Brooklyn Fit Chick

What Did We Learn This Month? @goodhealth Health magazine with @GDeLaurentiis

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Health magazine: May 2012

 

 

 

 

 

What’s happening in the May issue of Health? 

 

Health Cover Star for May: 

Giada De Laurentiis is featured both on the cover and inside the magazine and I just can’t get over how beautiful she is (I don’t watch The Food Network.) The multiple show host and chef has a new book out which talks about how she prepares meals for her family Weeknights with Giada. The family including Giada’s husband (Todd Thompson) and four year-old daughter Jade.

Some of her tips for keeping a healthy fridge include stocking up on nonperishables and then only needing to buy fresh veggies and meat when at the supermarket. Giada also keeps her potions in check makes sure to practice yoga at least three times per week to keep in shape.

Another fun fact about Giada is apparently she curses like a sailor (I like her more already!) and is trying to curb that before her daughter picks up the bad habit. (Good luck with that Giada!)

 

Andrew Macpherson is the photographer for this interview. Check how gorgeous our cover gal looks inside!

 

 

 

So what else is inside the May Health?

  

"Your New Pantry Essentials” 

Health picks the food we should all keep in stock including my new obsession—broccoli slaw (love!)

 

 
 
 

“Summer Shape-Up Special”

Are you working to get into “bathing suit” shape? Well then why don’t you try some of moves developed by Lashaun Dale of Equinox (plus a diet plan from Health as well.)

 

 

 

“Your Breasts: An Owner’s Manual”

I am really impressed with Health for creating this exceptionally comprehensive guide for breast health now and not just in October when most magazines write about the topic. Good on you, Health!

 

 

 

"Get Wise About Your Eyes"

My peepers have all kinds of issues since I was kid so I could relate to this article.

 

 

 

"Eat Safe All Summer"

Did someone say picnic season? Huzzah! I can’t wait for outdoor eating and this excellent feature will help keep me safe.

 

 

 

"The Top Beauty Buys of 2012"

Health beauty editors picked the best in all things that make us feel beautiful and do NOT burst our collective budgets. (How much do I love beauty product? THIS much!)

 

 

 

 
 And now the rest of the best of this issue of Health:

• "New Ways to Conquer Cravings” The latest research on how to “rewire” your brain when you cravings begin to happen.
• "Stay Wired and Still Feel Great" Like many of you; I love my tech gadgets but sometimes feel overwhelmed by constantly being wired into the Internets. Here we get advice on how to keep stay plugged in without coming unglued.
• "Power Up Your Playlist” Loved these suggestions for different songs that work for different types of workouts. Good stuff here!
• "Breathe Easier at Home” Lately my sinuses have been making me a miserable cow but I checked out this article in Health and will try some of their suggestions. (Wipe my cat’s paws? Oh yeah, that will go over well! LOL!)

 

 

Follow Heath online at: www.Health.com  

 

Overall Grade: 

A- A really good issue that will keep me motivated now that summer is upon us. (Yeah summer!)

 

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

Friend Me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

What Did We Learn This Month? @BicyclingMag @MoreMag @OxygenMagazine

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Bicycling, More and Oxygen

 

Hello Gang!

 

Spring has sprung and the magazines are reflecting the warmer months.

 

So let’s check a few out shall we?

 

 

 

 

 

Bicycling: May 2012

•  “You Ideal Cycling Weight” There is a whole complicated “self-assessment” system here to figure out your ideal weight for cycling but it was pretty neat to check out for myself. Let me know what you think!
• “The Lamentation” In 1956, Roger Walkowiak won the Tour de France amid great controversy. I had no idea about this history and enjoyed the interview here.
• “We Have Met the Enemy” Bike lanes are growing in numbers across America and it is apparently pissing a great many people off. I live by Prospect Park and have been met with anti-bike lanes venom so this feature really spoke to me. Let’s make the streets for everyone people!
• “In a Tight Spot” Most of us who wear tights while cycling are under the impression the compression is helping with circulation but this is not always the case. In short, you need the tights to be really, really tight in order for them to work properly.
• “Commuter Solutions” Really cool gear for riding your bike with style (and not in a sausage casing!)

•  “Their Common Life” Loved, loved, loved this feature on brothers Bobby Lea and Syd Lea who are both passionate cyclists. Bobby has major talent but younger brother Syd is scoring big with the Special Olympics and might turn out to be the biggest champion in the family. I am not doing this story any kind of justice. Shit—read it for yourself here: http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/their-common-life  and try not to get teary-eyed!  

 

Check out Bicycling online here: www.Bicycling.com

 

 

 

 

More: April 2012

• Julianna Margulies: I keep trying to check out The Good Wife but apparently it airs on one of my early nights (I go to bed at 9:30 pm most evenings) but I promise to do so now because Julianna Margulies seems really cool and apparently money isn’t all that important to her. The actress is rumored to have turned down $27 million to stay with ER and instead go on her own path. Wow!
• “Make Exercises Feel Easier: New Science” Excellent tips here on how to “exercise more enjoyable” including drinking coffee, cooling down before warming up in hot weather and the magical powers of beet juice.
• “Reinventing for the Soul” Check out the “Second Acts” article this month which features women who found careers that not only pay well-but are also fulfilling.
• “The Drinking Woman’s Diet” Cheers!
• “Hilary’s Secret Weapon” A feature on secretary of state Hilary Clinton and her ability to connect with women in need.
• “Look Great for Your Age Make-Up” The basics every woman needs in her beauty bag from your 30s through your 60s.
• “Look Like A Million (Spend a lot Less)” Six ideas for how you can always look your best with breaking the bank or looking too trendy.
• “A Real Nurse Rates the TV Fakes” I am a total sucker for those “experts tell you the real story versus what is depicted on TV” articles and this one has Baltimore nurse Sandy Summers taking on Nurse Jackie (the best,) House, Private Practice and Grey’s Anatomy.

 

Check out More online: www.more.com

 

 

 

 

Oxygen: May 2012

• "Ageless Beauty" Check out 48 year-old Elaine Goodland on the cover of the May Oxygen magazine! Elaine used to compete in Figure but these days is more excited about her VIP Boot camp classes plus she started a skin care line a year ago—Simple  Elaine Skin Care. Good for her!
• “How Long Do the Fitness Pros Work Out Each Day?” Top fitness experts answer this very question including Erin Stern, Heather Green and Alicia Harris.  
• “Unleash Your Greatest Potential” A real-live stair workout on a real stairway outside and stuff. Mentioned inside is the Koko Crater Railway Stairway in Honolulu that has over 1200 steps to it!
• “Healthy Gut, Sexy Stomach” Four recipes that will help you through any “tummy troubles.”
• “Shape Up Your Brain Tips for boosting your “brain power’ and therefore taking full care of yourself.
•  “Four Weeks to You Best Butt” ‘Nuff said.

Check out Oxygen online www.oxygenmag.com   

 

 

That’s all she wrote today folks.  Be sure to check back for more recaps soon.

 

Until next time!

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!) 

“Friend” me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

What Did We Learn This Month? @FitnessRXWomen @OxygenMagazine @PreventionMag

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Fitness RX for Women, Oxygen and Prevention

 

 

Hello everyone!

 

Spring is in the air and I have a stack of magazines to review & recap for you. So let’s not waste any time and get right into it, shall we?

 

 

 

 

Fitness RX for Women: April 2012

•  “Whey Past Excellence” Whey protein is now considered “the gold standard in which all other proteins are judged” and are examined in this piece by George Redmon, Ph.D., N.D.
• “Jamie Eason’s Flat Abs” Fitness diva Jamie Eason stays in shape with the five secrets she shares here.
• Juliana Daniell: The cover model gives us an exclusive glute-shaping routine plus her diet which includes several, small protein meals per day.
• “Barbie Breaks Arms” Really fun interview with MMA champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey.
• “Healthiest Weight Loss” Marie Spano,  MS, RD, CSCS, CSSSD writes about the amount of protein needed to not only lose weight but also keep it off for good.
• Jackie Warner: The divine trainer talks about her new book 10 POUNDS IN TEN DAYS plus we get a sample menu for one day. (It’s a low calorie menu so please consult your doctor first!)
• “Firm Your Thighs and Butt with Squat Jumps” Tips for performing the tough yet totally amazing squat jumps (which I have a love/hate relationship with.)
• “Working Out at Work” Studies show that just plain old sitting all day will bring enormous health problems in the future. Tips for sneaking in some exercise if you are stuck at your desk for long hours.

 

You can check out Fitness RX for Women at this site: www.fitnessrxmag.com  

 

 

 

 

Oxygen: April 2012

• Felicia Romero: Oxygen’s April cover gal at one time was so stressed from competing in the sport of Figure that she wanted to quit the whole thing forever. However, Felicia Romero of Gilbert, Arizona is back and ready to take on the Figure world again.  The fit twenty nine-year old gives us her favorite meals to get into competition shape.
• “Switch Gears” Spring has sprung and it is finally time to get the bike back out on the road—yeah! Here we get tips for riding safely.
• “Clean Chinese” If you love Chinese food but could use less salt & fat in the recipe—try out these ideas.
• “You’ve Gotta Sweat for This” Examples of “simple sugars” that you can not only (in proper amounts, of course) enjoy but can actualy help boost your workouts as well.
• “Your Booty Shape-Up Guide” Oxygen has a 15-minute routine to get your derriere in tip top shape.
• “High-Five Your Day!” I know most of you are not “morning people” but trust me—working out first thing in the am will really help you reach your fitness goals and stay there as a routine.  Here we get tips on how to become more enamored of early day workouts.  
• “Clean Eating Done Right” Get advice from the experts on how to eat cleaner (and not make mushy veggies, for example.)

 

Check out Oxygen online: www.oxygenmag.com

 

 

 

 

Prevention: April 2012

• Katie Couric: You have to admire Katie Couric’s devotion to cancer prevention (her husband, Jay Monahan died of colon cancer at the age of 42.) In fact she is hoping that “cancer advocate” will be in her first sentence of her obituary according to Couric’s interview with Prevention. With a new talk show in the works Couric talks about keeping healthy, raising two daughters as a widow and dealing with different cancer charities among other topics. Great interview!

• "Get Your Green Gear" Earth Day appears in April so many magazines will feature “green” stories this month. This page features eco-friendly gear with a tank top by Omama Kimber that I LOVE.
• “Reasons Your Diet is Not Working” Are you having trouble getting rid of those few extra pounds? Here we get unexpected reasons why your diet might be failing you.
• “Sneak Peak” I want new sneakers and these pages are giving me inspiration.
• “Raising the Barre” Are you ready for a “Ballet Boot Camp Challenge?” These moves make look frilly but they will make your body tone up for sure!
• “Safe Passage” If you know of anyone facing end-of-life issues, you will want to read this article about a doctor helping his patients (and their families) face mortality.
• “As Nature Made Them” Genetically Modified Foods (or GMOs) are taking over our food shelves and we are not always told when and where they exist. Prevention looks at the struggle between the governmental agencies and the food lobbyists to find out how safe they really are.

 

Check out Prevention online at www.prevention.com

 

 

That’s all I have for today. Check back soon for reviews, recaps, giveaways, playlists and even more.

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!) 

“Friend” me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month @WomensHealthMag with @IMKristenBell on the April Cover!

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 Women’s Health: April 2012

 

 

 

 

Women’s Health Cover Star for April: 

Kristen Bell who from her interview with the magazine appears to not only funny, smart and kind but is also a big-time animal lover. She and her fiancée (actor Dax Sheppard) are avowed vegans and have taken in two rescue dogs plus a few sloths who needed a home. (Really!)

 

Bell is as obsessed with “cupcakes” as she is with animals and by that I mean she is really into butts. Her own (which she keeps in shape with the help of Physique 57 Ballet Barre classes) those of her House of Lies co-star Don Cheadlee who bares his “beautiful chocolate bun-cakes” on the show quite often. (Note to self—add House of Lies to DVR.)

 

The gorgeous actress is photographed by Jeff Lipsky and graces the back cover as well in the special Women’s Health “Beauty Bonus” where you will find tons of articles and advice on how you can become even more gorgeous than you already are. (As if THAT were possible!)

 

 

 

So what else is in the April issue of Women’s Health? 

 

“Take Your Fitness in a New Direction”

Try out some of these twisty moves to get a leaner & stronger bod courtesy of Tony Gentilcore of Cressy Performance in Hudson, Massachusetts.

 

 

“A Silent Killer, Getting Louder”

Ovarian cancer is known as “the quiet threat” and this year as many approximately 22,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease (one in eight will be under 45 years-old.) Read this article (please!) and remember to get regular check-ups at the gynecologist!

 

 

“Get Your Kicks”

Are you looking for new sneakers? Well check out this special guide before dropping down your cash.

 

 

  

  
“Meal Appeal: Breasts vs. Legs”  

Get your mind out of the gutter people! We are talking about chicken here and these recipes are “nom nom”-worthy in my book.

 

 

 

“Sexy to the Core”

Get your core in top shape with this feature that is just a small portion of what you will find in The Women’s Health Big Book of Abs by Adam Bornstein and the editors of Women’s Health.

 

 

 

 

“14 Shape-Up Shortcuts”

New “tricks” to amp up your routine and sport new muscles.

 

 

 

“The Scary Rise in Adult Eating Disorders”

Here we get an excellent article about the rise of adults who are either revisiting eating disorders from their youth or are newly developing them. Among the disorders discussed in the piece:

• Orthorexia
• Binge Eating
• Anorexia Athletica
• Drunkorexia
• Pregorexia

 

 

And now the rest of the best of this issue of Women’s Health:

• "A 30-Minute Run” Check out the progress of your body while on a 30-minute run.
• "Diggin’ Bulbs" How to use garlic, onions, shallots and more earthy veggies to get the most health benefits from them.
• "Married, 9-5" Are you lucky enough to have a “work husband”? I have been working on my own so long I forget how fun they can be!
• "Are You a Tech Sinner" Women’s Health has several ways to impart guilt on all of us who use electronics.
• “Lift More, Lose More” Muscular moves from Barry Jay, co-founder of Barry’s Bootcamp.  
• “See for Your Health” Your peepers can tell the real story of your inner body health. Really!

 

Overall Grade: 

A! A very strong issue with plenty of useful articles and advice.

 

You can check out Women’s Health online as well: www.WomensHealthMag.com 

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

Book Giveaway Time! "Better Each Day" @JessicaCassity @ChronicleBooks

 

 

Book Giveaway Time!

 

Better Each Day

365 Expert Tips for a Healthier, Happier You

By Jessica Cassity

 

 

 

 

Hello everybody!

I am so pleased to introduce author Jessica Cassity who has just released BETTER EACH DAY: 365 Expert Tips for a Healthier, Happier You (Chronicle Books; $16.95). If you are looking to make 2012 your best year yet—this is the one book you will need to help you reach your goals. Plus, I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader of this here Blog. Huzzah!

 

Here is a photo of Jessica:

 

(Photo: Justin Steele)

 

Jessica took time out from her book tour in New York City to answer a few questions from me:

·         What is your background? 

I've been writing about health for the last 10 years, for publications including The New York Times, Prevention, SELF, Health, and Fitness. I also teach yoga and Pilates. I love writing, but even more than that I love talking with people--asking questions, sharing ideas.

·         What inspired you to write this book?  

I'm sort of a science geek, so I actually enjoy looking at scientific journals and researching health stats and facts. Over the years I've found that a lot of really interesting--possibly life-changing information--gets into these peer-review journals but is never made available to the general public. I decided I wanted to help spread the word that there are hundreds of ways to change your life without having to do a total health overhaul. People get intimidated that living well takes a lot of work, and that just isn't true.

·         What are your personal favorite tips featured?

I've been taking a lot of nature walks lately. In doing so I burn calories, but more importantly scientist have identified getting outside in the wilderness for as little as 5 minutes as a way to improve your mood, vitality, attention span, and overall sense of well-being. I also started to push up my workout intensity. One of the experts in the book, a pro cyclist, mentioned that on a scale of 1 to 5 your workouts should never be a 3--you should be either pushing yourself to a 4 or 5 or letting yourself rest at a 1 or 2. So I kick up the pace and intensity, or slow it to do give my body a chance to recover.

·         How did you begin your writing career?

I grew up dancing but realized, in college, that I probably wouldn't be rising up the ranks of the New York City Ballet. I'd always enjoyed writing, and at a certain point the idea of writing for a magazine crossed my mind. I interned at a dance magazine then was hired right after college. From there I helped launch a Pilates magazine and started freelancing for a lot of the women's magazines (Fitness, Shape, etc.). I eventually held positions at Health and Prevention magazines. I came up with the idea for Better Each Day when I was trying to figure out how to share with readers all of the gems of wisdom I learned while interviewing experts--there wasn't enough room to fit it all into the magazines I worked for so I decided to write a book.

·         You recently moved to the Pacific Northwest from the East Coast. How has your daily life differed in the process?

It's not quite 180-degrees different, but probably around 150. I go to bed early and wake up alarm-free at around 7 to the light filtering through my curtains. I make tea, walk upstairs to my writing loft, and get to work, pitching stories, updating my blog, or working on an article I've been assigned. When lunch time comes I cook up something healthy then go out for a bike ride around town or a hike up in Forest Park, this ridiculously huge park within the Portland city limits. I truly feel like I'm living my own advice. It was so eye-opening to write so much about the benefits of walking in nature, of growing your food, of making time for silence, and then realize that it was very hard to do in my current life. The first tip in the book is about happiness--researchers have found that almost half of your potential for joy is up to how you spend your time and where you direct your thoughts--so I basically took my own advice and moved in pursuit of a healthier, happier life.

   

 

From the publishers of BETTER EACH DAY: 365 Expert Tips for a Healthier, Happier You:

Want to live your best life, feel wiser, happier, and healthier? Using the latest scientific findings on health and well-being, journalist Jessica Cassity has compiled hundreds of proven tips for self-improvement. Whether you are looking to lose a few pounds, learn how to relax, or develop richer relationships, the wisdom offered inside this book shows readers how to make meaningful steps toward the life they want to lead.

Offering more than light affirmations, tips are backed by concrete and current research to give readers a guide to self-improvement.  Rich examples and bite sized, yet substantive advice, provide readers with 365 ways to optimize wellness. Better Each Day won’t become just a useful book with reliable tips, it will become life changing.

Jessica Cassity is the former fitness editor at Prevention magazine and a health reporter whose articles have appeared in the New York Times, Health, SELF, Redbook, and other major publications. She has doled out advice on healthy living on the Good Morning America and Today show. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

 

If you want more information about Jessica’s work, be sure to check out her website: www.JessicaCassity.com and follow her on Twitter @JessicaCassity

So here is the exciting part—I have a copy to give away!  If you are interested; all you have to do is just hit me up either by posting on this Blog or reaching out to me via Twitter @BrooklynFitChik (Continental U.S. only please.) 

I will randomly pick the lucky winner next Monday, December 12^th 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”

 

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month @WomensHealthMag December Issue with Amber Heard!

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 Women’s Health: December2011

 

 

 

 

Women’s Health Cover Star for December: 

Actress & model Amber Heard graces the cover appearing to have the tiniest waist I have seen on a woman in quite some time. Gawker.com has their own conspiracy theory about this which you can read at this link.

I was not aware of Amber before but what I can tell from the interview—she works very hard to keep healthy and makes a point of cooking whole (unprocessed) meals for herself as often as possible.

Amber has a rebellious streak that contradicts her conservative Texas upbringing (Example—she will not identify herself with a particular sexual orientation.)  

The actress, who last appeared in The Rum Diary with Johnny Depp, is photographed by James White and looks lovely inside—See for yourself here!

 

  

 

 

So what else is in the December issue of Women’s Health? 

 

“Rage Against the Machines”

I am a firm believer in using your own body weight as often as possible to sculpt strong, lean, and sexy muscles. And so does Women’s Health!  

 

 

  

  
“How Sweet it isn’t”  

I have been doing extra research on “sneaky sugars” and how they are slipped into almost all of our foods these days. This article is important for those of us looking to keep our sugar intake down.

 

 

 

 

“Enough with the Stuff!”

So how many of you out there watch shows like Clean House & Hoarders and realize you are holding on to too much crap in your home? Well, if you need more inspiration to de-clutter—read this article.

 

 

 

“Holiday Hot List”

Holiday gift guide time—weee! Here we get ideas for presents that “fun, healthy and planet-protecting.”

 

 

 

“’tis the season…to stay in shape”

Most of the women’s health magazines are focusing on tips to work out during the hectic holiday season. But none so far have used photography quite this well. (Photographs by Peter Yang)

 

  

 
  

And now the rest of the best of this issue of Women’s Health:

• "Cold Sweat" Just because the weather is colder and the air feels brisk doesn’t mean you should stay indoors. Au contraire! Here we get ideas for keeping warm while working up a sweat outside the confines of your cozy home.
• "Age-Proof Your Smile" My choppers are under construction this month (two root canals!) so I am all kinds of obsessed with “tooth” stories.
• "Overhaul Your Oatmeal" The first recipe for “Oaty Egg Florentine” made my stomach say “yes, please!”.
• "Hormonal Much?" Interesting article about how hormones work within our bodies and how they raise a ruckus if you are not careful.
• "Beat Travel Fat Traps" Women’s Health offers tips to eating healthy while on the road this December.
• “What Your Résumé Can’t Hide” The job market is not going to improve anytime soon as far as I can tell and potential employers can be very, very choosy these days. How to protect your “online life” and not sabotage future success.
• “Fake Pill, Real Power” The placebo effect and how it works to heal.  

 

Overall Grade: 

A-! A very good read this month and I managed to rip out a whole slew of pages which is always a positive indicator for me.  

 

You can check out Women’s Health online as well: link here.

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

What Did We Learn This Month? @PreventionMag @MandFHers @OxygenMagazine

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Muscle & Fitness Hers, Oxygen and Prevention

  

Hi everyone! Yesterday I hosted a fabulous chat on http://fitblogchats.com talking about the media and how it relates to fitness. It was quite interesting to hear what people have to say about the “fit,” skinny,” “toned,” “curvy” and “ripped” images presented in the magazines and on TV and how it can affect the way one can feel about themselves.

 

So today I want to do some recaps on magazines I feel do a great job in conveying a positive message to its readers and emphasize being healthy and strong versus just looking skinny.

 

Let’s get to it!

 

 

 

Muscle & Fitness Hers: November/December 2011 issue

•  Cheryl Brown: The cover model is the first winner of the Muscle & Fitness Hers East vs. West Showdown and is the proud mother of three kids. Inside she shows her favorite exercises to get your glutes in their best shape.   
• “Home for the Holidays 2011 Edition” Muscle & Fitness Hers developed a series of workouts that can be down on the fly at home while you are living your busy Thanksgiving – New Year’s life. Really, really good stuff here.
• “One Size Does Not Fit All” An excellent article about how the latest USDA ‘Food Plate” isn’t a perfect fit for all of us and what you can do to make it work for you.
• "Stretch Ability" Workout techniques that will enhance your flexibility and keep injuries at bay.
• “Healthy for the Holidays” Healthy spins on Thanksgiving recipes.  

You can check out Muscle & Fitness Hers: http://www.muscleandfitnesshers.com/

 

 

 

Oxygen: November 2011

• “Small Tweaks, Big Results!" Find out how “Fidgeting More,” “Aiming Low” and “Just Saying No” can produce big results.
• “Who Cares if I Don’t Eat Clean?” Oxygen’s Tosca Reno talks about dealing with bad days and indulging in unhealthy habits and ultimately bouncing back to a healthful path.
• Margaret Dubrawski: Oxygen’s cover star talks about her life as singer Nelly Furtado’s personal trainer and going on her tour around the world. Plus she gives us tips for having amazing abs like hers.
• “Equip Your Kitchen” The best kitchen items for clean and healthy cooking.
• “Protein on the Cheap” Muscle-building recipes that cost less than three dollars per serving.
• “Burn Calories Reveal Sexy Muscles” Ideas for using the cardio equipment at the gym to keep your routine from getting boring.
• “Get Happy Stay Fit” The mood building supplements that can help lighten your outlook on life.

Check out Oxygen online: at Oxygenmag.com

 

 

 

 

Prevention: December 2011 issue

• Dr. Travis Stork: Never saw an episode of The Doctors but this guy is a total cutie featured on the program and he has lots of advice for making small changes in your life to get healthier. Sorry gals, he is engaged to a Dr. Charlotte Brown. All of the good ones are taken I guess!
• "Preexisting Condition: Female" This article infuriated me! Basically health insurance companies (in most states) can decline coverage to a woman based solely on her gender. Grrr. Can we please talk about health care reform America?
• “The Pursuit of Happiness” Dr. Andrew Weil offers ideas on how to feel better every day—the key is contentment.  
• “Steering Cleat” Over the Counter drugs are catching up where drunk driving had left off. More and more people are causing accidents by driving under the influence of their prescribed medication.
• “Lose Weight, No Sweat” How to “get slim” with 100 tips, hints and tricks from the editors of Prevention.
• “On the Healing Edge” Prevention talks about different types of “complementary and alternative treatments” that science is showing can help you heal.
• “Your Fast Track to Slow Cookers” Nom nom! It is crock pot season and Prevention offers five easy recipes that are healthy and will make your home smell amazing.

Check out Prevention online at this link.

  

 

 

That's all she wrote for today folks. Be sure to check back for more recaps soon.

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!) 

“Friend” me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

What Did We Learn This Month? @WomensHealthMag with Anna Kournikova on the cover

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 Women’s Health: November 2011

 

 

 

 

Women’s Health Cover Star for November: 

Anna Kournikova! Anna has taken over for Jillian Michaels as resident trainer babe on The Biggest Loser who uses her sunny looks and winsome personality to good measure on the show (though I miss Jillian’s disgust I must say.)

 

Anna moved to the States form Russia when she was ten and at one time was considered a serious contender as a tennis champion. At 21 she retired from the sport and in the meantime has taken a serious interest in fitness and health.

 

In fact, Anna is certified trainer who relates to the contestants on The Biggest Loser not because she struggled with weight (she hasn’t) but because she I used to being judged publicly. (Um, okaaaaay—I can accept that.)

 

Jeff Lipsky photographed Anna on the cover as well as inside the where she shows off some of her favorite “favorite strong & sexy moves.”

 

  

  

 

So what else is in the November issue of Women’s Health? 

 

“The Bar Exam”

I love my power bars before my workouts but I have made the mistake in the past of buying brands with too many calories for my own good. Here we get the “best of the bunch” which will satisfy you nationally and make your mouth happy as well.

 

 

  

 

  
“Reboot Your Work Health”  

This past spring I decided to make the switch from sitting at my desk to standing using a desk set that is not the most stable thing but does the job admirably. Why? Because a recent survey found that women who sat for 6 hours per day as the norm were 37% more likely to die from it. Yes, you can die from sitting people!

 

Anyhoo, Women’s Health magazine gives advice on how you too can make changes to get a little healthier at work.

 

 

 

“15 Minutes…”

Say you only have a quarter hour to get your workout in—well fear not. Women’s Health have a series of workouts that will fit your tight schedule.

 

 

 

“Young, Slim (and Diabetic)”

Here was a statistic that shocked me—15% of Type 2 diabetes patients are not overweight. Can your “skinny fat” cause health problems in your future?

 

 

 

“Fight Off the Flu”

I wash my hands regularly and get my flu shot every year but some of the advice here surprised me (in a good way.)

 

  

 
  

And now the rest of the best of this issue of Women’s Health:

• "What Your Face Reveals about Your Health" Your beautiful face can reveal more about the state of your health than you think. For example; hormonal imbalance, allergies and stress can be revealed on your puss.
• "2 (x) the Results" Hybrid workouts (such as spin & yoga) are the latest craze for getting healthy and can help you break out of your workout rut. Go for it say I!
• "The Pill’s Secret Powers" Not only can they help you not get pregnant and fight off cramps but birth control pills have other health benefits as well.
• "Your Body on a Holiday Feast" Need inspiration to NOT overdo it on the holidays? Well read this hour-by-hour account of how your body metabolizes a 3,000 calorie meal. Yikes!
• "That’s the Spirit" Women’s Health gives us some recipes for autumn drinks that are under 200 calories—yes!
• “Your Gut or Your Brain” When it comes to making enormous decisions—sometimes you need to use your head and sometimes your pure instinct. Advice on when to use you “gut or your brain.”

 

Overall Grade: 

A-! A great issue which could maybe have used more fashion pages for me.  

 

You can check out Women’s Health online as well: link here.

 

By the way, I am a finalist with Shape magazine's "Best Blogger" awards. If you have a minute--please feel free to vote for me here:

http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/shape-best-blogger-awards-20-inspiring-weight-loss-blogs?page=13

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

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What Did We Learn This Month? @FitnessMagazine with Glee's Heather Morris!

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Fitness magazine: October 2011

 

 

 

Fitness Cover Star for October: 

The dancing cheerleader from Glee, Heather Morris who is completely stunning and sounds like the nicest girl to come from Beyoncé’s dance troupe ever. I am not a “Gleek” (never seen an episode I am afraid to say) therefore I have no idea what she does on the show but Heather tells us she owes her figure to 23 years of dancing and eating a very healthy diet.

 

Heather seems most happy talking about her boyfriend Taylor Hubbell who plays baseball for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Taylor recently moved to Los Angeles and Heather is hoping that a wedding is in her near future. To the point that the actress claims she will quit her career if it affects their relationship. (He must be some guy!)

 

Here is a look at Heather in action as she demonstrates moves from Ary Nuňez of Venia East studio in New York. You can see Ary in action at the Nike Training Club exercise app available in iTunes and that I just luv!

  

 

 

 

So what else is in the October Fitness?

   

"Meet the Knockers" 

October is breast cancer awareness month and Fitness is giving their readers a full report on breast health with tips and advice on everything relating to “strange symptoms” including to scaly swollen breast before your period (hate!), sharp, stabbing pains in your breast and what is defined as a “lump” and how you should proceed to get it checked out. 

 

 

  

 

 

"Home Sleek Home" 

Do you ever dream about having the perfect home gym? Well here we get best in at-home gear for every budget. (Planning on getting the Travel Trac Fluid Trainer for biking indoors for sure! www.performancebike.com)

 

 

 

 

 

“Fitness Beauty Awards 2011”

I love my beauty stories and the Fitness editors had the good manners pick the best of the best from makeup to skin care to what to pack in your gym bag.

 

 
 

 

 

“Look Hot From Behind”

Five “serious shapers” from Sylwia Wiesenberg who is the creator of the Tonique Fitness method. Plan on trying these out in my class this week!

 

 
 

 

"Get a Leg Up”

I have no idea why this page me so damn happy but it does! Finally tights are fun again and I can have a little fun when working out in the colder months ahead. Huzzah!

 

 
 

 

"Support Crew" 

Jenn Gibbons (pictured below) of Chicago cofounded the nonprofit group “Recovery on Water” which helps cancer patients and survivors find their physical confidence by rowing along the Chicago River. What a cool story! I have had friends who have dealt with breast cancer and all have told me that getting more physical in their lives after recovery has made the difference in their outlook on their future. Just keep moving!

 

 

 
 

 

 And now the rest of the best of this issue of Fitness:

• “Run a Down-and-Dirty Race” Reader Allie Morbitzer decide to ditch her girlie workouts for the “Warrior Dash” which entailed getting very, very muddy. Looks like fun to me!
• "Little White Coat Lies" We have all been there—lying to your doctor about you habits with the thought that if you don’t practice a bad habit all the time then it doesn’t count. This can have even worse consequences than you think folks.
• "Happily Ever Fatter?" Statistically speaking (according to a University of North Carolina of Chapel Hill study) married women put on about nine extra pounds the first years after marriage compared to single women. How to avoid the weight pitfall.
• "Cooking Right” Really helpful article on how to master your kitchen better when cooking healthy at home.
• "The Halo Effect” Be careful when reading food labels because sometimes they can list ingredients and/or identifiers that sound healthy (like trans-fat free) but actually can cause more harm than good.

 

Overall Grade: 

A- Good information and fun/usable workout pages are featured in this issue.  

 

You can follow Fitness magazine online here:  http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

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What Did We Learn this Month? @SELFmagazine with Lauren Graham on the Cover!

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month? 

 

 SELF: October 2011

 

 

  

SELF Cover Star for October: 

Lauren Graham, star of TV’s Parenthood, pens her own article about reaching a new fitness goal—to take her already athletic bod and get it in even healthier shape. Okay. Actually I know a lot of women who go through a fitness malaise and feel as if their usual routines are not working anymore. So Lauren Graham made it her mission to challenge her personal fitness level and see where it would take her.

 

The results you can see for yourself from the cover with Lauren posing in a sexy Tommy Hilfiger button-down top and very little else. (Most guys fantasy from what I understand.) The actress was photographed by Brian Bowen.

 

With the help of expert trainers Michelle Lovitt and Kacy Duke Lauren learned to run a little longer and push herself a little harder every time she worked out (90 minutes 5-7 times per day for five weeks.) The big “a-ha” moment came when she started recording her workouts on a heart rate watch and therefore learned how to work out at the 60-85% maximum heart rate.

 

This is a level that has been called the “fat-burning zone’ for at least 20 years now but there is some controversy about that. When studying for my NASM personal training certification I was taught new evidence indicates that there really isn’t such a thing as a “fat burning zone.” Regardless, I have found wearing my watch keeps me honest and lets me personally know when to push harder and when to scale back. I give it a big “yes.”

 

That’s really all there is to the cover story. So, let’s move on shall we?

   

  

So What Else is in the October SELF?

  

"SELF 2011 Best Beauty Trends"

In addition to working out and being healthy on the inside—I want to play with beauty products like the next gal. Here we get the best in lotions & potions that will make you look even more gorgeous than you already are. (You beautiful thing, you!)

 

 
 

 

"TV Tone-Ups Tested"

I like this visual story about SELF staffers trying out the products we see on TV late at night (or all weekend during the day—really!) Everything from the “Beach Body” folks to Tracy Anderson Method to “Bender Ball” and more was put to the test and now we have the results from people who are fit for a living.

Most rated highly but my own caveat here—I bought the Tracy Anderson Method “Metamorphosis” DVDs and one of her diets plans (“Nutrient Boost Week”) is very low on calories. I mean like a contestant on Survivor low. Be careful when introducing that much exercise and taking in so little food, say I.

 

  

 

 

 

“Cute Glutes, Please!”

Personal trainer Story von Holzhausen teaches a “Liquid Strength” class at Equinox gyms here in New York and these are some of her butt-lifting moves. Me likey!

 

 

 

 

“SELF Women’s Cancer Handbook 2011”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and SELF is the publication that launched the “pink ribbon” campaign—did you know that? Well now you do! This section is all about the latest trends in research, the foods you should eat to stay healthy, and the lifestyle choices that can help fight the big C and more. Good stuff here!

 

 

 

 

“Does Your Workout Need a Sandwich?”

Loved this story! Even after all of these years working in fitness—I still get confused on what to eat & when in regards to my workout schedule. Really appreciated the advice they give here on exercise and appetite. .  

 

 
 

 

 

The Rest of the Best of the October SELF:

• "Shop Pink” Do you love to shop for pretty thing and hate cancer? SELF gives several pages of items you can whose proceeds go to breast cancer funding and research.  Win/win people!
• "Gluten for Punishment?" How many of your friends have taken Gluten off their menu completely? I feel like at least 25% of my friends are that strict diet plan and claim it has made their lives infinitely better. Anyhoo—here we find out the “ins” and “outs” of a gluten-free life.
•  "Join the Crossfit Craze” SELF asked ESPN reporter Erin Andrews to try out “Crossfitting” and she said “shut your face!” which means she loves it apparently.
• “Find Your Happy Time!” SELF helped a group of women with different obstacles to leading a happier life with simple (and some not-so-simple) lifestyle changes.

 

 

Overall Grade: 

A!  Good reading, good research, good advice—all good here SELF!

 

You can check out SELF online at: self.com.

 

Ox ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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