Counting with Chelsea

In a Nashville Minute

2010-04-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Hello from Chelsea Gossett. So, I went to Nashville this past Thursday with my friend and workmate, Terrah. She's a Nashville native so we hit some really cool, local places. We had a meeting with Universal Music Group, checked up on a couple of boutiques and apothecaries that sell Count Me Healthy and then I met up with my best friend, Marisa, who was in town from London visiting her sister at Vanderbilt. I had an amazing time and just in case you want to take a trip to the "LA of the South," here are some cool things to do and see.

STAY
We stayed at Nashville's trendy Hutton--a hotel with lots of eco-sustainability initiatives including "card disabled guest room lighting." I found this so cool. It's a card-holder to the right of the door when you walk into your room. To turn on the lights, stick the card in the holder. Voila! Then, when you are leaving, pull the card out of the slot and the lights shut off within 30 seconds. Sweet. I believe the Europeans have done this for a while, but this is the first time I've seen it in the states. Other eco-friendly touches include bamboo flooring and a recycling program.

Their lobby also rocked, even offering an organic wine mixer everyday from 5-6:30. Plus I saw Jillian Michaels from "The Biggest Loser." I wish I could say Hutton's service was up to par with their green goals. Rooms are so-so and service was sub par. The three friends who stayed in other rooms at the same time had similar scenarios. I'm all for being eco-conscious, but service is still critical in the hospitality biz. (http://www.huttonhotel.com)

EAT
Province Breads & Cafe in Hillsboro Village for breakfast with our friend and internet guru, Greg Hallmark. Amazing coffee along with a sampling of their organic multi-grain crusty bread. Yum. What a way to start the day. (http://www.provencebreads.com)

Viragos. If you want to get your sushi on, this place is for you. Awesome ambiance and a great place to hang with your girls. They actually made me a steamed shrimp roll with just shrimp and seaweed--no rice. That scored huge bonus points from me. (http://www.viragosushi.com)

Tasti-D-Lite. Frozen Yogurt is my all-time favorite treat, especially Tasti-D. Up until last year, I would have had to visit NYC or South Beach to quell my crave, but they recently opened one right in the heart of Nashville. Their yogurt is low-cal (70-90 calories per half cup), but doesn't taste like it. This time round, I had a cup of butter crunch and dutch chocolate swirl. For Memphians reading this, I heard we may get a franchise soon. Cross your fingers! (http://www.tastidlite.com)

Grill 1808. Voted the top new restaurant in Nashville for 2009, Grill 1808 delivers both ambiance, fabulous wine, and beyond good food. It also helped that we dined with really intriguing girls, including one of Miley Cyrus's stylists. The conversation was never dull. Some of the plates we sampled and loved were: Saganaki, Roasted Eggplant Hummus with Goat Cheese crumbles, Mojo Tuna Taco with Ancho sauce (I ordered this as my meal and it was fabulous), Crispy Miso Trout, Mac & Cheese with Maytag Blue Cheese, and 1808's specialty fish dish---Mahi Mahi. Service was top notch. For wine, we had an Argentinian Malbec at an unheard of price---$45 a bottle.

SHOP!!!
H. Audrey
Okay, I put this on my facebook profile page as well because I've never been so taken with a store. Voted the number 1 boutique IN AMERICA by Elle Magazine, H. Audrey is heaven with clothing racks. If you go, look for Rick Owens leather waterfall jackets that fit like gloves, Yigal Azrouel tanks and dresses, and Helmut Lang draping. All brilliant. Not to mention the boutique is owned by Hank Williams granddaughter. (http://www.haudrey.com)

POSH (Hillsboro Village Location)
There are two Posh boutiques in Nashville. Both cool. This location is a little darker, a little edgier. I lean more towards the dark and neutral so this store is right up my alley. With brands like Daftbird, G-Star, and Linq, you are sure to find a punch piece for your wardrobe. Ask for Maisha. She manages and has an amazing style.

Cool places to visit are The Parthenon, Music Row and the Grand Ole Opry. Do you have any Nashville Hotspots you want to share? Do tell. An as always, keep counting.

Aging Gracefully (Tips From a Swiss Beauty)

2010-04-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

So, I went down to the islands recently for less than 48 hours. I know this sounds crazy, but what's really considered normal these days anyway? So while in St. Martin (or if you're on the Dutch side, St. "Maartin,") I had some time to myself and heard the resort had a beautiful spa. Today I wanted to write, not about the gorgeous spa or how amazing my massage was, but about the masseuse that gave it to me.

Her name was Nicole and she was Swiss. Since a masseuse sees me mostly naked for the next 60 minutes, I like to have a little small talk to get comfortable. I found out she used to massage the Swiss National Gymnastics team for twenty-five years and that she has two children, ages 26 and 24. Ok... how? She looked not a day over 35! Of course I then had to drill her about what she does in her life to stay so young. Mind you there is nothing better than getting health tips from beautiful Europeans on how to age gracefully. Here were her tips:

Drink Red Wine, but NEVER beer and NEVER hard alcohol
She says she knows the liver can't process hard liquor, therefore everything else it has to process has to wait in line for the alcohol. This creates a backup in the body, which leads to weight gain. And she doesn't indulge in red wine everyday.

Exercise every day
Nicole said she lifts light weights because she's over 40 and realizes that around this time women start to experience significant muscle loss. When you lose muscle, you gain fat in the places the muscle once was. She also runs on the beach with her dogs.

Drink White Tea
Everyone says drink green tea, but she prefers white because it's more delicate. It's good for the skin and flushes your system. She never uses sweetener, only lemon, and drinks about six cups a day. As an aside, I told her about Count Me Healthy and she thought that glasses of her white leaf tea would be a great thing to count.

Stretch
Women forget to stretch and this ages them because the muscles become compacted and tight. Stretching also sends oxygen throughout the body, which gives you more energy.

Never Stop Learning
At an age when many women would be retiring, she said she's a year and-a-half away from opening up a massage school in Cannes, France. She's already leased the property and is moving soon.

If you come across someone that looks phenomenal for their age, let them know! Then ask them how they do it. If they feel like your inquiry is genuine than they will be more than happy to share their anti-aging secrets. Have a beautiful week and as always, keep counting.

Looking Good on Facebook (by Guest Blogger Chris Fitzgerald)

2010-04-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

So I was going through my pics and came across yet another photo where I just happened to look like a linebacker in a dress. Sigh. We've all read or heard about those "look better in photos" tips, such as put your hands on your hips, smile with the tongue touching the roof of your mouth, or say "money." These tricks may work for the pre-Facebook era, but not now.

So I called in an expert--freelance fashion and portrait photographer, Chris Fitzgerald--to blog about how to look better in your Facebook mugs. Here's what he had to say...

Looking Good...
As a photographer, I think Facebook is both wonderful and a bit terrifying. Wonderful--because it's essentially a digital diary of all of my friend's comings and goings. Couldn't make it to the art opening last night? Someone I know has probably posted images within hours of the event. Same with concerts and parties... it's not quite like being in the front row, but I don't feel quite as left out. I also get to keep up with all of my awesome photographer friends who often post their latest work, their outtakes, and their upcoming gigs.

The terrifying part of FB is getting caught by one of these same friends on a night when you did go out. The next day I log in, anxious that someone tagged me in picture where I have food in my beard, a half closed eye, or where I look startled and stiff. Now, I suspect your friends are probably more thoughtful and sensitive and would kindly delete these unflattering images... but some of us are not so lucky. I've had to learn how to be photogenic on the fly.

Don't Slouch
I'm pretty good at spotting the camera ninja... you know this person, the one who has this tiny camera tucked away and takes the picture before you can protest. As soon as I spot this person, I check my posture. I'm a terrible sloucher when I sit (not as bad when standing). But this shows up in pictures and makes me look round and much shorter than my wife, who I won't admit is taller than me. I also pull my shoulders back just the tiniest bit, which makes me look like I have impeccable posture.

Figure Flattery
When I can see the camera, I shift my body a bit so I'm not so straight-on, and I won't look like I'm taking a mug shot. Turning your body a bit to the side and turning your head toward the camera shows off your figure in which often gets flattened by the flash on a camera.

Chin-tastic
Make eye contact with the shooter, and ever so slightly push your chin toward the camera. This lengthens the neck and remedies the dreaded double chin. Or, you can tilt your head just a bit so you look relaxed and not so posed.

Smile!
Lastly, smile. It doesn't have to be an ear-to-ear, ridiculous grin, but just a nice genuine smile. After all, you're out, having fun... let that reflect on your face.

Now... for all you Facebook paparazzi...
If your camera has a "Portrait" mode, you might want to experiment with it. The facial recognition software in cameras is pretty good these days, and this will ensure everyone is in focus. Digital cameras are HORRIBLE about bumping up the red channel in photos and this is frightfully unflattering for skin tones. Sometimes the Portrait mode will help with this. If you can adjust your color settings, turning your overall saturation down just a bit will help.

Beware of florescent light. It casts a greenish tint to skin that makes everyone look awful. Use your on-camera flash to compensate. Usually this will overpower the tube lighting enough to look more natural.

Don't say "cheese." I think we've all been roboticized by this word that we flash this lackluster half-smile so we can get it over with. Whenever I hear "cheese" I'm immediately taken back to grade school class photos and I'm locked into that memory, regardless of how much fun I'm having at the time. I collect bad pickup lines. This is the perfect time to use one.

Don't say cheese

While it's tempting to just upload every picture from your night out to Facebook, do a quick once over to make sure you haven't caught anyone mid-yawn, with red-eye, or with queso dip on their chin. This will ensure you have friends to go out with in the future!

Chris lives with his wife and two enormous dogs in Midtown, and you've probably seen him running down East Parkway. You can view his work at http://www.cultnoir.com.

Get a "Fly" figure with Aerial Yoga

2010-04-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

So, my sister Ashleigh is looking ultra toned and buff lately. Very cut. I learned her new physique is a result of her current (and I think long-term) obsession with "aerial yoga." In essence, it's an art that combines traditional yoga poses in the air using a soft fabric trapeze.

My sis, Ash, flying high

Instead of me trying to explain the details of aerial yoga, I asked Ashleigh to do a little Q&A with Micha Adams, a woman at the forefront of the Aerial acrobat movement and owner of the Detroit Flyhouse--one of the premier aerial yoga studios in the northeast.

ASHLEIGH: Please tell us a little bit about your personal description of The Detroit Flyhouse?
MICHA: It's adult recess!! It was our dream to create a safe space for adults and children alike to take healthy risks in a totally supportive, non-competitive environment. The Flyhouse is about creating community and we've done just that. You leave with tired arms, a big smile on your face and lots of new friends.

Micha instructing during a workshop: Photo courtesy of Spilt Sugar

Private advanced lesson. Photo courtesy of Spilt Sugar

ASHLEIGH: How would you describe aerial yoga to the layperson that has never experienced it? Please enlighten us!
MICHA: It's another word for trapeze or tissue... anything done in the air. Many of the poses mirror traditional yoga poses done on the ground. There is a bit of climbing, a LOT of hanging out upside down and lots of laughing.

Cirque workshop: photo courtesy of Spilt Sugar

ASHLEIGH: How did you fall (um... ascend) into loving aerial yoga?
MICHA: Well, I taught yoga for about five years then decided I wanted to expand my practice and started learning from aerial circus performance instructors.

ASHLEIGH: What do women need to do to get started in Aerial yoga? Do you have to have a certain type of body to perform?
MICHA: It's for everyone. We pride ourselves on making this practice accessible to everyone. Showing up that first time is probably the most difficult part. The practice meets you exactly where your physical ability is at and then you grow "or fly" from there.

ASHLEIGH: Being the creator of The Detroit Flyhouse must be an incredible experience. What are some of the challenges that come with owning your own studio?
MICHA: I have found the Flyhouse to be an incredible and unique vehicle for my own, personal transformation. I have become better at setting healthy boundaries around time and energy. I have so many opportunities to show and share my love with the people who come through our doors. I love the fact that this studio challenges me to constantly find new ways of inspiring students and myself both physically and emotionally.

ASHLEIGH: You are very fit and perform with such ease. What do you do to stay healthy on a daily basis?
MICHA: Ha! I do everything! I do circuit training. I bike, swim and stretch. Of course I train on the aerial apparatus. I also have learned the value of sweet rest.

ASHLEIGH: If you could pinpoint it, what do you feel is the best health advice to give the average person?
MICHA: Keep moving!

If you would like to learn more about aerial yoga (I'm definitely taking a class next time I go back to Michigan), please visit www.detroitflyhouse.com or email micha@detroitflyhouse.com. As always, keep counting.

Be a Toned Traveler

2010-03-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

So I was creating my travel calendar for the next four months out and I think I'm home two weekends! I'm not complaining though--traveling is up there on my list of favorite things... right next to online shopping and wine (which don't mix, by the way).

A couple of these upcoming trips require international travel, with connections and being on the plane for 10 hour stints. This is no issue, but you have to plan. Travel is broadening, but it shouldn't be for your waistline.

Here are my tips for maintaining a somewhat healthy lifestyle while traveling:

Bring Your Own Food
I'm not saying you have to lug around a full course meal or a cooler, but you do need to have back up snacks. I never eat the airplane food because I don't know what the mystery sauce is and there is ALWAYS a mystery sauce. It's not the time to be an adventurous foodie. You'll have time to do this when you land. You are stuck in a small space with lots of people for a long time. Sketchy cuisine = bathroom time.

Here is what I bring:
- Plain, instant oatmeal packets (if you have a nice flight attendant, she will zap this for you or at least ration you some hot water and skim milk)
- Tuna or salmon steak in a packet (they don't smell, promise, and you will be opening them when the airplane food smell is wafting in the air anyway)
- Light salt (low sodium salt) or Spike
- Almonds
- Energy bars (I know I preach against these, but I do use while traveling)
- Baggies of dry cereal
- Liquid stevia & splenda packets

I swear this doesn't take up a lot of room in your bag, and at least you know you'll have a fall-back snack.

Create a Comfy Environment
Here are some of the non-food items I bring to ensure a comfortable and awesome flight:

- My ful Gibson backpack
- Laptop with a stocked itunes movie library (I realize you can watch in-flight entertainment, but I prefer my screen)
- iPod
- Skull Candy headphones
- A splitter so my hubby can watch a movie with me if he's traveling too
- Kindle
- Those Colgate disposable toothbrushes
- Bottled water
- Extra thick socks because my feet are always freezing
- Lotion
- Eye drops
- Cuticle Pen
- Chapstick
- Magazines
- Huge Sunglasses (I don't wear eye makeup so I put these on when we land so I don't scare anyone)

Train in a foreign land
Just because you are overseas, it doesn't mean you have to abandon your workout. Sometimes it's hard. The treadmills aren't in English, there's nowhere to run outside, jet lag, they don't believe in air conditioning in the workout facility. There are a thousand excuses. You just have to push yourself and I swear you will feel better after the sweat session. Here are a couple things to bring to help you along:

- iPod
- Exercise bands (they take up no room)
- Workout clothes and sneakers
- A zip-front hoodie
- Workout DVDs to play on your laptop (Tracy Anderson's Mat Workout is awesome)
- My Count Me Healthy bracelet (I count water so I don't get dehydrated)

Believe me, I can pack as compact as a marine. But girlfriend, if you're traveling with me and you need something... I got you covered. What do you bring to stay healthy while flying? A little planning goes a long way. As always, keep counting.

But It's the Weekend!

2010-03-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

So, it's officially the weekend and as I'm writing this I'm shoving an apple cinnamon rice cake in my mouth. Problem is, it's my fourth and there are "ecstasy amounts" of carbs in each one. Um... and I've already had two bowls of cereal. BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND!

"BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND" is the lamest and most used excuse for today's women! I say this because I use it almost every weekend--so I'm just taking a stab in the dark that it applies to a large percentage of America's female population. I say "America's" because I just can't see a French woman or Tokyo native using this excuse as often as we do. If you can prove me wrong, please let me know.

Why do we use this excuse time after time? I think it all comes down to 1) a lack of moderation and 2) stress. We read so many articles about "how to lose those last 10 pounds" that deprivation gets the better of us and we cave. At least I do.

So I'm making a vow to try a different angle for next weekend. Instead of saying "BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND" and so having another drink or falling off of the clean-eating wagon, I need to take that "split-second" moment before the backslide happens and say "No." I think the weekends are for rewarding one's self, but not so much that it undoes all of our hard work throughout the week.

As I mention often, a lot of damage can be prevented by having a sense of moderation and stress management. I'm trying to make daily efforts to work on both of these points.

Instead of... "BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND," so... :

-I'll have a snack MARATHON. Let me lace up my tennis!
- I'll chill on the couch all day
- I won't do my ab exercises
- I can abandon my healthy lifestyle
- I'll drink what I want, when I want
- I'll party like it's 1999

Let's try... "BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND" so:

- I'll eat healthy snacks so I'm ready to hit the ground running come Monday
- I'll get in some "active rest" like taking the dog for a walk or cleaning the house
- I'll do my ab exercises because I'm on a constant "Abs like Alba" quest
- I cannot abandon my healthy lifestyle
- I will curb my drinking somewhat
- I'll reach out to the people I can't catch up with during the week due to "strestic mode." ("Strestic" is a made up word combo of "hectic" and "stressed" that shouldn't be used when talking in certain circles, such as the educated).

Come next week I will be brutally honest and blog about how it turned out. Regardless, making a plan is always the first step. Count Me Healthy helps to prevent weekend slips. Look down at it. It's on your wrist for motivation. Count your glasses of wine, snacks, or just move a bead over when you've had a "clean eating" weekend day. It will keep you motivated to move over that next "clean-eating day" bead. As always, keep counting.

Street Style -- SXSW

2010-03-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

I recently had an amazing, quick trip to Austin for the South By Southwest (SXSW) music festival. Thousands of music lovers gathering to listen to hundreds of established and up-and-coming artists. I rendezvoused as a guest blogger for ful (www.ful.com) since my "other career" is with ful. Below is a fun little minute on the street trends at SXSW. Enjoy!

So the "Hipster Runoff" worshipers and music makers were in full swing at SXSW this year. As the Creative Director for ful, I went down to be a part of our party with Paste Magazine and Vanguard Records. What a ride. What amazing music!

It was my first year at the festival and I heard from devotees that the event was "going back to its roots," despite the fact that the band count and wild parties surpassed last year. All I can say is that SXSW was a feast not only for the ears, but for the eyes. And so let's discuss "Street Style" at SXSW.

Shades
Some types weren't surprising, like the Wayfarers and the Aviators dotting the crowds. However the new front-runner was Carrera and I need me a pair. I want the sun to shine into my office windows right now so I can justify putting them on at my desk!

Boots abound!
For the women, it was all about the boots--flat, faded, black or rich brown tones. All-out Western style was nowhere to be found, replaced by a pull-on, slightly rounder toe.

The Watson Twins

Love the woven leather toe

The Skinny on Denim
The skinnier the better, for gals and guys. Dark wash or black was the staple (dark washes elongate and also don't show when you sit in the mud or some jack spills a Heini on you).

Everything about her ensemble just "worked"

Sweet Prints
Sweet prints were everywhere, from spring dresses paired with booties or eye-catching, billowy tunics paired with tight William Rasts.

Bags
Lots of backpacks, cross-body Rocker bags, and messengers. Hands-free bags to hold your swag and clothing are essential at any music fest. I'm partial, but ful was everywhere!

ful "Smoke N' Gun"

What Goes Into Making a Handbag? (A Q&A With Designer)

2010-03-19T02:11:00.000-07:00

Q&A with handbag designer, Katie Kalsi
If there is one thing I appreciate, it's a beautiful handbag. There are shoe girls and there are bag girls and I AM A BAG GIRL. Soft leather, golden hardware... bring them on please. I am of the strong belief that you can really tell a lot about a person by the bag they carry (and I'm not just talking about registered, statement handbags).

But do you ever wonder what goes into designing those works of art you carry on your shoulder or sling cross-body? Well, we are going to find out.

Luckily, I am blessed to be friends with Katie Kalsi, one of the hottest, up-and-coming handbag designers. She happens to live in Memphis and in less than three years, Katie's bags have graced the arm of Cameron Diaz, Faith Hill (who personally contacted Katie about her love for Katie's bags), Nicole Kidman, Lisa Marie Presley (who affectionately calls Katie the "Guitar Strap Girl"), rocker Pat Benatar, Sandra Bullock, American Idol's Katherine McPhee, January Jones, country singing sensation Julie Roberts, Marlo Thomas and her sister-in-law Annie Thomas, who commissioned Katie to make her a one-of-a-kind clutch for Jennifer Aniston's 40th birthday party. Pretty strong.

I recently sat down with her to discuss how she started the Katie Kalsi line.

CG: How did you come become a handbag designer?
KK: I began as an artist -- painting on canvas with acrylics and oils. I have certain designs I do in different colors and sizes and thought they would be fantastic on handbag straps. I love modern art -- shapes and colors and textures. Experimenting is key to getting it just right. I had no previous sewing experience, but I hand-stitched 24 hobo-style bags in my art room at my house. I bought skins of leather and cut the leather into shoulder straps. I then took designs from my signature paintings and painted those same designs onto the straps. I then attached the shoulder straps to the bags with fabulous hardware. The bags were a hit and I was hooked. In the meantime, I took a sewing class to further my handbag-making skills and to learn all of the aspects of production. I converted an old barn behind our house into a design studio where I now design all of my prototypes.

CG: Tell us about your handbags. What makes them so amazing that every girl I know wants to get their hands on one?
KK: I saw an opening in a niche market for something different. I take classically shaped bags -- such as the doctor bag -- and add a little bit of funk and fun. I don't add too much in the way of grommets or lace or skins because I don't want to over-do it, that way I appeal to a broad market. Just enough for a wonderful mix of traditional with clever designs. Traditional bags with attitude!

CG: What goes into designing a handbag. How long does it take?
KK: I carry my sketch book with me wherever I go and as soon as an idea hits, I draw it. It doesn't take long for me to get the idea on paper. I then decide what size I want this particular bag to be, do I want it to have a zipper closure or a snap, etc. What medium do I want to use to make the design on the bag? Snake skin? Leather? Suede? I've recently designed a bag using a lightweight copper metal for the design.

CG: What are some of the challenges you've faced as a designer? How have you overcome these challenges?
KK: The expense of manufacturing is probably the biggest challenge right now, given the state of the economy. At this time, everything I make goes right back into the business. Making sure the bags are made to my specifications is another big one. I often travel to Texas to make sure everything is done just how I want it.

CG: How do you keep your life in balance as both a mom and business owner? Any health tips?
KK: I'm crazy every day and often wish I could clone myself. I have a wonderful support staff who is behind me all the way and I can always rely on them. Victoria is typing this right now! I do make sure I find time to work out at least three times a week. It boosts my energy and clears my head.

Katie's handbags are sold at Joseph, Southern Couture and by special order. Visit katiekalsi.com to see her other styles, including those with hand painted, interchangeable straps. And as always, keep counting!

A Quick Peek at Life in Hawaii (Guest Blog)

2010-03-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Aloha!

My name is Tracey Harrington McCoy and Chelsea graciously invited me to write a guest post for her blog about life in Hawaii--and I'm excited to contribute. I met Chelsea at my last job and over a discussion about the Bar Method and YSL heels, we realized we had to be friends. Not long after that, my husband was relocated to Hawaii and we've stayed in touch. When she asked me to write a little about Hawaii, I jumped at the chance. So, let's dive in: here's a peek of life in Hawaii...

Nick (the husband) and I moved here about 9 months ago. After spending literally 15 minutes deciding whether or not to make the move ("Should we move to Hawaii?" "Um, YES!"), we began our search for a little shack on the beach. While little shacks on the water don't really exist on our island (Oahu), in a stroke of amazing luck, we found a place across from the beach with a view I still can't believe we have. A month later, we moved in.

At the same time as our move, I made a decision to leave the corporate world and instead freelance and consult. After 13 years in the business world, it was a little scary to make the jump. Happily, it's been a blessing and allowed me freedom to explore and enjoy this new environment.

Oahu is a lush island--full of unique trees, plants, and flowers. Experiencing and photographing the extraordinary greenery is one of our favorite things to do on weekends. The many mountains around the island feature hikes that include amazing views of the ocean, nearby islands, and the surrounding foliage. But some of the most interesting parts of these hike are the flowers lining the trails and the plants peeking out of the streams.

Being outdoors is a way of life in Hawaii. People are always running, kayaking, kite-surfing, stand-up paddling, and hiking. Outrigging (multiple paddlers in a long skinny canoe-type boat) is very popular. And the surfing! So many people, male and females of all ages, surf. My husband started when we got here and he's hooked for life. With everyone participating in these outdoor activities, it inspired to me find my own niche. I picked tennis back up--something I haven't played in many years--and I love it. It's been fun and invigorating to be so active--and to be outdoors year-round. (I just have to remember the sunscreen!)

One of the best things about moving to our little beach town is the lack of restaurants. I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but Nick and I went out to eat all the time back on the mainland. With a limited selection here, we're more likely to prepare our own meals at home that means more fresh fish, grilled steak and chicken, and our favorite, Korean short ribs. When we're hungry for some local fair, the most popular type of food on the island is local "drive-in" style barbecue. This includes short ribs, teriyaki chicken, and other grilled meats served with lots of rice. There are also a ton of shrimp trucks, particularly on the North Shore. Their specialty? A plate of delicious, sauteed shrimp. Get a fresh plate of crustaceans, grab a seat at a nearby picnic table, and peel your little bites of deliciousness. (Can you tell I like these?) But, that all said, our favorite meal is whole white fish with fresh vegetables on the grill at home. This, paired with a couple beers while sitting on our deck watching the ocean, is our picture-perfect evening.

And actually, that's the bottom line: Nick and I are so lucky. We consider ourselves very blessed to have the opportunity to live here. What we've been able to do--hopping to other Hawaiian islands, swimming with turtles on the North Shore, watching the full moon rise over the beach--are things we'll remember forever. This island, with its laid-back lifestyle, gorgeous surroundings, and welcoming people, truly is paradise. And I think you should visit and experience it. We have an extra room waiting just for you!

Aloha and see you soon!

Do You Know What You are Eating? (A Guest Blog)

2010-03-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

From Guest Blogger: Susan Rahaim

A Little Background:
My name is Susie Rahaim. I am 29, married, and the mother of three beautiful girls ages 5, 3, and 1. I began my quest for health as a dancer in college.

After completing a required holistic health class my eyes were opened to the toxins in our food, water, and even everyday beauty products. I began to read food labels, buy organic produce, and seek out organic meats. I read countless articles and books on processed foods and the detrimental effect too many can have on our body. I began to understand the connection of whole foods and our overall health and well-being. When I started to have chronic pain after the birth of my first child I dove deeper into the connections of whole foods and our bodies' functions. I began to cook more greens and use herbs, fresh ginger and garlic daily. I snacked on nuts and veggies and completely eliminated foods from a package. Not only did I begin to feel better, my moods and my whole body shape changed! The amazing thing is I feel more connected to the earth, to God and I have such a deeper respect for my body and health. I hope all of you can be inspired to reach for optimal health.

Do You Know What you Are Eating?
Food, Inc is a documentary movie bound to stir up some controversy. The Movie shows an unflattering look inside Americas corporate controlled food industry. The basic message is to stay away from mass-produced beef and chickens (instead eat grass fed beef occasionally, and free range antibiotic and hormone free chicken/pork), eat organic and what is in season whenever possible, and avoid ALL processed foods because they are technically not food.

After watching Michael Pollen speak about his documentary on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah was left with the question I think we all had, "SO WHAT CAN WE EAT?" This is the same question my sister had for me after I had her view the movie.

It may seem complicated to eat healthy, but it's actually quite easy. I am a 29-year-old mother of three little ones who has figured it out. It simply takes some training and discipline on your part. By training I mean retraining your taste buds to like the foods they were meant to like such as kale, brussel sprouts, and parsley. While training you have to be self disciplined to not grab that handful of crackers or chips when you are hungry.

Here are a couple easy ways to eat healthy:
1. Go grocery shopping at your local health food store, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, or farmers market. Here you will have the best selection of organic fruits and veggies, grass fed beef and free range hormone/antibiotic free chicken/turkey and pork, and snack food made without hydrogenated oils and corn syrup (instead made with whole grains and seeds.)

2. Clean out your pantry and fridge so you do not have old tempting items there. Replace old processed foods with nuts and seeds and whole grain brown rice cakes, sprouted grain breads, and natural popcorn.

3. Change what you eat. Each snack you reach for should be a fruit, veggie, or nuts and seeds. When planning meals cook organic meats and try to eat meat free at least one day of the week. We do not need crackers in our diets, or snack bars, or cakes or cookies. When you rid yourself of these things you no longer crave them. Instead you crave the "healthy food" such as luscious dates as a sweet treat after dinner.

If you follow the three steps above you will be off to a good start. Just tell yourself it just is not an option to eat unhealthy anymore. Have you noticed that I have not yet mentioned a fat gram, calorie, or carb? That is because this way of living is not about calorie counting. It's about eating whole food; foods given to us by God to eat; foods not from a can, box, frozen & reheated, or put into a bar. We thrive on fresh, whole foods grown from the earth, picked, and then eaten by you. If you follow this way of eating I guarantee you will not have a weight problem. Your hormones, thyroid, lymph system, immune system, and organs will all work efficiently. This means your body will naturally get and keep you at your optimal weight!

Here are some simple things you can swap out in your kitchen:
milk: almond milk
wheat bread: Ezekial brand sprouted grain breads
crackers: Mary's Gone brand seeded crackers and sticks
chips: all natural popcorn (Newman brand) but preferably homemade
salted peanuts: raw almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, or any raw nut
splenda: stevia natural sweetener. (other good sweeteners are pure maple syrup, honey, sucanot)
spreads: almond butter or any raw nut butter
dips: homemade hummus (chick peas, tahini, garlic, oil, lemon pureed)

You may be saying "come on" or "how am I going to eat this stuff?" Well, this stuff is what you learn to like and crave. Also having on hand daily organic celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumbers, apples, bananas, pears. These are all great grabs when you need something.

A Few Last Things to Remember
1). Include greens in your diet every day. Kale, Mustard, Collard greens are excellent options.

Quick recipe for "Kale to Krave"
Put a little olive oil in pan: saute with 2 cloves garlic, add bunch of chopped kale and 1/2 cup vegetable broth, simmer down for 10 min. Enjoy!

2). Replace meat with nuts, nut butters, beans, lentils, and quinoa (a whole grain) as good protein sources.

3). Try to go at least one day a week without eating meat (good for you, good for the planet).

4). Drink water, water, and then more water.

5). Eat organic fruits and veggies and what is in season. Eat a different salad everyday (romaine, endive, parsley, or bok choy for example).

Ask yourself these questions when eating or making a food choice:
- What is this?
- Where did it come from?
- Did it grow from the ground?
- Is this a whole food?

My sample day just to give you some ideas:
Breakfast
2 pieces Ezekiel sprouted grain bread, spread 2 Tbls raw creamy almond butter, drizzle of honey on top

Snack
2 whole carrots, 1 whole cucumber cut in 1/2 with a sprinkle of salt, handful of raw cashews

Lunch
Endive salad with tomatoes, olive oil & lemon dressing, homemade humus with celery sticks, seeded crackers, 2 dates

Dinner
3oz salmon caramelized with sucanot on top, roasted butternut squash, baked potato fries (homemade), steamed broccoli, romaine salad with toasted pine nuts, shredded carrots and cabbage, and balsamic oil dressing.

Dessert
Any piece of fruit. 2 Mothers brand caramel brown rice cakes.

Include throughout your day tons of water. Add lemon and try to drink 1 or 2 cups of green tea.

I feel full and satisfied after these meals and I can look back on my day and see everything I ate was a whole food!

I have some delicious recipes to share and also want to share later the hidden truths behind dairy and wheat and the food industry in general... more to come!

Remember you are what you eat everyday! Read food labels... and keep counting those whole foods!

Welcome Susie Rahaim and Remembering the 70% Rule

2010-03-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

March is officially Nutrition Month so I wanted to share some "food for thought." A lot of us get discouraged when the warm weather rolls around because we feel we need to overhaul our physique. It's been burned into our brains that we need to have this rock star workout routine, but sometimes our lives don't support it at the moment.

(Pink and her Rock Star abs)

My earlier post was my personal "Spring Cleaning," which included my workout routine I HOPED to achieve. HOPE is stressed. There are many times when my day starts at 5:00 am and I don't stop until late at night. And I realize that you are no different (um... especially new moms who are up at all hours of the night). However, I think it's important to maintain a positive attitude and continue to plan your workouts like you would appointments even if you know you'll have to miss some.

But, if you are at a place in your life when you can't hit the gym on a consistent basis, remember the golden, 70% rule. Your physique is determined by 70% nutrition, 20% sweat sessions and 10% genetics.

Based on your diet, the 70% rule can be a God-send or your demise. If you are a consistent, clean eater, isn't it fabulous to know that you can forgo that extra snack and two glasses of wine because you didn't get to pilates and still come out ahead?

Or that you substituted white fish for the hamburger you may have eaten if you ran those three miles (workouts and eating "entitlement" is a whole other topic) and you are still on your way to having abs like Alba? The first step toward a better body is a nutritional adjustment.

Guest Blogger: Susie Rahaim

I thought there would be no better person to blog on the positive life changes clean eating can bring than Susie Rahaim. Not only is she schooled in holistic nutrition, she's also the busy mother of three beautiful girls, ages 5, 3, and 1. Her personal quest for better eating is inspiring and I've had friends tell me that they've learned so much from her about how to raise their children to eat (and enjoy) whole foods.

Stay tuned for Susie's first blog with us, "Do You Know What You Are Really Eating?" And as always, Keep Counting for a balanced and beautiful spring!

Throw a "Cas-Oscar Gathering"

2010-03-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

So, I have to take a minute to blog about the Oscars because 1) Count Me healthy bracelets were featured in the official Oscar baskets last year (Yay, it was amazing) and 2) It's the most fabulous of all Hollywood events!

There is no better excuse to throw a get together with girlfriends to dress up and try really flashy cocktails that you would never go out and even attempt to order in public!

I've been reading up on Oscar parties and sorry to say, I just don't feel like sending out the invitations that look like movie director clapboards or giving out Golden Boy statutes (there is such a thing as prop overkill). Sometimes I think themed parties go just a little too far, like wearing a sequins blazer AND skirt. So, if I was going to throw an Academy Awards Soiree, this is how I would do it. And, I just might. So all of the girls who read this and see me on a regular basis, I am divulging all of the surprises that may be awaiting you.

Invites:
VIP passes, of course. Since this is last minute, it will be an "E-VIP" pass. Please note, I am all about beautiful paper invitations but time is of the essence.

Attire
It is a "Cas (as in Casual) Oscar Gathering." This is a twist to try. Friends can dress in their favorite denim, casual tops, but wear the biggest, funkiest earrings, cocktail rings, tiaras, and necklaces you can find. If you want to take it a step further, try an updo to accentuate your massive CZ earrings. If you wear the real thing, I have my gun license and would not only act as hostess but also as your bodyguard. Top it off by wearing satin evening shoes that we can all Ooooh and Aaaahhh over. So fun!

Festivities
Everyone will have to arrive early to watch the pre-Academy Award show on the E! Network for the Red Carpet arrivals. The hits, the misses, and the "Trash Your Sylists." I would hand out a form to each friend with the Award categories and contenders and before the Oscars start everyone would need to turn in their picks (in pen, no erasing!) It would be like Super Bowl betting, only better. Then, when it was over we'd tally up who had the most correct answers and the winner would get a fun prize. Okay, the gold statuette as a prize would be appropriate here I guess.

Oscar Cocktail:
I'm normally a vodka soda with lime (or red wine) gal, but signature events call for signature cocktails!

Red Carpet Martini

Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces pomegranate liqueur (recommended: PAMA)
- Champagne
- Gold leaf, for garnish

Directions
Pour vodka and pomegranate juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass rimmed with gold sugar and top with a splash of chilled Champagne. Float gold leaf and serve.

Menu:
For a minute I tried to be all creative and "channel" appetizers based on the nominees. Then I realized that I would probably just make or buy what I like and what I think my guests would enjoy!

Just a sampling of the appetizers (taken from of all places, Disneyfamily.com)

Spinach-&-Brie-Topped Artichoke Hearts
These made my mouth water, plus they are (somewhat) healthy. Plus, they are a pretty twist on the classic spinach and artichoke dip, so people will think you are uber-creative. Creamy brie is the topper, but parmesan would also work for a lighter version.

In this deconstructed version of hot spinach-artichoke dip, we stuff artichoke hearts with lightly seasoned cooked spinach and melt brie on top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Ready in: 15 minutes
Yield: 18 servings
Ease of Prep: Easy

Ingredients
- 1 9-ounce box frozen artichoke hearts
- 2/3 cup cooked chopped spinach
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 18 thin slices brie

Directions
Preheat broiler. Prepare artichoke hearts according to package directions.
Combine spinach, lemon pepper and salt in a small bowl. Top each artichoke heart with the spinach mixture and brie. Broil until cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes.

Tomato-Basil Skewers
These are for the hostess who is Oscar glam but short on time. Skewering mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes makes them easy to nosh at a party.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ready in: 10 minutes
Yield: 16 pieces
Ease of Prep: Easy

Ingredients
- 16 small fresh mozzarella balls
- 16 fresh basil leaves
- 16 cherry tomatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil to drizzle
- Coarse salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions
Thread mozzarella, basil and tomatoes on small skewers. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Spicy Sweet Turkey Meatballs
So, since we're only having apps, it's good to serve something hearty for those who like a little more than the fruit and veggie scene. These bake in the oven which makes for fuss-free cooking and quick clean-up.

Hands-on time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 meatballs

Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 scallions, very finely chopped
- 1/2 cup very finely chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup fine, dry bread crumbs (unseasoned)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten

Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 or 3 slices fresh ginger smashed with the side of a heavy knife

Directions
- To make the meatballs: Heat the oven to 400.
- Gently mix together the ingredients (hands are best for this), then form meatballs by rolling tablespoon-sized scoops between your palms.
- Arrange on a lightly oiled or parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until well-browned and cooked through. Serve with toothpicks for dipping.
- To make the dipping sauce: In a small pot, stir all the ingredients together over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Simmer 3 or so minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens a bit.
- Fish out the ginger and serve in small cups for dipping.

Are you throwing an Oscar soiree? If so, what are you serving? May the stars align for you and as always... keep counting!

March Is Here! Spring Clean Your Life

2010-03-01T10:54:00.001-08:00

Aggghh it's finally March and THE BEGINNING OF SPRING! What comes to mind when you hear the word spring? I imagine flowers, green grass, spring cleaning and the start of my own personal "bikini body ready" routine! Yep, shapeless tunics won't cut it. I'm going to have to give in and show some skin.

I think you should read the health mags and blogs with their "bikini body ready" plans to get you in shape. But while reading, remember that no two people are the same. Motivation, taste buds, and "vices to adjust" are all personal. Read the articles with an open mind and always remember to adapt a program to you.

This year, I'm looking at my own bikini body ready prep as just a facet of the larger, overall spring cleaning of my current life. I think that winter naturally throws our lives out of balance due to poor eating, lack of sunshine, and the "laziness of a hibernating bear" that comes with darkness greeting us so early each evening. If you Spring Clean Your Life as a whole, I truly feel it is easier to lose weight and keep it off.

Here are some steps to Spring Clean Your Life (write these steps down and build your plan)

1). Choose your Motivation
2). Choose your Workout Plan
3). Change Your Eating Habits for the better
4). Healthy Habits that need to be priority
5). Organize Your Work Space

Please just use my personal plan below as a rough template to adapt to your own spring cleaning!

The 2010 Spring Cleaning of My Life

1). CHOOSE YOUR MOTIVATION (both "body" and "organization" motivation)

My Body Motivation! Hmmm... nice weather, my cousin Corey's June wedding in Michigan, photo shoot in late April, and getting body "baby ready" for whatever may come my way in a year (or three).

My Organization Motivation! Everything is easier when you have a clean work space. Plus, being organized means feeling less scattered, which would make me way more apt to stick to my workout plan.

2). CHOOSE YOUR WORKOUT PLAN

My Workout Plan (I plan for six days a week, but if I only hit 5 because of a busy schedule, no problem). I'm a morning person, so if I don't do it in the morning... it's not happening):

- Monday: 30 minute treadmill and pilates with Crystal B
- Tuesday: Rest
- Wednesday: 30 minutes on treadmill and pilates with Crystal B
- Thursday: 30 minutes on treadmill and Tracey Anderson video
- Friday: 45 minutes on treadmill
- Saturday: 40 minutes mix on treadmill/elliptical + legs
- Sunday: 40 minutes mix on treadmill/elliptical + abs & arms

3). CLEAN UP YOUR EATING
My Clean Up! These are the personal "eating vices" I hope to address, as well as healthy foods that I enjoy and would like to add more of in my diet. Everyone's tastes are different, so please insert your own. For some of the foods, I added my favorite brands and/or how I prepare. By the way, Count Me Healthy is great at tracking some of these bullet points!

- Ditch sweetener
- Reduce diet soda
- Ditch energy bars full of fake stuff because all they do is hurt my stomach
- Ditch soy crisps
- Reduce caffeine
- Reduce sodium
- Reduce I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (yes, I'm admitting that I spray it on everything)
- Drink more water

Foods I love and want to eat more of:
- Eggs
- Spinach
- Fish (love all white types)
- Brussel sprouts (broiled at 450 with olive oil spray, sea salt and pepper )
- Broccoli & cauliflower
- Sashimi (the salmon sashimi with chives from Whole Foods is AMAZING)
- salads
- Almonds and Unsweetened almond - milk (I am going to turn into an almond I eat so many. I need to watch my portion size)
- Green tea
- Stevia, (I prefer the liquid in the dropper)
- Decaf coffee (Newmann's Own)
- Oatmeal with fiber (I mix 1/4 cup of the dry organic with almond milk, cinnamon, stevia and Renew Life Fiber Smart)
- Protein pancakes
- Kombucha (GT's No. 9 is my fave and found at Whole Foods)
- Red grapefruit
- Hummus
- Kashi bars

4) Healthy Habits to Make and Break
Here are mine:
- Limit my drinking to one glass of wine a night (or not at all)
- Remember I owe it to myself. I AM WORTH IT.
- Stop eating snacks that are over 5 grams of sugar and don't contain fiber
- If I want to snack late at night... go to bed
- Read more (book club bound)
- Get more sleep
- Take my Vitamins
- Schedule my health maintenance: Doctor, chiropractor, dentist, hypnotist (yes, I want to try a hypnotist... it worked for Fergie, enough said)

5) Organize Your Work Space

This means cleaning my office at ful (picture below is my purple office at ful) and my home office. This also includes backing up my Mac on my hard drive, shredding documents that I no longer need and organizing my notes.

Here's to a healthy, fabulous spring. Remember, Balance=Beauty! As always, keep counting.

Love Your Job, Love Your Heart

2010-02-22T11:51:00.000-08:00

As I was walking through the mall with my mom earlier this morning, we started to discuss how incredibly important it is to both love and be proud of your occupation (and for all of those full-time mothers reading this... I totally believe that being a mom is a full-time job).

A lot of Heart Month has been devoted to better eating habits and exercise, but helping your heart goes beyond physical wellness. Your emotional life has to be healthy as well. So, another way to help your heart is by doing what you love and loving what you do.

The conversation in the mall started when I tried on some gorgeous electric blue pumps, snakeskin booties, and some random flats. I had the shoe salesman running! In the end, they didn't work because 1) I didn't have that "wow" factor you get when you try on shoes you love and 2) they didn't feel good. So, I told her I was so sorry, but I'd have to pass. I actually felt bad because she put so much effort into it. I secretly thought about how much I would dislike being a shoe salesman. Now, just because I think I would dislike it doesn't mean that someone else wouldn't think it's the best job in the world (probably because they are damn good at it).

I just feel like we have one time on this earth and we need to make the most of it. Each of us are going to have many different jobs throughout our lives, which are largely determined by factors out of our control (sudden move, death in the family, new life in the family, changes in economy), but we can always control our mindset and goals. Also, we all have god-given talents that are terrible to waste if whatever job you are doing doesn't hone these gifts. Having a job you hate infiltrates bad vibes into your entire life and my personal opinion is that it also leads to bad wrinkles, premature aging, and weight gain, because all you look forward to is what you're going to eat for lunch and then dinner when you get home.

If you are in a job that makes you anxious, bored, or resentful, it's time to make a pros and cons list. Ask yourself some questions like:

Why am I in my current job situation?

Can I see myself in this job even two years from now?

Most days can I not wait for work to end or do I usually (somewhat) enjoy myself?

Do I feel like I make a difference?

Am I proud of the job I'm doing?

Do I feel like I'm using my talents?

Is my dislike for my job infiltrating other areas of my life, like my family and my eating habits?

If you aren't happy with your answers, it's time to start making a pretty plan. You are worth more than feeling mediocre in your career. Again, I understand that lately, the economy has dealt us a 17 at the blackjack table of life. You may be biding time in a job that pays the bills until you can move on to something else. This is fine... BUT MAKE SURE YOU MOVE. It is so easy to get stuck in a rut. Here are a few things to ask yourself if you are unhappy with what you are doing at the moment and want (actually NEED) to change:

What do I love doing? What am I good at?

What kind of classes, certification, and start-up capital do I need to make this happen?

What is preventing me from changing careers?

How can I overcome what is preventing me?

If I can't imagine leaving my current job (even though I hate it) because of my current circumstances, what baby steps can I take toward my dream job?

Be honest and kick-start your motivation by reading about women who have made it big by following their dreams and gut (does Stephanie Meyer of the 'Twilight' series ring a bell?)

Lastly, remember that your career DOES NOT DEFINE YOU. It is so easy to get caught up in this, but it is critical to keep it in mind in order to have a balanced life. And if you have a job you love... keep at it! Do you have a job you love? Hate? If so what is it? As always, keep counting!

Wild Wine Facts

2010-02-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

As we continue Heart month, we can't forget the health benefits of vino. My heart loves wine and thank God wine loves my heart. I've tried multiple times to forgo the delicate Pinot Noir with friends or crisp Chardonnay on a hot summer day, but I just can't. It's pure, decanted bliss and I guess that just like everything else in life--moderation is key.

I came across some Wild Wine Facts I wanted to share. These are from an Australian blog, Tallis. They may just make for some interesting sip conversation at your next dinner party.

How many bubbles in a bottle of sparkling wine?
Scientist Bill Lembeck states there are around 49 million bubbles in a bottle of champagne.

What is the origin of the champagne glass?
The champagne coupe or champagne saucer is the saucer-shaped stem glass once used for serving champagne, but now more commonly used for cocktails. Legend has it the shape of the glass was modeled on the breast of Marie Antoinette. Some say this is false though. The glass was designed especially for champagne in England in 1663, preceding those aristocrats by almost a century. Champagne is now served in a flute style glass, which better retains the bubbles and temperature of the wine.

Where is the world's oldest wine cellar?
The Titanic, resting on the sea bottom, still holds the world's oldest wine cellar. The bottles are still intact even through the wreck and the ocean's depth.

What is the highest price ever paid for a bottle of wine?
The highest price paid for a bottle of wine was an insurance claim of $225,000 to settle a 1787 Chateau Margaux dropped by a waiter in 1989. (I FEEL SO BAD FOR THIS WAITER).

How many different grape varieties exist worldwide?
There are 10,000 wine grape varieties worldwide.

Where was the oldest bottle of wine found?
The bottle dates from approximately 325 A.D. and was found in 1867 during excavation for building a house in a vineyard near the town of Speyer, Germany. It was inside one of two Roman stone sarcophaguses that were dug up. The greenish-yellow glass amphora has handles formed in the shape of dolphins. One of several bottles discovered, it is the only one with the contents still preserved. The ancient liquid has much silty sediment. About two-thirds of the contents are a thicker, hazy mixture. This is most probably olive oil, which the Romans commonly used to "float" atop wine to preserve it from oxidation. Cork closures, although known to exist at the time, were quite uncommon. Their oil method of preservation was apparently effective enough to keep the wine from evaporation up to modern day.
The bottle is on permanent display, along with other wine antiquities, at the Historisches Museum der Pfalz (History Museum of the Pfalz), worth a visit if traveling near the area of Speyer, Germany.

How big is the world's largest wine bottle?
It holds 480 Litres of dessert wine, stands 2.4 metres tall and weighs as much as a cow.

How did the phrase "rule of thumb" originate?
Before thermometers were invented, brewers would dip a thumb or finger into the liquid to determine the ideal temperature, neither too hot nor too cold, for adding yeast.

***My own little wine fact:
One of the best presents I ever received was a yearly membership to the California Wine Club. I highly, highly recommend this for the PERFECT GIFT. You can personalize the monthly package by choosing 2 reds, 2 whites or one of each. Most of the wines are gold and silver medal winners and you also get a plethora of background information about each wine when it comes to your door. I can't even tell you how many of my friends and relatives received this present from the Gossett's. Or, better yet, how many of our friends have called us up saying they were having a difficult day, but were cheered up when they saw the CWC box at their front door.

Love Letter Lessons

2010-02-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

I want you to take a moment and reflect. Turn down the television or music--clear your mind. Think back to when you got your first love letter. Do you remember whom it was from? Do you remember what it was written on and what color the ink was? How was it folded? How did it wind up in your hands? Was it shoved in your desk when you weren't looking; placed into your palm as you passed in the hallway?

Most importantly, how did it make you feel when you read it? Did your heart jump?

In Atlanta recently, I had a minute to myself. While sitting on the second floor of my hotel, in between meetings, I tried to decide what to get Al for Valentine's Day. The man never asks for anything. "What about a love letter?" I thought, while opening my Kombucha and praying that it didn't explode on the winter-white masterpiece of a couch I was lounging in. "Not a mass-produced card with the words already laid out using a perfect font and spacing. No. A real letter."

My mind then wandered back to St. Mary's in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. I was in the fifth grade when I got my first love letter. I don't remember how it was folded, but it was ripped out of a three-ring, lined notebook. I wouldn't dare divulge who it was from because it's a small world. But I do have to say that despite the crazy misspellings and our total lack of understanding of what "love" meant--it rocked my world.

A hand-written letter is becoming a lost art in our e-universe. This weekend, I'm going to try and free up some time to write how I truly feel to the person who has blessed me so much by coming into my life.

Here are a couple tips to writing a love letter for Valentine's Day:

Make sure it is from the heart.
Don't ever steal someone elses words! It comes across as artificial as Joan Rivers nose (a real downer is "How do I love thee, let me count the ways.") Writing should be an extension of how you talk, and "how you talk" is one of the things that made your honey fall in love with you.

Make it Specific
You've fallen in love because of places you've been together. Call out some of these places you've been to or experiences you've had. Talk about details of a certain trip (remember that amazing room in Vegas last year). You can also write about what may have happened in that room. Ha! The bonding of shared experiences make for great letter writing.

Invest in Beautiful Paper
I'm a huge believer in finding a Stationary Shop that you love. Beautiful paper makes the letter a work of art. I have a woman I go to for everything, (invitations, stationary, thank you cards). Her name is Shara, at Shara's Paperie. She just started a web site so people can get her creations nationally: www.sharaspaperie.com.

Spice it Up
Okay, so you have this beautiful, well-written, personal, from-the-heart letter. How do you give it to your man? Well, why not play hide-and-seek? Maybe place somewhere in the lacy bra and then make him find it! I'm just saying....

Here's to much love and excitement on Valentine's Day! And as always... keep counting!

Caring for Your Heart in Your 20's and 30's

2010-02-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

Teaming up with WomenHeart: The National Coalition of Women With Heart Disease, has been eye opening. Not only did I learn that heart disease is the number 1 killer of women in this country, but that it can be largely prevented with proper diet and exercise. Oh, and it can also affect anyone, even the YOUNG. By young, I'm talking about those gals in their 20's and 30's who still get carded and have yet to combat the menopause doughnut rocking a stay-cation on the waist.

I just turned the big 30 and I'm all about prevention for health both now and later on in life. Why? Because God (or your higher power of choice) only gave us one body. Why would I abuse it so it doesn't function correctly later? Seems like a no-brainer, but many people do. I think this is largely because we're young, think we're invincible and have too many other things on our minds (husband, babies, career path).

WAKE UP! Even though we're not yet being bombarded with AARP ads on our facebook profile, we need to live for the future! Okay, so here are some steps to be a healthy-heart girl in your Alexander Wang and low-slung William Rasts...

1). Give Up the Cigs: I know it's difficult, but it can be done. This is a great way to use Count Me Healthy bracelets. Say you're going the Chantix route and trying to reduce as opposed to cold turkey. Track your cigarettes per day on the bracelet aiming for less each week. If you're scared of gaining weight, just lower the sugar in your diet and add an extra 10 minutes to whatever exercise you get a day. I say once you get to halving the cigs you used to smoke per day, go to your favorite website and choose an accessory you've been really craving, like a grommet Tolani scarf or a chunky cocktail ring.

2) Start Moving: I swear I recently looked down and realized I had started to develop what I call "Corporate Desk Ass," where your bootie starts to take the shape of a chair--flat and oval. GASP! In this internet-addicted society of ours, nothing is more important that taking 30-60 minutes a day to step away from your Mac and sweat. It's good for your heart, your brain, and your behind.

3) Watch the Diet: Sugar and high-glycemic carbs taste awesome for a second, but they wreak havoc on your body (both inside and out). I like to think that what I put in my body helps at the cellular level. When I eat things loaded with sugar, they are stretching fat cells so they hold more fat later.

4) Chill Out: In your 20's you don't yet know who you are and in your 30's you're more comfortable with yourself, but now you are starting to care for families of your own. There is never a point in life where we are entitled to have continuous calmness (lying in a hammock, Corona in hand). We need to make a conscious decision to deflect stress because the consequences are messy aging and weight-gain.

My point is that we are never too young to start thinking of how precious our heart is. Without it we are nothing. I hope your Feb is going fabulous. Stay tuned for more Heart-esque topics soon. As always, keep counting.

The Queen of Hearts: A Q&A with Kathy Kastan

2010-02-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

As we continue to spread heart disease awareness throughout February (National Heart Month), I think it's important to recognize those women who are leading the charge to make heart health a priority.

One of these amazing ladies (and my main inspiration behind the Helping Hearts bracelet in partnership with WomenHeart: The National Coalition of Women With Heart Disease) is Kathy Kastan LCSW/MA Ed. On February 10th she receives one of the most prestigious honors: The Woman's Day Red Dress Award (important to note: she will also be the first patient advocate ever to receive this honor).

I met Kathy last year at a "Go Red for Women" luncheon in Memphis. She was signing copies of her "WomenHeart's: All Heart Family Cookbook", of which Kathy is a co-author (available on Amazon.com). Well, we got to talking about the importance of heart-healthy super foods and their crucial role in heart-disease prevention. She told me the premise of her cookbook was that all recipes include at least three heart-healthy super foods.

After our initial chat, we met for coffee a few times and became friends, realizing that we knew many of the same people. But I also learned that this person is a leader and a game changer, yet is totally devoted to her family (married for 29 years and mother to three sons ages 23, 19 and 18). In other words, she is a woman to emulate because she's achieved national success without sacrificing a balanced life.

My Q&A with Kathy Kastan

Chelsea: Kathy, you were President of the WomenHeart Foundation. What motivated you to get so involved in the organization?

Kathy: I was president of WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease for 4 and a half years. I am now past president, emeritus for WH's board of directors. I'm also on the Memphis Board of the American Heart Association and have been with that body about seven years. I'm a spokesperson for the Heart Truth Campaign, which is a national outreach program funded through the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Well, how did I get involved? It started with an almost two year heart-health crisis that began at age 41 with misdiagnosis and treatments that caused complications. This led to my emergency bypass surgery at age 42. Believe it or not, I was still sick after bypass, but instead of having occasional symptoms with exercise, I had chronic, unrelenting chest pain. I was popping Nitroglycerin like candy. My three young boys were terrified I might die. My husband and father, who are academic doctors, were frustrated they couldn't help me. Then through absolute luck, I found WomenHeart. I realized I wasn't alone. I learned that each year there are thousands of women who are misdiagnosed, have delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. And, that heart disease among women is more common, more fatal, and less understood than heart disease in men. I was referred by WH to a third cardiologist who had treated female patients. The cardiologist put me on a medication regimen that worked! In a few weeks I felt better and in a few months I actually got my life back.

You can well imagine that this traumatic health crisis changed my life and the life of my family and friends forever. I was lucky; I survived. I knew I needed to give back, to affect change, to make a difference, even if it meant helping one woman at a time. WomenHeart, the Heart Truth Campaign and American Heart Association gave me the platform to do just that. We have made a difference for women and their families. We have come a long way in this movement by improving women's awareness of the #1 killer of women but we still have a long way to go.

Chelsea: How have your daily habits changed since having Heart Disease?

Kathy: I always thought of myself as healthy. I'm average weight, don't smoke, don't have high blood pressure and always have been into exercising. But when I went to a dietician, I realized that there were foods I was eating that were not healthy for me like margarine. I learned about the importance of fiber, to eat less processed foods, to read labels for content and to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables I put into my diet every day. I also started taking vitamins, such as fish oil and a multi. Meal changes were a tough adjustment especially for my children. But once they knew this was for their health too, they adjusted and probably eat healthier than I do now.

Chelsea: What are some major misconceptions the general public holds about Heart Disease?

Kathy: One misconception is that heart disease symptoms in women are the same as in men. Over 50% of us do not have the classic heart attack symptoms. We are just as likely to have GI upset, upper back pain, fatigue and mouth pain as to have the classic symptoms of chest pain, left arm pain and shortness of breath. The one common symptom women do have is shortness of breath. WE ARE NOT LITTLE MEN. Our physiology and anatomy are different then men, so our diagnostic and treatment needs are also frequently different.

Another misconception is that you have to be an obese, sedentary, older, smoking woman to have heart disease. I was 41, athletic and healthy. My risk factors were never discussed with me. My major risk factor was my family history. Women need to know their risk factors for heart disease and know their numbers, so they can be proactive in modifying their risk. Most risk factors such as smoking, obesity, sedentary life style, blood pressure and cholesterol we can change. However, some risk factors we can't, such as our age, our family history or if we're post-menopausal. The good news is through diet, exercise and taking prescribed medications, all of us can lower our risks.

Chelsea: If you had to give women at risk of heart disease three "must do" heart-healthy tips for disease prevention, what would they be?

Kathy: I'm going to give your four: Get moving, learn to manage your stress, eat healthy and take your prescribed medications. Be proactive and don't take your health for granted. Your body can and will only take so much abuse. All of us know what we're supposed to do, but it's changing our unhealthy behaviors and committing to ourselves that's the hard part. Women are notorious for prioritizing everything else in their lives and not their own health. We need to readjust our priorities. Women need to be assertive and make sure they discuss their risks for heart disease with their health care providers.

Chelsea: What is the Woman's Day Red Dress Award, what does it stand for, and who are some winners of years past?

Kathy: The Red Dress Awards were created by Woman's Day Magazine to honor those who are leading the fight against heart disease, the number-one killer of women. This is their 7th annual event. It will be held at Jazz at Lincoln Center on February 10 and the event is a fundraiser that benefits the Larry King Foundation. Larry's foundation gives funds to heart patients who are uninsured or under-insured for their cardiac care. Most previous winners are prominent cardiologists, organizational leaders, public figures and notable individuals from the media and fashion world. Some recognizable names include Laura Bush, Lois Capps, and Fern Mallis.

To learn more about the upcoming 7th annual Woman's Day Red Dress Awards, hosted by Emmy Award winner Sherri Shepherd with appearances by Mary J. Blige, Larry King, Tim Gunn and Colbie Caillat, please click here.

I wish Kathy the best of luck during her series of events in NYC this upcoming week! Ms. Kastan, we can't wait to see pictures of you in your red dresses!

If you'd like to read more from Kathy Kastan

Her first book "From the Heart: A Woman's Guide to Living Well with Heart Disease" was published in 2007 by Da Capo Lifelong Books--a member of the Perseus Books Group; the paperback edition was published in January 2008. "WomenHeart's All Heart Family Cookbook," of which Ms. Kastan is a co-author, was also published in January 2008.

Ms. Kastan is also an invited and frequent blogger for the Huffington Post.

Look for more "heart-esque" topics throughout February. As always, keep counting.

Red Dress Ready Inspiration: Natasha Fleishman

2010-02-05T11:26:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm frustrated... at myself. I have been trying, relentlessly, to pull up the clip of Fox Business News featuring the heart disease survivors, Natasha Fleishman and Eileen Drezcka, who were on to discuss their "Red Dress Ready" success by losing weight on Nutrisystem (I need to state that I don't endorse Nutrisystem. They are working with my charity of choice, WomenHeart: The National Coalition of Women With Heart Disease. I'm just for women being empowered and losing weight to better their health--no matter the diet program).

Anyway, I watched the clip live and they looked fantastic. They spoke fantasticly. I was impressed.

So instead of streaming the Fox segment, I want to share some of Natasha Fleishman's inspiring story and include the lessons I personally took away from hearing it.

Natasha's Story:

In 2002, when I was 33, I suffered sudden cardiac arrest followed by CPR and five shocks from the defibrillator. I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (a weakening of the heart muscle or a change in heart muscle structure), but my arteries were clear.

Lesson 1 (Chels). Heart Disease strikes even the young. I'm 30 and I read mags like "Heart Healthy Living" because I know prevention is key to a happier life later on.

It was surprising that I had a heart condition because I exercised faithfully and ate plenty of organic vegetables and tofu, though that doesn't mean that I was thin. My problem has never been which foods to eat or how to eat healthfully. My problem has always been too much zest for life and feeling like if a little something is good, some more is even better!

Lesson 2 (Chels): Just because foods are healthy, doesn't mean you are allowed to throw portion control out the window. Even though 100% whole wheat bread is better than white bread, if you eat five pieces of it, your still taking in lots of carbs and calories. And don't get me started on how organic is a faux license to eat with abandon.

I lost weight immediately after my cardiac event, when I was fearful that I must do everything correctly or die. As my heart stabilized, with medication and an implanted defibrillator, I became more complacent about making sure that everything I did was heart healthy. There's something about facing death down once--suddenly there isn't an occasion to small to celebrate. Every moment with my kids (3 and 6 at the time of my arrest) was to be cherished with a lunch out (a healthy bagel, of course, no Big Macs here) or celebrated with ice cream. My weight went back up.

Lesson 3 (Chels): Once you decide to lose weight, you have to be in it for the long-haul. It really isn't a diet, it should be a lifestyle (I know you have heard this before). Also, once you lose weight, your metabolism slows and you don't need as many calories. Therefore, you need to reduce food intake as your weight drops.

About 4 years later, I joined a diet study of sudden cardiac arrest victims at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. I was put on the Mediterranean diet and followed it faithfully. I was once again thin by the end of the study and was determined to stay that way. I did wonderfully through my father’s battle with cancer and eventual death. I kept the weight off for a full year. I only gained it back after a harrowing school board election where I was elected, serving on the Board on top of my full-time job and my son being diagnosed with a special ed condition and kicked out of his school. The stresses were too much and I resorted back to my habit of eating with stress, on top of not having enough time to exercise regularly.

Lesson 4 (Chels): Stress can derail your good intentions. God, I can relate to this. Something that is so important to keep in mind, especially as women (aka caretakers) is that YOU ARE ONLY ONE PERSON. And if you don't take care of yourself first, you won't be able to optimally take care of anyone else!

I'm happy to announce that Natasha got her stress under control and found motivation through the Red Dress Ready Challenge. She ended up losing over 40 lbs! Way to go girl.

Check back for more heart-healthy tips, recipes and motivational stories throughout February. You can also visit Womenheart.org to learn more about these amazing "Red Dress Ready" WomenHeart Champions. As always, keep counting.

Red Dress Ready Lessons With Evan McCabe

2010-02-03T10:44:00.000-08:00

An estimated 42 million American women are currently living with, or are at risk of heart disease -- making it the #1 killer among women in this amazing country of ours. Also, obesity is a leading risk factor and 61% of American women are overweight and obese!

In response to this rising health crisis, WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease and Nutrisystem created the Getting Red Dress Ready campaign. The campaign challenged overweight women across America living with or at risk for heart disease to get motivated to eat and live healthier lifestyles and ultimately, to get Red Dress Ready for a Red Dress Reveal on February 5th (National "Wear Red Day") in New York City.

In July of 2009, WomenHeart selected a spokesperson team of WomenHeart Champions to conquer their weight loss and get heart healthy. All of these women are heart disease survivors struggling with weight loss and some even have diabetes. Here is one of the amazing, first-person, accounts from a Red Dress Ready WomenHeart Champion and lessons I personally took away from the transformation story:

Evan McCabe, 53, Santa Barbara, CA -- (Weight loss to get Red Dress Ready... 40lbs)

I have been a Cardiology RN for the past 30 years. I have also been at CPR instructor for the American Heart Association for over twenty years. I work full-time. I am a wife and a mother of two beautiful daughters 21 and 17.

Three years ago, at the age of 48 (yes I am now 51), I was walking up a hill at Santa Barbara City College on the first day of the fall semester. As I was walking up that hill, I experienced some chest discomfort and tingling down my left arm. Of course, at first I thought "no way", but I really knew better. I had been to the emergency room on two different occasions before with chest discomfort and was basically humiliated when they found nothing wrong with me. I had a series of the appropriate tests, which showed that I had 'normal coronary arteries'. I was perplexed. I really thought that I was losing my mind, as many women feel when faced with this dilemma. I knew that something was really wrong with me. Go with your gut feeling, I did, and I think it saved my life!

Lesson 1: Go with your gut. It's your health and if your tests come back 'normal,' remember that normal for one isn't always normal for another. Don't settle for a single opinion.

I continued to have chest pain and my doctor recommended that I go to leading female Cardiologist who specializes in Women and Heart Disease at a Cedar Sinai in Los Angeles for further diagnostic tests. It was found that I have a disease called Endothelial Dysfunction. It's a big word for when the arteries of the heart are not functioning as they should. More women have this problem compared to men, where the arteries narrow when they are supposed to widen (for instance with exercise or emotions). I also have very small arteries, which were contributing, to my problem.

Lesson 2: Heart issues are different for men and women.

Needless to say, it took me quite a while to come to terms with this. I thought I was too educated to go through the emotional impact of this chronic disease. Looking back on the past two years, I was acting like a typical heart patient. I was the master of denial and anger. I was angry since I had spent a life of modifying my risk factors and the risk factors of others.

Lesson 3: You can be an expert in the health care industry (even the cardiology industry) and still be at risk. Teaching healthy lifestyle changes doesn't always mean living them

I am now a National Spokesperson for WomenHeart. I have lectured to many community groups and have been interviewed by free-lance writers of Time, Health, and Coastal Women Magazines. I will be the keynote speaker at this year's "Go Red for Women" luncheon for the Tri-counties, the speech is entitled "Caution Ladies: You can ride but you can not hide." To tailor my lectures to our community, I am having "Pinot and Prevention" parties, where I speak with groups of women in their homes, and speak about heart disease prevention in an informal atmosphere. Amazingly, the press has gobbled it up!

Lesson 4: Use your experiences to create awareness
Being diagnosed with heart disease is a life-changing event. But life does not end, it just opens other opportunities such as speaking with you today. If I helped at least one of you today, it was totally work it!

Stay tuned for more stories on other Red Dress Ready WomenHeart Champions, as well as coverage of the Red Dress Ready reveal event in NYC February 5th.

Sexy in Red (February is American Heart Month)

2010-01-31T23:31:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Valentine's Day. I'm being totally honest when I say it's not only the affection I get from my babe that I love about the holiday--it's largely the symbolism surrounding the heart shape and the power of the color red that I love.

Oh, how I dig the candy hearts, heart-shaped doilies, heart-boxed chocolates, and tiny hearts stitched on hand towels and children's socks! (On a related note, don't even get me started on how fun those Target dollar bins are at the front of the store. They are Valentine's Day "party prop heaven" for anyone throwing a soiree.)

And what would the holiday be without the color RED? When Valentine's Day comes around, entire store aisles turn crimson, red velvet is the cupcake of choice, and head-to-toe garnet seems totally doable for a night out on the town. Yes, red is the color of fire, of passion!

However, this symbolism has changed a bit for me. This past year, I've been working with WomenHeart: The National Coalition of Women With Heart Disease, to design a special, Count Me Healthy "Helping Hearts" bracelet. It has heart-etched beads and is used to count things for heart health, such as fruit and vegetable servings or miles walked per week. Twenty-five percent of every sale of Helping Hearts goes toward WomenHeart's heart disease prevention programs.

I feel blessed to have worked with this amazing team because 1) they are a fabulous group of people and 2) I've learned so much about the dangers of heart disease and how it is critical to raise awareness. Heart disease can strike any woman, even the young and supposedly fit.

So this February, for me, the heart and color red has come to symbolize, not just cute aesthetics or a passion for my sweetie, but a passion for a healthy lifestyle. That's why Count Me Healthy is celebrating American Heart Month in a big way! We are proud to be part of some of the upcoming NYC events celebrating strong, accomplished women and their fight against heart disease---the number one killer of women in this country.

I'm going to focus on all things "heart-esque" on Counting with Chelsea all month long, including coverage on the "Getting Red Dress Ready" with Womenheart and Nutrisystem, the Woman's Day Magazine's coveted "Red Dress awards," and the "Red Dress Fashion Show" in Bryant Park. Count Me Healthy Helping Hearts will be on the wrists of many of the women as they "wow" the crowd in their red gowns. We'll also do a Q&A with Kathy Kastan, a recipient of this year's Women's Day Red Dress award, as well as feature fun recipes to help you get sexy and Red Dress Ready!

Sugar (Part 2): More Sugar = Less Burn

2010-01-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

In Memphis where I live, a common southern saying (along with "bless her heart" which translates to "I really don't like her and think she's slow") is "she's sweet as sugar" or "she's sweet as molasses." Now these sweet sayings truly are compliments and when you receive them, "bat your lashes" and attempt your best southern drawl. BUT, remember they are referring to your disposition and not what you are consistently shoving in your mouth.

If they are saying you are "sweet as sugar" based on your eating habits then you are almost destined for a spare tire in the bikini-zone.

So, part two of our sugar blog is, "lots of sugar = less burn." I want to focus a moment on our constant training as women, be it yoga, pilates, cardio or weights... and how sugar plays such a tremendous role in our results (or lack of).

We have busy lives--children, husbands, careers, passions--we shouldn't have to endure wasting workout time with no results. So how do we prevent this?

If you are going to invest time in your physique, then diet has to play a roll. You may have heard this before, but your body shape is 80% diet, 10% genetics and 10% training. Now, due to how many minutes I log sweating on my equipment and in the "spread eagle" pose in the fuzzy straps on the pilates Cadillac, I'm going to give us the inspirational--70% diet, 20% training and 10% genetics. Regardless, diet is key. As an aside, this also shows us that we can't blame our genetics for the size of our derriere (however this is a whole other topic to discuss).

If you want to burn fat DO NOT EAT SIMPLE CARBS OR SUGAR BEFORE YOUR WORKOUT. If you workout in the morning, do not eat sugar before you go to bed. You will be working to burn it off in the morning. Just don't do it. It boosts your glycogen stores so when you hop on your cardio equipment of choice, the only thing you will be burning is the sugar you ate hours earlier. IT ISN'T WORTH IT. You will spin your wheels in vain.

So what is the best solution? I say trick your sweet tooth. If you crave something sweet before you work out, go for a piece of fruit, berries, vegetables or a low-glycemic protein shake (EAS carb control is great). I never endorse protein bars because I have been a slave to them for years and they just mess with body balance. But if you want to take a portion of one... go for it. It's better than the rice cakes or saltines many consume thinking they are eating healthy because they're "fat free." Fat Free is so "early 1990s." When people say, "Look, we can eat this. It says fat free." I want to say, "Do you still listen to Color Me Bad too?"

Do me a favor: substitute water, nuts, whole fruit, and vegetables in place of the high-glycemic and packaged foods you are used to for two weeks. I want to know if there is a difference in your 1) cravings 2) workouts 3) digestion. I have a feeling it will be positive on all three counts. Thanks for listening. And as always, keep counting.

Sugar (Part 1): The White Devil

2010-01-19T07:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, we are feeling good! It's late January, so we are still stoked about our healthy decisions. We are getting to the gym more often, passing on the dessert, avoiding fried foods and "fill in the blank with another healthy change." This is all wonderful news and please keep doing what you're doing!

But while we are full speed ahead on our health kick of training and lifestyle change, there is a topic that must be covered: SUGAR. I want to discuss "the sweet stuff" because you could be unknowingly sabotaging your weight-loss efforts big time.

I'm going to discuss sugar in Counting With Chelsea over the next couple of weeks because I think it's such a critical (and misunderstood) topic.

MSNBC recently reported that Americans are swallowing 22 teaspoons of sugar each day -- a whopping 355 calories and the equivalent of guzzling two cans of soda and eating a chocolate bar. Most women should be getting no more than 6 teaspoons a day, or 100 calories, of added sugar.

Fat doesn't make you fat; SUGAR makes you fat. Why is this? As I've mentioned before, sugar is the white devil. It messes with your insulin levels, makes you crave other carbs and feeds your fat cells. Aside from helping you pack for fat-land, sugar causes oxidation of the cells, contributing to dull skin and premature aging.

You might say, "But I don't drink soda or use sugar in my coffee. I avoid dessert, and stay away from those gorgeous breakfast muffins at Starbucks. I'm not that Mountain Dew slugging, Wonder Bread eating hick. I'm health conscious! Where is my sugar coming from?"

Well, it is disguised on the labels of thousands of products (many supposedly healthy and/or organic).

Below is a list of ingredients otherwise known as SUGAR:

barley malt
beet sugar
brown sugar
buttered syrup
cane-juice crystals
cane sugar
caramel
carob syrup
corn syrup
corn syrup solids
date sugar
dextrin
dextrose
diatase
diastatic malt
ethyl maltol
fructose
fruit juice
fruit juice concentrate
glucose
glucose solid
golden sugar
golden syrup
grape sugar
high-fructose corn syrup
honey
invert sugar
lactose
malt syrup
maltodextrin
maltose
mannitol
molasses
raw sugar
refiner's syrup
sorbitol
sorghum syrup
sucrose
sugar
turbinado sugar
yellow sugar

Wow, long list! To keep things simple, here is something I learned and try to live by. They say that a meal or snack with less than five grams of sugar will have negligible effect on your blood sugar. When sugar starts to tamper with your blood sugar is when weight loss stalls. So when you are shopping, look at the sugar grams on the label. If it has more than five grams of sugar per serving LEAVE IT ON THE SHELF. No doubt there is a substitute in another aisle with your name on it.

Now, the exception to this rule is fruit in its whole and natural form. Fruit has higher sugar content than five grams. However, the sugar is natural fructose, which is broken down in the body differently than processed sugars. Also, fruit has fiber to delay the insulin response, as well as antioxidants to combat the oxidative effect that sugar has on the cells. That being said, there is nothing wrong with avoiding fruit for a week or two when you are starting your health kick. Foregoing it for a bit will help your body combat sugar cravings. Just have vegetables or nuts as a snack substitute. Also, as a tip, please find out how much sugar is in the types of fruit you enjoy. Bananas and tropical fruit have a much, much higher sugar content than berries and citrus.

If you own a Count Me Healthy bracelet, use the beads to count sugar. You can do this a few ways. 1) If you are a sugar addict and just starting a healthy lifestyle, then move a bead over every time you have a soda, piece of cake, cookie or other sugar loaded treat. At the end of the day tally them up. Your goal is to get where 0-1 beads are moved. 2) If you are more aware of sugar, then take the next step. Move a bead over every time you have a sweet treat or snack over 6 grams of sugar. Your goal is to keep your treats under 5 grams. 3) Positive psychology! Move a bead over every time you avoided that sweet treat or substituted it with healthier fare, like fruit. Anyway you choose to count your sugar on the bracelet is great because the beads will hold you accountable throughout the day.

How do you combat sugar cravings? Have a beautiful week and as always, keep counting.

Food Prep: My Meal Before a Meal!

2010-01-14T11:23:00.000-08:00

Have you seen Taco Bell's campaign (about a year or two old, but still running) called "Fourth Meal?" It shows 20-somethings who are out late and hankering for their midnight nosh--massive bean and beef burritos dripping with shredded cheese.

It's actually a pretty good marketing campaign to promote 1) that Taco Bell is open later than most of the competition and 2) that it is totally OK to tack another full meal onto your 24-hour clock.

Since you are health conscious, you probably wouldn't hit the TB drive-thru at 2 am for your fourth meal. You may even say, "I would never do that--at least not sober." But what if your fourth meal was way less conspicuous than pulling up to "Window Number 2" and scoring a Value Meal after your so-called "traditional dinner" a few hours earlier? In fact, many women often consume a fourth (even a fifth) meal without even realizing it. I'm calling it the "Food Prep 4th Meal."

The "Food Prep 4th Meal" is the meal you consume while you are standing around preparing whatever breakfast, lunch, or dinner you are ultimately making. God, I am SO guilty of this ALL THE TIME. In the morning while my eggs are cooking I want to take just a handful of almonds, a bite or two of a cracker, a sip of my EAS chocolate drink. By the time I sit down and my eggs are done I've already consumed enough for a large snack or small meal!

I read all the time that the best way to eat healthy is to make your own meals at home, but the authors never address the food prep trap. Here are a couple tips if you are guilty of eating a "Food Prep 4th Meal."

1) Don't drink wine while preparing dinner

I know it's relaxing to have the music on, the sauce simmering and a nice Pinot in hand while stirring, but it lowers your clean-eating inhibitions. The sugar from the wine will spike your food cravings and make you eat more. Save wine for dinner or, better yet, dessert. If you need to sip something, have some unsweetened tea with lemon or a Propel flavored water if you need a sweet drink (I love the Black Cherry).

2) Don't reach for snacks and munch while you are waiting for something to boil, broil, braise, or microwave.

Grazing is my weakness. Here are two tricks I use. 1) If I have some time while things are on the stove or in the microwave I go do laundry (away from the kitchen), tidy up my office, set the table, go on my computer, etc. 2) If you need to be in the kitchen while things are cooking (like trying to time all parts of your dinner) then try doing stretches or standing, side-to-side ab exercises while you wait. It’s a lot harder to snack when you are exercising (it just feels gross and unnatural) and I swear these ab exercises will bring fantabulous results over time (go ahead and laugh, but I pretend I'm a belly-dancer).

3) Don't taste everything you are making

Hey, I understand that you don't want to put food in front of your guests that may be unpalatable. But you don't have to try EVERYTHING associated with your dinner. If you are experimenting with a new, complicated sauce, then by all means, have a taste. But if you are making white rice, you don't need to eat a few bites of the rice before you bring it to the table. IT'S JUST WHITE RICE. If you bought rolls from the grocery, you don't need to rip one apart and gnaw half of it. You know what crusty rolls taste like. If you are spreading cheddar cheese over guests' salads, you don't need to eat a handful of cheddar. YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT CHEDDAR TASTES LIKE. If you're guilty of this, it helps to tell yourself that you will get to taste it at your table in just a short while! An exception to the rule is vegetables. If you are making fresh salads and cutting up veggies, feel free to test the vegetables. Sometimes I even cut up extra vegetables so I will have something to snack on while I prep. They're low in calories and fill me up so I don't eat so much when I finally sit down to dinner.

4) Don't wait until your starving to prepare your meal.

Whenever we are famished is when we blow our clean-eating habits. If you know your guests aren't arriving until late, then make yourself a snack with a balance of protein and carbs (low sugar) so you won't be ravenous while preparing dinner.

I have to be conscious of these tips above every day. Do you have any tips to prevent the Food Prep 4th Meal? Is eating while you are cooking an issue for you? As always, keep counting.

H.I.I.T a Fitness High in 2010

2010-01-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

It happens to all of us once in a while. We fall into a workout rut (I think the word rut sounds like a small pothole, so I prefer the word "pit"). Gym time becomes complacent and limited to whatever cardio queen equipment or class instructor we feel most comfortable with.

The New Year is a perfect time to shake up the routine! So, we do this for a while, we OVERHAUL our routine, spurred on by the media to try the newest, coolest, latest. But usually we fall back into the same schedule, or worse... drop our calorie-burning sessions altogether due to being too gung-ho (why do you think there is such a drastic drop in gym memberships come March).

There is nothing wrong with routine, and I think that sometimes New Year's workout resolutions fail because they're too drastic and jarring from what we are used to.

So, instead of doing a complete Chapter 11 of your current, rote, sweat sessions, why not change a couple key elements of what you're already doing to bust the plateau and up your burn?

Welcome to High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). What is it? HIIT involves repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise alternated by periods of low-intensity and rest. HIIT training performed two to three times a week can cause dramatic changes in metabolic and cardiovascular capacity. In research, HIIT has been shown to burn fat more effectively than low-intensity exercise--up to 50% more efficiently! In other words, HIIT speeds up your metabolism and keeps it revved for some time after your workout. (Sportscience, 13: 32-53, 2009). Olympic athletes have been doing it for over 100 years, as well as some of today's most well-known trainers.

So how do you incorporate HIIT into your personal, current workout that you enjoy, but you're just bored with? There are very detailed instructions for some HIIT sessions, so I'm going to just give you some examples from my own training and you can easily modify.

A perfect example is jogging outdoors. This holiday I ran on the beach every morning. I brought my watch/pedometer. Instead of a 3.5 mile run at a semi-difficult, but consistent pace (which I'm bored with), I ran my hardest (a "difficult to catch my breath" sprint) followed by three minutes of fast walking.

When I run in my home gym I'll all-out sprint for 3 minutes, followed by a leisurely, 12%-incline walk on the treadmill (feel those butt muscles burn). Or, I'll sprint and use my two minute rest periods to do plies, band work, squats and pilates stretches.

I've found that HIIT training not only removes the workout plateau, it brings me out of my boredom funk. It's hard to be bored when the pace is changing so rapidly. There is a heightened sense of awareness, because you have to pay attention to the intervals. I feel like I've accomplished more, hit more muscle groups when I'm through as well.

Don't perform HIIT every workout. You need to repair your body. When my routine is really strong, I'll toggle it with twice-a-week pilates lessons. Have you tried HIIT? Did you see a difference in your body or your mind-set toward training? Happy New Year and keep counting!