a halt of her music sales. But none of this will happen, because society has accepted bad things that pays well as a good thing for everyone.

This is a win for her. All this does is give her the publicity she needs to grow her fan base so that she can solicit more of her music. I personally feel that she should make a public apology, and deal with the backlash of her actions, and somewhere down the road she probably will. But, I do not think that this marks the end of Cardi B. She attributes too much of her life before stardom for her actions, and ultimately, that is what people love about her. They love her personality, her brash behavior and unwillingness to become what others might desire. She keeps it how it is, and in doing so, she admits her truths. Good or bad.

Presidential Candidates: 2020

by Brandon Mecella, posted in America, Blog, politics

As allegations of Russian collusion die down for The President, the political spectrum of News corporations and other agencies begin to shift their focus onto the potential candidates for the election of 2020. While not a single Republican, to the best of my knowledge, has pledged his/her desire to run for President, over a dozen Democrats have begun their campaigns to become the 46th President of The United States. Many of the candidates are popular politicians, riding the wave of their already inherited cable news air-wave time. Elected officials such as Kamala Harris and Cory Booker are two viable candidates, who have inherited enough on-screen time with agencies such as CNN and MSNBC to to appear as front runners for what is to be a very long race.

There are several other candidates that fit the mold of Ms. Harris and Mr. Booker, such as former Vice President Joe Biden, a man currently toted as a the potential favorite to nab the party’s nomination, although it is unclear as to whether or not he will decide to run. Rumors have also floated around that Biden would perform well if he picked Stacy Abrams, a well spoken woman from Georgia, as his running mate. Some believe a move like that would be costly, as the race is just beginning, but it goes to show that the gossip wheel is churning fast, as many people in news and political line-ups are overall fed-up with Donald Trump, and would rather float around the ideas of his replacements, as opposed to have to talk about him anymore.

Candidate Bernie Sanders, of Vermont, continues his stance for socialism. He argues for higher wages, and an overall better system of living for every American. Republicans will probably never grasp socialism, and most democrats probably think indifferently about it either, but the concept isn’t with support. Andrew Yang, an American entrepreneur, backs the concept of universal income. He believes, such as Bernie Sanders, that American citizens would benefit from a monthly stipend, along with another lariat of benefits to ensure that the American way of life is not completely disturbed due to the ever changing shift of the American workforce.

All and all, there will probably be between 8 to 10 candidates debating to vie with the American people, why they believe they should be President. I’ll be excited to see Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard debate, as I am currently most sold on her notion that it is time for The USA to stop enforcing regime changes on foreign nations.

As it stands, there will be a lot of new, energized and motivated voices representing various peoples to run for President. Each Democrat will have a plan, and it will be up to the American people to decide who moves forward to challenge Donald Trump, and which ever Republicans decide to run. The list of Republicans running for President has yet to accumulate, but in 2015 there were upwards of 15 candidates on the Republican debate stage, so I expect there will be plenty to choose from this time around as well.

The prospects appear rather great.

Again, New Goals

by Brandon Mecella, posted in Blog

I just started a program to acquire a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing. Classes start April 1st, and I’m 100% ready to take them on. This program will definitely come with some true challenging moments, and I can’t wait.

Like all things considered, I need to remain resilient, and focused on my goals. If I do, I’ll finish in no time at all. Along with this, I imagine I will encounter new goals, obstacles, and great opportunities.

For it all, I am greatful, and happy. I have a lot to do, and remaining focused on my goals will help to carve me into a better man.

—

If you have goals, stay true to yourself, and accomplish them. If nothing is on your plate, enjoy the moment, but create new goals.

Let’s stay focused on something, together.

The USA. Russia.

by Brandon Mecella, posted in Blog

The investigation continues. Various news outlets and investigative forums, The FBI, The DOJ, etc, continue their 24 hour non-stop investigation into President Donald Trump and his various ties to Russia. Everyday, new information is uncovered tying several known Trump allies to Russian intelligence, in a fashion that forces people to believe that Russia aided Trump in acquiring the 2016 election.

There is now concrete evidence that there were multiple lines of communications before, and during Trump’s election.

The News has proven it.

But, Russia, and their massive military and nuclear arsenal should act as no real threat to the USA. Weapons will be built, but I believe that the two world powers will never want to fight.

After September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush looked toward Vladimir Putin and Russia for military assistance. Prior to then, despite the turmoil between the two nations, there has always been a stance that one country plausibly intercedes the other’s dire plans of land grabbing. But, is that today’s problem?

Alliances have been forged around the entire world, and The USA has many. Russia, too, has variances alliances. The depiction of espionage and treason painted across American News channels cannot over-score the importance of the strength of the two Nations, and some day the imagery of peace and diplomacy may dry-out the non-stop discussion of how Russia has so much influence of American politics. It may be the their influence is everlasting, and that there are various deep ties between politicians and Russian diplomats that we’ll never be able to truly eradicate. Perhaps, even, the two nations will some day form an alliance of sorts.

Of course, a recent disagreement on nuclear missile range testing has ended a decades long nuclear treaty between The USA and Russia, signaling the era of a new age of weapon’s advancement, war mongering and induced fear injected into civilizations because of both nation’s desire to not allow their armor to be undone. The point being, nuclear arms are now going to be upped and ante, and there is nothing it appears no one can do about that.

For now.

Perhaps a Democrat can create a new outlook for The American Dream, revitalizing what Donald Trump literally declared as dead. Or maybe there truly is invasion, of Mexicans, or other foreign forces to come, and the only thing to stop it is a 2,000 mile long border wall and the development of another Military Branch: The Space Force.

What truly is Russia to the United States of America? Trump so vehemently argued that The 44th President of The United States, Barrack H. Obama, was not a real American. Are we wrong for saying Russia helped Donald Trump get elected?

Probably not. Though, I do believe that there is too much simply uncovered at this time.