Milk Gets the Grade

I’ve been taste-testing both dairy and nondairy milks lately, part to appease curiosity and part to educate on the varying benefits.  I have to force myself to drink water (see post:  Reasons to Drink) but I’ve never had a problem drinking milk – I’m the crazy person who likes to drink milk with dinner every night even if dinner is pizza!!!!!  I know, I know, they don’t really go together but it seems more normal the more I do it.  I’d like to understand all my options for milk consumption so here’s what I found out so far.   ➛ ➛ ➛

Want Milk? (how a cup of each measures up)

WHOLE MILK (fortified)
Calories – 149
Total Fat – 8 g
Saturated Fat – 4.5 g
Lactose – 12 g
Calcium – 276 mg
Vitamin D – 124 IU
Taste – Creamy to the max
GG Grade =  C I only use this when I’m baking super-duper desserts like my melt-in-your mouth vanilla cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.  Otherwise, it tastes like I’m drinking cream.  It is hard to fathom that, growing up, this is what I used to drink every single day until my mother became wise on the low-fat deal.

LOW FAT (1% milk fat)
Calories – 102
Total Fat – 2 g
Sat Fat – 1.5 g
Lactose – 13 g
Calcium – 305 mg
Vit D – 117 IU
Taste – As perky sweet as whole milk, but not quite as creamy
GG Grade =   B This is a good option for those who crave a thicker milk but want to cut down on fat.

SKIM (fat free)
Calories -  83
Total Fat – .2 g
Sat Fat – .1 g
Lactose – 12.5 g
Calcium – 299 mg
Vit D – 115 IU
Taste – More watery, only slightly sweet
GG Grade = A This is how I like my milk -  crisp and clean!!!  Not an A+ because it still has more sugar than I’d like.

GOAT’S MILK
Calories – 168
Total Fat – 10 g
Sat Fat – 6.5 g
Lactose – 11 g
Calcium – 327 mg
Vit D – 124 IU
Taste – Rich, eensy-bit of tartness
GG Grade = B I loooove goat cheese, but I don’t crave this.  This may get better the more my palette gets used to it.

SHEEP’S MILK
Calories – 265
Total Fat – 17 g
Sat Fat – 11 g
Lactose – 13 g
Calcium – 473 mg (a whopper of milk!)
Vit D – NA
Taste – Rich, not as tart as goat’s milk
GG Grade = B- Once I get over the fact that this is coming from sheep, this gets the grade for the best bang of calcium for your buck.  Alas, more calories come with it.   Another downside, no Vitamin D.  Does that mean I have an excuse to lie in the sun more often?

SOY MILK (fortified)
Calories – 104
Total Fat – 4 g
Sat Fat – .5 g
Lactose – 0 g
Calcium – 299 mg
Vit D – 104 IU
Taste – Somewhat sweet with a grain taste
GG Grade = B Some healthful desserts call for this.  I am leery to give it an A because of questionable link between soy consumption and estrogen-positive breast cancer.

RICE MILK (fortified)
Calories – 118
Total Fat – 2.4 g
Sat Fat – 0 g
Lactose – 0 g
Calcium – 297 mg
Vit D – 100 IU
Taste – Light and airy
GG Grade =  A I tasted this for the first time a couple of months ago.  It now jumps semi-regularly into my grocery cart.  I’m not lactose intolerant but I like the unique taste.

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Workout for the Weary

No matter your shape, size, age, agility, strength – you CAN benefit from even the slightest amount of exercise.  I’m about to give my secret away here and reveal the exact exercises I’ve been performing for the past 19 years, exercises that helped me lose 33 pounds within three weeks after my daughter was born, that not only helped me maintain my desired weight every year since but made me more toned than before I was pregnant (honest!), and that energize me on even the weariest mornings.  They will cost you a mere 5 – 10 minutes and they are easy enough for everyone to work up to.  Why not do them while watching the morning news?  Or turn on some soothing morning tunes.  If you’re a night owl, perhaps you can squeeze them in while catching some late night T.V.?  . . .

Are you ready?!  This is the exact amount, exact order I execute.  Nothing fancy, not a lengthy routine at all ➜

**You can do these simply with your body weight or you can use a set of 10 or 12 lb free weights.  I alternate between body weight and free weights, and purchased my dumbbells at Target for about $12 – 15 per set.

1.  100 narrow stance squats:

At first, break them into smaller sets, completing 10 – 15 at a time and resting before completing the next sets.  Work your way up to four sets of 25.

• Feet pointing forward, shoulder width apart
• Hands on hips OR arms at side with or without weights
• Be sure your knees do not extend past your toes as you squat
• No need to bend down too far
• More challenge:  perform bicep curls or overhead presses at the same time

2. 100 wide-stance squats

At first, break them into smaller sets, completing 10 – 15 at a time and resting before completing the next sets.  Work your way up to four sets of 25.

• Feet pointing outward, past your shoulders
• Hands on hips OR arms at side with or without weights
• Be sure your knees do not extend past your toes as you squat
• You will naturally bend farther than with the narrow stance squats.  As you get the hang of it, attempt to execute deeper squats.
• More challenge:  perform bicep curls or overhead presses at the same time

3.  100 calf raises

I usually just do 100 in a row.  Again, you can break these up into sets; you’ll earn the same benefits.

• Perform these holding weights OR simply with body weight

4.  100 abdominal crunches

• see Diet, Exercise, or Act of God for easy details on how to do this!
• Beginners, do the first set only.  Incorporate 2nd – 4th set as you progress.

THAT’S IT!!!

After this routine, you should feel like you got a pretty good run for your time.  These fare me well whenever I can’t go to the gym for whatever reason.  The best part is that they can be done anywhere, anytime.  Try them and let me know what you think.

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World’s Fastest Disappearing Dessert

Need a fast crowd pleaser??  Even the kitchen illiterate can master this one . . .

With 38 of us (including T.A.’s) in the English department, there’s always food in the office.  We celebrate birthdays and “half” birthdays (for those born in the summer) by taking turns bringing in a small spread usually consisting of cake and/or snacks or lunch.  A dear, close colleague is retiring this year and we requested to host each other’s birthdays since we won’t be able to again.    Her birthday is approaching and below is the cake she requested.  Every time I make this, this is gone by Period 3 of an 8-period day!!!

To satisfy 38 hungry intellectuals, I’ll be making this along with Crème de Menthe Brownies

and Chicken Sausage Pasta with Vodka Creme Sauce (ask me for this recipe!).

Notice a theme?!

Warning:  This is not an Eat Clean recipe!!!!!

Amoretto Cake

Cake:

• 1 Vanilla Cake Mix
• 1 Instant Vanilla Pudding mix
• 1/2 cup Orange Juice
• 1/2 cup Amoretto
• 1/2 cup Oil (I use Vegetable or Corn)
• 4 eggs

Glaze:

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 2 tbs. Orange Juice
• 2 tbs. Amoretto

Mix the cake ingredients and place in a greased bundt pan.  Bake according to the cake mix directions.  While cake is baking, mix the glaze ingredients and set aside. Once the cake has cooled, pour on the glaze.  Voilà

This cake is so moist that some like it without the glaze as well.

. . . thank you to my dear Aunt Adelle for the recipe long ago.

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I Scream, You Scream, We ALL Scream for Ice Cream

Blue Moon Ice Cream

I recently stayed overnight at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, WI and enjoyed a sweet treat I haven’t tasted since, well, since the last time I was in Lake Geneva about 6 years ago . . . Blue Moon ice cream!!!  Apparently, it’s only available in upper areas of the Midwest – Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.  As I sat moaning too loudly and savoring the indulgence, I attempted to identify just what is Blue Moon ice cream.  Coupled with its refreshing sky blue hue, it has a hard-to-describe taste all its own.  After happily testing my analysis over and over and over again, I decided it definitely had a hint of lemon with a touch of raspberry.  When I returned home, I frantically searched online and discovered the “original” recipe is a secret but there are two recipes out there that come close.  I dug out my ice cream maker, tried the one I’ve listed below and – sure enough – it is VERY close!!!   Oh . . . and I was right about the lemon and raspberry!!

This is definitely a repeater in my house.  The blue color is a refreshing pretty touch!  For next year’s 4th of July party, I’ll serve this in tall clear ice cream dishes with fresh raspberries and homemade whipped cream on top.  Voilà – a deliciously indulgent red, white and blue treat!!

Blue Moon Ice Cream

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla oil (I used extract)
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1/8 teaspoon blue food coloring
3 teaspoons vanilla pudding mix
1 teaspoon raspberry flavored oil or 1 cup frozen raspberries, pureed (I pureed fresh raspberries)
1 teaspoon lemon flavored oil or lemon extract (I used fresh lemon juice)

Directions:
-1/2 Cup of milk scalded in pan.
-add 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 tsp of salt. stir till dissolved
-add 1/2 cup of half and half.
-add 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream.
-add vanilla, raspberry, lemon flavoring.
-add blue food coloring.
-chill in fridge till very cold.
-put in ice cream machine for about 20 minutes and devour!

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Running for All

Down below is a running program given to me by a colleague who overheard me murmer that I’d like to run continuously for longer distances.  She’s a marathon machine herself and surprised me one day at work by placing the following program on my desk.  If I can do it, you can do it.  I’m not a runner by any means but following this program is making me run for longer stretches of time than I thought possible.

Upon completion of this 8-week program, I will be able to run 30 minutes non-stop.  I’m over half way there!!

Try it with me!!

Points to consider before you begin this 8-Week Beginner’s Running Program →

1.  If you are not accustomed to any exercise, consult your physician first.  Unless you have a known health risk, your doctor will probably encourage you to begin a run-walk program such as this.

2.  Schedule your workouts!  You won’t find time unless you make time.  Put them in your BlackBerry, computer, appointment planner, on your fridge . . . wherever.

3. Expect bad days.  Everyone has them, but they pass quickly, and the next workout is often better than the previous one.  I find my body actually bounces back stronger after I’ve rested for a day (or week) or two.

4.  Don’t rush.  Rushing leads to injuries and discouragement.  Be patient and go slow.  The goal is to reach 30 minutes of continuous running, not to set any records getting there.

More GG Training Tips ➔

~ To fuel up for your workout, have a snack about 1 hour before.  To ensure you don’t lose all those hard earned muscles afterward, have a snack afterward. Click here for my list of pre- and post- workout snacks to fuel and replenish you: Best Pre- and Post- Workout Snacks

~ Always walk a couple of minutes for warmup before you begin and walk another couple of minutes afterward.  Don’t stretch before running.  Save it for after your workout or in the evening while watching T.V.  I get some of my best stretching and yoga moves in that way!

~ On occasion, skip your running workout and do a cross-training instead.  Bike for 30 minutes, elliptical train, do the row machine, or walk the stairmaster.  The break from running will refresh you plus you’ll develop new muscle.

Beginner’s Running Program → → →

(indoors or outdoors)

Week 1 -

Day 1 - Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, Repeat 10x

Day 2 - Walk easy for 30 min

Day 3 - Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, Repeat 10x

Day 4 - Walk easy for 30 min

Day 5 - Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, Repeat 10x

Day 6 - Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, Repeat 10x

Day 7 - Rest

Week 2

Day 1 - Run 2 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 10 x

Day 2 - Walk easy 30 min

Day 3 - Run 3 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 7x, Run 2 mins

Day 4 - Walk easy 30 min

Day 5 - Run 4 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 6x

Day 6 - Run 4 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 6x

Day 7 - Rest

Week 3

Day 1 – Run 5 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 5X

Day 2 – Walk easy 30 min

Day 3 – Run 5 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 5X

Day 4 – Walk easy 30 min

Day 5 – Run 6 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 4x, Run 2 min

Day 6 – Run 6 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 4x, Run 2 min

Day 7 – Rest

Week 4

Day 1 – Run 8 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 3x, Run 3 min

Day 2 – Walk 30 min

Day 3 – Run 9 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 3x

Day 4 – Walk 30 min

Day 5 – Run 10 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2x, Run 8 min

Day 6 – Run 11 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2x, Run 6 min

Day 7 – Rest

Week 5

Day 1 – Run 12 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2 x

Day 2 – Walk 30 min

Day 3 – Run 13 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2 x

Day 4 – Walk 30 min

Day 5 – Run 14 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2x

Day 6 – Run 15 min, Walk 1 min, Run 14 min

Day 7 – Rest

Week 6

Day 1 – Run 16 min, Walk 1 min, Run 13 min

Day 2 – Walk 30 min

Day 3 – Run 17 min, Walk 1 min, Run 12 min

Day 4 – Walk 30 min

Day 5 – Run 18 min, Walk 1 min, Run 11 min

Day 6 – Run 19 min, Walk 1 min, Run 10 min

Day 7 – Rest

Week 7

Day 1 – Run 20 min, Walk 1 min, Run 9 min

Day 2 – Run 20 min, Walk 1 min, Run 9 min

Day 3 – Run 22 min, Walk 1 min, Run 7 min

Day 4 – Walk 30 min

Day 5 – Run 24 min, Walk 1 min, Run 5 min

Day 6 – Run 26 min, Walk 1 min, Run 3 min

Day 7 – Rest

Week 8

Day 1 – Run 27 min, Walk 1 min, Run 2 min

Day 2 – Run 20 min, Walk 1 min, Run 9 min

Day 3 – Run 28 min, Walk 1 min, Run 1 min

Day 4 – Walk 30 min

Day 5 – Run 29 min, Walk 1 min

Day 6 – Run 30 min!!!!!

Day 7 – Get that well-deserved rest!!!

*Always walk 2 – 3 minutes for a warm up before you begin to run and walk another 2 – 3 minutes as a cool down.  Don’t stretch before running.  Save it for afterward (think of it as a reward!)

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Reasons to Drink

I’ve never been an active soda drinker and, in fact, for the past two years I’ve eliminated soft drinks from my diet completely.  It’s just not something I crave, thank goodness.  A dear friend just sent me this information via an eye-opening email.  The indisputable benefits of water and the horrid effects of soft drinks are evident.  An ex-boyfriend used to drink seemingly countless cans of Diet Coke throughout the day, every day -  morning, noon or night.  A couple of years ago, two of his back teeth literally fell out of his mouth.  They apparently decayed drastically from frequent soft drink exposure!  It was a rude awakening for him to stop ‘cold turkey’ – here’s the information that will give you food for thought . . . or drink for contemplating:

Water or Coke?? WATER - I don’t drink enough of this.  I have to consciously force myself to drink water. Now armed with this info, it’s going to be easier for me to add more water to my diet!!! #1.   75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. (Likely applies to half the world population) - That statistic amazes me!! #2.     In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger.  - I’ve heard this before!!  It’s so true. #3.    Even MILD dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism as 3%. - 3% can be 1 or 2 points in body fat. #4.   One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.  - Yes, yes, this works for me! #5.     Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue. - It seems water is the miracle we are all seeking! #6.    Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.  - I will have to work my way up to 8 – 10 a day . . . #7.    A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page. - Wow – it affects EVERYTHING! – This solidifies that having a bottle of water during a test may be a great idea. #8.   Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%. - This in itself should be a motivator!! Plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%. COKE #1.    In many states the highway patrol carries two gallons of Coke in the trunk to remove blood from the highway after a car accident. - If it’s that strong, imagine what it’s doing to the vessels in our bodies. #2.     You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke and it will be gone in two days. - Remember the grade school experiment of dropping a tooth in Coke? #3.    To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the ‘real thing’ sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china. YUCK!! #4.    To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.  DOUBLE YUCK! #5.    To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion. - I can’t believe this stuff was ever approved as edible!! #6.   To loosen a rusted bolt: Apply a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.  - I feel the need to try this myself. #7.    To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy. This just makes me nauseous. #8…   To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of Coke into the load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your windshield. - If you still have Coke in your fridge, don’t throw it away – it has many (shocking) uses!! FOR YOUR INFORMATION: #1     The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. It will dissolve a nail in about four days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase of osteoporosis. #2.   To carry Coca-Cola syrup! (the concentrate) the commercial trucks must use a hazardous Material place cards reserved for highly corrosive materials. #3.    The distributors of Coke have been using it to clean truck engines for 20 years! I hope you’re as convinced as I am!!

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GG’s Gym Etiquette 101

My Tried & True Dos & Don’ts For the Gym!!

The gym is a place to release tensions, detoxify, energize and renew.  When I walk through the doors of my gym, I immediately feel a sense of relief – it’s my place to unwind while maintaining fitness.  I’m very lucky to have met quite a few very dear friends at the gym as I spend a significant amount of time there.  In order to get the most out of the gym and earn those friendships, there are etiquette rules gym goers should follow.  Here are those that immediately come to mind ~

Do

• Do invest in gym attire that you feel good in.  True, you are going to be sweating up your duds in no time flat but, trust me, if you feel good you will perform your exercises with that much more vigor and get a better workout.  Here is one of my personal favorite sportswear lines – Body Language Sportswear.

• Do wear color from time to time.  Everyone wears black.  Try a brighter color to boost your mood.  In fact, invest in colors you can mix and match.  GG Tip:  Feeling a couple pounds heavier? – Wear the same color top and bottom; the monochromatic effect will slim you.

• Do wear white socks.  Period.  Any other color will make you look like the lights went out in the locker room when you were changing and you didn’t get a chance to check yourself in the mirror.

• Do wipe down the cardio machines after you use them.  You just spent 20, 30 or 45 long, hard minutes grinding away . . . the next person doesn’t want to share your excretions.

• Do let others work in during your rest periods between sets. This may not always be practical, but offer to share when you can.  It’s an easy way to make friends too or meet that cute guy or girl. 

• Do refrain from melodramatic squeals and moans while pushing your limits with the iron.  There is one particular character at my gym who obviously thinks he is much more macho than he is.  He apparently has no peripheral vision to see all the rolling eyes around him.

Don’t

• Don’t wear dirty gym clothes.  This would officially make you disgusting.  Yes, everyone around you could tell.  One way to avoid being a skank is to take your gym clothes with you into the shower and let them hang to dry for tomorrow.

• Don’t wear baggy pants or shirts.  Not only will you not feel good in them, you won’t be able to see the muscle work you are accomplishing.

• Don’t get overly skimpy.  You don’t want something flying out that shouldn’t during an overly enthusiastic aerobic jump or superhero set.

• Don’t hover around a person while waiting for the machine he/she is using.  Either ask politely to work in or find another exercise to do while you wait.  There’s always something else you can do to be more productive than make the other person feel hurried.

• Don’t stand directly in front of someone performing his/her set.  Chances are, the person is checking himself in the mirror and nothing breaks up the pumping pattern more than an oblivious hogger.

• Biker shorts, fanny packs, thong leotard over spandex.    Enough said.

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Marvelous Mint Chocolate Brownies!

Who doesn’t love brownies?!  I’m famous for these at work.  If I don’t make them at least twice a year, I lose tenure!    My dear friend, Mary, gave this recipe to me six years ago.  I’ve been making them ever since.  WARNING:  These are ooey, rich and gooey – addiction is imminent.

I apologize to my clean-eating followers.  This is NOT an eat-clean dessert.  Hey, we have to splurge once in a blue moon . . . especially around the holidays.  More GG exercise tips will be coming soon; so, we’ll make up for it!

Mint Chocolate Brownies!!!

These are richly delicious!!! Make them for Christmas & St. Patrick's Day!

Ingredients ~

* Brownie Mix

* 1 ½ stick butter (I use unsalted)

* 3 Tbs. Crème-de-Menthe

* 2 Cups Powdered Sugar

* 1 Cup Chocolate Chips (or Mint Chocolate Chips)

* 1 package Andies thin mint candy

Brownies:
Bake and cool your favorite brownie mix according to package instructions. (13 x 9 pan) I like Duncan Hines

Cool completely before spreading the crème-de-menthe layer.   DO NOT CUT.

Crème-de-menthe layer:
Beat ½ cup room temperature butter. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 3 Tbs. green crème-de-menthe liquor. Spread over brownies.  Let this set before spreading the chocolate glaze.

Chocolate glaze:
Stir 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or mint chocolate chips for more mintness!) and 6 tbs. butter in a saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. COOL. Pour over crème-de-menthe layer and spread evenly.

Before glaze sets, sprinkle with coarsely chopped Andies candy. Enjoy!!

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Progression in Pam’s Pilates

I am now enrolled in my second set of  Pilates classes at the LifeStudio of Life Time Fitness; I’m feeling stronger and learning something new with each class.

See a review of my first experiences with this Pilates class here:  Improve Posture and Poise with Pam’s Pilates

To perform this, begin stretched in the side plank.  With all movement coming from the lower abdominals, crunch them in as your hips rise and feet come in toward you.  At the same time, swing the arm down and under as you “thread” across your core.  Hard to perfect . . . but feels great once you do!

“Contrology” – that’s what Pam Barich is teaching us in class!!  Proper Pilates technique means the body must remain in control.   Movement should not cause the body to misalign, shake, or protude.  That is easier said than done; but, Pam is showing us how to build that strong core – the Pilates powerhouse – that keeps those movements in check. The core is what connects the band of strength across our upper bodies to the band of strength across our lower bodies.  A strong core provides for the safe conduct of strain along our spines between our arms and legs. When we are connected in this basic Pilates manner, the muscles that support the spine are actually strengthened by the movement.

Pam uses fun, easy-to-remember techniques to help us progress through the movements.  For instance, when prompting us to lie in the preparatory Pilates position (shoulders pressed back on the reformer, lower back lifted and lower abdominals tucked in), she reminds us “not to kill the ladybug”. . . meaning hold the core tight that it doesn’t rest on the mat.  Or she might say “balance that glass of wine” so it doesn’t spill . . . meaning tighten those abs so that they are hard and flat as possible.  Fun!! My lower, inner abs never worked so hard!  You just can’t get this kind of workout with strength training alone.

To perform this, first position yourself into a bridge.  Next, raise one leg and hold, being sure not to let your glutes drop.

Along with progressing through these movements, Pam challenges us with new exercises during each and every class.  It amazes me how much varied stretching, pushing, pulling and strength movements that can be achieved on the Reformer.  Whether it’s leg circles, the hundred, extended arabesques . . .it’s impossible to get bored or tired. Pam’s repertoire includes classic Pilates positions along with her own productive inventions.  What’s great about Pam Barich’s classes from others is one never know what challenges and unique, fun sets Pam is going to surprise us with.  Students get the best of both worlds with Pam’s instructions:  continued progressions of the same movement for growth coupled with unique twists for challenges. Into the 7th week of classes, Grading Girl gives Pam Barich at Life Time Fitness an A+ for innovative exercise that provides more results in half the time.

Men, women, people of all ages and levels can benefit from a Pilates class.  In fact, a 50 year old gentleman just joined my class this past Tuesday.  He has some pains in his back and wishes to strenthen his legs.  After just one session, he exclaimed how much his muscles were shaking yet instantly felt less painful from when he walked into class.  Pilates is rehabilitation, it’s strength training, and it’s mental release all in one.  I walk out of class feeling like I’m floating – I’m that relaxed and limber after the stretches, pulls and balances we concentrate on.

Try a free 35 minute session with Pam to see for yourself!  Email her at pbarich@lifetimefitness.com

In the meantime, here is another video of Alejandra Randazzo, veteran Pilates instructor at Life Time Fitness so that you can catch a glimpse of some exercises on the Reformer:

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Good Dessert, Bad Dessert

I made this last night for tonight’s dessert.  It is actually good for you while tasting indulgently yummy!  I can’t take the credit for this concoction.  I stumbled upon the recipe in the November/December 2009 issue of Clean Eating – GG’s favorite cooking magazine, by the way!!!  It took me all of five minutes to mix all the ingredients in my blender.  This is my “good dessert” for the evening:

Spiced Pumpkin Mousse

Serves 10 (I cut this recipe in half.)

This luscious dessert contains 35% of daily rec for manganese and 15% for fiber!

• 2 15 oz. cans 100% pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 1-lb pkg silken tofu, drained well
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (I used sugar-free)
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground
• 3/4 tsp ginger, ground
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground
• 1/4 tsp cloves, ground
• 1/4 tsp sea salt (I eliminated this ingredient)
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek-style yogurt (I used my very fave 0% Fage!)
• 1 oz dark chocolate, cut into thin shards

In the bowl of a food processor (I used my blender), combine pumpkin and tofu.  Process until combined, about 30 seconds.  Add maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt.  Process until combined, about 30 seconds more.

Transfer mousse to a resealable container, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Drain any water that has accumulated from mousse.  Give it a quick stir and scoop 1/2 cup mousse into each of 10 small glasses or ramekins.  Top each serving with 2 tsp yogurt and 1 tsp chocolate.  Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.  (for those extra sweet tooths, fat free Cool Whip works well too)

This tastes like a very gooingly good pumpkin pie without the crust and more of the scrumptious filling!!

Now, my daughter’s palate does not yet appreciate consistently clean eating as I’ve grown to love; her younger metabolism can afford more cheats.  Soooo . . . being the wanting-to-please everyone cook that I strive to be, I’m making this “bad dessert” tonight as well:

Thank you to my very kitchen-capable bro who introduced me to this easy sweet treat!

Pizzookies!

Serves 4

• 1 package Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
• Vanilla or Caramel Cheesecake ice cream

Place the cookie dough as one sheet in an 8 X 8 pan.  Bake according to package directions.

Immediately warm out of the oven, divide the cookie into four parts.  Place each warm “cookie” in a large bowl.  Scoop the ice cream on top and serve immediately!  Hmmmmmm . . . . .

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