Nutrition Momma
Monday, March 8th, 2010
Help Your Children’s Healthy Habits By Perfecting Your Own: Exclusive Interview With Camp Shane
First lady Michelle Obama is an advocate against childhood obesity (while mom Mariska Hargitay speaks out on healthy body image)…
Do you ever wonder how your eating habits effect your children? Do you have an opinion on fat-loss camps or TV shows (like The Biggest Loser?) We chatted with Ziporah Janowski, co-owner of Camp Shane and Shane Diet Resorts, to get the inside scoop on creating healthy habits in the home (and sustaining long term results).
1. So, can you tell me a little bit about Camp Shane?
“Camp Shane is the longest running weight loss camp in the world. We were founded in 1968 by my husband’s parents. We now have locations in the Catskill Mountains of New York and in Mayer, Arizona. At our New York location, we provide summer weight loss camp programs for boys and girls between the ages of 7 – 17 as well as young women between the ages of 18 – 25. In our Arizona location we provide programs for boys and girls between the ages of 7-17.
We also operate Shane Diet Resorts, which is located at Honor’s Haven Resort in Ellenville, NY.Shane Diet Resorts offers weight loss programs for young adults from 18 – 25 and adults 26+.It is the perfect playground for grownups who want to change their lives (and have a cool vacation).”
2. So, Shane Diet Resorts is for young adults as well as adults?
“Yes, Shane Diet Resorts offers 2 to 8 week weight loss programs for young adults ages 18 – 25, as well as an adult weight loss camp program for men and women 26 ages and older (for one to eight weeks starting June 20 until August 15). We see people in all phases of their lives at Shane Diet Resorts: everyone from new moms who are looking to get back to their pre-baby weights, to empty nesters, newlyweds, brides and grooms-to-be, and recent college graduates who are looking to shed pounds before they enter the workforce. In addition to bringing people together of all different ages, we attract people from throughout the US and all around the world. Although our campers are very diverse, they form special bonds with one another over the common desire to get fit and live healthy!”
3. Is Camp Shane a fat camp or a boot camp like The Biggest Loser?
“Funny you should mention that… we get that a lot. Unlike traditional “fat camps” or “boot camps,” Camp Shane and Shane Diet Resorts focus on long-term, realistic weight loss goals. Because of this, our campers have an extremely high success rate when it comes to keeping weight off for the long-term. Overall, we try really hard to provide a friendly, supportive and non-threatening environment.
Needless to say, when The Biggest Loser first debuted I was horrified. Everything from the name, to the “weigh in” outfits (tight shorts and bra tops for the women and no shirts for guys), and the fact that contestants go from zero exercise to 5 or 6 hours a day…all of it seemed wrong. We’ve learned that the contestants use some extreme methods just prior to their weigh-ins, such as dehydrating themselves and sweating out liquids, to name a few. These are tricks and don’t lead to sustained lifestyle changes and permanent weight loss. Also, the New York Times recently ran an article, http://bit.ly/62Qstj, claiming that in an effort to keep the show interesting, the producers are recruiting heavier and heavier contestants, and experts question the safety of the extreme exercise regimens of the show.
With all of that said, I do think the show has done so much good! For example, I directly attribute the following benefits [America's acceptance that overweight people are people just like them, that it's okay for guys to lose weight, and more] to The Biggest Loser.”
4. What is your reaction to Michelle Obama’s recently launched “Let’s Move” initiative to combat childhood obesity?
“I applaud it and think it’s a great start. Her call for healthier food to be served in schools and sold in neighborhoods, coupled with the need for more exercise by kids are all important steps in this vital fight. One thing I would like to see is a greater focus on involving parents.Unfortunately, in my experience, obese parents often make for obese children.”
5. Do you think parents are to blame for childhood obesity?
“It’s a very tough question to answer. Of course all parents love their children and want the best for them but they face a huge challenge when it comes to combating obesity. It’s hard to say no to your kids when they cry “I’m hungry.” And how do you force them to be physically active when they refuse? And you have to give your thin kids more food and some junk food because they don’t have a problem and it wouldn’t be fair to deny them, would it?
With that said, kids don’t go food marketing. They don’t drive to restaurants. They don’t buy televisions. They usually don’t cook. Until a certain age, they are totally dependent upon their parents and caregivers for what they eat, both inside and outside the home.”
6. Are there specific tips you can provide for time-crunched parents to say no to eating out?
“Yes! Here are five easy suggestions:
1. Make it a family affair. One of the best ways to prevent childhood obesity is getting kids into the kitchen. Encourage your kids to ask questions and help out while you are preparing the meal.
2. Get Technical. Subscribe to an e-newsletter that will email you healthy and quick recipes each week. There are thousands of them that you can sign up for on sites like FoodNetwork.com and RecipeNewsletters.com.
3. Get Walking. Buy a pedometer for everyone in the family and have a contest to see who can walk the most. Every 2k steps equals a mile. Aim for 10k steps a day!
4. Make frozen veggies your friend. Stock up on frozen veggies like spinach, peas and broccoli florets to add to main dishes or serve as sides by themselves. (In addition to lasting longer, research shows that today’s “flash frozen” vegetables can be just as healthful as their fresh counterparts).
5. Choose longer-lasting lettuce & keep the skins on. Sure, the triple-washed bagged lettuce is easy, but it costs a fortune and it doesn’t last very long. Try seeking out lesser known types of fresh greens that last longer than the traditional green leafy lettuces. Examples of nutrient-rich lettuce types that last a long time (and are very inexpensive) include things like chicory, romaine, radicchio, kale and dandelion greens.Also, leave the skins on vegetables such as potatoes and carrots when you are cooking. Not only will it save you tons of time from peeling, but it helps to retain more of their nutrient value and fiber and keep you full longer.”
* What Do You Think: Do you agree that parents should be held accountable for their children’s weight?
Credit: © Celebrity Gossip and Field Fare
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Friday, March 5th, 2010
Try Chocolate and Coffee Infused Peanut Butter: Double-Duty Diet
Kate Hudson and Kate Beckinsale love all natural foods…what are some of your favorites?
We have a chocolate habit (a 24-7, “always-want-to-have-it” kind of chocolate habit), which might only be comparable to our all-encompassing coffee habit..but let’s face it, what woman doesn’t? This is why we’re thrilled to offer brand new Naturally Nutty all natural peanut butters (in Chocolate Butter Toffee and Mocha flavors) in our Makeover Momma Open Sky store! They let us get our sweet fix (and sometimes our caffeine fix), without the waist-widening side effects…
Why We Love Naturally Nutty Mocha ($8.99 for 2)
* Satisfy that nagging sweet tooth with the taste of (all natural) chocolate, without the hefty sugar count (and caloric intake) that typically follows.
* If you want the metabolism boosting effects of coffee (and the “get-through-the-day” benefits for busy moms), the “mocha” fusion of this natural peanut butter is even better.
* Comletely all natural (using hemp seed and flax seeds to boost your Omega-3’s), this peanut butter is super high in protein (leaving you feeling fuller for longer, while helping your body build muscle after a workout).
Why We Love Naturally Nutty Chocolate Butter Toffee ($8.99 for 2)
* It is the ideal way to get a sweet fix, without pigging out on dessert. Try adding it to an apple, in healthy recipes, or any other way you want!
* It’s good for your family. Try sharing this healthy treat with your kids, and rest assured knowing it’s all natural (with limited ingredients) and a great source of protein.
* What is your favorite chocolate, peanut butter or coffee fusion?
Credit: © Celebrity Gossip
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Monday, March 1st, 2010
How To Savor Food Like a Foodie: Exclusive Interview With Senior Editor Corey Holmes
Moms like (restauranteur) Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears call themselves “foodies”…what do you love the most about food?
Makeover Momma has never been more excited than to welcome our new Senior Editor Corey Holmes, and we wanted you to get to know her too! Corey is a self-processed “foodie”, so we had plenty to ask her about her favorite nutritional treats… (Please give her a warm welcome!)
1) Why did you create your (dessert + alcohol inspired) blog Wasty Cakes?
“I have always been enthralled with the glamour of retro dinner parties, flaming desserts, wine reduction sauces, candlelight and old-fashions (the cocktail and the mannerisms!). I just hadn’t found another blog that experiments with some of these desserts, and so decided to write one myself. Through it I have found some party favorites like my prosecco and pomegranate jello mold-yum!”
2) You are extremely interested in food, but you’re also a full-time dance instructor: what food fuels YOU the most for a busy day of teaching and dancing?
“This tip is actually my husband’s deal, but it works great for both of us. Every night before bed he throws 8 ounces each of Acai juice, bananas (we buy them on sale and throw them in the freezer ASAP), a red frozen fruit (strawberries), a blue frozen fruit (blueberries), a orange frozen fruit (mangos), and of milk or almond milk. He places it in the refrigerater overnight, when he wakes up he blends, takes half with him to the metro, and leaves half for me!”
3) If you’re going to create a healthy meal, what ingredients do you love using?
“Avacados, sweet potatoes, spinach, coconut oil… I look for extra places to throw these things in, from scrambled eggs to breakfast muffins!”
4) If you’re going to indulge in a special treat, what is your favorite thing (that’s super worth the calories?)
“Sometimes, well…to be honest, once a month I need Maggie Moo’s Ice cream in Peanut Butter Galaxy. I have tried their other flavors, and, delicious as they are, I always find myself asking, “why do I deviate?” Something about the mix of chocolate ice cream, peanut butter, Reese’s cups and Reeses Pieces just blow my bad PMS mood and cramps out of the water never to return! (At least not for another 28 days).”
5) If you could make three of your favorite dinners, what would they be?
* Sesame crusted seared Ahi Tuna with kale and mushrooms sautéed in chili sesame oil and soy sauce
* Pesto-Goat cheese stuffed Portabello Mushrooms with sweet potato fries and key lime honey mustard.
* My favorite crock pot dish-spicy braised beef with sweet potatos over couscous. The recipe is from Real Simple Magazine, but I seriously adore it!
* Speak Up: What do you the most about Corey and her taste in food? Would you ever want to try this recipe?
Credit: © Real Simple and Celebrity Gossip
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Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Improve Your Skin With Red Wine Like Angelina Jolie and Christy Turlington: 1 Minute Makeover
Want to live a healthy, moderate lifestyle (red wine included?) Take inspiration from gorgeous-skin beauties Angelina Jolie and Christy Turlington…
The Problem: You want to have the gorgeous-skin benefits of red wine…but would rather put the calories towards dessert!
The Fix: If you aren’t a big wine drinker (or simply want to improve your skin without using harmful ingredients), try using the latest supplements from ResVitale: Collagen Enhancer and Resveratrol. Both sets of supplements contain healthy, natural ingredients (like polyphenol extracts found in red wine) to plump, smooth and reverse the signs of aging in your skin (without vigorous routines or tedious diets!)
* What Do You Think: Do you try and eat your way to better skin? What foods help (or don’t help) your personal complexion?
Credit: © Celebrity Gossip
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Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Heal Your Body With Ginger Like Courtney Cox-Arquette and Joely Richardson: Double-Duty Diet
Courtney Cox-Arquette and Joely Richardson strive to eat healthy (it’s easier than you think!)
Do you use ginger like you use salt and pepper, spicing and sweetening everything that you bake, stir-fry, or marinate? Well, this super ugly but pungent root may be able to cure some of your most common ailments. Ginger’s ability to combat a variety of diseases and conditions is due in part to its impact on excessive inflammation, which is a significant underlying cause of many illnesses. arthritis, diverticulosis, gallbladder inflammation, and heart disease, the inflammation does not go away. It becomes chronic and leads to many other problems.
Ginger is particularly useful in treating chronic inflammation because it partially inhibits two important enzymes that play a role in inflammation gone awry — cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX). Most anti-inflammatory drugs can cause side effects, such as ulcers, because they also block the beneficial effects that COX has on the digestive tract, including protecting the stomach. Ginger does not cause stomach irritation; instead it helps protect and heal the gut. The root doesn’t shut down the inflammatory process entirely, ginger may actually allow it to work properly and then turn itself off, the way it does with an injury.
Besides reducing inflammation, ginger has many other benefits. It helps relieve nausea, destroys a host of viruses, and in some laboratory studies has shown promise as an anticancer agent. (MY favorite use for it is to stop painful PMS cramps and hangover nausea)
Here are two awesome ways to implement Ginger into everyday recipes (though a box of gingersnaps works too!)
Thai Hummus Recipe:
* In a food processor put…
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained
-2 tablespoons of lime juice
-3/4 of a cup of fresh grated ginger (more to taste)
- A few small pieces of chopped garlic
* Give the processor a couple of good whirls, then drizzle in chili sesame oil (about1/8 of a cup) in a pinch you can also use olive oil with a squirt of sirracha sauce
* I recommend with sweet potato chips or fries, but equally good as a spread on a wrap or sandwich
Ginger Tea: I would make my own video but how adorable is this tiny, sweet woman? You would rather watch her, trust me!
*All meal suggestions at Makeover Momma™ will include allergen information and suggestions for children with allergies, celiac disease, or additional health concerns. The above recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.
Credit: © IFood TV and
Written by Corey Vincent Holmes: VP and NEW Diet Guru on Makeover Momma, Wasty Cakes blogger.
Posted in Nutrition Momma | 2 Comments »
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Be Healthy At Any Age Like Kate Winslet and Kristin Scott Thomas: Real Momma Nutrition Insider
Moms of every age and size (like Kristin Scott Thomas and Kate Winslet) should strive to be healthy (and healthy doesn’t have a size!)
Wish that you could get inspired to make healthier decisions and reach your nutritional goals? We were thrilled to hear the amazing weight loss story of our Real Momma contributor Julie (a teacher, mother and health advocate), who inspired us with her amazing results. Read Julie’s story and please give her tons of encouragement!
A Makeover Momma Success Story: Julie
“I recently embarked on a weight loss journey, that has been successful thus far (as I am already down 35 pounds)! I am (much like other people) a person who has gone up and down on the scales my entire life. However, I think I have found the right combination of personal motivation and weight loss tools (that work!) to help me maintain a more steady, healthy, weight!
I started by joining Weight Watchers at work. I had heard about this program forever, and it is truly a wonderful teaching tool to help people who have difficulty maintaining a ‘healthy relationship’ with food. This definitely gave me the jump start I needed (because I lost 5 pounds the first week!)
Along with this, I have also really used the Makeover Momma website to gain not only nutritional tips, recipe ideas, links to other helpful blogs, and awesome ideas to work fitness into a busy daily routine, but also to boost my knowledge about fashion and beauty products that have resulted in an increased self-esteem and confidence. Because of Makeover Momma, I have taken the time to take care of myself and as a result have become a better wife and mother! The benefits to my mental and emotional well-being due to following and contributing to MM have been invaluable!”
* What Do You Think: What has helped YOU in the past? Please give Julie tons of encouragement and support!
Credit: © Celebrity Gossip
Posted in Nutrition Momma | 5 Comments »
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Try a Clear Skin Diet Like Michelle Williams and Julianne Moore: Exclusive Interview With Brendan Brazier
Want glowing, clear skin like Michelle Williams and Julianne Moore? Start with your diet…
Do you wish you could drink a meal replacement shake, that actually helps give your body protein, essential fats, enzymes, and vitamins (while still helping you feel full?) We were thrilled to be able to interview health guru Brendan Brazier (author of the book Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life), about his brand new line of nutritional drinks Vega, used on models at Fall 2010 Mercedes Benx Fashion Week.
1. Why do you think models so eagerly drank these nutritional drinks, while preparing for the runway?
“A lot of models and people who work with them are starting to realize the value of good health. Not just being light [thin], but actual being healthy (because then your eyes look better, your skin looks better, you have more energy, your hair looks better). Plus, you won’t have to sleep as much or be dependant on stimulants like coffee and sugar (so you never have the ups, downs and crash effect with your energy).”
2. So what makes these drinks different from other nutritional replacement shakes?
“If your healthy, your going to be at a healthy body weight, so you won’t have to supress your appetite (or stop eating even though you’re hungry). When you’re nourished, it turns off your hunger signal, so you won’t want to keep eating unnessecarily.”
3. What are other health benefits does Vega offer?
“Well, actually Vega is gluten-free, and has 100% RDA of calcium too. If you have a full serving, it only has 240 calories, with 26 grams of protein, 13 grams of fiber, 7 grams of essential fats. It has no artificial ingredients, animal products or fillers [so you're only putting the most pure ingredients in your body].”
4. So basically, all of these models and moms who drink meal replacement shakes, they do absolutely nothing for them in terms of vitamins and nutrients (for the same amount of calories)?
“Exactly. They just suppress your appetite, instead of giving you nutrients. With Vega, you’re not hungry because your body is receiving the vitamins it needs. And it has no common allergies- no wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, soy, dairy. The thing that we’ve found is that once people start using it (and liking it and looking better), people start coming to them and asking what they’ve been doing, and they just say: Vega!”
* Have you ever tried a meal replacement shake or bar? Why (or why didn’t you) like it?
Credit: © People
Posted in Nutrition Momma | 2 Comments »
Thursday, February 11th, 2010
Eat Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie Thai Food Like Reese Witherspoon and Camila Alves: $5 Buy
Celebs like Camila Alves and Reese Witherspoon love healthy, small meals…do you?
The Buy: Thai Kitchen Pad Thai Noodle Trays
If you love having heaping portions of Thai food (but know it’s not always the healthiest thing in the world), try having a portion-controlled container of Thai Kitchen Pad Thai. These tasty, tangy noodles (Thai Peanut is our favorite) are gluten-free, low in calories (only 200 - 300 calories), and make the ideal craving replacement for Thai cuisine. Plus, they take mere minutes to cook, and you can take them anywhere (all they need is water!)
The Price: $2.99
*All meal suggestions at Makeover Momma™ will include allergen information and suggestions for children with allergies, celiac disease, or additional health concerns. The above meal is vegetarian, gluten-free and corn free.
Credit: © People
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
Slim Down With Tea Like Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow: New Momma No Brainer
Moms like Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow love drinking healthy teas…do you?
Tea is one of the best things a momma can drink, because it’s flavorful, it’s generally calorie-free and keeps you super hydrated! We love the idea of trading high-calorie cocktails with your sweetheart for super healthy (and tasty) Valentine’s Day tea…
The Product: L’Age De The Valentine’s Teas
What We Thought:
* L’Age De The Love Blend: This tea smelled like velvety thick chocolate (perfect to get us in the Valentine’s mood), and is infused with strawberries and rose petals. Yes, really. It was so beautiful, it almost didn’t look like tea!
* L’Age De The Almond Cookie Rooiboos: When we smelled this tea straight from the container, we not only wanted to eat it (yum, cookies!) but were shocked at the beautiful, tiny pink hearts scattered inside. Mixing tastes of vanilla, cinnamon and almond, it would be the perfect “sweet” fix (minus the calories).
* L’Age De The Kyoto Cherry Rose: We figured that this traditional green tea would be boring compared to the first two, but it was actually the men’s favorite! A beautiful cherry and rose smell (with vibrant colors), that will definitely get you in the Valentine’s spirit!
* What is your favorite drink on Valentine’s Day?
Credit: © Celebrity Gossip
Posted in Nutrition Momma | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
How To Speed Up Your Metabolism By Drinking Coffee: Real Momma Reader Tip
We are obsessed with coffee (as most moms are), and almost think it should be counted as one of the essential food groups for daily living. However, coffee has definitely gotten a bad reputation over the years (and of course, caffeine should be avoided by any pregnant or breastfeeding moms). Real Momma Shanda sounds off on her findings about coffee (and why she is happy to drink more!)
What I Love Right Now: Iced coffee!
“YAY! Studies show coffee reduces your appetite, increases your metabolism, and gives you a shot of antioxidants. The favorite drink of sleep-deprived mommas all over the world is actually good for you (in moderation of course!) The Journal Physiology & Behavior found that the average metabolic rate of people who drink caffeinated coffee is 16 percent higher than that of those who drink decaf. Just order skim or low-fat milk, Splenda or another natural sugar substitute (and hold the whipped cream so you don’t derail your diet.)”
* What Do You Think: Do you drink coffee…why or why not?
Credit: © People
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