Post Hike Foot Soak

You all know that I am pretty obsessed right now with getting in nature and the weather has been so perfect. My dogs are always willing to go too – built in hiking companions. Today, we went on an 8 mile hike and it took us a little over 2 hours. The trail was imbedded in deep forest  with lots of shade and there was a meandering stream that we had to hop over every once in a while.

 

You can't really tell from the photo, but the water is clean and cold.

I forget that I am exercising when I go on these excursions, just like I didn’t realize I was exercising when I was taking Ballet class just for fun. I hope you all have an activity that makes you ‘forget’ too!  (Makes fitness seem effortless….)

A perfect location for a swimming hole was at the “finish line” – Sophie-the-dog went swimming, and I took off my shoes, put on flip flops and waded into the ice cold water (seriously, like an iceberg just melted – so cold!). Just standing in water for five minutes does wonders. First, taking your socks and shoes off ASAP is a good idea (I say “free your feet”). Second, soaking them feels heavenly and is so simple. Third, the cold water cools down not just your feet, but your whole body. A simple pleasure and a simple reward for a hike well done. Right now, four hours later, I don’t feel like a took a long walk in the woods – my feet feel fresh and ready for an active night. (Nothing exciting…we are on our way to Home Depot – TORTURE, my least favorite place! Better be quick – and then out to dinner.)

Almond Smoothie for Breakfast

When I was on Martha Stewart radio, I mentioned a great breakfast option, “Almond Smoothie.” We’ve gotten some emails requesting the recipe, so I thought I’d post it. This smoothie is vegan, raw and hydrates you – plus, it’s yummy. I’ll make this when I have an early morning workout or in the summer when a cool smoothie hits the spot. (Note: people ask me about “protein powder” and other shake mixes. I don’t know enough about them to comment, but I will say that this smoothie has about 10 grams of protein, which is a perfect amount for the female body to process at one time. AND, I think the more natural, the better!)

Here are the steps: 

• Step One: take one cup of raw+unsalted almonds and soak in water over night (10hours). This will soften the almonds, “puff’ them up and activate their enzymes.  
• Step Two: drain the almonds in a strainer. Then, combine in blender the 1 cup of soaked almonds and 2 cups of water. Blend for 3 minutes or until creamy and smooth. 
• Step Three: Pour almond puree through a cheese cloth or a strainer. This will separate the pulp from the milk. (You use the pulp for homemade granola, an ice cream topping, or as a flour in cookie batter.)
• Step Four: Put the almond milk back in the blender and add two tablespoons of either agave nectar or maple syrup. Add one whole banana (or one cup of berries works well too). Optional: add 1/2teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and perhaps 1/2 cup ice (if you want a very “slushie” consistency).
• Step Five: Blend on “whip” for 2-3 minutes – it’ll become creamy and fluffy – pour into two tall glasses and drink immediately (it can’t be stored well, as the ingredients will separate). Makes two generous servings. 

Hydrangea

It’s a beautiful day outside and I am stuck in my office with a looming writing deadline. I’ve been sitting on my butt all day! (And I’ve got hours to go…) In need of a “pick-me-up” I decided to bring the outside in, and I did, with this simple hydrangea in a jelly jar. 

New DVDs, Explained

Back in March, I was hired by the editors at Prevention magazine, to create two DVDs based on their huge hit, FLAT BELLY DIET book. I read the book with a highlighter and post-it notes – it’s filled with hardcore science regarding weight loss and abdominal fat. The editors wanted that same science to be apparent in the DVDs. Everything in these DVDs, from the intensity level, to the sequence of sections to the durations of each section, has been very thought out. Quite the challenge, but the final products (EXPRESS BELLY BLAST and WALK OFF BELLY FAT) show that level of intelligence. 

Now, these DVDs are a big departure from THE STUDIO ones. Sneakers are a must. The workouts are broken down into segments (anywhere from 30minutes to 5minutes). There is a lot of talk regarding your “flattening your belly.” However, after just watching them for the first time, I think they are effective and enjoyable and still possess THE STUDIO “no pressure” vibe. 

So that’s my take on these DVDs! I hope you like them!

Loving Push-ups?

When I taught BUFF GIRLS, a special class for teenage girls, I learned a lot. I learned that teenagers laugh more than adults. I learned that “Abercrombie &Fitch” was a “cool” place to shop. And I learned that teenage girls (in general) dislike push-ups! And I suspect that this dislike continues into adulthood. That doesn’t have to be the case, thanks to Body+Soul mag – take a moment and click here.

 

Can Classical Music Help Keep You Fit?

It all started when I had to mop THE STUDIO floors…I would put some Chopin on and go. The music blocked out the street sirens and the phone but it did more than that – classical music made the chore of cleaning feel elegant. And I felt like somehow (I don’t really know how though) it was good for me. Did it help me inhabit myself? Did it zap me into the present moment and remind me of artistry in the mundane? Did it stimulate the nerve endings in my brain and make me smarter? I don’t know, but over the last few years, I’ve felt compelled to become more knowledgeable about classical music and integrate it into my life.

But here’s my challenge – I love Kanye and Katy Perry and Mika A LOT. I also love silence, so I have to  make a conserted effort to listen to classical tunes and act with a bit of discipline – a lot like working out, right? 

 

Here I am with my classical music buddy, Tanya, at a Boston Symphony concert. (FYI: wanted to share images of the musicians on stage, but my photography skills apparently need help!)

So just like working out, i’ve got some friends that help make my classical music quest more enjoyable and more prevalent. We swap cds and attend concerts. We host dinner parties with classical serenading us in the background. I’ve surrounded myself with people who help me move towards my classical music goal, which is to appreciate it! 

Last night, a group of us went to an outdoor symphony concert and I’ve gotta say – the crowd was so classy and healthy looking! I kept checking everyone out…young or old, male or female, these concert attendees were sharp! It cemented my belief that somehow classical music does move me towards wellness.

NY Times’ Jane Brody on Caffeine

Tuesday is my favorite “newspaper day” because the New York Times has their Science/Health section, which is always OUTSTANDING, including the latest research on health and wellness. I’m addicted to Jane Brody’s column called Personal Health  - it’s always interesting. Her August 5th column was no exception, giving reader’s the lowdown about caffeine and it’s effects on the body. Here are some highlights: 

• Caffeine ain’t all bad – click here to read the article online.
• A plain 8 ounce cup of brewed coffee has 95 milligrams of caffeine. A Starbuck’s Grande coffee (not a latte, just a straight up cup of coffee) has a whooping 330 milligrams of caffeine. Holy Moly! 
• As a tea lover, I was happy to read that black tea and green tea have between 30-50 milligrams of caffeine, so for the record - TEA (USUALLY) HAS MUCH LESS CAFFEINE THAN COFFEE. 
• And when it comes to caffeine and weight loss, here’s something that sets the record straight. Jane writes, “Although caffeine speeds up metabolism, no long-term benefits to weight control have been demonstrated. In fact, in a recent study, both men and women who increased their caffeine consumption gained more weight than those who didn’t.” Bottom line: caffeine does not help people stay lean.

Buddha in My Bathtub

 

When I soak in the tub, i gaze at a tiny sliver Buddha statue and a "joy" rock and a "love" rock. They are a big part of why bath time de-stresses me.

After workouts, work or any stressful event, I find total peace in the tub. Espom Salt and pure lavender oil is all I use (no bubbles – they dry out my skin). I’m lucky to have my tub all to myself – my husband doesn’t take baths and the shower is a separate stall – so I can decorate it with a few of my favorite things. It really is my sacred space. The photo shows my Buddha I bought in Hangzhou China…love that it’s silver (they are usually gold or bronze) and I also adore its happy and grateful expression. Beside it, I have two rocks with “joy” and “love” carvings I got as a gift from my meditation teacher. I figure I spend a lot of time in that tub, so I should be reminded of good things while I soak! Make your bath special – you don’t have to be surrounded by only soap. I also have a couple of pretty seashells from Holbox island, Mexico on display. The shells remind me of the most amazing, jaw-dropping sunsets, which I witnessed on that little island.

Bye-Bye Sparkle Totes…

 

 We’ve put our first ever item on our online store for sale – the Sparkle Tote. Once $35 each, they are now only $10 – we need to make space in our storage room, so the totes must go. I must admit, I use mine as a purse more than a gym bag.  I remember a woman at THE STUDIO bought five, one for each bridesmaid, and filled them up with hair care/hygiene products, to be used at the wedding. Creative, right? They will probably go fast – visit our shop.