Archive for February, 2009
Jet Set Body: Food Control
Part of having a Jet Set Life is having a Jet Set Body. And no, I’m not just talking about how you look in that swimsuit (although I do think feeling great about how you look, instead of feeling insecure is important). Think about it, how could you have a real Jet Set Life is you feel tired, over weight, sluggish and unhappy with your physique? If you want to have enough energy to no only take on the world but to really enjoy it, you’ll have to be healthy. Plus, who doesn’t want to look slammin’ when they de-robe to hit the hottest pool scene?
Unfortunately, when people obsess over making the millions, they tend to let their health and body go. They put this priority on the back burner. It’s easy to skip the workout or grab fast food when you have to choose between health and money. And as we all know, fast food is often a culprit of weight gain.
Have you not watched Super Size Me yet?
Okay, let’s assume you want to change your lifestyle, and as a result improve you health and your overall appearance. Weight loss is all about calories in (eating) vs. calories out (expended). Weight-loss and improving your health is about choosing the right foods, and eating them in the right portions. The number of calories you’re supposed to take in each day ranges from 1200-2000 depending on your height, weight and goals. It’s best to spread those calories into 4-6 smaller meals/snacks each day to help regulate blood sugar and keep you from overeating.
GET HONEST
Everyone starts with the sentence “I don’t eat that bad…”. But most people (including Rob and I) have no clue how many calories are in the foods we eat. The best way to determine just how many calories, grams of fat that you’re putting in your pie-hole is to do one thing: KEEP A FOOD JOURNAL
THE FOOD JOURNAL MADE EASY:
Technology has made nutritional tracking simple. If you have an iPhone you can down load an application called Lose It! or you can just sign onto your iGoogle and download one of ten calorie counters. Personally, I use the Food & Calorie Finder. I like it because it’s easy to use, stores previous meals and even has name brand foods like the Kashi Go Lean bars that I love! You’ll be shocked at how many calories you consume in a given day. My suggestion is to keep a 3-day record of your calories before you begin any changes. See what you really are eating. I know for me, I was eating a salad from Moe’s that turned out to be 500 calories!
A COMMON PROBLEM:
The most common problem you’ll encounter while tracking your food is not entering the right portion sizes. Not all bagels are created equal! A lenders bagel is 4 inches, where as, the average bagel is 5-6 inches! A normal serving of chicken is 3-4 ounces, but the average chicken breast is really to 7-8 ounces. Watch closely and measure your portions until you get better at “eye balling” it.
EATING OUT:
Now that you are going to track what you eat, we need to be realistic and know that you are going to eat out. It’s not as easy to figure out what restaurants use for cooking and we all know the portion sizes are insane. Now most restaurants offer “healthy options” and even whole sections of the menu are dedicated to “lighter fare”. Unfortunately, these terms are vague, so these menus and items can be extremely calorie dense. I thought I’d put together a couple examples of these so-called healthy options. These will blow your mind!
Example #1: Moe’s Southwest Grill
With a Moe’s salad called “Personal Trainer”…you’d think you’re safe right? NOPE! Even without the shell it’s high calorie!
With the shell: Without the Shell:
Example #2: Chili’s Restaurant
Chili’s Guiltless Menu is anything but guiltless! If this is the “diet menu” what’s the real menu like? If I 750 calories at lunch, what do I eat the rest of the day, air?
Example #3: PF Chang’s
Chinese anyone? A complete meal at P.F. Changs… it’s almost a whole days worth of calories, without even adding dessert which can add between 800-1,500 calories alone!
* Look closely at the serving sizes, FYI these items don’t include the “side of rice” or sauces you may add
Example #4: Jersey Mike’s Submarine Sandwiches
Now, how about a nice turkey sub from Jersey Mike’s. The regular (6″ Turkey on wheat) is 500 calories without the oil or mayo! Hungry? Want a giant size? It’s gonna double to 1,000 calories! OMG!
Example #5: Starbuck’s
Drinking calories is a common mistake. We think that just because it comes in a glass there are no calories being consumed. Sure these drinks may not be outrageous on the calorie count, but the grams of sugar is what’s gonna get you!
Grande Vanilla Latte Skinny Vanilla Latte
EXERCISE:
Following a consistant exercise program is key to your health and fitness. Exercise is what makes your muslces stronger(including your heart, yes, it’s a muscle too!), leaner and more shapely. You should follow a well balanced exercise program that includes resistance exercises (weight training/body weight exercises), cardiovascular exercise (aerobics, eliptical machine, running, swimming) and some form of stretching (yoga,pilates). Without all three forms of exercise your body will be unbalanced and prone to injury. As many of you know, Rob and I are avid P90X lovers. We love it because it’s designed to take people that are already in shape to the next level. But, if that doesn’t sound like you, there is also a P90 version for those new to working out consistently.
THE WRAP UP:
What ever your reason, it’s time to get in shape and bring your health and your body to the next level. It’s time to take the thought of exercise off the back burner and get out (and into) those skinny jeans again! Eat less, exercise more and obtain your Jet Set Body!
The Best: Restaurants in Scottsdale
Scottsdale has always been a “convention” kind of town, but lately it has become a hot-spot for leisure travelers looking for a little desert sunshine and fun! You’ll be surprised at how hip Scottsdale has become. Scottsdale now has chic hotels like the Mondrian, burlesque nightclubs like Jack Rabbit Lounge & Supper Club and surprisingly amazing shopping in The Mixx. Another thing that I found to be consistent in Scottsdale is fantastic restaurants with unique ideas like Martini’s & Manicures or live table-side fashion shows.
Here’s a list of my favorite place to chow down and get a chill bite around the red rocks of Scottsdale:
The X-Factor: Where fashion meets food. Unique martini’s like the Strawberry Mint.
The Grub: A wide variety of salads, sandwiches and lots of fresh fish. If you don’t mind spending a little extra, try the “30 Dollar Sandwich”.
The Vibe: Imagine eating dinner while various runway shows from the past few decades are surrounding you. Hang around and maybe you’ll catch one of the live runway shows on the restaurants weaving multi-color illuminating runway.
The X-Factor: Hip place to start with happy hour and end with dinner.
The Grub: Think Mediterranean meets California, amazing handmade pastas, great wines and delicious desserts.
The Vibe: Dim lights, chill music during dinner, with a DJ taking over after dinner and into the evening. Sit outside around the fire pits with friends and enjoy a great bottle of wine or a cool cocktail.
The X-Factor: Natural ingredients, great service, yummiest breakfast in town.
The Grub: Fresh squeezed juices and incredibly delicious traditional breakfast fare. They have the best and lightest waffles I’ve ever tasted!
The Vibe: You’ll see everyone trying to soak up the previous night’s cocktail with carbs. There is usually a 30-60 minute wait on the weekends.
The X-Factor: The see and be seen place for dinner on Friday or Saturday night.
The Grub: Shared plates of Asian inspired chicken, meat, fish, fried rice and veggies with an Asian-Cuban twist.
The Vibe: All white, dripping chandeliers and a martini sipping crowd.
The X-Factor: Innovative twist on the classic breakfast and lunch fare.
The Grub: Jalapeno pecan pancakes, strawberry pancakes, freshly made syrups and fresh OJ.
The Vibe: Looks like a dive but tastes like heaven.
The X-Factor: Perfect spot to stop for lunch, but save room for a dessert of turtle sundaes and ice cream sandwiches to bring out your inner kid.
The Grub: Yummy salads, sandwiches, burgers and tacos.
The Vibe: Upscale yet casual. Not trendy but definitely a fun place. They’re known for cool and unique tacos.
The X-Factor: Sexy intimate dining, the infamous Martini & Manicure Mondays
The Grub: Italian antipasti, pizza, pasta, fish and meat dishes all prepared with the freshest ingredients. Unique cocktails and yummy martinis.
The Vibe: Choose the dining room, lounge or bar all designed with a modern yet comfortable feel. I love the over sized blush booths.
See what the hotels, restaurants and nightclubs are really like in the Jet Set Life: Scottsdale Video.
Find out where to stay, eat and play in Scottsdale with, The Hit List: Scottsdale.
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Next weekend Rob and I are going to have some fun in the sun as we explore South Beach’s sexiest hot spots.
80°F Sunny & No Humidity
Next Trip: 
