Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

weight loss

Recipe of the Week: CHICKPEA SWEET POTATO STEW

TOTAL TIME: 4 hours 15 minutes
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 4 hours

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 15 oz cans garbanzo beans, drained
  • 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 cups vegetable broth, fat free
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach

DIRECTIONS:

Slow Cooker:

  1. Place the onions in a microwave safe dish and microwave 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker except the spinach.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Add in the spinach leaves and stir.
  5. Cook an additional 15 minutes on high.

Stove Directions:

  1. Add the ingredients together except the spinach and cook on medium-low heat for 35-40 minutes.
  2. Stir every 10 minutes or so, adding additional broth if you find the liquids reducing by too much.
  3. (You can also sweat the garlic and onions first, but if doing so add a teaspoon of olive oil.)
  4. Add the spinach the last 2 minutes, until wilted.

 

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Yield: 6 servings, Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups

Amount Per Serving:

Calories: 165 calories, Total Fat: 2.2g, Sodium: 751mg, Carbohydrates: 32.3g, Fiber: 6.2g, Sugar: 5.4g, Protein: 6.3g

 

Our favorite recipes come from Skinny Taste! Find the original recipe here!

Recipe of the Week: BLUEBERRY OAT MUFFINS

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/2 cups quick gluten free oats
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 tbsp coconut or canola oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup Bobs Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • baking spray

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a muffin tin with liners and lightly spray with oil.
  2. Place oats in a food processor or chopper and pulse a few times. Soak oats in milk for about 30 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl combine brown sugar, honey, apple sauce, vanilla, egg whites, oil and mix well.
  4. In a third bowl combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and whisk to combine.
  5. Combine oats and milk with sugar, applesauce mixture and mix well.
  6. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. Fold in blueberries.
  7. Spoon into the muffin tin and bake for 22-24 minutes. Enjoy!!

NUTRITION INFORMATION:

Makes: 12 servings, Serving Size: 1 muffin

Amount Per Serving:

Calories: 148 calories, Total Fat: 2.5g, Sodium: 168.5mg, Carbohydrates: 32.5g, Fiber: 2.5g, Sugar: 18g, Protein: 3g

 

Original recipe comes from Skinny Taste and can be found here! 

Member Spotlight: Susan

 We love to highlight the success of our members! Here is the story of one client who has been working extra hard since joining Peak Performance Fitness. Read all about her accomplishments and check out her measurement changes!

Since starting at Peak, Susan has been successful in working towards her health and fitness goals. The Weight Loss Program has helped her not only jump start her weight loss, but develop healthy eating habits. Throughout the 12 week Weight Loss Program, Susan lost an estimated 3-4% loss in body fat. Susan also averaged around 9 lbs lost per month. Through a combination of consistent exercise, weekly one-on-one training sessions, and nutritional guidance, Susan has been able continue her weight loss success.

  • -Starting Body Fat %=40%
  • -Current BF %=34%
  • -Starting Weight=215 lbs
  • -Current Weight=190.8 lbs
  • -Net Weight Loss=25 lbs

Strength Training for Seniors

As we age, our bodies start to change, our priorities shift, and things start to hurt that never did before. Old adults often experience difficulty walking for distances, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries. These changes are largely due to muscle loss which mainly results from inactivity.

In order to help us stay strong and vital during older adulthood, we need to participate in regular strengthening exercises, which can help prevent osteoporosis and frailty by stimulating the growth of muscle and bone. Feeling physically strong also promotes mental and emotional health. Strength training exercises are easy to learn and are safe and effective for the older population. Strength training helps you maintain bone density, improve balance and coordination, reduce risk of falling, and maintain independence.

When starting an exercise routine, always consult your doctor first. It may be beneficial to work one-on-one with an experienced fitness professional to ensure you are performing appropriate exercises or if you have any orthopedic concerns. If starting on your own, start by focusing on exercises which utilize your own body weight, and learning the proper form. By doing so, you will build a base level of strength before adding extra challenges (i.e. resistance bands or dumbbells) into the mix.

Resistance training has been proven to be beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions. In some cases, certain symptoms may be relieved with regular exercise. Here are some of the benefits of common conditions in older adults:

  • Arthritis—Reduces pain and stiffness, and increases strength and flexibility.
  • Diabetes—Improves glycemic control.
  • Osteoporosis—Builds bone density and reduces risk for falls.
  • Heart disease—Reduces cardiovascular risk by improving lipid profile and overall fitness.
  • Obesity—Increases metabolism, which helps burn more calories and helps with long-term weight control.
  • Back pain—Strengthens back and abdominal muscles to reduce stress on the spine.

As always, we recommend that you please consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

 

By Louise Mills-Strasser, MS, ACSM EP-c

Recipe of the Week: LEMON SPINACH HUMMUS

Yields: 1-3/4 cup
Prep Time: 8 min
Total Time: 8 min

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 ounces baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
  • olive oil and fresh parsley, for garnish

 Directions:

  1. In a food processor, whip together the tahini and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Add the spinach, parsley, garlic, olive oil and salt. Process for one minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add half of the chickpeas and process for one minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the remaining chickpeas and process until smooth, about one to two additional minutes.
  2. Transfer the hummus to a bowl for serving. Drizzle extra olive oil on top and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, as desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

 

Original recipe from Spoonful of Flavor can be found here!

 

Recipe of the Week: Spicy Vegetable Couscous

Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4-8

INGREDIENTS 

  • 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 sweet red pepper
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a medium-size skillet heat the oil.
  2. Add green onions, sweet pepper, garlic, tomatoes and zucchini; saute 5 min, stirring.
  3. Remove from heat and keep warm.
  4. In a medium-size saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients, mix, cover and let stand 5 minutes, until liquid is absorbed. Add the first mixture and fluff with a fork.

 

Original recipe from the Genius Kitchen can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Sweet Potato Skins

Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend. Whether you are hosting the party or heading to a friend’s place for the big game, the Super Bowl is synonymous with snacks (and commercials). Stay on track with your goals and bring this healthy dish to share!

Makes: 8 servings

Prep: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours

Ingredients:
Potato Skins:

  • 4 small sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Guacamole & Toppings:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup chopped tomato
  • 2 tablespoons minced red onion
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Tightly wrap sweet potatoes in foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast until very tender, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Carefully unwrap and set aside to cool.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a ¼-inch border (save the scooped-out flesh for another use). Place the sweet potato halves skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake until browned and crisp, 20 to 30 minutes.
  5. Cut each skin in half widthwise and return to the baking sheet, skin-side down. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon Cheddar. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, 8 to 10 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, make the guacamole: Mash avocado in a medium bowl. Stir in lime juice, garlic and salt.
  7. Top each sweet potato skin with guacamole, tomato, onion and cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Information:
Per serving: 117 calories
8 g fat; 3 g fiber; 10 g carbs; 3 g protein; 3 g sugars; 113 mg sodium

 

Original recipe from Eating Well can be found here!

 

The Importance of Exercise Mentality

There is more to exercise than just going through the motions.  The most important piece is the ‘why’ which keeps us going and prevents us from quitting after only a couple of weeks. Whether your goal is to feel better, lose weight, feel stronger and more muscular, or to live a healthier life, staying on the right path takes consciousness and effort.

When we first start a workout program, something in our thoughts motivated us enough to initiate an exercise regimen—but somewhere along the line, we lose track of our goals and life gets in the way.  In order to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, we must constantly remind ourselves of the ‘why’ because it is the force that drives us to workout hard, sweat, push ourselves, lose that weight, and get in better shape.  Without that reminder, the next time the weather is bad or we feel lethargic, it becomes too easy to say “I’ll go tomorrow,” and we avoid working out. Before you know it, that day off can turn into a week off, which can snowball into taking a month off.

Goal setting can be a successful tactic to improve workout psychology. Set goals for yourself, whether long-term or short-term, but make sure they are attainable. Realistic goal setting with short term goals that help work towards the big goal will help you visualize your success. Avoid only looking at the big picture, i.e. set a goal to lose 50 lbs in 4 weeks, because that’s not probable. If you are unable to reach that goal you will feel like you have failed even when you have reached your small milestones.  Keep the momentum going—set a goal to lose a half-pound per week, or increase your strength by 2.5 lbs every other resistance training day; if you set your mind and attitude to it you will certainly reach that goal. When you lose 1.5 lbs in one week instead of only a half-pound, you will feel unstoppable!

A person who can visualize them self having success will be successful. Individuals must battle the inside voice that is telling them they cannot complete their goals. To silence this negative voice, you can visualize success and practice self-talk. Positive self-talk goes hand in hand with visualization with the individual both hearing and seeing success.  Develop some imagination, close your eyes, and see yourself how you want to feel.  Implant that image in your mind and see it while you are pushing hard on the treadmill, see it while pushing through those last repetitions, and let it drive you towards your goal.

You can train your mind like you train your body.  Without the proper mindset, any workout program will not work.  Repeating positive thoughts and motivating yourself takes practice—so practice!

 

By Anthony Locast