New Year, New You: How to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

by DebbieJ MS RDN | Jan 3, 2018 | All, Fitness, Home, Nutrition

“Resolution” doesn’t mean change. It means a firm decision to do or not to do something. Hearing it makes me think of related words like: Resolute. Resolve. Stand your ground. Stanchion. Rock. Unwavering. Solid. Committed. Willpower. Sense of purpose. Driven.

Imagine yourself standing in front of a challenge with your fists on your hips. In charge, in command. Ready to take on the world! No temptations getting in your way. Feeling like you’re invincible.

Resolving to do something is action-based. You are the subject, the cause of action, the spark, the fire; not the receiver waiting for something to happen to you. Having this mindset means greater success in acting on your intentions instead of staying static.

Here’s how to succeed this year:

Creating your resolutions

First, start off right. Before you make a concrete goal, get to the heart of your true objective, tease out the “why,” your motivation behind it. Reflect on the past year and decide what you can make happen differently.

Limit your resolutions so you aren’t spread too thin. Having several goals is great, but not when they compete for priority. A short list is easier to tackle, and when one goal is accomplished you can move forward to the next.

Sticking to your resolutions

Make choices that are consistent with your identity. “Whether you realize it or not, you make decisions based on staying true to your self-stories… You want to make decisions that match your idea of who you are,” explains Susan Weinschenk, PhD, a psychologist and author.

Set weekly or monthly reminders. Doing this is as easy as signing up for a recurring email prompt, or making a note on your wall or smartphone calendar.

Have visual cues. You may opt for obvious sticky notes or subtle well-placed postcard-sized images of things that relate to your resolution.

Share your resolutions. Verbalizing (or social media broadcasting) your resolutions to others increases your accountability. You are more likely to stay on course when others know your goals and might ask about your progress.

Ask for support when needed. Seeking and accepting help from those close to you may enable you to overcome challenges and deal with stress.

Display or showcase your successes. By highlighting the positives, you focus on what you can accomplish, which is motivating!

Dealing with setbacks

If you fall off course or realize it’s March before you’ve taken a step toward your goals, don’t worry. Treat setbacks like hiccups – expect them to occur, accept them, and then move on. Being resilient by bouncing back from difficulty allows you to get back on course. It’s never too late to change habits for the better.

Resources:

Psychology Today “The Science of Why New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work” https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/brain-wise/201612/the-science-why-new-years-resolutions-dont-work

American Psychological Association “Making Your New Year’s Resolution Stick” http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/resolution.aspx

How to Calculate Body Fat Percentage & Lean Mass | Q+A

by DebbieJ MS RDN | Jan 2, 2018 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home, Nutrition

Question:

What’s the correct way of calculating body fat percentage and lean mass?

– Garima

Answer:

The previous gold standard for body composition analysis has been hydrostatic weighing. Short of a university research lab, you may have trouble locating such a dunk tank. A dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is a higher tech method available in medical care settings, since they primarily use them for bone density status. A Bod Pod device provides reliable results, though it’s difficult to find one of these space-age egg-shaped chambers. In general, these methods basically use the difference in density of body tissues to determine how much of each you have. They also carry a price tag.

So what does that leave for you that’s readily available? Skinfold thickness testing using digital calipers may be an option if there is a trained individual performing the measurements with good equipment. It determines subcutaneous fat to predict overall body fat. The best simple, fast and inexpensive method is an electronic bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scale with integrated upper body measurement. Such segmental devices get an overall picture by looking at hydration status of all 4 quadrants & torso of the body. As if a step-on BIA scale and a hand held analyzer had an offspring. The small electrical signal passes through muscle and fat differently based on their water content.

You don’t have to calculate body fat % or lean mass as the above methods have equations built into the software. In the case of skinfold thickness with traditional calipers, the most accurate formula uses six or more body measurements whose sum is usually available in a table format for conversion into body fat.

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Ask our Dietitian

Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!

Experience Truthfully Honest Cooking at True Food Kitchen

by Candice Currie | Jan 1, 2018 | All, Home, Nutrition, Recipes

Nathan Coulon, Manager of Culinary Standards for True Food Kitchen, helps us explore what sets True Food Kitchen apart from other culinary dining establishments. In order to ensure guests receive only the freshest ingredients possible, TFK changes its menu seasonally to use what’s currently in season. Meat-lovers, vegetarians and vegans alike, can be sure to find something that will satisfy their cravings for a good meal, while still being healthy. As a guest of True Food Kitchen, you can be certain you’ll be receiving true-quality ingredients, from a team that is passionate about healthy foods.

Q: Since True Food Kitchen offers seasonal fare, about how long does it typically take to build out each seasonal menu?

Nathan Coulon: We are typically planning one season ahead. We always need to test menu ideas and it can get difficult to test too many seasons ahead, since we cannot get the products we want as they are not in season. Also, when you are buying something, strawberries for example, in winter they taste completely different than when they are in season. It makes it hard to get a true taste for a new dish when none of the ingredients taste like they should. Having said that, the creative process is always ongoing and so something may inspire you now that ends up on a menu a couple of seasons from now.

Q: Do you have a favorite season that brings ingredients you most enjoy working with? What is your favorite ingredient to work with? How does it complement the dishes?

NC: My favorite season is spring. There are so many incredible vegetables that are only available in spring: English peas, perfect strawberries, spring garlic. It’s so amazing to go to the farmer’s markets and see all of the colors as spring turns into summer. I really don’t think I can say I have a favorite ingredient, there are too many amazing flavors, but I really love tomatoes when they are perfectly ripe. Most people haven’t had a great tomato. They’ve only had flavorless, mealy, hard tomatoes that you see at the grocery store.

Q: What is an often underrated dish True Food offers that you would like more guests to try?

NC: The Spaghetti Casserole. It’s a classic True Food Kitchen menu item, and I can’t say it’s underrated, because we do sell a lot, but I think to the average guest that doesn’t know too much about Dr. Weil*, or True Food Kitchen, they might glance over it. It seems simple, and it is, but it’s so good. It really exemplifies True Food kitchen and what we do. Fresh ingredients, simple preparation, great tasting, and healthy.

*Andrew Weil, MD is an American celebrity doctor who is a physician, author, spokesperson, and broadly described “guru” of the alternative medical brands.

Q: For the meat-lovers, what dish is an absolute must-have? What about for the veggie-lovers? Vegans?

NC: When we are talking beef, I love the Grass-fed Burger. It’s grass-fed from start to finish, most grass-fed beef is finished on corn, and ours is completely grass-fed. It’s ground in-house fresh each day. The combination with the cheese, mushrooms, and Umami sauce is amazing. All of those flavors compliment the beef so well. For the veggie-lover, I would recommend the Spaghetti Squash Casserole, or, my favorite salad, the Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Both of those dishes can be vegan if you remove the cheese. The Roasted Squash Pizza on our menu right now is vegan, and with the Almond Ricotta, that we make in-house, you’d never know. I think that’s something we do very well here at True Food Kitchen, we don’t try to make a dish something it’s not, and we make great tasting dishes that also happen to be vegetarian or vegan. I am not vegan, but I would be happy eating the Roasted Squash Pizza and not miss the “meat”.

Q: What can a guest of True Food Kitchen expect to experience when visiting one of your multiple locations?

NC: We strive to make the experience consistent between all of the stores. The menus are the same across the country and the service standards are also the same. We have a lot of guests that eat at different locations across the country.

Q: If you could offer our Living Healthy readers one piece of nutritional advice, what would that be?

NC: Eat more vegetables, and make sure they are fresh vegetables. Many times even “fresh” vegetables are a week or two old before the consumer gets them. You should be trying to go to farmer’s markets and buying vegetables that have just been picked.

True Food Kitchen is located at the following locations:

True Food - Phoenix, AZ

True Food - Scottsdale, AZ

True Food - El Segundo, CA

True Food - Newport Beach, CA

True Food - Palo Alto, CA

True Food - Pasadena, CA

True Food - San Diego, CA

True Food - Santa Monica, CA

True Food - Walnut Creek, CA

True Food - Denver, CO

True Food - Boca Raton, FL

True Food - Naples, FL

True Food - Atlanta, GA

True Food - Chicago, IL

True Food - Bethesda, MD

True Food - King of Prussia, PA

True Food - Nashville, TN

True Food - Austin, TX

True Food - Dallas, TX

True Food - Houston, TX

True Foods - Plano, TX

True Food - The Woodlands, TX

True Food - Fairfax, VA

Distance to closest LA Fitness: Varies by state.

INSIDE OUT QUINOA BURGER

Ingredients – Quinoa Patties

Method

Ingredients – Burger Toppings

Method

2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp Lemon Juice
0.5 tsp Red Chili Flakes
2 Whole Eggs (whipped)
4 c Red Quinoa (cooked)
1 tsp Ground Cumin
1 tbsp Mint Leaves (minced)
1 tbsp Oregano Leaves (minced)
1 tsp Kosher Salt
small pinch Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/4 c Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, red chili flakes, and eggs. Whisk together. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine quinoa, cumin, mint, oregano, salt and pepper.
Combine the wet ingredients with the quinoa mix. Mix together well, until evenly incorporated.
Fold the breadcrumbs into the mixture.
Press 1/3 cup of the mixture into a ring mold, gently pressing down at the edges of each, to form patties.
Bake at 350 degrees for 14 minutes.
Let the patties cool before using.

Note: If saving patties, they should be held at 41 degrees or below.

Shelf Life: 3 days

4 Sliced Tomatoes
4 Cucumber Slices
2 leaves torn Butter Lettuce
6 pieces Red Onion
2 tsp Feta Cheese
1 tsp Olive Oil
1 pinch Salt
0.5 tsp Lemon Juice
2 tbsp Hummus
2 tsp Tzatziki

In a bowl, toss tomatoes, cucumber, onion, lettuce, and feta cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
On bottom quinoa patty, top with 1 tbsp of hummus.
Place tossed veggies on top of hummus spread.
Garnish the veggies with the 1 tsp of tzatziki.
Top with the other quinoa patty & enjoy!

Makes: 2 Inside Out Quinoa Burgers

Keep an eye out for some new True Food Kitchen locations COMING SOON:

Boca Raton, FL – Opening Spring 2018

Nashville, TN – Opening Spring 2018

The Woodlands, TX – Opening Summer 2018

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Member Spotlight | Taking Back Control

by Candice Currie | Jan 1, 2018 | All, Community, Fitness, Home, Member Stories | 1 comment

Pat B. of Oshawa, Ontario is a 53-year-old mother of two (now adult) children. For most of Pat’s life, she was a self-described “thin person who enjoyed life.” However, over the years she began experiencing some personal family issues, which set her down a path of unhealthy eating. Pat began gaining weight at an unhealthy rate, for the first time in her life. After the loss of her mother, Pat became deeply depressed and again turned to food for comfort. Pat shared that she had gained so much weight that she no longer recognized herself. She felt both depressed and unattractive, and “hated the person [she] had become”. Pat went from weighing a healthy 135 lbs. to 220 lbs., almost double her normal weight. She knew that in order to lose weight and become healthy again, something had to change.

What Pat was sure of is that she wanted to lose weight the healthy way. She didn’t want to go on any fad diets, chug shakes, take pills, or take any shortcuts. Instead, she wanted to learn how to eat healthy and be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the rest of her life. This is when Pat turned to the LA Fitness in Oshawa, Ontario. The staff at Oshawa, which Pat described as “very friendly and helpful”, gave her a tour of the club while answering all of her questions. Afterward, she met with the club’s Personal Training Director who asked her about her personal fitness goals and what Pat ultimately wanted to achieve. Pat was given diet suggestions on how to eat healthier, and it was suggested to her that having a personal trainer might be the best option for what she wanted to accomplish. Pat described her decision to start working out with a personal trainer as “the best decision [she’s] made.”

Her personal trainer, Blair D., also asked Pat what her fitness goals were and told her that they were all achievable. All Pat needed was dedication and the determination to get healthy and with that, her journey began. Pat went through her fridge and threw out all unhealthy and prepackaged foods. She then came up with a healthy eating plan that consisted of eating 5 smaller meals a day while also drinking plenty of water. The foods Pat began eating were fresh veggies, lean cuts of meat and whole grain bread. Her new healthy diet, paired with the support of her trainer as well as working out an average of 4 days a week began to show positive effects. Pat’s trainer, Blair D., has encouraged her along the way and pushed her even when she thought she couldn’t do it.

“Set your mind at a goal and make a decision, have the determination and dedication to never give up. You can do it, I did and so can you!”

Pat B.

LA Fitness Member

As Pat continued training regularly and eating healthier, her depression began to fade and she started feeling happier. Over the course of 10 months Pat lost 90 pounds and she says her body “looks the best it has ever looked”! It has now been 2 years since Pat first walked through the doors of LA Fitness in Oshawa. Pat continues to maintain her new healthy weight and lifestyle and gives a huge thank you to her club’s Personal Training Director, Dustin S., and her life-changing trainer, Blair D. In Pat’s words, “[she] couldn’t have done it without [them].”

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PEPPERCORN CRUSTED KANGAROO

w/ Crisped Brussels, Apple, and Beet Labneh

Ingredients

2 Kangaroo Loins (cleaned) *Substitute: If cannot find, venison loin will also work)
2 oz. Coarse Grind Black Pepper
8 tbsp. Canola Oil

For the Roasted Vegetables

8 ea Brussel Sprouts cut in 1/2
2 ea Granny Smith Apples peeled and cut into wedges
4 oz. Dried Cranberry roughly chopped
2 ea Parsnip peeled and cut into batons

For the Labneh

16 oz. Greek Style yogurt
1 tsp Kosher Salt
2 ea. Red Beet Root peeled
2 c Balsamic Vinegar
2 c Water
1 c Sugar
1 tbsp Salt

Serves 4.

Method

For the Labneh (Prep Time: 2 days)

Combine the yogurt and salt.
Using a colander, place a cheese cloth (double-lined) with enough cloth to hang over the edge. Gently spoon the yogurt mixture into the center of the colander.
Pull the excess cloth towards the center and tie off with butchers twine.
Hang the mixture with a bowl underneath to catch the liquid that expels.
Leave to hang in refrigerator from 24-48 hours.

For the Beet Puree

In a sauce pan, combine beets, vinegar, sugar, water and salt.
Cook gently until beets can be skewered with no resistance.
Let cool.
Puree the beets with just enough of the liquid to make a puree.
Combine beet puree with labneh base. Season with salt and pepper. Consistency should be smooth.

For the Roasted Vegetables

Toss half the brussels with enough canola oil and season with salt and pepper.
Repeat same step with apples and parsnips. Be sure to separate the two, as cooking times will vary.
Roast in a 400 degree oven until golden brown. Chef Tip: Apples will take approximately 6-10 minutes, brussels 15-20 minutes, and parsnip 15 minutes. Rotate for an even color.

For the Kangaroo

Season the kangaroo with cracked black pepper, salt, and canola oil.
Sear the meat on high heat, using either a cast iron pan or outdoor BBQ grill. Chef Tip: Recommended to cook to a rare temperature.

To Assemble

Place some labneh on base of the plate.
While hot, mix the roasted vegetable with the dried cranberry and place atop the labneh.
Once the kangaroo has rested slightly, slice thinly and lay atop the vegetables.

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Here’s how to succeed this year:

Creating your resolutions

Sticking to your resolutions

Dealing with setbacks

Recommended Reading

Question:

Answer:

Ask our Dietitian

Recommended Reading - Q+A

True Food - Phoenix, AZ

True Food - Scottsdale, AZ

True Food - El Segundo, CA

True Food - Newport Beach, CA

True Food - Palo Alto, CA

True Food - Pasadena, CA

True Food - San Diego, CA

True Food - San Diego, CA

True Food - Santa Monica, CA

True Food - Walnut Creek, CA

True Food - Denver, CO

True Food - Boca Raton, FL

True Food - Naples, FL

True Food - Atlanta, GA

True Food - Chicago, IL

True Food - Bethesda, MD

True Food - King of Prussia, PA

True Food - Nashville, TN

True Food - Austin, TX

True Food - Dallas, TX

True Food - Houston, TX

True Foods - Plano, TX

True Food - The Woodlands, TX

True Food - Fairfax, VA

INSIDE OUT QUINOA BURGER

Ingredients – Quinoa Patties

Method

Ingredients – Burger Toppings

Method

Recommended Reading

Canoe

PEPPERCORN CRUSTED KANGAROO

Ingredients

Method

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