Community Archives - Page 23 of 70

Nutritional Advice for Those with PCOS | Q+A

by DebbieJ MS RDN | May 18, 2017 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Community, Home, Nutrition

Question:

I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and have issues losing weight. I am 5’5″ and currently weigh 210lbs. I am interested in knowing what types of food I should eat and what types I should avoid.

– Cali D.

Answer:

As you may know, polycystic ovary syndrome may not cause you to have elevated insulin blood sugar levels, but the hormone disorder is often related to this condition. Losing weight often helps improve PCOS.

Sugars and refined starches (like white bread and pasta) should be managed. Keep them to a quarter of your plate. An example would be to have fajitas with only 2 corn tortillas, then eat the remainder with your fork. For stir-frys, opt for brown rice and have only 1 fork full for every 2 of meat and vegetables. Whole grains like oats, quinoa, wheat berries and corn on the cob are better choices than baked goods or processed potato products. For example, have oatmeal instead of waffles and fresh baked sweet potato instead of tater tots.

You can’t go wrong filling up on vegetables… aim for about half your plate every time you eat! The dense nutrients, low calories, high fiber and plant proteins in veggies can help with both insulin control and weight loss. In addition to typical meal sides, add veggies to breakfast (beet ginger smoothie, anyone?) and snacks (try homemade kale chips). Also include lean proteins, fruits, nuts, beans, and low-fat dairy to round out the remainder of your meals.

Your weight loss struggle is understandable. Besides focusing on the food choices above, pay attention to calories and when/why you eat. Only eat when truly hungry, stop when satisfied, and cleanse your palate to deter you from dessert/extras. Perhaps shift more of your intake to earlier in the day when you are more likely to burn it.

– 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.

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!

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The Basics of Bulking – Podcast Ep. 40

On today’s episode, you’ll hear from one of our own Master Trainers about what you should be eating and how you should be exercising during your bulking phase.

What You Should Know About Women’s Depression

For International Women’s Day, we’d like to contribute to the day’s spotlight on women by discussing an important piece of women’s health: mental health.

Eggs and Cholesterol: How Much is Too Much? | QA

Eggs are a nutritious food choice, but what about their impact on cholesterol? Our registered dietitian, Debbie J., has an answer!

Power Your Way Towards a Stronger Today

by Candice Currie | May 17, 2017 | All, Community, Exercises, Fitness, Home, Nutrition, Workouts

“Power Circuit has changed not only my own fitness level as an instructor, but I’ve seen it affect many members who attend my classes. I have witnessed the benefits in changes to my physique, and most definitely my endurance level. Because of Power Circuit, I’m able to take my other classes to a greater intensity.”

Joanna M.

Aerobics Coordinator , LA Fitness

Are you short on time? Get results fast in LA Fitness’ Power Circuit! Power Circuit is a high intensity Group Fitness class offered exclusively at LA Fitness. It consists of highly concentrated quick circuit intervals that challenge your aerobic threshold, while integrated weight lifting helps build bone mass. Power Circuit is a class designed for most age groups, with the ability to modify moves, based on your body’s preferences.

When you take Power Circuit, you can expect to have a high intensity aerobic exercise matched with a short recovery period. The overall or total quick sets last usually about 4 minutes in duration. These quick sets may consist of body squats, step exercises, planks, pushups or use of the step platform. The non-choreographed structure is what keeps the class exciting! Usually, the class ends with ab targeted exercises, aiding in toning your mid-section; which helps leave you feeling stronger, longer.

Power Circuit classes are fresh and creative. The un-choreographed structure helps keep things feeling new and interesting from class-to-class. Lightweights are incorporated into routines, helping to intensify the sculpting of your body. It may seem like a simple workout – but don’t let the lightweights fool you. The high rep count makes the weight of the dumbbells felt fast. The instructor will often times adjust the class based on each individual’s capabilities. For example, an instructor may adjust the number of sets for a particular move if they deem it necessary for the class.

Power Circuit is far from easy – and after just one session you may see how satisfying of a workout it really is for you. It’s a challenging, yet well-worth-it, full- body workout. So, are you up for the challenge?

I asked Power Circuit Instructor, Joanna M., to share her thoughts on why members should choose Power Circuit over other aerobic options offered. This is what she had to say:

JM: In my mind, Power Circuit is a type of catalyst; a place where increased fitness levels take place, changing the dynamics of every other class one may attend. Everything increases in intensity, when the adrenaline hits!

Q: What do you think sets Power Circuit apart from other Group Fitness classes?

JM: Power Circuit is unique due to the cardio quick sets, along with the elevated balance challenges interwoven throughout the workout.

Advice for Beginners:

Observe carefully what the instructor does.
Let your instructor know if you are new to the class/workout.
Listen to your body. It is OK to modify.

Find a Power Circuit Class Near You

Let LA Fitness help you along your fitness journey by trying a Power Circuit class today! And download our mobile app for full access to class schedules and plenty of other helpful information.

Find a Class

Commit to Fit | Mother’s Day Edition

by Candice Currie | May 12, 2017 | All, Community, Fitness, Home, Member Stories

Goals, Commitments, Community

Welcome to a very special edition of our Commit to Fit – Mom Edition! These incredible moms manage to make the time to get to the gym & stay dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle!

Mother’s Day Club Hours will remain the same.

See Moms

Julie Y.

“I want to be able to look good in my jeans and maintain being healthy.”

Amber W.

Amber already has 3 kids, and another on the way! She works out to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Congratulations on your soon-to-be new addition!

Karen A.

When we asked Karen why she works out, she shared,”To stay healthy and fit so I can be a healthy example for my three daughters.” Way to set an example!

Monika S.

Monika’s goal is getting back to her pre-baby weight – we believe in you!

Am I Eating Too Little? | Q+A

by DebbieJ MS RDN | May 11, 2017 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home, News, Nutrition

Question:

I am a 40 year old male, I currently weigh 260lbs. I have a desk job but I am very active otherwise outdoors and I have started going back to the gym for weight training M-F during my lunch hours and also do 30-40 minutes of cardio 3x a week, in addition to a 6 mile hike and a 10 mile bike ride the other 2 days. On the weekends I am very active usually backpacking or hiking. My goal is to get back down to a healthy 225. I am currently 31% body fat. I use MyFitnessPal to track my calories. My typical day is usually under 1800 calories; I eat pretty healthy consisting of an average of 35% carbs, 25% fat and 40% protein. My goal isn’t necessary to gain huge mass, I would like to maintain my muscle (and get stronger, not necessarily bigger), and drop my fat. My question is, am I eating too little? Since I put myself on an eating schedule, I don’t feel like I am starving myself. I have only been at this routine for the last 10 days or so, and I don’t really expect to see immediate results, but my goal is around 2 lbs. per week. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

– Jason N.

Answer:

At first glance, your caloric intake does seem a bit low for the amount of activity you’re engaged in. However, if you are satiated after meals and aren’t lacking energy as the day progresses, you may be eating enough. Losing 2 pounds per week does take quite a caloric deficit — approximately 7000 calories per week! By eating smart, not more/less, you can maintain your muscle mass while you lose fat weight.

By my calculation, you’re getting at least 150 gm carbohydrate, so you’re meeting your base need there. Your protein intake equates to about 1 gram per pound of fat-free mass, the maximum you’re likely to put to use. Fat provides 450 of your daily calories (50 grams), which is not ample but sufficient. You should be able to maintain your described caloric breakdown as long as you see progress.

Additionally, I’d recommend that you support those workouts by consuming the bulk of your intake in the hours surrounding your physical activity. So if you’re exercising in the morning, eat more then and less at night. Keep up your fiber and fluid intake, as these help you to feel full when volume is down.

– Debbie J., MS, RD

Want more? SUBSCRIBE to receive the latest Living Healthy articles right in your inbox!

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!

The Basics of Bulking – Podcast Ep. 40

On today’s episode, you’ll hear from one of our own Master Trainers about what you should be eating and how you should be exercising during your bulking phase.

What You Should Know About Women’s Depression

For International Women’s Day, we’d like to contribute to the day’s spotlight on women by discussing an important piece of women’s health: mental health.

Eggs and Cholesterol: How Much is Too Much? | QA

Eggs are a nutritious food choice, but what about their impact on cholesterol? Our registered dietitian, Debbie J., has an answer!

Low Carb Food Choices | Q+A

by DebbieJ MS RDN | May 9, 2017 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Community, Home, Nutrition

Question:

My doctor has me on a pre-surgery low carb diet. Do you have any recipes for low carb cooking or low carb eating out ideas?

– Steve G.

First, always follow your doctor’s orders regarding your prescribed allowance for carbohydrates. My trusted recipe sources are Cooking Light, Eating Well, Epicurious and Harvard’s The Nutrition Source. Recipes should have the nutrients per serving and specify how many servings the recipe yields. Suggested ones to try:

Vegetable omelet
Chicken lettuce wraps
Thai pork salad (no noodles)
Tofu & vegetable stir fry
Shrimp vegetable pesto
Steak Diane & mushrooms
Roasted eggplant & peppers
Spaghetti squash lasagna
Miso-ginger grilled salmon

When eating out, look for the vegetable or protein to be listed in the entrée title, not potato/pasta/rice, etc. Ask for vegetable substitutions in place of the starch side dish, such as salad or steamed broccoli. Avoid anything breaded. Inquire about sauces and dressings to determine if they’re made with concentrated sugars. A garnish of high-fiber beans such as lentils on a dish is fine, but skip any croutons or tortilla strips on salad.

– Debbie J., MS, RD