June 2010 - Team Tight Curves girl, Kristin McGee on the cover of Pilates Style!

Kristin McGee is a certified yoga and pilates instructor in NYC, as well as
a personal trainer.   She says, “Pilates has helped me to get in the best shape of my life. I discovered the method in the late 90's and have practiced regularly ever since. I never had strong abs and my midsection has always been my problem area as far as where I carry my weight. I feel like Pilates has literally reshaped my body. I've strengthened my core, lengthened my posture, corrected my back and toned my arms, thighs and buttocks. Pilates has enabled me to discover the body of my dreams!”  Congratulations, Kristin, and thank you for inspiring us!

April 25, 2010 - Team "Triple Trouble" defended their relay title at the Miami SheRox Triathlon.  The team consisted of Jennifer Coyle swimming, Elle Berg on the bike, and Kristal Richardson running.  It was a sprint distance race with a  1/2 mile swim, a 12.4 mile bike, and a 3.1 mile run. Final time was 1:15:08 (swim 8:50, bike 40:17, and run 23:53).  Elle had the 2nd best bike time and Kristal had the 5th overall run time.

The team is racing next at the Miami Nice triathlon on June 6th.

      

It was a great day and lots of fun!

March 2010 - Bodywell Nutrition's Tight Curves Brand VP, Kristal Richardson competed in the southern Crossfit Sectionals which were held in West Palm Beach. Out of 63 female participants, she placed 17th which earned her a spot  in the regionals to be held in Jacksonville, FL on Memorial Day weekend!  New pictures to be posted after the event.  Go Kristal!!

November 9th, 2009 - Team universe produced seven new team tight curve IFBB pros..

• Stephanie Billings
• Danielle Kifer
• Nicole Coleman
• Amanda Procida
• Kayde Puckett
• Ann Titone
• Jaime Meade

July 7th, 2009 - Important Information You Need to Know About Soy Protein

What is the relationship between soy food and breast cancer risk?
Researchers have noted that women who traditionally consume soy food as part of a normal diet, such as Japanese women living in Japan, have much lower breast cancer rates as compared to women who do not eat soy foods regularly (3-5). The results of these studies may or may not apply to women in other countries besides Japan. It is important to note that there are many differences in diet and lifestyle between Japanese and non-Japanese women. For example, Japanese women often are thinner, they may exercise more, they may have other differences in their diet, and they may have different patterns of child-bearing as compared to non-Japanese women. Furthermore, Japanese women who eat soy food may have better quality diets overall, they may eat more fruits and vegetables, and they may eat less total fat. Any of these factors may play a role in the differences in breast cancer risk between Japanese and non-Japanese women.

It would be a mistake to assume that simply adding soy food to the diet automatically will reduce risk of breast cancer.
Another important point is that many health experts feel that eating soy food during childhood and adolescence (teen years) may be more protective against breast cancer than eating these foods as an adult (6). It might be that the true protection of these foods comes from eating them earlier in life.Most research studies on this topic do not answer this question.

However, the large portion of research looking at women who eat soy foods in adulthood support that it is safe and may reduce risk of breast cancer to do so (6-11). As well, it is reassuring that at least one study tells us there is a benefit from including these foods in your diet as an adult (4).

Why did I receive conflicting information from my health care provider?
Unfortunately, the term "phytoestrogen" caught on in the popular media. Because of this many people, including health care providers, focus on this one aspect of this very complex food. In truth, soy foods appear to have many cancer fighting abilities, many of which do not have anything to do with any type of so-called "phytoestrogen" activity.

Soy foods contain dozens of different nutrients that appear to have many important functions in our bodies. They protect cells from damage, encourage damaged cells to die (rather than to keep multiplying), provide vital nutrients that control normal cell growth, and enhance cell to cell communication. In a nutshell, soy foods protect the body against many steps in the cancer process and much of this protection is not related to the 'estrogenic' activity of these foods.

However, because the popular literature focuses only on the phytoestrogen aspects of soy food, many people have the mistaken idea that soy contains estrogen. This is not true. However, in defense of health care providers, it is important to remember that it is very, very difficult to keep up on all of the research literature on this very complex topic. There are literally thousands of studies published every year just on cancer and nutrition alone. Dozens, and even hundreds, focus only on soy foods. We make it our full time job to keep up on this research and to really understand it.

In the same way that we read and study the topic of nutrition and cancer, your oncologist and other health care providers spend all of their time focused on reading the hundreds and thousands of studies that come out every year in their particular specialty areas. In other words, no one person can keep up on all of the research about cancer. There is simply too much of it. So, health care providers, just like the rest of us, are susceptible to what they read and hear in the media.

In the same way I, or any other nutritionist or dietitian cannot provide the best information on other cancer treatment areas such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, we believe that health care providers who do not specialize in nutrition do not provide the best information on the connection between what we eat and cancer risk. Please keep in mind that this is not to criticize your or any other health care provider. Rather we hope to give you an understanding of why people often hear conflicting information from their different health care providers.

July 1st, 2009 - Tight Curves Recipe Challenge Winner – Do It Yourself Natural Tight Curves Protein Bar!

Congratulations to Kristina Rice Robinson - the winner of the MySpace & Facebook Tight Curves Recipe Challenge!  Check out her awesome recipe for a “do it yourself” Tight Curves protein bar! 

Most protein bars are loaded with hidden calories, sugar alcohols, sugar and saturated fat which will make you feel bloated and sometimes induce unwanted flatulence.  So stop subjecting yourself to intestinal torture and give Kristina’s recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Tight Curves Protein Bars

• 2 servings Tight Curves Double Chocolate Ice Cream Protein
  
• 2 cups old fashioned oats
  
• 1/4-1/3 cup Smart balance peanut butter, chunky
  
• 1 tablespoon flax
  
• 3/4-1 cup water
  
• You can also add dried fruit or nuts

Mix all ingredients together-- it will be very sticky and semi-thick. Press into 8x8 pan, place in freezer for 20 minutes. Take out of the freezer and cut into 10 bars, then place back in freezer.

June 27th, 2009 - Miami, Florida – Tall Class Talent Rules the Day

Team Tight Curves showed well at the NPC Miami Championships as Allison Ernst earned 3rd place in the Bikini Tall Class while Ingrid Graterol placed second in the Figure Tall Class.  Way to go ladies!

Ingrid Graterol

Allison Ernst (middle), Kristal Richardson (right)

June 24th, 2009 - New York, NY - Uncover the SECRET to Rapid Weight Loss, BodyWell Nutrition Introduces TOP SECRET Rapid Weight Loss Formula in WalMart Canada

BodyWell Nutrition, one of America’s premier health and wellness companies, announces the launch of Tight Curves’ TOP SECRET Rapid Weight Loss Formula at WalMart Canada. Tight Curves, a revolutionary nutritional line developed exclusively for women offers an array of protein powders, multi-vitamins and weight loss supplements, providing women of all ages the nutritional tools required to achieve better health, long term weight loss success and a tight, toned body.

TOP SECRET, the world’s most scientifically advanced women’s fat burner, contains cutting edge, clinically researched key ingredients proven to deliver dramatic weight loss results. The masterful metabolic formula includes the widely reported and acclaimed weight loss ingredients Hoodia and Guarana, certified for purity and potency, as well as the powerful anti-oxidants Acai, Pomegranate, Goji and Blueberry Extract.

Unlike other weight-loss pills, TOP SECRET is the first and only maximum strength multi-action weight loss and hunger solution that ensures the weight lost will come from body fat and not muscle tissue. Since TOP SECRET attacks fat burning without the use of high doses of caffeine and harsh stimulants, you can use the formula for extended periods of time and achieve greater results the longer you use it.

TOP SECRET works through multiple bodily mechanisms to ignite your metabolism and deliver fast weight loss in record time. Through a quicker metabolism, increased appetite control and enhanced blood sugar regulation, it covers all critical areas for safe and effective long term weight loss. Collectively this translates into increased energy expenditure for enhanced fat breakdown while persevering calorie burning lean muscle.

TOP SECRET was recently used successfully by hundreds of women during the “2009 Tight Curves Transformation Challenge.” Women who took one capsule before each of their three main meals, in conjunction with a high-protein diet, experienced significant weight loss of pounds and inches after as little as two weeks. Although, the formula works whether you exercise or not, women who added a 30 to 60 minute workout into their daily routine experienced results even quicker.

According to top figure competitor and Tight Curves spokesperson Kristal Richardson, “Women who use TOP SECRET don’t only see jaw-dropping weight loss but also feel good mentally and experience an improvement in their spirits and mood.” BodyWell Nutrition has sponsored hundreds of women in the pursuit of a healthier, happier lifestyle and the results speak for themselves. According to Kristal, “weight loss and body toning is all about lifestyle change. BodyWell Nutrition offers women the resources to embark on the journey towards a tight, toned and healthy body.

June 8th, 2009 - Los Angeles, California

Recently IFBB Pro Liza Hughes decided to visit Universal Studios and made sure not to miss a meal or get stuck eating corn dogs and cotton candy!  Liza decided to enjoy her Berry Tight Curves Protein shake instead!  Liza says “No need to miss a meal, as you can stay on your contest diet even at a theme park!"  “Blend the shake with water and ice and you have a perfect on the go meal”

Thanks for sharing the photo’s of your trip to Universal Studios we praise you for your dedication and commitment to your fitness journey!

June 2009, Team Tight Curves Melinda Meyer Lands Cover of World Physique!  

Congratulations to our very own Melinda Meyer for being featured on the June Cover of World Physique Magazine!
Melinda is also in the hunt for a big win at the FLEX Bikini Model Competition so please show support by clicking on the link below, scroll down to the 5th row from the bottom (in the middle) to MELINDA MEYER, click on the dot and click on VOTE at the bottom of the page.

 http://www.flexonline.com/flexmodelsearch/vote/

We’re proud to have you on our Team Melinda and good luck with the FLEX Bikini Model contest!

Jun 2, 2009 - Folic acid offers more protection than we thought – and it’s in TIGHT CURVES Women’s Protein!

By LAURAN NEERGAARD

WASHINGTON (AP) - Baby-protecting folic acid is getting renewed attention: Not only does it fight spina bifida and some related abnormalities, new research shows it also may prevent premature birth and heart defects.

Now pregnancy specialists are asking if it's time for the government to boost the amount being added to certain foods to help ensure mothers-to-be get enough. But for older adults, there may be a down side to the nutrient: Extra-high levels late in life just might pose a cancer risk.

"Folate is assuming the role of a chameleon, if you will," says Dr. Joel Mason of Tufts University's nutrition research center, who is researching that possible risk.
Folic acid is an artificial version of folate, a B vitamin found in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruit and dried beans. Everyone needs regular folate because it's important for healthy cell growth yet the body doesn't store up enough of it.

And pregnant women need extra, even before they may know they've conceived. Enough folate in pregnancy's earliest days can prevent devastating birth defects of the spine and brain called neural tube defects, including spina bifida. Those defects have dropped by about a third since the U.S. mandated fortifying certain breads, cereals and pastas with folic acid in January 1998.

Two major studies in the past month suggest the vitamin may be even more protective.

First, Texas researchers analyzed nearly 35,000 pregnancies and found that women who reported taking folic acid supplements for at least a year before becoming pregnant cut in half their risk of having a premature baby. Their risk of having very early preemies, the babies least likely to survive, dropped even more.

Then Canadian researchers analyzed 1.3 million births in Quebec since 1990 to look for heart defects, the most common type of birth defect. They found the rate of serious heart defects has dropped 6 percent a year since Canada began its own food fortification in December 1998.

It's hard to get enough folate for pregnancy through an average diet. So health authorities have long advised that all women of childbearing age take a daily vitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid - even if they're not trying to conceive, since half of pregnancies are unplanned. Last month, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force went a little further, recommending that women take a daily supplement with 400 micrograms to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily.

But because only about a third of non-pregnant women take precautionary folic acid supplements, fortifying foods made with enriched flour ensures everyone gets a modest amount.

"We've seen in the U.S. and Canada dramatic changes in neural tube defects just with fortification. The question now is would a little more fortification, or even twice as much fortification, impact that bottom line, as well as those other potential benefits," says Dr. Alan Fleischman, medical director of the March of Dimes.
His group will call together pregnancy and folate specialists this summer to debate that. Also under way are deliberations by the European Union and Britain on whether to begin fortification there.

Complicating that issue is the question about cancer risk when older people - women well beyond childbearing, and men - take lots of folic acid.

Here's the quandary: Some research shows people who don't eat enough folate have a higher risk of colon and certain other cancers. On the other hand, animal studies show too much folic acid, the pill version, can spur some cancers. There's scant human evidence. But when researchers studied people prone to precancerous colon polyps, those who took high-dose folic acid - 1,000 micrograms a day - for three years had more new polyps than people given a dummy pill. And in March, researchers tracked 640 men from that earlier study and found that 10 years later, the folic acid users were more likely to have developed prostate cancer.

Why? While enough folate usually is protective, if people's bodies already harbor some precancerous or cancerous cells, too much may feed their growth, said Tufts' Mason. Older people are more likely to be brewing colon or prostate cancer.

Fortified foods alone wouldn't be enough to harm, stresses Fleischman: "I don't think it's going to end up being a generational argument."
But Mason worries that some people can rack up the dose with today's multiple sources: A multivitamin with 400 micrograms; some fortified cereals bring another 400 a bowl; many older people take special B-vitamin tablets with 400 more; another 200 or so from breads; more in vitamin-infused bottled water and energy bars.
Don't misunderstand: Everyone should eat enough leafy greens and citrus - good folate from food is important at all ages. But until the issue's settled, Mason says older adults "really ought to think twice about whether you should take a vitamin supplement that contains folic acid."

May 31, 2009 - Miami, Florida:  Team Tight Currves Wins Big at Danskin Women's Triathlon

Marine Stadium, Miami:  They SWIM, They RIDE, They RUN, They ROCK!

Michelle Musto (8:23 for .5 mile swim)), Elle Berg (30:49 for 20 Mile Bike) and Kristal Richardson (27:03 for 3.1 mile run) defeated the entire 18 team field at the Danskin Miami Women's Triathlon Championships Sunday morning in brutal conditions.  Team "Triple Trouble"  defeated the second place team by over a minute to claim yet another victory by Team Tight Curves athletes. 

Nice work ladies way to go!

See full results below:

http://results.active.com/pages/displayNonGru.jsp?rsID=79147

May 30th, 2009 Toledo, Ohio - Pam Soper Wins Overall Title at Julie Palmer Classic:

Team Tight Curves Pam Soper, a veteran on the NPC Figure circuit, took her first overall title Saturday at the Julie Palmer Figure Classic in Toledo.  Pam was doing the show as a warm up  for the Junior Nationals next month and Team Universe later this year.  Needless to say was delighted to unexpectedly win the Overall Title.

Pam’s list of credentials is impressive as she has also won the 2008 Arnold Amateur, 2007 Pittsburgh and has placed Top 5 at the Junior Nationals, Junior USA, North American and Team Universe!  There’s no doubt that a Pro Card is in the works in the near future.

As a personal trainer and fitness model Pam finds her motivation from within, which then helps her teach others how to get in shape.

Congratulations Pam we’re all rooting for you to win your Pro Card!

Andrea Watson	Gennifer Strobo

May 23, 2009 - A Clean Sweep by Six Team Tight Curves Members at the Jr USA's

Team Tight Curves does it again this past weekend in Charleston, South Carolina to claim six individual title in both Figure and Bikini Divisions.

A special congratulations to Pro Card Winners and our newest IFBB Professionals Gennifer Strobo & Andrea Watson!

The weekend's winners were

• Jessica Lawrence bikini class F
  
• Kat Holmes bikini class D
  
• Terri Turner figure class D
  
• Andrea Watson figure class A
  
• Ann Titone figure class C
  
• Gennifer Strobo figure class F

Congratulations ladies for another job well done!

May 23, 2009 - NPC California & IFBB California Pro Figure

This weekend team tight curves also did very well in the California state championships.

• Karin Kimura won Figure Class D
• Amanda Latona won Bikini Class B
• Monica Vargas placed Third in Figure Class C

Also competing:

• Jacqueline Vos
• Meaghan Faragasso

In the IFBB California Pro our Professional Figure Pro girls represented Team Tight Curves in full force!

• Kristin Nunn
• Michele Mayberry
• Amy Martin
• Amy O’Neil
• Catherine Holland

Congratulations ladies on another job well done!

May 10, 2009 - Orlando, Florida – Team Tight Curves Dawn Davis Wins Big

Ft. Wilderness - Disney World

Team Tight Curves Dawn Davis dominated the field at the Danskin She-Rox Triathlon on May 10th completing her 4th consecutive Danskin Triathlon.  Dawn placed 1st out of 176 women in the 45-49 division and 10th overall out of 1,689 total women who competed. 

Dawn swam a 1/2 mile (14:42), biked 12.4 miles (38:41) and then ran 3.1 miles (25:20) for a finish time of 1:22:29. 

Congratulations Dawn!

May 2, 2009 - Team Tight Curves Dominates at NPC Pittsburgh Championships
The women of Team Tight Curves took Pittsburgh by storm this past weekend! That’s right….it was a clean sweep at the NPC Pittsburgh! The winners of every class in the Figure and Bikini divisions-and ultimately the overall winners-are all Team Tight Curves members! It was evident that all of the ladies of Team Tight Curves worked hard and this is reflected in the awesome placings!

We are so proud of you and feel honored to have you as part of the team. Each of you brings something special and unique and we thank you for that! Congratulations!

Keep up the great work this season!

• Andrea Watson: Overall winner Figure Open; 1st place Figure A open
• Cheryl Brown: 2nd place Figure B open
• Joanne Murphy: 1st place Figure B open
• Jamie Baird: Overall Bikini; 1st place Bikini medium class
• Nicole Huss: 4th place Figure Class A open; 5th place Figure Masters Class A
• Elizabeth Earhart: 1st place Figure Masters B class; 1st place Figure Class C open
• Gennifer Strobo: 1st place Figure Class D open
• Jennifer Marchetta: Overall Figure Masters; 1st place Class A Figure Masters
• Trease Smock: 5th place Figure Class B open
• Pamela Chatman: 5th place Figure Master Class B
• Mary Dent: didn’t place
• Bridgette Pace: 2nd place Figure Masters class B
• Candee Meiring: 5th place Bikini medium class
• Kat Holmes: 3rd place Bikini Medium
• Heather Peterson: didn’t place
• Kira Rivera: 1st place Bikini short class

April 20th 2009 -Team TightCurves Member Jena Robertson wins the Europa
I would like to say a special thanks to Kristal and Tom Richardson, and TightCurves for all their help and support in preparation for the Europa Show of Champions this past weekend. After finishing 5th in my first competition 3 weeks prior, winning the Europa was something I never imagined, and I know it wouldn't have been possible without all of your help! Thank you so much!! Can't wait for the next show:)

Enter the Tight Curves Recipe Challenge and win a Magic Bullet Blender!
What do you do with your Tight Curves to give it an extra kick?  Is it simply adding something special to an already delicious protein shake, or do you take it a step further and really COOK with your protein?  Visit Kristal’s myspace (myspace.com/kristalrichardson) or the Tight Curves fan page on Facebook by June 25th to share your favorite Tight Curves protein recipes.  You can share a recipe for a designer shake but it must include ingredients in addition to Tight Curves, ice, water or milk.  The WINNER will receive a free Magic Bullet Blender and the first 20 approved entries will receive a FREE Tight Curves shaker bottle!  Select recipes will also be added to TightCurves.net. 

Share with Chantele and win a free 1-month supply of Tight Curves
Tight Curves is working with Elecktro Glam Rockstar and fitness nut Chantele DiBrava to find out how women stay in shape. Visit Chantele's myspace page (myspace.com/chantelemyspace) and click on the Tight Curves banner to share your thoughts and tips. The winner will receive a free 1-month supply of Tight Curves. While you're there be sure to check out her music (perfect for your next workout!), which is available to download for free further down the page. Contest ends 4/17/09. 

Follow Kristal on Twitter!
Want to keep up with IFBB pro and Tight Curves spokesperson Kristal Richardson online?  Kristal just began microblogging on the Twitter network.  Check out her profile at twitter.com/tcurveskristal, and be sure to click on 'Follow' if you're a member!  You can check out her updates on her myspace profile as well at myspace.com/kristalrichardson.

Tight Curves is the Title sponsor for the 2008 NPC National BodyBuilding and Figure Championships in Atlanta Nov 20th.

Kristal Richardson was featured on NBC6 making Tight Curves Berry Pancakes Live

Tight Curves is the official products for Team Bombshell.