That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gif That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/2 fresh tomato sauce recipeshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/06/2-fresh-tomato-sauce-recipes/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/06/2-fresh-tomato-sauce-recipes/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/06/2-fresh-tomato-sauce-recipes/#commentsplum tomatoes hanging on a vineOur CSA Farm has begun to produce an abundance of tomatoes these past few weeks. Aside from eating them like apples, as my three-year-old often chooses to do, you can make fresh tomato salad, salsa, or fresh tomato sauce.

Our very informal uncooked recipe goes something like this:

  • Chop a bunch of tomatoes and put them in a bowl.
  • Add enough balsamic vinegar and olive oil to cover them.
  • Stir fresh minced garlic and chopped fresh basil into the tomato mixture.
  • Season with seas salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Let marinate at room temperature at least 30 minutes before serving.

This is such a refreshing summer meal when served on pasta with a green salad, or a tasty snack as a bruschetta topping.

Continue reading 2 fresh tomato sauce recipes

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]]>basilcsa-farmfreshgarlichealthyreciperecipestomatotomatoesDebra McDuffee2008-09-06T10:00:00+00:00Fit Beauty - von Natur Mineral Makeup is worth the pricehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/04/fit-beauty-von-natur-mineral-makeup-is-worth-the-price/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/04/fit-beauty-von-natur-mineral-makeup-is-worth-the-price/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/04/fit-beauty-von-natur-mineral-makeup-is-worth-the-price/#comments
I won't to lie to you -- I don't generally spend a lot of cash on makeup. I buy what you find at the drugstore, and even then, I look for a sale. My reasoning is simple -- I've never used something high end that felt like it was worth the price. If it's not all that different, why would I pay more?

There are reasons to pay more -- being particular about the ingredients is one, and of course, if it's can't-live-without-it amazing, I'm happy to save my pennies. But first, I need to know it's worth it.

I received samples of von Nature's Mineral Makeup Eye Colour, Sunset Light Face & Body Shimmer, and Magnolia Powder Foundation in the mail, and busted out my brushes immediately. For someone who is so involved in fashion and beauty, I have embarrassingly little experience with mineral makeup because it tends to cost more, and without trying it, I wasn't willing to spend the extra cash.
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Continue reading Fit Beauty - von Natur Mineral Makeup is worth the price

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]]>beautycosmeticsingredientsmakeupmineral makeupMineralMakeupveganvon naturVonNaturKristen Seymour2008-09-04T06:30:00+00:00First-ever Slow Food Nation in full swinghttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/30/first-ever-slow-food-nation-in-full-swing/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/30/first-ever-slow-food-nation-in-full-swing/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/30/first-ever-slow-food-nation-in-full-swing/#comments

As Labor Day weekend platters of hamburgers, hot dogs, bbq'd chicken, corn, chips 'n dip, jell-o molds and brownies are shortly devoured, most will have no clue where the various foods come from. Also, the feast will likely be inhaled quickly so family members can return to the baggo game.

However the 40-50,000 people gathered for Slow Food Nation '08 in San Francisco this Labor Day weekend are doing things quite differently. Slow Food is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic organization founded nearly 20 years ago to combat people's diminishing interest in the food they consume, where the ingredients come from, how food choices impact the globe, and even the disappearance of a slowly eaten, homemade meal around a sociable table.

Slow Food Nation '08 is the first-ever American gathering to support this nation's growing sustainable food movement, fostering the wider public's environmental connection to their food. Taste Pavilions feature food from across the country, leaders of the movement are sparking provocative learning and group discussion throughout the Food for Thought series and the Victory Garden is showcasing how World War II communities throughout America fed and supported themselves. Very cool. Here's the full schedule of eclectic events.

Our family's making a small contribution to the Slow Food movement -- my mom's making pesto right now with basil clipped from her garden as my niece tosses a salad with cherry tomatoes, peppers and green onions from our garden. I hope Michigan corn is on the menu tomorrow. Luckily we have no problem lingering forever tableside for colorful conversation, followed by a rousing game of midnight Monopoly ... after baggo, of course. Wishing you a memorable, perhaps slower Labor Day weekend everybody! Pic from slowfoodnation.org.

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]]>Bev SklarBevSklarlocal foodLocalFoodorganic festivalOrganicFestivalSlow Food movementSlow Food Nation 08SlowFoodMovementSlowFoodNation08sustainable communitysustainable livingSustainableCommunitySustainableLivingBev Sklar2008-08-30T18:50:00+00:00We Love To Gawk At Fit Celebs: How Gabrielle Anwar got ready for actionhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/26/we-love-to-gawk-at-fit-celebs-how-gabrielle-anwar-got-ready-fo/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/26/we-love-to-gawk-at-fit-celebs-how-gabrielle-anwar-got-ready-fo/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/26/we-love-to-gawk-at-fit-celebs-how-gabrielle-anwar-got-ready-fo/#commentsHas anyone else noticed that TV and movies are providing us with more strong, kick-ass female characters? There's Yvonne Strahovski, who plays spy Sarah Walker on Chuck, and we had Angelina Jolie carrying Wanted. And, you might not have seen her yet, but Gabrielle Anwar is just as tough.

She plays the trigger happy ex-girlfriend to the lead character on USA's Burn Notice, and while I wouldn't go so far as to call her character a role model -- she's a little too good at making bombs for that -- she holds her own physically, especially considering she's quite petite. To get ready for her action-packed role, Gabriella adjusted her diet.

She said she cut out "foods with ingredients that I need a dictionary to define. I find that the less animal products I consume the better my general health; the less refined sugars, the less I feel the energy fall out; and the more organic fresh produce I eat, the lighter I feel."
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]]>animal productsAnimalProductsburn noticeBurnNoticedietexpire-images2009-8-21foodgabrielle anwarGabrielleAnwarnaturalorganicveganKristen Seymour2008-08-26T10:00:00+00:003 broccoli recipes: easy, cool, and stealthyhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/23/3-broccoli-recipes-easy-cool-and-stealthy/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/23/3-broccoli-recipes-easy-cool-and-stealthy/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/23/3-broccoli-recipes-easy-cool-and-stealthy/#commentsclose-up of broccoli plant

Broccoli is so nutritionally awesome, I dare say I am not going out on a limb by declaring broccoli the Supreme Ruler of the Veggieverse. Clearly you all are realizing right about now that I spend far too much time with my super-hero-obsessed son.

Pardon my digression, but I'm right, aren't I? If broccoli can be death-defying, cancer-fighting, calcium-rich and just plain yummy, then why shouldn't we put it on a well-deserved pedestal?

Try putting it on a plate instead -- with these three recipes: one easy, one cool, and one stealthy.

Continue reading 3 broccoli recipes: easy, cool, and stealthy

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]]>broccolicooldisguiseeasygarlichealthyhiddenhidepestoreciperecipessaladside-dishsneaksneakystealthyDebra McDuffee2008-08-23T12:00:00+00:00Healthy recipe: Garden greens with tomatoes and peacheshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/22/healthy-recipe-garden-greens-with-tomatoes-and-peaches/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/22/healthy-recipe-garden-greens-with-tomatoes-and-peaches/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/22/healthy-recipe-garden-greens-with-tomatoes-and-peaches/#commentsarugala leaves on a white plateHave you jumped on board the "eat local" bandwagon yet? We sure have, and we are loving our CSA Farm for the second season this summer.

One thing I look forward to is getting a variety of salad greens throughout the season: Bibb, Boston, Romaine, and Red Leaf lettuces, and my bitter favorite: arugula.

This easy recipe, Garden Greens with Yellow Tomatoes and Peaches -- and I mean easy! -- combines your favorite greens with arugula, tomatoes and peaches, all in a balsamic shallot dressing.

Continue reading Healthy recipe: Garden greens with tomatoes and peaches

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]]>arugalaarugulaeasyepicuriousgreenshealthyleafy-greensmakepeachespreparerecipetomatoestossDebra McDuffee2008-08-22T12:00:00+00:00More tricks for buying organic foods wiselyhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/more-tricks-for-buying-organic-foods-wisely/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/more-tricks-for-buying-organic-foods-wisely/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/more-tricks-for-buying-organic-foods-wisely/#commentsclose up of peaches growing on a treeWhat's the lowdown on buying organic? It's pretty hard to tell, with the mixed messages we are getting as consumers these days. The definitive study, though, tells us that not only is organic more nutritious, but it is better for the ground water and soil.

A few facts on organic foods:
  • they contain up to 90% more antioxidants than conventionally grown food
  • they've got higher levels of minerals
  • as cancer-fighters, they win the race

Seems as though we should always buy organic, with those stats. Due to availability -- and our budgets! -- buying everything organic may not be an option, and if we're looking to do a real service to the environment, buying what's available locally is a better choice.

Continue reading More tricks for buying organic foods wisely

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]]>buyenvironmenterosionGMOground-waterorganicpesticidespurchasesoilDebra McDuffee2008-08-21T13:30:00+00:00Healthy recipe: Quinoa with grilled zucchini, garbanzos and cuminhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/healthy-recipe-quinoa-with-grilled-zucchini-garbanzos-and-cumi/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/healthy-recipe-quinoa-with-grilled-zucchini-garbanzos-and-cumi/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/healthy-recipe-quinoa-with-grilled-zucchini-garbanzos-and-cumi/#commentsquinoa with zucchiniA delicious source of vegetarian protein? Quinoa, of course! It is not a true grain, so it is more protein than carbs, and it offers a plethora of vital minerals as well.

Zucchini, chock-full of vitamin C and minerals, is abundant this time of year and healthy.

Garbanzo beans: high in potassium, vitamins B and E, and fiber; another powerful legume.

How can you go wrong combining these amazingly healthy foods in one delectable dish?

Continue reading Healthy recipe: Quinoa with grilled zucchini, garbanzos and cumin

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]]>bon-appetitchick-peascookcumineasyepicuriousepicurious.comgarbanzo-beanshealthymakepreparequinoarecipeturmericzucchiniDebra McDuffee2008-08-21T09:30:00+00:00Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Chubby Vegetarianshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/ask-fitz-your-fitness-questions-answered-chubby-vegetarians/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/ask-fitz-your-fitness-questions-answered-chubby-vegetarians/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/ask-fitz-your-fitness-questions-answered-chubby-vegetarians/#commentsHave fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Miss Fitzness, I'm a vegetarian, but still weigh 34 pounds more than I'd like to. What gives? I thought vegetarians were supposed to be skinny, and I hate being chubby! Meredith

A. Hello Meredith, Thanks for writing! Vegetarianism can have tons of benefits, and a trim physique can be one of them, if done right. Having said that ... it's very easy to go wrong as well. Here is the deal. Vegetarians don't necessarily eat all fruits and vegetables ... vegetarians just don't eat meat. There are tons of products that have no animal products in them, yet are still super high in calories and fat. Let's start with a short list of some vegetarian approved products:

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Oil
  • Frosting
  • Gummy Bears

Continue reading Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Chubby Vegetarians

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]]>animalcaloriechubbydietfatfitzfitznessfruitgainleanloselosslowmeatnutritionnutspoundsproductsskinnysoyvegetablesvegetarianweightFitz K.2008-08-20T07:00:00+00:00Healthy chard recipes offer varietyhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/12/healthy-chard-recipes-offer-variety/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/12/healthy-chard-recipes-offer-variety/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/12/healthy-chard-recipes-offer-variety/#commentssauteed swiss chard

How does your garden grow? If it is anything like our CSA Farm's garden, you've got an abundance of chard. Beyond the stir fry (with garlic and tomatoes -- yum!), what do you do with your chard? If you are looking for new ideas, try these healthy few:

Greens fit for company -- I'm sure the balsamic makes this delectable, while the sliced garlic is a new technique for me (I usually mince). Do you think it really needs the sugar? I'm betting not. I'd skip the preboil step with chard.

Swiss chard wraps -- Wrap a tomato and a little mozzarella cheese with a chard leaf, bake and you'll have a testy -- and healthy -- new side dish.

Continue reading Healthy chard recipes offer variety

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]]>chardcookcsa-farmeatgrowhealthyrecipesauteswiss-chardDebra McDuffee2008-08-12T11:00:00+00:00Cook with beets and the greenshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/04/cook-with-beets-and-the-greens/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/04/cook-with-beets-and-the-greens/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/04/cook-with-beets-and-the-greens/#commentsbeetYep, we're crazy about belonging to a CSA Farm. Fresh, local veggies every week fit our healthy lifestyle, and we look forward to choosing fun recipes to use each week's harvest.

Lately, we've been getting red and golden beets, complete with rich, green beet greens still attached. Want to know our favorite easy recipes to use every part of the beet?

Beet Greens with Tamari
Simply saute your coarsely chopped beet greens and a clove or two of minced garlic in your favorite cooking oil, over medium heat until they turn bright green (about two minutes). Then, sprinkle tamari (or soy sauce or Bragg's) in the pan, about two teaspoons or so. Cook through, remove from heat, and serve.

Continue reading Cook with beets and the greens

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]]>beetbeet-greensbeetscookCSA-farmreciperoastsautetamariTrader-JoesDebra McDuffee2008-08-04T13:00:00+00:00Healthy green bean salad recipehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/02/healthy-green-bean-salad-recipe/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/02/healthy-green-bean-salad-recipe/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/02/healthy-green-bean-salad-recipe/#commentsgreen beansHoly green beans, Batman! That is pretty much what my super-hero-obsessed three-year-old said when he saw how many green beans we picked this week at our CSA Farm.

In the interest of finding a healthy and exciting new recipe to try, I hit one of my favorite food sites, Epicurious, and found a recipe for Green Bean and Fennel Salad with Dill Pesto. A few quick alterations and we've got a dinner:
  • I'm leaving out the orzo (since my son is allergic to wheat) and using brown rice instead.
  • Double the amount of green beans? You bet!
  • Since we have an abundance of fresh basil, I'll opt for the traditional basil pesto.
  • I don't have white balsamic vinegar, so I'll use the regular type.
  • To accompany this green bean salad, I'll grill some free range chicken breasts with pesto.

I'm looking forward to trying this recipe with my alterations. How would you change Epicurious' original recipe?

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]]>basilEpicuriousgreen-beanshealthypestorecipesaladSlashfoodDebra McDuffee2008-08-02T11:30:00+00:00A Magical Holiday Treat: Papaya, Avocado and Grapefruit Saladhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/03/a-magical-holiday-treat-papaya-avocado-and-grapefruit-salad/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/03/a-magical-holiday-treat-papaya-avocado-and-grapefruit-salad/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/03/a-magical-holiday-treat-papaya-avocado-and-grapefruit-salad/#commentsGoing to a Fourth of July bash this weekend? Straight from the Delicious Disney, The Disney Chefs with Pam Brandon book I bring you the most yumtastic side salad ever! Want to look like a fancy pants when you walk through the door at that party? This is the way to do it. I've posted the fairly simple recipe for Papaya, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad in my recipe book at Fitzness.com (page 37) for permanent access. Enjoy!

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]]>avocadocaloriedeliciousdisneyfatfestivefitzfitznessfoodfourthfruitgrapefruithealthyjulylightloselosslowpapayarecipesaladvegetableweightworldyogurtFitz K.2008-07-03T16:29:00+00:00How to eat healthy at Walt Disney Worldhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/29/how-to-eat-healthy-at-walt-disney-world/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/29/how-to-eat-healthy-at-walt-disney-world/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/29/how-to-eat-healthy-at-walt-disney-world/#commentsSounds impossible, doesn't it? Who in the world ever thought of going to Disney and eating healthy? Crazy talk, right? Wrong! Your loving online Fitzness Expert (me) who has extremely high standards on what I put in both my children's mouth and my own can spend a day at the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT and eat as well as I would in my own home. Disney has made grand efforts to improve the healthfulness of the foods they offer, and has even gone overboard with an abundance of fresh fruit stands located throughout each theme park.

I just spent a week at Walt Disney World in Florida and returned home half a pound less than I was the day before vacation. Want to eat right while enjoying the magic with Mickey Mouse? Read on.

  • Mickey makes mealtime easy on the fitness fan. Every restaurant I ventured through offered several menu options based on lean grilled meat, veggies, and/or fruit. Even the children's meals come standard with side items like: grapes, carrot sticks, and unsweetened applesauce. They also come with bottled water or skim milk. Sweet! Parents would have to go out of their way to substitute french fries and soda for their children instead of the healthy stuff. Eww! You the fitness fan, certainly wouldn't do that!
  • Sit down dining restaurants offer Egg Beaters cooked without oil in lieu of regular scrambled eggs. I enjoyed this perk while dining with Minnie and Goofy at Disney's Yacht Club Resort.
  • Resort dining facilities offer endless refrigerators full of fresh fruit, veggies, yogurt, dried fruit, nutritious snack bars and more.
  • Seek out healthier desserts. Anywhere they are served, Disney has made efforts to make reduced fat, low sugar or fresh fruit treats available.

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Continue reading How to eat healthy at Walt Disney World

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]]>castlechickenchildrencreamdaisydessertdisneydisneylanddonaldeatexpertfishfitzfitznessfloridafoodfruitgoofygrilledhealthyholidayicekidsleanlosemeatmenumickeyminniemouseplutosaladsandwichsoupstandstrategysummertrainervacationvegetablesveggiewaltweightworldFitz K.2008-06-29T16:30:00+00:00Fitzness Food: Roasted Vegetable Cuban Sandwichhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/20/roasted-vegetable-cuban-sandwich-recipe/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/20/roasted-vegetable-cuban-sandwich-recipe/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/20/roasted-vegetable-cuban-sandwich-recipe/#commentsI actually screamed out loud when I found this recipe in the Delicious Disney, The Disney Chefs with Pam Brandon book. My husband and I shared SEVERAL of these last time we were at EPCOT Center in the Walt Disney World Resort, and have lusted for it since. It was served at the Sunshine Seasons in The Land. This Roasted Vegetable Cuban Sandwich is perfect for both carnivores and vegetarians alike. It's fairly simple to make and will leave you with a little streak of drool on the side of your face until you have one again! I've posted the recipe in my online Recipe Book at Fitness.com, page 41, for permanent access. Enjoy!

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]]>animalbrandoncenterchefscubandeliciousdisneyepcotfitzfitznesskingdommagicpamroastedsandwichvegetablewaltworldFitz K.2008-06-20T12:00:00+00:00Walt Disney World Menus Evolving with Healthful Choiceshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/14/walt-disney-world-menus-evolving-with-healthful-choices/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/14/walt-disney-world-menus-evolving-with-healthful-choices/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/14/walt-disney-world-menus-evolving-with-healthful-choices/#commentsSince I've been working on a series of stories featuring the efforts being made on behalf of Walt Disney Wold in Florida, to provide healthier meals and a grand assortment of opportunities for physical fitness, I thought I'd share this fantastic press release I received with you. As you read it, think about the other places you patronize throughout the year. Have they taken your health this seriously? I don't believe even the local school board in the county I live in can compete with Disney's efforts on nutritious dining. Read ahead and prepare to be impressed. I'm both in love with the magic of Disney and grateful that the company is showing such high regard for the lives of their guests.

Walt Disney World Menus Evolving with Healthful Choices

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- "Do you want apple slices or fries with that cheeseburger?"

It's all about healthful choices as Walt Disney World quick-service and fast-casual restaurants refine their menus. French fries aren't going away, but menus are being revised with well-balanced options -- at least one low-fat and one vegetarian entrée at all table service restaurants, and side options to include salads and fresh fruit.

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Continue reading Walt Disney World Menus Evolving with Healthful Choices

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]]>choicediningdisneydonaldfitfitnessfitzfitznessfloridafoodfriesfruitgoofyhealthykingdommagicmenumickeyminnieparksprincessresortrestaurantsaladthemvegetablesvegetarianwaltworldFitz K.2008-06-14T17:29:00+00:00Celebrity Fitzness Report: Chef Jens Dahlmann of Disney's California Grillhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/12/celebrity-fitzness-report-chef-jens-dahlmann-of-disneys-califo/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/12/celebrity-fitzness-report-chef-jens-dahlmann-of-disneys-califo/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/12/celebrity-fitzness-report-chef-jens-dahlmann-of-disneys-califo/#commentsCurious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly, our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

Mmmmmm. Just the mention of Chef Jens Dahlmanns's name puts my mind in ecstasy. His is the name of the man who created what I'd choose as my 'last meal.' He's the premier Chef of Disney's signature restaurant The California Grill, who also oversees a staff of award-winning chefs atop Disney's Contemporary Resort. Chef Jens was classically trained in European kitchens and worked for Le Cirque 2000 in New York City and Cafe 'L Europe in Palm Beach, Florida, before joining Disney in April 2004.

We first spoke on the phone a week before I was to dine at his spectacular grill. From a fitness trainer standpoint, he gave all of the 'right answers.' Not that he was contrived, but his stance on cooking is what I would wish to hear. If you've read my features before, you'll know that I preach the importance of lean fresh foods. Read on to see how dead-on Chef Jens is to that style of eating. From a regular gal's point of view, it was just really exciting and fun to hear Chef Jens talk about food. He described white asparagus the same way most men would describe a beautiful woman. I could imagine what each item tasted like as he described them.

My experience at The California Grill was almost indescribable. Chef Jens and his staff were pampering to say the least. He greeted me with a sample of the white asparagus he gushed about, and I knew I was in for something special. The combinations of flavors and textures were to die for! I relished every bite and cleaned each and every plate that landed in front of me (highly unusual for me). The man knows how to make fresh food taste divine. The advice he gave in this interview is exactly what I, as your online Fitzness Trainer, want you to follow. Chef Jens just knows far better than I, how to make all of the healthy stuff taste heavenly.

Fitz: How much does "healthy" influence the foods you create for your menus?

Chef Jens: Healthy actually has a lot to do with our menu. First of all, Disney has set an initiative for enhancing our menus in a healthy way, so across all of the Disney parks and restaurants you'll find better choices. On my part, I'm always driven by what's fresh in the market. We create meals based on the season. At the California Grill, our menu changes according to what foods are in season. Fresh food equals leaner and "cleaner" food. I never use processed ingredients.

Continue reading Celebrity Fitzness Report: Chef Jens Dahlmann of Disney's California Grill

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]]>allergiesasparagusbittercaliforniacalorieschefcontemporarycookcuisinedahlmanndiningdisneyfatfinefitzfitznessfloridafoodfreshfruitgermangrillingredientsjenskingdommagicmarketprocessedresortsaltseasonsweettastetipstomatovegetableswaltwhiteworldFitz K.2008-06-12T09:30:00+00:00Walt Disney World: The healthiest place on earth?http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/09/walt-disney-world-the-healthiest-place-on-earth/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/09/walt-disney-world-the-healthiest-place-on-earth/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/09/walt-disney-world-the-healthiest-place-on-earth/#commentsIn my expert opinion, yes! Disney World is the healthiest place on earth. I just returned from a five-night, six-day vacation with my husband and two children and was blown away by the amount of physical activity both offered and required of ourselves in order to indulge in the full Disney experience.

We pushed our double-stroller miles through two theme parks, climbed thousands of stairs and jumped an equal amount of waves at two water-parks, danced our tushies off to live bands at various Disney resorts, and played game after game with our children as we giggled, oohed and ahhed at all the Disney magic. As a fitness trainer, one of my biggest obstacles is convincing my clients not to trash their fitness efforts when they head out on vacation. Disney offers the perfect opportunity to not only maintain one's fitness level, but improve it.

The physical adventures are endless, and Disney World has made a deliberate effort to increase the availability of legitimately nutritious, low fat, and lower sugar foods. Fruit stands have popped up all over the theme parks, and children's dining has switched from burgers and fries to grilled chicken with carrots and grapes offered as side dishes. Soda has been dumped for low fat milk! I can't get food that "clean" in my own neighborhood, unless I cook it myself! Of course, the old junkie favorites like popcorn, fries, and ice cream are still available, but if you do care about your health and want to maintain it on vacation ... Disney makes it easy.

Continue reading Walt Disney World: The healthiest place on earth?

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]]>activityaheadapplesburgerscaliforniacarrotschildclimbcreamdancedisneyexercisefamilyfatfitfitznessfloridafoodfruitfungrapesgrillicekidlandloselossmagicorlandoparkphysicalplanplaypopcornresortrestaurantrunsportsstairssummersunblockswimthemevacationveggieswalkwatcherweightworldFitz K.2008-06-09T10:30:00+00:00Woody Harrelson intends to fast for 40 dayshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/01/woody-harrelson-intends-to-fast-for-40-days/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/01/woody-harrelson-intends-to-fast-for-40-days/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/01/woody-harrelson-intends-to-fast-for-40-days/#commentsWoody Harrelson is no stranger to fasting -- he completed a 38-day green juice a couple of years ago (he tried to make it to 40 days, but was tempted away from it when some friends offered him homemade Indian food). He really enjoyed the experience, and "definitely felt my electro-magnetic field expanding." And so, he's doing it again, but bigger.

The actor plans to go to a remote island and drink only water for 40 days. It's not for weight loss for a movie role or anything like that -- he just wants to experience it. Woody said, "I've always wanted to do it. I know it's going to be really hard. But can you imagine it? Eating nothing for 40 days? Swimming and surfing every day in a remote place? Where does the mind go?"

I'm kind of wondering where the mind went, but that's just me. I recognize that there may be some benefits to fasting, but 40 days on nothing but water just can't be healthy for one's body.

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]]>40 days40Daysactorcelebrityexpire-images2009-6-1fastfastingislandrawveganwaterwater fastWaterFastwoody harrelsonWoodyHarrelsonKristen Seymour2008-06-01T16:30:00+00:00Flowers in a food gardenhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/30/flowers-in-a-food-garden/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/30/flowers-in-a-food-garden/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/30/flowers-in-a-food-garden/#commentsI'm trying, along with two of my friends and neighbors, to grow an organic food garden. Until we can harvest, I buy mostly organic produce to avoid residual pesticides and GMOs harm the environment and could be compromising to human health as well. And I've been researching the methods behind the concept.

Options for pest control include physical barriers such as netting as well as natural concoctions to replace chemical pesticides. These options aren't very glamorous or aesthetically pleasing. I realize we're growing food, but I'm a sucker for eye-pleasing landscapes. That's why I was thrilled to learn that incorporating flowers into our food garden could be an effective method for pest control.

Marigolds and lavender are among a long list of components that can be used as part of companion planting, which, as it turns out, has been a standard method used by organic gardeners for some time. Other bloggers over at Green Daily have covered it as well. It's too soon to tell if it's working in our garden, but it sure looks pretty. And that works for me. For now.



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]]>companion plantingCompanionPlantingflowersfoodgardenlavendermarigoldsorganicpest controlPestControlDeanna Glick2008-05-30T13:30:00+00:00