Fit Finds: January 2013

Spark People…Total Body Sculpting DVD:

“Total Body Sculpting is the second workout from America’s #1 diet and fitness website with more than 12 million members and features three efficient interval workouts with an interactive calendar and bonus moves to tone your butt and legs.”

Ultimate Kettle bell Workouts for Beginners:

“Ultimate Kettle Bell Workouts features top kettle bell master instructor, Paul Katami. Among his master list of celebrity clients include Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper. Katami created three workouts including a step-by-step tutorial to ensure exercisers have all the secrets and proper techniques to use the calorie-torching body shapers effectively.”

“Kettle bell weights have been popular for centuries, and today more people than ever are discovering their incredible benefits. Combining strength training with aerobic activity, kettle bell workouts are proven to burn calories while building strength and flexibility. Safe and proper form is absolutely essential to reaping the full rewards of this exercise system to activate the whole body.”

Dr. Lisa: Yoga Blast:

“The first workout from the female co-host of the Emmy® Award-winning series The Doctors as well as the first workout created for women by a practicing female doctor. As a busy doctor, mom, TV host, and author, Dr. Lisa knows a thing or two about staying healthy and fitting exercise into a busy schedule. These three efficient total-body yoga workouts can suit any lifestyle.”

Canyon Ranch: Yoga for Strength & Energy:

“From the leading spa and wellness resort, Yoga for Strength and Energy features two total-body workouts, plus recipes and bonus segments sharing their diet and wellness secrets.”

http://www.acacialifestyle.com/

Originally published January 2013

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Fit Finds: Slim and Sparkling Spring Cocktails

Now that the weather is getting warmer who can resist a refreshing cold beer after a hard days work. I’ll take the relaxation any day, but hold off on the calories. Now you can have your cake and eat it too. Introducing Sparkling Ice – available in a wide variety of flavors, such as Pineapple, Coconut, Mango, and Orange, it is an excellent source of B-Vitamins, Vitamin D and antioxidants. Sparkling Ice also contains caffeine-free Green Tea Extract is gluten free and my personal favorite zero calories. Below are some cool and refreshing recipes you can enjoy guilt free this spring.

Pink Grapefruit Breeze:

1oz Malibu
2oz Pineapple Juice
Finish with Grapefruit ICE
Stir gently and garnish with lime

Black Raspberry Ice:

1 oz. Makers Mark Bourbon
½ oz. Dry Vermouth
2 Bourbon Cherries
Top off with Black Raspberry Sparkling ICE
Stir gently and garnish with blackberries

Lemon Lime Ice:

1oz Citrus Rum
1 Fresh Squeezed Lime
1oz Triple Sec
3 oz Lemon Lime Sparkling ICE
Shake with ice and pour into a chilled martini glass

Orange Mango Ice:

1 oz Herradura Silver Tequila
1 oz Triple Sec
Lime wedge muddled
Topped with Orange Mango Sparkling ICE

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass

Almost Island Time:

1 oz. Mango Rum, 1oz Pineapple rum
Splash of Pineapple juice
3 oz Pineapple Coconut Sparkling ICE
Topped with 1oz of Grand Mariner

Serve in a chilled martini glass with a pineapple chuck

Retail Price: $15.00 for a pack of 12

Originally published April 2012

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Fit Finds for Fun in the Sun

Although spring officially starts March 20th, we New Yorkers know that cold temperatures often persist into April. If you’re fortunate enough to escape the wintry weather for a weekend at a sunny resort or to do some island hopping via cruise ship, there are a few items you’ll want to take along.

Whether you’re ready to push yourself in the pool or are looking forward to more leisurely poolside activities, Speedo has suits for you. I love Speedo’s Flyback Training Suit, a racing suit from the Endurance+ collection designed for high performance swimming but that, to my mind, is also sexy in its classic styling. Featuring heavy-duty flatlock stitching, 100% chlorine resistant fabric that retains its color 20 times longer and four-way stretch technology for a great fit, this suit feels, looks and performs great. Suits like the Mini Pleat Racer Back 1 Piece from Speedo’s Fitness and Active Recreation collection marry performance and special fit features such as a hydrofoam bra, core compression, and adjustable straps with chic styling. So be sure to pack your Speedo suit!

Available online at http://www.speedousa.com and at Paragon Sporting Goods, 867 Broadway (800) 961-3030

Don’t forget that it can be slippery poolside and germs can be transmitted from public shower tiles, so be sure to take a pair of flip flops with you. Havaianas makes the Rolls Royce of flip flops: the rubber sole is slightly higher at the heel than the toe for maximum comfort and style, the footbed and the outsole are textured for gripping, and they’re available in the nicest colors. Best of all, you have the option to make your own custom Havaianas. To get MYOH (Make Your Own Havianas) flip flops, simply choose which style of sandal you desire, then pick the color of the sole and the color of the straps and finally, choose to put up to four crystals and pins on the straps ( “diamonds”, enamel clovers, initials, and silver or gold stars are among the many pin options). Get a bright colored pair and a neutral pair to match your suits, and with custom colors, there’s no chance of mistaking them for someone else’s.

Available online at us.havaianas.com

I really appreciate a multi-purpose bag to hold swimwear, reading material, bottled water, flip flops and anything else I might take to the pool or the beach and have found a perfect one in the Pocket Rocket Tote from Scout. This brightly colored tote made from a stylish patterned polywoven material is water resistant, wipes clean and has a reinforced leatherette bottom as well as six side pockets to hold bottled water, wet suits and a myriad of other things. The main compartment has an inner zip pocket, a zipper closure and there are short straps and shoulder straps for carrying flexibility. The Pocket Rocket tote is a bag you’ll be able to use on your weekend getaway and every day when you return home.

Available online at http://www.jenniepstyle.com.

Originally published March 2013

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Fit Finds: December 2012

Flamous Vegan Falafel Chips:

BN is introducing you to one of the tastiest organic, gluten free, and even vegan chips on the market, Flamous Falafel Chips. They contain no cholesterol, trans fat, dairy or nuts, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Each chip is packed with antioxidants and is a great source of fiber. They are the perfect on the go snack!

Available at http://www.flamousbrands.com

No Can Required Spot on Energy Patch:

Who needs to lug around cans of red bulls or bottles of five hour energy when you can have the convenience of a patch in your gym bag. Spot on Energy is a simple to use patch that delivers natural energy without the crash. Each patch provides up to five hours of energy and contains homeopathic ingredients such as naturally derived caffeine, tea extract, and zinc.

Available at http://www.spotonenergy.com

Nu Shape Weight Loss Supplement:

Nu Shape offers exactly what its name suggests—a brand new shape. By taking two fat burning tablets twice a day, the body can actually burn up to 3X’s the number of fat calories it would have on its own. With NuShape, you can turn your 15 minutes of exercise into 60 minutes of fat burning. NuShape contains all natural ingredients and works with the body’s own chemistry, convincing fat cells to let go of the fat they’ve been hoarding and use it as energy to fuel your lean muscle.

Available at http://www.nushape.com

Originally published December 2012

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Fit Finds: May 2013 – Support You Can Count On

Don’t make the mistake of wearing running sneakers during bootcamp classes. It’s hard enough to keep up with all the jumping jacks, burpees and lateral exercises without the extra strain of foot and ankle instability that comes from wearing running sneakers designed for forward movement and speed. The Asics Gel-Blur33 TR is a perfect choice for any gym class or activity that involves lateral and forward motion as well as jumping and high impact moves. Though it’s a lightweight, open-mesh shoe, the Gel-Blur33 TR supports from top to bottom with a supportive external cage for the upper and the shock absorbing Asics Gel Cushioning System underfoot.

Available online at http://www.asicsamerica.com and at ASICS 51 W 42nd St. 212-35l4-1908

The Lunaire Maximum Control Coolmax Sports Bra gives full-figured women much-needed support without sacrificing comfort and style. Designed to be worn under a tank or a tee, the Lunaire Sports Bra is made from lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking Coolmax performance fabric, has a floating underwire that moves with your body as well as adjustable straps for a perfect fit. With a Lunaire Maximum Control Coolmax Sports Bra you’ve got all the support you’ll need, but you’ll still have to get through bootcamp class or around the track on your own steam.

Available online at HerRoom http://www.herroom.com and at Linda’s Bra Salon, 828 Lexington Avenue, 212-751-2727

Whether you need a quick meal on the run or a healthy, high protein energy boost, Komplete Ultimate Shakes from Kate Farms are a perfect choice. The creamy shakes available in three delicious flavors are non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and soy-free (which means they’re hypoallergenic), and they’re chock full of twenty-one all natural, organic superfoods such as acai, mangosteen, black currants, raspberries, and green tea extract. Developed as a healthy meal replacement shake for a four year old with digestion problems and other health issues, Komplete Ultimate Shakes are a delicious, convenient source of nutrition, powerful antioxidants and vitamins for the entire family.

Available online at Kate Farms http://www.katefarms.com and at Westerly Natural Market, 913 Eighth Avenue, 212-586-5262

Bestselling author, physician and founder of the UltraWellness Center, Mark Hyman, has coined the term diabesity to describe the epidemic of obesity plus the diabetic spectrum ranging from mild insulin resistance to full blown type 2 diabetes that one in two Americans suffer from. Hyman attributes the root causes of diabesity and a number of other serious ailments such as cancer and dementia to a diet of factory-made foods full of fat, sugar, salt and foodlike substances. In the The Blood Sugar Solution he offers a six week action plan that will allow anyone to achieve the balanced insulin levels which are key to optimum health and weight loss. This book describes how you can “eat your medicine” following either a basic or advanced plan and includes diagnostic self-tests, shopping lists, delicious recipes based on a diet of lean protein, vegetables, legumes, and gluten-free grains. There are 175 recipes in The Blood Sugar Solution Cookbook that allows you to easily make at home for a fraction of the cost, the kinds of tasty, gourmet prepared dishes you might pick up at Whole Foods. With the tools from these books you’ll know how to give your body the nutrition it needs to balance hormones, reduce inflammation, optimize digestion and metabolism and maintain wellness.

Available online at http://www.amazon.com and at Barnes and Noble, see http://www.barnesandnoble.com for locations

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Fit Finds: Get Energized for Spring

You’ll be inspired to get moving with a pair of New Balance Minimus 10v2 running sneakers. Designed for road runners, these sneaks are so light and comfortable they’re perfect for city runs, stair climbing or everyday zipping around town. For serious NB devotees the Minimus 10v2 represents a revolutionary high tech rehaul of the original Minimus sneaker. The vibram sole is lightweight and flexible but still offers cushioning and durability. The mesh upper has a mono-tongue construction to add to the natural fit and feel. It’s a perfectly balanced shoe with enhanced ground feel and control for serious runners with a predominantly midfoot ground strike. For well-meaning, casual runners like myself, just looking at these sneakers which come in fun color combinations like royal blue with pink is an instant energy boost!

Available online at http://www.newbalance.com and at New Balance 150 5th Avenue at 20th Street, 212-727-2520

A great way to get energized is with super-nutrient packed foods. Navitas offers a full line of organic superfoods that make healthy eating convenient and delicious. Coconut Water (freeze-dried, just add water), Power Snacks (Cacao Goji Superfood or Citrus Chia Superfood – both flavors a delicious amalgam of date paste, seeds, nuts and powders), Chia Seeds, and Chia Powder are just a few of the offerings from Navitas that will make you feel instantaneously more healthy and ready for anything.

Available online at Whole Foods http://www.wholefoods.com and at Westerly Natural Market, 913 Eighth Avenue, 212-586-5262

If, like many of us, you tend to exercise less and eat a bit more in the winter, now may be a great time to try The FastDiet by Dr. Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer. The FastDiet aka the 5:2 diet has been popular in the UK since August 2012 when Dr. Mosley appeared in a BBC documentary about his experience on the 5:2 diet. The diet is based on research that intermittent fasting not only leads to weight loss but also reduces risk factors for a number of diseases such as breast cancer and Alzheimer’s. Research shows that intermittent fasting triggers the body to go into repair mode, lowers IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) which in high levels is linked to cancer, increases insulin sensitivity, improves cholesterol counts, BMI and body fat decreases and lean muscle increases. Of course, knowing that a diet may be beneficial doesn’t make it easy to follow, but The FastDiet offers an interesting proposition: eat what you like 5 days a week and eat 500 calories (600 for men) on 2 nonconsecutive days. Dr. Mosley and Mimi Spencer claim that by keeping busy on the low calorie days, hunger pangs won’t last and thoughts of unrestricted meals the next day make restraint possible (although in truth, most people don’t go overboard on non-fasting days). The book provides a month of 500 calorie meal plans which are divvied up between breakfast and dinner. There are nicely styled, glossy color photos of the meals, and though they look appetizing, there’s no question that these are mini meals. For instance, one 500 calorie meal plan includes a bowl of oatmeal with blueberries for breakfast and chicken stir-fried with some veggies for dinner plus a clementine for dessert and…that’s all! If you can manage it, The FastDiet could be a great way to get energized for spring.

Available online at http://www.amazon.com and at Barnes and Noble, see http://www.barnesandnoble.com for locations.

Originally published April 2013

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Fit Finds

Beauty News NYC has found Nutiva’s newest super food – Organic Chia Seeds. Packed with fiber, protein, minerals, omega-3 and antioxidants, these seeds have become a new staple to every New York diet.

A one ounce (28 g) serving of chia seeds contains 9 percent of the recommended daily value for protein, 13 percent of oil and 42 percent of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber. Chia is a rich source of essential minerals including phosphorous and manganese as well as calcium and trace amounts of sodium and potassium. Chia seeds also contain healthy antioxidants.

Organic Hemp Seeds are an added staple to the super food family. Packed with protein, Omega-3, and healthy minerals, Hemp Seeds can be added to any shake, smoothie, or salad. Each bag of Nutiva Organic Hemp Seed contains 7.5 grams of Omega-6, 3 grams of Omega-3, 0.6 grams of super omega-6, and 0.3 grams of super omega-3.

Hemp Banana Smoothie:

Ingredients:
Nutiva’s Organic Hemp Seed, Banana, Almond Milk, Vanilla Extract

Directions:
Blend 4 Tbsp of hemp seeds and add 1-2oz of water into a thick cream.
Add a banana, 1 cup of water or almond milk and a dash of vanilla extract and blend again.

http://www.nutiva.com

This summer why not put a twist on frozen sorbet? Satisfy your sweet tooth with Yonanas and turn your New York kitchen into a gourmet ice cream store. Now you can turn any fruit into ice cream. Start with bananas for potassium, and add berries for antioxidants and nuts for protein. Each classic Yonanas recipe is 100 calories!

Melon Sorbet:

Ingredients:
½ C frozen chopped cantaloupe, ½ C frozen chopped honeydew. Let fruit thaw 7-10 minutes.

Directions:
1. Insert ¼ C slightly thawed frozen cantaloupe
2. Insert ¼ C slightly thawed frozen honeydew
3. Repeat

http://www.yonanas.com

View the original article here

Fit Finds

Beauty News NYC has found Nutiva’s newest super food – Organic Chia Seeds. Packed with fiber, protein, minerals, omega-3 and antioxidants, these seeds have become a new staple to every New York diet.

A one ounce (28 g) serving of chia seeds contains 9 percent of the recommended daily value for protein, 13 percent of oil and 42 percent of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber. Chia is a rich source of essential minerals including phosphorous and manganese as well as calcium and trace amounts of sodium and potassium. Chia seeds also contain healthy antioxidants.

Organic Hemp Seeds are an added staple to the super food family. Packed with protein, Omega-3, and healthy minerals, Hemp Seeds can be added to any shake, smoothie, or salad. Each bag of Nutiva Organic Hemp Seed contains 7.5 grams of Omega-6, 3 grams of Omega-3, 0.6 grams of super omega-6, and 0.3 grams of super omega-3.

Hemp Banana Smoothie:

Ingredients:
Nutiva’s Organic Hemp Seed, Banana, Almond Milk, Vanilla Extract

Directions:
Blend 4 Tbsp of hemp seeds and add 1-2oz of water into a thick cream.
Add a banana, 1 cup of water or almond milk and a dash of vanilla extract and blend again.

http://www.nutiva.com

This summer why not put a twist on frozen sorbet? Satisfy your sweet tooth with Yonanas and turn your New York kitchen into a gourmet ice cream store. Now you can turn any fruit into ice cream. Start with bananas for potassium, and add berries for antioxidants and nuts for protein. Each classic Yonanas recipe is 100 calories!

Melon Sorbet:

Ingredients:
½ C frozen chopped cantaloupe, ½ C frozen chopped honeydew. Let fruit thaw 7-10 minutes.

Directions:
1. Insert ¼ C slightly thawed frozen cantaloupe
2. Insert ¼ C slightly thawed frozen honeydew
3. Repeat

http://www.yonanas.com

View the original article here

Fashion Forward Fit Finds

As a busty gal, workout apparel was always a challenge for me. There is nothing more distracting than constantly worrying about an accidental “big reveal” during a high intensity workout. I always searched for a sports bra that gave just as much support, if not more than my every day bra and often came up empty handed—until now.

Thanks to Victoria’s Secret Sport, I now have the support and confidence I need to be well dressed for any workout. This fall, why not kick up the gear and start your workout not only in full support but of course style too.

This red hot ensemble is perfect for any indoor workout. Whether it’s Hot Yoga, Pilates, or kickboxing, with VS Sport Angel Sports Bra, you are sure to get the support you need. Not only is the material light, but the bra straps are also adjustable—genius! Pair it with VS Sport Knockout tights in Jet black and red and you have a perfect workout ensemble.

Retail Price:
Angel Sports Bra: $44.50-$46.50
Knockout Tight: $64.50-$66.50

The VS Supermodel Racerback Sports Bra offers medium support designed for more low intensity workouts such as yoga, Pilates, or strength training. The stretchiness of the material allows for easy movement and flow. Pair it with VS Knockout Cropped Tights for an ultimate look that’s sexy and practical.

Retail Price:
Supermodel Racerback Sports Bra, $29.50-$32.50
Knockout Tights Cropped: $59.50-$62.50

This bra is no short of a show stopper. Sure to turn any head in the gym is VS Sport Showtime Bra paired with VS Knockout Crop in Black and Gold Sparkle. Built not only for looks, the Showtime Bra offers medium support and a halter design that will add comfort and lift. The bra also offers push up padding and concealed wire for cushioned support.

Showtime Bra, $54.50-$56.50
Knockout Crop Sparkle: $62.50

http://www.victoriassecret.com/victorias-secret-sport/sports-bras
http://www.victoriassecret.com/victorias-secret-sport/all-bottoms

Originally published October 2012

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