Colleen Moody

Forget the Fiscal Cliff, Be Wary of the Fitness Cliff

February 7, 2013 at 9:02 am
By Colleen Moody

The Fiscal Cliff may have come and gone, but according to Gold’s Gym, February 7 is considered to be the “Fitness Cliff”–the day those New Year Resolutions start to go astray and goals slowly start heading toward the back burner.

Gold’s studied check-in patterns at gym locations around the country over a three-year period to establish this cliff. After the initial gym craze around January 1, they noticed a gradual decline in check-ins beginning January 30, with the biggest drop happening on February 7. To help keep you from falling off the edge, Dr. Belisa Vranich, author and clinical psychologist created these five warning signs that your resolutions may be slipping:

1. You suddenly find yourself too busy to get to the gym as often as when you first started.
2. You’re getting angry that the effort you’re making to work out and eat healthy aren’t equaling the results you’d like to see in the mirror.
3. You find yourself less motivated and begin to wonder why you made this goal in the first place.
4. You slowly start to ease back into old patterns, trading treadmill time for the TV and in caving into your usual guilty pleasures.
5. You start arguing with yourself that you don’t really need to change, convincing yourself that you’ll make a better effort next year.

Do one or more of these points sound like you? Get back on track with these tips from Gold’s Gym Fitness Institute expert and celebrity trainer Mike Ryan: Read more

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Former Martial Arts Fighter and Actress Gina Carano Joins the Under Armour Team

February 6, 2013 at 10:36 am
By Colleen Moody

It’s no secret that Under Armour has had some pretty inspiring and star-studded campaigns in the past. Now the brand is bringing on a little more awesome, kick butt attitude with former martial arts fighter Gina Carano, who will be featured in the brand’s campaigns this year. “I’ve always been an advocate of people taking care of themselves and living a healthy lifestyle,” Carano says about the new partnership. “The Under Armour brand expresses that in such an innovative way, and the people there are so welcoming, I immediately felt like part of the family, which isn’t the norm as a female coming from a martial arts background. I’ve always been different, but with these guys I feel like I fit right in!”

Carano trains in Under Armour products regularly, but her recent go-to product is one that surprised her. “I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but I’ve gotten into the yoga pants! I never thought I would be a yoga pants type of girl, I used to wear old sweats or board shorts to train in but now I’m obsessed with the tighter stuff. They just hug in all the right spots.” (Editor’s Note: We so hear you.)

Though she’s spending more time on the silver screen than in the ring, she still hits the weight room pretty regularly to train. “I like to switch it up every day, but hitting pads and weight training will always be part of my life. I consider that like my yoga. I also recently got into running and hiking and actual Bikram yoga for mental toughness. And I’m also trying to exercise outside as much as possible, since the majority of my life I’ve been in gyms. I’ve been traveling a ton, but now that I’m back I’ll start training with a stunt group again and I’ll have some time to set my goals for this year. I feel like I always work best when I have my goals written down and mapped out for me.”

Keep an eye out for Carano in Fast and Furious 6, out in May!

More from FITNESS: Gina Carano on Stunts and Her Sexy Co-Stars

 

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Fitness Gala 2013: Sweating for a Good Cause

February 4, 2013 at 3:49 pm
By Colleen Moody

Sure, we love dressing up as much as the next gal–but when we’re asked to go to a red carpet event in our spandex and sneakers, it’s pretty much a fitness editor’s dream come true. And that’s exactly what we did this weekend at the Fitness Gala 2013, benefitting Mariska Hargitay’s charity, the Joyful Hearts Foundation.

Between mingling with stars like Smash‘s Megan Hilty, who hosted the event, celebrity bartender Ryan Serhant of Million Dollar Listing (and yup, he’s as hunky off-screen as he is on) and noshing on healthy and delicious bites from celebrity chef and author of Cook Yourself Sexy Candice Kumai, we were in healthy living heaven.

But let’s not forget about the workout! Dasha Libin, creator of Kettlebell Kickboxing led a 45-minute master class for over 100 women who were excited to squat and swing to take a stand against sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. True story: There was even a Gangnam Style-inspired move. Check out some pictures from the event below.

 

Read more

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Sneaky Cooking Tips to Stop Winter Weight Gain

February 4, 2013 at 1:52 pm
By Colleen Moody

We get it–it’s cold, dark and you want to curl up in sweat pants and stick your face into something ooey, gooey, slightly cheesy and warm. Just because you’re jonesing for some comfort food doesn’t mean you have to write off your diet for the day. Chef Jessica James and Amy Goche, registered dietician and member of the National Restaurant Association’s Nutrition Executive Study Group shared with us their top culinary secrets to amp up flavor and cut calories when it comes to those winter favorites. The pair helped create Applebee’s Weight Watchers dishes for the chain’s menus, with each dish clocking in less than 550 calories. Below, tips, cooking tricks and a super easy recipe to jazz up almost any dish.

If you want something creamy…
Make a citrus gremolata instead. “I’m always trying to break the conception that eating healthy means you can’t indulge,” says James. Try this recipe below to as a no-calorie alternative to add some flavor to soups or as a sauce or dressing.

Lemon Greomlata

Ingredients

• Zest of one large lemon
• 1 large garlic clove, crushed
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
Thoroughly combine all ingredients in a small bowl, cover with plastic and refrigerate for one hour.

When you’re ordering from a menu…
Check out the description, says Goche. “Some healthy keywords to look out for are grilled, broiled or sautéed. Stay away from any items in cream-based sauces.”

A must-make marinade…
“If you’re cooking at home, marinade! It boosts flavor to lean meats that the fat would usually do,” says Goche. Her quick marinade is a splash or orange juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, garlic and some chopped herbs of your choosing. Combine, and let sit on the meat anywhere between a half hour up to 12 hours.

More Recipes: Low-Cal Recipes for Your Favorite Comfort Foods

 

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Giants Quarterback Eli Manning on Getting Kids (Including His!) Moving More

January 31, 2013 at 9:00 am
By Colleen Moody

Whether you’re excited for the game, Beyoncé, or just an excuse to throw a party on a Sunday night, the Super Bowl is just around the corner. New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning (you may have heard of him a time or two, especially this time last year?) is teaming up with Kinect for Xbox360 and NFL Play 60 for the 60 Million Minutes Challenge, to recruit one million kids across the country to pledge to be active for 60 minutes each day. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, more than a third of American children and adolescents are obese or overweight, and with Kinect for Xbox 360, families can get off the couch and get in exercise without it feeling like a chore. We chatted with Manning, who is in his hometown New Orleans for the Super Bowl on the campaign, and how he keeps his own family active.

Tell us about the 60 Million Minutes Challenge with NFL Play 60 and Kinect for Xbox360. Why was it important for you to get involved in this?

I love the concept of getting kids to make it a priority to exercise for 60 minutes a day. It’s easy in the summer and when the weather is warm, but now that it’s winter and it’s dark and cold out activity levels can really drop. With Xbox360 Kinect, kids can still play beach volleyball or track and field or whatever else they love to do inside. We clearly have a problem in this country with obesity, and I hate to see kids who aren’t healthy and missing school because of their health issues. I also want to get kids out and running around above all else because it’s fun! It’s fun to be a kid and play outside with your friends or parents or grandparents. The more active kids are with others, the more it won’t seem like exercise. Read more

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Training for a Spring Race? Try These Nutrition Tips

January 30, 2013 at 1:00 pm
By Colleen Moody

It may not feel like it right now, but spring will be here before you know it. If you’re training for a race (like the MORE/FITNESS Half-Marathon in April!) then you know that what you eat is just as important to how many miles you log. To help you reach your goal, Molly Morgan RD, CDN, CSSD and the nutritionist for the Ottawa Senators NHL team shared with us her tips on how to fuel up before, after and during those weekend long runs.

Spring race season is coming up! What are some tips for runners who are beginning to train for a race?

One of the biggest things I recommend is focusing on hydration. Our bodies are made up of 50-70 percent water and being properly hydrated is so important in the performance and recovery stages. So to start, runners should increase their base fluid intake.

What are the rules for hydrating before, during and after a run?

Before a game, or run, or whatever sport you’re doing you should try to drink 16 ounces of water two hours beforehand. Depending on how much you sweat, try to get in another eight to 16 ounces about 15 minutes before heading out the door. During is always the tricky part. Try to get about 6 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes if you’re doing a longer workout. Don’t rely on thirst as an indicator, and do your best to schedule hydration stops as much as you’re able to. After your run, you should drink 16 to 24 ounces of water for every pound you lost. Obviously, we don’t all jump on a scale before and after a workout so you just have to use your best judgment. Hydrating afterwards doesn’t have to be instantaneous though, as long as you’re getting the fluids you need within six hours of your run, you’re in good shape. Read more

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Simple Recipe Swaps to Make for Your Super Bowl Party This Year

January 29, 2013 at 10:33 am
By Colleen Moody

While we don’t know which Harbaugh will win the Super Bowl on Sunday, we do know that come the next morning, you will win against the scale. That’s because nutrition expert Tara Gidus, MS, RD, CSSD, LD/N gave us her sneaky ingredient swaps and tips to navigate the buffet table at your Super Bowl party to enjoy yourself without the guilt. Stock up on her suggestions below to a Super Bowl Sunday that won’t leave you dreading Monday.

The Super Bowl is a notorious day of overeating for Americans. What are some tips to keep in mind to not fall face first into a plate of wings?

If you’re hosting a party yourself, look the recipe you want to make and make some substitutions. I drive my family crazy with this because it’s all I do–they always say I can’t make anything twice because I do some much swapping. If you want to make a huge plate of nachos, sub in lean ground beef instead of the fatty kind or turkey meat, or even veggie crumbles! I promise you no one will notice the difference. If you’re on dip duty, swap in fat-free Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. And for desserts, replace butter with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! spread–it will reduce saturated fat by 70 percent. Read more

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In NYC This Weekend? Come Work the Red Carpet With Kettlebell Kickboxing

January 28, 2013 at 4:00 pm
By Colleen Moody

Red carpet season is in full swing, so it’s pretty perfect that the Fitness Gala 2013 is this weekend. Come in your best fitness-ready red carpet outfit (our kind of red carpet!) and work up with sweat with a Kettlebell Kickboxing master class, taught by the creator of the program Dasha Libin. After class, treat yourself to cocktails, brunch and a silent auction, with all proceeds, including ticket sales, benefitting Mariska Hargitay’s charity, the Joyful Hearts Foundation. The foundation raises awareness for sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse in addition to helping survivors reclaim their lives.

Aside from supporting a good cause, all attendees will be entered to win a VIP gift bag that includes a 1-year Kettlebell Kickboxing gym membership, at-home training sessions and tons more. Smash star Megan Hilty will be there as well, snapping pics in the photo booth for anyone who loves a camera opp.

Fitness Gala 2013 will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Studio 450 (450 W. 31st St. NY, NY 10001). General admission is $125. To RSVP or make a donation in your absence, click here.

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Need-to-Know Nutrition Advice from The Biggest Loser’s RD

January 28, 2013 at 10:00 am
By Colleen Moody

FITNESS staffers are generally pretty active people, but come Monday nights you find us glued to our couch getting our weekly dose of Bob, Jillian, Dolvett and January cover girl Alison Sweeney on The Biggest Loser. So when we got the chance to chat with the show’s nutritionist, Cheryl Forberg, RD, on behalf of Subway, we jumped at the chance to steal her healthy eating tips that she gives to the contestants. Get some of them below, including ways to live healthy all year long, not just during resolution season.

What are some of the top tips you tell The Biggest Loser contestants when they get to the ranch?

For most of the contestants we are pretty drastically increasing their fruit and vegetable consumption (especially the vegetables), so that’s the first order of business. Next is having a budget of calories that is appropriate to what their body needs and getting quality calories, which is where the exercise part comes in as well. Aside from that I focus on eating their calories and ditching the caloric beverages, drinking more water, not skipping any meals and adding snacks to their diet.

What are some guidelines to keep in mind to keep a healthy diet past the resolution craze of January?

It’s all about planning ahead, because we are all so busy. When you’re not prepared you wind up pulling through a drive-thru or going to a vending machine. Exercise should be written in your date book just like a conference call would be. As for your diet, whether you do weekly menu planning, or get into a routine of what you’ll eat on the way to work, it’s all key. If you’re trying to lose weight, keeping a food journal is really important and something that is mandatory on the ranch. You don’t see it on the show every week but the contestants share their food journals with me every single day. This helps me see the number of calories they are getting and that they are getting enough calcium, protein and healthy fats and carbohydrates. The first week is hard, but we’re creatures of habit so we typically eat the same things every day. Once you look up something once, you won’t have to do it again. Read more

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The Doctor Is In: Dr. Travis Stork’s Tips to Stay Flu-Free

January 25, 2013 at 9:00 am
By Colleen Moody

Maybe you got the flu shot, maybe you forgot–oops! Regardless some simple things like getting enough sleep and following a healthy diet can go a long way in keeping you in top shape this winter. To help keep your sick days from racking up, we chatted with Dr. Travis Stork of The Doctors as he teams up with Arm & Hammer Simply Saline for their latest campaign on natural, drug-free ways to stay healthy this season.

Whether you got the flu shot or not, what are some things we all should be doing to keep the flu away?

The winter months are really the time to practice those healthy habits we talk about all the time. If you’re not getting enough sleep, not eating well and not hydrating, the chances of you battling a cold or the flu is higher than if you are doing these things. Since nutrition is an important part of staying healthy, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to make sure your body is getting the vitamins and nutrients it needs to function at its best. Supplements have never really been shown to have the same benefits as whole foods, so eat up!

I am also a fan of nasal irrigation to hydrate nasal passages and alleviate congestion that tends to occur in the winter. I’ve partnered with Arm & Hammer Simply Saline because they make nasal sprays that are easy to use and can be taken anywhere I go, especially airplanes where germs love to linger! We want our nasal membranes moist, as opposed to dry and friable, because hydrated membranes act as an extra protective barrier when a virus tries to invade our nasal passages. Viruses can also enter through our eyes and mouth, so be sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching these vulnerable areas. Read more

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