Tomato Avocado Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing from Water Grill

Tomato Avocado Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing from Water Grill

by | Apr 3, 2019 | All, Home, Nutrition, Recipes

“Healthy and fresh food should be food that not only is good for your body, but it should also be flavorful. This salad is a great example of that. It’s made with seasonal tomatoes, field fresh watercress and ripe avocados. The dressing is light and fresh tasting and ties it all together.”

Chef Brian Okada

Culinary Director , Water Grill

Water Grill is located at 615 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101. Open Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-11pm, and Friday-Saturday 11:30am-Midnight. For the menu and additional details, please visit http://www.watergrill.com/.

Tomato Avocado Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing from Water Grill

Photo Credit: Courtesy of King’s Seafood Company

Ingredients

For the Tomato Avocado Salad

  • Heirloom Tomato – 7oz (approximately 1 each, cut into 6 wedges)
  • Avocado – ½ each (cut into 4 slices)
  • Poppyseed Dressing – 1 fl oz
  • Watercress – ½ oz (approximately ¼ bunch, tops only)
  • Black Pepper – pinch
  • Maldon Salt – pinch

For the Poppy Seed Dressing

  • White Wine Vinegar – 6 fl oz
  • Poppy Seeds – ½ oz
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 6 fl oz

Method

Step 1:

  • Place the wedges of tomato around the center of a low profile bowl.
  • Add the avocado.
  • Top the tomato and avocado with the poppyseed dressing and sprinkle with Maldon salt and fresh ground black pepper.
  • Place the watercress over the center of the tomato and avocado salad.
  • The tomato and avocado should be visible below the watercress.

Step 2:

  • Enjoy!

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Do Well, Feel Well, Live Well

Do Well, Feel Well, Live Well

by | Mar 27, 2019 | All, Home, Wellness

So, you want to feel better but maybe you are like me and find that keeping up and adopting new “trending” wellness regiments only seems to add more stress, rather than alleviate it. A journey towards living well is just that, a journey, with an intentional beginning and an ongoing honest reflection of oneself.

We go to great lengths to “feel good” but how many of us make a conscious effort in taking the time to process when we are not? This is far from a self-help article, but it is calling to attention something more pertinent in the community of wellness; self-awareness.

Too often I find that the general populace is bombarded with a surplus of information from (quite possibly) good intentioned wellness experts and gurus explaining why celery juice is the cure-all for many of your life’s problems.

To avoid those overwhelming crash and burn moments or the feelings of added stress when trying to find the perfect beginner-friendly yoga class, we wanted to provide some simple and effective ways to assist feeling like a better you – mind, body and spirit!

Living well supersedes the latest classes and juice cleanses. Confronting your stressors and identifying key reasons for what may be causing stress in your life could be a great start towards optimizing new wellness practices you may be more inclined to try (and hopefully implement) on a more regular basis.

This isn’t to say that certain wellness activities and regiments are not beneficial. However, they are only beneficial to us when we can identify what our mind or body needs. Feeling well truly begins with acknowledging when we may not be, and honoring those feelings by identifying what could be the potential cause is a key first step.

Quick tips on living well:

  • Keep a stress journal: Writing down what is stressing you can be a productive way of releasing the crowdedness of the mind. Try writing or keep a notebook for deeper reflection to help identify what challenges you are dealing with, whether it’s physical, emotional, etc.
  • Go outside: Sometimes changing your environment can be the quickest way to change your perception on a given situation. Taking an average-pace walk gets your endorphins up and mind more connected to the body. A little nature and some fresh air can be the perfect reset button you need.
  • Breathe: Sounds simple, but taking a moment to close your eyes, sit in a quiet place, and take in some deep soothing breaths can help boost oxygen levels and settle minor anxieties throughout the day. At each inhale breathe in from your nose counting one to ten and exhale from your mouth counting down ten to one, repeat 3-5 times or until your only focus is that of your breath.
  • Gratitude: Speaking or writing out what you are grateful for is a simple practice that takes no special It does, however, shift your focus on what isn’t going right to what has (or is) working in your favor!
  • Eat clean: Before you grab that pack of cookies or down another coffee, brighten up your plate with colorful whole grains, fresh veggies, and fruit. Consider adding: walnuts, raw almonds, snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, apples, berries or citrus fruits which are natural energizers. The more fresh, raw, and colorful your meal is, the better. These make great snack alternatives and are packed with nutrients that your body and mind will thank you for!

Hopefully, with these tips, you too can take care of yourself by listening more intently, acknowledging when things may feel a little off, and taking small steps towards activities that address the anxieties or indifferent feelings that naturally crowd our daily lives.

It’s okay to pause, declutter, and simplify taking care of the most important relationship you’ll spend growing with – that abundant and proactive individual being none other than yourself!

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Fast Food and Your Body – Podcast Ep. 20

Fast Food and Your Body – Podcast Ep. 20

by | Mar 25, 2019 | All, Home, Nutrition, Podcast

Welcome to the 20th episode of the Living Healthy Podcast, presented by LA Fitness.

On this episode of Living Healthy, we bring back a favorite to the show, LA Fitness registered dietitian, Debbie James! We talk all about one of everyone’s guilty pleasures, fast food. It’s not a surprise to anyone that fast food is unhealthy, but yet so many still indulge in it! Why is this? What makes fast food so addictive? And is there a way to detox from it without putting your body into shock?

We answer all of these questions (and more), along with announcing the winner of our first-ever #LHP giveaway!

Stick around to the end of the episode for some truly horrible “whooshing” sound effects from Andrew and myself. We love making this content for you all and we hope you enjoy it!

Email us or hit us up on social media using the hashtag #LivingHealthyPodcast. Share what you love about us and you may get a shoutout on a future episode! 

How Are We Doing? 

This podcast 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.

Timecard Markers – Fast Food and Your Body – Podcast Ep. 20

Intro

Begins at 0:01

LA Fitness Registered Dietitian, Debbie James, joins the show

Begins at 0:36

What is Considered “Fast Food”? 

0:44

What is it Exactly About Fast Food That Makes It Unhealthy?

1:19

Why Are Fast Foods So Overly Processed?

2:14

Deli Meats vs. Packaged Meats vs. Fresh Carved – What’s Healthiest?

3:16

Flavor Enhancers and How They Influence Taste Buds

4:17

QUICK BREAK – LHP GIVEAWAY CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

6:22

Healthy Fast Food Options

7:01

How Does Fast Food Affect the Body and Internal Organs?

8:42

Can You Reverse the Damage Done to Your Body from Fast Food?

11:00

Can a Fast Food Detox Shock the Body?

12:13

Fast Food Fruit Smoothies – Healthy?

14:07

Is Fast Food Addictive?

16:30

Quick and Healthy Alternatives

19:44

Don’t Burst My Bubble, Debbie! Is Diet Soda Healthy?

20:37

Actionable Advice

22:20

Outro

23:40

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10 Spring Cleaning Tips to Help Make Your Life More Joyful

10 Spring Cleaning Tips to Help Make Your Life More Joyful

by | Mar 20, 2019 | All, Fitness, Home

Spring cleaning is all about getting rid of the old and making room for the new! It’s a season for change. A time to make things fresh again. But, how did spring cleaning become such a tradition?

The History of Spring Cleaning

According to an article published by Country Living1 referencing an article that was published by the Washington Post, the annual tradition of spring-cleaning dates back to the 1800s when housekeepers would have to clean the dirt that had collected in the home from the cold winter months.

Soot and grime would collect, lamps were lit with whale oil or kerosene, and needless to say, things got messy. In order to clean the mess up, windows would be opened to let in the fresh air and let out the dirt and soot. Of course, opening up the windows meant the weather had to be nicer.

However, there are also religious origins associated with spring cleaning in Jewish, Christian and Iranian customs. Each consist of a special type of cleaning that takes place in honor of a religious holiday.

And probably the most obvious of all reasons is that in the winter the weather is colder and the sky is murkier, which makes us sleepier – not to mention that the days are shorter! Energy is hard to be found during the winter months, so once the sun starts showing itself again and our bodies begin feeling recharged, it’s easier to wake up and feel an urge to start wiping away all that extra dust you may start noticing around the house.

Spring Cleaning Tips

Whatever your reason for spring cleaning is, it’s always good to try switching things up, whether that’s spring cleaning your home, your fitness routine, or your nutritional habits! (Did those warm winter comfort foods add on a few extra pounds?)

Check out our list of some helpful ways you can spring clean your health and fitness routines!

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #1

Here comes the sun, do doo do do.

Staying active doesn’t have to just mean staying active in the gym! Living a healthy lifestyle means staying active indoors and outdoors! When the weather starts looking nice, head outside for some fresh air and to try a new exercise – switching up your fitness routine can help prevent your body from hitting a weight loss plateau.

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #2

Out with the old, in with the new!

Are you a cardio person or more of a weightlifter? Chances are you probably prefer one over the other, but both are needed for a balanced fitness routine! Try switching it up and add some more weight training to your routine or cardio if that’s where you normally struggle. Change can do the body good, and there’s no better time than spring cleaning to get started with something new!

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #3

HIIT the Ground Running

Spring cleaning your fitness routine doesn’t necessarily mean trying an entirely new activity. It could be something as simple as switching up your interval training. Perhaps try shorter, high-intensity workouts a couple times a week and combine those with longer, steadier workouts throughout the week.

Find a HIIT by LAF® studio near you.

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #4

The Early Bird Gets the Gains?

A workout is a workout no matter the time of day, but if you’re used to going to the gym after work, try going first thing in the morning – dare we suggest even before your morning cup of coffee? Or if you’re used to mornings, try going after work and sweating off some of that post work stress. Changing up the time you go to the gym helps keep things fresh and can help break you out of your normal routine.

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #5

Spring into Sports!

Are you a fan of sports? Try joining a recreational sports league to help keep yourself active while also trying something new! Sometimes, participating in sports is a great way to forget you’re working out while also having fun. LA Fitness offers a variety of club leagues – ask the front desk about it today!

Join a league.

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #6

Group Fitness Fun

If you haven’t tried a Group Fitness class yet, now is the time! There are countless options available at various times throughout the day. Try an activity you’ve never done before and give it a chance – it could become one of your new favorite exercises. Plus, having a class support group and trained instructors cheering you on can help keep you motivated on days that you’re losing steam.

Find a group fitness class for you, here!

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #7

We. Dare. You.

Are you up for a challenge? Sign up for a race! It’s a great way to train for an event and embrace your competitive side. Plus, cardio is great for the heart and building endurance. Even if you’re not a fan of long distance running, there are plenty of 5ks available year around. Check out what’s local to you!

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #8

Grab a Moving Buddy.

Friends who train together make waves together. Swap out after work happy hour for flex hour at the gym. Not only does having a gym buddy help keep you accountable, but it can be a lot more encouraging than working out solo. Try inviting a friend to join you for a sweat sesh and set mini challenges for each other for some friendly fun.

Invite a friend.

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #9

Train. Harder.

Do you feel like you have a pretty good grasp on fitness by now? Try elevating your fitness routine by working with a personal trainer. Adding a trainer to your routine can help you train harder, add variety to your workouts, and push you to step outside your comfort zone.

Sources:

  1. Carter, Maria. “How Spring Cleaning Became an Annual Tradition.” Country Living, Country Living, 24 Jan. 2018, www.countryliving.com/home-maintenance/a38381/how-spring-cleaning-became-a-tradition/.

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Rib Eye Steak and Zoodles from Sealegs Wine Bar

Rib Eye Steak and Zoodles from Sealegs Wine Bar

by | Mar 13, 2019 | All, Home, Nutrition, Recipes

“A well-balanced meal constitutes healthy cooking. I believe in ‘everything in moderation’, eating from the full spectrum of food and limiting the rich and indulgent ingredients. You can obtain great flavor from vegetables alone, and if you cook from the heart, that might be the healthiest ingredient of all.”

Chef Paul Vazquez

Executive Chef, SeaLegs Wine Bar

SeaLegs Wine Bar is located at 21022 Beach Blvd. #105, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Open Monday through Friday from 4pm to 10:30pm, Saturday from 10am to 11:30pm, and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. For the menu and additional details, please visit http://www.sealegswinebar.com/.

Rib Eye Steak and Zoodles from Sealegs Wine Bar

Photo Credit: Candace Rock 

Ingredients

For the Dish

  • 14 oz. ribeye, off the bone, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
  • 1 Tablespoon blended olive oil
  • 1 Teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 Teaspoon minced shallot
  • ¼ to ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (adjust to your preference)
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • ½ cup veggie stock
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • minced parsley to garnish
  • parmesan cheese (optional)

For the Steak Marinade

  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup rice wine vinegar
  • ½ cup mirin
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 jalapeno, deseeded
  • 2 tablespoons grated ginger
  • ½ bunch cilantro

Method

Step 1:

  • Take all ingredients for the marinade and blend them together.
  • Cube up the steak and place in marinade for at least 30 minutes.
  • Prepare veggies while meat marinates (spiralize zucchini, halve cherry tomatoes, mince garlic and shallot).
  • Remove meat from marinade, season with salt and pepper.
  • In a hot cast iron pan, sear steak cubes until browned on all sides.
  • Finish with 1 tablespoon butter to coat steaks, remove from heat and rest while cooking zoodles.

Step 2:

  • In a hot pan, begin to sauté garlic and shallot in oil until fragrant.
  • Add tomatoes and continue to sauté.
  • Add zucchini noodles and sauté until al dente.
  • Deglaze pan with white wine until it evaporates.
  • Lower the heat, add the veggie stock.
  • Cook zoodles until tender.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: 

  • Serve in large bowl, putting zoodles off to one side, leaving room for the steak.
  • Sprinkle minced parsley over zucchini and sea salt over the steak cubes for added flavor.
  • (Additionally, you can also sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the zoodles).

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