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Earth Day Everyday

scrawford — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:20:21 +0000

by Karen Keltner

April 22, 2010 marks the 40^th anniversary of our celebrated Earth Day, which auspiciously started in our very own hometown of Santa Barbara (http://www.cecsb.org/). Today Earth Day is globally recognized and celebrated as a day to recommit to our 3 R’s: REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE so that our planet and we can live sustainably. However, to live sustainably and to have our planet thrive it takes more than one day a year. It takes an everyday “green” mind over “organic” matter approach to ultimately live sustainably within the means of our natural resources. But who said it’s hard or more work to live within ecological balance!? It’s actually as easy as your ABC’s to be green- all the way from iPhone apps to legislative acts, 3R’s trade-ins to eco work-outs, social meet and greats to green eats, to home cleaning and body cleansing.

Below are some of SOMA GET FIT favorites for living sustainably on Earth Day and Everyday!!

How to be Earth friendly for Earth Day and Everyday:

Eco ABC’s:

We love Care2Healthy & Green Living’s how to be earth friendly daily Eco ABC’s with quick and easy ways to make your day-to-day lifestyle earth-styled. Click on each letter of the alphabet (http://www.care2.com/greenliving/tag/eco-abcs) for an in depth of how to be green or take the challenge and see if you can come up with your very own eco alphabet pledges. In honor of SOMA GET FIT we made our own eco alphabet pledges…

S–Sustainable short showers with low flow showerheads instead of taking baths.

O–Outdoors, outdoors, outdoors! Take the opportunity to breathe in the fresh air on a hike, bike, run or doing yoga outdoors!

M–Mindfulness and meditation. Allow time each day to bring awareness and the extra-ordinary into the ordinary of life!

A–Adventure locally and explore new trails, parks or beaches by foot, bike or board and discover a new sanctuary.

G–Grow a garden, start composting, and I guarantee you will grow a community of eco biodiversity and new friends.

E–Eat local, organic foods that are in season.

T–Turn off all things that plug-in by using a power strip. When your computer, lights, kitchen appliances etc. are not in use its as easy as a flip of a switch to save $ and the planet.

F–Fix it or find it before putting it behind you! In other words instead of throwing things away see if they first can be fixed or if someone else can use it; you know Reduce Reuse Recycle.

I–Invest in or even better yet be inventive and make your own re-useable water bottle, hot mug and shopping bags made of renewable long lasting materials.

T–Transportation first by foot, second by bike, and third by carpool, bus, or mass transit.

Free Eco Apps (for iPhone):

Easy for on the go eco we love iRecycle (http://itunes.apple.com/app/irecycle/) and FindGreen (http://itunes.apple.com/app/FindGreen/). They are just a few of our favorite apps for knowing which materials and where we can recycle as well as find local green and sustainable businesses like SOMA GET FIT, bicycle shops to tune our bikes, or find organic restaurants when we are hungry! Latest app that is out for 2010 Earth Day is Billions Acts of Green (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/billion-acts-of-green/) where you and billions of others from around the globe can find local Earth Day events, share eco pledges, and create community projects that fulfill your passion for preservation and protection of Earth.

Eco Acts:

There are many legislative Acts and causes that need your signature as a voice for making a difference in this world. On Earth Day you can do your part by signing the Earth Day 2010 Climate Declaration, which is part of the official Earth Day 2010 Campaign (http://action.earthday.net/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=2732) to making an eco pledge and/or take action.

Eco Trade-Ins:

We mentioned Reducing, Reusing and Recycling as a great everyday practice for living an everyday Earth day. But here are a few resources that will keep the 3R’s easy as a click away. Whenever you are in need of “new” stuff or want to get rid of your “old” stuff check out Freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org), TerraCycle (www.TeraCycle.net) or Craigslist (www.craigslist.org/). Who knows maybe you’ll find your next bike, kayak, SUP, or even some outdoor adventure friends!

Eco Work-Outs:

During our SOMA GET FIT workouts we like to work it outdoors, and when we need a mat we would rather be in the dirt than on a non recycled sustainable mat, so we go for the green and like to get down in our downward dogs on Eco-Mats that are made from non-toxic TPE, which contain no PVC or latex. Our favorites for finding an Eco-Mat are Gaiam (http://www.gaiam.com/), Barefootyoga (http://www.barefootyoga.com), and Lululemon (www.lululemon.com).

Eco Meets & Eats:

Check what is going on in your community for Earth Day and join your community for some fun meet and greets with fun green eats! On Earth Day Network (http://www.earthday.org/events/) you can find or even create events in your communities to celebrate getting down and green, and in TimeOut (http://www.timeout.com/) you can find the hottest, yet still carbon neutral clubs, bars, and restaurants that are painting the town green. In NYC for example you can join the Earth Day is Everyday Ride (Meet at the southern end of Union Square, E 14th St between Broadway and University Pl, times-up.org; Thu 22 at 7pm, free), for a group bike ride organized by environmental organization Time’s Up! This year’s trek goes from Union Square to Billyburg watering hole East River Bar (97 South 6th St between Bedford Ave and Berry St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn), where riders will take part in a BYO barbecue and be treated to a DJ, dancing and an Eco Art Show, courtesy of JustSeeds Cooperative. And If you like your vino in abundance and sans pesticides, herbicides or fungicides, imbibe more than 20 different “green” wine varietals at NYC’s Chelsea Wine Vault’s Think Earth Drink Green tasting (Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave at 16th St; 212-462-4244, chelseawinevault.com; Thu 22 7–9pm, $30).

So find your city and green-it up!

Eco Cleaning & Cleansing:

Last but not least Earth everyday comes back to the home and to the heart, where spring cleaning and cleansing are often a laborious chore to rid or detoxify ourselves of the burden of dust, pollutants, chemicals, and other build-up. When we clean, treat and care for our homes and ourselves we always go for natural green cleaners such as Seventh Generation (http://www.seventhgeneration.com/) products that are safe for the air, surfaces, fabrics, pets, and the people living in our homes and Chivas Skin Care (http://www.chivasskincare.com/) made from fresh hand-milked goats, herbs from the garden, and fair trade shea butter & natural essential oils for our bodies. We also found a great way to get rid of nagging health problems such as allergies and fatigue and enjoy greater energy and a greener planet with this new book Clean, Green & Lean (http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Green-Lean-Toxins-That/) by naturopathic doctor and environmental medicine physician Dr. Walter Crinnion. With these helpful insights on our search to reveal and remove everyday chemicals and toxins in our homes and in our bodies the doctor helps guide us through those certain items in our homes and foods that slow our metabolism and can lead to common health ailments. Thanks Doctor Green!

From ALL of us at SOMA GET FIT…

HAPPY EARTH DAY EVERYDAY!!!

Asian Stir Fry with Chili Lime Ricenoodles

scrawford — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:02:23 +0000

This dish created by Lys Poet

Personal Chef

GREEN TEA PANNACOTTA

GREEN TEA PANNACOTTA

scrawford — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:50:05 +0000

This Amazingly Creative Desert is made by LYS POET

Personal Chef

LYS is born in Belgium

Lose it! Keep it Off!

bcrouse — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:24:07 +0000

I recently read this article in Berkeley Wellness letter about losing weight and keeping it off (stopping the yo yo dieting) and it truly sounded like the workout ‘regime’ I’ve been following with my trainer- Scott Crawford – for over a year. It’s encouraging and exciting to think I will be able to maintain the great results I’ve had – just by continuing to do what I’ve been doing and staying focused. I’ve lost body fat – and at an accelerated rate when I combined a more structured diet plan with my workouts. We tracked heart rate, body fat measurements and food journal with Teri Tom, MS, RD – and I dropped from 22% body fat to 16.8% in a month and a half! And the best part about it – I feel great!

The National Weight Control Registry has been looking into information on over 5000 people who maintained a weight loss of at least 30 pounds for more than 5 years. Here are the successful strategies that these maintainers had for losing the weight and keeping it off:

1. Eat a high carbohydrate, low fat diet. Most calories (55-60%) should come from ‘good complex’ carbs – like whole grains, veggies, fruit and high fiber foods – NOT high sugar foods. 24% of calories come from fat and the rest (16-21%) from protein.

2. Be aware of calories consumed – total calories count – no matter what you eat.

3. Eat breakfast

4. Monitor and watch yourself – weigh yourself once a week and keep a food journal of what you eat

5. Exercise – A LOT – 60-90 minutes a day. Carve out time every day and plan to do something. Look for ways to keep active during the day and walk. Walking is the #1 activity.

And one more point about protein. Most Americans consume way more protein than they need -and you don’t need more protein if you exercise. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults is .8 grams/day for each kilogram (2.2 lbs) of weight. That would be 64 grams for a 175# man and 47 grams for a 130# woman. (1 ounce of chicken or 1 cup milk = 8 grams) …so it adds up quickly.

By Bonnie Crouse

We are all Different for a Reason

mbeaugrand — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:03:29 +0000

My friend recently sent me a message saying that in the past 15 minutes, she had eaten 5 Cookies and Cream Good Humor bars. She followed that up with the fact that she went to her freezer for the 6th, but then remembered that she had eaten it for breakfast.

My first reaction to this is quick. Envy. Followed by a shaking of my head.

You see, this friend is 5′7″ and weighs maybe 110 pounds. She is skinny as a rail, and has been her entire life. I remember when we were growing up together, her mother couldn’t find pants that fit her because she has always been skin and bones. The pants that fit on her waist were too short.

My second reaction is how actually BAD that is for someone’s body. All of that sugar and preservatives and colorings and chemicals just isn’t good for you. Follow that up with the chemistry that then wreaks havoc on the inside trying to deal with all the fat and calories.

I on the other hand have to watch every little calorie that I put in my body. Always have. Always will. I have embraced this as I am who I am and I have the body that I was born with. My calories just want to stick around – they want to join my thighs. (In all fairness, my thighs are pretty fun to hang out with… )

So am I happy that I can’t eat a box of ice cream bars? Yes, actually. Why would I want to do that to my body? Perspective is everything and so I am taking this time to be thankful that I am not that skinny girl that can eat whatever, whenever I want. I have the opportunity to be mindful of what goes into my body. I wish the same for you.

Melissa Beaugrand, SOMA GET FIT CHEF.

A SOMA Experience Video: Edward Farwick

scrawford — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:54:16 +0000

Check out our latest retreat experience video with our most recent Guest Edward Farwick. It will certainly get you wishing for a retreat of your own.

A Review in Vital Juice for Soma Get Fit

scrawford — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:16:45 +0000

Check out our most recent press in the daily healthy online magazine Vital Juice.

We hosted the LA editorial team here for one of our weekend retreats and they absolutely loved it.

Click below to read the full review and save 20% off your next retreat.

http://vitaljuice.com/entry_detail/la/1037

Wine Enthusiast Gives Soma a Shout Out for Equestrian Wine Tours

scrawford — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:11:10 +0000

The Wine Enthusiast gives Soma’s Equestrian Wine Tours a mention in their lastest review. If you love horseback riding in the beautiful Santa Barbara wine country you should certainly join us.

Why eating close to bedtime may actually help you lose weight!

rfahmy — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 07:37:54 +0000

by Rich Fahmy

Tis the season of resolutions so I thought a little discussion on a popular weight loss myth would be a nice blog post for January. The myth is one we hear a lot, especially in the form of random advice people start dispensing immediately upon hearing that your resolution is to lose weight. It comes in a few different forms but it usually sounds something like this: “Don’t eat past *insert favorite time here* o’clock because food just sits there in your stomach and turns to fat while you sleep!”

Let’s take a look at this one with a little common sense and a little science and hope we can debunk this one for good!

A little common sense:

First and foremost, digestive and metabolic enzymes don’t wear watches. Science has yet to find an enzyme that at 6:30PM says “Halt!! All calories consumed from here until sunrise will now be shuttled to fat stores!!” And what happens if I’m on a flight from LA to NYC, do I have to stop eating at 3:30? So unless you can convince me of the magical Fat Fairy that flies around at night causing all calories consumed within 3 hours of bedtime to be stored as fat, I’m not buying it.

You may then ask, then why did it work for my office mate or friend? Well very simply, it was an easy way to cut calories. To lose weight, we need to move more and eat less. And if I’m the type of person that normally plows through two servings of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey at 8PM; and I now suddenly stop because of this myth then it’s not because of the timing, it’s because I removed 600 calories from my day. So it made me eat less automatically, irrespective of time of day.

A little science:

The myth often rests its logic on the idea that we must somehow metabolically shut down so everything we eat just “sits” in our bellies and we don’t do anything with it but store it as fat. The truth is that even though our internal organs only make up about 5-6% of our body’s total mass, they make up for a whopping 60% of our resting metabolic rate. For example, the brain alone burns about 109 calories per pound of its mass per day which means a 3.1 pound brain (or about 1400g, the average for an adult human) would burn about 338 calories a day just on its own! What’s the point here? Most of the energy we expend is expended to keep us alive and functioning and since when we sleep, we need to be alive and functioning too, we don’t necessarily shut down or down regulate vital functions, and these vital functions burn a hefty amount of calories.

If we try to examine actual numbers, available studies reveal that sleeping metabolic rate is about 95-97% that of waking metabolic rate for an equivalent amount of time. That is, if I were to burn 1492 while awake and not doing anything but sitting there and hardly moving for 10 hours, I would burn 1416 calories while asleep for the same 10 hours. That’s not enough of a difference to account for the massive weight gain that people blame on this myth. Remember though this compares sleep to just sitting there awake fairly motionless, so think of it like this: if you surfed the web for 8 hours and slept for 8 hours, the number of calories you burned would be within 3-5% of each other.

So how does the bedtime snack help?

Well, one of our main goals when losing weight is to not be hungry. To put it simply, we overeat when we’re hungry. So appetite control is vital during our battle of the bulge this resolution season. So long as in a 24 hour period, I’ve burned more calories than I’ve consumed, I will lose weight in that same period even if some of those calories came at 9PM. If a little snack closer to bedtime will keep you from waking up at 1AM and taking out one of those familiar white cartons of leftover Chinese food in the fridge, then for Pete’s sake have the snack! It can actually help keep your calorie intake in check.

Happy New Year and here’s to a great 2010!

About the author:

Rich Fahmy M.S. is the Director of Education for Oracle Fitness Education, a company that specializes in online education for health and fitness professionals. His only New Year’s resolution is to not make resolutions, which either makes him a master of irony or a hypocrite. That part is still up for debate.

References:

1. M Elia Organ and tissue contribution to metabolic rate. In: JM Kinney, HN Tucker, eds. Energy Metabolism. Tissue determinants and cellular corollaries. New York: Raven Press, 1992:61-77.

2. L Garby, MS Kurzer, O Lammert, E Nielsen. Energy expenditure during sleep in men and women: evaporative and sensible heat losses. Hum Nutr Clin Nutr 1987; 41(3):225-233.

3. GR Goldberg, AM Prentice, HL Davies, PR Murgatroyd. Overnight and basal metabolic rates in men and women. Eur J Clin Nutr 1988; 42(2):137-144.

4. H Kumahara, M Yoshioka, Y Yoshitake, M Shindo, Y Schutz, H Tanaka. The difference between the basal metabolic rate and the sleeping metabolic rate in Japanese. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2004; 50(6):441-445.

Food Happy

mbeaugrand — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:31:42 +0000

by Melissa Beaugrand, Soma Get Fit Chef

Cooking is something that I started doing at a very young age. My mother started teaching us girls as soon as we could hold a spoon. I have memories for as long as I can remember of being with my family and helping to prepare meals. It always seemed the more people, the more fun when I was young as there was always laughing and talking and teasing. Personalities really come out during meals, especially if there is a preference (or dislike) for what is being served.

Now that I cook for a living, cooking has a slightly different feel to it for the most part. I am in a professional kitchen which is VERY different from a home kitchen. I don’t get to enjoy the meal with the people that I am cooking for, and neither do I get to watch them enjoy it. There is no talking about likes or dislikes, there is no feedback first hand. Most importantly, I rarely know the people that I am cooking for.

It was so rewarding for me to cook for Edward last month. We met at the beginning of his stay here at the farmers market, and I tried to get a sense of what he liked and disliked. Because he was so agreeable and open and easy to talk to, I really feel like I got to know what his general eating habits were. I was able to tweak his meals based on what I thought he normally eats, yet make it healthier and more low calorie.

I also got to get feedback!! Yay! Because of what I learned about him, I added more cilantro, I made sure all the carrots were raw. I added lowfat cheese. The feedback was first person – he was able to tell me face to face that he loved something – and it was so rewarding to see his eyes light up thinking about a meal that he had eaten.

I think that is what I am going to enjoy the most with SOMA forthwith. I will get to not only meet great people, but get firsthand feedback and be able to make them happy with the food that they are going to eat. Food makes people happy. Food makes me happy. Seeing my food make people happy is priceless.