Thursday, March 24, 2011
dinner in the sky - if you're not afraid of heights...
I get chills just looking at these pictures. It's a brilliant concept by a company in Belgium. I have a relatively new phobia that has my knees shaking when I'm above the fourth floor (showed up when I was pregant). Prior to that, I would have LOVED this...
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
beautiful bodies en (and in) Vogue
I LOVE opening the mailbox and finding the latest issue of Vogue.
Rihanna is on the cover and as expected, she looks fabulous. "I wonder who her trainer is?" is one of my first thoughts.
Ok, that's my second thought. My first thought is "I miss being young." (I was right, turns out Rihanna is a mere 23.)
Ary Nuñez is the artist’s feisty personal trainer and owner of Gotham Global Fitness. A Brooklyn native, Nuñez has three black belts and is a professional dancer. I haven't heard of Ary before but she's obviously quite talented (and just scored BIG with her client on the cover of Vogue).
Rihanna is on the cover and as expected, she looks fabulous. "I wonder who her trainer is?" is one of my first thoughts.
Ok, that's my second thought. My first thought is "I miss being young." (I was right, turns out Rihanna is a mere 23.)
Ary Nuñez is the artist’s feisty personal trainer and owner of Gotham Global Fitness. A Brooklyn native, Nuñez has three black belts and is a professional dancer. I haven't heard of Ary before but she's obviously quite talented (and just scored BIG with her client on the cover of Vogue).
Photo via Vogue.com
Monday, March 21, 2011
Dance, Stretch or Spin through NYC?
I'll be in NYC in less than 10 days and they offer workouts that you simply don't find anywhere else. I'll only be able to fit in a couple of these, but here's my long wishlist.
"Broadway Cardio" at Broadway Bodies. I could spend a week here -- "Michael Jackson Mondays" and "GLEEful" sound like a blast.
"Dance Workout" at Downtown Dance Factory. Unfortunately I won't be there on a Tuesday to hit "Rock and Roll Ballet."
Pure Yoga is a fave and I must return; all the classes are superb.
Kimberly Wilson's sparkly, pink blog turned me on to Jivamukti. I have yet to run into Russell Simmons, who is a regular, but maybe this time...
And I've wanted to hit Physique 57 since Mirabella and I ran into Kelly Ripa in Miami. Kelly's body will convince you to follow her and her gym bag everywhere she goes.
Maybe a spin class at Flywheel or Soul Cycle.
"Broadway Cardio" at Broadway Bodies. I could spend a week here -- "Michael Jackson Mondays" and "GLEEful" sound like a blast.
"Dance Workout" at Downtown Dance Factory. Unfortunately I won't be there on a Tuesday to hit "Rock and Roll Ballet."
Pure Yoga is a fave and I must return; all the classes are superb.
Kimberly Wilson's sparkly, pink blog turned me on to Jivamukti. I have yet to run into Russell Simmons, who is a regular, but maybe this time...
And I've wanted to hit Physique 57 since Mirabella and I ran into Kelly Ripa in Miami. Kelly's body will convince you to follow her and her gym bag everywhere she goes.
Maybe a spin class at Flywheel or Soul Cycle.
"Ready...OK" - Cardio Cheer a big hit in Philly
Boggi, the founder of the incredibly popular Philly-based Lithe Method, uses a cardio-cheer-sculpting method at her studio.
Although there’s a barre in the room—don’t let that fool you. Instead of concentrated low-impact movements a la Lotte Berk, this boutique workout owes its inspiration to cheerleading.
“We do a lot more cardio, aerobic activity than your average barre class,” Boggi explains. “Lots of people come in and expect Pilates and barre, and you are going to get that, but your feet are definitely going to leave the ground.” Resistance bands suspended from the ceiling complete the system.
Inspiration and photo courtesy of Well and Good NYC
Friday, March 18, 2011
Zip-a-loc bags slim you down
This morning, the scale said I dropped five pounds. Overnight. Just like that.
Well not just like that. It didn't move for a week, then it dropped five pounds. Yay!
Loved this article on the RealAge website. They suggest that making up mini-snacks saves you huge calories (it does). My belief in zip-a-locs is related to meal planning. By creating a week's worth of meals on Saturday or Sunday (like I did here in "22 Meals in 120 Minutes") really saves calories through the week.
And it really saves stress. Just ask any woman in an office "what are you feeding your family for dinner tonight" and you'll see a look of exhaustion and guilt.
I don't like using all that plastic, so I try to rinse and re-use when I can. But you can't beat it -- this convenience gets pre-cooked, portion-controlled, lean protein and veggies on plates in five minutes.
Love it!
Well not just like that. It didn't move for a week, then it dropped five pounds. Yay!
Loved this article on the RealAge website. They suggest that making up mini-snacks saves you huge calories (it does). My belief in zip-a-locs is related to meal planning. By creating a week's worth of meals on Saturday or Sunday (like I did here in "22 Meals in 120 Minutes") really saves calories through the week.
And it really saves stress. Just ask any woman in an office "what are you feeding your family for dinner tonight" and you'll see a look of exhaustion and guilt.
I don't like using all that plastic, so I try to rinse and re-use when I can. But you can't beat it -- this convenience gets pre-cooked, portion-controlled, lean protein and veggies on plates in five minutes.
Love it!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
How Hard Can it Be?
I've been frustrated with my nutrition "Spring Cleaning" and wondering if I can ever manage to get through one month without cheating. Have had my highs and lows.
Mr Right left to go skiing this morning, so that will help. (Darling husband showed up at my office yesterday with two cupcakes. So sweet. So many calories. And no, I didn't HAVE to eat them.)
I saw this new show coming, "How hard can it be?" and had to laugh. Surely if people are flying in houses a la Karl and Russell, surely I can skip sugar and starch for one month?
Mr Right left to go skiing this morning, so that will help. (Darling husband showed up at my office yesterday with two cupcakes. So sweet. So many calories. And no, I didn't HAVE to eat them.)
I saw this new show coming, "How hard can it be?" and had to laugh. Surely if people are flying in houses a la Karl and Russell, surely I can skip sugar and starch for one month?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Breastfeeding love and trials
I loved Joanna's post on breastfeeding. Memories flooded my mind after reading it.
Selling the pump made me cry. Was surprised by that.
When pregnant, I really intended to breastfeed for three months. I actually did for a year. I was even more surprised by that.
Smuggling frozen breast milk through customs. (How do you declare it, even if you want to? "Dairy" was the closest option.)
My first trip away from M took me to Toronto overnight. The hotel had so refrigerator for my room. It was a small hotel, with one of those mini gift shops next to the check-in desk. Desperate, I stashed the milk in the bottom of the ice cream freezer. Had to hurry down the next morning and retrieve it before someone thought Medela was a new kind of ice cream bar. It's funny. Now.
A couple hotels were NOT helpful. I begged a hotel manager in Florida for freezer space when the tiny dorm room fridge they gave me wouldn't freeze milk. He said no. I snuck down to the lobby bar after it closed and stuck my milk in their ice machine overnight.
Another helpful conference hotel had no refrigerators. You haven't lived until you've had to excuse yourself from a Board meeting every two hours to pump and then again every hour to run to your room for the ice bucket, hit the ice machine and then refill the ice in your sink to keep the milk cold. For three days. {Thanks for nothing, San Antonio Hilton.}
I'm lucky to work for family physicians who are really supportive of breastfeeding and of working Moms. I can't imagine having my employer act inconvenienced on top of the work and stress required to pump milk.
I remember going home after work on Tuesday to pump and squeezing into a 34E sports bra and then putting a second sports bra on over it before heading to step class to burn a few of some stress. 34E.
Working moms get a double-whammy because you have to pump and don't get the milk right into the baby. When you aren't pumping, you are washing the pump, the attachments, the cords, etc. Then drying pump, putting pump away, carrying milk to the freezer. Then you have to wash bottles that the baby ate the milk from. I calculated that I spent 7 hours per day producing and providing breastmilk.
Hard work. And the little peanut will probably not appreciate it until she's a mom. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Selling the pump made me cry. Was surprised by that.
When pregnant, I really intended to breastfeed for three months. I actually did for a year. I was even more surprised by that.
Smuggling frozen breast milk through customs. (How do you declare it, even if you want to? "Dairy" was the closest option.)
My first trip away from M took me to Toronto overnight. The hotel had so refrigerator for my room. It was a small hotel, with one of those mini gift shops next to the check-in desk. Desperate, I stashed the milk in the bottom of the ice cream freezer. Had to hurry down the next morning and retrieve it before someone thought Medela was a new kind of ice cream bar. It's funny. Now.
A couple hotels were NOT helpful. I begged a hotel manager in Florida for freezer space when the tiny dorm room fridge they gave me wouldn't freeze milk. He said no. I snuck down to the lobby bar after it closed and stuck my milk in their ice machine overnight.
Another helpful conference hotel had no refrigerators. You haven't lived until you've had to excuse yourself from a Board meeting every two hours to pump and then again every hour to run to your room for the ice bucket, hit the ice machine and then refill the ice in your sink to keep the milk cold. For three days. {Thanks for nothing, San Antonio Hilton.}
I'm lucky to work for family physicians who are really supportive of breastfeeding and of working Moms. I can't imagine having my employer act inconvenienced on top of the work and stress required to pump milk.
I remember going home after work on Tuesday to pump and squeezing into a 34E sports bra and then putting a second sports bra on over it before heading to step class to burn a few of some stress. 34E.
Working moms get a double-whammy because you have to pump and don't get the milk right into the baby. When you aren't pumping, you are washing the pump, the attachments, the cords, etc. Then drying pump, putting pump away, carrying milk to the freezer. Then you have to wash bottles that the baby ate the milk from. I calculated that I spent 7 hours per day producing and providing breastmilk.
Hard work. And the little peanut will probably not appreciate it until she's a mom. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
46 and Hot!
All three of these women are my age.
Sarah Jessica Parker is exactly one week older than I am.
Courtney Cox and SJP --Clearly they don't sit around eating starchy-carbs, but I've always chalked these gorgeous bodies up to a definite genetic advantage. Obviously thin frames that very little flesh lives on.
Sandra Bullock? My envy, my idol. Apparently her favorite workouts are Pilates and running. Whatever it is, she is obviously very loyal.
I became a really serious fan when she dedicated her 2010 Oscar to "the Moms who take care of the babies and children no matter where they come from." Nobody knew about little Louis then, but what a powerful, well-deserved acknowledgement to those Mom's.These women have inspired my pre-birthday "Spring Cleaning." As in cleaning me. I've written off sugar and starch, and I really hope to stay injury-free long enough to be consistent with my workouts. Miracle weight loss probably won't occur (though welcome with open arms), but come April 1, I will know I've given my best effort to turning 46 in good health.
Friday, March 04, 2011
Friday Facts
1. The spokesperson from the Heart Attack Grill died. From pneumonia.
After accounting for factors such as lifestyle and education, moderately obese men -- those with a body mass index between 30 and 34.9 -- had a 40% greater risk of pneumonia compared with those of normal weight (BMI of less than 24.9). Men who were severely obese, having a BMI greater than 35, were twice as likely to get pneumonia," said this news article last year.
Rueters says obesity may increase pneumonia risk, particularly in men.
2. Employer-based health coverage is on the decline. I hate this. The horrible colds my family passed around last month and my daughter's nasty fall last week required time in doctor's offices and hospital. I can't imagine adding to the stress of those situations by not having insurance. I hate it even more that insurance is so expensive and that this has to be a difficult decision for employers. (Yet another reason why I am so lonely in politics.)
3. Since discovering her a couple weeks ago, Garance Dore has been everywhere in the media and blogs. She is so hip. Adding her to my "want to be her" list.
4. Fitness Magazine featured ways to turn up your metabolism, which were quite good. No surprises, but good. I am working on getting over my attitude. I have to quiet my reply: "you're turning 30 and you're metabolism is slowing down? just wait." Sounds old and cranky and I won't allow my phit self to go there.
Have a good weekend. Workout. Sleep late. Eat healthy. Indugle (once!).
Rueters says obesity may increase pneumonia risk, particularly in men.
2. Employer-based health coverage is on the decline. I hate this. The horrible colds my family passed around last month and my daughter's nasty fall last week required time in doctor's offices and hospital. I can't imagine adding to the stress of those situations by not having insurance. I hate it even more that insurance is so expensive and that this has to be a difficult decision for employers. (Yet another reason why I am so lonely in politics.)
3. Since discovering her a couple weeks ago, Garance Dore has been everywhere in the media and blogs. She is so hip. Adding her to my "want to be her" list.
4. Fitness Magazine featured ways to turn up your metabolism, which were quite good. No surprises, but good. I am working on getting over my attitude. I have to quiet my reply: "you're turning 30 and you're metabolism is slowing down? just wait." Sounds old and cranky and I won't allow my phit self to go there.
Have a good weekend. Workout. Sleep late. Eat healthy. Indugle (once!).
Saturday, February 12, 2011
no guilt in Paris
Garance has a fabulous {old} post on going to the gym -- through the eyes of a gal in Paris. NOTE: click on "translate" in the upper right corner to see it in English.
This darling blogger was featured in the New York Times. Add her to my list of "I want to be ...."
My favorite from this post:
Et attendez, la control freakitude de la recherche de la perfectitude physique ne s’arrête pas là, les calories sont indiquées PARTOUT ! Un cookie, c’est 500 putain de calories !!! Chez Starbucks c’est paranoland. Vous ne voulez pas savoir le nombre de calories d’un Frappucino, je vous assure.
Tout ça, ça n’arriverait jamais à Paris. Enfin, pas dans mon Paris à moi, fait de croissants, de cigarettes et de rien foutage à la terrasse des cafés. Yep, sans même de culpabilité.
OR...
I swear, I know lots who get up at 6 in the morning to go running in their gym! Even I sometimes I think! But I do not because I'm too lazy! MY GYM OPENS AT 5am !!!!!! They are crazy people or something?
And wait, the Control Freak attitude, totally to the pursuit of physical perfectitude does not stop there, calories are listed EVERYWHERE! A cookie is 500 calories whore! Starbucks is paranoland. You do not know how many calories a Frappucino, I assure you.
All this would never happen in Paris. Well, not in my Paris to me, made croissants, cigarettes and anything foutage the terrace cafes. Yep, without guilt.
This darling blogger was featured in the New York Times. Add her to my list of "I want to be ...."
Et attendez, la control freakitude de la recherche de la perfectitude physique ne s’arrête pas là, les calories sont indiquées PARTOUT ! Un cookie, c’est 500 putain de calories !!! Chez Starbucks c’est paranoland. Vous ne voulez pas savoir le nombre de calories d’un Frappucino, je vous assure.
Tout ça, ça n’arriverait jamais à Paris. Enfin, pas dans mon Paris à moi, fait de croissants, de cigarettes et de rien foutage à la terrasse des cafés. Yep, sans même de culpabilité.
OR...
I swear, I know lots who get up at 6 in the morning to go running in their gym! Even I sometimes I think! But I do not because I'm too lazy! MY GYM OPENS AT 5am !!!!!! They are crazy people or something?
And wait, the Control Freak attitude, totally to the pursuit of physical perfectitude does not stop there, calories are listed EVERYWHERE! A cookie is 500 calories whore! Starbucks is paranoland. You do not know how many calories a Frappucino, I assure you.
All this would never happen in Paris. Well, not in my Paris to me, made croissants, cigarettes and anything foutage the terrace cafes. Yep, without guilt.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
knee-friendly jump rope
Fitness Magazine caught my eye with "Burn 160 Calories in 15 Minutes."
The exercises are pretty much all jumping rope, and my 40+ knees sometimes like jump rope more than others. (Many women have told me a bigger problem is post-mom bladder.)
I have to say that jumping rope is a surprise, and though it looks like a highest-impact activity, it actually isn't. The lower leg muscles have to control the rebound, and you don't leave the ground hardly at all.
(Bonus: lower leg muscles toned for spring dresses and heels.)
I find what folks really hate though, is tripping on the rope. How can it be so hard to do something I did for hours when I was 10 years old?
Two options that are a bit more knee-friendly (and less frustrating!):
1) No rope. That's right - just pretend you are jumping. As silly as it sounds, you won't get frustrated tripping on the rope and you won't have to quiet the "Cinderella, dressed in yella..." chants from your childhood (which make you feel even more silly).
2. Jump Snap. I've gotten emails from these folks for quite awhile, and apparently Dr Oz gave them quite an endorsement. Try it!
My imaginary rope OR the Jump Snap will make a great cardio option for an interval workout. Jump for two minutes, then do a strength exercise. A simple, cheap and effective workout for indoors until the snow melts!
The exercises are pretty much all jumping rope, and my 40+ knees sometimes like jump rope more than others. (Many women have told me a bigger problem is post-mom bladder.)
I have to say that jumping rope is a surprise, and though it looks like a highest-impact activity, it actually isn't. The lower leg muscles have to control the rebound, and you don't leave the ground hardly at all.
(Bonus: lower leg muscles toned for spring dresses and heels.)
I find what folks really hate though, is tripping on the rope. How can it be so hard to do something I did for hours when I was 10 years old?
Two options that are a bit more knee-friendly (and less frustrating!):
1) No rope. That's right - just pretend you are jumping. As silly as it sounds, you won't get frustrated tripping on the rope and you won't have to quiet the "Cinderella, dressed in yella..." chants from your childhood (which make you feel even more silly).
2. Jump Snap. I've gotten emails from these folks for quite awhile, and apparently Dr Oz gave them quite an endorsement. Try it!
Friday, February 04, 2011
Party of two and a half
Mr Right and I used to have fabulous parties for watching the Oscar's. 
Gold buttercream cake? Wow.
I've been holed up with a cold, and now my whole family has it. I won't be wearing these beautiful accessories or getting a rad manicure for an outrageous party. I'll be catching up on work and laundry. Hopefully I'll have a healthy toddler by then. But what a glittery start I have to planning a 2012 Oscars Party. :)
I've been holed up with a cold, and now my whole family has it. I won't be wearing these beautiful accessories or getting a rad manicure for an outrageous party. I'll be catching up on work and laundry. Hopefully I'll have a healthy toddler by then. But what a glittery start I have to planning a 2012 Oscars Party. :)
Friday, January 28, 2011
Dear Fairy Godmother
Dear Fairy Godmother,
I don't need a prince. Happily-ever-after is going well.
Here's what I would wish for:
Woodway Treadmill - this seems to be the only thing that can carry my 40+ knees on a run longer than 5 miles with no pain the next day. They have them at my gym and I love them. Wouldn't it be wonderful though, to skip the drive, parking, checking in and lockerroom and just go jump on this floating-belt-platform guy for cardio? Could take a 2.5 hour chunk of my day and cut it into a 1.5 hour commitment. And I could use that hour.
Martha Stewart Craft Room furniture (I don't even do crafts - ?? Love this though.)
These abs. A bit on the hard side for my tastes, but I would have so much fun "softening" them just a little!
A week here.
And this to drive, preferably near the ocean.
Sincerely,
Angela B.
P.S. Happy home, family, friends and fulfilling career mean I would, in reality (if the whole fairly godmother thing came to be reality), pass this wish off to someone who needed a job, home or warm meal. Thanks for indulging my fantasy post.
I don't need a prince. Happily-ever-after is going well.
Here's what I would wish for:
Woodway Treadmill - this seems to be the only thing that can carry my 40+ knees on a run longer than 5 miles with no pain the next day. They have them at my gym and I love them. Wouldn't it be wonderful though, to skip the drive, parking, checking in and lockerroom and just go jump on this floating-belt-platform guy for cardio? Could take a 2.5 hour chunk of my day and cut it into a 1.5 hour commitment. And I could use that hour.
Martha Stewart Craft Room furniture (I don't even do crafts - ?? Love this though.)
These abs. A bit on the hard side for my tastes, but I would have so much fun "softening" them just a little!
A week here.
Angela B.
P.S. Happy home, family, friends and fulfilling career mean I would, in reality (if the whole fairly godmother thing came to be reality), pass this wish off to someone who needed a job, home or warm meal. Thanks for indulging my fantasy post.
Crescendo
This makes me want to take surfing lessons.
Maybe not start with this wave :)
Can't you just feel it's energy?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Phit finds on the web
Send your prayers and good vibes to the poor folks in the flooding Brisbane, Australia. I found this photo of the popular "Keep Calm" poster in a canoe - how appropriate. It's hanging in my {dry and safe} office and I may look at it differently now.
Loved this post on "The F Word" by Working Moms Against Guilt. So glad I found these women.
{The F word, in this case, is Flexibility. As in workday flexibility. Or the lack of it. And the need for it.}
Have you seen the online Lonny Mag? Gorgeous. This spread had an embroidered Marc Jacobs dress ($1,500 yikes) and a multi-thousand dollar white camera I'm drooling over. A girl can dream.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Snow day
Yesterday was a snow day with all 240 schools in the metro area closed. Here's what it looked like out my office window.
I had an awesome day reading and thinking. Made way too many lists, but managed to scratch off a number of to-do's as well.
Kudos Abbey for finding this awesome piece of snow art by Luke Aleckson.
He made this installation with bread tray snow shoes.
via Abbey Goes Design Scouting
I had an awesome day reading and thinking. Made way too many lists, but managed to scratch off a number of to-do's as well.
And M had an amazing day, though she preferred the snow out the window. She wasn't as wild about sledding as her Dad. She's a beach girl, like Mom.
Kudos Abbey for finding this awesome piece of snow art by Luke Aleckson.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Mad (wo)Men photoshopping
C'mon admit it. You've looked at magazine cover models with envy, right? We know they are photoshopped like crazy. But we still believe the image and create (even more) unrealistic expectations of our physical self.
I laughed at what happened to Mad Men stars in this photo from Rolling Stone.
The three women, who have VERY different body types, appear to all have the tinier waists and enlarged cleavage. Not sure why this was necessary since they are so freakin' gorgeous just as they are. Here's a photo of them at the Emmy's.
Had to laugh again at this take on it -- "where's Betty Draper's hand?"
I laughed at what happened to Mad Men stars in this photo from Rolling Stone.
The three women, who have VERY different body types, appear to all have the tinier waists and enlarged cleavage. Not sure why this was necessary since they are so freakin' gorgeous just as they are. Here's a photo of them at the Emmy's.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
2011 work trends will fuel need for personal branding
Are you bored at work?
New Year's Resolution stats in the January Women's Health magazine say that 46% of women desire a career change.
So I found this info on personal branding even more interesting.
Trends in 2011 include:
More working from home; and more options for jobs in other cities as employers compete for talent and trust off-site work even more.
Vid-casting and Video conferencing. Apparently it will soon be beneficial to have HOS - home office studio - listed when you sell your house. Cool.
Appearing on video will require dressing up from the waist up. Seriously, don't you love the idea of putting on a blouse, jacket, pearls, yoga pants and flip flops?
New Year's Resolution stats in the January Women's Health magazine say that 46% of women desire a career change.
So I found this info on personal branding even more interesting.
Trends in 2011 include:
More working from home; and more options for jobs in other cities as employers compete for talent and trust off-site work even more.
Vid-casting and Video conferencing. Apparently it will soon be beneficial to have HOS - home office studio - listed when you sell your house. Cool.
Appearing on video will require dressing up from the waist up. Seriously, don't you love the idea of putting on a blouse, jacket, pearls, yoga pants and flip flops?
Monday, January 03, 2011
Flat-Belly Powerfoods
6 Flat-Belly Powerfoods. Eat more, weigh less.
A typical January magazine headline.
But this resonates with me more than past years, since I experienced this at the advanced maternal age of 43:
A pear-shaped, curvy girl, I never appreciated my (pre-pregnancy) flat belly and tiny waist. {EVERY pair of pants had to be taken in at the waist.} Instead I obsessed about hating my thighs.
Nothing like a 10 pound baby and c-section to change the tummy forever. {The good news: it's been awhile since I worried about hips and thighs.} I used to tell my "please help me lose my baby weight" exercise students to get on the ball. The stability ball that is. Check out the exercises here.
And while I am a ball-junky, I can now officially empathize with the tummy that isn't fat but isn't flat.
I can't bring myself to spend my daughter's college fund on a tummy tuck, so I will be doing double time on the ball in 2011, and adding the suggested powerfoods from the January issue of Women's Health (which are really part of a lower-calorie, more-filling strategy, but still good suggestions).
Barley. Loads of recipes and nutrition facts here.
Salmon. Cooking tips here, but do NOT brush with butter if you are baking it. Salmon has plenty of oil and you don't want your taste buds to adapt to that over-fatted slickness. Ick.
Also, I'd highly recommend "wild caught" salmon if you can find and afford it. "Farm raised" means it swims around in a tank with other fish, and all of their own wastes. Another ick.
Lean protein such as chicken. Easy to pre-cook and store for weekly meals. Take another look at these tips, because preparation is key to good nutrition.
Sunflower seed butter has all the satisfying protein and fiber of peanut butter but only a third of the saturated fat.
They also suggest black beans, which I don't like, but I would recommend the black bean brownie recipe.
A typical January magazine headline.
But this resonates with me more than past years, since I experienced this at the advanced maternal age of 43:
A pear-shaped, curvy girl, I never appreciated my (pre-pregnancy) flat belly and tiny waist. {EVERY pair of pants had to be taken in at the waist.} Instead I obsessed about hating my thighs.
Nothing like a 10 pound baby and c-section to change the tummy forever. {The good news: it's been awhile since I worried about hips and thighs.} I used to tell my "please help me lose my baby weight" exercise students to get on the ball. The stability ball that is. Check out the exercises here.
And while I am a ball-junky, I can now officially empathize with the tummy that isn't fat but isn't flat.
I can't bring myself to spend my daughter's college fund on a tummy tuck, so I will be doing double time on the ball in 2011, and adding the suggested powerfoods from the January issue of Women's Health (which are really part of a lower-calorie, more-filling strategy, but still good suggestions).
Barley. Loads of recipes and nutrition facts here.
Salmon. Cooking tips here, but do NOT brush with butter if you are baking it. Salmon has plenty of oil and you don't want your taste buds to adapt to that over-fatted slickness. Ick.
Also, I'd highly recommend "wild caught" salmon if you can find and afford it. "Farm raised" means it swims around in a tank with other fish, and all of their own wastes. Another ick.
Lean protein such as chicken. Easy to pre-cook and store for weekly meals. Take another look at these tips, because preparation is key to good nutrition.
Sunflower seed butter has all the satisfying protein and fiber of peanut butter but only a third of the saturated fat.
They also suggest black beans, which I don't like, but I would recommend the black bean brownie recipe.
2010: A Phit Year
Do you love to make lists?
One of my goals in 2010 was to make fewer lists, which I'm trying to be mindful of as I think about goals for 2011.
A list that is more fun to make -- the highlights of 2010.
The Ritz at Laguna Beach with Mr Right
FOUR trips to NYC, including a holiday one.
A happy 2-year old on her birthday (and no sugar!)
Seeing "Promises Promises" with Kristen Chenowith and Sean Hayes on Broadway.
Seeing "The Adams Family" with Nathan Lane and "Lillith" ("Promises" was actually better, but Nathan Lane is hilarious and Bebe Neuwirth is PHIT if I've ever seen it!).
My brother and his wife got a HOUSE for Christmas from her dad. Geez. (I'd been praying for him, he's had a rough year.)
Getting in 12 miles per week on the treadmill most of the year, thanks to treadmill fantasies. :)
Getting quite good at planning healthy meals, the highlight being 22 meals in under two hours.
Two trips to Las Vegas and shopping in the Miracle Mile and spending less than $50.
Being the keynote speaker at a convention of nearly 1,000 and doing a pretty darn good job.
Increasing this blog's readership to over 2,500 per week! Yay!
Now, to make that 2011 list. It will include simplicity, saving and continuing the pursuit of health. It will include reaching my "before 50" goals of raising a happy, healthy child and some less ambitious things like having a conversation in French.
Happy New Year Phit Chick.
One of my goals in 2010 was to make fewer lists, which I'm trying to be mindful of as I think about goals for 2011.
A list that is more fun to make -- the highlights of 2010.
The Ritz at Laguna Beach with Mr Right
FOUR trips to NYC, including a holiday one.
A happy 2-year old on her birthday (and no sugar!)
Seeing "Promises Promises" with Kristen Chenowith and Sean Hayes on Broadway.
Seeing "The Adams Family" with Nathan Lane and "Lillith" ("Promises" was actually better, but Nathan Lane is hilarious and Bebe Neuwirth is PHIT if I've ever seen it!).
My brother and his wife got a HOUSE for Christmas from her dad. Geez. (I'd been praying for him, he's had a rough year.)
Getting in 12 miles per week on the treadmill most of the year, thanks to treadmill fantasies. :)
Getting quite good at planning healthy meals, the highlight being 22 meals in under two hours.
Two trips to Las Vegas and shopping in the Miracle Mile and spending less than $50.
Being the keynote speaker at a convention of nearly 1,000 and doing a pretty darn good job.
Increasing this blog's readership to over 2,500 per week! Yay!
Now, to make that 2011 list. It will include simplicity, saving and continuing the pursuit of health. It will include reaching my "before 50" goals of raising a happy, healthy child and some less ambitious things like having a conversation in French.
Happy New Year Phit Chick.
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