March 2010
 Steve Cohen
Ellen Nalaboff 
In This Issue
Physical Activity
Food Focus: Walnuts
Recipe of the Month: Roasted Cauliflower with Walnuts and Parsley
Recipe of the Month: Vegetable
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN RESERVATIONS FOR SPIN, PILATES AND MANY OF OUR CLASSES??
 
Visit our website for schedules and more information.
* Reconnect to your body.
* Recharge your energy
* Gain years on your life.
 
 
GET STARTED TODAY!!
 
Call to make a Health Counseling appointment with Ellen. 

516-396-4521  

Special Health Counseling and Group Fitness combination
 Memberships available.
 
Dear Friends,    
 

          If you are living in the Northeast right now you are experiencing a very wet and cold winter. It has been a long cold February for many of you.  The good news is that spring is just around the corner. March is truly coming in like a lion let us hope it goes out like a lamb. Along with the cold and damp, comes a feeling of wanting to stay in where it is warm and dry but that can lead to a slump when it comes to moving our bodies.

           Now more than ever it is important to make the time to exercise. Shorter days, less light, more in the home (which for some of you means in the kitchen) can lead to more calories coming in and less going out! Get up, get dressed, and get going!!! Try dressing warm and talking a vigorous walk outside. Walk fast enough to elevate your heart rate and work up a sweat. Exercise will make you feel better and more energized. There is no time like the present. So start moving. 

                        

Sincerely,
 Ellen
Ellen's Pilates and Fitness Studio

Check out the bottom of this e-mail for a special offer for all of my Newsletter readers.
Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.  ~Plato
 

Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.  ~Carol Welch
 
 

Physical Activity and Mood.

We all know how good physical activity is for your heart free reformer or tower coupon and for your overall health, but how many of you realize the role it plays in setting your mood for the day. For years researchers have known that physical activity can significantly reduce symptoms of depression. The benefits are comparable to the best antidepressant medications. Physical activity can reduce anxiety and leave you with a better outlook on life.

Why does physical activity have such a positive influence on our moods? There are several reasons, some are chemical others are psychological that in turn improve brain chemistry.

.Physical activity reduces stress-related neurotransmitters, including cortisol and adrenaline.

. Physical activity increases the production of endorphins, brain chemicals that enhance mood.

. Physical activity improves how your body uses insulin and glucose, which lessens mood swings.

.Physical activity increases muscle, which is the best type of tissue for burning glucose and fat.

. Physical Activity speeds up the metabolic rate- that is the speed of biochemical reactions in cells. These reactions stimulate the production of necessary chemicals throughout the body and the removal of waste products from the cells.

. Physical Activity can promote feelings of self-esteem and self-confidence, as well as distract you from mood problems.

.Physical Activities with other people often leads to positive social feedback and reinforcement.

It doesn't matter what type of physical activity you engage in as long as it is on a regular basis. Of course, the more physical activity you engage in, the greater the benefits. Research has shown that moderate exercise (3 times a week) for 12 weeks reduced symptoms of depression by 30%: however, more intense (5 times a week) exercise cut the symptoms of depression in half!

Researchers have consistently found that vigorous exercise alleviates feelings of depression and improves mood, regardless of a person's age.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR FIRST MOVE

Granted it's not always easy to start a regular exercise regimen, and once started to not become discouraged by how tired and sore you might be. The payoff of actually feeling better may take several weeks, and that can seem like an eternity. Try the following steps, and you might find the first few weeks more tolerable...

.Figure out what you actually want to accomplish.

Do you want to lose weight?

Do you want to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety?

Lessen your risk for diabetes or heart disease?

Improve your energy levels?

START SLOW AND EASY!!

Set realistic goals. If you're out of shape begin with something easier and keep it regular. Try walking. Start out walking at a slow pace for a short period of time and then increase your time and pace.

BRING A FRIEND!!

 We're social creatures, so it might be more fun to exercise with a friend. Talking with another person helps to get your mind off the activity. Studies have shown that friends who exercised together were able to tolerate discomfort and pain twice as much as they could when they trained on their own. Researchers concluded that acting as a group elevated the individuals pain thresholds.

FIND A NICE LOCATION!!

walkingWalking in a beautiful environment will also elevate your mood!

STAGE 2

After increasing your stamina continue to build on what you've accomplished. Try a new form of exercise, one that will challenge you more. Remember to be consistent with whatever you choice to do. When it becomes too easy it is time to change it up and go for the next challenge. 

Super Food of the Month:   Walnuts
 

Waluts contain the highest amounts of Omega 3 fats of any other nuts. Omega 3 fats support brain function. Several studies have demonstrated greater attention , reduction in behavioral problems, and less ADD- like behaviors in school children when their given omega 3-s. Since it is hard to get children to eat fish (another source of Omega - 3s) walnuts is a really smart idea for a snack.

 

Walnuts help alleviate hunger and are naturally  walnuts nutrient dense, meaning you consume many essential nutrients for a relatively small percentage of daily calories. They are very rich in minerals. They have protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, plus about half the daily dose of Manganese, an important trace mineral that's essential for growth, reproduction, wound healing, peak brain performance, and the proper metabolism of sugars, insulin, and cholesterol. 

Recipe of the Month:     

Roasted Cauliflower with Walnuts and Parsley

(serves 4)
 

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 8 cups) 

2 tablespoons extra virgen olive oil

3 anchovies, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves minced

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted

1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley

Fresh ground pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss cauliflower with 1 tblspn oil on a rimmed baking sheet.  Roast until golden brown, 30-35 minutes.
2.  Heat remaining tablespoon oil in  a medium skillet over medium heat.  Cook anchovies and garlic for 1 minute.  Remove from heat, and add wine.  Return to heat and cook until dressing is reduced by half.
3.  Combine cauliflower, walnuts and parsley in a bowl.  Pour dressing over top and toss.  Season with pepper.
Recipe of the Month:      
 Warm Beet Salad

1. Chop beet greens.  Peel and cut beets into matchsticks.
2.  Saute greens with garlic and red pepper flakes.
3.  Remove from pan and saute beets until tender; squeeze half an orange over top.
4. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper and more orange juice.

Recipe of the Month: 
Roasted Vegetables  

vegetables1.  Toss cube hard vegetables (carrots, parsnips, potatoes, beets, winter squash,
     sweet potatoes) with olive oil and some herbs (rosemary or thyme).
 
2.   Drizzle with oilive oil and season with salt and pepper. 
 

3.   Roast for 1 hour stirring once or twice for even cooking.
 
Ellen's Fitness Studio 
                                                                    @Busto's 
 
490 Old Bethpage Road
Plainview, New York 11803
516-396-4521
Save
$25.00

Save some "Green" 
Tower or Reformer
10 pack sale
 
 
 
Don't miss this opportunity to save up to 25% off the full price of single sessions. 
 
 
Offer Expires: 3/17/2010