Rebirth

Here comes the sun.

Living in Chicago the gray, cold weather can definitely get the best of you. Seasonal depression seems to inhabit most Midwesterners mind frame. The appearance of the sun immediately changes my outlook on my day and life in general, especially in the spring. Throw a sunny, 55 degree or above day at us and people are out strolling the streets in abundance, playing at the park, sitting outside to eat, and generally smiley, happy people.

Nature goes through rebirth with the spring rain allowing fresh flowers to bloom and grow, why shouldn't we do the same?

Spring is the perfect time to clean up our health and give ourselves a much needed rebirth and reemergence. As new fruits and vegetables come into season its time to take stock of our pantries and add some fresh seasonal favorites. Find a new recipe that bursts with spring flavors. Add some citrus, berries, or grapes to your favorite salad.

As the days start to get longer our circadian rhythms begin to change as well. Making it easier to get up earlier in the morning and enjoy the afternoon and early evening a little more. Make the best of the additional daylight. Find an early morning yoga class or outdoor boot camp class. Invigorate your day by starting with movement. Get up a little earlier than your normal routine and find a nice meditation spot to sit and breathe.

Like the spring blossoms give yourself the much needed fertilizer to energize your mind, body, and spirit into rebirth.

Life after the Ranch and back to reality

Arrived home after spending an amazing week of teaching at Rancho La Puerta. I met so many wonderful people of all ages and walks of life. It was like an adult summer camp filled with health, peace, emotional well being, exercise, nature, and pampering.

Although the weather in Tecate last week was not as warm as I was hoping for. The experience at the Ranch fulfilled all my hopes and desires. Most days started with an early morning hike through the mountains. Chatting with new friends and convening with nature. A healthy breakfast would follow with lots of fresh fruit, oatmeal, quinoa, eggs and even pancakes one morning. A nice warm cup of tea with a spoonful of agave warmed me up to teach.

Every day I taught a 9am Pilates Level 1 and a 10am Pilates Level 2. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons I also taught a level 2 Reformer class.It was a progressive series adding fundamentals and exercises every day. The clients were so fabulous. Open to learning something new or in a new way and making deep, internal changes in their bodies daily. I was so appreciative of their willingness and trust to explore with me every day. Each one of them was truly a gift to me.

Once my morning classes where finished, I had plenty of time to explore the ranch and take some classes on my own. Some of my favorites were Nia with Maya, Hulu Hoop with Hazel, Cardio Drumming with Miguel, and Release and Mobilize with Diane. I also tried a water class (which I have never done before). I felt a bit uncoordinated and retarded but was open to newness and got a great workout from Craig. I also explored some sound classes and some pampering treatments.

The Ranch's healthy spa cuisine left me feeling full and inspired to try adding some different things to my diet. So many wonderful meals and I ate all of them and actually lost 4lbs. Mostly what I will take away from the diet is to eat some complex carbs for breakfast like quinoa or rice with some fruit. Normally at home I eat carbs like bread for breakfast. Not anymore. As a whole there really was not a lot of bread in the menus. Lots of fresh vegetable soups and salads with toasted nuts and fruit slices and then a dinner of items like fresh fish, vegetarian lasagna, stir fry, enchiladas. Are you getting the picture that I ate and ate well?

Some evenings were filled with fun events like Bingo with Barry. This is definitely not to be missed. Hilarious. Fun. A bit raunchy. A good time had by all. Friday evening had a live band and dancing. A blast and a perfect way to end the week with all my new friends and students.

I truly enjoyed every minute at the Ranch. I feel rejuvenated, refreshed, invigorated, inspired, and at peace. I hope to be asked back in the future to Present again, as I would truly like to make Rancho La Puerta at least a yearly event.

Introducing piLALAtes Book Group

Announcing piLALAtes Book Group!!

This group will read books based on health, diet, exercise, and emotional well being. The book to be read will be determined by myself and the group. You will be given at least a week to purchase, borrow, or download the designated book. We will read the book simulataneously and discuss on a designated basis the assigned chapters. Anyone can comment or pose questions to the group. I am looking forward to this being an inspirational, thought provoking group that will explore many different topics of health.

I think the easiest and most real time way to participate in the discussions will be through twitter. If you are not a member already of twitter it is free and very easy to use. On twitter we can set a thread #piLALAtesreaders. This thread gets listed in the tweet and all users posting to this thread can all see each other's comments and questions. It is in real time so will be like we are all sitting in the same room discussing.

So..... Our first book to read together and discuss is (drum roll please)......

The China Study by Thomas M. Campbell II

Click here to purchase or download to kindle.

If you have already read this book please feel free to re-read with us and/or join in for discussions as we go. Our first twitter group discussion on this book will take place Tuesday, February 1st at 8pm CT (6pm PT and 9pm ET). Please have read through at least Part I.

Mark your calendars, start turning the pages, and sign in to Twitter on Feb 1st. Looking forward to some great reading and interesting discussions.

Tracy Anderson the Black Swan of Fitness

I usually don't blog about negative things, however I am very enraged lately and need to get this off my chest. Tracy Anderson recently has been heavily publicized and over exposed as a "fitness guru". This really angers me. 

She has been quoted as "putting Jennifer Aniston on a baby food diet", claims she can "make any woman look like a model", compares herself to Joseph Pilates, and has been reported to hire trainers based on their cuteness and appearance, not their credentials and certifications. 

Speaking of credentials and certifications, Tracy Anderson herself has no credentials or certifications listed anywhere that I could find. Including her own bio on her website, where she states that she "studied and researched muscle structure and specific workout techniques" (never mentions where or from who), "developed a computer software program for training to guide her and allow her to keep balance between weight loss and a healthy body" (can't find said computer software anywhere), and "designed a Hybrid Body Reformer" (copied Joseph Pilates' Reformer and made additions and adjustments). The one thing that is referenced over and over is that she is a "former dancer". Again never stating where she studied or with what company or show. The fact that her credentials and where and with whom she studied are never referenced or mentioned, really concerns me. And probably has lead to the numerous allegations I found regarding being injured from Tracy Anderson's Method.

She is also quoted as getting women to their "teeniest, tiny point" and "perfection". As a fitness professional these are very serious words to be using and do not promote a healthy body in my mind. She further promotes this image in all of her photos where she is shot in the skimpiest, lingerie looking workout clothes, looking herself emaciatingly thin. She claims that she can "make any woman look like a model" and references her clients as credentials. When you are starting with healthy, physically fit women who already look like models (i.e. Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Shakira, Madonna, Gwenyth Paltrow) how can you really take credit for your work and method? It's not as if she is a Bob Harper or Jillian Michaels taking the obese population and turning them into fit, healthy individuals. Personally I'd like to see her on The Biggest Loser and put her money where her mouth is. That probably won't happen as it doesn't seem that she even has the resume and credentials to even get hired for a position such as a trainer.

I can't help but think of Natalie Portman's character in the Black Swan. The break in the psyche that occurs from a constant pursuit of perfection, under eating, eating disorders and self loathing. Tracy Anderson seems to be promoting this idea to women as fitness and I take personal offense. This is not what I promote or want to promote to anyone as healthy or fitness. I really wish that the media would stop advertising and promoting Tracy Anderson and her "accomplishments". She is not a healthy role model of fitness for women and is doing our community a huge disservice.

Whew! Got that off my chest. Now I really don't want to see or hear anymore about her in the fitness industry.

Winter Escape

Retreat:

A place affording peace, quiet, privacy, or security.

This February, find tranquility, peace, and warmth, while enjoying your physical surroundings and pampering your body and soul. I have always found Retreats to be most beneficial to my body and mind. When I allow myself the well deserved time and utmost priority I can come back to my business, clients and family a better me. Well rested, reflective, meditated, nurtured, inspired, invigorated, and fed both spiritually and physically.

There are many places that offer Yoga and spiritual retreats, however I had a hard time finding a space that inhabited a full Pilates studio as well as a beautiful retreat space. I wanted to be able to offer Pilates Mat Classes, as well as Group Reformer and Private Sessions. And in this economic time, make it as affordable as possible without spending a ton on travel to a foreign country. Rancho La Puerta is just that place. Located in Tecate, Mexico. Rancho La Puerta is the perfect retreat spot, even voted by Travel & Leisure's 2010 voters as a Best Destination Spa. With it being located about an hour outside of San Diego, California residents would even be able to drive to the resort without any air fare.

Currently living in Chicago, winter and cold last a good portion of the year. By the February month I am ready for an escape and rejuvenation to get me through until May, when Chicago finally starts to warm up.

This February join me at Rancho La Puerta for either a 4-day or 7-day retreat. Visit www.pilalates.com for more info. Hope to see you there!

Chocolate dipped Strawberry Smoothie

A decadent, yet healthy smoothie. Like having Strawberries dipped in Chocolate. Creamy, Delicious and under 200 calories.


Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 tblspoon Nutella
• 1/2 cup of almond milk
• 1/2-3/4 cup crushed ice

Directions:
Clean and cut strawberries and place into blender with Nutella, ice, and Almond milk. Blend. Pour and Enjoy!!

Veggie Lasagna

This is a favorite recipe that I found while I was back in college.  I have altered it over the years to include some of my favorites and incorporate more of a vegan lifestyle.  This lasagna has no noodles or pasta and no cheese.  Also I tend to cook to taste, so not a lot of measurements. Use as much of any ingredient to create the desired layer in the size of your casserole dish.

Ingredients
1 eggplant
1-2 zucchini squashes
kernel corn
black olives
diced tomatoes
brown mushrooms
16 oz firm tofu
fresh basil
fresh rosemary
Daiya mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or mix both)
olive oil
salt
pepper

Feel free to omit any of the veggies that you feel undesirable (except for eggplant and squash) and/or add some of your favorite fresh seasonal veggies.  Also if you do not want to make vegan, substitute Ricotta cheese for the tofu and use regular cheese instead of Daiya.


Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°

Grill eggplant and zucchinin with olive oil, salt and pepper. While grilling, combine tofu, basil and rosemary into food processor. Blend until a thick consistency.

Lightly grease casserole dish. Place grilled eggplant slices in a single layer on the bottom of the casserole dish until it is covered. Next layer tofu mixture over layer of eggplant. Continue to layer ingredients on top of one another until 3/4 of way to top of casserole dish. Layer the grilled zucchini on top of looser ingredients. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of zucchini and garnish or top with sliced black olives.  Finish with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Place casserole dish in preheated oven and cook for 30-45mins until cooked through and cheese is melted.  Turn throughout cooking in 1/4 turns for consistent cooking.

I serve with a slotted spoon as many of the vegetables tend to be rather juicy.

Let cool and enjoy!

Healthy Pizza

Healthy Pizza? Is there really such a thing? There most definitely is! First, you can always make your own Pizza at home. I recommend starting with a whole wheat crust. Fore go sauce and brush with garlic infused olive oil or a pesto sauce. Load it up with whatever fresh vegetables appeal to you and either no cheese or a lower fat cheese like feta.

If you are looking for a store bought frozen Pizza. A company called A.C LaRocoo has many options to choose from. Organic Whole Wheat Thin Crust:Tomato and Feta Pizza, Greek Sesame Pizza, Garden Vegetarian Pizza, Cheese and Garlic Pizza, and Spinach and Artichoke Pizza. Organic Ultra Thin Sprouted Grain Crust: Bruschetta Style Pizza, Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pizza, and Old World Veggie Pizza. The wheat crust pizzas range from about 200-250 calories/2 slices or 1/3 of the pizza. The Sprouted Grain Crust pizzas range from 170-230 calories/ 3 slices or 1/2 of the pizza. These pizzas all taste fantastic and are guilt free.

Then there is Whole Foods Pizza Bar which now has a Vegan Pizza by the slice or pre-ordered whole pizza. Not sure of the nutritional information, unfortunately. But will tell you it is absolutely delicious! Thin, wheat crust with a vegan cheese that melts like butter, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, and roasted garlic. I cant stop craving this delicious slice. As soon as I get the nutritional info I will pass it on, my guess is that it is pretty similiar to the A.C. LaRocoo calories.

Do you have a healthy pizza recipe you would like to share? Or know of another company with guilt free pizza? Share your recomendations in the comment section below.