That's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gifThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Easy Ways to Eat Healthierhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/03/02/secrets-for-a-healthy-diet-from-nutrition-diva/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/03/02/secrets-for-a-healthy-diet-from-nutrition-diva/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/03/02/secrets-for-a-healthy-diet-from-nutrition-diva/#commentsFiled under: , ,

nutrition diva's secrets for a healthy dietamazon.com

With so much information on nutrition and a new study coming out what feels like every other day, it's easy to get confused about what's fact, what's fiction and what's an opinion worthy of consideration. And that's exactly how Nutrition Diva came to be.

Monica Reinagel, the Nutrition Diva herself, is a popular podcast host and board-certified nutritionist (and also a trained opera singer) whose goal is to make grocery shopping and eating healthfully simple.

"Nutrition Diva's Secrets for a Healthy Diet," was released Tuesday and, despite its relatively small size, packs a ton of useful information. We chatted with Reinagel to learn a little more about how the book came to be and what she hopes readers get out of it.

That's Fit: Your book contains a bit of everything -- tips and tricks for shopping, snacking and cooking; information regarding nutritional and ethical aspects of certain foods; and more. How long did it take you to gather all of this information and put it together for the book?

Monica Reinagel: In a way, it took my entire career to gather this information and put together my thoughts on what I felt was important, so ever since I started writing about nutrition, which has been about 15 years now. But, in a more focused way, I started doing the Nutrition Diva podcast about two and a half years ago, and the direct seeds of this book were sown in that podcast. It's a weekly, short (about five-minute) chat that focuses on individual topics that people wonder about.

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TF: How has your audience influenced what you included in the book?

MR: The show has been very much directed by the things that seem to be of interest and concern to the listeners. After about six or eight episodes, a large percentage of the podcasts have been directed by questions I got from listeners. That gave me a good idea of what people are stymied by when they're at the grocery store and looking at their options. That really helped me put together the guide with an eye toward the consumer.

TF: Who is your ideal reader? Who do you really want to reach with this book?

MR: Because the first half of the book deals exclusively with the choices you make at the grocery store, I think a big part of my target market is whoever is making the buying decisions for the household. That's a huge responsibility, whether it's Mom or Dad or a combination.

The second half sort of walks you through a typical day, and this is really targeting anyone who's made it a priority to eat better. I not only want to help them make healthy choices but also help them zero in on the choices that have the biggest impact. Because we have so much information available to us, I think it's sometimes hard for people to prioritize, and they can get caught up in things that might not have the biggest impact. We can't worry about everything!

TF: Were there any big surprises for you, either during your education or in doing research for the book?

MR: What consistently surprises me is the disconnect between the headlines and the actual facts. There's often a misrepresentation, or exaggeration, of the facts. We read something like, "Eating more protein enhances your metabolism." While that might be true, the magnitude of that effect might be so small that [it's] almost ridiculous to mention it. It might be significant to researchers, but a lot of that sort of information is passed along to consumers without any sense of scale. It's out of proportion, out of context.

TF: What are the two most important tips you have for grocery shoppers?

MR: The two things I think would be most helpful for people are to try to buy foods in their least processed and manipulated form as possible. This is not a unique message -- we're hearing a lot of that these days -- but it's a really good message. The fewer ingredients in the package and the closer they are to their original shape and form, the better. The other is to take health claims with a grain of salt. The manufacturers are trying to draw your attention to things they think you'll find most attractive, like that the product is fat free or low in sugar, but remember that the front of the package is an advertisement. The real information is on the back of the package, in the nutrition information and the ingredient list -- flip the package over.

TF: What are some of the most important ideas you hope people will take away from the book?

MR: In terms of nutrition, the key messages are to limit the intake of concentrated sweeteners. I don't really think the fact that there's high-fructose corn syrup is that big a deal, as opposed to cane sugar -- the problem is the quantity of sugar we're consuming. These sort of tangential arguments about the form of the sugar have missed the primary point. Also, make it a priority to eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. Those two efforts would go a huge way toward correcting what's wrong with the American diet.

It's not that that's all that matters about the diet, but both of those efforts have a number of ripple effects that go through the rest of the diet and create a number of positive changes in their wake. Put your energy into the things that will make the biggest difference in your diet.

Reinagel plans to continue her conversation about clearing up nutrition confusion on her blog and weekly podcast at Nutrition Over Easy.

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]]>dietmonica reinagelMonicaReinagelnutritionnutrition divanutrition divas secrets for a healthy dietNutritionDivaNutritionDivasSecretsForAHealthyDietpodcastKristen SeymourWed, 02 Mar 2011 12:00:00 ESTJack LaLanne: Experts Remember the Godfather of Fitnesshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/25/jack-lalanne-experts-remember-the-godfather-of-fitness/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/25/jack-lalanne-experts-remember-the-godfather-of-fitness/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/25/jack-lalanne-experts-remember-the-godfather-of-fitness/#commentsFiled under: ,

Denise Austin and Jack LaLannedeniseaustin.com

Jack LaLanne passed away Sunday at the age of 96 from respiratory failure caused by pneumonia, and although the man himself is gone, there's no doubt his legacy and influence will live on through the current generation of trainers and exercise enthusiasts. After all, before LaLanne came along, people over 40 weren't encouraged to exercise and women were told that lifting any weights would make them look masculine.

Here's what several leading fitness experts had to say about how LaLanne influenced their lives and careers.

Denise Austin: He gave me my first start on television in 1981, and I have been a close and dear friend of his ever since. He's been my mentor; he's so funny, and I've learned so much from him. I'm really going to miss him. I'm honored that he was my mentor because he was such an icon. He was the godfather of fitness, that's for sure! He loved what he did. He was so proud of helping America get in shape. He always said to me, 'We still have work to do, Denise! We have a lot more work to do!' I was honored to give him a lifetime achievement award two years ago with the President's Council of Physical Fitness and Sports. That was really a highlight of my whole career.

Harley Pasternak: He essentially created fitness. He espoused all the right things. Eat right and exercise daily. No magic pills, no vibrating plates, and quick fixes. I wish he was still here. I know I wouldn't have my career without Jack LaLanne being Jack LaLanne.

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Richard Simmons: What a sad day it is. Jack has always been in my life. My mother watched his show and even bought a few of his products. I did not care much for Jack. He was everything that I wasn't. I ate everything he said not to eat. At that point in my life I did not exercise. Exercise to me was opening a jar of mayo that was screwed on too tight. When I came out to Los Angeles I was a waiter in an Italian restaurant. One night Jack and Elaine came in for dinner. I was so nervous. I hardly said a word to them...I remember he said that everyone should exercise no matter what shape they were in. And he influenced me to do what I have been doing for the last 36 years.

When I got my own show in the 80's he was one of my first guests. I remember taping that show with him if as if it were yesterday. When we took a break from the taping he told me he was proud of me and told me that I was really helping a lot of people. Yes, I got the Jack LaLanne seal of approval. Over the years we have done many personal appearances together. Jack, Elaine and I laughed a whole lot on the road. And when I would be on stage with him I would tell everyone that he was my real father, and he would just crack up. I just got off the phone with Elaine. And she told me he considered me a part of his family. My lord, what an honor. Jack is in heaven now teaching the angels how to fly. And I will continue spreading his word and his philosophies in my classes and personal appearances.

Kathy Kaehler: Jack LaLanne graced the NBC "Today" show studio while I was doing a fitness segment with Katie Couric. At 90 years old he took over like the instructor he was and gave us his signature exercise, "The Jack," to do. It was awesome, a moment I will never forget. As he taught us all, it is never too late to start your life on a healthy path. There will be no other man like Jack LaLanne to show people how to exercise. He did it with grace, patience, eloquence and motivation. I really feel that what Jack LaLanne did for fitness is what Julia Child did for cooking.

Bob Harper (on his Facebook page): It is SO SAD the Jack LaLane died yesterday. My prayers go out to his family. He was definitely a pioneer in my business. Don't think about Dying....Think about LIVING!! Jack LaLane said this and I couldn't agree MORE!!

Jackie Warner (on her Facebook page): Jack was a fitness legend and influenced our industry like no other. His pioneering ideas about health, wellness, and body work are still being followed to this day. I hope throughout my career that I can inspire as many people and in the ways he did. He will be missed greatly.

Jane Fonda (on Twitter page): I am so sad. Jack Lalanne just died at 96.He began American's fitness movement with his iconic TV show, great body, one piece jump suit and friendly, motivating manner. A great man!

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]]>bob harperdenise austingodfather of fitnessharley pasternakjack lalannejackie warnerjane fondarichard simmonsKristen SeymourTue, 25 Jan 2011 10:30:00 ESTE! News Host Giuliana Rancic Launches Fitness Sitehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/24/giuliana-rancic-chats-about-fabfitfun-marathons-and-taking-a-br/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/24/giuliana-rancic-chats-about-fabfitfun-marathons-and-taking-a-br/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/24/giuliana-rancic-chats-about-fabfitfun-marathons-and-taking-a-br/#commentsFiled under: ,

giuliana rancic golden globesJason Merritt, Getty Images

Giuliana Rancic didn't end up with nearly 2 million Twitter followers by accident -- she earned them by answering the questions people tweeted her and offering insider tips on diet, fitness, beauty and more. And although the "E! News" host absolutely loved sharing the information, trying to keep her answers to 140 characters got "out of hand," she told us. And so Rancic's new site, FabFitFun, was born.

FabFitFun
FabFitFun is a handy site filled with Rancic's often Hollywood-based tips on fitness, health, diet, beauty and more. "But more importantly, it's a free daily e-mail that goes out every single day," Rancic said. "There's everything from kettlebell workouts to an interview I just did with Lisa Ling -- we like to throw in women we admire."

She's especially excited to share her tips for snacks and hopes to clear up some of the mystery women face when trying to pick a diet-friendly bite to eat. "I have a lot of great snacks. I mean, you can Google 'healthy snacks' and read what comes up, but some of it's processed and so many girls are on the run and working more than ever," Rancic said. "If you can be a smart snacker during the day, you can keep your diet on track."

And just for That's Fit readers, Rancic shared the three things she always has in her gym bag. First, the Alex Bottle, which she just got in a gift bag and loves because its unique design makes it easy to clean or customize. Then there's her iPad, so she can run and read -- with the font enlarged, of course. (Mostly biographies, in case you were wondering.) Third, she always has packets of eBoost, a B-12 powder that gives her energy for her workout.

Rancic the Runner
In addition to launching FabFitFun, Rancic has decided to train for her first marathon. However, the race is still being debated within the Rancic household. "I wanted to be really ambitious and do L.A., which is in March. [My husband] doesn't think we can get ready for it," Rancic said. She disagrees, however, based on the fact that she completed a half marathon with, quite literally, no training at all.

"A few years ago, I was running five days a week, five or six miles. It was easy. But then I started going through IVF, and there wasn't a day I'd ever go over three miles. I would maybe do three miles of walking and sprinting once a week," she recalled. After running three miles a few days before the race, she realized it was going to be tough, but she got through the race by taking the pressure off herself and giving herself permission to stop and walk, even though it turned out not to be an issue.

"I told my husband, 'You know what? I'm a crazy Italian. I'm super determined. I'm going to make it to 26 miles.' But he said, 'Honey, there's a big difference between 13 miles and 26.' So, maybe Chicago," said Rancic.

The training shouldn't be much of a problem for the Rancics -- running together has become a time for them to chat and reconnect. "When we first started dating, we would talk [while running], then when we got married, we would have our iPod. Now, it's funny -- in the past year we've gotten back to just talking, and it's really nice."

Fitness and Infertility
Rancic has been quite candid about her struggles with infertility, from her doctor's instruction to gain weight to having to go through two rounds of IVF treatments, the first of which resulted in a miscarriage and the second without pregnancy. We had to ask how Rancic's plans to become a marathoner have affected that aspect of her life.

"To be honest, we're not trying any more. We're not doing IVF; we're not doing IUI; we're taking a break. It's a good time to get back to who I am," Rancic said.

"Thinking back on that 13-mile run, for the first time in a couple years, I felt like I was in control of my body again. I felt like for so long, my body had been turned over to medical labs and doctors and ultrasound machines. It was hideous. I felt like a lab rat," she told us. "We went back for a second round of IVF, and sadly, it wasn't successful, so we thought, 'Let's just take a break.' And it's been the greatest thing for our marriage. We're so happy, and we're having the best time."

She's thrilled to be back in her exercise routine, too. "I'm in the shape I love to be in," Rancic said. "I love to exercise. I love to eat healthy. Your body is all you've got; you've got to take good care of it. It's really not as much about vanity as it is about feeling good. I like waking up healthy. I don't like waking up feeling bloated, full, hungover. When I was taking the medicine [for IVF], the hormones were driving me crazy, and I was eating things I wouldn't normally eat and I could never work out. And it was worth it, right? Because I'd have a baby in the end. And so, when it doesn't work, you're kind of over it for a little bit and excited to get back to who you are.

"I really don't know when this break is going to end, because it's kind of going amazingly well," she said. "If Bill and I get pregnant naturally, super! If we never have kids, it's fine, too. We've got an amazing life together, and we're family, with or without kids."

Rancic hopes that her attitude can help other women who feel like they need to be defined by marriage or having babies. "What defined me was working my ass off and getting to where I am and realizing that I did that by myself," she said. "I didn't sleep with anyone; I didn't have a rich uncle in Hollywood, you know? I was just an immigrant chick from Naples, Italy, who just had a dream. I am complete because of that -- anything from here is just a bonus."

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]]>fabfitfunfabfitfun.comgiuliana rancicivfmarathonKristen SeymourMon, 24 Jan 2011 13:00:00 ESTObstacle Races: Are They Right for You?http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/16/obstacle-races-are-they-right-for-you/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/16/obstacle-races-are-they-right-for-you/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/16/obstacle-races-are-they-right-for-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,

muddy buddy racer costume runnerCourtesy of the Competitor Group

If you receive e-mails or mailings about races and running events, it's a good bet you've seen something about an obstacle race. These races have seen a huge boost in popularity in the last year or so with new events popping up all over the country. But what exactly is an obstacle course, and who is it for? To learn more about this recent trend, we spoke to the folks behind three obstacle races: Bob Babbitt, founder of the Columbia Muddy Buddy Series; Dan Clark (a.k.a. Nitro on "American Gladiators"), founder of Gladiator Rock'n Run; and Alex Yount, media relations manager for Warrior Dash.

Representatives from each race were in agreement as to the draw of obstacle races -- basically, people want a fun new challenge. They've done the 5K, 10K, half marathon and triathlon, and while they love taking part in these athletic events, they're seeking something that lets them "play" a little more but still pushes them physically.

What's involved in an obstacle race?
Obviously, each race has, you know, obstacles, but each has a slightly different format and its own special features.

Muddy Buddy: The race, which got its start in 1999 in San Diego with 250 teams, is one you do with a partner. "If you and I are partners, one of us starts out on a mountain bike and goes about a mile," Babbitt explained. "At the end of the mile, I leave the bike, and I have an obstacle, like a 25-foot inflatable thing with a cargo net up the front and a slide down the back. I do the obstacle and start running, and meanwhile, you're running to the same obstacle. You do it, grab the bike and ride by me. We rotate back and forth, running and riding for six miles. The last obstacle is a mud pit -- you wait for your buddy and go through the mud pit together and then hit the beer garden." The event has grown to 35,000-plus people in an 18-event series around the country, and there's also a mini-Muddy Buddy for kids.

Warrior Dash: The first Warrior Dash was held in the Midwest region in July 2009 and sold out with 2,000 participants. "On average, there are around 10,000 to 15,000 registered participants per race," said Yount. "There are a total of 10 locations for the 2010 schedule with a projected 35 races for the 2011 season."

Gladiator Rock'n' Run: The inaugural race will be held December 4 in Irvine, Calif., but it's a concept Clark has been thinking about for a while. Clark's tongue-in-cheek description of the race is "a fire-leaping, mud-slinging, spandex-clinging run from hell. With beer." It's a 5k with 14 obstacles, including "Hell's Hils," a series of 6-foot muddy hills, a bonus obstacle and a mystery nightmare obstacle.

Who are these races for?
In case you're wondering if you need to be in phenomenal shape just to cross the finish line, don't worry -- they're all designed with both the uber-fit and the less competitive in mind. And don't think for a second that these races are just for guys -- ladies are holding their own, with between around one-third to one-half of registered participants being female.

muddy buddy race photoCourtesy of the Competitor Group

Muddy Buddy: "We really pride ourselves on making these races doable for pretty much anybody. At the end of the day, you're only running about three miles and riding about three miles, one mile at a time. It's really fun -- most people wear costumes; nobody's too serious," said Babbitt. Originally, Babbitt envisioned the race as an outlet for the serious cross-trainers reading his publication, "Competitor Magazine." But he wanted to find a way to open it up to everybody, including those who'd never worn a race number before.

Warrior Dash: "From couch potatoes to novice runners, Warrior Dash truly is an event for everyone," Yount told us. "It is a day where participants get to challenge themselves, be active and get muddy. Participants tackle the course and then celebrate their accomplishments with beer, food and live music."

Gladiator: "You don't have to be the biggest or strongest or fastest or best -- you just have to do the best you can," said Clark, adding, "and that's the measure of an athlete."

Don't people get hurt?
One would think that, with all the challenges and obstacles, injuries would be inevitable. However, it hasn't been nearly as big a problem as you'd think, according to Babbitt's experience over the past decade or so with Muddy Buddy. "We've been -- knock on wood -- very fortunate that we haven't had a lot of injuries," said Babbitt. "There's the occasional sprained ankle, or someone will fall off a bike and tweak a collarbone or something like that, but most people are cautious and, at the same time, the course is so well marked. We tell people pre-event that if there's anything that's scary like a downhill, just get off the bike and run it down."

And if there is a problem, races like these tend to be properly staffed. "The safety of participants and spectators is the No. 1 priority for Warrior Dash," Yount explained. "A professional medical staff of paramedics has a strong presence at every Warrior Dash with representatives stationed throughout the course and festival area."

Does this sort of race appeal to you? If so, which of the above do you find to be more your style?

More on Running from That's Fit:
From Runner to Triathlete
Best Cruises to Run and Walk
Our Favorite Running Apps

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]]>5kgladiatormudmuddy buddyobstacle courseobstacle raceracerunwarrior dashKristen SeymourTue, 16 Nov 2010 14:00:00 ESTInsanity Workout's Shaun T. Dishes On His New Workout DVDhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/03/insanity-workouts-shaun-t-dishes-on-his-new-workout-dvd/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/03/insanity-workouts-shaun-t-dishes-on-his-new-workout-dvd/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/03/insanity-workouts-shaun-t-dishes-on-his-new-workout-dvd/#commentsFiled under: ,

shaun tTom Estey Publicity & Promotion

After sweating my way through the Beachbody Insanity program, I was left with several thoughts. One, that I was in darn good shape, as was my husband -- this was the first workout program we'd ever (ever) done together.

Two, that Shaun T might be a little crazy, but his intensity and commitment is exactly what kept me coming back for more throughout the two-month program.

And three, I wanted more.

For the last month or two, I've satiated myself with working the occasional Insanity workout into my routine of running, swimming, and reviewing other DVDs, but I've got good news -- there's more Insanity on the horizon.

Shaun T, who's been busy launching his own site called Shaun T Fitness, a line of apparel, and a new "Fast and Furious" 20-minute workout to add on to Insanity, gave That's Fit the inside scoop on how Insanity came to be, why he doesn't offer modifications, and, most importantly, what to expect next.

That's Fit: You have an impressive dance background, having choreographed NCAA Final Four halftime routines, dancing with Mariah Carey, and coming out with several successful dance-based workout programs. What made you decide to create Insanity as a completely non-dance-based workout?

Shaun T: Most people know me as a dancer because I became a professional dancer shortly after I stopped working in the corporate world. What they don't know is that I was an athlete. I played football from the time I was five. I played basketball, I ran track at the high school and collegiate levels. I didn't start dancing until I was 21 years old, so the athletic side was really my background.

TF: So how did you convince Beachbody to let you do Insanity?

ST: Beachbody wanted to create a really intense fitness program and they were looking for another trainer. They didn't look at me as athletic type of instructor. I told them, "I'll get you a DVD in two days to show you the workout I'm going to do." Within minutes [of receiving the DVD], they called.

TF: Do you have a favorite exercise from Insanity?

ST: I absolutely love power jumps. I can do them all day, every day. I love power jumps and diamond jumps -- I just love to jump. When it comes to core, I love push up jacks and moving push ups.

TF: Are there any moves you find really challenging?

ST: Going from ski abs to in-and-out abs is like death. Hate. Hate! [For the record, this writer couldn't agree more. Hate!]

TF: With all your different types of exercise backgrounds, what workouts do you focus on when you're trying to get yourself in top shape for, say an event or a shoot?

ST: I just went through that because we just shot a second version of the Insanity infomercial! What I do is, here in New York, I go to Chelsea Piers, I run around the track, just anything that keeps my body at that Insanity pace. But sometimes, I'll have to do dumbbells because I need to make my biceps pop for that shoot, or my shoulders. I do lots of push ups, some kettlebell training and stability training with the BOSU. I'm very well-rounded; I just love cross-training.

TF: Insanity has had some critics who've said that you don't provide enough instruction on form, and that some of the moves can cause injury, particularly to the joints. What do you say to that?

ST: Anybody who has ever done Insanity knows that I explain the move -- every single move -- before you do it. Get in position, get your butt down, knees behind the toes you know? Some people don't pay attention, for one, and some people don't have the body awareness that others have. I've had people come to a live event who say, "I do Insanity, I love it!" and then their form is horrible. I tell them the same thing I do in the video, but some people need you to physically fix them. There's constructive criticism everywhere, but I just say that if you really pay attention to the instructions, you'll get what you need out of it.

TF: Another common critique of Insanity is that there are no modifications offered. Was that ever a consideration?

ST: There was a point at which it was discussed, but you can't really modify Insanity moves and get the same energy from looking at it. I know there are people who do modify at home; they can't do a power jump, so they might do squats. But can you imagine, if someone was doing a squat next to somebody doing a power jump? It's definitely not the same killer output. The way I designed Insanity is that you can go as slow as you need to go. We're not going to the beat of the music; you can take your time. And, it's designed to be one of the hardest workouts on DVD for people who really wanted to go for it. I feel like if I put modifications in, like every other Beachbody program, it wouldn't really set that standard.

TF: What's next for you? What can you tell us that nobody else knows?

ST: Next up is Asylum. It's very athletic, all sports-specific training. There's a video called Game Day where you're doing football, basketball, track and field, tennis, rock climbing, soccer, speed skating, baseball -- it's heavy, heavy, heavy sports-specific training. Another thing that's crazy about Asylum is that it's going to have a strength video where you're using dumbbells, and you get into this thing called a Cardio Dumbbell Rotation. It's something like you've never experienced before [laughs].

There's another video called Overtime, so even if you've done one of the Asylum workouts, if you want more, it's another 15 minutes of just pure going for it. Asylum is going to take people who did Insanity, take their fitness level, and then put their skill to the test.

The great thing about Asylum is that there will be a couple of pieces of equipment, but it can all fit in your suitcase, so you can still do it in your hotel room.

TF: So when does it launch?

ST: I'm guessing February; I feel like I need to add two more videos to make it more well-rounded, so I guess it all depends on me.

More on That's Fit:
Celeb Trainer Dishes on New Book
Kelly Ripa's Fitness Secrets
Self Editor Lucy Danziger: Wake Up and Smile

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]]>beachbody asylumbeachbody insanitydvdsshaun tKristen SeymourWed, 03 Nov 2010 15:00:00 ESTCeleb Trainer Tracy Anderson Dishes On Her New Bookhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/24/celeb-trainer-tracy-anderson-dishes-on-her-new-book/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/24/celeb-trainer-tracy-anderson-dishes-on-her-new-book/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/24/celeb-trainer-tracy-anderson-dishes-on-her-new-book/#commentsFiled under: ,

tracy andersonJill Johnson, jpistudios.com

Tracy Anderson, trainer to stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, Shakira and Courteney Cox, has authored her first book, "Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method: The Weight-Loss Kick-Start That Makes Perfection Possible." We've read the book and checked out the accompanying DVD, but we also wanted to talk to Anderson herself to get the inside scoop.

Our first question, of course, was why? She already has DVDs available, studios in Los Angeles, New York City and East Hampton, and a list of celebrity clients that would make any trainer jealous. What prompted her to add "author" to her list of accomplishments?

"Over the decade that I've spent creating my Method, it's always been my greatest challenge to be able to keep up with the demand for it. For many years, if you weren't right next to me, you couldn't have it," she said. Though she has other products on the market, she said, "After the first set of DVDs that Gwyneth and I did, I was like, 'Oh my goodness, what did I do? I just put out DVDs, and yes, those DVDs work, but they're not going to work in a couple of months and they go against everything I believe in.'"

She went on to do the Perfect Design series, which, she said brought her at-home clients one step closer to getting her full Method, but felt like "This is 'Star Wars' and I have to go backwards, give them a prequel!" Because, while the straight DVDs worked for a specific audience, there were others who came to her and were too intimidated to just jump into the workouts, saying, "I got your DVD and put it in, and I grabbed a glass of wine and I watched it. I want to do it but it seems really complicated!"

Anderson's hope is that the book provides the education her DVDs are lacking, so at-home clients understand what they're becoming a part of and learn more about the "why" behind her Method.

Since we had her full attention, we decided to ask her about some of our concerns with the book. First up, the meal plan. There's no calorie count given, but could she provide an estimate?

"Not over 1,200 a day, but it really depends," she explained, "It's just not really about the calories, but more about getting nutrient dense foods in consumable portions. When people first do the cleanse, they really feel the detoxification. But the second time, they find they can't even finish all their food!"

But what about the unusual foods? Aren't you afraid including things like escarole and yacón syrup will intimidate people and drive them away? Why not work with foods that are in their pantries?

"First, we need to get people away from their pantries!" she laughed. "These are all fresh, convenient foods. You can get them all at the grocery store. So, if you're going there to get a Lean Cuisine or a bag of Doritos, you can grab these foods instead." And if those foods aren't available? "It's just an excuse, and that's not OK."

She also shed a bit of light on why the carefully detailed Method Muscle Design sequences is so different than the less structured cardio dance sequences,

"I'm results-obsessed," Anderson said. "The muscular structure must be done in order and in the reps I give [in order to get the right results]," all based on her years of research. The cardio is different, though. "I just need you to connect to the music and to your body. I need you to work different rotations and still bounce and lift your body off the ground." So, if the dance looks a little more haphazard than the muscle work, there's a good reason.

Anderson has some big plan for the future, but can only share bits and pieces. "I'm in the middle of a really intense research project right now. I'm always researching and trying to stay ahead of the continuum," she said. She also said she just filed a large, new project, but told us, "I can't talk about it yet!"

More on That's Fit
We Review Tracy Anderson's New DVD
Get Strong, Sexy Shoulders
Jennifer Aniston's Yoga Instructor Shares Her Routine

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]]>Gwyneth Paltrowtracy andersontracy anderson booktracy andersons 30 day methodTracyAndersonKristen SeymourFri, 24 Sep 2010 14:00:00 ESTStand-Up Paddleboarding: Easier Than Kayaking?http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/17/stand-up-paddle-boarding-easier-than-kayaking/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/17/stand-up-paddle-boarding-easier-than-kayaking/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/17/stand-up-paddle-boarding-easier-than-kayaking/#commentsFiled under: ,

Stand-up paddleboarding is the raddest water sport most of you probably haven't experienced. Earlier this summer, I had a chance to try it out on the Gulf of Mexico, and as someone who's never surfed, I found it challenging but totally addicting. My core, thighs and shoulders were continually engaged (and I got plenty of biceps work when hoisting myself back on the board after falling off several times). While the long days of summer may be behind us, waters in many parts of the country are still warm, so there's still time to get going on a paddleboard.

The trend is growing by leaps and bounds. At this year's Surf Expo in Orlando, Fla., stand-up paddleboarding even had a demo pool where people could try it out -- with assistance from surf legend and SUP pro Robert "Wingnut" Weaver.

Wingnut, who starred in the 1994 surf movie "The Endless Summer 2," transitioned into an ambassador for some of the companies in the surf industry after the film came out and started stand-up paddling when the first boards were being produced. He now does SUP demos up and down both coasts when various surf shops and retailers invite him in and is prepping to stand-up paddle the Yellow River, after the Chinese government extended him the invitation.

Recently, he was hanging out at Surf Expo, where he took a few minutes to chat with That's Fit about how to get started in SUP and where the best places to go are. He loves watching the sport grow, particularly since it's so friendly to newbies.

When asked about risks, he laughed and said, "Yeah, sunburn! That's about it." And it's a sport you can do almost anywhere there's a body of water. "You can go to lakes, the slow rivers, the open ocean, the marinas -- there's so much water you can put one on! A swimming pool [like the demo pool at Surf Expo] isn't really enough space, though I do know people who set up their SUP in their pool and do yoga on it."


Check out the video above to hear more about how to get involved in SUP and follow Wingnut on his adventures on his Facebook page.

Love water sports? Find out why surfing is good for your body and your mood.

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]]>paddle boardrobert wingnut weaverstand up paddle boardingstand up paddlingsurfsurf expoKristen SeymourFri, 17 Sep 2010 13:00:00 ESTBook Review: Phil and Amy Parham's "The 90-Day Fitness Challenge"http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/10/book-review-phil-and-amy-parhams-the-90-day-fitness-challenge/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/10/book-review-phil-and-amy-parhams-the-90-day-fitness-challenge/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/10/book-review-phil-and-amy-parhams-the-90-day-fitness-challenge/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Phil and Amy ParhamSome contestants ride the wave of fame long after their season ends on the hit reality weight loss show "The Biggest Loser." Thanks to lessons learned during season six, not only are Amy and Phil Parham still thin, but they've also just penned a new weight loss book, "The 90-Day Fitness Challenge," to inspire others toward lasting weight loss.

If you've lost a ton of weight or are seeking a major jump-start, Amy and Phil have been where you are. That's Fit recently spoke with Phil about the Parham's DREAM principles of weight loss, food addiction and the oh so tricky business of weight maintenance after losing big.

The book was born after the Parhams returned home from the finale and organized a weight loss challenge in their home state of South Carolina. "We had 850 people show up," said Phil. "We talked to them about dreams, possibilities and how your life can change. We had to do something with these folks; we called it a 90-day fitness program, and over 2,500 people signed up to receive our daily e-mails." Thousands of pounds were lost, and "that great idea became the book," said Phil.

The first two DREAM principles are dreaming what you want your life to be and recognizing where you are today. In the book, Phil explained how he avoided his weight problem, even averting his eyes from mirrors around the house. The Parhams recommend you get honest, then tick off a practical list of action steps to get you safely on the road to losing the weight. Eat to live, activate your body and make a difference in the lives of others round out the DREAM principles.

The 90-day program that follows includes a daily inspirational quote; mini-challenge; tip of the day; and space to journal your food, water, fitness and thoughts. Each page is crafted from the hearts of two formerly obese people, not an expert trainer with a new fitness program to sell.

"We know what it feels like when your knees hurt and your feet ache," said Phil. "One of our daily challenges is to find shoes that are fitted to your feet. The properly fitted shoe can keep somebody walking and working out. We felt like no one was talking about that kind of stuff to the heavy person."

The Parham's religious faith and weight loss are intertwined throughout. "The book has a spiritual slant because we really believe there's a whole lot more to losing the weight than not eating candy bars," he said. "Look inside yourself, look at what's been holding you back. Those are the big underlying emotional, spiritual elements we discovered."

To keep the weight off, the Parhams drink only water, almond milk, coffee and an occasional unsweetened tea. They split entrees when eating out. A small ice cream is a rare treat. "We're creatures of habit and once you've got those certain breakfasts that you like, sandwiches you like and salad bars you like ... we've done it so long it's sort of our lifestyle," said Phil. He is not a food addict anymore but admits Mexican food is sometimes still a challenge.

We haven't heard the last from the Parhams. Phil said Amy has a book coming out next year, "10 Lessons From a Former Fat Girl," and they're working on a 90-day fitness challenge version for kids. For instant support, check out the Parham's online social network.

Jillian Michaels just released her new "Shred It With Weights" DVD -- perfect timing for your own 90-day transformation.

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]]>Amy ParhamJillian MichaelsPhil ParhamShred It With WeightsThe 90-Day Fitness ChallengeThe Biggest LoserBev SklarFri, 10 Sep 2010 13:00:00 ESTKelly Ripa's Fitness Secretshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/04/kelly-ripas-beach-body-secrets-revealed/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/04/kelly-ripas-beach-body-secrets-revealed/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/04/kelly-ripas-beach-body-secrets-revealed/#commentsFiled under: ,

STEVE SANDS/bauergriffinonline.com

Not enough time to work out is simply not an excuse for Kelly Ripa. The perky host of "Live With Regis and Kelly" appears in a variety of print and TV ads and is also a busy mom and wife. How does she do it? The answer is simple: lots of hard work.

When That's Fit caught up with the energetic Ripa at The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund's annual fundraiser Super Saturday 13 in Watermill, N.Y., she spilled the beans on how she stays fit and trim.

Finding time to exercise has become a part of Ripa's everyday routine. No matter how busy the New York-based entertainer gets, she doesn't think twice about carving out time in her schedule to hit the gym and work up a good sweat.

"I work out every day, and I make sure do something different every day," said Ripa. "I like to do SoulCycle, Physique 57, and I even like the Tracey Anderson Method. Throw them together, and there you go -- I mix them all up."

By mixing things up, not only does Ripa avoid the pitfalls of getting bored, but she is also able to maintain her petite figure.

Because Ripa is so disciplined about exercising and keeping her workouts fun, she feels she is in the best shape of her life. What makes her fitness routine even more successful, she said, is the fact she still follows the advice she got years ago from her sister-in-law, a doctor, when Ripa first mentioned her interest in following an exercise program.

"Don't do it for how it makes you look on the outside, because that will come with time," Ripa recalled. "Do it for how it makes you feel on the inside. Pretend you are wearing your heart muscle on the outside, because you are doing this for your heart."

To this day, Ripa still remembers those words every time she enters the gym.

"Depending on the course of my day," Ripa said, "I'll work out 45 minutes to an hour and a half every day. It has become a very important part of my life."

Prioritizing her workouts means that Ripa is not only confident in how she looks but is also happy to eat anything she wants in moderation.

"I don't diet because I feel moderation is the key to what I eat," she said. "So if you were to ask me what my guilty pleasure was, I will tell you it is French fries and white wine, and no, I don't feel remorseful about eating them."

Check out how Neil Patrick Harris stays fit.

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]]>kelly ripalive with regis and kellytracy andersonworkoutIlyssa PanitzWed, 04 Aug 2010 15:00:00 ESTDan Cortese Dishes on New Weight Loss Show "Money Hungry"http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/03/dan-cortese-dishes-on-new-weight-loss-show-money-hungry/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/03/dan-cortese-dishes-on-new-weight-loss-show-money-hungry/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/08/03/dan-cortese-dishes-on-new-weight-loss-show-money-hungry/#commentsFiled under: ,

Valerie Macon, Getty Images

"I've been working out since I was 16 years old, and I know from experience that the hardest thing to do is just get started," said Dan Cortese, host of the new VH1 reality weight loss show, "Money Hungry." "You get inspired by the initial results, and that motivates you to keep going."

Losing weight is indeed inspiring. But this is reality TV, so for the show's contestants, inspiration also comes in the form of cold, hard cash. A grand prize of $100,000 is up for grabs between 12 teams of two overweight contestants. But, of course, there's a twist: That jackpot comes from the contestants' own bank account. Each team puts up $10,000 for the chance to be on the show. And those who go home early lose it all.

The 24 contestants shack up together on an enormous living/fitness compound, along with a doctor and a trainer to help them lose the pounds. A well-equipped gym is available to them all day every day, along with healthy food options. But so are lots of temptations, like a cabinet full of alcohol. And to really make life uncomfortable, the house is packed with furniture and artwork shaped like milkshakes, cheeseburgers and fries.

In addition, the trainers aren't forcing contestants to do crazy stunts like get up at 4 a.m. to run a marathon. It's up to the contestants to keep themselves moving. "They can work out 24/7 if they want, or they can have drinks by the pool if they want, it's up to them," Cortese explained.

In the first episode, Phillip from team Flabulous overdid it with a couple bottles of wine and too much fried chicken. The next day, he tearfully admitted that his fear of success kept him from giving it his all. (He wasn't sent home.)

Teams are judged by the percentage of weight lost every week, and with some of the contestants weighing in at more than 400 pounds, there's a lot to lose. And starting next week, teams will be voted off by their housemates, so naturally, there will be a lot of game playing.

"There's quite a bit of strategy: politicking, backstabbing, alliance forming -- let's kick them out because we don't like them," said Cortese. Several of the teams have already shown that they have a dark side, including The Regulators, a pair of bouncers from California, and Mission Slimpossible, two gamblers from Staten Island, N.Y. The latter got into a high-pitched screaming argument with each other on the treadmill, frightening Melissa and Josh.

Cortese maintains that the show is really all about the weight loss, not the money or the things that 24 strangers will do to each other when forced to live together. "Most inspiring for me were the teams getting eliminated who said, 'This is just the beginning.'"

"Money Hungry" airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on VH1.

For Misty May-Treanor, she loved her experience on reality TV so much she wants to go back to dancing.

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]]>dan cortesemoney hungryreality tvVH1weight lossEmily ShetlerTue, 03 Aug 2010 15:00:00 ESTNeil Patrick Harris is the Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapezehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/30/neil-patrick-harris-is-the-daring-young-man-on-the-flying-trapez/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/30/neil-patrick-harris-is-the-daring-young-man-on-the-flying-trapez/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/30/neil-patrick-harris-is-the-daring-young-man-on-the-flying-trapez/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Neil Patrick Harris has had a busy summer. Not only is he about to start production on the sixth season of the hit CBS show "How I Met Your Mother," he's currently directing a production of "Rent" at the Hollywood Bowl, starring High School Musical's Vanessa Hudgens and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. Harris is also deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, including narrating the Listerine-produced documentary "This Is Your Mouth," which donates $1 per view of thisisyourmouth.com to America's Toothfairy, an organization that helps provide dental care to underprivileged kids.

Keeping in shape is a challenge for everyone with a tight schedule, so That's Fit asked Harris what his secret is to keeping his energy levels high and his body Emmy-worthy. He said, "I take circus classes now and again so I feel like I have some practical strength."

Harris works out at Cirque School in Los Angeles, a studio founded by former Cirque du Soleil aerialist Aloysia Gavre. Using trapeze and floor exercises, instructors create circus circuits. Imagine swinging from a single trapeze for one and a half minutes, doing core strength-training exercises for one and a half minutes, followed by one and a half minutes on the ring. The school offers a variety of ground and aerial classes, focusing on signature Cirque du Soleil moves mixed with Pilates, to increase strength and flexibility.

In addition to flying through the air with the greatest of ease, Harris works out several times a week using the classic combination of strength training and cardio. Flexibility is key to keeping the former Doogie Howser in prime condition.

"I try to concentrate on posture, keeping my body as long as it can be. I've been doing more Pilates and yoga and trying to get into a real cardiovascular routine to increase my flexibility."

Luckily, Harris has a high metabolism, but still has to watch what he eats. "Eating smallish meals more often is best for me," he said. "If I eat a big breakfast, I suffer all day! I'm a grazer."

His weakness? He claims to not have much of a sweet tooth, except for one treat: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. "When you eat one you automatically have to eat seven, why is that?"

And as for the upcoming sixth season of "How I Met Your Mother," Harris hasn't even seen a script yet, though production starts August 9. "I wish I knew more!" We'll all just have to wait until the premiere on September 20 to find out.

Neil Patrick Harris isn't the only celebrity who works hard to keep their body in top shape. Find out how Valerie Bertinelli stays fit at 50.

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]]>Circus trainingCirque Du SoleilHowIMetYourMotherneil patrick harrispilatesEmily ShetlerFri, 30 Jul 2010 16:30:00 ESTThe World Tri: 146 Miles Down, More Than 8,000 to Gohttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/30/the-world-tri-146-miles-down-more-than-8-000-to-go/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/30/the-world-tri-146-miles-down-more-than-8-000-to-go/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/30/the-world-tri-146-miles-down-more-than-8-000-to-go/#commentsFiled under: ,

charlie wittmack english channel world triAndy Stoll

To many of us, the idea of completing an Ironman triathlon (you know, 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, 26.2-mile run) seems a little extreme. For Charlie Wittmack, an attorney from Iowa, it's nothing but a warm-up.

Wittmack has embarked on The World Tri, an event of his own creation that will take him through 13 countries and close to 10,000 miles in 11 months (275-mile swim, 9,000-mile bike ride, 950-mile run). As a teen, Wittmack was in love with the idea of adventure and being the first to attempt something, and as he became more interested in triathlons, he began to wonder what the world's toughest triathlon would be.

He decided that swimming the English Channel, biking from there to Mount Everest and climbing Mount Everest would be just about as tough as it gets. He wasn't able to take on the challenge as a teenager, but he did graduate high school a year early and began his journey into the world of extreme endurance sports, beginning with a bike ride across America and moving into mountain climbing, which included scaling Mount Everest in 2003. After swimming the English Channel last summer, Witmack knew it was time to put his plan into action.

With his wife, Cate, and young son, James, in tow, Wittmack began The World Tri on June 29, and as of Tuesday, he had logged 146 miles of swimming, meaning he's past the halfway mark of the first leg. Despite his grueling schedule, he took a few moments to answer some of our questions.

That's Fit: Why do this? What prompted the decision to do it now?

Charlie Wittmack: The World Tri is a childhood dream that I've spent my life pursuing. While I've been planning it for a long time, I didn't seriously contemplate heading out until a little later in life. However, in 2008, my wife was diagnosed with cancer [which she beat], and we decided that we needed to start moving some of our dreams for the future into the present. We're doing this expedition as a family, and Cate and James (our 2-year-old son) are along on the adventure as well. I spend my days swimming while they tour Europe!

TF: Is there a part you're most excited about? Is there a part that you find particularly intimidating or expect to be most difficult?

CW: The swim is physiologically the most challenging. Physiologists estimate that swimming 2.5 miles is roughly equivalent to running a marathon. When you're swimming 10-15 miles per day, it really takes a toll on your body and your mind. You have to stay positive and try to stay in the moment. If you start to think about how far you have left to go, you'll fail.

The cycling leg also presents a number of extraordinarily challenging days. We'll cross the Taklimakan Desert in China, climb an 18,000-foot pass through the Himalayas and bicycle across the Tibetan Plateau. The longest day is 154 miles across a mountain pass that is 17,600 feet on a road that is covered in snow.

TF: What will you do at the end of each day to prepare your body for the next day's efforts?

CW: Rest, rehydrate and try to get to a good, relaxed mental state. I also do yoga.

TF: You've been preparing for this for the past 15 years, according to your website, but can you talk about the kind of physical training you employed in the months leading up to the beginning of the tri? How about the mental preparation?

CW: I trained full-time for six months prior to the expedition. The training lasted 5-6 hours a day during the week and 8-10 hours on Saturday and Sunday. I generally don't take rest days. Most of the training was focused around swimming, including the two long weekend swims, which were 8-10 hours along the Chicago skyline in Lake Michigan. My dietician believes that I burn between 8,000 and 10,000 calories per day.

In my training, I've found that there are three legs -- cardio, physical strength and mental. I always focus on improving the weakest leg. If my breathing is too heavy or heart rate too high, I'll spend a couple of weeks on cardio. If I'm mentally weak and struggling to finish long workouts, I'll schedule a couple workouts that are two or three times the longest distance to push myself mentally. If I'm feeling worn out, I may take some extra time for weights or kettlebells.

While the basic workouts revolved around swimming, I do use kettlebells and yoga a lot. Those were both new additions to my regime, and I really felt a positive impact from them.


Wittmack and his family, along with two journalists, will be documenting the adventure at The World Tri website, as well as on Twitter and Facebook. In addition to completing an endurance event unlike anything that's been done before, the Wittmacks will be leading an educational initiative throughout the expedition and a global health program in Nepal.

Check out others who are taking up extreme sports to make a difference, like Lisa Smith-Batchen, who is running 2,500 miles for AIDS orphans.

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]]>charlie wittmackenduranceextreme athletesthe world tritriathlonKristen SeymourFri, 30 Jul 2010 15:00:00 ESTCelebrity Chefs Talk About Michelle Obama's "Chefs Move to Schools" Programhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/30/celebrity-chefs-talk-about-michelle-obamas-chefs-move-to-schoo/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/30/celebrity-chefs-talk-about-michelle-obamas-chefs-move-to-schoo/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/30/celebrity-chefs-talk-about-michelle-obamas-chefs-move-to-schoo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Epicurious

Earlier this month, first lady Michelle Obama talked to AOL Health live about her Let's Move campaign to solve the childhood obesity epidemic within one generation. Now we're taking a look at one of the campaign's most buzzed-about programs: "Chefs Move to Schools."

Since its kickoff on the White House lawn, the initiative has been busy pairing professional chefs with local schools and communities. In the coming months, the chefs will have the opportunity to help educate students and teachers about nutrition and actually work to create healthful cafeteria meals that both taste good and meet the districts' budgets.

With more that 31 million children participating in the National School Lunch Program, organizers say the potential is huge. We've asked a group of (very) impressive hands-on participants about what they're seeing and doing and how they're getting inspired. (Note: For the rest of the summer, you can catch a preview of "Chefs Move to Schools" in action at a series of local farmers market events sponsored by Epicurious.)
"The 'Chefs Move to Schools' program brings Mrs. Obama's hope for healthier eating directly to children through chefs. Chefs are by nature people who want to nourish others; our pleasure is seeing other people enjoy food, and our talent is to make food exciting. The group of 700 chefs on the South Lawn experienced an emotional tie with Mrs. Obama. They came from all over the country to hear a 20-minute speech in 90-degree heat. But no one complained; everyone was fired up to go into schools and talk to kids about delicious food."
--Bill Yosses, White House executive pastry chef. To healthily satisfy presidential cookie cravings, Yosses recently developed a child-friendly granola bar without nuts, chocolate or white sugar. It's rumored to be delicious -- and just the kind of creative, flavorful thinking the initiative hopes chefs can bring to school lunch programs.
"It's been an incredible year in regards to the healthier school lunch movement. In my existing role as chef of Wellness in the Schools, I've seen it in the positive reactions of the children, parents, administrators and school cooks in the cafeterias. I've seen it with Jamie Oliver bringing the revolution to the mainstream. And I've seen it firsthand on the South Lawn of the White House with hundreds of my colleagues. We're certainly heading in the right direction of awareness and doing, and having the talents, creativity, and energy of chefs involved will definitely speed the process."
--Bill Telepan, chef/owner of Telepan in New York City. Telepan is also the executive chef of Wellness in the Schools, a nonprofit New York organization that's served as a model for Chefs Move to Schools. Through that program, he's worked with school budgets to revamp lunch menus to use wholesome ingredients while swapping out unhealthy items. Three to five times a week, he's at the schools instructing staffers how to execute his new recipes and getting feedback directly from the students.
"Chefs are in a unique position to help out schools. Many of us have been inspired to pursue this career because of a parent or older relative who taught us to appreciate all aspects of food, from how to recognize simple ingredients at the peak of the season to the complete sensory experience of cooking to the rewards of a meal well executed. So it naturally follows that we'd be suited to be inspiring kids on this subject and passing along our traditions. As creative business owners who feed our staff, we're well versed in thinking outside the box to produce healthy, inexpensive, delicious meals. I'm very excited to be a part of this initiative."
--Anita Lo, chef/owner of Annisa in New York, where Crains magazine named her one of the most influential women in business. During the same week her restaurant was getting its prestigious New York Times review, Lo still managed to find time to visit a kindergarten class to help kids get excited about food and cooking.
"This will be a challenging project, not only because of the way the kitchens are set up or because of the budgets the schools have to work with, but also because I know how picky some kids can be. My youngest daughter is on a white food kick -- pastas, white rice, noodles, plain things only. It's been a challenge to just cook for her, so it will be even harder to cook for an entire school full of kids that could be just as picky, but it's a challenge we're looking forward to taking."
--Jean-Georges Vongerichten, celebrity chef and owner of several three- and four-star restaurants in the United States, Canada, China, Mexico and Bora Bora. Vongerichten's recent projects, such as New York's ABC Kitchen, have emphasized social responsibility, focusing on green initiatives and sustainable ingredients.

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]]>anita lobill telepanchefs move to schoolslets movemichelle obamaschool lunch programSara Reistad-LongFri, 30 Jul 2010 11:00:00 ESTMisty May-Treanor: 'I Want to Go Back to Dancing'http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/19/misty-may-treanor-i-want-to-go-back-to-dancing/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/19/misty-may-treanor-i-want-to-go-back-to-dancing/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/19/misty-may-treanor-i-want-to-go-back-to-dancing/#commentsFiled under: ,

misty may-treanor book volleyballBen Hider, Getty Images

Olympian and professional beach volleyball player Misty May-Treanor is busy battling back from what experts feared would be a career-ending injury -- she tore her Achilles' tendon while competing on "Dancing With the Stars." She recently became an author with her new book, "Misty: Digging Deep in Volleyball and Life" (which, if you're a fan, you need to pick up), and has joined up with a new partner for the current beach volleyball season because her longtime partner, Kerri Walsh, just gave birth to her second child.

This past weekend, she took a few minutes between matches at the AVP NIVEA skincare tour stop in Hermosa Beach to chat with That's Fit.

That's Fit: You're on the road constantly promoting your book and playing in tournaments. How do you stay in shape while traveling?

Misty May-Treanor: It's very hard to train on the road, and then I come back and get killed by my trainers [laughs]. It's very hard when we're on the road, because both Nicole [Branagh] and I do the international tour as well as the domestic tour ... so we really have to use playing and body weight and things like that to stay fit.

TF: Do you worry about what you're eating when you're on the road? Or do you find that you work out enough that it's not an issue?

MMT: I don't know if I worry about it, but I listen to my body. You get in a certain routine from competing, and you just naturally eat properly. It's in the off-season when I'm not training that I need to watch what I eat and watch the amount of calories I'm taking in and make sure I get the proper nutrients.

TF: What athletic accomplishment do you want to achieve? How about a triathlon?

MMT: I want to go back to dancing! That's what I want to do. That's my next athletic accomplishment. I don't know if I could do a triathlon because my knees would break from running.

Now that you know how May-Treanor stays fit while flying around the world, find out what this timeless celebrity suggests for staying young.

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]]>avpbeach volleyballBeachVolleyballbookinterviewmisty digging deep in volleyball and lifemisty may-treanorolympianKristen SeymourMon, 19 Jul 2010 15:00:00 ESTSelf Editor Lucy Danziger's Fit Tips: Wake Up Early and Smilehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/06/11/self-editor-lucy-danzigers-fit-tips-wake-up-early-and-smile/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/06/11/self-editor-lucy-danzigers-fit-tips-wake-up-early-and-smile/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/06/11/self-editor-lucy-danzigers-fit-tips-wake-up-early-and-smile/#commentsFiled under: , ,

lucy danziger(C)J. Graylock/jpistudios.com

Lucy Danziger has become as well-known (and respected) for her fitness habits as for her position as editor of SELF magazine. She helped Jennifer Lopez train for her first triathlon and has made news for choosing to brave the New York City streets to ride her bike to work.

But comparatively speaking, that's nothing. The wife and mother of two completed the 2009 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in November and is currently training to compete in her first full Ironman. (You know -- 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run. That one.)

Lucky for us, Danziger took a few precious moments out of her hectic day to discuss how she does it all. But be warned -- she makes it sound so simple, you just might find yourself signing up for an Ironman by the end!

That's Fit: How do you fit endurance training into your busy schedule?

Lucy Danziger: That's a question I get a lot! It's simple. I get up pretty early, and I get out there and do an hour and a half of working out before most people start their day. The only thing that makes it tough is I don't always get the sleep I should, and I'm not naturally somebody who goes to bed early, so I really have to back it up the night before so I can get to bed early.

Frankly, the more stressed I am, the more it makes sense to do this kind of cardio. I find it very relaxing, very zen, very meditative. Some people find going to the gym another stressor on the to-do list: "Oh my God, how are you going to add one more thing to your busy day?" But I actually see it as a counterbalance to the stress of the day. To me, if I've done my workout, everything else kind of runs smoothly. Everything else feels really doable.

TF: Do you include your family in any of your workouts?

LD: Absolutely. They usually roll their eyes and say no. But when I have a good day, my husband will get on his bike and take a couple of loops around the park, or my brother will sign up for a race with me. My daughter likes to run -- she won't run with me, but she'll tell me about her run afterward; tell me how hard she ran and how proud she is of herself. So, it's infectious.

TF: You've written about the importance of smiling through an athletic event like a triathlon. Is that something that's easy for you?

LD: When people see me running, they say, "Oh, you look really serious. You have your game face on." It's so embarrassing because I'm not trying to look serious! In fact, I'm trying to look happy. So, I look at [2007, 2008 and 2009 Ironman World Champion] Chrissie Wellington and how she always looks so joy-filled when she's running or biking. Obviously, she's competing so she's breathing hard, but she just looks like she's having a great day.

I see athletes who have disabilities of every nature, and I think, what a privilege it is that I get to run. What a privilege it is that I'm out here with my healthy, able body moving freely through space. So, I think we need to remember that working out is not to be taken for granted. If you're healthy and you're moving, you have to smile because you should remember how lucky you are.

TF: Do you have any secrets for looking good when you work some fitness into the work day; for example, if one were to ride a bike to work?

LD: If you're feeling gritty or grimy when you get to work, there are two things. I keep extra clothes at the office ... and the second thing is baby wipes. Just keep them around and go to the ladies' room and freshen up!

For me, it's all about choosing the right day. I mean, I wouldn't bike to work if it was 100 degrees out and I wouldn't bike to work in a blizzard. Choose the most beautiful day, a day when you want to leisurely commute ... and take a nice ride.

TF: What do That's Fit readers need to know about the race you took part in this past November?

LD: Well, first of all, they should tune in because it's really fun to watch. Unlike Kona, it's half the distance; you can envision competing in something where you're only going to run a half marathon at the end. I find the Ironman is so awe-striking. It's unfathomable how long it is -- I'm going to do my first one this summer, and I'm really intimidated by those distances.

The fun thing about the 70.3 race is that you can really try to push yourself. Most people are out of the water in, like, 35 minutes. You're going to bike for two, two-and-a-half hours -- you can fathom that. And you're going to run for a couple more hours -- the fast people run for about an hour and a half. You can wrap your head around those distances. But people should know I didn't start at that distance -- I started with a sprint, then I moved up to an Olympic, and once you do that, you go, "Yeah, I want to do the longer one!" So you kind of work your way up.

Watching this broadcast, you get inspired to try your own version of the next step; whatever the next step is for you. You might be running a three-mile race and think, "Well, what if I tried for a 10K?" Everyone has their next step, and I hope what people do when they see me out there having fun and trying to push myself is figure out what is the challenge they want to accomplish, and use this as a push to do it.

Make sure to catch Danziger and other inspiring athletes on NBC at 4 p.m. ET this Sunday! And, if you're thinking about training for your first triathlon, here are 10 tips to help you on your way.

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]]>fitnessironmanironman 70.3lucy danzigerself magazinetriathlonKristen SeymourFri, 11 Jun 2010 12:00:00 ESTReal Housewife Bethenny Frankel Drops The Baby Weight in Just Three Weekshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/06/04/bethenny-frankel-on-losing-the-baby-weight-in-three-weeks/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/06/04/bethenny-frankel-on-losing-the-baby-weight-in-three-weeks/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/06/04/bethenny-frankel-on-losing-the-baby-weight-in-three-weeks/#commentsFiled under: ,

IGNAT/ bauergriffinonline.com

Bethenny Frankel recently revealed her incredible size-4 bikini-ready body in Us Weeky, just three weeks after giving birth to daughter Bryn. The New York Times best-selling author of "Naturally Thin" and "Skinnygirl Dish" managed to take off 29 of the 35 pounds in record time at almost 10 pounds per week (Editor's note: This is more than what most experts generally recommend, which is one to two pounds per week).

But Frankel's not alone: Other new mom celebs have been slimming down fast recently, like Kourtney Kardashian and Kendra Wilkinson. This Real Housewife's daily menu includes a muffin and fruit for breakfast, veggie sandwich and soup at lunch and barbecue chicken and a half of a sweet potato for dinner. To get the real story behind the weight loss, That's Fit talked to Frankel just before "The Real Housewives of New York City" season finale.

That's Fit: How did you modify your diet for pregnancy, before and after giving birth?

Bethenny Frankel: I believe that your diet is a bank account. The same held true for pregnancy, except that I had a bigger bank account! I always indulge and never deprive myself, but I rarely overeat. Bingeing is a no-no, and I believe that most pregnant people use it as a license to pig out. I was healthy before, during and after my pregnancy.

TF: What about exercise while you were pregnant?

BF: I did my "Body by Bethenny" yoga DVD two or three times a week, and walked to different neighborhoods of Manhattan for exercise. Walking is always accessible, affordable and attainable.

TF: How has your husband Jason Hoppy been supportive of you post-baby?
BF: We haven't been focused on weight loss. We like to explore different areas of Manhattan and restaurants by taking walks in the nice weather. I haven't been doing anything except occasional short stints on my elliptical since Bryn arrived.

TF: Are you having any complications from the C-section that affected your walking or holding the baby?
BF: I thought the C-section wasn't a big deal. I'm not much of a complainer, or one who is affected greatly by pain. I didn't even take the pain meds, except Advil. I feel good. I did nothing whatsoever except run around the house and breastfeed for the first three weeks. Now I'm out and about, no big deal. My stomach still feels numb, however, and I keep the scar covered -- though it is healing well. I am very sleep deprived, though!

TF: How are you dealing with urges and hormonal snacking?
BF: I never resist anything that I want, nor did I while I was pregnant. For instance, last night for dessert, I had a few bites of blueberry crisp and red velvet cake. No two days are the same. People always want me to hand them a plan, but the key is that there is no set plan. The reason people have lost hundreds of pounds from my books is they have worked out what works for them by ridding themselves of food noise.

TF: Do you have any tips for other new moms struggling with losing the baby weight?
BF: Don't get crazy and vow to "be good." Start the process of taking care of yourself while pregnant. I'm not trying to plug anything, but the advice in "Naturally Thin" changes lives. It teaches to not binge, to turn food noise into a voice and to not beat yourself up or be obsessive. Your diet is a bank account, so manage yours according to your life.

TF: And what about your new show?
BF: My new show is a departure from "Housewives." It's really funny, charming, completely honest and emotional. It gives you a glimpse at the every day details of my life and relationship. I'm so proud of it.

Tune into Frankel's new show, "Bethenny Getting Married?" Thursday June 10 at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo.

Read our review of Bethenny's "Body by Bethenny" DVD.

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]]>baby weightbethenny frankelbethenny getting marriedreal housewives of new york cityweight lossEmily ShetlerFri, 04 Jun 2010 15:00:00 ESTGet Megan Fox's Bikini Body with These Moves!http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/06/02/megan-fox-bikini-body/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/06/02/megan-fox-bikini-body/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/06/02/megan-fox-bikini-body/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nebil Elderkin

It's that time of year again: Temperatures are rising, beach vacations are looming and we all have bikinis on the brain. For help getting a svelte surf-ready body -- fast -- celebrities call on personal trainer Harley Pasternak.

As the creator of the 5-Factor Diet and Fitness plans, Pasternak is well-known for whipping A-listers into the best shape of their lives. Megan Fox, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Katy Perry, Hilary Duff and Amanda Seyfried are all current clients (check out Jennifer Hudson's new size six figure).

Pasternak shared tips with That's Fit to help you get into beach-ready form. "Your whole body has to look good," said Pasternak, "it's not about focusing on one part of the body. A bikini doesn't hide much! Everything has to look good."

To achieve total body results, Pasternak has devised a targeted circuit plan that he uses on all of his celebrity clients.

"Clients work out five days a week, and each workout is made up of five phases," Pasternak explained. Phase One is always cardio warm-up, which can be anything that gets your heart rate up and in the operating zone of 65 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate for a minimum of five minutes in duration. Any kind of cardio works, though Pasternak suggests jogging, jumping rope or running up and down the stairs if you live in a building.

Right after cardio comes Phases Two, Three and Four, a circuit of exercises that target specific body areas. This circuit is the core of Pasternak's fitness plan. Phase Two improves upper body strength, Phase Three is lower body strength and Phase Four is abdominals. For best results, "we do the circuit three or four times after the cardio warm-up," Pasternak said.

He suggested these sample exercises for the circuit. (The text for the exercises is taken from his book "5-Factor Fitness: The Diet and Fitness Secret of Hollywood's A-List"):

Phase Two: Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension
Lie flat on the bench with your feet up on the bench, tucked next to your butt. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, with your arms extended toward the ceiling and palms facing each other. Inhale as you hinge at the elbows and bring the dumbbells simultaneously down past your ears and toward your shoulders, then exhale as you press the dumbbells back to the starting position. Keep your upper arms still throughout the movement. Mental cue: imagine hammering a nail into the ceiling with both arms.

Phase Three: Reverse Lunge
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the dumbbells at arms' length, with your palms facing each other. (If you choose to go without dumbbells for this move, then place your hands on your hips.) With your shoulders back and head up, inhale as you take a large step forward. Lower your body so that you create a series of 90-degree angles (i.e. at the leading left leg, left ankle, left knee, left hip, as well as the back right knee and right ankle). As your back right knee nears the ground, exhale as you drive back with the muscles of your front leg to the starting position. Alternate after each rep.

Phase Four: Dumbbell Side Bend
Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in your left hand next to your left thigh. With both palms facing each other, slowly slide the dumbbell down your leg until you reach the bottom of the range of motion. Next, draw the dumbbell back up your thigh until the top of the range of motion. Keep your hips still throughout that movement. Upon completing the set, switch the dumbbell to the other side. Mental cue: imagine pivoting around your belly button.

Pasternak finishes off his clients' workouts on Phase Five, which is cardio cool down for a minimum of five minutes. This final push burns additional fat and cools the body down. You can again choose your favorite cardio exercise, or try walking, skipping or biking.

As we all know, working out is just one piece of the puzzle. To get a real celebrity bod, Pasternak puts his clients on his 5 Factor diet. "By combining diet and fitness together, results are more drastic, faster and more permanent," he said.

Not sure you're 100 percent on board with the diet? You can still get closer to Cannes-worthy abs by avoiding a common celebrity slip-up: drinking the calories. "My clients will follow the plan perfectly, then they'll drink mocha lattes or freshly squeezed OJ, only to find out that they just consumed 70 grams of sugar," said Pasternak. "Stick to sugar-free drinks like iced tea or sparkling water with lemon."

Now go hit the gym so you can hit the beach! Also try some of Harley Pasternak's 5-Factor Diet recipes.

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]]>5 Factor Dietbeach bodybikini bodyHarley PasternakKaty PerryLady Gagamegan foxphasetrainerEmily ShetlerWed, 02 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST"Real Houswives" Teresa Giudice Dishes About New Cookbook "Skinny Italian"http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/05/27/real-houswives-teresa-giudice-dishes-about-new-cookbook-skinn/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/05/27/real-houswives-teresa-giudice-dishes-about-new-cookbook-skinn/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/05/27/real-houswives-teresa-giudice-dishes-about-new-cookbook-skinn/#commentsFiled under: ,

teresa giudice skinny italianBobby Bank/WireImage.com

Feisty Jersey girl Teresa Giudice from "Real Housewives of New Jersey" has made her mamma proud. Once famous mostly for her table-flipping skills, Giudice recently published "Skinny Italian," a collection of recipes she learned straight from her Salerno-born mother's kitchen. The dishes are Italian-Italian, not Italian-American, with a healthy, homespun twist. She bakes her meatballs instead of frying them, cans her own tomato sauce, and never eats Americanized, calorie-laden dishes like chicken parmesan or calzones. She recently told That's Fit her own personal "Skinny Italian" secrets: Cook mom's recipes at home using fresh ingredients, consume mostly whole foods and always eat the cannoli.

That's Fit: Great Italian food depends so much on the ingredients. Where do you shop for produce?

Teresa Giudice: I go to the farmer's market, kind of like my parents and grandparents would do back in the day. The fruits and vegetables are the freshest there. I used to take my daughters, but now I have four of them so we can't all fit in the car -- there isn't enough room for all of them and the groceries!

TF: What do Americans do to Italian food that Italians wouldn't?

TG: I would never put sugar in red sauce. That's such a no-no for Italians. I was on "The Wendy Williams Show" and she wanted to put sugar in the sauce, and I said, "No Wendy, you just can't do that!"

TF: You mostly eat at home, but how do you eat healthy when you eat in restaurants?

TG: I almost always order fish because I think that's the healthiest. I love Chilean sea bass, grilled or with white wine sauce. I used to love tilapia, but then my fish guy told me that it was the fish that ate everything on the bottom of the sea, so I don't eat it anymore (Editor's note: Farm raised tilapia from the U.S., Central and South America is a healthy choice and sustainable fishery). If the restaurant makes homemade pasta, something special, I'll order that because I love homemade pasta, but I usually stick with the fish.

TF: What about snacking?

TG: I eat a lot of nuts like almonds, walnuts and pecans because nuts are great for your heart. I also eat dried fruit like prunes. I try to eat five small meals a day, but sometimes if I don't have time to eat a whole meal I will snack. But I'm always eating.

TF: What do you do to work out?

TG: My husband tells me not do cardio to because he doesn't want me to lose my a**! He always tells me to do squats instead of the treadmill. But when I find the time to work out, I do cardio on the treadmill. I also do weight training because I like to be toned and have definition.

TF: What's your favorite meal?

TG: Teresa's Favorite Tagliatelle, from the book. I love to make it when company comes over.

TF: What do you cook for your daughters?

TG: I make baby Audriana pastina with egg. I also mash up a whole banana; sometimes I boil pears and mash them up in the mini food processor. My baby eats everything -- I'll even mash up my meatballs for her. My girls are are not picky eaters, and they love all of my cooking. I cook for them seven days a week.

TF: Do you ever use other cookbooks?

TG: Everything I cook is what I learned from my mom. When I first got married, I bought cookbooks to impress my husband. But then the recipes all had a million funky ingredients that I would never use in my food! My parents are right off the boat, and I cook exactly how my mom cooks.

TF: What treats are impossible for you resist?

TG: Cannoli and pignoli cookies are my favorite sweets. If I go to a party and see cannoli there, I'm definitely going to eat them. I'm not one of those people who can just have three bites of steak and not eat the whole thing. You have to enjoy life.

Discover more tips for eating healthy Italian.

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]]>bravocookbookitalian foodreal housewives of new jerseyTeresa GiudiceEmily ShetlerThu, 27 May 2010 14:00:00 ESTAlison Sweeney Shares Her Favorite Biggest Loser Lessonshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/05/25/alison-sweeney-shares-her-favorite-biggest-loser-lessons/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/05/25/alison-sweeney-shares-her-favorite-biggest-loser-lessons/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/05/25/alison-sweeney-shares-her-favorite-biggest-loser-lessons/#commentsFiled under: ,

alison sweeney biggest loserAndrew H. Walker, Getty Images

On the eve of the Season 9 finale of "The Biggest Loser," we can't help but root for one contestant over another as they climb up on the scale for the last time. But Alison Sweeney is in everyone's corner on the ranch. That's Fit recently caught up with the host for "The Biggest Loser" to ask her about some of her favorite moments, and lessons, from the show.

That's Fit: Who really surprised you this season?
Alison Sweeney: Michael surprised us all. We had no idea how much success he would have, starting off at 526 pounds was daunting to say the least. Michael faced every challenge and saw them through to the end.

TF: Is this finale different from past finales?
AS: They're all different because the contestants are so different, unique and special. But the transformations are just as incredible as ever. This finale we are checking in with past contestants, too [Shay and Erik]. It will be a spectacular night.

TF: What was your favorite moment from this season?
AS: O'Neal climbing the stairs of the scale. To me, that moment meant so much more than just numbers on a scale. Bob saw what it would mean to 'Uncle' to climb those stairs with confidence, and he helped him achieve that. That's what this show is all about.

TF: What characteristic will the winner have that the others are lacking?
AS: I don't feel any of our contestants are lacking. I think they all have heart, determination and especially our final four have won their lives back. What will separate the winner from the runners up is just pure desire ... wanting it more.

TF: Have you seen a trend with the current and past winners in terms of personality, determination, etc.?
AS: Our past winners are so different ... in size, gender, age ... we've broken through all those boundaries and proven those stereotypes wrong. But I do think all our winners had one thing in common, and that's the ability to tap into their inner competitor. Seeing the goal, the finish line and setting their mind to accomplishing that task.

TF: How has being involved with the show changed your perspective about healthy living?
AS: Being a part of "The Biggest Loser" has taught me so much about living healthy. Jillian and Bob have trained me (yes, it hurts as much as the contestants say!) and have taught me a lot about nutrition. And I am so grateful for all the tools I've learned being with the show. Beyond that, the perspective it's given me about how important our health is, as a wife, mother, friend and role model has inspired me. I feel better, and fitter than at any other point in my whole life.

TF: What's the best workout tip you learned from the show?
AS: Stop making excuses and DO IT.

TF: What's the best nutrition/weight loss tip you learned from the show?
AS: Jillian and Bob sum it up best -- "calories in/calories out." It's simple math. Since I'm a working mom, I get how difficult it is to make time for the gym. So that means my nutrition is even more crucial. If I don't have time for a workout, I need to keep even closer track of my calories to keep myself on track.

TF: How does it feel to do a live show like the finale, and how has that changed since the first one?
AS: It's changed a lot. My first live finale I was petrified. My second and third just terrified, now, this will be my seventh, I get nervous right before I go on. But a good, butterflies in my tummy, high-energy nervous which I thrive on because it keeps me on my toes. It's important to me, and I want to do well, I have my "game face" on!

TF: Why do you feel so passionate about your work on the show?
AS: I'm passionate about being a part of "The Biggest Loser" because I'm so proud of the work we do, the positive influence we are having on an epidemic this country faces. Obesity has now overtaken smoking as the leading cause of preventable deaths in America. We are part of the solution.

TF: Considering you were once overweight, how do you feel when you see contestants who are morbidly obese?
AS: I've struggled with my weight my whole life -- it's not like you reach your goal weight, and then you never have to think about it again. You're always judging each meal, figuring out if those calories are worth it, when the next spin class is ... that's the rest of my life.

But what changed for me, and what I hope we help our contestants and our audience see, is it's not about being skinny, it's about being healthy about living the fullest life you can, and not letting anything, especially something you can control, like your weight, stop you from pursuing your dreams. When I meet someone who is morbidly obese -- and often they are fans of the show -- who wants to be a contestant, I ask them not to wait another moment. It's not about being on our show -- it's about using this moment, this meeting, to change your life! Get healthy now, do it for you and the ones you love.

Want to get started right now? Enter our Biggest Loser giveaway!

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]]>alison sweeneybiggest loserbiggest-losernbcseason 9That's Fit EditorsTue, 25 May 2010 15:00:00 EST10 Questions for Jillian Michaelshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/05/21/jillian-michaels-answers-your-questions/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/05/21/jillian-michaels-answers-your-questions/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/05/21/jillian-michaels-answers-your-questions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jillian MichalesHoward Wise, jpistudios.com

TIME Magazine's popular "10 Questions" column has historically been used as a sounding board for readers to ask tough questions to newsmakers and celebrities. And the list of interviewees -- ranging from Green Day front man Billie Joe Armstrong to the Dalai Lama -- is hardly traditional. So when the magazine decided to feature TV's toughest trainer Jillian Michaels as part of its 10 Questions column, on newsstands today, before her new reality show "Losing It With Jillian" premieres on June 1, That's Fit was interested to see what she had to say.

Despite her plethora of exercise DVDs and diverse moves, when one reader asked what single exercise Jillian would do for the rest of her life if she had to, Michaels said mixed martial arts. "It's a great way to stay fit, stay toned, stay lean," she told the magazine. "I love yoga, but the namaste thing only takes you so far. Every now and again, you just gotta hit something. Not someone -- something."

Speaking of getting physical, another question the "The Biggest Loser" star fielded was about her role on the show. One reader wanted to know what the trainer was thinking when she smiled or laughed when "breaking" a show's contestant. "I enjoy watching them struggle with something that seems insane," Jillian admitted. "They're just like, 'You can't be serious. You must have lost your mind.' But I know that they're going to achieve [their goal]. I wouldn't think it was funny if they couldn't do it."

Obesity is obviously a reality for Michaels on Biggest Loser. And while she thinks that "you can be predisposed genetically, but it's not a sentence. I'm genetically predisposed, but I manage my weight. The root of obesity, though, is usually emotional. The poor habits are a symptom of a deeper emotional issue." Michaels, who has revealed having had a weight problem as a child, thinks that the current obesity epidemic in the United States, and elsewhere, is outrageous. "Obesity in children is growing out of control," she said, commenting that a large part of this problem is economic. "Fake foods are more affordable," she said. "It's enticing people to eat more because they think they're saving money when they're really just buying heart disease."

While Jillian is all about reaching goals, for this interview she was asked about whether people who say that their body is most comfortable at a certain weight are just using this as an excuse to be lazy. "I don't believe in lazy," Michaels said. "I think lazy is a symptom of something else that's wrong. Five or 10 pounds over your ideal aesthetic weight is normal. But when you're looking at 20-plus pounds over a healthy weight, that's not your body's metabolic set point, nor is it a question of laziness. You need to look a little deeper."

Regarding the controversy earlier this year over the trainer endorsing supplements, Michaels had a response to one reader's query. "It's not an endorsement deal," she said. "It's a licensing deal. What that means is I've worked with a lab, and doctors of course, to create supplements that I believe help enhance your metabolism. This isn't a magic pill, nor is it meant to be."

Even though Michaels is known for her tough love attitude and depriving many a contestant of their guilty pleasures in the name of weight loss, that doesn't mean she doesn't have a few vices of her own. "There's a Turtle Mountain chocolate-peanut butter-coconut ice cream," she said in the TIME Magazine interview. "And the occasional glass of red wine, but it has to be really good because I rarely drink. I'll definitely do a glass of wine and ice cream for dinner. It's been known to happen. Rarely! Rarely!"

Click on the video below to watch Jillian's interview with TIME Magazine.




Read on to find out more about what Jillian has to say about her new reality show.

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]]>fitnessinterviewjillian michaelslosing it with jilliantime magazinetrainerVanessa VoltolinaFri, 21 May 2010 10:30:00 EST