That's Fit

Oh man. This is one of those statistics that makes you either swear off eating all together or throw your hands up in the air in disgust. I mean seriously. Who is the guy with the weird job which allows him to research these odd little details? I'd hate to be his wife, as he comes home each night with all the yucky tidbits in life that I really never want to know.

I learned about my bug consumption while flipping through the June 2008 edition of Women's Health magazine. Seems more the type of scoop you'd find in Maxim, but no ... it was my beloved Women's Health that broke the news.

My six-year-old ran with me yesterday in a two-mile race. He ran ahead of me, actually, and I never did catch him until after we'd both crossed the finish line.

I never expected Joey could conquer two miles. We ran once together not long ago, and he fizzled on me before we even made it to the end of our street. Today, though, he made up his mind he would run. And he did it. It may have been the excitement of the crowd that inspired him, or the number he got to pin on his shirt, or the parade onlookers who cheered as we passed them by -- this race, the Gator Gallop, was the kick-off event to the University of Florida Homecoming Parade. Regardless, my little boy kicked butt. I am so proud of him. He is so proud of himself.

Joey taught me a valuable lesson today by running his little heart out. He taught me that the human spirit, the human body, and an enthusiastic support system are powerful forces. Put them together, and phenomenal things happen.

Right now, I consider myself one lucky mommy because yesterday, I got to witness a phenomenal thing.

Curious 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.

This weeks featured guest is Coach Billy Donovan, of the 2006 and 2007 National Champion Florida Gator basketball teams. I chose Coach D. not only because he's brought endless excitement and pride to my Alma Mater, the University of Florida, but because he epitomizes athleticism, perseverance, determination and success. Don't we all wish for that! Coach Donovan just oozes excellence.

He's one of the youngest yet most intense, and successful coaches in the history of NCAA basketball. A master of the court, Coach Donovan and his Florida Gators are still riding high from their second straight National Championship. His 2006 team was the underdog going into the championship game against UCLA, and shocked the nation with a dominating 73-57 win. 2007 was an entirely different story. Donovan's' Gators were picked as the number one team at the beginning of the season and completed it in the same way. With a commanding win 84-75 over Ohio State, the Gators made history as only the seventh team ever to win back to back titles.

Billy played guard at Providence College under the infamous Rick Patino, and went on to play one year for the New York Nicks as well. Although his success as an athlete was impressive, Billy Donovan was born to coach. He runs a first class program, with top notch recruiting, a unique ability to inspire teamwork, and a great attention to academics. I love the fact that he makes no excuses, and takes no excuses. A fine rule of thumb for anyone trying to become better at sports, fitness, or anything else in the world.

Fitz: What do you do to stay fit?

Coach Donovan: I try to run/walk and lift weights at least 5-6 times a week.

Fitz: Do you utilize the guidance of your UF athletic trainers for yourself?

Coach Donovan: Yes, very much.

Fitz: You've spent the last two years coaching NCAA Basketball National Champions. Have your championship years been more chaotic than the rest? How does it all affect your personal fitness level?

Coach Donovan: Because of the time demands, it can be very easy to fall out of a workout routine. But I try to do my best.

Fitz: Do you make time to exercise during the March Madness tournament?

Coach Donovan: Yes. I do try to make time each day.

Fitz: What's on your MP3 player?

Coach Donovan: Stones, U 2, Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan

Fitz: What's your favorite healthy dish?

Coach Donovan: Yogurt for a snack and any type of fish for dinner.

Fitz: What's your favorite sinful indulgence?

Coach Donovan: Ice cream and cheesecake.

Fitz: Do you ever play ball with your teams?

Coach Donovan: No. My playing days are over!

Fitz: If you were to play or coach any other sport besides basketball, what would it be?

Kudos to nearly all New York City restaurants who are now complying with phase one of the city's new trans fat regulation. Those still using spreads or fry oils containing the artificial trans fat will be fined by the Health Department.

A whopping 94 percent of 3,300 restaurants inspected between July 1 and September 1 were using zero grams of trans fat. Before the regulation had passed, 50 percent were in compliance. By June, 80 percent were on board. And for the few still not passing with flying colors, it seems margarine use is the hold-up. Fines starting at $200 -- fining began on October 1 -- is the penalty for non-compliance.

"Despite claims to the contrary, New York City restaurants have shown that it's easy to get artificial trans fat out of spreads and fry oils," said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, Health Commissioner for New York City. "New Yorkers are now enjoying more healthful foods without any change in taste or price."

As your online fitness trainer, I'm giving you homework for the week. No eating after 8:00 PM. Easy enough, right? Late-night snacking is the downfall of millions of people trying to lose weight, so let's all do it together. It may even be an issue for those who don't actually think it's an issue. So start tonight.

Make sure you have a satisfying dinner and then turn your attention elsewhere. Exercise, read, play games, pay bills ... whatever! Just don't chow. Step on the scale tomorrow morning to find out exactly what you weigh, and then step back on the scale a week from now. It'll be fun! It's a short-term test which may lead to long term results. If you lose significant weight this week, you'll know that late night snacking is an issue for you. Continue the late night snacking ban, and you'll continue to lose!

Of course, frequent challenging exercise along with eating healthy is the way to lose weight. Late-night snacking is a unique habit, though, which may be responsible for any extra pounds you're dragging around. Seven days. 8:00 PM. Give it a go, and fill us in on your success!

Last night I watched and cheered as my Alma mater's basketball team won the Big Dance. Again! It was a spectacular feat which was well earned. I've had the luxury to sit court-side at many games this year, and as wonderful as they look on television, they're even more impressive in person. I have tons of respect for this team.

The Gators are composed of incredible athletes who play selflessly every second of every game. Each Gator works hard in the gym and on the court more for the guy next to him than for himself. They are quick, agile, strong and smart. Each player is a coach's dream. Since they play for one another, they never made excuses or trained half way.

If you're looking for fitness role models, the Gators are it. If you're a parent, child, or spouse choose your precious family members as your "team". Pursue fitness as desperately as this magical team pursued two national titles in a row. You have the ability to live a champion's life of longevity and health if you put your mind to it. Live to truly enjoy your golden years with the special people in your life, and allow them to enjoy you.