Shape Cover Star for January/February: The cover star this month is Jenny McCarthy who will have her own late night talk show on Vh1 soon and is also a columnist with the Chicago Sun-Times. I am not her biggest fan for my own reasons but I won’t dwell on that here. Instead I will say that I love the workout featured inside which was created by Jenny’s trainer Mark Harari who is hella cute I have to say.
So what else is inside the January/February Shape?
“Cool Ways to Blast Calories” I have never been great at working out in the wintertime but these pages may make me change my mind. If nothing else—I want to hang out in a ski lodge by the fire. (My apartment is freezing right now!)
“Spin to Slim” Shape asked Ruth Zuckerman of Flywheel Sports (a top-notch spin studio in New York City) came up with this routine you can do on your own.
“6 Clues to Your Heart Health” Cardiovascular disease is the top killer of women and not enough of us are cognizant of this fact. Shape has the exclusive excerpt from Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum’s Heart Book on the six things you need to pay attention to in order to keep your ticker healthy.
“Fast-Track to Fit” Jillian Michaels is back ladies & gentlemen and she offers us this butt-kicking workout based on Jillian Michaels Bodyshred.
“Step & Repeat” Weeeee! Ms. Lorna Kleidman designed this workout based on her KettleX Step class which is based out of the Fitness Cell Collective in New York City. I have taken a class with Lorna and can verify her talents as an instructor. Now try this routine which requires a step and a kettlebell.
“Katy Perry” Billboard’s most recent “Woman of the Year” recipient talks about how she keeps such a fabulous figure while she is on the road.
And now the rest of the best of this issue of Shape: • "Your Skin, A to Z” Shape’s big beauty story rocks my world with all sorts of recommendations for lotions & potions that are good for your skin. (Good job picking out Juice Beauty by the way—they rock my socks off!) • “Intimate Appeal” I am a big believer in owning pretty underwear even if you are the only person who sees them. (Need to try out the brand Wocoal…) • “Take That, Fat!” Simple (really simple) fixes to make your workouts more effective. • “Give Your Desk a Check-Up” My desk is messed-up and gross right now. This article reminds me to get my crap together—stat! • “Help—I Can’t Sleep!” Having sleep issues on and off over the years—I always appreciate advice on how to get more zzz’s.
Overall Grade: A! I have to hand it to Shape—they really brought the workout pages this month. Loved them all!
Have you read the January/February Shape yet? What was your favorite article? Let me know!
Ox ox, Brooklyn Fit Chick (BFC)
Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!) “Friend” me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick” Instagram: “margodono” You Tube: “BrooklynFitChick1”
The Latest Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog Episode 21: Polar, ECA NY Conference, NASM eLearning, My “Top Seven Paleo Books” Picks Plus It Starts with Food Book Giveaway!
Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!
I am very excited to present this week’s Vlog and my latest book giveaway as I was inspired by my Blogger bud Keri of http://fitviews.blogspot.com/ who helped me get into the Paleo lifestyle. Keri recently picked her “Top 5 Paleo Cookbooks” which inspired me to do my own list of my favorite Paleo tomes that I have leaned on and been inspired by these last few months. But I am getting ahead of myself—let’s start with what is on the Vlog today…
Episode 21 of the Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog Notes: • Polar Watches: A big THANK YOU to Polar watches for finally either fixing or just replacing my FT60 as the light never worked properly and now it is perfect. Yay to good customer service! http://www.polar.com/en
• ECA NY: I am going to attend this year’s ECA NY from February 7th – 10th whoo hoo! Here are the details—please let me know if you plan to be there as well. http://www.ecaworldfitness.com/new-york/
• NASM eLearning: One of the proudest moments of my life was when I passed the notoriously tough NASM exam on my first try people! Being the lucky gal I am—they asked me to try out their eLearning workshop “Weight Loss Specialist” which I am about halfway through now. (Thank you NASM!) I plan to write more about it this week but in the meantime—check it out for yourself here: http://www.nasm.org/get-credentialed/weight-loss-specialist-(wls)?source=a5210ec9a2124068ab459bea52485b8a
• My “Top 7 Paleo Books” List plus My Latest Giveaway—It Starts with Food. I talk about my favorite Paleo books of the last year with many, it turns out, from the catalog of book publisher Victory Beltwww.victorybelt.com If you are either a newbie to Paleo looking for information or just someone looking for healthy, clean recipes to add to your meal plan—check out my suggestions in the Vlog below.
More Information on My “Top 7 Paleo Books”: • Robb Wolf Paleo Solutions: For me it all began with Robb’s book which I followed nonstop during my first month of eating completely clean (Whole 30) and I can honestly say I have not felt this good in years. Robb is a no nonsense kind of guy who also has a popular podcast that I quite enjoy—The Paleo Solution Podcast. In the clip I mention I followed his book’s meal plan 80% of the time but I want you to know I was strictly Paleo the Whole 30 Days! I just made some slight adjustments with ingredients as there are certain things I do not eat (salmon and anchovies for example.) Check out all of Robb’s work here at his official web site: http://robbwolf.com/
• Diane Sanfillipo Practical Paleo: I just adore this book and the recipes here are to die for. She offers sound advice plus handy pull-out sheets to keep on your fridge and keep you on track. The Spaghetti Squash Bolognese recipe is divine! Be sure to check out her Blog Balanced Bites as well http://balancedbites.com/.
• Dr. William Davis Wheat Belly: I can’t pretend to you all that I understand every single word in this book (the medical stuff goes over my head sometimes) but I was impressed with Wheat Belly. You can check out his Dr. Davis’ Blog here http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/
• Melissa Joulwann Well Fed: Oh my—the recipes here are so yummy and good here. This one I have on my Kindle but might have to buy a hard copy as well to keep in my kitchen library. Melissa’s Blog is called “The Clothes Make the Girl” http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/.
• Tammy Credicott Paleo Indulgences: Over the holidays I went a little baking-happy and made quite a few yummy treats from this book. Tammy’s Blog is called “The Healthy Gluten-Free Life” http://www.thehealthyglutenfreelife.com/.
• Amelia Simons Paleolithic Slow Cooker Soups & Stews: Wow! I just got this cookbook on my Kindle and as I am typing this out there is an Italian Soup cooking in my slow cooker and making me crazy. Seriously, I might just have to turn it on “High” so I can have it sooner! Amelia’s books are featured at this amazon.com page: http://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Simons/e/B0087EKXX0
• Dallas & Melissa Hartwig It Starts with Food: I had this book as a giveaway back in November and it was so damn popular I had to bring it back. This is one of those “Paleo Bibles” I think everyone interested in the lifestyle plan should read. Check out the details of the book below and how to win your own copy right below…
It Starts with Food Discover the Whole30® and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways
by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig
Dallas and Melissa Hartwig, the popular health and nutrition bloggers famous for their tough love, have helped tens of thousands of people develop a healthier relationship with food through their underground Whole30® program. Now, their program has gone mainstream with the release of their first book, It Starts with Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways (Victory Belt Publishing, $26.95).
It Starts with Food outlines a clear, balanced, sustainable plan to permanently change the way people eat, and transform their lives in profound and unexpected ways. “Our recommendations are based around the framework of a Paleo diet, but it’s not about history...it’s about health in today’s modern food landscape,” explains author, Certified Sports Nutritionist and Whole30 co-founder, Melissa Hartwig. “Our program achieves amazing results in just 30 days by giving readers a clear and simple plan focused on eating nutrient-dense, fast food, 100-calorie pack, eat-on-the-fly era, our book introduces a new perspective for how people approach each mealtime.”
Through their program, thousands of people have reported the astounding elimination of a variety of symptoms related to lifestyle-related conditions like diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and fatty liver disease; autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s and celiac disease, and psychological conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, and ADHD.
The Hartwigs detail not just the “how” of their Whole30 program in their new book, but also the all-important “why.” It Starts with Food reveals how specific foods may have a negative impact on how people look, feel, and live—in ways that many never associate with their diets. They address psychological attachments to unhealthy foods, and offer a strategy for banishing unhealthy cravings, habits, and patterns.
The capstone of the program is their powerful nutritional reset—the Whole30—designed to support the immune system, heal the gut, and restore a healthy metabolism. The end result is a balanced, sustainable way of eating that promotes a healthier relationship with food, optimal health, and radically improved quality of life. Co-author Dallas Hartwig, a licensed physical therapist and certified sports nutritionist, agrees, saying, “Food can change your life, and It Starts with Food will show you how.”
About the Authors Dallas Hartwig earned a BS in anatomy and physiology and an MS in physical therapy from Andrews University and has been a licensed physical therapist since 2001. He co-owned and operated a strength and conditioning facility with Melissa until founding Whole9 in 2009. He is a Certified Sports Nutritionist through the International Society of Sports Nutrition and an RKC-certified kettlebell instructor.
Melissa Hartwig is a Certified Sports Nutritionist through the International Society of Sports Nutrition, an RKC-certified kettlebell instructor, and a current candidate for a master’s of science in health and nutrition education at Hawthorn University. She co-owned and operated a strength and conditioning facility with Dallas until founding Whole9 with him in 2009.
If you are interested in getting a copy of It Starts With Food (Continental U.S. only please!) you need to do the following three things: • Post a comment on my Blog below. • Sign up for my You Tube channel (if you have not done so already!) Brooklyn Fit Chick You Tube Channel • Tweet out your interest in this giveaway to all three Twitter handles I have listed here: @BrooklynFitChik, @VicotryBeltInc and @Whole9Life
I will randomly pick a winner next Monday, February 4th at Noon (Eastern) and contact them directly. Good luck!!
Ox Ox, BFC Brooklyn Fit Chick
Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!) Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick Instagram: “margodono” You Tube: BrooklynFitChick1
“Power Play” Ooh, I loved these moves that imitate (in my mind anyway) swooshing down the slopes of Chamonix! (A big dream of mine though I admittedly do not know how to ski.) This comes from trainer Stephanie Levinson who created the “Aspen Ascent” class at the Sports Club/LA in New York.
Now I want to hang out in a lodge and sip whiskey, dammit!
“10 Hottest Workout DVDs” Fitness compiled a list of their favorite workout DVDs and I have to say that now I need to add a bunch to my collection. Here is the list:
1. Denise Austin: Shrink Belly Fat 2. Pure Barre: Pre Barre Mile High 2 3. Ellen Barrett: Live Grace & Gusto 4. Kristin McGee: S3 Strong, Sexy, Svelte 5. Spark People: Total Body Conditioning 6. Amy Bento Ross: Kettlebell Power 7. Jeanette Jenkins: Cardio Kickboxing 8. Dance Off the Inches: Latin Dance Party 9. Amy Dixon: Breathless Body Volume 2: The Edge 10. Jillian Michaels: Body Revolution
“Dressed to Chill” Tonight in Brooklyn (as I am drunkenly typing this post) it is fah-reezing and I cannot imagine wearing anything but flannel pajamas in the near future. BUT, this page has some super-cute “get warm” items that give me the “I Wants.”
"Reboot Your Running” Believe it or not, winter is the perfect time to get your running game reworked and sorted out. Follow this plan by Brad Hudson, co-author of Run Faster from the 5K to the Marathon.
"The Eye-Opening Truth About: Protein” I am a big believer in a high protein food plan (I do NOT call it a diet) but read this feature first before considering making any changes in your own menu.
"Sculpt Sexy Arms” Brynn Jinnett of the Refine Method studio in New York City developed these moves that will make your arms look even more beautiful than they already are!
And now the rest of this issue of Fitness: • “Keep on Ticking” Heart disease is responsible for the deaths of 1 in 3 women in the U.S. so please read this article and take better care of your ticker. Please. • "ReVealeD: Secrets to Perfect Skin” I love me my beauty stories and my skin is a new obsession because I am getting creaky and old. Liked this article very much! • "In the Bag" If you are in the market for a new gym bag—check out page 61 of this issue. • "The Perfect Match”Laura Dave writes about discovering her love of Pilates after trying out so many other workouts. Keep at it until you find yours!
Overall Grade: A- Loved the workout pages and will bust my Amazon.com budget on workout DVDs now.
Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!) Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick” Instagram: “margodono” You Tube: BrooklynFitChick1
It’s been way too long
since I have done this but it time to get our “Men’s” on with my recaps of the
latest Men’s Fitness, Men’s Health and Men’s
Journal. Whoo hoo! I love
checking out what the dudes are into right now and I think these are some
fantastic magazines we are checking out today.
In the past I have been
asked to pick a favorite among the three but I refuse to do that today. (I’m all
about the magazine love guys!)
So without further
ado—let’s get to the “Men’s”-style recapping, shall we?
Men’s Fitness: February 2013
Jason Statham: I
am not sure what happened to me but I am now almost completely attracted
to baldies and this is one, sexy bald dude. My friend Missy will agree
with me that putting Jason Statham
on the cover was an excellent idea. (Swoon!) Thank you Men’s Fitness!
“Hybrid
Lifts” Combining two exercises
is called a “hybrid” and here the editors describe the clean/front squat/push
press, deadlift/shrug and RDL/bentover row/high pull explained.
“Don’t
Choke” If you have a problem with freezing up when
you need to perform under high pressure situations—learn from the pros in
baseball, basketball and soccer on how to handle the stress of big moments.
Christian Slater: My friend Pam is the biggest Christian Slater fan of ALL TIME and is
right now so excited to read he is this magazine.
“The MF Home Gym Guide” I know these home gyms
(perfect for the outdoor, office or garage) are supposed to male-focused but I
want them for myself!
“Unlock Your Full Potential” This article is all
about how to boost your HGH (Human Growth Hormone) levels.
Liam McIntyre: The Australian actor
is entering his second season of Spartacus and is a graduate of a ‘gladiator
boot camp.” He is also super-hot. Mrow!
“The Mayor Will Save You Now” Cory Booker (the Mayor of Newark,
NJ) is one of the most famous elected officials in the country with a reality
show under his belt and over a million Twitter followers. He was also gaining a
great deal of weight on his 6’ 3” frame from stress eating so Booker put
himself on an exercise & fitness plan to lose over 40 pounds since last
summer. Check out how he did it here.
“Flatten Your Belly” Tips for how to use
the cardio machines at the gym to burn the most fat.
“What Would Houdini Do?” Advice for handling
all sorts of hairy situations from a deer hitting your car to your friend
passing out from too much booze.
“The Best and Worst Cities for Men” Men’s Health exclusive survey finds
out the best places in the U.S. for men folk to live with the top being Boise,
ID; San Jose, CA and San Francisco, CA.
“You’re Doing it Wrong” If there is any
sentence that enrages me quickly it’s that one.Name me on woman who
says she loves being corrected by her man and I will call her a wimp to her
face. But this article was very helpful and informative. So I will let
it go THIS time Men’s Health.
“The
8-Hour Diet” Now this is something I can get behind! Scientists are finding that our
modern “24/7” lifestyle is playing havoc on our waistlines and that restricting
the amount of time you allow yourself to eat (all meals within 8 hours total
during the day) will help keep fat at bay.
“When Your Feelings Turn Fatal” Controlling your mood
and how you handle stressful situations will help you live a longer and
healthier life. Tips on how to do just that.
“Seven Test of True Strength” Men’s Health created their own
physical test for you to try at your fancy new home gym (you have one of
those—right?) These seven moves will show how fit you really are!
Josh Brolin: My former roommate Diana interviewed Josh over ten years ago
for a cheesy TV movie he appeared in and said he was by far the sweetest guy in
the world who treated her better than any of the other actors on the set. Therefore,
I am always in support of Josh Brolin’s films and the magazines that are wise
enough to feature him.
“Obama and the Environment” Men’s Journal offers their advice to the POTUS on how to
solve some of our more pressing environmental issues.
“A Hoop Dream Come True” Serge Ibaka grew up in the
Republic of Congo and saw some pretty horrifying things in his lifetime.
Nowadays he is a top NBA player with a celebrity girlfriend (Keri Hilson)
but he still makes sure to volunteer for UNICEF in his native Congo every
summer. Nice guy, this Sege!
“The Shark Wrestler” The movie Jaws has forever ruined me for sharks
but apparently they are important to the ocean environment and Eric Ozolins
is just the guy to help them out off the coast of Texas’ Gulf Coast. I loved
reading this article but my favorite quote has too many “F” words so you are
going to read it for yourself and see why it is so awesome.
“The Newest Faraway Places” Holy smokes could I
use a vacation in a faraway place with sand and such. Some of the newer hot
vacay spots mentioned here are Itacaré, Brazil and Olympos, Turkey.
“The Runaway Mogul” What a great read!
Loved this so much. Tom Freston was in charge of MTV for over 25 years
and after he was fired—decided to take over Bono’s charity and is now doing all
kinds of do-gooder stuff all over the globe. Good on Tom Freston!
“The Master of Disaster” Bob Bea is one of the top
experts in the world on “engineering failures” and believe me—he is one busy
dude. Try not to get too scared as Men’s
Journal lists “America’s Most Vulnerable Places.” (Gulp!)
So there you have it today—my recaps of the
“Men’s” mags. Have you read any of them yet?
Which one was your favorite? Let me know what you are reading these days
by posting below. Thanks!
Until next time…
Ox Ox,
Brooklyn Fit Chick
(BFC)
Follow me on Twitter:
@BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)
The Latest Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog Episode 20: Fitmapped comes to NY & LA, Women’s Health “The Next Fitness Star” & My Giveaway of Stott Pilates: Basic Pilates Volume 2
Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!
Hi all! How are you? Today I am full of viv & vigor as I get out today’s post for your viewing/reading pleasure. I have my latest Vlog post (where I almost knock the damn iPad off the shelf) plus details of my newest giveaway. Today I am giving away one copy of Stott Pilates: Basic Pilates Volume 2 that one lucky person can win today.
Anyhoo—today I am presenting episode 20 of my Vlog where I talk about the following things:
• Fitmapped: I am a brand-new ambassador for this app which is pretty damn cool. This is a free iPhone app where you can check out the best gyms & studios in NYC and Los Angeles (for now—they are expanding quickly to other markets in the U.S.) If you want to learn how to win a whole box of KIND bars while using Fitmapped—check out the details here: http://www.fitmapped.com/blog/2013/calling-all-kind-lovers/
• Women’s Health: One of my favorite healthy lifestyle magazines is looking for the next fit superstar, in fact the contest is called “The Next Fitness Star.” http://thenextfitnessstar.com/ OMG! You guys have to try out for this!!
• My latest Pilates DVD giveaway—Stott Pilates: Basic Pilates Volume 2: Stott Pilates is the premier brand of Merrithew Health & Fitness and has been a leader in Pilates for over 25 years now. They have a special “Mindful Movement” event in New York coming up which you can check out the details at this link.
So please take a moment to check out my Vlog now:
Here is more information about the DVD I am giving away:
“STOTT PILATES: Basic Pilates Volume 2,” is a follow-up to the best-selling Volume 1 addition and is led by Moira Merrithew. The workout is great for beginners and outlines the Five Basic Principles of STOTT PILATES, clearly demonstrating the Merrithews' contemporary approach to Pilates. This 30-minute routine includes classic moves as well as unique twists like the "Hundred", done from a kneeling position. Requiring only a mat, the DVD invigorates and energizes while improving one’s muscle tone, strength and flexibility.
Here is a clip from You Tube so you can get a visual idea about Stott Pilates:
If you are interested in getting a copy of this DVD (Continental U.S. only please!) you need to do the following three things:
• Tweet out your interest in this giveaway to both @BrooklynFitChik and @STOTT_PILATES
I will randomly pick a winner next Monday, January 28th at Noon (Eastern) and contact them directly. Good luck!!
Ox Ox, BFC Brooklyn Fit Chick
Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!) Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick Instagram: “margodono” You Tube: BrooklynFitChick1
How is your 2013 going so far? I am doing quite well thank you very much. (You are so sweet to ask!)
I have a stack of magazines to recap here and I am itchin’ to get right to it. So why don’t we just dive right in? Here are my latest recaps of the January & February health and wellness magazines.
Muscle & Fitness Hers: January/February 2013 • “Must-Try Moves for…Serious Calorie Burn” IFBB Bikini Pro Ruthie Harrison, IFBB Fitness Pro Tanji Johnson and IFBB Figure Pro Candice Keene offer their favorite cardio circuit workouts. • Ellen Hollman: The Spartacus actress has to keep in top shape as she does her own stunts (yikes!) Favorite workouts are P90s Ab Ripper, MMA, Bikram yoga and running in the California sunshine. Sundays are her lucky fun-days with one sodium & noodle-rich meal to enjoy. • “Cozy Workout Wear” I still have a shopping bug left over from Christmas and this page is full of outdoor gear that give me the “I Wants.” • “Get an Awe-Inspiring Butt” Can’t say my bask side has ever inspired awe but IFBB Bikini pro (and January/February Muscle & Fitness Hers cover model) Amanda Latona’s routine looks like it might give me the glutes of my dreams. Whoo hoo! • “Yoga for Fit Chicks” Loved this story! IFBB Bikini Pro Bethany Cisternino shows how a few Vinyasa poses will help strengthen and lengthen your muscles. • “Lose Pounds with Plyo” A Tough workout created by IFBB Bikini Pro Tawna Eubanks will help you kick the winter blues and gain muscle. • “12 Health Ways to Wake Up Chicken” Great ideas to jazz up one of my favorite proteins.
Oxygen: February 2013 • Tosca Reno: Oxygen puts the awesome and amazing Tosca Reno on the cover and holy wowza! This woman is 53-years old, people! Tosca writes about the importance of taking a day off from the gym once in a while to get your head and body back in line when you start to feel your workouts fail you. (I just love her!) • “Trim Inches All Over!” An excellent allover workout that uses bands. • “Your Muscle Up Meal Plan” The diet part of Oxygen’s "Best Body” series features yummy recipes of “clean” foods like Cranberry Breakfast Mug and Scrambled Egg White Pizza. • “Boost Your Heart Health” The latest research on how keeping your relationships healthy will help keep your ticker in shape as well. • “Stronger Than Ever!” Here we get a butt-kicking workout that utilizes kettlebells. • “Shrink Your Belly” Oxygen offers an abs express program will help get your core in top shape. • "The Buddy System” Tosca Reno and Rita Catolino (“Coach Rita”) share their workout (Rita trained Tosca for a competition) that used weighted plates and helped Tosca win first prize (spoiler alert.)
Prevention: January 2013 • “3 Cold Treatments That Really Work” Remember when we didn’t have a Stephen King-like flu scaring the crap out of us? Well think back to those days and read this article on how to fight off cold symptoms. • “Get Slim Without the Gym” Prevention reviews a few home workout DVDs: Zumba Gold, Tara Stiles: This is Yoga, Denise Austin: Fit in a Flash and Kettlebell Kickboxing Scorcher Series. • “The Beauty Ingredient to Avoid” Prevention informs us about the potential health hazards. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP.) • “I Reversed My Osteopenia with Exercise” Sara Robbins offers her own true story about losing 50 pounds and reversing the bone-weakening disease. • “Problem Solved: Irritable Bowel Syndrome” If you suffer from IBS using everything from hypnosis to antibiotics to “all-natural” ideas. • “Prevention: Let’s Outsmart Diabetes” Prevention will devote one story each month in 2013 to little changes you can make to reduce your chances of getting Type 2 Diabetes. Good on them!
So that is all I have for today folks. Have you read of these magazines this month? What did you think? Let me know!
Until next time!
Ox ox, Brooklyn Fit Chick (BFC)
Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!) Friend Me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick” Instagram: “margodono” You Tube: “BrooklynFitChick1”
The Latest Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog Episode 19: The Supermodel Emme, What the Heck is Going on with My Polar Watch & My Giveaway of FEEL GOOD FOOD by Tony Chiodo
Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!
Hi all! Sorry for the delay with this video as I was having issues with Blogging yesterday and it took up my whole afternoon. Grrrrr!
Anyhoo—today I am presenting episode 19 of my Vlog where I first talk about my hair (which is one of my most pondered things in my life) plus the following things:
• Supermodel Emme whom I follow on Twitter (@EmmeNation) sent me a copy of her latest book Life's Little Emergencies: Everyday Rescue for Beauty, Fashion, Relationships and Life. Thanks Emme!
• My Polar watch that was returned without fixing my light. (Grrr again!)
• The EatSmart Precision Scale that currently rocks my world:(amazon link here.)
• My latest super-groovy book giveaway—FEEL GOOD FOOD: Wholefood Recipes for Happy, Healthy Living by Tony Chiodo.
Check it out now!
Here is more information about the book I am giving away:
FEEL GOOD FOOD: Wholefood Recipes for Happy, Healthy Living By Tony Chiodo
Chef Tony Chiodo’s journey through cooking and food has been an exciting and evolving global tour. From Italy to Australia to the Far East and America, Chiodo hungered for culinary knowledge and set out on a quest to hone his skills in some of the world’s most impressive restaurants. However, a myriad of health concerns too serious to ignore set him upon a new path. Chiodo began to examine what he was eating and how the foods he ate could be playing a major role in his poor health. This awakening launched him on yet another culinary journey: one that explored the relationship between food and health.
Chiodo traveled to Japan to discover the clean and simple flavors of its cuisine and coupled with his introduction to Zen meditation, shiatsu, and aikido, soon found that this way of living and cooking and eating had powerful healing qualities and a beneficial effect on his body. Chiodo served up fresh, vibrant wholefoods at his restaurants, using organic and biodynamic ingredients, and combining the traditional flavors and dishes of the Mediterranean with the health-supportive foods and principles of Asian cooking. It is this cooking philosophy which is at the heart of Chiodo’s new cookbook FEEL GOOD FOOD: Wholefood Recipes for Happy, Healthy Living.
Chiodo begins with an introduction to cooking with wholefoods by starting with the basics of organic and biodynamic foods. He then moves on to show home cooks how to stock their wholefoods pantry with essential ingredients like grains and noodles, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and savory and sweet seasonings.
Next come his delicious recipes, including for breakfast, he serves up Hot Corn Cakes with Apple and Raisin Sauce and Tofu French Toast with Lemon Walnut Syrup. Chapters on soups and salads provide recipes that are ideal for lunches or first courses, such as Lemony Leek and Cauliflower Soup; Cream of Pumpkin and Coconut Soup; Couscous, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad; Fennel, Greens, and Orange Salad; and Soba Noodle Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. The chapters on grains and beans and lentils showcase Chiodo’s love of global flavors: Quinoa, Beetroot and Almond Pilaf; Carrot and Buckwheat Patties with Cranberry Chile Chutney; Persian Red Lentil and Olive Casserole; and Warm Spiced Chickpeas in Orange Tahini Sauce.
Although Chiodo does talk about the advantages of a vegetarian diet in the introduction, he also provides healthy seafood and meat dishes. His Spiced Fish Fingers with Lemon Mayo and Whole Chicken and Mushrooms Braised in Soy are sure to become weeknight favorites for the entire family. The chapter on soy and pasta offers vegetarian alternatives using tofu and tempeh as well as a variety of pastas, and features recipes that can even convert the most avid carnivores with Baked Lemon and Sesame Tofu Steaks, Spaghetti with Broad Bean Pesto, and Penne with Pumpkin and Walnut Crema. Chiodo loves his greens and devotes a chapter to quick and easy vegetable side dishes like Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Miso Dressing and Baby Beets and Beet Greens in Horseradish Salsa.
And, desserts are also a part of a wholefoods diet. “When I was a child,” says Chiodo, “Desserts were a very special comfort food – and since then nothing has changed.” Carrot, Cardamom, and Coconut Cake; Baked Silken Chocolate Tart; Steamed Pear, Date, and Ginger Couscous Cake; and Apple and Cranberry Pudding with Orange Syrup will satisfy any sweet tooth yet have a place with a well-balanced, healthful diet.Tony Chiodo has created a brilliant cookbook and the recipes in FEEL GOOD FOOD live up to the title of the book: fresh ingredients, clean flavors, and nourishing dishes that are sure to leave anyone who eats them feeling good.
About the Author: Tony Chiodo worked as an apprentice at Mietta’s in Melbourne, Australia with Jacques Reymond before studying at the Italian Institute of Traditional Cuisine in Milan and working in some of Italy’s top restaurants. He first became interested in natural foods while studying Ayurveda and yoga abroad, and after a stint at Wild Rice Wholefoods Café, he embarked on his own wholefoods adventure with Café Angelica in Kew, Melbourne. Tony is a qualified macrobiotic and wholefoods teacher, inspiring others to integrate natural foods into their daily lives through his Eating Well classes and regular articles in The Age’s ‘Epicure’ and Australian Natural Health. His recipes have appeared in Vogue Entertaining + Travel, Vogue Living, and Australian Gourmet Traveler. To see more of Tony’s recipes and health tips, please visit www.eatingwelldaily.com.au
If you are interested in getting a copy of this book (Continental U.S. only please!) you need to do the following two things:
• Post a comment on my Blog below.
• Tweet out your interest in this giveaway to @BrooklynFitChik
I will randomly pick a winner next Tuesday, January 21st at Noon (Eastern) and contact them directly. Good luck!!
Ox Ox, BFC
Brooklyn Fit Chick Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!) Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick Instagram: “margodono” You Tube: BrooklynFitChick1
The online radio I listen to every day plus the super-groovy music
app Shazam.
(A picture of my cats “Feelin’ Alright” because they are too damn
cute not to show off to the world!)
Hey there! Hi there! Ho
there!
It’s been a while since I
put up a playlist so I today I present one that I think will rock your socks
off. (Or just give you some ideas for tunes to add to your MP3 player.)
Students have commented on
my “eclectic” song selections which I take as a supreme compliment. The fact is
I plan put together all of my classes carefully so that music swings, wails,
bounces, grooves and more. Every single song must work with the others in sound,
pace, mood, male vs. female voice and more.
In fact, my playlists
are so unpredictable that people try to guess how old I am (not saying) and where
I am from. Some of the things I have heard from my students:
“You have GOT to be from
Boston to know that band!” (I’m not.)
“Are you from Detroit?”
(Nope.)
“Did you really see
Nirvana in concert? (Yes.)
But my favorite was the
time a dude who looked like a typical 20-something Brooklyn hipster (complete
with handlebar mustache) whisper to me slyly “Please tell me you are a
Canadian, too!” (Sorry—born and raised in the U.S.)
As a consultant I work a
great deal from home and like to have music keep me company. Unfortunately most
stations in the New York City region suck BIG TIME so I usually listen online
(when Time Warner is not screwing with my Internet) to get any good, new and interesting
music.
I wanted to give a “shout
out” to a few of my favorites today:
107.1 “The Peak” Nyack, NY: http://www.1071thepeak.com/
I get up every morning and put them on first thing as I apply my makeup. Great
selection of adult alternative rock and Caroline
Corley is my favorite radio personality out there right now. (Hey Caroline—Gordon Downie is MY boyfriend!)
“Alice at 97.3” San Francisco, CA: http://radioalice.cbslocal.com/
Midday here I listen to “Sarah & Vinnie” live from the West Coast to get my
daily dose of celebrity gossip plus they play all of the popular (and current)
songs people seem to like. Normally I hate “hit” music but occasionally they
play something that makes me really happy. I have to know what the kids like
amIright?
104.5 KFOG San Francisco, CA: http://www.kfog.com/
They used to be my favorite station in the world but the morning show has been
busted up so I just check in from time to time. I would say it is also adult alternative
rock station as well but a bit on the mellower side.
“The Edge” Toronto, Ontario: http://www.edge.ca/
I have a strong, passionate and innate love for Canada (as well as most Canadians)
plus head-banging “alternative rock” music and this station is my secret fix. I
am convinced no women listen to them but I just love The Edge to death. Fearless Fred in the afternoons is my
main guy.
WXRT-FM Chicago, IL:http://wxrt.cbslocal.com/
Not to oversell it but this is now my favorite station in the whole wide world
and when their internet stream doesn’t work I want to bawl my eyes out. They
play everything from The Who to Fiona Apple to Paul Simon to Feist to Led Zeppelin. If you do nothing else—check
them out today and let me know what you think. (DJ Frank E. Lee rules my word by the way!)
Please feel free in the
comments to send me links to your favorite stations. I am always on the lookout
for good music!
When I do find songs
that I like, I reach for my iPhone and Shazam
the hell out of it. This app can identify songs and artists by some sort of
magic system and I would be lost without them. I seriously do not know how it
works but if you want to learn more about the Shazam app (there is a free &
a paid version) check them out here: http://www.shazam.com/
I was contacted by
Shazam and they offered me the following quote which I think works well with my
ride today. (I am getting to the playlist—be patient!)
"We all have a soundtrack to our lives - music to drive to,
read or study to, and, of course, work out to. In fact, studies have
shown that music can really help your motivation when you're exercising,
helping you train faster or longer." Will Mills, Director of Music and Content
Go and check out Shazam’s
Blog if you want ideas for more songs. They are NOT paying me to talk about
them. It’s an app I have happily paid for and just wanted to pass along for
your information.
And now—on to today’s
playlist!
Feelin’
Alright:Joe Cocker
I love every single thing about this song and think it has such a
wonderful build in energy that is really makes for the perfect warm up tune.
(Though sometimes I picture John Belushi
doing an imitation of him and it makes me giggle.)
Everybody
Talks: Neon Trees
This is the fastest damn song I have heard in a while and
people seem to love it.
Just
Like a Pill:P!nk
This is one of those songs I learned from “Alice 97.3” that has
been around for ages but did not fly under my radar before. (I think I have a
crush on P!nk now. She is so damn cool!)
Who
Loves You: Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
If you get a chance to see “Jersey Boys” do so. It will have you
obsessed with Frankie Valli music.
Zombie: The
Cranberries
God, I just love this song to death and it is perfect for a long
climb.
…Baby
One More Time: Britney Spears
The one and only song from her I really care about.
She: Green
Day
Excellent, fast-paced tune to get people in the mood to move fast.
Gold
Guns Girls: Metric
One of my favorite bands that I am dying to see live
(please come back to New York!)
No
Light, No Light: Florence & the Machine
When I put this on I blare the living hell out of it. Florence
RULES. Period.
Icky
Thump:The White Stripes
For some reason Jack White has been occupying my thoughts. Hmmm….
Time
to Pretend: MGMT
Another “perfect climb” song that gets everyone in the mood to add
more gear and work harder.
Stompa: Serena
Ryder
A new favorite tune that came into my world through The Edge in
Toronto.
Unknown
Legend: Neil Young
The “Grandfather of Grunge” writes some of the most beautiful
songs in the world and this one is one of my favorites.
So what do you think of
my list? Do you have any suggestions? Please feel free to send me your
suggestions!
Until next time…
Ox Ox,
Brooklyn Fit Chick
Follow Me On Twitter:
@BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)
OMG! It is Kelly from 90210! Jennie Garth, people! Honestly this is the first time in months
where I squealed happily when I saw the celebrity featured on the cover. Great
job Health!
Oh, just get the
magazine (like I did!) and be happy to see her all over again. Jenny is working
with pal Luke Perry on new projects
but in the meantime I am going to enjoy this clip.
So what else is inside the January/February Health?
"Best Shape of Your
Life”
Celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson and Ashley Koff, R.D. created this plan to help actress Molly Sims lose 50 pounds of post-baby
weight. I always love getting ideas for moves from Tracy and she doesn’t
disappoint here.
"Soft Skin in
Winter? Believe It!”
As I am typing this I am
fighting the urge to scratch my elbows off. My skin is very dry & scaly being
my point. (Need to read this beauty story…)
"Retro Diet Tricks
That Work”
Some old school items
(grapefruit and cottage cheese) are coming back in fashion for those who want
to eat healthier and watch their waistline. They lose me with the rice cake
mention, however. (Blech! Who really eats those things still?)
“Your Heart: A User’s
Guide”
Your heart is terribly important and so many women neglect it until it is
too late. Read this article and take care of your ticker!
"Beyond Donuts:
Diet Mistakes We All Make"
The picture below of these
pastries is making me nuts. I have been (mostly) grain-free for months. I
honestly can’t think about anything else roght now, sorry.
"7 Easy Ways to
Kick Start Your Metabolism”
To keep your metabolism
in gear (so you can eat all day and not starve yourself, people!) just follow
these tips. A few of them being:
Lift First, Cardio
Second
Include Intervals
Guzzle Water
"Live Long &
Strong"
One of my goals in life
is to be a cute old person and 101 year-old Ruth Kobin (and the other fabulous people featured in this story)
gives me hope I will be insanely adorable in my twilight years. (Fingers crossed!) Ruth takes a walk after
lunch every day and puts on makeup every morning. (Me too!)
And now the
rest of the best of this issue of Health:
“All
Day Energy, Every Day” Winter can make you feel blah and run down. Here are
some ideas to put some spring in your step. (Get it? Spring…in your step? Oh
never mind.)
“Breathe
Easier All Season” Dry elbows are not the only that plague me this time of year. My messed
up sinuses go through the ringer and I was not sure what I can do about it.
This article really helped. Thanks Health!
"25
Best Beauty Perk-Ups You’ll Love” I love my beauty stories and this one hit the spot. Really!
"What
to Eat Now” Yummy ideas on what to match with the plain old roast chicken. Nom nom!
