Recently I feel like everywhere I go there are new “workouts”. Case(s) and point:

1. The Taxi Cab Workout
I was in a yellow cab a few weeks back on my way to work and the taxi TV came on to show the ultimate “Taxi Cab Workout”. One of the workouts, led by Ali Vincent (the first women to win The Biggest Loser) consists of doing ab holds while sitting in the cab. Here’s the video:

2. The Donkey Booty Workout
This workout is infamous because it sparked a reality TV battle between Phaedra Parks and Kenya Moore. The Donkey Booty workout is supposed to give you a light workout (that won’t mess up your hair) and help you get a “firm, peachy booty”. Here’s a clip of the Donkey Booty workout:

3. Prancercise
This workout really takes the cake- I heard about it from my fiance’s aunt! It was started by Joanna Rohrback and has apparently been around since the ’80s but is just now catching on.  The exercise involves…it’s…you  prance around with ankle weights on. #sideeye See for yourself:

I’m SUPER skeptical about  ”fad” workouts because they seem to use a gimmick to get at the exercise and promise results from fairly minimal effort. (I’m pretty sure Ali Vincent didn’t lose all the weight on the Biggest Loser from doing abdominal holds!) If there’s anything I’ve learned in the course of my fitness journey it’s that making real changes to your body (building muscle, shedding fat, etc) take careful and comprehensive diet/exercise approaches- prancing around ain’t gonna cut it! I think it’s dangerous to sell fitness shortcuts to people when it comes to fitness, especially because most people give up on working out when they don’t see results & fad workouts are the least likely to bring about really changes. In short, I think fad workouts give working out in general a bad name. Or have I just become a total “fitness snob” from doing workout programs like Insanity and LiveFit? You tell me:

Is there a place for fad workouts in the fitness industry or do they do more harm than good?

-CFC

Image from bodybuilding.com

Jamie Eason was kind enough to do an interview with ChicFitChef!! I was lucky enough to ask her a few questions about her pregnancy (congrats Jamie!) and also got some of the questions you guys asked on the CFC Facebook page answered!

Check out the post here on Bodybuilding.com!!

And be on the lookout for more of my posts as a BB.com Contributing Writer!

-CFC

Related articles

• Review of Jaime Eason’s LiveFit 12-Week Trainer (Week 6/Halftime & Big News!!) (chicfitchef.com)

The beautiful bride!

1. Tell us about yourself!

I am a professional, Caribbean-American woman who just 6 months ago, married my best friend and THE love of my life! I also recently turned the big 3-0, which I had been dreading since I turned 20, however, I am finally learning to embrace the aging process, LOL! So far, I must admit that marriage and my 30s have been good to me because I am truly happy! At 30, I am in the absolute BEST shape of my life and I owe it all to my fitness lifestyle, which includes a reasonable diet and daily gym regimen. I am a true gym rat…and proud of it!

2. Have you always been a fit person or did you commit to fitness later on in life?

For most of my life, I have always tried to maintain some type of exercise regimen, but it wasn’t until two and a half years ago, that I decided to enhance my workout schedule and completely eliminate my bad eating habits.

Spring 2008

3. What were your eating/health habits before your weight loss?

My weight gain was slow and gradual throughout most of my 20s. I always believed that I was conscious of my eating habits, but truthfully, nothing was ever off limits. First off, I never ate breakfast, which would cause me to over-eat throughout the day, and at night. I did not portion my meals and I snacked constantly on things like potato chips, cookies, etc… I also ate inordinate amounts of candy everyday. Between the snacks and the larger portions, once I was able to cut those things down (and incorporate additional exercise) my weight loss came naturally.

Spring 2009

4. What motivated you to lose the weight?

For my husband’s (then boyfriend’s) 30th birthday, I decided to surprise him with a trip to Mexico. I had purchased the trip package in mid-June and I was determined to be beach ready by September of that same year. On July 1, 2010, I committed myself to a complete diet and exercise overhaul. By late September, I had dropped 20 pounds! I was so proud of myself because not only did I feel lighter and more youthful, but I was way more confident about my appearance.

5. In total you’ve actually lost 40 lbs through diet and exercise!! That’s a lot of weight to lose- did you set out to lose that much? How did you do it (eg. small steps, big steps, goal setting, drastic measures, etc.)?

In the beginning, I had not set any specific weight loss goals for myself. I just knew that I was unhappy at my current size and needed to lose weight- period. I was very strict about what I ate and I completely cut out sweets and other unnecessary indulgences. I portioned all of my food and I drank a TON of water. I started working out 5 days a week, instead of 3 and my workouts solely consisted of cardio: 30 minutes of high intensity running and twenty minutes on the stepper. In that sense, I was very extreme, but it was something that I was ready to endure because I was sick of feeling the way I did. I was unhappy.

6. Did you change your diet/exercise regimen to get ready for the your wedding day? If so, in what ways?

A year before our wedding, I was down 30 pounds. I wasn’t pressed to lose any additional weight, but I definitely wanted to tone specific areas of my body. In the months before our wedding, I started incorporating sit-ups to my fitness regimen and I also began eating small meals every two hours. By the time of my wedding, I had lost an additional 10 pounds (unintentionally), totaling my weight loss to around 40 pounds.

February 2013

7. How did friends and family influence your journey towards being healthier & losing weight? Were there any people who were supportive/un-supportive?

All of my friends and family have been extremely supportive during my weight loss journey. One of my closest friends decided to lose weight with me. Everyday, we would discuss our eating habits, daily fitness progress and gym routines. We lost the weight together and even today, we continue to obsess over fitness!

8. Yay for fitness friends! So what do you do now to continue to stay fit and healthy?

Today, I continue to maintain a 5-day-a-week workout schedule: 40 minutes of high intensity running (about 4.6 miles/day), 20 minutes on the elliptical and 10 minutes of abs. While I am not nearly as strict with my eating habits, I only indulge in sweets and other junk food on the weekends and during Friday date nights with my husband. During the week, I still continue to eat small meals every 2 hours.

9. What’s the BEST thing about being 40 lbs lighter?!!

The BEST thing, by far, is being able to feel good in my clothing! I never feel bloated or too fat to wear anything! Now, I wear clothes that I would NEVER have considered wearing 40 pounds ago.

10. What advice do you have for someone who is reading this and trying to lose weight?

I encourage everyone to keep realistic goals for yourself and to also stay determined and dedicated to your fitness goals.

11. Anything else you want to add?

I LOVE everything fitness! Thank you for lending me the opportunity to share my weight loss journey.

Am I the only one who can see that confidence? Congrats girl!

(CHECK OUT ANOTHER INTERVIEW!!)

Exercise and sports work wonders for young girls: improving their physical health, giving them self-confidence & making them less susceptible to negative social pressures. Knowing this, the founders of Activyst,  a new active bag company, are using their collection of fashionable sports bags to fund girls sports around the world! Talk about fashion for a purpose! Learn more in this guest FAQ post from Blair Warner, Founder & Strategy Advisor of Activyst! -CFC

Blair Warner, Founder & Strategy Advisor of Activyst

Q: What is Activyst all about?

A: Activyst is an active bag company that supports girls’ sports programs around the world.  We use a partner-focused, project-based funding model, donating a portion of the proceeds from each bag to charitable organizations that provide girls with access to athletics. For instance, our first partner (Soccer Without Borders Nicaragua) currently needs help building a soccer field and supporting a girls’ community center, so we’re donating proceeds from our first batch of bags to address these needs.

Q: Where did the name “Activyst” come from?

A: It’s a combination of what we’re all about–being active, and being a catalyst for change.

Q: How are girls’ sports a catalyst for change?

A: Well, we all know what it feels like to be active–the rush of adrenaline, the team camaraderie, and the sense of accomplishment from achieving a fitness goal. For women, the benefits of being active, and playing sports in particular, are huge. Studies consistently demonstrate that a girl who plays sports is healthier, more educated, happier and more confident. And this trickles down to other parts of society–her children and her community. Stronger girls make for a stronger world. (See more here)

Q: Tell us a little bit about the bags you’ve designed.

A:  The bags are made of macen, used in Activyst’s birthplace of Nicaragua for everything from hammocks, to harvesting coffee, to transporting goods. They’re durable, waterproof, and have all the pockets and storage you could want, so they work for any adventures in your everyday, active life. The Active Bag, for instance, has compartments for your shoes, yoga mat, water bottle, clothes, electronics, and other personal items.

Q: It looks like you have already met your initial funding goal. What’s next?

A: We were so excited to meet our $25,000 goal in the first 3 days of our campaign. Now, we’re shooting to reach $50,000, and will using a portion of the proceeds to support a soccer program in Uganda.

Q: Where can people go to learn more and check out your bags?

A: We’re live now at www.indiegogo.com/activyst. You can read more about our mission and see the bags there, and you can also watch a video that introduces what we’re all about. You can also visit us at:

Website: www.activyst.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/activyst
Twitter: www.twitter.com/activyst
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/activyst
Email: hi@activyst.com

(See another interview!)

Keep Fighting the Good Fight Mike!

Today was supposed to be the start of New York City’s ban on large sugary drinks. The regulation, the brainchild of Mayor Bloomberg, required that any food service business that was regulated by the NYC Department of Health stop selling sugary drinks in servings that are greater than 16 ounces. I did a prior blog post polling you guys to see what you thought and personally was pretty thrilled when I heard that the regulation had been passed and was going to take effect today.

Unfortunately, a NY State Supreme Court judge invalidated the regulation yesterday, claiming that it was “arbitrary and capricious”. As a health/fitness enthusiast AND an attorney, I was pretty dismayed at this outcome. Here’s why I think government should regulate sugar:

1. The health of every individual is a PUBLIC issue.
There is a sense out there that people should be allowed to eat and drink whatever they want. I’ve heard arguments that for the government to step in and regulate what people eat/drink is a violation of people’s freedom and privacy. What’s missing from the discussion about the regulation of sugar is the ways in which over-consumption of sugary foods on an individual level impact the lives of others- personally (parents-children-families-communities) and economically (healthcare costs, insurance). Obesity in the United States has become a serious public health concern- it’s left our homes and affects the insurance programs our jobs offer and the lives of children in our schools. Obesity is a public concern, not just a private set of choices.

2. Creating obstacles to sugar isn’t banning sugar, it’s creating awareness.
Nothing about the NYC soda regulation is an actual “ban” on what you can drink. If someone still wants to drink a serving of soda the size of a Big Gulp, they can just order two of the smaller sizes. It’s my belief that a lot of people drink large amounts of soda without truly thinking about what they are consuming. Also, many sugary drinks are formulated to make you crave more, so if you have a 32oz. drink sitting in front of you, you aren’t going to be as thoughtful about whether you really need to be drinking that much soda. I’ve blogged already about portion control and serving size which are key components to a healthy diet- the large serving size and large sugar content of soft drinks is a dangerous combination that has to be acknowledged. Requiring someone to buy two servings instead of one will raise their eating awareness and perhaps (for some people) change their eating/drinking habits.

3. Sugar is not the enemy, but concentrated sugar served in excess is.
As I mentioned in my previous post on sugar, sugar can come from a lot of different healthy sources. Fruit, for example, has a lot of sugar in it. If you really want a treat, try eating some ice cold grapes- they are yummy & PACKED with fructose! But there’s a fundamental difference between the sugar that you find in fruits & vegetables and the sugar that you find in a large Mountain Dew. The sugar in a lot of these carbonated drinks is highly concentrated simple sugar, the kind that will spike your blood glucose levels, reduce your insulin response over time (leading to Type 2 diabetes) and almost immediately get stored in your body as fat. It’s not good for us and, no matter what “free market” principles are thrown my way, I will always advocate against the sale of it. Regulations like the one proposed by Mayor Bloomberg are a step in the right direction of rooting out what’s become a toxic ingredient in the American diet. -CFC

**What say you? Do you think that government should regulate the sale of sugary drinks? Or do you think such regulation creates a “nanny state”?**

Sarah and Celester post-workout!

1. Tell us about yourselves and how you love birds met! 

Celester:  I am an Actor/Bartender here in New York City. I am also a US ARMY veteran with four years of active duty service and four years National Guard service. I graduated from the American Musical And Dramatic Academy & I have lived in NYC for eight years. I met Sarah at a birthday celebration of an old coworker of mine. The crazy thing is that this coworker lived one street away from me for two years and I had never seen her until 7AM one morning, when I was just riding my bike around! My co-worker then invited me to her birthday party where she couldn’t wait to play matchmaker to me and Sarah. I thought Sarah and I hit it off and have been in quite an interesting dance for three years now.

Sarah: A mutual friend of ours, a fellow actor, introduced us to each other at her birthday party around 3 years ago. I had recently moved from my hometown of San Antonio, Texas and was on my “independent-woman-in-the-big-city” kick. She was trying to play matchmaker, but having just come out of a bad relationship, it was the last thing on my mind. Long story short, I continued with my wild party days and nights, doing my own thing. Les and I stayed in contact over the years and through all of the good, bad and even super low times in my life, he was there for me and helped me regain a sense of self-worth that I had begun to lose. I had developed a total disregard for my self and my body, which was reflected in the way I had been living my life. About a year ago, we began to spend real quality time with each other. Our times together gave me a renewed a new sense of being and purpose to do bigger and better things with my life rather than just party and make selfish, eventually destructive, decisions. I knew this was a man I needed to keep in my life. Things haven’t always been perfect for us and circumstances pulled us apart for a bit, but I guess you could say we both finally realized that we couldn’t live without each other. So, through lots more work and trial and error, here we are now, stronger than ever and both in crazy stupid love and it’s awesome. Nothing worth having isn’t worth fighting for.

2. Aww! You guys have a great love story! So what inspired each of you to start working out?

Celester: I’d hit a low point this year and was able to, for the first time, see my situation from the outside and knew I needed a change. I wanted something that would challenge me to get over this wall that had been built. I was totally unhappy with how I let myself slip away over the course of six years. I lost two brothers within a 6 day period, and at that time I felt like it was a good reason to not care anymore. So from 2006 to early 2012 I did just that. Put on a happy face for everyone while letting myself rot on the inside. I’d made a couple of attempts to change but none of them stuck, my last attempt being a Bikram Yoga challenge in mid January. In February, I had just gotten tired of what I was becoming. I saw a video infomercial with some maniac jumping all around the screen yelling “Let’s GOOOOOOO” and all of these insanely fit looking people passing out during this workout. That maniac was Shaun T, of the Insanity videos. Something about that clicked with me, I saw it as the challenge I craved. I was all in. I started Insanity in March.

Before Insanity

Sarah: I’d always worked out, but in the way most people say they “work out”: Showing up at the gym, walking on the treadmill or doing the elliptical for 30 minutes a day, for three days a week. That was good enough for me. When Les and I became “exclusive” he had told me about Insanity and I just wasn’t into it. But two weeks after he started it, his body started to change. He was getting more confident and just looking better all around, and I definitely took notice. During that time, because of my desire to still “do my own thing”, Les decided we should not be together. So, with a need for vengeance I decided to do what any self-respecting woman would do: MAKE HIM JEALOUS. I had to do Insanity because I needed to look SMOKIN’ HOT next time he crossed my path so he would know exactly what he was missing! So basically, my initial motivation was to spite him. What ultimately developed was me realizing I needed to be in shape and healthy FOR MYSELF. I’d spent the last 3 years of my life drinking and partying my body away and even begun to look and feel a lot older than I actually was. Les took notice of the “new” me and needless to say, we are back together now and working out as a team. It makes all of the difference when you do get healthy for the right reasons.

3. What were your workout goals?

Celester: In the beginning I didn’t even have a specific goal, other than to complete the Insanity program. I felt that completing Insanity was the first step I had to take in the direction of actually taking care of myself.

Sarah: Once I moved beyond my initial vengeful goal of making him jealous, I developed healthier short and long term goals. My short term goals were to lose weight and tone up. Aren’t those everyone’s? But I finally had learned what kind of hard work and dedication it was going to take to achieve something that sounded so simple. Long term, is to be able to maintain a lifestyle of healthy choices (in diet and exercise) in order to be better and stronger every day and for the future.

4. Has being in a relationship with someone who was also works out helped you? Has it ever been challenging?

Celester: To be honest, the fact that we can even work out together is awesome. Sarah’s mental fortitude when it comes to working out is so great that she is game for whatever workout I have planned when we actually do work out together. She’s a monster and very competitive which makes me stay on my “A” game. That part is amazing. Also, we are all adults here, so one of the ultimate benefits of being workout partners is the ridiculous amount of energy we have…I will leave it at that. For me, the challenges are our schedules and the distance we live apart from each other. But as much as we DO love to work out together, it does take up time and so we have to be mindful to keep working out together from being the only thing we do.

After Insanity!

Sarah: IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. It’s the best accountability you can have. I have to wake up every day and choose to make good eating decisions and to get up and workout because it honestly doesn’t really get easy, ever. But it becomes FUN, EXCITING, and at the very least something to look forward to, when you have someone who will get up with you and push you when you don’t feel like pushing. We play off each other really well. We also have different approaches to workouts, he’s great with speed and intensity and I do well with form and endurance, so with our strengths combined, we are a pretty sweet team! It is also helpful when we go out in social circles because we can both sip on some seltzer water and still feel like a part of the party without having to get drunk with everyone else. It’s just nice having someone in your corner with the same drive and desire for a healthy life as you. It makes the hard choices so much easier. The only challenge is challenging each other to do better, and I love that.

6. Celester, there’s a lot of pressure for a woman to “keep herself up” in a relationship. Do you expect Sarah to “keep herself up” for you? In general, do you agree with the idea that a woman should “keep herself up” for her significant other? Do you think men feel this pressure too?

Celester: Good questions. I had never given it much thought. I honestly hope Sarah continues to keep herself up for herself. I totally disagree with the notion of having to “keeping one’s self up” for a mate. If that is someone else’s motivation then fine. I do have a friend that got Insanity because she promised her boyfriend that when he saw her again that she would be in shape, and that was her sole reason for getting it. Hopefully that person will eventually care enough about herself to want to be fit, for herself. When I decided to change my reckless lifestyle, one thought that was nonexistent was “let me get in shape cause Sarah would like it.” I wish more couples did work out together though. I believe it is a huge deal. I have had quite a few friends ask me how could they get their significant other to work out with them, even if it’s something as simple as taking a walk. It is a shame when one mate is involved in physical activities when the other is not. Potentially one partner could become dissatisfied with and resent the other. Working out together can be fun and I firmly believe that all couples should find a way to incorporate fitness into their lives.

7. Sarah, as a woman, there’s a lot of pressure to “keep yourself up” for your significant other. Do you think it’s more important to look good for yourself than for Celester? Equally important?

Sarah: I believe it is 1,000,000 times more important to keep myself up and look good for ME. I can only be my best for him when I am my best for myself first. Worst case scenario, he won’t always be around and I will have no one to answer to other than myself. When I workout and am in shape, I simply feel more confident and beautiful, and I reflect that. People are drawn to that. I do believe he will love me for me, no matter how I look (like he did for those 2.5 years before!) but why would I not want to keep myself right and tight for him? Not only do I deserve it for myself, I want to please my man and show that I care about myself enough to look good! It’s really a reflection of how much you care about yourself.

8. You’re both Beachbody Coaches! Tell us about your individual work as a coach.

Celester: I feel that I have been an “unofficial” Beachbody coach from the moment I started telling any and everyone that would listen how effective Insanity was and how it was not only helping me get fit, but changing how I felt about myself. People would see my progression and results and want to know how to get involved. So the natural progression was to make it official. I am still very new and finding my place in the Beachbody world. I have only been a Beachbody coach for 2 months, but I am finding my own approach in showing people how awesome it is to be able to totally transform themselves and be fit all from the privacy from their own homes, with no expensive, fancy gyms needed. I am obviously a walking billboard for “Hey, This stuff works – - Maybe you should try it”!

Sarah: I have only been a coach just short of 2 months now too, but have truly enjoyed the new challenges it brings. I now have a responsibility to stay in shape and healthy for my clients, not just for myself anymore. That added responsibility is another great motivation I need some days when I am feeling lazy. I decided to take the plunge to turn my new fitness lifestyle into a business because I was seeing how much influence and inspiration my transformation had on so many of my friends, family and even strangers from all over. People kept telling me they want what I have and I love sharing the tools and knowledge I have gained over the past few months. I feel I am successful because I am 100% a product of the product. And it’s a product that can actually positively affect and change someone’s life. This is a great avenue to be able to do something I have become so passionate about.

9.  Thank you both so much for sharing your story. Is there anything else either of you would like to add?

To contact us, “like” Beachbody Coach Celester and Beachbody Coach Sarah on Facebook and send us a message!

** Are you trying to stay fit while being in a relationship? Is your partner supportive? Do you think that it’s reasonable for a significant other to expect a certain level of fitness from you? **

Is this a rollerskating date? How cute are they?!

Do you know what today is? It’s our blog-iversary! (Tony! Toni! Toné! voice)

It’s official! ChicFitChef.com has been around and kicking for a full year now! I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has supported the blog by participating in the giveaways, commenting on posts and building the Facebook community on the CFC Facebook page!

I’d like to keep the blog growing, so please take the time to let me know what you’d like to see more of on the blog (write-in votes are welcome)!

Blog-iversary Survey

Here’s to Year 2!
-CFC

Sorry folks, but this is not my wedding dress!

I’m not sure if I mentioned this in a previous post, but I’ll be getting married this year! <shriek!> I’m super excited; I’m marrying a wonderful man and it’s going to be a beautiful day! But I have to admit, planning for the big day can be overwhelming!! (I assure you, I could write a whole other blog on the topic! lol) Instead, I’ll focus on just one of the most overwhelming (but fun!) parts of my wedding planning journey: the search for THE dress. 

Thankfully I’m posting this after already finding my dress. I found it, I fell in love with it and that was “all she wrote”! ♥ And also thankfully, I found her (yes, I have personified my dress lol) relatively quickly. But I thought I’d post about my journey to get to my dress & all the weight worries/body issues that the search provoked for me along the way.

1. A Silhouette Can Make or Break You

My search began online. My sister prodded me to look at different sites (NY Magazine has a lookbook of over 100 dresses in all different price ranges) and a few of my trusted girlfriends pointed me in the direction of some great ideas.  It was then that I encountered my first wedding dress decision: choosing the silhouette.

There are many wedding dress silhouettes: mermaid, trumpet, sheath, etc. (Here’s a quick link on silhouettes, in case you’re curious.) The silhouette of a dress can truly make or break your whole look- for example, if you’re top-heavy (like I am), you may want to avoid an empire cut because you’ll look like you’re expecting! And you also have to think about your wedding day; if you plan on dancing it out, you might want a silhouette that allows for that freedom of movement. If you plan to be sitting on a cloud with your groom all night, then maybe a more figure-hugging dress will do.

Decisions decisions! I knew nothing about dress silhouettes going into shopping so I was nervous about picking the right silhouette. Like I said, I’m pretty top-heavy, so I knew I wanted something that would tame the “girls” and balance out my figure. But I’m also petite (under 5’3) , so I wanted something that would lengthen my torso and make me appear taller. What was a girl to do?

My best advice: Try on dresses with different silhouettes. Try, try try! You never know what will happen; a shape that you were in love with might make you look too busty or a silhouette that you never considered might rock your world. I found myself loving the trumpet style of dress and that’s ultimately what I ended up choosing.

2. Wedding Dress Sizing Is Cray & That’s Why You Get Alterations 

So I’m in the dressing room about to try on a dress that says ‘size 4′ on it. I’m usually a 4 or a 6 so I was totally fine with that sizing choice. But as I pulled the dress up over my waist it was a bit snug! Mortified, I immediately turned to the bridal assistant to ask about the sizing.

“Oh this is the runway model of the dress, so it’s actually more like a 0,” she said. Then, unfazed, she snapped on a few clips (you can kind of see one in the photo above at my side) to close the dress and let me have a look.

Meanwhile I’m thinking, um excuse me? Silly me, I thought that wedding dress sizing would be the same as regular dress sizing! I wish I’d known the deal before I started questioning my own body!!

So that’s another lesson I learned; forget about wedding dress sizing! Alterations are a great way to make sure the dress fits you to a tee- so don’t worry about the crazy wedding dress size tag.

3. Fabric Can Add Weight -or Subtract It

I don’t know much about fabrics, but I learned a little bit about how they can make your body look (and feel) when it comes to a wedding dress. Silk, organza, chiffon, lace- they all fall differently and, depending on the construction, can look very different on your body. I also learned a little bit about beading, rouching and “pick ups”- all can impact your look and also add weight or lightness.

I’m getting married in the summer, so I wanted something light and flowy for the big day. So right away, I knew that beading was out. I also know that I plan to dance it out at my wedding, so again, I wanted a light fabric that would have some movement. So knowing these things I was able to choose a dress that suited my needs more easily. Be sure to think about your day holistically as you make a decision about what fabric, embellishments and overall construction you want your dress to have.

So…which dress did I choose? Sorry, you’ll have to wait for wedding pics to find out! And now that I have “her”, I’ve got to make sure I still fit into “her” when the fittings begin, so I’ll keep you guys posted on that journey too.  -CFC

SHARE: what has your experience been going wedding dress shopping (for yourself or for a friend)? Were you concerned about your weight? How did you decide which dress would flatter you best?

Here’s to the first CFC interview of 2013!

Remember last year’s Spotlight Thursday where I interviewed a friend-turned-yoga instructor on yoga for weight loss and wellness? Well I thought it would also be great to have a fit friend share her experiences as a student of yoga practice! Read on to learn about how yoga helped my friend reach a higher state of fitness and mental focus!

astavakrasana

1. Tell us about yourself! 

I am a 27-year-old lawyer. My first job out of law school was as an associate at a large firm in NYC, which was awesome minus being perpetually sleep deprived. Currently, I’m clerking for a federal judge in Washington, D.C. On a more personal note, I am an avid NFL fan (go Broncos!), and I can barely go a week without shopping. And I am a big fan of fitness!

2. Were you a fit person growing up or did you stumble into it later on in life?

Good question! My parents had to kind of push me into physical activities when I was younger, because I was such a book-worm (and I still am). I tried a lot of different things for various periods of time: ballet, traditional Mexican dance (that’s a story for another day), karate, swimming, roller skating. My dad would have loved for me to play soccer or tennis but, as a child, I was extremely uncoordinated. In seventh grade, though, I found basketball and track, and discovered my inner athlete. Both sports were a huge part of my identity growing up, and laid the foundation for my dedication to fitness as an adult.

Pushing to the limit on the track

3. What was your first yoga experience?

The first time I tried yoga was about six years ago, during my senior year of college. I sustained a number of stress fractures in my spine when I was 18, which led me to quit the track team at the very beginning of my sophomore year. And I not only had to quit the team, but also stop engaging in high impact exercise for several months. By the time I got back into exercising regularly, I was pretty addicted to the elliptical machine which, while effective, could get pretty boring. I wasn’t ready to try weight training again just yet, but I decided to mix things up by doing a yoga workout that I found in a magazine. It was a quick 20 minute routine that I did in my dorm room, and it was a lot of fun. I am so happy that I tried something new, because now yoga is a big part of my fitness routine, and I can’t imagine my life without it.

utpluthih

4. You live a pretty busy lifestyle. How do you find time for yoga?

It’s like anything else that is important — I make time. I have found that I am more focused and effective at my job when I make a conscious effort to take time out of every day for myself. Sometimes that means I go for a run, or go to church, and a few days a week, it means that I hit the mat. It is a huge stress reliever and is a good balance to work and life.

eka hasta bhujasana

Well, I practice yoga for a few reasons. First, like I said before, it is a form of stress relief. Second, it has also been a way for me to check in with myself. If I have a big decision to make, or if I’m confused about a legal issue, I can usually think through things more clearly after taking time to practice. Because I have to focus on my body and my breathing when I practice, everything else kind of goes silent, and I think that the mental break I get is key to being able to tackle problems once I’m off the mat. Third, I love the physical strength that comes from consistent practice. I know a lot of people look at yoga as an “easy” form of exercise, but not all yoga is easy! Finally, and I would be remiss to leave this out, yoga has helped me maintain a body weight and image that I’m happy with. Yogis are hot!

Balancing Ardha Chandrasana

6. What kind of yoga do you practice? Why did you choose that type of yoga?

The general form of yoga that I practice is called vinyasa yoga, or “flow” yoga, which focuses on connecting your breathing with your movement between postures. My current yoga instructor takes us through 75 minutes of really intense power yoga in a heated studio.

I practiced Bikram yoga consistently for about a year, and I still do every once in awhile. Bikram involves a set series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. The classes are 90 minutes long, and take place in humid studios heated to about 105 degrees.

Next on my list to try is Ashtanga yoga. A good friend (who is herself a yoga instructor and a lawyer) told me that she thinks I will love it. I’m always up for learning something new, and so I can’t wait to find an Ashtanga teacher!

Backbend

7. Do you have any advice for someone who is curious about practicing yoga?

Yes — just get out there and do it! If you’re a member of a gym, see if there are any yoga classes there; they are often included in your membership at no extra charge. Outside of gyms, there are a ton of studios that offer free classes to beginners. If you’re nervous, find a friend and set up your mats next to each other.

Most teachers will ask at the beginning of class, but definitely let the teacher know that it’s your first time, and whether you have any injuries. The vast majority of teachers are super nice, and will take the time to explain the postures in more detail and help guide you through it. That said, don’t give up if you’re not into your first class! It might be that you don’t gel with the teacher, or maybe you’re having an off day. I would give it a few classes before throwing in the towel.

Lastly, don’t be put off if you’re not flexible, or if you don’t think you have a “yoga body.” Yoga is absolutely for everyone of any shape, size, or fitness level. As you get more comfortable, it will get easier for you.

halasana

Do you practice yoga for fitness or for mental focus? I can personally say that I’ve only tried yoga a few times, but when I did I was pleasantly surprised by the workout! What about you? Share your experiences in the comments below! -CFC

As many of you have probably heard by now, the NYC Marathon was cancelled last night by Mayor Bloomberg, given intense public pressure to focus NYC resources on Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Over 40,000 runners were set to participate in the race, so I thought it would be worth it to hear what they thought about the cancellation- immediately after it happened. So I went to the Jacob Javits Center Marathon Expo (where runners were supposed to go to pick up their racing materials) and asked them:

Do you think it was fair that NYC cancelled the Marathon this year? Check out their reactions -some of which may shock you! 

NOW YOU SOUND OFF: Do you think it was fair to cancel the Marathon in light of Hurricane Sandy? Do you think the Marathon would have been good for the city & should have gone on? How could the cancellation have been done better/differently? 

-CFC

Related articles

• Mayor Bloomberg Stands Alone, Doubles Down on NYC Marathon With a Nod to 9/11 (nymag.com)
• NYC Marathon is canceled following storm damage (thenewstribune.com)
• Outrage grows over decision to run NYC marathon (cbsnews.com)

Chef Ivy Stark, Corporate Executive Chef to all Dos Caminos Restaurants

I got an email a while back from Dos Caminos (the gods must have been smiling on me!) about a small cooking demo that would be taking place in honor of Mexican Independence Day. The demo was being led by none other than the Corporate Executive Chef, Ivy Stark. Just my luck!! Not only would I get a chance to eat delicious and well-prepared Mexican food, I’d also be able to interview Ivy about her experience as a chef, the healthiness of Mexican food and how to stay fit in the world of food (you knew I was going to ask for an interview, right? )! Read on to learn about Ivy & how Mexican food is one of the best blends of tasty and healthy!

CFC: So first, thanks for taking the time to do this interview! As you know, the name of my blog is called ChicFitChef and it’s about health and food and fitness with a little bit of fashion mixed in…

Chef Ivy: I love the name of your blog! ChicFitChef that’s awesome! As a chef, you have to wear a uniform, so it’s hard to be unique and chic and a chef at the same time. But I like fashion as much as any other girl!

CFC: Thanks! So tell us how you came to be the Corporate Exec Chef to all Dos Caminos restaurants?!

Chef Ivy: Well I’ve always loved Mexican cooking. I grew up in Colorado there’s a large Latin population there so there are some very good Mexican restaurants there and my parents are adventurous diners. So we were eating at really good Mexican restaurants when I was a little little kid. And we also took all of our family vacations in Mexico. Close, not expensive. So I just got really introduced into the culture at a really really young age and fell in love with it. So it just seemed natural I always liked to cook and so when the time came to make a decision about what I was going to do professionally it just fell together.

CFC: So how long have you been at Dos Caminos?

Chef Ivy: I’ve been at Dos Caminos for almost 10yrs.

CFC: Wow! And I know you also have a book, which we received at the demo.

Chef Ivy: Yes, it concentrates on street food and things that I’ve tasted traveling around through Mexico. Some of [the recipes] have been “Dos Camino-ized” and made a little more modern and contemporary and some of them are strictly authentic so a little bit of both. [Check out the book here!]

CFC: So one of the stereotypes of Mexican food is that it can’t be healthy. That it’s got to be heavy and greasy…what’s your take on this?

Chef Ivy: This is such a huge frustration for me because (a) it’s absolutely not true and (b) it’s been something that I- part of the reason why I teach classes is because I want to get the word out there that you can eat very healthily and eat Mexican food. People forget that there are thousands of miles of coast line on Mexico and many of the regions are fish-heavy in the diet and so they’re eating some fish and vegetables and rice. Those heavy, melty, cheesy dishes are also an American invention; you don’t see those in the interior of Mexico at all. You’ll see some fresh cheese sprinkled on something, the equivalent being like a ricotta or a farmer’s cheese sprinkled on a salad. A lot of salads are eaten and a lot of cactus –which is super healthy. They do eat a lot of meat, but it’s generally a meat and a sauce. This whole greasy cheesy thing is not authentic at all.

CFC: That’s so funny because that’s cheesy-greasy is what people link together with Mexican food. You see Taco Bell on TV and think “oh okay, that’s what Mexican food is.”

Chef Ivy: It’s not even close. Taco Bell does some funny, interesting things- those Dorito, taco shells are hilarious, but it’s not a good representation of authentic cuisine.

CFC: So here’s a more personal question. You’re surrounded by delicious food all the time. How do you stay healthy and stay aware of what you’re eating? Is it a challenge for you at all?

Chef Ivy: The only challenge for me is that I have a sweet tooth! So it’s so easy for me to walk behind there and scoop myself out a scoop of ice cream! Will power is my only challenge. But a lot of the tasting I do is a lot of small tastes and when I’m eating a meal in the afternoon, often I’ll eat something like our fish tacos that are very light. So I feel like it’s an advantage; I have [access to] this giant pantry of fish and chicken and meat and vegetables and I can eat anything I want so I can grill myself a piece of chicken and have some spinach with it. And I’m a runner too, so that’s how I get exercise.

CFC: So fine dining in New York City. Places like Dos Caminos and Rouge Tomate, who I’ve also featured on the blog, and who are members are the Green Restaurant Association. What do you think that restaurants like these could and should be doing to make fine dining healthier?

Chef Ivy: Well certainly, using fresh ingredients, fresh vegetables, which we do here; there’s nothing here that comes in cans, nothing is frozen everything is fresh and comes in every day. And lighter cooking methods, like grilling. We don’t use a lot of butter, it’s not typical in Mexican food, except perhaps in the baking so things are cooked in a little vegetable oil which is not bad for you-

CFC: Just to stop you there for one second, vegetable oil vs olive oil. I feel like there’s this idea in people’s heads that olive oil is healthier than vegetable oil. Is that true?

Chef Ivy: Probably raw. Cooked it doesn’t make any difference, ‘cause cooking takes away any additional nutrients. I believe that olive oil has more of the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats- the good fats than a strict vegetable oil does. However for cooking vegetable oil is just as clean but if you’re gonna make a salad dressing, use an olive oil.

CFC: Thanks for clearing that up! So back to fine dining being healthier…

Chef Ivy: Fresh ingredients and fresh produce prepared with healthy methods. I mean you know, we all want some french fries every once in awhile, but I think being conscious of the amount of butter use and I think that’s changed a lot over the last I’d say, 10yrs- before everything had butter poured all over it and cooked in it and there’s a place for that but I think people want something healthier now, I think that’s where we’re at now. We [at Dos Caminos] are moving to on our vegetable quesadilla a whole wheat tortilla and that’s gone over really well. And I know it’s what I would want if I were going to a Mexican restaurant in addition to it tasting better.

CFC: Is there any advice you have for people who are dining out who are also diabetic and trying to be conscious about what they’re eating?

Chef Ivy: Well certainly they should look for the wheat flour. Especially in sauces- I would ask. Sugar is  not unheard of in a sauce, especially a French sauce so I would just be aware of asking. Look for things that are simply prepared with not a lot of sauce.

CFC: So you said that you have an interest in fashion/style as a chef! Tell me more!

Chef Ivy: I don’t wear the typical chef coat. I have the coats made so that they’re a little bit more interesting. And they’re feminine, it’s not all button-ed up, it has a V-neck which is more flattering, so I sort of express that interest a little bit as much as I can to the extent that I can. And when I’m not at work, I’m super in to  fashion. I love all the Japanese designers like Yochi Yamamoto and Comme des Garçons and all of those sort of avant garde designers. Love it, can’t get enough of it!

CFC: Well those were all of my questions. Do you have anything else you want to add?

Chef Ivy: Well I just want to reiterate the point that what we serve is really wholesome and healthy and you have to make your own judgments about what you’re eating. If you’re going to eat a Mahi taco on corn tortillas you’re eating a really wholesome and healthy dish. You can’t have french fries with it everyday though! <laughs> So don’t be afraid of Mexican food, you could eat it everyday and still maintain a really healthy diet.

CFC: Cool! Thanks for taking the time.

Chef Ivy: You’re welcome. Oh and come to our cooking classes!

*** You can check out what I learned at one of the Dos Caminos cooking classes on the CFC Youtube channel!! Movin’ on up guys!  ;-) ***

-CFC

Smokin’!

1. Tell us about yourself!

Growing up in Hawaii I have always been active and outdoors be it playing soccer, running track, cross country, or beach activities. After high school I moved to San Diego and worked at a gym as a fitness manager for 5 years. After that, I moved to Bloomington, Indiana to go to college, and 3 years ago I moved to Manhattan to start my career in Finance.

2. Tell us about the competition that you recently participated in. Is it the same as a traditional bodybuilding competition? How are contestants judged?

The competition I participated in was by Fitness America and is similar to a traditional bodybuilding competition where contestants go on stage to show their physique and is judged on various criteria based off their category. This was my first time ever being on stage, and I was in the model and bikini category. As for the judging, it varies depending on which category a contestant is in. Contestants are judged individually and in group comparisons. For all fitness shows or bodybuilding competitions, in the (i) bodybuilding round contestants are judged on muscle mass, in the (ii) figure round contestants are judged on athleticism of physique with little muscularity, in the (iii) bikini round contestants are judged on feminine and fit condition, and in the (iv) model round contestants are judged on photogenics and personality. You can learn more about the judging rules for the show I did (and for the other categories) here: Fitness America: Ms. Bikini America

 3. How did you get involved in the competition? What motivated you to begin training?

My New Year’s resolution was to get back into shape, so I hired a personal trainer to motivate me and hold me accountable to reach my goal. I saw tremendous results with him and decided to push it to another level and compete. Doing a fitness competition has been something I wanted to do for a while since back when I worked at a gym, so to be up on stage and in such great shape was a dream come true!

 4. What was your training regimen in preparation for the show?

My contest preparation started 12 weeks out from the show and I lifted weights 3 times a week with my personal trainer William Gregory at the Grand Central Equinox, and did cardio classes (like spinning) 3 times a week. The 12 weeks was broken down by each month as a phase, with an additional peak-week phase for the last week:

Phase 1: During the first month, my workouts involved heavy weight training 3 times a week, 30 minutes of cardio 2-3 times a week, clean eating 5-6 meals a day, and supplements (fat burner, CLA, glutamine, BCAA, green tea extract). During this phase the focus was mostly on building/maintaining muscles.

Phase 2: The second month involved moderate weights 3 times a week, and increased cardio from 30 min to 45 minutes 3-5 times a week. I started stage posing and walking practice with my posing coach Holly Goodwin, who is also a trainer at Equinox. She taught me how to do the bikini stage walk and posing turns, as well as taught me what the judges would be looking for. During this phase, the focus was mostly on maintaining my muscle tone and shredding fat. To do this, I also did the Dave Palumbo Keto diet halfway into this 2nd phase. Here’s two sample diets from the Palumbo Keto diet for a 140 lb Female (alternate 1 day on DIET #1, and 2 days on DIET #2, and then repeat.):

Diet #1
Meal #1 – 12 egg whites
Meal #2 – 40g whey protein
Meal #3 – 6oz chicken with 1-cup asparagus or green beans
Meal #4 – 6oz white fish (fluke, flounder, sole, ect.) With a green salad with vinegar & mustard (no olive or macadamia nut oil)
Meal #5 – 35g whey protein or 12 egg whites

Diet #2
Meal #1 – 2 whole (omega-3) eggs with 6 egg whites
Meal #2 – 35g whey protein with 1 tablespoon all natural peanut butter
Meal #3 – 6oz chicken with 1/4-cup (1oz) cashew nuts, almonds, or walnuts (vary it)
Meal #4 – 6oz salmon, swordfish, or red meat with a green salad (no tomatoes, red peppers, or carrots) with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or mac nut oil and vinegar
Meal #5 – 35g whey with 1 tablespoon all natural peanut butter or 2 whole (omega-3) eggs with 6 white

Phase 3: The third month of competition prep involved light to moderate weights 3 times a week, increased cardio to 60 minutes 6 times a week (with 2-3 times of fasted cardio in the morning), and continuation of Keto diet. The last week in this phase was where I did a “water load” by consuming 1-2 gallons of water a day for 3 days, and then water depleted up to the day of the show.

5. Wow this sounds super intense!! How did you feel about your body before you began training for the show? How do you feel about your body now?

Before the show I felt my body was a bit out of shape. Not fat, but I would say more like skinny fat. As far as how I feel about my body now, I feel amazing! I lost 15lbs, 10% body fat, and 2 dress sizes in 6 months. I have so much more energy and confidence, and can see my abs! Getting here took a lot of patience, consistency, pain tolerance, and of course hard work. Every bit of sweat, early morning workouts, and sacrifice is more than worth it at the end! Here are my before and after pics:

Before & After Photos

 6. What diet & workout techniques did you learn in the process for training for the show that you didn’t know about before?

I learned that being on high protein diet helps you protect and keep the muscles you build from lifting in the gym. It’s essential to eat a lot of protein; at least around 1 gram per body pound each day. Muscles are the engines for burning fat so more muscles you have, the more fat you will burn even while not working out.

I also learned that tracking my foods was the most effective “diet-wise” because it made me aware of what I was consuming and taught me about nutrition. Not only did it help educate me with how many calories, carbs, protein, and fats I was eating, but also helped me plan my meals for the remainder of the day based off my caloric intake limit. Tracking my foods at times was a bit tedious, however it was extremely effective when I was doing it.

Muscle symmetry!

7. Okay so dish! Tell us about the outfits & styling involved for the competition! Did the styling/fashion component effect what muscles you trained before the show? If so, how?

The fun part of this competition in the model and bikini class was that there were themed rounds. Evening wear, athletic wear, sports wear, swimwear are a few of them. Below are 4 of my different looks for the show including outfits showcasing: (i) athletic wear, (ii) patriotic-inspired style, (iii) custom bikini and (iv) Hula girl. The fashion component did affect what muscles I trained. My trainer focused a lot of my lifting on hamstrings and gluteus with a lot of squats, lunges, and dead lifts.

8. Do you think that your experience training for the show has changed the way you view dieting and exercising going forward? Are there any diet/exercise techniques that you plan to continue with even though the competition is over?

My experience training has definitely changed how I view diet and exercise. I learned most people in general over-consume food and you really don’t need much to feel satisfied. Sauces and dressings generally add a lot of calories to a food so I now stay away from them and request food to be cooked dry and always with dressing on the side. I try to never feel famished, and never feel full. I am always snacking on food throughout the day and try to keep it high protein and low carbs. It’s really a matter of finding the right balance with quality and quantity when it comes to food. Overall, I learned that it takes consistency, hard work, patience, and pain tolerance to really transform your body.

9. For readers who might be considering competing in a show like yours in the future, do you have any advice? And what advice do you have for readers who are gym newbies?

For those of you who are considering competing in a show, I would recommend attending a show in person to know what to expect. Read a lot of articles, follow blogs of professional and other competitors, and hire a personal trainer if you can. Pick a show in your local area that is 12-16 weeks away and make that one of your top priorities in your life to focus on. Training will take a lifestyle change and expect to make sacrifices. Surround yourself with likeminded healthy people who will motivate and support your goal.

As for the gym newbies, know that it is essential that you learn good form when lifting to prevent injury, as this is the building block for other workouts. Take your time, be consistent, and know that muscle soreness after working out is a good thing as it indicates your body is transforming. I would also recommend setting a reoccurring reminder in your calendar of your goal, as well as taking a before photo. As for diet, at first you really don’t need to change much of what you currently are eating, but just start tracking the individual nutritional components of the food. Doing this will make you more knowledgeable about what you are consuming and from there you can tailor your foods.

 10. Anything else you’d like to add?

It took 3 months of working out regularly before I saw significant results, and then it all came off and my body transformed tremendously from 3-6 months. Just be patient and consistent and you will see results. If you have a bad week, or miss a few workouts, just get back on track and don’t beat yourself up about it. Fitness is not a hobby, it’s a lifestyle!

SHARE: What do you think of Jen’s incredible transformation? What do you think about fitness-focused beauty contests?

Check out another CFC Interview here!

Dennis Sheehan, Founder of Diatize & his girlfriend Reverie Santos

1. Tell us about yourself!

I am a 42 yr old, Type 2 diabetic living in East Harlem. I am a trained chef and graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in 1990. I have worked in kitchens from Florida to Wyoming to NYC. I have a 15-yr old son Matthew and I’m deeply in love with my girlfriend and inspiration, Reverie Santos (pictured above). We have two dogs, Reese and Pepper. I love to eat and I love to cook. I love to jog and just took up golf (it’s sooo addicting!) I read many exercise magazines and I’m learning more and more everyday about my body and how it responds to exercise.

2. What is your health story?

In December of 2007 I suffered a mild heart attack and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. My blood sugar was 555 mg/dL (a normal blood sugar range is ~70-130 mg/dL). My doctor asked me: “How are you even alive right now?”

I was then given a copy of a diet from 1955 that suggested a snack should be 1.5 of a Lorna Dune cookie! I told the doctor: “If I could eat just 1.5 of a Lorna Dune cookie and stop, I wouldn’t be here!” I didn’t have health insurance when I was diagnosed and was overwhelmed at the money I needed for a blood glucose monitor, strips and lancets. I was depressed for the next six months. I would cry at night and I threw myself one hell of a pity party. I weighed 285 lbs and went to the gym and was so embarrassed that I stayed away for a while.

Then I started to think about fighting this disease and how I wanted to live a long life. I wanted to make a change in my life. Rev, my girlfriend, would tell me “You are a chef. Go create foods that are healthy and tasty.” So I did. I cut out all the “whites”. White flour, white bread, pasta, sugars, sweets etc. Eating my veggies, I used fresh herbs and made different pestos, which really added flavor. My healthy meals became more tasty and I wanted to eat them.

Turkey Burger w Sage Pesto, Grilled Portobello & Sweet Potato Fries

I started going to the gym, not caring how I looked to others because I had to save my life. I started running and lifting weights. I ran a 5K race (couldn’t believe I did it!). I was running on air for the first 2 kilometers. Then came the hills and I was going to walk, but I knew Rev was waiting for me at the finish line so I kept running. When I saw her there and I crossed, I hugged her so tight and just cried…it was one of the most emotional and gratifying moments in my life.

I am now down to 214 lbs and controlling my blood glucose through exercise and healthy eating.

3. Wow, congratulations! So tell us about Diatize. How does it differ from other diabetic-friendly meal options?

Diatize is a non-profit that offers culinary advice and meals geared toward Type 2 diabetics and those wanting to eat healthier. The difference between us and other diabetic-friendly meal options, is that we are cost-effective, tastier and more realistic; meaning real portion sizes, real flavors and food that’s cooked with love and passion. Eventually we hope to have an online order and delivery system for all. We need to get authorized by the FDA to accept WIC and SNAP (food stamps) so that customers at all income levels can buy our products.

Diatized Tilapia Tapenade

4. What is your main goal in creating Diatize?

Our dream is to have an all around wellness center in lower-income areas. We want to have an exercise center geared towards people who are overweight and making it comfortable and fun so they keep coming back. We want to have the online ordering of food and also a sit-down restaurant so they could order the food, workout and then pick up the food for the day. We think that having a support group is paramount in helping others. I wish I had someone to help me and talk to in those first six months after being diagnosed with diabetes. We will have group discussions and peer groups to support each other. I know it seems very ambitious but we will get it done! We will have cooking demos and have “Iron Chef ” type competitions with prizes for the winner. We also want to have a TV show where we DIATIZE someones kitchen!

5. You’re located in East Harlem. Are there any specific challenges that you think people who live in Harlem face when it comes to healthy eating? Diabetic-friendly eating?

I go to a supermarket in East Harlem and the produce variety and freshness sucks, if you go a couple blocks downtown where people who make more money live, you can get whatever you like and you better believe it is the best quality. Why the disparity? You tell me. It’s all about money. Walk down 3rd Ave along East 101-105 Streets and it’s McDonalds, Burger King, KFC and Dunkin Donuts (Taco Bell is also coming). If you are a single mom or parent, making $28,000/year and you get off work, what are you going to buy for dinner? In that situation, a 20 piece Chicken McNugget Meal for $4.99 makes sense. That has to change and it will. Fruit and veggie stands are also poorly setup and all the produce is old. We have to have people change the way they think about food. We need to make eating a “family act” and get involved.

6. What can we expect next from Diatize?

We have put a temporary halt on operations for a short while. We are focusing on winning a proposal for a location in the Bronx. It is perfect for Diatize and should be the launching pad for many more Diatize locations to come. Please check out our website for more details: www.diatize.com.

7. Anything else you’d like to add?

Diatize: changing the world one meal at a time.

Dennis’ New “Diatized” Body! Go Dennis!

* Have you heard of Diatize? What did you think of Dennis’ inspiring story and Diatize’s mission? * -CFC

Check out another CFC Spotlight Thursday Interview!

Dr. Kevan Herold

1. Thanks so much for doing this interview! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was trained as an endocrinologist and an immunologist. My original immunology training
involved investigations in mouse immunology since much of our understanding of basic
immunology comes from these systems. However, the ultimate goal of my work has been to use the information from rodent studies to develop treatments for human Type 1 diabetes which I have done for the past decade. In addition, I work as an endocrinologist seeing patients in the out and inpatient settings.

2. You have a unique perspective on diabetes because you are a medical expert who is himself diabetic. Can you tell us about your own diabetes diagnosis? How did you learn to manage the disease when you were newly diagnosed? 

I had just gone away to college – a few weeks after high school ended when I developed
symptoms and began to lose a great deal of weight. I was eventually hospitalized in diabetic
ketoacidosis – not a great way to start the first term at college. When I left the hospital, I still could not read from the hyperglycemia effect on the lens and so I had to start recording my classes on tape and then going back through the lectures until I could read.

Adjusting to the food at school was quite a challenge. Fortunately, at my school there was a very good nutrition department that had characterized the food that was being served in the dorms. Treatment was simpler but not nearly as good as it is today. You took 1 injection, maybe 2 of NPH insulin, perhaps with some regular insulin, and the only way to monitor things was with urine testing. You only knew of hypoglycemia when you had symptoms.

3. Wow, that sounds like a tough experience! For readers who don’t know, can we go back to basics for a second? What is diabetes? What are the different types and what differentiates them from each other?

Diabetes is a disorder that results from the inability to make sufficient amounts of insulin that is needed for normal metabolism. Insulin is needed for survival in order to metabolize all nutrients and therefore, the complete deficiency of this hormone was lethal until the isolation and use of insulin in the 1920’s.

The more common form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes in which the demand for insulin, which is increased because of resistance to its action, cannot be met.

Type 1 diabetes is less common overall but the most common form in childhood and also accounts for about 10% of adults with diabetes. It is due to the immune mediated destruction of the insulin producing cells.

Patients with Type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin. Patients with Type 2 diabetes can produce some insulin but an insufficient amount to meet metabolic demands.

4. What do you think are the major misconceptions about diabetes?

For sure people do not often distinguish the forms of diabetes which is important in treatment. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin and diet whereas Type 2 diabetes can frequently be treated with drugs that generally are effective in treating diabetes together with diet. One of the major misconceptions about both forms is the importance of diet.

5. You mention that 10% of Type 1 diabetes occur in adults, not children. I’ve heard this referred to as “latent autoimmune diabetes” (LADA). Is this a new type of diabetes (Type 1.5)? 

No, I don’t consider it new. The fact that many adults develop autoimmune or Type 1 diabetes has been known for quite a while. Frequently, however, physicians who only see adults fail to recognize this form of diabetes and to change the treatment approach when it is identified.

6. Your research involves coming up with a drug treatment to slow the progression of Type 1 diabetes in newly diagnosed patients. Can you tell us a little bit more about this research and the progress of the drug’s development?

It’s not just new onset patients but also for prevention of the disease. We have spent a lot of effort on testing anti-CD3 antibodies in patients and in studying the way that it works in preclinical models. My own view of the clinical data is quite positive. Some have been disappointed that the clinical trials have failed to be as successful as one would hope from the mouse studies, but that is probably too much to ask with a single drug. There have been 5 completed studies that have shown how treatment with the drug can preserve insulin production. My view is that getting a treatment approach approved, even if it is not a complete cure, would represent a great achievement for eventually reversing the disease entirely.

Photo credit: National Human Tissue Resource Center

7. Diet is a critical part of managing diabetes. In your experience, what would you say are the greatest obstacles to people changing their diets after being diagnosed? What advice do you have for someone who is diabetic and having trouble changing their diet?

I certainly agree with your first statement. I would say that it is essentially impossible to maintain good glucose control without a careful diet. I think it is important for people to realize that there are not prohibited foods, but there are foods that they most likely would choose not to eat because glucose control will be difficult if you choose to eat them. At the same time, a “diabetic” diet is the type of diet most individuals should be eating to maintain their weight and to promote health.

One of the issues that I don’t think that people recognize is that the word “diet” does not
necessarily mean it is good for someone with diabetes. Often, to reduce fat content, foods
termed “diet” have increased amounts of sucrose. That creates problems with glucose control.

8. For adults who have diabetes, there is often a concern about drinking alcohol. How does alcohol impact blood sugar levels? Can/should diabetics drink?

Straight alcohol has 7 cal/gram and does little to affect glucose levels. However, it can interfere with counter-regulation in the setting of low blood sugars and for that reason, a number of people have been given the suggestion to also eat when they drink. I don’t suggest eliminating alcohol to my patients –nor do I- but there are certain things to consider when you drink.

First, dry wines are a better choice than others that are not dry because of the carbohydrate content. Second, you could also have mixed drinks but you need to consider what is being added to the mixed drink. For example, tonic water and Coke are available sugar free, and fruit juices are fruit juices. Finally, an important restriction is that one needs to be in control when drinking. In addition to being able to recognize hypoglycemia, choosing foods wisely, dosing insulin accordingly, and others, it is difficult to recognize hypoglycemia and hypoglycemia can be mistaken for drunkenness so that appropriate
treatment will not be given.

9. Many people of color come from families with a history of diabetes. How much does family history factor into the eventual development of diabetes? Is it more important than diet/exercise? Equally as important?

Type 2 diabetes has a very strong hereditary component. It’s particularly important for individuals who come from families in which Type 2 diabetes occurs not become obese since that is the most frequent precipitating factor. Type 1 diabetes also has a hereditary
component. However, the risk overall for Type 1 diabetes in first degree relatives is lower– closer to 5%.

10. What advice do you have for caregivers and family members who are caring for/living with someone with diabetes? What is the best way to be helpful to someone who is learning to manage this disease?

I think it is very helpful for those who live with and care for someone with diabetes to have some understanding about what causes the disease and how to manage it. I think it is important to realize that the optimal approach to managing the disease involves keeping blood sugars (and lipids and blood pressure) in a range similar to normal individuals. Diet is particularly important. For example, it is very difficult to follow a diet if the food that is served is not appropriate for someone with diabetes but this happens frequently. In addition, it is helpful to be aware when someone with diabetes has a low blood sugar since they may not have someone to assist them in identifying when it occurs and helping with treatment.

11. Is there anything else you want to add?

I think it is important for families to realize that there has really been progress in this field. The ability to measure glucoses at home, to determine what the average levels of glucose have been, delivery of insulin, and even the forumulations of insulin as well as other new therapies were not available as recently as 10 or 20 years ago. So I think it is important to take advantage of these new developments. Ultimately, however, the optimal treatment rests with a patient him or herself. It can’t be dictated by others, which is why education and close interactions with diabetes care teams are so important.

(To learn more about Dr. Herold, his research and clinical trials related to his research, click here.)

*** Is there anything new you learned about diabetes from Dr. Herold? What myths/rumors have you heard about diabetes? Comments from those with diabetes (or those with loved ones who have diabetes) are welcome!  -CFC ***

See another CFC Spotlight Thursday Interview!

Related articles

• Confusion Over Diabetes Types Adds to Patients’ Woes (health.usnews.com)
• Differentiating between Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Type 2 (epicahealth.com)

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Imagine a man, 6’2″, running at full speed. He takes three long strides and then jumps. Gracefully soaring through the air, he pulls his long legs up slightly underneath him and then lands, forcefully, in a pile of sand. You’ve probably seen this before because it’s the long jump, one of the many competitive events in track and field. But my friend Samyr Laine, isn’t just any long-jumper, he’s one that is poised to compete for Haiti in the 2012 Olympics in the triple jump. This humble prodigy -who was recently featured on Bloomberg.com- was gracious enough to share his more personal fitness story here on ChicFitChef!

1. Tell us about yourself!

I am originally from upstate New York. I compete for Haiti in the triple jump (both of my parents are Haitian). I have represented Haiti at the Pan American Games (in Rio de Janeiro and in Guadalajara), Outdoor World Championships (in Berlin and in Daegu), Indoor World Championships (in Doha and in Istanbul), Central American and Caribbean Championships (in Mayaguez) and will be doing so at this summer’s Olympic Games in London. My goal is to win Haiti’s first medal since 1928! I was an NCAA All-American at Harvard University and won a bronze medal at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Championships, a gold in 2011 and finished 5th at the 2011 Pan American Games.

In the end, my ultimate goal -aside from winning a medal for Haiti at the Olympics- is to leave a legacy for the country that will inspire Haitians both on the island and in the diaspora. I hope to make them proud and represent them as best I can with the gifts God has blessed me with. When I’m done competing, I want the hands-on work I do in Haiti and with Haitian children to be just as impactful as anything I accomplish on the country’s behalf as an Olympic athlete.

2. How did you first get involved in track and field athletics? What attracted you to this sport?

Initially I was a soccer player (like nearly every child raised in a Caribbean household!). My nickname on the soccer field was ‘Wheels’ because of my speed, so in 7th grade I figured track would be right up my alley. It turns out that that nickname wasn’t so appropriate at first! I began my track and field career as a distance runner, running the steeplechase and 2 mile events. My mile run time actually wasn’t fast enough in 8th grade for me to stay on the team, but I returned to the team at the end of my junior year motivated by the 2000 Sydney Olympics. I was then fast enough to train and compete with the sprinters, which was my ultimate goal. After returning to the team, my coach suggested I try my hand at the long and triple jumps which turned out to be where my true talent was found.

3. Tell us about the Olympics! You’re currently training for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. What is the process for getting onto the Olympic team?

Competing for a country with an Olympic team as small as Haiti’s is both a gift and a curse. The support the country can give isn’t nearly on par with the U.S. or Great Britain, but I also don’t have to endure a grueling Olympic Trials to make the team. For me the goal was simply to hit the Olympic standard which I did once the qualifying window opened last May. Now my goal is to get to London as healthy as possible and do what I can to compete for a medal and make my family, the country and my supporters proud!

4. As you’ve said, your family is from Haiti and you’re competing for Haiti in the 2012 Olympics. What made you decide to compete for Haiti?

When I finished up my master’s degree at The University of Texas and my collegiate eligibility along with it, I wasn’t at the level that I am at now and wouldn’t have been able to qualify to represent the US in any championships or Olympic Games. That, coupled with the fact that the good that I can do as a representative of and ambassador for Haiti is several times greater than for the U.S. factored into my decision to compete for Haiti. Also, Haiti hasn’t had an Olympic medal since 1928 -and very few Olympic finalists since then- so my successes in the international arena mean that much more to the country…even if I’m just an athlete.

5. Can you tell us a little bit about your current training regimen? What is a typical training day like for you?

Generally I lift weights about 3 times a week, do some sort of running (nothing too long) about twice a week and focus on actual triple jumping about twice a week as well. More specifically, on a weight room day for example, I’ll get to the track around 10:30am or so, after a good breakfast and after reviewing my goals for the workout. We begin with a warm up and some light exercises with just the 45lb bar (of course I still begin every exercise with a few warm up sets of that particular exercise as well). Once the warm up is out of the way, we’ll get into our exercises. It’s usually 2 or 3 ‘core’ Olympic lifts such as power clean, power snatch and maybe push press or deadlifts. This is then followed by 3 ‘supplemental’ exercises like lunges, step-ups, calf raises etc. My coach determines the repetitions and sets and that varies depending on where we are in our preparation for the season.

Once done in the weight room we’ll either get to the running or jumping portion of the workout, depending on what my coach has planned. Not everyday is a combination of weights and some other workout though. If we’re running, we’ll have drills, followed by some sets of sled pulls and then some sort of running routine either emphasizing speed endurance (100m – 300m), power (hills) or absolute speed (20m – 80m).

6. Sounds like a tough workout! How has becoming a professional athlete impacted your diet? What foods help you train at your best (pre- and post-workout)? What foods do you avoid?

It has definitely made me a lot more particular about what I put into my body and perhaps more importantly, when I do so. Generally, aside from fatty foods and those loaded with sugar, I like to avoid carbohydrates excluding those found in fruits and vegetables. That said, I do include wheat and whole grain products in my diet on a regular basis. Following a workout when I need to replenish my ‘glycogen stores’ and energy in general, I’ll go for other sorts of carbs and actually Zpizza is probably the place I frequent most immediately following a workout! Thanks to the quality of their ingredients it actually fits in quite well to what I need for my body following a 3 to sometimes 5 hours training session. Before a workout I try to make sure that I’ve had enough protein but also some sort of quality carbohydrates to get me through. I find that black beans are great for both of those goals and oatmeal is perfect in the morning if I have an early workout. I still tend to have a protein shake prior to a workout even if I’ve already eaten food that is high in protein. And I won’t even mention the ‘cheat day’ I give myself once a week!

7. You’re an Olympic hopeful, but you’re also a licensed attorney. Did you ever feel like you had to choose between your athletic and educational dreams? How do you balance both?

I’ve actually been fortunate in that I never had to choose between the two. I competed internationally and represented Haiti throughout law school and even did so while studying for the bar exam. It was and has been a difficult balancing act but knowing that I have goals in both arenas not only keeps me grounded but also keeps me focused so that I don’t waste time or energy. That was definitely the key throughout college and particularly throughout grad school, law school and while studying for the bar exam. Making the most of the time that I had whether it was being efficient at the track or staying ahead with work while traveling by train or plane and in my ‘free time’. I’m blessed to be able to train full-time now though and I haven’t started practicing law just yet.

8. For those readers who may be thinking about pursuing a career as a professional athlete, what advice do you have?

Being a professional athlete, regardless of the sport, is about discipline and self-motivation. No matter how talented or skilled one is, those two things tie it all together; with hard work being a product of discipline. Setting goals and being disciplined enough to work steadily towards those goals will serve future professional athletes well, but you also can’t forget to appreciate the achievement of each goal as it fuels you to the next. Just like with anything else, realistic, ‘miniature’ goal setting helps the larger goal (making it to a professional league, running a personal best, winning a big competition) come into view step by step.

9. For those readers who are just starting out building a fitness regimen (diet/exercise), what words of encouragement would you give that have been helpful to you?

Someone once said “Nobody said it would be easy, just that it would be worth it.” I wish I knew where that quote came from, but I remind myself of it on a regular basis and it would have to be my words of encouragement for those starting a new fitness regimen. The regimen, whatever it may be, will be worthwhile in the long run because your health matters and your diet and fitness directly contribute to your health and quality of life. While most fitness regimens are difficult, simply because they’re new and different, remembering that it will be worth it down the road always helps to keep you on track.

Returning to that ‘cheat day’ I mentioned above, don’t forget to enjoy the process of getting fitter and healthier; it will make it easier to stay on course. If that means the weekly cheat day to get you motivated to eat right again then so be it, but remember to have fun. Sites like ChicFitChef.com show just how tasty it can be to eat healthy and how much fun it can be to get in shape. It doesn’t have to be the drudgery that so many people anticipate it being; not at all!

10. Has anyone you know been touched by diabetes or a health-related illness? If so, how has this impacted your perspective on health & fitness?

I have an uncle who has diabetes and lost a grandfather to bone cancer. In much the same way that being an athlete has made me more aware of my diet, my family members dealing with these illnesses has really made me understand the value of fitness although illnesses- particularly cancer, which can strike even the healthiest of people. Still, there is no substitute for the protections a fit, healthy and well cared for body can mount against many illnesses and that is something I’ll remember even after I’m done competing.

11. What inspired you to compete at the Olympic level? Was there a particular event/person that inspired you?

There wasn’t a particular person or event that inspired me to compete at this level. However, my family and the folks that know me well always encourage me to improve and support my endeavors which has helped as far as inspiration and motivation are concerned. I’m always striving for the best -whether it’s athletically or otherwise- so when I finished up at Texas I knew that I had more left to accomplish, more growth to experience and more that I could do as an athlete. That was the same feeling that got me to put off law school for a year and head down to Texas to finish up my collegiate eligibility in the first place. I’m not sure I’ll ever say I’m satisfied with how far I’ve come but each and every day I know that there’s a way that I can get better.

***What more needs to be said? Go Samyr!! You’ve got support from ChicFitChef! Who else will be cheering for Samyr in the Olympic games?***

 Read another CFC Interview!

Well in case you wanted to hear more about Samyr and less about Mark Zuckerberg be sure to check out ChicFitChef.com tomorrow for an in-depth ‘Spotlight Thursdays’ interview on Samyr’s fitness story & path to London!

Be sure to tune in tomorrow!
-CFC

While on Facebook, I stumbled upon a group page called “Fitness Ladies”. It’s a page that immediately resonated with me; lots of fitness tips for women, inspirational and motivational quotes, workout regimens- you know I was totally hooked! I became a Facebook fan and then started wondering about the woman behind the scenes who was offering so much help and support. Well lucky for me (and you!), she was open to doing an interview about how Fitness Ladies got started. Read on to learn more about Dailande Antoine, founder of “Fitness Ladies”!

1. Tell us about yourself! 

My name is Dailande Antoine and I’m a Licensed Practical Nurse, Fitness Trainer, Motivational Individual and a woman who strives for balance and happiness in life. Born and raised in Haiti and grew in Brooklyn, NY since 1991. All of my life I knew I was destined to do something big and change people’s lives through entertainment or health somehow. The opportunity was presented to me after I realized I gained too much weight two years ago. Once I lost the weight, I decided to share my knowledge and experiences with everyone. That’s when Fitness Ladies (“FL”) came about- this year January 2012. Over the course of a few months, the page went viral and stands today at over 7,000 members.

Dailande pre-weight loss

2. What inspired you to start Fitness Ladies (FL)? What is the organization’s mission? Is the organization’s focused on helping all women or mainly women of color?

I realized getting fit and healthy is one of the many important challenges women must take on. My partner inspired me to go the extra mile by sharing my fitness story, providing a countless amount of daily motivation, meal plans, workout routines that target exactly what women are always asking and looking for and more. Not to mention all of this is for FREE!!! I’m now opening new doors for ALL women, especially my black women around the world, help them reach their fitness goals as well as making healthy lifestyle changes and inspiring them as well.

3. What programs/activities does FL engage in (both online and in-person)?

There’s the Saturday Fitness class, weekday classes for both morning and evening workers and FL just recently walked the AIDS NY 2012 with a few of the page members that came out. Also, I share several fitness and meal plans challenges daily, Personal Training opportunities, Skype Fitness and lots more to come. Considering the fact that I’ve just started and accomplished so much you can be sure to stay tuned to a whole lot more to come!

4. You do a lot of your programming in Brooklyn, New York. Are there any unique challenges that your Brooklyn members face when it comes to fitness/healthy-eating?

I can honestly say the economy’s downfall has been very challenging for many members. Lots of individuals find it hard to commit to a gym membership or to financially equip themselves with the tools and foods needed to live a healthier lifestyle. Most people find the unhealthy way out more affordable and take that route- but cheaper does not mean good quality like I always say!

5. Can you share a story of how FL has helped one of its members?

I can actually share quite a few! I receive messages daily of women that said they have been a member on my page for weeks or months and wanted to personally tell me that I’ve changed their lives. Some may even go to the extent of saying I’ve saved their lives because of the constant motivation from site and their realization of this turn around will take time per individual but as long as they get started they have ridden themselves of the difficult part. Many are losing weight and building self-esteem by the weeks through my personalized programs and also from the page’s resources.

6. What do you think are the 3 big things that hold women back from being more healthy?

1. Excuses
2. Taking on too much
3. Lack of will power and motivation

Dailande, after beginning workout regimen

7. What advice would you give to a woman who is just starting out getting fit and healthy?

Go according to your pace and push yourself harder every two weeks. Remember that the meal plan is the most important to a healthy fit body. The body gets accustomed to the workouts that you do unless you switch it up every week and go even harder. Also be patient, your body responds differently than others but know that you will reach your goals as long as you stay committed and persistent!

8. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Love yourself, always reinvent yourself, teach yourself new things and do the things that make you happy. One day when you look back you will have no regrets and will know that you lived your life for YOU! No one else…

*** You can visit Fitness Ladies on Facebook here or on the new website here! Are you a member? What has your experience been? ***

-CFC

Related articles

• Black Girls…Run? Interview w/ Toni Marshall, BGR! Co-Founder! (chicfitchef.com)
• Outdoor Fitness Bootcamp in Washington Square Park (NYC)! (chicfitchef.com)

1. Tell us about yourself!

Born into New York hip-hop culture, a neighborhood full of various nationalities, and a family of musicians and social activists, I grew up exploring spirituality through the lens of arts, culture, dance and music.  After graduating from Brown University, I went to work in corporate finance, only to find myself unfulfilled.  The unfulfillment eventually encouraged me to engage in the practice of yoga.  Today I am a practicing astrologist, reiki healer, yoga teacher and write on astrology and holistic health and beauty for a number of websites and blogs.  For more info and my teaching schedule, please visit www.soulisticwellness.com/events/ or follow Kali on Twitter @LadiosaKali

 2. How did you first become involved in yoga for fitness? What attracted you to yoga?

I first went to yoga with my mother.  Her chiropractor had suggested it for her.  I was in college, and I would go when I was home on breaks with her.  She was paying for it and it seemed like an alternative to going to the gym.  I did not have much desire to practice yoga, as much as feel like I had done some exercise for the day.  Being in college, I definitely put on the freshman fifteen, and was drawn to most things that had the lure of weight loss or slimming the body.  I would go to  yoga class occasionally, but it wasn’t until I graduated from college and was working at real estate development firm that I began a solid yoga practice.  I went because I was in constant stress and began to notice illness accompanying the stress.  I knew I needed ways to manage my stress, and it seemed that this was something yoga could help with.

3. For someone who has never been to a yoga class, can you tell them what they can expect?

Expect nothing.  Let go of the expectations of what you think yoga is.  There are many different styles and limbs of yoga, so one class can be a completely different approach or focus than another.  A Kundalini Yoga class is quite different from a Bikram Yoga class,  although they all are rooted in quieting the mind.  I suggest coming with an open mind and to not be afraid to voice your needs or concerns to a teacher.  Yoga is not a competition, it is a personal practice.  Let go of comparing yourself to person next to you.  Read up a little about the yoga class you are taking if that makes me you feel safer, but be open to that description being a bit different from what you expect.

4. What do you think are the 2 greatest health benefits of practicing yoga?

There are lots of health benefits, for me the top benefits have been the ability to manage stress and keep a balanced perspective and a healthier and more aligned posture.  I will be practicing yoga for the rest of my life – it will be interested to see what health benefits I observe in the next 10 years!  Other folks notice increased flexibility, more awareness around the body, weight loss, less aches and pains in the body, more strength and inner peace.

5. You mentioned that yoga can be effective for weight loss. If so, is there a specific type of yoga that is most effective for weight loss? Why?

Great question!  Initially a lot of what drew me to yoga and going to the gym was weight loss.  I was nothing short of obsessive and quite self-critical regarding my body and weight from the time I was a child.  It is not uncommon in our society for people (both men and women) to be bombarded with ideas about what a good body is and what weight we need to be. 

When people tell me they want to lose weight, I often ask them why.  The why is where the answer lies.  Have you ever met someone who thought they were overweight and they were not at all?  It is all perspective.  There are people who truly feel great about their body and wear a size 10 and people who are miserable about their bodies and wear a size 2.  That is their perspective, and without a perspective shift, it does not matter how slender you are, you can still be miserable. It is up to us to feed the perspective of unfulfillment or fulfillment (gratitude).  You can do all the exercise, eat all organic, count your calories, but if you are operating out of unfullfilment, then you will be dissatisfied and nothing will be enough.  That is what yoga has taught me.  As long as I am not accepting myself the way that I am, I will never be any different.

There are many styles of yoga including Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga that are designed to keep the body moving.  This moving will lead to a cardiovascular exercise and burning of calories that should physiologically help with weight loss. However, yoga is not just the physical poses, it is a holistic lifestyle.  The principles of yoga teach us moderation.  Much of the obesity issues we are facing in our society are being caused by a lack of moderation.  We are addicted to extremes as a society.

6. Many people think that they can’t do yoga because their bodies aren’t flexible enough. What encouragement would you give to people who have ruled yoga out for this reason? 

Yoga is not actually about the body, it is about the mind.   The body is something we experience through the mind and our upbringings.  Well known yogi and Ashtanga Yoga founder Sri K. Patabhi Jois says, “Body not stiff, mind stiff.”  It is not that your body is stiff or anything not flexible, it is that your mind thinks that it is.  Your mind is experiencing stiffness in the body, because it is experiencing stiffness in itself.  Once you change your mind about something, the thing changes.  In the words of En Vogue, “Free your mind and the rest will follow!” But don’t believe me, try it out for yourself and see how it goes.

7. Back in January, there was an article in the New York Times called “How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body“. What response would you give to the article’s criticism of yoga as a form of exercise?

So much I could say about this.  First of all, how yoga can “wreck” the body.  Let’s dissect that.  The author discusses or presupposes that the body is supposed to stay a certain way.  We know through nature and life that this is not true.  It is not a bad thing, it is life.  It does not mean that we suffer because we get older or because things change.  Our society perceives physical pain and injury as a punishment rather than a message or lesson.  Anything and everything can wreck the body. To some people, peanut butter provides nourishment and energy, and to others it is fatal.  Not every exercise is for every person.  I got more from yoga than any other exercise, not because it made me lose weight or tightened my abs, but because it gives me a forum to explore life and existence.  Much of the way that yoga is depicted is that it is supposed to look a certain way or that it is all about the exercise.  Yoga is exploration.  It’s not forcing your body into every pose, or doing exactly what the instructor tells you.  It is listening to your own wisdom and remembering that just because a teacher did a certification in yoga does not mean they know your body more than you do.  Yoga teaches us personal responsibility for our actions and life.  So be the expert on yourself.  Learn about your own body and abilities, and do not give away your power or intuition to anyone.

8. What is your experience as a woman of color who teaches yoga? Does your identity at all impact/inform your practice?

In some ways yes and in some ways no.  Yoga teaches me that there is oneness in all and reminds me that so much of my feelings and experiences are universal and experienced by many.  At the same time, being a woman of color and my personal background impacts and informs my practice.  I bring the joys, rhythm and beauty of my heritage to my yoga practice.

Also, the collective psyche of the woman of color is constantly being discussed without her voice included.  I don’t need the New York Times telling me about women of color, I live this existence everyday!  So much of our culture is dominated by the voice of the white, heterosexual man, and in many ways I am part of a new group of women of color who are reclaiming our voice in matters of health and the body.  The body of the woman of color has historically been objectified, and in many ways our collective psyche has absorbed that.  At times, we think it is okay to eat scraps because historically that is what we had to do in the past.  My voice comes out in my teaching.  I teach not only for myself but with a huge connection to my ancestors and herstory.  I am here to cherish my body despite all the messages that I should hate it.  And I would love to share that journey with anyone else who is interested.

9. Do you have anything else you want to add?

Namaste.

**Do you practice yoga for wellness & fitness? What’s been your experience?**

A few weeks ago, I was at a birthday party at a small club in NYC. The spot was packed and hot. My gold strappy shoes were pinching my feet, but the DJ was spinning some great hip-hop/R&B music so I didn’t mind. And, just as the bass dropped on “Hypnotize”, I was startled by a woman trying to squeeze passed me.

I guess -to be more precise- what startled me was her rather large derriere.

I froze and watched the rest of the crowd. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. All the guys in the club seemed to pause- each pretending to sip their drinks while their eyeballs traced the curves of her spine. Girls gave her the once-over then spun on stilletos to hug their dance partner close.  And even I felt hyper-aware of my own body; as happy as I am to be fit and healthy, the scene reminded me of just how much my body had moved away from the fullness of the lady passing by.

Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever looked at another woman’s body and begun to question your own?

I suppose a lot of it is cultural. As I talked about here, being “thick” has long been coveted in the black community (and in many other communities of color). So when one woman sees another woman who better fits that “thick” mold, she may waver in her own body image. On the other hand, maybe you feel self-conscious about your weight or your curves. Especially given all the societal pressure to lose weight (and the questionable metrics being used to gauge obesity), it’s easy for women of color to feel self-conscious next to the size 0 in the room.

Well, if you’re ever in the club and you find yourself caught in a big-booty-induced-body-image-mindwarp, try to remember what that body/booty across the way really says about you:

1. Absolutely nothing.

As self-conscious as I felt about my body when that woman passed by, I had to remind myself that her body has nothing to do with my body. There is a lot of competitiveness among women when it comes to attractiveness which is going to mess with your head! But you have to remember that your body is made neither better nor worse by the shape of the woman standing next to you.

2. Be sure you understand where your body discomfort comes from.

Is the reason you’re worried about that other woman’s body because you’re feeling pressure from a loved one to look a certain way? Are you in a relationship where you’re afraid that if your body doesn’t look like Kim Kardashian, you’ll be shown the door? If someone is making you feel like your body is less than, question whether that’s a healthy relationship for you.

3. You may need to love your body more.

Assuming the issue isn’t #2, then your body image issues may be in your own head. We all get a little shook sometimes, but if you find that you’re constantly comparing your body to the woman next to you then maybe the issue has deeper roots. How do you really feel about your body? Take the time to truly look at yourself in the mirror and appreciate your body’s uniqueness. Maybe you really love your arms. Maybe you have killer quads. It’s okay to want to improve your body, but be sure to recognize the parts of you that are already awesome. Life’s too short- so take a breath and remember to be happy with who you are and what you’ve got! -CFC

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*** Ever found yourself comparing your body to another woman’s body? How do you shake off the mindwarp? Sound off! ***

Met Padma & she signed my copy of her cookbook!

I was fortunate enough to attend a panel discussion on “Gender in the Kitchen” at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan. The focus of the event was to hear Padma Lakshmi (best known as one of the hosts of Top Chef) & Amanda Hesser (former New York Times Magazine food editor and founder of food52.com), give their opinions on gender roles in the kitchen and their general thoughts on home cooking.

Here are my 3 fave points/quotes raised by the panel:

1. “Men are chefs, but women are cooks.”
How often do we see a woman’s name as the head chef in a restaurant (except for here)? But if you look behind the scenes to the sous-chefs and other cooks, women abound! This is obviously changing, but I was shocked to learn that in the restaurant world, there is a huge gender gap. Women need to continue to challenge these glass ceilings!

2. “When I cook, I’m the vainest b*tch on the block”.
Padma said this and I totally agree! When I slave away at a new recipe in the kitchen I’m super proud of it and very vain when eating it. And guests eating better come ready with their compliments! Can you relate?

3. “It’s easy to make something taste good by using fat.”
Don’t take the easy way out! Butter, salt, sugar- these are all “amateur” ways of making food taste good. Learning to use other ingredients to add flavor -like herbs, spices and even citrus- will take your cooking game into the big leagues.

***Are you vain about your cooking? What ingredients do you use for flavor? How do these quotes resonate with you?***

-CFC

1.       The doctor is in!

Michelle Henry M.D. is currently a 3rd year Dermatology resident at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. After finishing her residency this June, she will pursue a fellowship in Procedural Dermatology at Harvard Medical School, specializing in skin cancer and cosmetic surgery. Her areas of interest include: skin cancer surgery and prevention, skin of color and cosmetic dermatology.

2.       What made you decide to go into dermatology?

I am a visual learner, who pays obsessive attention to details. I think many dermatologists can describe themselves that way.  I have a long-standing interest in infectious diseases and I desired a career that would allow for versatility in terms of practice.  Dermatology is the perfect collision of medicine and surgery so, for me, it was the best choice of a specialty.

3.       Has learning about skin care from a dermatological perspective changed the way you treat your skin? In what way(s)?

It has definitely changed the way I protect my skin.  I always had the perception that I was immune to skin cancers and wrinkling because I have dark skin. Now, I am never outdoors without sun screen.  I also treat my acne quickly to avoid scarring and hyperpigmentation, which can both be long lasting. If I get a large cyst, I quickly inject it with a low concentration of steroid.  Works like magic!  In addition, I use the retinoid Tazorac religiously. Tazorac is like retin-A, which helps regulate skin turnover.  I strongly believe everyone should use a retinoid daily (if tolerated).  That, and regular gentle exfoliation are the most important aspects of my regimen.  However, I will admit to being a product junkie, and my newest obsession is Lancome’s  Advanced Night Repair serum. It’s like CPR for the skin. It has saved me from looking like a prune after a long work week.

4.       What are the THREE tips you’d give to someone struggling with adult acne?

• Avoid the over-application of skincare products.  Acne is NOT a disease caused by lack of hygiene. It is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit (the follicle) .This means that over washing will actually cause more harm than help.  In addition, over-applying medications can cause drying. Many women, desperate for improvement, become mad scientists, making crazy concoctions and show up in our offices red, with worse acne than before. Keeping your skincare regimen simple is always a recommended strategy for most.   I use a good creamy wash with salicylic acid to start.  If your skin starts to feel too dry, stop using chemicals/medications for a week to allow your skin to return to its natural balance.
• See a dermatologist. Often times, over the counter treatments are not enough. In particular, patients with darker skin often times should have a lower threshold for more aggressive treatments as permanent scarring and hyperpigmentation may occur more frequently.
• Oral contraceptives can be helpful in maintaining a healthy hormonal balance. Adult acne in women is often a hormonal disease that requires oral treatments in the form of a pill. Oral contraceptives are frequently used to aid in hormonal regulation.

5.  What are your views on over-the-counter/online products like Neutrogena or Proactiv? Are some more helpful/less helpful than others? Which skin products do you recommend?

I think that Proactiv is okay for mild acne. Proactiv is micronized benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is available, cheaply, over the counter.  I think Procativ’s major benefit is that its texture allows it to serve as an exfoliant. There are many other tools that exfoliate well. I love the old fashioned “buff puff” and use it daily. Many of my patients love the Clarisonic brush for exfoliation. Both are excellent.   The Rolls Royce of exfoliation is microdermabrasion, which is safe for all skin types.  I love the Neutrogena line, in particular the sun screens.   However, my current and favorite sun screens are Aveeno Positively Radiant and Anthelios by La Roche-Posay. They are cosmetically elegant and don’t leave those of us with darker skin looking “ashen”.  I would also like to take a second to stress the importance of sun screen in all skin types. Although skin of color is less prone to skin cancer, the risk remains.  In addition, sun screen helps prevent uneven skin tone and wrinkles.

6. What skin challenges would you say are specific to people of color? What advice do you have for any readers who might be dealing with those challenges?

• Hyperpigmentation:  One of the major concerns I find in my patients with darker skin, is that of hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone. This is often a consequence of trauma, skin irritation or hormonal influences (conditions like melasma).  Your dermatologist can assess the type of hyperpigmentation you have, how deep or superficial it is, and create a treatment plan.  We have many topical skin lighteners that can help.  Chemical peels and lasers are very effective in more severe cases.  Using a good sun screen is very effective in maintaining an even skin tone. The over the counter fade cream by Ambi is effective as well. I would avoid fade creams without addressing them with a dermatologist, because they are often unregulated and may contain unsafe ingredients such as mercury.
• Hair loss: Many women attribute hair to age or poor styling practices, but it may be an indicator of diseases like Lupus (which disproportionately affects African American women), thyroid disease, or  scarring alopecias like central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia ( thought to be cause by relaxers, hot combs etc).
• Pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps): Razor bumps plague both men and women of color.  Learning to avoid shaving against the direction of the hair, as well as exfoliating the area gently afterwards (manually or with creams), can help. Your dermatologist can also prescribe medications like topical steroids or retinoids which can be helpful.

7.  What advice do you have for readers who might want to get scars from cuts/bruises/burns removed?

We have a number of great modalities for scars. If the scar is flat and discolored we can use many different hydroquinone preparations to treat it. For depressed facial scars, such as those caused by acne, retinoids help somewhat, there are several effective chemical peels.  Chemical peels that are safe for darker skin types include salicylic acid or glycolic peels, which are gentle but effective.  For more severe cases of scarring, there is laser treatment. The Fraxel laser is great for scars and textural improvement.  I always tell patients not to worry, if we can’t make you perfect we have enough tools to make your scarring significantly better.

8.   Let’s talk about skin cancers/disease. Are any specific signs or markers to look for on your skin that might indicate a more serious skin condition? What are those signs and what advice do you have for readers?

• Acanthosis Nigricans (AN): This is a dark velvety hyperpigmentation often found on the back of the neck or underarms. It can be an indication of insulin insensitivity which can lead to diabetes. Severe cases of AN can indicate an internal cancer warranting a thorough work up.
• Nail pigmentation: Although over 70% of dark skinned patients (over the age of 20) have benign linear hyperpigmentation of the nails, called Melanonychia, patients must be aware that acral melanoma is the most common type of skin cancer in dark-skinned patients and is generally found on the nails, hands and feet.  As an interesting aside, Bob Marley died of acral melanoma.  If very dark lesions that grow rapidly or distort the nail arise, there is concern for melanoma.
• Yellow skin or eyes:  May indicate liver disease caused by medications or infections such as hepatitis.

9. What is your view on Botox? Is it safe? What issues should someone consider before deciding to get Botox?

I love Botox. Few treatments work as well for reducing wrinkles. It works by directly targeting the facial muscles that are causing dynamic wrinkles to form. Dynamic wrinkles are those formed by animating the face.  The Botox protein blocks transmission from the nerve ending to the muscle. The muscles relax and the appearance of wrinkles is reduced. This effect lasts an average of three to six months. Botox celebrates its 10 year anniversary for aesthetic use this year (even though it has been used since the 1990’s). The initial indication for Botox was for treating crossed eyes and spasms in the eye muscle so it has been proven to be medically safe for many years.  However, there was one study in mice that showed Botox had migrated to the brain, but any safe medication might be harmful to a small animal in ridiculously high doses. Because of this, patients with certain neuromuscular diseases (such as multiple sclerosis) or autoimmune diseases (such as lupus) need clearance from their specialist before having Botox injections.

10. Is there anything else you’d like to add about skin care/health?

Proper hydration, vitamin supplements, getting enough sleep, exercise and reducing stress; these are things that are often overlooked in skincare.   Monitor your skin, its needs and condition will change. The weather plays a big role in how your skin behaves.  Your winter regimen will likely need to be different than your summer regimen.   Exercise can also be good for the skin. By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them healthy. With regards to diet, there is little evidence of any food being linked to acne; however, a recent article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, by  Di Landro  and colleagues, showed that milk may exacerbate (or even cause) acne, but one serving of fish a week might be preventative.  So drinking Almond milk and stocking up on salmon may help us all in our quest to be healthy, beautiful and acne free.

*What skin challenges do you face? Do you have any questions for Michelle?*

Leading her spin class

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am currently an MBA student at The Wharton School, where I’m studying Entrepreneurial Management and Marketing.  Before, I worked for 5+ years in finance, strategy and business development.  As far as spinning, I first really got into it between my first and second ACL reconstruction surgery, as a non-impact way to stay fit.  Then, after college, with my ACL re-repaired, I started participating in triathlons and long distance cycling competitions to counteract the stress and sedentary lifestyle that came with being an investment banker.  While I also practice yoga and pilates, my love of music and really hard cardio has kept me on the spin bike for over a decade.  I love a wide variety of music (indie rock, pop, hip hop, techno, country– you name it!) and try to display that in my classes, while balancing my music choices with a structure that allows everyone, from a first-timer to a seasoned athlete, to feel challenged and motivated to achieve more. I’m both Madd Dogg and Schwinn certified and I currently teach Spinning® classes at several Philadelphia-area gyms, including Weston Fitness, Pottruck Fitness Center, and Body Cycle Studio.

2. What’s your fitness story? Were you involved in exercise activities from a young age or is your focus on fitness a new development?

My interest in fitness definitely started very early.  My Mom has always been somewhat of a fitness fanatic, so some of my early memories are “working out” with her as a toddler.  I was involved with gymnastics when I was younger, and then got into field hockey and pole vaulting in high school.  However, I tore my ACL my senior year of high school and that forced me to start exploring new forms of exercise (yoga, pilates, spinning) to keep my knees both healthy and strong enough to do the more high intensity exercises I love.  Currently, because I’m in grad school, I’m working out a lot less than I normally do, but I try to attend pilates and Ashtanga yoga classes whenever I can.  I also love plyometric workouts like Insanity®, though it requires a bit more dedication than I can currently devote to it if I want to stay injury-free.

3. What attracted you to spinning as a form of exercise? 

After tearing my ACL the first time, one of the few things I was cleared to do was ride an exercise bike.  One of my field hockey coaches was a Spinning instructor, so I’d been exposed to spinning during pre-seasons in high school, but it wasn’t till I moved to Boston for college, and joined Healthworks gym that I really got into it.  The head of the Spinning program there was this guy Jonathan Malone, and he’s just an amazing Spinning teacher – great workouts, great music, great intensity, etc.  I don’t think Spinning was exactly what my doctor had in mind when he cleared me to use an exercise bike, but I was hooked and made it work.

4. Why did you decide to become a spin instructor? Was there a particular event or moment that contributed to your decision?

The idea of being a fitness instructor is something that I’d thought of off and on for some time, but it wasn’t until this last year that I decided to focus on Spinning and went on to receive the training to do it.  For years, trainers and fitness instructors I’d work out with would suggest I start teaching, but I never took it too seriously.  However, in 2008, I moved back to the East Coast from California without a job, and started volunteering at a yoga studio in exchange for free classes.  It wasn’t long before I started to explore becoming a yoga teacher myself.  Yet, when I was finally ready to commit to the expense and time (several thousand dollars and about a year), I got a “real job” and moved to DC.  I joined a yoga studio in DC where I met a really inspiring Pilates teacher, Mariska Breland, and she encouraged me to train under her to teach a form of Pilates she invented, Fuse Pilates.  But again, life got in the way and I found there was no way to fully commit to the time needed to train while also applying to business school.  Fast forward several months when I had gotten into school and moved to Philadelphia.  I put together a budget and realized that I would either have to find a way to make extra income or learn to really love Ramen! My sister suggested that I teach fitness classes and because Spinning combines my love of music and cardio, with her financial assistance, I went ahead and got trained to teach.

Pilates Photo Shoot in DC

5. How did you become a spin instructor? Are there certain certifications/qualifications required? If so, what training did you have to do to get them?

I am both Mad Dogg (they own the Spinning® trademark) and Scwhinn certified.  Each certification is a few hundred dollars and requires an 8-12 hour training class, usually taught over a weekend.  In addition, you have to be CPR/AED certified.  You usually only need one certification (i.e. Mad Dogg, Schwinn, or Les Mills’ RPM) to teach at most places, but there are some gyms that will only accept one type of certification.  After the certification class, you’re on “probation” for 6 months to a year and have to take a standardized test during that time (for Mad Dogg, anyway), but you can really start teaching as soon as someone will hire you (…though I’d suggest taking a lot of classes, picking up pointers from other teachers, and recruiting your friends and family to be guinea pigs while you get used to being in front of a class, as almost any gym will require you to audition before hiring you).

6. What are the TWO things you’ve learned since moving from the spin student bike to the spin instructor seat?

 (1) How much effort a good teacher puts into a class.  If you’ve ever been to a class where the music and workout seem disconnected from one another versus a class where everything just flows, the difference is in the amount of time and effort the teachers chose to put into crafting the workout.  Not to say that I’m an amazing instructor, but for every 50 minutes class I teach, I can easily put in at least 2 hours putting together the workout, selecting music, and “mapping” the music to the workout.

(2) The importance of form/posture on the bike.  Sometimes I feel like a broken record when I’m teaching, but from where I’m sitting, I can see when a student is pushing too hard and begins to sacrifice form for intensity, and I know the negative ramifications that can have on the body.  Almost always, when you’re pushing beyond your body’s current limitations, the first thing that goes is your form/posture.  And certainly, I’m not immune to this either because I will sometimes teach 3 classes a day (that’s my personal max). So, if I’m not careful about my own form, I’ll be hurting big time.

7. What are the two BIGGEST mistakes you see students making in spin classes ?

Bike set-up is probably the first, and secondly trying to push beyond one’s limit.  For instance, it’s crazy how often I see people come into a spin class and jump on a bike without making any adjustments to the bike.  I mean, I’m talking 6’2” guys trying to ride a bike with their knees almost touching their chests, or tiny women barely able to reach the pedals and handlebars, but neither thinking to ask for help adjusting the bike!  So that’s the first thing I’m always watching for – is there someone who’s riding with poor form because there setup is all wrong.

And then there are so many people who get caught up with trying to keep up with the people around them, despite the fact that their bodies simply aren’t ready to go there.  I’m sensitive to not wanting to be the only person who is sitting when everyone else is doing a standing run/sprint, but if you push yourself too hard, too fast, you’re either going to get hurt or get so burnt out you never want to try spinning again.  So I try not to single anyone out, but sometimes I’ll quietly suggest taking half a turn of resistance off or taking a rest until the next big push.

8. What do you think makes a great spin instructor? What should students be looking for?

A great spin instructor is focused on form and posture first and foremost (do you see a theme here? ).  They’re able to direct riders to find their best form on the bike and help riders make corrections using easy to follow verbal and visual cues, and they are also constantly watching students and helping to make adjustments that will improve the riding experience.  I’d say everything else is secondary.  Now to be clear, as a student, you definitely want to find a teacher who puts together a workout and playlist that will keep you engaged for the entire 45-60 minutes, but what I consider to be great music or a good workout may simply not work for everyone else, and that’s okay.  However, students should definitely first look for a knowledgeable and engaged teacher, and then look for a fit with regards to the types of workout and playlist that the teacher puts together.  You don’t want to be rocking out hard but on your way to an injury!

9. Do you have any advice for readers who are considering becoming a spin instructor/workout professional?

Definitely start by doing some research in the geographical area(s) you want to teach, by going around to a few gyms.  Take spin classes at those gyms, talk to the instructors afterwards, and ask to talk to the fitness director to see if they’ll let you teach some practice classes after you receive your certification(s).  Also, put in the time to get fit yourself, so you can work out and talk/yell at the same time, especially if you’re teaching the types of classes that require you to exercise alongside students (like spinning).  There is a huge difference between doing 45 minutes of cardio on your own and doing 45 minutes of hard cardio while talking, keeping your focus on 20+ students, while also being aware of where you are in the workout.

10. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Becoming a spinning instructor is one of the best decisions I ever made.  At the end of one of my spin classes, a student came up and told me that I changed his life. He’d been pre-diabetic and hypertensive, but after attending my classes regularly, he lost almost 50 pounds and is no longer hypertensive or pre-diabetic. Balancing school, job interviews, a social life, and teaching spin is often *really* hard, but that moment is what makes it all worthwhile. Teaching spin is definitely the highlight of my week and is far more satisfying than I would ever have imagined.  There’s nothing like seeing a student get stronger/more fit and knowing that you played some small part in making their life better.  Plus, I now have an excuse to listen to really bad pop music without feeling guilty!

Riding for Team in Training!

***Do you spin? Are you thinking about incorporating spin into your workout regimen? Considering taking it to the next level and becoming an instructor? What has inspired you to spin? Comment below!***

Minerva Huang is a certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She is earning her credential in becoming a Registered Dietitian after completing her dietetic internship at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She is also finishing her Master’s in Clinical Nutrition at New York University. You can follow her on Twitter at @minervahuang

 3. Often trainers/gyms will offer training sessions in a package format. In your judgment, what factors should be considered when picking a training session package (number of sessions/duration)? When should someone consider individual sessions over a packaged deal?

 1. Say that I can’t afford a personal trainer, but I want to get into shape. Where should I get started? Diet? Exercise? Are there any resources you’d recommend (besides chicfitchef.com ;-) )?

Research has shown again and again that weight loss occurs best with diet and exercise. Diet is probably the primary factor in weight loss, with exercise secondary. The USDA has replaced the traditional food pyramid with MyPlate (myplate.gov). The idea is the make sure half of every meal is made up of vegetables (starchy veg like peas, potatoes, and corn don’t count!), ¼ protein, ¼ starch. Harvard’s “Healthy Eating Plate” also has its own version of healthy eating (http://www.health.harvard.edu/plate/healthy-eating-plate). Food journals are great, are there are some apps that can help you track your intake, such as “LoseIt.”

4. Is there any other advice you would give to someone considering personal training or who’s building a health/fitness plan?

Find a trainer or friend you like working with to motivate and help you. Don’t be complacent in your workouts and challenge yourself. If you’re new to fitness, don’t start too fast because you will get frustrated. Start moderately and build your endurance and strength up!

***I’ve trained with Minerva and she kicked my butt!! Are you considering using a personal trainer? Building your own diet/exercise regimen for the first time? Be sure to post comments on what questions you’d like to see answered here at ChicFitChef!*** 

I stumbled upon the show while eating dinner (an egg white omelet with spinach and feta cheese- I LOVE eating breakfast for dinner!). At first watching the show felt like a bit of a spectacle; shows on people with health & psychological problems have become a huge fascination in American media lately (see Intervention, Hoarders, etc). So I will admit that I initially had little sympathy for this woman who had essentially eaten herself towards an early grave.

But then (as any show that is looking to do more than shock and entertain should do) TLC’s show humanized Melissa. Because the show ran over the course of the 7 years, you really get a better understanding of what got Melissa to this point- an enabling husband, a past of molestation, obesity/overweight family members, etc. The show peeled back the fatty layers (yeah, pun intended) to expose a real person, with hopes and dreams (namely to have a child and to save her marriage). It also showed that the physical is directly connected to the emotional- one powerful comment was that Melissa still turned her body sideways to get through doorways even after having lost over 400-lbs; in her mind, she would always perceived herself as over 600-lbs. Melissa also struggled with weight issues as she and her husband tried to get pregnant (a stillbirth, managing eating for two, etc).

To be sure, we have a serious problem in the United States when it comes to excess. Excess is often touted as the explanation for so many people being overweight. But is an obsession with “excess” really the problem? Or is it an obsession with escape? For Melissa, overeating and being overweight were her ways of avoiding the things she didn’t want to face (past abuse, a failing marriage, fear of motherhood, etc.). Her weight became her armor against having to deal with the emotional issues in her life, but it also became her cage.

This show reminds me why it’s SO important for your diet/health regimen to have DEPTH. When we are thoughtful about what we eat, we can be more aware of what emotional triggers might be goading us to eat things that aren’t good for us. And what we are drawn to eating can tell us a lot about how we’re feeling about ourselves.

I would encourage everyone to check out “My 600-lb Life” on TLC. There’s always more to learn about being healthy! -CFC