November 2011

Your Post-Thanksgiving Tune Up

November 30, 2011 at 4:54 pm
By Colleen Moody

We know, Thanksgiving was so last week. But chances are, you’re still blaming your tryptophan coma for not getting kicking your workout back into full swing yet.

Slack no more! We got Cassey Ho, a Pilates, fitness instructor, and founder of oGorgeous yoga bags (featured in our gift guide and a perfect gift for your friend!) to give our readers an exclusive routine to help you beat turkey bloat and get back on track to burning some serious fat this season.

Cassey is participating in the YouTube Next Trainer program—an initiative to find the world’s next biggest trainer, helping them launch their fit YouTube career. Check back for more exclusive routines from a few of the Next Trainer participants but until then sculpt, strengthen and tone with this 10-minute session from Cassey that targets your arms, abs, legs and butt below. Don’t worry, she does it with you so you’re not suffering alone!

 

You can print this workout here! And for more information and moves from Cassey, visit blogilates.com.

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Try This to Save $1,235 This Year!

November 30, 2011 at 12:20 pm
By Karla Walsh

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well consumer savings expert Jeanette Pavini says this is reality with one simple trick: Packing your lunch.

Pavini, a Coupons.com pro, did the leg work by shopping at her local stores and using available discounts (don’t worry, she didn’t spend hours scouring the circulars like the extreme couponers…meaning you can do it to!). She compared the prices for homemade to the average deli price for three popular sandwiches, and found that you can save $23.75 per week—or $1,235 over the course of a year—by doing just a little shopping and taking five minutes each day to prep your lunch.

Here’s the scoop:

Turkey and cheese on wheat with lettuce, tomato and mustard

• Average deli price: $7.13
• Homemade price: $2.68
• Homemade price with sales and coupons: $1.93

Tuna and cheese on mulitgrain

• Average deli price: $7.63
• Homemade price: $2.60
• Homemade price with sales and coupons: $1.66

Veggie sandwich on multigrain (lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts, red onion and cucumber)

• Average deli price: $6.72
• Homemade price: $2.00
• Homemade price with sales and coupons: $1.30

Pavini says that you can save big by watching for coupons and being open to trying different brands and products on special at your local store. More good news: You can rest assured knowing that there won’t be any unwanted “secret sauce” on meals you make yourself!

More from FITNESS:

• Healthy Sandwich Recipes from Top TV Chefs
• The Best Grocery Store Buys for Lunch
• Good-For-You Lunches Under 400 Calories

Now tell us: What is your favorite brown bag lunch? And how often do you pack or eat out for your midday meal?

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Blitz Winter Boredom with the Tundra Challenge 2012

November 29, 2011 at 4:22 pm
By Colleen Moody

It may be over 60 degrees here in NYC lately, but we can assume that this type of freak weather won’t last forever. Soon it will be cold and snowy, with our exercise routines going quickly out the door (or possibly over to the couch to lay down and get comfy until spring). But here’s a fun way to keep winter from putting a damper on your motivation this season. Take your willpower to the next level with the first ever Tundra Challenge, a 3.5 mile course with over 15 obstacles designed by military experts.

The Challenge will take place in six cities – Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Denver, New York City, and Minneapolis on Jan. 14. Participants will climb, crawl, balance, weave, and slide their way through the course, with those finishing in the top 10 percent given free entry to the 2012-2013 Nation’s Top Challenger race.

All contestants must be 18 years or older to participate and you can sign up now at tundrachallenge.com for early registration fees ( $65 for individuals, $220 for groups). A part of all proceeds will go toward the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  The event begins at 9 a.m., with waves starting every 30 minutes. You get to pick your starting time, so the sooner you sign up, the better your start time will be. Check out a sneak peek below for what’s in store for you!

 

 

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Face of FITNESS Winner Spotlight: Caroline Seymour

November 29, 2011 at 3:31 pm
By Karla Walsh

You’ve seen her gracing our November/ December cover and hosting our Facebook page last month, now get to know our inspiring Face of FITNESS winner, Caroline, a bit better! This fit inspiration kicked off her healthy habits early, playing soccer, softball, basketball, dancing and running track as a youngster.

Caroline Seymour, Atlanta

This has been a busy year for Caroline, who graduated an MBA program, got engaged and moved to a new city. Luckily, the 26-year-old’s exercise habits keep her sane: “My favorite way to clear my head is to hit the golf course,” she says.

My gym-free routine “Mixing up outdoor activities, like swimming and tennis, with Jillian Michaels workout DVDs inspires me to sweat five days a week.”

Nightly stress buster “I sleep at least eight hours a night. I make a to-do list for the next day before I hit the sheets so I can doze off with a clear head.”

Go-to snack “I make smoothies for an afternoon energy boost by blending 3/4 cup Trop50 orange juice, 1/2 cup V8 Diet Splash Berry Blend, a banana, 1/2 cup frozen fruit and a handful of ice.”

In case you missed any of the four finalists and their top tips, find them all here:

• Lauren Lopez, a multitasking military mom with a sweet tooth
• Melanie Millan, a gluten-free boot camp lover with Bieber fever
• Jordan Fish, a dancing queen with a taste for country
• Maria Pontillo, a personal trainer and physical therapist who loves her Sundays

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Endurance Adventures for a Cause: Katie Spotz Swims, Bikes, Rows and Runs to Raise Funds

November 29, 2011 at 10:56 am
By Karla Walsh

Katie Spotz grew up playing tennis and soccer, running track and competing on the swim team. “I was terrible at all of them, but I loved being active,” the 24-year-old admits. When she grew out of school-based sports, Spotz searched for new ways to stay fit. She first joined a walk/run class in college—testing her limits since she always thought that endurance was for “‘those’ people, not me.” But she got bit by the running bug, and eventually worked her way up from jogging minutes at a time to five miles, and later to a marathon. “I thought, ‘if I can do this, what else can I do?’” Spotz says.

After a random discussion with college friends when she was just 19, Spotz heard about someone who had rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. “I called home 24 hours later and told my parents I was going to do it too—despite the fact that I had no rowing experience,” Spotz says.

So she trained, meditated and prepared, and eventually completed the amazing solo journey from Guyana, South America, to Senegal, Africa, often rowing more than eight hours daily. During her “Row for Water” excursion, Spotz raised funds for Blue Planet Run, a non-profit bringing safe drinking water to all—$150,000 in all! (She tells us that $30 can provide one person clean water for life. That means 5,000 people were helped by her transatlantic travels!)

That event kicked off her passion for endurance events and helping others, and since, she has completed the following to raise money for various causes with personal meaning for Spotz:

• Swim for Water: first person to swim the entire 325 miles of the Allegheny River
• Big Ride Across America: cycled 3,300 miles from Seattle to Washington, D.C.
• Desert Run: ran 150 miles solo across the Mojave and Colorado Desert
• Half Ironman Triathlon (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run): placed first in age group
• Oxfam Trail Run: 62-mile ultramarathon in Australia

Spotz is currently visiting Kenya to see the impact of her clean water fundraising and hopes to eventually get her MBA and pursue non-profit work. That way, she says, “I can incorporate my passions into everyday life,” Spotz says.

More from FITNESS: Check out 22 ways you can run, walk or get fit for charity.

Now tell us: What causes would keep you motivated to train for endurance events?

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How to Buy the Right Running Shoe

November 29, 2011 at 7:00 am
By fitsugar

Buying the right running shoe takes time. Finding a shoe that works with your running style and foot usually means an in-store visit to a running specialty store for expert advice.

A good running shoe store will look at your foot type, normal running distance, past or current injuries, pronation, foot length, and instep height, along with other parameters, says Lori Shannon, owner of women’s running shoe store See Jane Run. And while there are several things you can ignore when shopping for a running shoe, there are still many things that matter for keeping your runs safe and injury-free. Nothing beats a personal consultation for finding the perfect fit, but we asked Lori for guidance anyone can use when looking for a running shoe. Here are more of her tips to consider.

Pay attention to fit: Every shoe (and foot) is different, but there are a few specifics that you should look for before the cashier rings up your pair. “The overall feel and fit is often overlooked but is extremely important. Some companies will insist that you are in a certain category — [like] stability, motion control, or cushioning — but those shoes may not feel good to you,” Lori says. “This is an art, not a science. If you don’t like how they feel, then they are wrong for you.”

One way to help ensure a good fit? Pick the right time to visit a shoe store. “If you run in the morning, get fitted in the morning,” Lori says. And try to go to the store after your normal daily run. “Your feet change size during the day and how long your run, [so] if you do long runs, you should try on shoes after a long run. This will give you a better fit and help you keep your toenails.”

Read more

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Freebie Alert: Jamba Juice Holiday Treats

November 28, 2011 at 11:50 am
By Karla Walsh

Sharing presents is one of the best parts of the holidays, but our bank accounts don’t always agree! (Especially today after that Black Friday shopping and the Cyber Monday spending sure to come this evening.)

That’s why we were pumped to hear about a delicious deal going on now at Jamba Juice. Now through January 3, the shop is offering a coupon for one free smoothie when you purchase $25 of gift cards. One of our current favorites: the Apple Cinnamon Cheer smoothie, which packs 20 percent of your daily value of vitamin C. It’s made with juice, soymilk, frozen yogurt, fruit and cinnamon, and is reminiscent of a tasty holiday dessert!

And grab that smoothie to go: as reported in our November/December issue, walking at a pace of 3 miles per hour for 15 minutes per day—like while shopping—can extend your life up to three years more than those who are sedentary! Bonus: Walking to and from the store can save transportation money as well.

More from FITNESS:

• Healthy and Refreshing Smoothie Recipes
• Why It’s OK to Have Dessert
• 10 Healthy Holiday Superfoods

Now tell us: What’s your favorite way to save during the gift-giving season?

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Two International Twists on Turkey Day Leftovers

November 25, 2011 at 10:05 am
By Karla Walsh

I don’t know about you all, but every year, my family scoops up turkey noodle soup and snacks on turkey sandwiches for days, but so far, we have yet to come up with the ultimate use for the always abundant leftovers.

Luckily, Jennie-O, a brand that knows a thing of two about turkey, has a wealth of ideas to share. Thanksgiving meals are, of course, focused on being all-American. For something truly different, wouldn’t it be fun to offer international twists on turkey to fuel your family through shopping excursions and football-viewing parties? Here are two turkey recipes with global flare that will help you use up those leftovers in a new, fresh way while keeping your waistline in mind.

Turkey Pita Pizzas

Serves 4

•  1 1/2 cups leftover Jennie-O turkey
• 4 whole-wheat pitas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
• 1 small yellow pepper, thinly slices
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried chilies
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup loosely packed small basil leaves

1. Heat grill to medium-low. Brush both sides of each pita bread with oil and sprinkle with garlic.
2. Top with mozzarella cheese, cooked turkey, yellow pepper, tomatoes, ground pepper, crushed chilies and Parmesan cheese.
3. Place pitas on preheated, greased grill. Cook with lid closed, about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is crisp.
4. Sprinkle with basil leaves.

Turkey, Broccoli and Almond Stir-Fry

Serves 6

• 2 cups leftover Jennie-O turkey
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup chopped garlic chives
• 1/3 cup almonds, toasted
• Optional: Rice to serve

1. Combine broth, sherry, oyster sauce, soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl; set aside.
2. Heat a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil, ginger and garlic. Stir-fry 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add broccoli, turkey and sauce mixture. Stir-fry about 2 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Stir in almonds and serve over rice, if desired.

For more ideas about how to use up those leftovers and for additional turkey recipes, visit jennieo.com/recipes.

Now tell us: How are you repurposing your leftovers today?

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Fit Blogger We Love: Life of Blyss

November 24, 2011 at 12:00 pm
By Samantha Shelton

Audrey Hepburn once said, “laughter is the best calorie burner,” and Alyssa from Life of Blyss proves that’s true every day. This 20-something communications coordinator is an avid runner, customizes wine glasses and gives back to her community. Read on to find out more about why we love her, and why you will too.

I’m happiest when I’m: Fist-pumping to a great Chris Brown song on an equally great run!

Most embarrassing song I’ll admit I work out to: I’m a shameless Glee fan, and I’ve been known to blast some Hanson and Jesse McCartney on my runs. And I love it!

My biggest indulgence: Brownies. I could eat an entire bowl of brownie batter and be the happiest little kid in the whole entire world.

On my fit life list: Let me give it to you in a list!

• Run a sub-1:36 half-marathon.
• Run a half-marathon for Team Hoyt, an organization in which I’d push an autistic child in a wheelchair.
• Run as a pacer for a half or full marathon.
• Run a sub-3:36 marathon.
• Run a race with my puppy, Chloe!

My biggest motivator: My motivation comes from the fact that I run for me and no one else (other than raising money for charities and good causes). I grew up having to run for field hockey, and as a result, I hated it. Now, I run because I want to be healthy and fit…and I love it.

Do you have a favorite fit blogger you want us to highlight? Leave a comment below or email blog@fitnessmagazine.com

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5 Packaged Foods That Are Actually Healthy

November 23, 2011 at 2:15 pm
By SparkPeople

By Sarah Haan, Registered Dietitian, for SparkPeople.com

You’ve probably heard this advice before: For a healthy grocery trip, shop the perimeter of the store. But if you stick to this advice completely you’ll be missing out on some of the nutritious items that do come in packages. These packaged foods—not to be confused with “processed” foods—can give you some great nutrients and make meal planning easier, saving you precious time.

Here’s a list of the healthiest convenience foods you can buy from the center aisles of the grocery store.

1. Canned Beans
Though dried beans are cheaper than canned, they can take a lot of time to cook. Canned beans pack an impressive amount of fiber and protein and can be a quick addition to many meals. Pinto, kidney, cannellini (white kidney), black, Great Northern—name any bean, they’re all great sources of nutrition for your body. When you’re choosing your beans, look for ones without added salt or seasoning. Before using your beans, drain and rinse them in a colander when you’re ready to cook. This will help wash added sodium down the drain–40% of the sodium to be exact.

2. Oats and Flaxseed
Prepare to have a heart-healthy breakfast by combining old-fashioned oats and ground flaxseed, both found packaged in either cartons or bags. One cup of cooked oatmeal with 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed will give you 8 grams of much needed fiber, as well as a dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which each protect the heart. Choose old-fashioned oats over quick oats or instant oatmeal to ensure you’re getting the maximum amount of fiber without added salt and sugar.

3. Brown Rice
For a boxed fare that is both versatile and nutrient packed, pick up brown rice on your next grocery trip. This fiber-rich grain is a great side for nearly any meat, bean, and vegetable–or combination of all three! Try it with kidney beans, diced tomatoes and cilantro, or top it with shrimp, streamed carrots and broccoli with your favorite low-sodium sauce.

4. Tuna Fish Packed in Water
When it comes to getting a bang for your buck out of canned food, this is almost as good as it gets. This convenient food is high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, and also gives you a good amount of vitamins D and B-12, too. Top a bed of greens with tuna, veggies, fruit and nuts or scoop it onto whole wheat pita, crackers or bread for a healthy combo on-the-go.

5. Frozen Berries
When it comes to meeting your daily fruit requirement, you can’t beat frozen. Many frozen berries do not have added sugar, but some do. Double check that the ingredients list contains berries to make sure you’re not getting extra calories from refined sugars. Then, add them to oatmeal, cereal, yogurt or make a smoothie.

Continued: 5 More Surprisingly Healthy Packaged Foods

More from SparkPeople:

The 22 Healthiest Fast Foods

Staff Picks: Healthy Fast Food Lunches

Get a Free Fitness and Weight-Loss Plan

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