Peace and Fitness

The Seeds of Change

October 14, 2011 by bonni 1 Comment

Though it’s been a frustrating wait, it’s good news to see the pain pill pushers FINALLY getting taken down! I can’t stop applauding the grass roots efforts of those 3 local ladies, Joy, Janet and Renee, at STOPPNOW. If 3 people with a cause and a passion can make the kind of progress that they have, there is no stopping the “99%” who are occupying Wall Street and most every street!

“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Thanks to a small group of people who came up with a win-win-win situation back in the 90s, SilverSneakers continues to grow and that is great news. As open enrollment begins next week, keep your eyes open for insurance providers that offer YOU wellness benefits. The market is growing and locally we welcome Coventry Insurance to the list of providers offering the SilverSneakers benefit. Remember that if you are a local and know of someone who is looking for a place to take class after the middle of the night closing of Sunrise Fitness Center (aka Golds Gym) invite them to come on over and take class with us at Tamarac Fitness Center.

Still another small group making big news. The food trucks are “piling up,” up tonight and locally they will be gathering from 5-10 pm at 5350 W. Sample Road. Maybe tonight will be the night I finally try the vegan Mac’n truck!

Finally, the smallest of seeds gone large…how did my chia pudding come out? I like it, but I like most everything. Seriously. Definitely resembles rice pudding but you have to be ok with seeds in your pudding. Personally, I’ll probably stick with eating them on my salads or in a shake, but with as much nutritional value as those little guys pack in a serving, I will definitely be including them in my daily diet.

In keeping with the theme of today’s blog, remember that taking one small step can lead to huge change!

Make it a fantastic Friday and as always, thanks for stopping in.

You: Feds indict 24 in Fla. for pill dealing, fraud – MiamiHerald.com (news.google.com)

Filed Under: Motivation/Inspiration, Quotes, Silversneakers, STOPPNOW, This and That ·

Chick “peace” and Fitness

October 10, 2011 by bonni 2 Comments

What a perfectly wet weekend. Something about Yom Kippor and rain, that seem to just go hand in hand. Though we didn’t attend services, Mitch and I had an incredibly quiet day, with much time to ponder the year behind us and look forward to the one ahead. We ended up purging and cleaning, which felt right to us. Having fasted most of the day, I was looking forward to something appropriate to eat for break-the-fast, dinner. Since all the typical foods were out for me, I whipped up a batch of tun-o, my very favorite alternative to tun-a! It’s the perfect thing to put on a bagel and though it’s not low in calories, it’s not a diet-wrecker, either. Here’s how I make it: (and I highly recommend it!)

I rinse a can of chick peas and then put them in a bowl with a few spoons of veganaise (which I buy at Whole Foods). Then I mash them (leaving a few whole peas as they can be stubborn) and add some chopped red onion, chopped celery and the most important ingredient–some chopped half-sour, dill pickles. I even added just a drop of the pickle juice this time, which actually helped the texture become more tuna, like. Chock full of fiber, protein and flavor, this is great food for a sandwich spread, or an appetizer with pita chips. One can will make a nice size bowl, or enough for about 4 sandwiches. YUM!

It rained so hard and so much Saturday night, that I thought our newly planted herb/veggie garden would be washed away in the morning, but there was only one casualty, a pineapple plant, which had no fruit growing, so no loss. The tomato plants seem to be having a hard time getting started, but I am optimistic that most of them will make it. The cherry tomato plant is doing really well, and I never even took it out of its large container. I think I might just leave it as it is. The tomatoes at Publix were not even worthy of buying, making me extra excited to get out to some farmer’s markets now that fall is here.

And with fall here, the weather across most of the country is just right for running. I am wondering how it felt in Chicago, for the mararthon, yesterday morning with the temperature being unusually warm for October. If anyone ran it, or knows someone that did, let me know how it turned out for them. This time of year always makes me want to get out on the streets and get my motor running, and I did get in some of that this weekend, too.

This time of year is also open-enrollment time in the world of medical insurance. If you know someone 65 or over, shopping for a new insurance plan, please suggest they consider one that offers FREE gym memberships WITH classes! It has become quite obvious that those that participate in a group class, like SilverSneakers, take much more advantage of this benefit and hence reap the benefits of regular, consistent exercise as well as socialization and plain old FUN! In fact, at SilverSneakers our motto is all about making friends, having fun and getting fit. Here in South Florida, Humana, Care Plus, Coventry and some other smaller providers offer the SilverSneakers benefit. The providers are different from county to county and state to state, but chances are great that you can jump on the benefit, right where you are.

If you are a local and were a member of Sunrise Fitness (the old Gold’s gym) in Sunrise, come on over and check us out at Tamarac Fitness Center. We have a wonderful SilverSneakers program offering 8 classes a week, Monday-Friday. If you are not SilverSneakers eligible, and were paying for your membership, talk to Ron or Wendie and they will definitely give you a great deal. Tell them I sent you! Call 954-726-1070 or come on over and try a class. We are located at 7935 West McNab Road, just west of University Drive. I will be there today teaching an 8:30 am, cardio/mat class and an 11:30 SilverSneakers class. There is always room for a few more…

Wherever you are, make sure to get some peace and some fitness into YOUR day. Your mind and your body will thank you. I thank you for stopping in. Make it a great Monday and a great Columbus Day!

Filed Under: Food, Holidays and celebrations, Plant-based diet, Recipes, Silversneakers, This and That ·

Pasta and Wine?

September 13, 2011 by bonni 1 Comment

Never a pretty picture

Dr. Oz devoted his first show of the new season to losing belly fat after age 40. I watched, hoping like the rest of the universe, that there would be something new and exciting because it was, after all, Dr. Oz. But alas, I got nothing new out of this one, as he revealed his 5 tips to blast the belly fat. He suggests eating big breakfasts (carb load here–the good doc had a recipe for a breakfast noodle dish–I could wrap my arms around pasta at any time), smaller lunches and light (no carb) dinners. One small glass of red wine with dinner. Creating a daily fiber pack that has you eating 25 grams of fiber a day, half in the early part of the day to fill you–(3 of those fiber grams come from Metamucil, which doesn’t really make any sense to me because if you are eating enough fiber, why would you need just 3 more grams from that?) He also suggests muscle confusion–doing different exercises on different days. His exercises were exclusively for the abdominal muscles, which I understand to a point. If you lose the weight, you are going to want to see some muscle. But JUST in your abdomen? Huh? And his final tip, make a belly band–a 32 inch piece of tape that you use to measure inches lost until you hit the healthy 32″ or less spot. So the take away isn’t really new and exciting at all, but I still thought I would share since the doc thought it was worthy of his first show of the season. Eat bigger meals early in the day, and do the same with carbs. Drink a little bit of red wine with dinner. Mix up your daily exercise. Eat more fiber. Measure yourself. Trust me, if it were as simple as THIS, I WOULDN’T HAVE ANY BELLY FAT…but I do. And why do I think I do? Because I need to cut down on my calories. Because calories are the bottom line.

He then went on to suggest some foods that might help cut the belly fat more quickly. Goldenberries, miso and sauerkraut. I refuse to run to the health food store for goldenberries (he always manages to find some exotic foods that we have never heard of and have to go to a specialty store for). I can include more miso and definitely added a scoop of sauerkraut to my soy dog lunch. He suggests putting it on your sandwiches. Something to do with the bacteria in our gut and sauerkraut being a fermented food. Alicia Silverstone is also big into the raw sauerkraut.

Since another day has gone by and no miracle cure for belly fat has really been found, I am going to keep doing what it is I do, but I am going to INCREASE the amount of carbs and calories at breakfast starting today…pay even closer attention to my fiber intake…keep changing up my exercise as much as possible, and try, try, try my hardest to stick to one small glass of red wine. At the end of the day, however, I am going to work on decreasing my calorie intake, especially in the second half of the day. Though I may not have learned anything new watching this episode of Dr. Oz and was as disappointed as the next guy that there isn’t a new miracle cure for belly fat, I was inspired to try a little harder with the tried and true ways to lose that fat.

We will all be more inspired a week from tonight when season 12 of The Biggest Loser premiers. Even though Jillian is gone, I am as excited as ever for a new season of motivation and inspiration. Mark your calendars and set your dvrs!

Senior (it really is suitable for ALL ages) strength training at 11:30 today. Cardio/weights tonight at 6….Stress and stretch reduction at 7. If you are local, I hope to see you at one of those times today. Remember that if you contact me in advance, you are welcome to come be my guest. Wherever you are, find some time to take care of your fitness needs. Remember that if weight loss is your goal, CALORIES are the bottom line. That’s my story and I am sticking to it.

Before I sign off, I want to offer this quote as a gesture to a beautiful young lady and her unborn baby boy in New York who are doing their very best to hold on to life today. I am inspired by this family’s faith and know that while there may be no miracle cure for belly fat, real-life miracles do happen. Hang on like you have never held on before momma and baby. All over the world, we are pulling for you and know how strong you are!

“Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

Sauerkraut is Easy to Make, Great for Your Gut [Kitchen] (lifehacker.com)
You Can Find That You Have To Have Fiber To Lose Weight And For Your State Of Health (ronmedlin.com)

Filed Under: Quotes, Silversneakers, weight loss ·

A Love Affair

August 10, 2011 by bonni Leave a Comment

For those of you who claim to NOT like vegetables, I feel compelled to say that chances are you haven’t given them a chance. I was, for many years, a vegetarian who really didn’t like veggies (except, of course, potatoes!). My mom, who by the way was born on this very day, did try to get us to eat our greens, including salads with most dinners, but most of the veggies I remember eating came from a can. I do remember my mom making frozen spinach and mixing it up with a mashed baked potato. I LOVED that. But, with peas and corn and other vegetables coming from a can, it’s no wonder I thought I didn’t like them. When the kids were growing up, I worked most nights and stocked the freezer with Green Giant mixed vegetables in a pouch. Some of them were not half bad, but the sodium was high and the portions were teeny tiny.

I am sad to admit that it wasn’t really until I began leaning so heavily into a plant-based diet (and no longer worked 4 nights a week!) that I started experimenting with all kinds of vegetables, in all kinds of combinations, cooked all kinds of ways, that I learned I LOVE VEGETABLES!!! For a while I was addicted to grilling eggplant, zucchini and portobello mushrooms. Then, I learned how much stir-frying changes the texture and taste of foods like red cabbage, turning a crunchy somewhat bitter vegetable into a yummy, sweet treat. Who knew kale could become a chip, another delicious treat. Fickle that I am, my new love is roasted vegetables. Any of them. Seriously. I try to buy what’s seasonal (which generally means inexpensive and often locally grown) and try different combinations. The method is always the same. Cut into chunks, mix together with some olive oil (just to coat, not for the vegetables to swim in) and fresh herbs and roast them on a flat tray for anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes depending on the vegetable. My single favorite is eggplant. I highly recommend cutting the eggplant in half first, making some long cuts in the flesh and pouring some salt in about a half hour before cooking time. Then, when all the other vegetables are cut up, I wipe some water (which the salt has brought to the surface) off the eggplant before cutting it and adding it to the bowl. This keeps the eggplant from soaking up all the oil. I like to leave some of the skin on, and peel some off. I often mix it with zucchini, but last night I mixed it with cauliflower-ettes and sweet potatoes. There really is NO end to the choices and throwing in the chunks of sweet potato make it all sweeter and more colorful. Try sweet peppers, sweet onions, brussel sprouts, carrots, yellow squash, tomatoes, garlic or any of the vegetables YOU are more apt to like.

Low in calories, no cholesterol, minimal sodium, high in fluid (great for hydration, so high in vitamins and minerals and anti-oxidants, EVERYONE should revist vegetables and try them again for the very first time. Learning to like YOUR vegetables might just be the key to weight control and wellness! Remember, “if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” You just might find, you, too, develop a love affair.

Happy birthday, mom. I wish you were here so I could make you a delicious and healthy birthday meal. I know how much you would love and appreciate it! We would call it a party, and yes, we could splurge and have some cake, too!

***SilverSneakers students stay tuned to a probable change in the Tuesday 11:30 format of class. In as much as I hoped Yoga would be a great addition to the schedule, the participation is low and we will keep tweaking the format until we figure out what YOU want. It is YOUR workout! Next Tuesday WILL REMAIN YogaStretch, and I will keep you posted at the club and right here at peaceandfitness. com.

Thanks for stopping in. Please share vegetable recipes!!! I can’t get enough. Much love.

Filed Under: health and happiness, Plant-based diet, Recipes, Silversneakers, weight loss ·

The Seeds of Change

“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Still another small group making big news. The food trucks are “piling up,” up tonight and locally they will be gathering from 5-10 pm at 5350 W. Sample Road. Maybe tonight will be the night I finally try the vegan Mac’n truck!

In keeping with the theme of today’s blog, remember that taking one small step can lead to huge change!

Make it a fantastic Friday and as always, thanks for stopping in.

Chick “peace” and Fitness

Wherever you are, make sure to get some peace and some fitness into YOUR day. Your mind and your body will thank you. I thank you for stopping in. Make it a great Monday and a great Columbus Day!

Pasta and Wine?

We will all be more inspired a week from tonight when season 12 of The Biggest Loser premiers. Even though Jillian is gone, I am as excited as ever for a new season of motivation and inspiration. Mark your calendars and set your dvrs!

“Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

A Love Affair

Happy birthday, mom. I wish you were here so I could make you a delicious and healthy birthday meal. I know how much you would love and appreciate it! We would call it a party, and yes, we could splurge and have some cake, too!

Thanks for stopping in. Please share vegetable recipes!!! I can’t get enough. Much love.

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The Seeds of Change

“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Still another small group making big news. The food trucks are “piling up,” up tonight and locally they will be gathering from 5-10 pm at 5350 W. Sample Road. Maybe tonight will be the night I finally try the vegan Mac’n truck!

In keeping with the theme of today’s blog, remember that taking one small step can lead to huge change!

Make it a fantastic Friday and as always, thanks for stopping in.

Related articles

Chick “peace” and Fitness

Wherever you are, make sure to get some peace and some fitness into YOUR day. Your mind and your body will thank you. I thank you for stopping in. Make it a great Monday and a great Columbus Day!

Pasta and Wine?

We will all be more inspired a week from tonight when season 12 of The Biggest Loser premiers. Even though Jillian is gone, I am as excited as ever for a new season of motivation and inspiration. Mark your calendars and set your dvrs!

“Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

Related articles

A Love Affair

Happy birthday, mom. I wish you were here so I could make you a delicious and healthy birthday meal. I know how much you would love and appreciate it! We would call it a party, and yes, we could splurge and have some cake, too!

Thanks for stopping in. Please share vegetable recipes!!! I can’t get enough. Much love.

Recent Posts

Monthly Articles

Categories