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!”
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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Chef Matthew Basford, of Canoe in Atlanta, Georgia, shares with us one of his favorite healthy dishes!
Q: Please tell us what inspired the creation of our featured dish.
Chef Matthew Basford: Being Australian I thought it was my duty to expose people the great protein that is kangaroo. The flavor of kangaroo is very similar to venison with the texture of a lamb loin. I like to combine the slight gaminess of kangaroo with a beet labneh. The labneh combines a slightly acidic flavor with the sweetness of beets. The kangaroo is then complimented with a saute of roasted parsnips, Brussels and north Georgia apples. It is the dish that combines my past and my present.
Q: For our vegetarian readers, which dish do you recommend as a must try? And what about for the meat-eaters?
MB: For vegetarians, I would recommend our autumnal style salad. It consists of apples, brussels, squash with kale, and a vanilla – bourbon vinaigrette. For meat eaters, I would also recommend people try our kangaroo dish. Kangaroo is an extremely healthy protein and also has a taste great. If you eat venison you would defiantly enjoy kangaroo. At the moment, I sell it with a beet labneh, parsnip and brussels.
Q: Besides the beautiful views offered at Canoe, the dish presentations are just as stunning. What does food presentation mean to you?
MB: Presentation is definitely important but it means less if you do not have great flavor and sourcing great ingredients. At Canoe, we always strive to sell the highest quality of ingredients and in the height of their season.
Q: How does Canoe offer a dining experience for its guests unlike other restaurant establishments?
MB: At Canoe, we always strive to give the guest the best possible dining experience. That comes in three factors, service definitely being of great importance. Our service staff is one of the best in the city, with their level of knowledge, dedication and pursuit of excellence. Then comes the food, I look at it as approachable cuisine. We are not looking to make people feel intimidated with what they are about to eat. If people are comfortable then they can enjoy their experience more. Lastly is the view, and that is not repeatable in the city. There are few places in Atlanta that you can drive 10 minutes from the city and be in a very tranquil location with just the flowing river and crickets to serenade you.
Q: For our readers who may be new to healthy cooking, where do you suggest they start as far as ingredients to always keep stocked at home?
MB: I would recommend that people explore farmers markets and get to know the people that sell at them. If you can make contacts there you will know what fruits and vegetables are in season. The ingredients bought there will also generally last a little longer as it was picked only a few days before. Always look to have fresh and unprocessed food, it may be a little more time spent in the kitchen but the flavor of the food will be far superior and better for your health.
Canoe is located at: 4199 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
Distance to closest LA Fitness: 2.9 mi. (Akers Mill Square – 2995 Cobb Parkway)
w/ Crisped Brussels, Apple, and Beet Labneh
For the Roasted Vegetables
For the Labneh
Serves 4.
For the Labneh (Prep Time: 2 days)
For the Beet Puree
For the Roasted Vegetables
For the Kangaroo
To Assemble
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Chef Marcos Campos, of Beatnik in Chicago, IL, has crafted a menu bursting with a flavor and variety, just as unique as the decor that makes up this eccentric restaurant. Chef Marcos shares some of his favorite dishes with us and what visitor’s can expect to find when dining at Beatnik.
Q: With a menu that offers such artfully crafted options, which dish do you recommend as a must-try for diners visiting Beatnik?
A: The Beet Hummus, the Butternut Squash, the Whole Fish and the Lamb really harness our vision of cuisine at Beatnik. The overall balance of the dishes, as well as the contrast in global influence can be seen in these dishes.
Q: For the longest time, healthy eating was thought of as boring and bland, with having no real taste or substance. At Beatnik, I notice your dishes use a lot of unique ingredients. Is there a favorite you enjoy working with?
Chef Marcos: We feel that the access to local farms has really helped us shape our menu. Being able to utilize the freshest, farm grown vegetables and meats really allow the products and flavors to speak for themselves.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career as a chef?
Chef Marcos: The way food and cooking brought my family together really helped me see my vision in food, starting with working with my father in the town butcher shop, in Valencia, Spain, to spending time with my mother and grandmother in the kitchen, over the stove. Ultimately food was what brought us all together.
Q: How does Beatnik offer a dining experience for its guests unlike other restaurant establishments?
Chef Marcos: We really look to bringing an International Dinner Party to you. The atmosphere is unlike any other seen in Chicago. From the ambiance, to the cocktails, to the food… they all come together to give you an overall global adventure of the senses.
Q: For our readers who may be new to healthy cooking, where do you suggest they start as far as ingredients to always keep stocked at home?
Chef Marcos: As far as healthy options, it really depends on how adventurous the consumer is. Substituting a touch of Fish Sauce or Tamari (gluten free soy sauce) can be an alternative for salt, while adding essential vitamins to your diet. Utilizing Labneh Cheese (cheese made from straining yogurt) in place of Cream Cheese can help jump start the stomach enzymes, aiding in better digestion. As far as spices, venturing through those commonly used in Mediterranean kitchens such as; Cumin, Za’tar, Sumac, Baharat and Cardamom, not only add delicious flavors to food, but also offer a variety of health benefits.
Beatnik (IL) is located at:
Distance to closest LA Fitness: 3.5 mi. (Chicago, IL)
Beet Hummus
Photo by Allison Wessel
Prep:
Recipe for Hummus:
This recipe is perfect for a group dinner or party since it is based on the larger quantity. Or it can easily be saved and as a whole and served multiple times with the one batch.
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. Beatnik is not an affiliate of LA Fitness.
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Avant Garden in New York City, owned by restaurateur, Ravi DeRossi, is an all-vegan based hot-spot full of tasty dishes that attract vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike! We had an opportunity to speak with Avant Garden’s head chef who shared some insights on what makes Avant Garden such a huge success.
Q: What would you like non-vegans to know about the menu items offered at Avant Garden?
A: Avant Garden is a small restaurant in the East Village that serves vegetables. Our focus is to offer delicious food that just happens to be vegan. Many of our kitchen staff have experience in both vegan and non-vegan kitchens so the menu and style of cooking appeals to everyone. I’d say the majority of our returning guests are non-vegan.
Q: I notice your dishes are crafted from a variety of healthy ingredients. Is there a favorite you enjoy working with?
A: Garlic.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career as a chef?
A: Cooking is such a big part of my life ever since I was a kid. I have been cooking my whole life and I know it’s what I am meant to do.
Q: How does Avant Garden offer a dining experience for its guests unlike other restaurant establishments?
A: Avant Garden is a small restaurant in the East Village that serves vegetables. Our focus is offer delicious food that just happens to be vegan. The Chef’s prepare all the food at a long counter in the dining room so no matter where guests are seated, they are in the kitchen. This makes for an intimate experience. It feels like home! I think being such a small staff and facility forces us to maximize within our margins. We have to be hyper aware of the quantities of produce we order due our limited storage space. Working together in such close quarters makes for a tight-knit team. Those good vibes can only heighten our program. We also don’t use any wheat gluten or “meat” substitutes which may set us apart as well.
Avant Garden is located at: 130 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Distance to closest LA Fitness: 8.1 mi. (485 Harmon Meadow, Secaucus, NJ 07094)
Tsuyu Recipe
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I’m trying to lose weight. I have been going to the gym about 5 times a week for about 4 months. I feel like I’m getting stronger, I have more energy and generally feel better. I noticed that I haven’t lost any weight and figured I should check my diet. Can you point me in the right direction?
– Jesse
First, keep in mind that muscle is denser than fat, so it weighs more. Getting more tone or noticing looser pants, but still seeing the same number on the scale could mean a gain in lean muscle plus fat loss. Hurray! Embrace your success in getting healthier.
If you still suspect your diet has problems, you probably know the reason why better than I’d guess. Common culprits that prevent weight loss are caloric beverages (especially alcohol, smoothies and gourmet coffee drinks), large portions and skipping meals. Here is a 10-point checklist of suggestions to help you identify where you might improve:
– 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.
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!
Are you searching for “kickboxing near me”? Stop the search party because you’ve struck fitness gold with Kickbox Cardio classes at LA Fitness. These classes aren’t just a workout, but an experience. With classes designed to kick, punch, bob, and weave your way to...
Incorporating cardio exercises between sets, also known as ‘cardio-acceleration’, is a revolutionary way to maximize your workout efficiency. This technique involves performing short bursts of cardio exercises, usually lasting 30-60 seconds, in between your...
In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance and maintaining mental and physical health can be challenging. However, combining exercise and mindfulness offers a powerful approach to achieving holistic well-being. Let’s explore how these practices complement each...