Thursday Thoughts : Love Letter

6:52 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

It’s Thursday already? Wow. Where did the time go? Before you know it it’ll be 2012! What a year it has been. Tonight, I’m settling down to write the 31st edition of Thursday Thoughts with Remy. That means I’ve been at it for almost eight months, crazy. Before we get any further, an important reminder to clients and members of NWPT and NW Women’s Fitness Club:

Our Holiday special, the best prices of the year, is over this Saturday! So be sure to get in to stock up for 2012 and make the commitment to your health and fitness. If you can't make it into the studio, you can call and we'll take care of you by phone at 360.574.7292 or 503.287.0655.
If you have a friend, co-worker, neighbor, anyone you think you’d love the club (and who wouldn’t?!) we are running a very special ‘Zero to Join’ special until Saturday too! Get fit with a friend! And if she joins you’ll get a sweet gift too – an hour personal training or an hour massage, FREE. Bonus!

So, there are lot’s of cool ways to help get fit and feel great this year and next. Look for more info about the winter session of Better Food, Better Fit (aka Fat Loss Class). I’m super excited to share new knowledge and insights about the best and easiest ways to lose extra weight and make healthy changes that will last a lifetime. So many people try and fail at weight loss and just end up feeling miserable about themselves. No more of that! You really can lose fat without totally changing your life, buying crazy pills or spending tons of money.

This class will show you simple ways to optimize workouts, plan meals, how cook nutritious foods and have fun doing it. With built in accountability and professional coaching this could be the beginning of the best year of your life.
I’m also excited to be able to offer a NEW special drop-in option for graduates of the class! This is a perfect way to keep up the momentum and refresh your healthy lifestyle tool kit. Join as many of the 10-week classes as you want for $15 a class. I’ll be posting a tentative outline to the Google group site that help guide your choices. Awesome.

Dearest Reader and Clients, I want to say thank you. Thank you for another amazing year. Some of you I’ve known for a while now and some I’ve just met. All of you make my life more full and more fun. The most wonderful thing about being a coach and teacher is getting to learn from all of your students. And I’ve learned a lot – how to knit a scarf, how to keep lentils from getting squishy, what workout pants make your tush look cutes, where to get the best manicure. You have recommended books that are now favorites, shared recipes I cook all the time. You have helped me teach and listen better and to look at the world in different and exciting ways. You are a generous and exceptional bunch. I am grateful for you all.

Best wishes for a surprising and special new year.

With love,
Remy

Thursday Thoughts : Making Merry

6:50 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 1 Comments

Happy Thursday Everyone! Today I am excitedly awaiting my parent-in-law to arrive from Tennessee. I'm happy to be spending the holiday together here in chilly Portland. It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks around our place and sure to be a wild weekend too. Consider this Thursday Thoughts an ode to multi-tasking. Below you'll find my gifty granola recipe and favorite poem that I wrapped up as presents this year. I'm also sending along my holiday menu - as much to organize myself as to share the kitchen love! I'll spare you my grocery list.

Gifty and Good-for-you Granola

You can totally tweak this to suit everyone on your list or under your roof.

Combine 4 TBSP of coconut oil with 1/3 cup of honey and bubble up in a saucepan. Stir well over medium heat until its all smoothed out.

Toss together 4 cups of oats, I used a combination of rolled oats, barely and think old fashion oats. Use your favorite variety but not the quick cooking kind. Add in 1 cup chopped almonds and 1 cup of coconut flakes.

Spread the oats evenly over a parchment lined baking sheet. Cook at 375 for 10 minutes, stir. Cook another 5-15 minutes more or until oats are golden brown. I'd stay close to the kitchen during cooking:-)

Now, go to town! Take your plain old, yummy, granola and fancy it up. Try peanuts and dark chocolate chips, or walnuts and fig, pumpkin seed and blueberry, the sky's the limit! Flax seed and cranberry. Whatever. Go nuts, go fruity, go crazy.

Christmas Eve Menu: Fish feast!

Seared Salmon and Crab Legs
Sauteed Green Beans with Shallots
Stewed Spiced Apples
Creamy Risotto and Mashed Cauliflower
Toasted Italian Bread
A deep, delicious red wine
Hot Chocolate Cherry cookies

Christmas Day:
Cranberry Mimosas - A tart and lower sugar take on the O.j. original
Whole wheat pancakes with real maple syrup

Christmas Dinner:
White Chocolate Martinis
Honey Baked Ham! (There will be no assaults with meat in my house this year. Haven't heard the story?!?)
Sue's Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes. Bring it, Mom Morphis.
Shreaded Brussel Sprouts with sweet mustard glaze
Roasted root veggies (gotta have my squash)
Warm Rolls
Pie of an undecided sort. Anyone know where to get the best it-looks-homemade? I'm just not sure there's time!


And a poem. A great morning read. (Thanks for reminding me how much I love this one D.) No, it’s not exactly sugar plums and fairies, but, neither are we. It may be a tad on the dark side and A. suggested you all might find me a weirdo for sending it. “Too late”, I said. I appreciate being reminded to look out life’s door with positivity and acceptance. The view isn’t always picture perfect but we’ve got to look out for the possibilities or we won’t see a thing. Or maybe it’ll just remind you to smile and nod when your crazy family comes a-knocking for dinner.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Rumi


Wish you all a spectacular, sweet and special weekend. Live it up. Love it up!

Yours truly,
Remy

Help for the Holidays

7:36 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Title of this weeks Thoughts: “Things to do that aren’t stuffing your face over the Holidays” or “How to enjoy the festivities without getting fat” or, maybe, “This year, focus on the fun not the food”. The first one is exactly what I mean, the second one is a bit rude and the last one is boring. Whatever title you like best I think you get the gist. Chances are you’ve been thinking about this topic since Halloween. Well, how’s that going? I managed to be too busy in October to even remember to buy candy. Traveling over Thanksgiving kept me in check more than usual. I hate flying and feeling funky. But, since you know I love a good celebration and “Cheers!” is one of my favorite words, my urge to indulge has begun to grow the closer to the New year we get. And, my waist will too if I’m not careful. The following suggestions are tried and tested. They work. And I’m going to do my best to implement them over the next few weeks. I refuse to suffer any guilt this season. Live it up. And do it right. It really isn’t about the food. (It’s about the presents.) I’m joking!!! This year I want to do everything I can to take special care to show love and respect to myself, my friends and my wonderful family. When I’ve got a place to gather I’m going to cook and bake up a storm and have everyone come celebrate all the time! The winter months would be a real drag with out all the twinkle lights, stupid sweaters and feasts. Because it’s hard to avoid, and we wouldn’t want to, here are some ideas to make merry without suffering the dreaded post-party season.

Be prepared. Yes, again, planning is the key. Don’t go anywhere hungry. Have a salad or small snack before heading to a party with food and drink. Pop a handful of nuts to satisfy your hunger before arriving at the event. My go-to pre-party snack is a sliced up apple with some walnuts and raisins sprinkled with cinnamon. Sometimes that’s even enough to satisfy my craving for dessert.

Choose wisely. Scan the buffet for healthy options, veggies, shrimp cocktail, fruit and nuts. Enjoy these first. I love shrimp cocktail and it isn’t something I get very often. I love it so much I even eat the tails. And no one should ever felt badly about filling up on fruits and veggies, just beware the consequences and excuse yourself☺

Make some swaps. Try sparkling wine with a splash of cranberry instead of red wine or a regular mimosa with orange juice. Alternate soda water or tea between alcoholic beverages to control calories and fortify your will power. Try dips on veggies not chips. Skim some frosting off the cupcakes and cream off the devil eggs.

Eat before your drink. I know it’s tempting to take a glass of bubbly right away. It seems so much easier to mingle and make small talk with a glass in your hand. But watch out! After a couple glasses of mulled wine or hot toddies the deep fried cheesecake dipped in chocolate seems like a darn fine idea, how inventive!

On that note: Stay hydrated. Alternating water between adult beverages is a great way to keep calories in check and keep your cool. Make a point to chug a couple glasses of water before heading out the door. Have a cup of water before your meal and keep your glass handy for refills.

Skip something. You don’t have to try every single thing on the table. Ever had a chocolate chip cookie before? Well, then, no need to try one again when there are these interesting looking puff balls over here. Pick one of your favorites and then try something new.

Share new recipes. Go ahead and brave the storm. I brought a healthy, not ‘light’ but actually nutritious cookie to my girlfriends cookie baking party this year. Check it out on the blog. So rich and scrumptious you feel satisfied after just the right amount. They may have thought I was a crazy health nut but I hope they enjoyed the treat.

Walk it out. Up the family time or slip a way for a little quietness with a brisk stroll around the block. Get everyone together to enjoy the fresh air, come together and refocus before the big meals. Take time to breath deeply and remember what your get together is all about. After you eat, go play. Visit a near by park, walk with the dogs, move your body.

After you’ve finished your first plate of food, toss it. Or take it to the kitchen. The eating is done. Move on and make merry. Break out the board games turn on the tunes and get down to the real celebrating. Now’s the time to open your hearts, act like a kid, smile, laugh, play, tell stories, love and live it up.


Oh! One more tip. Be the photographer. Capture all the great moments. You’ll be too busy to eat and you’ll be sure to remember the good times! And if you’re lucky you’ll be spared any embarrassing pictures this year.

I’d love to hear your great ideas, traditions and stories. Write me at remy@nwpersonaltraining.com or visit me on facebook @ Manifest the Best. I wish you all a sweet and special season where ever you are and whatever that means to you.

Cheers!
Remy

Hot Chocolate Cherry Chip Cookies

9:01 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Hot Chocolate and Cherry Chip Cookies

This recipe comes from my new favorite blogger Sarah Britton. She's an amazing writer/chef living in Denmark and coming up with kick-butt one-of-a-kind recipes. I'm inspired! Thanks, SB.
I made a dozen cookies.

Ingredients:

1 can black beans (I'm not a 'soaker' yet)
2 Tbsp. coconut oil
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. coarse sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey, agave)
2 Tbsp. chia seeds (or use 2 Tbsp. ground flax seeds OR 2 eggs)
1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/3 cup chopped dark chocolate (80% or higher)
1/4 cup chopped dried cherries (optional, or use dried cranberries)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla in a bowl and set aside. If using eggs, skip this step.
3. Place drained and well-rinsed beans, coconut oil, cocoa, salt and cayenne in a food processor and blend until well combined. Add maple syrup and chia mixture (or eggs) and pulse to incorporate. The batter will be quite liquid-y, but still hold together. Remove blade from the food processor and add chopped chocolate and cherries. Fold to incorporate.
4. Spoon cookie batter onto lined baking sheet. Using the back of the spoon, flatten top of cookies slightly, as they will not spread when baking. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt (important!). Bake for 15 minutes until the edges are browning. Cool and eat. Store in the fridge.

If you eat before they cool these cookies taste and feel more like brownies. Cook a little longer and cool longer too for a crunchier cookie. Experiment! I think some oat flour or semolina (Angela's suggestion) might be a wonder. Celebrate! Cook! Cookies!

'Tis the Season

9:51 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Happy Thursday Everyone,

There is so much going on this time of year! Everyone is busy and buzzing around. Parties, shopping, work, working out, eating, sleeping and trying to do it all as cheerfully as possible. Good luck to all of us.

I enjoy this time of year. I love the festive feeling. Give me a reason to celebrate and I’m all about it! Last night we had a little dinner get-together at our place. My cousin brought me a lovely holiday bouquet that is really the first (and only) decoration we’ve got so far. Looks like I’ll finally have some free time this weekend to decorate and hit the stores to start checking things off my list of gifts to give this year. But, first, I’ve got to make my list! This is really the toughest part. There isn’t a single person on my list for whom a stocking stuffed with gum and Mad-Libs or a Pillow Pet would be appropriate. We get so complicated when we realize Santa can use a credit card.

I’d like to take a second to ponder and reflect on all of this gifting stuff. I’ve talked to lots of clients about what they want to receive this year and what they plan to give (trying to get some good ideas myself). A few have admitted that at their house “no one is getting gifts this year!” I can understand cutting back on crazy, debt inducing giving and refraining from overloading ourselves with more needless stuff. However, I want presents! I do! I remember how thrilling it was to sit on the floor in a pile of ribbon and paper admiring the new glittery sweater and just perfect cordoroy skirt I was going to rock when I went back to school. The gifts I got at Christmas and the dawn of a new year gave me a glorious feeling of reinvention and opportunity.

Giving gifts is a chance to show your favorite people that not only do you love them, but you also listen them and know what they like, who they are and who they want to be. The key is to spend some time thinking about the person you are giving to. Picking out just the right little something makes both parties feel special. Sure I’ll probably mention to my Mom that I’d love a new handbag and I might even email her a picture. No matter what I’ll be thrilled with her gift because I know it thrilled her to give it to me.

Doing what I do, I find gift-giving holidays and events a perfect opportunity to share my love of exercise and fitness. Hey, I’m not suggesting you “need” to workout, but really, everyone does. We should all try to support each other in our healthy endevours. Exercise, just like gift-giving make us feel great!

Here are some ideas that I hope will help you get into the season of sharing, give you more time to relax and enjoy the good vibes and maybe more time to shop for yourselfJ

All of these in italics can be purchased at Northwest Women’s Fitness Club. Come for you workout and fill up your sleigh while you’re at it!

For the Spin Class Enthusiast:
Polar Heart-rate Monitor from $99 - $179 Sexy in red and hot in bright orange! I couldn't live without my pink one.
A wicked cute water bottle. $12 - $20 BPA free at Klean Kanteen and Sigg
Monogrammed sweat towel. Cool! Check out L.L. Bean’s for $19.95

For the Traveler:
Smart Toners $13.99 With varying resistance these light weight bands give a big workout in a small space.

For the Reader:
A colored edition of ‘Strength Training Anatomy’ by Frederic Devaliar. Fitness geeks will love this one. Look for it at Powell’s first. $15
Sherri McMillan’s Go For Fit and Fit Over 40. Full of amazing information based on years of experience and proven results. $15.95

For the Runner, Walker, Yogi or stressed out friend:
ID Band – there are ankle, wrist and necklace versions. $12
Gloves with touch pads to use phones and text without getting chilly fingers. I found the coolest purple ones at Zappo’s for $33 (Hi Andrew!)
Foam Roller $21.99 -$31.95

For the Newbie:
10 for $10 punch card! Wow! 10 visits to the club, exercise room, classes, sauna, all of it for $1 a visit. Bet she’ll be hooked!

For Anyone (including you):
A specifically designed workout by a professional trainer. Only $60 an hour!
Relaxing, essential, rejuvinating massage. Only $50 an hour.
A fruit basket! Seriously, they are so pretty and so practical!

Giving the gift of health and fitness says I love you. Especially when paired with a small box of dark chocolate truffles, wink, wink.



*NEW* on Facebook: Check out Manifest the Best here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manifest-the-Best/225945900811424 and LIKE it to see updates and make me feel special.
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Grits - What's up with those anyway?!

1:55 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Grits are a typically Southern food used mostly for breakfast dishes sort of like oatmeal or cream of wheat. Grits are basically ground corn, white or yellow, with water and salt. Usually cooked up with animal fat, like bacon, or fried with oil and butter, grits aren't often considered a health food. But prepared without those things, grits can be a good base for a nutritious meal when you serve with protein and more veggies. Grits contain little to no sugar and are rich in Vitamin B and Iron. Iron is important to help the body transport oxygen and create energy. B Vitamins break down nutrients and help the body use food for fuel. Good stuff! When shopping for grits look for enriched and unsalted to get the biggest health benefits for your buck. Try some tonight! The Shrimp and Grits recipe I just posted make a warmy, yummy, comfy meal in no time.

Shrimp and grits - Southern comfort with less calories.

1:42 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Shrimp and grits!! I did it! As Southern as I could get it way up here in the Pacific Northwest. I asked A. what he wanted for dinner and this was his vote. A challenge he was surprised I was willing to tackle:) Warm and comfy.

Easy Shrimp and Grits With Sweet Peppers

(Recipe adapted from one at Whole Foods Markets)

3 slices Bacon - Yup! Bacon! Use what ever kind you like, pepper, turkey, whatever.
1 cup white or yellow grits (I used white grits)
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 small yellow onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 green or red bell peppers, cored, seeded and sliced
1/3 pound peeled and deveined raw shrimp (fresh or frozen and thawed)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons hot sauce, plus more for serving (optional)

Directions:

Cook bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium heat, flipping once, until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off and reserve all but one teaspoon bacon fat from skillet. Set aside off heat.

Meanwhile, bring 3 1/2 cups salted water to a boil in a medium pot. Whisk in grits, reduce heat to medium low and simmer until thick and tender, 6 to 8 minutes. (Some grits have different cooking times, so adjust water and cooking time as needed.)

Reheat the one teaspoon bacon fat over medium-high heat; add onions, garlic, peppers, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Move onion mixture to one side of the skillet and add another teaspoon bacon fat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Add lemon juice and hot sauce. Toss shrimp and onion mixture together. Spoon hot grits into bowls and top with shrimp mixture. Crumble bacon over the top and serve with additional hot sauce on the side.

Seriously, simple, pretty cheap, wicked quick and darn tasty!! I can't remember the last time I ate baco. My, my, what a treat!

Spicy Carrots and Moroccan Couscous - Side dishes make you look good

9:16 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Spice up your carrots! I love this Moroccan flavor on warm, perfectly steamed veggies. Take a bunch of carrots and chop them into good sized rounds or use baby carrots to simplify like I did. Steam the carrots to perfection - however you like 'em! Then toss the carrots in a mixture of olive oil, about 1 TBSP (or less), 1 clove crushed garlic, 5 or 6 cloves. Sprinkle in 1/2 TBSP Cumin, 1 tsp cayenne, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, a bunch of chopped parsley and/or cilantro and the juice of one whole lemon. Warm this up while you are finishing the rest of dinner. Goes great with 5 Spiced Chicken and Moroccan Couscous. Now only if I could stay up for dessert.

Moroccan Couscous

This dish is really fun becuase there really aren't any rules. Do what you like. Use what you have. Here's my version.

Cook couscous according to directions. I like to cook mine in half water, half broth to add flavor.

Mix with 1/2 cup garbonzo beans (chick peas)

Add raisins, almond slivers, diced green onions, diced red onion. The juice of one orange and fresh mint if you've got it. I didn't have any so I tossed in more cilantro. I mean really how can you use that whole bunch without it going to waste?? Well, here's how.

5 Spiced Chicken, Spiced Carrots and Moroccan Couscous served to friends and family with a bottle of your favorite red:)

Sexy and Simple Chicken Dinner -

9:02 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

I baked my second ever chicken. Such a fun thing to prepare for company. So homey. So tasty. I wanted to style the bird and meal totally un-Thanksgiving-like. Andrew and I traveled for the holiday so we didn't get any leftovers and I wanted some of those too. Here's what I did.

5 Spice Chicken:

Sift together
1 TBSP Cumin
1/2 TBSP Curry Powder
1/2 TSSP Ground Ginger
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper

Directions

Heat oven to 450° F. Rinse and dry the bird. Place in a roasting dish breast side up. Stuff a bunch of cilantro and/or parsley in the open cavity.

Spread the spice mixture all over the bird. If you want to get fancy you can gentle pull the skin off the breasts and thighs and spread the spice directly on the meat. This would flavor the meat much better but it takes more time than I felt like spending. I know, lazy.

Roast for 20 minutes. Add 1 cup water or broth to pan and roast until the chicken is cooked through and the thigh meat registers 180° F on a meat thermometer, about 40 minutes more.

Remove fro oven and let the bird chill out for 10-15 minutes before carving. I saved the drippings and drizzled a bit over the meat on the plates.

Serve with Spiced-up Carrots and Moroccan Couscous. (Up next)

Simply Soup

7:43 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

What sounded better after the Thanksgiving gorge-fest than a nice, yummy bowl of soup, easy on the tummy (and the thighs)??!! My family and I were joking about the upcoming 'cabbage soup diet' before we'd even sliced into the bird! (We'd been sampling the sweets for several days, and toasting their success with plentiful glasses of red wine.) Truly, there is little better on tcold wintery nights that a steamy bowl of hearty soup. There are a few rules for me though...I don't like a runny soup (plain and creamy) and I don't like rice in my tomato. My favorite soup bowls are filled with fragrant, chunky chilies, stews and filling veggie meals. Give your body a digestive break by warming your food so you can save the heating for frosty toes and hands. Here are some of my favorites this year.

Lentil Soup (I've posted this one before -it's GOOD)

1 lb dried lentils, ~2 1/2 cups
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1 med onion, chopped
2 carrots,slice thinly
2 cloves garlic, minced
16 oz can diced tomatoes
2 tsp cayenne
3 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp salt
8 c water

Put all ingredients in lg pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover.
Simmer gently ~45 min, until lentils are tender. Stir occasionally, if
it looks too thick, add water.

Wicked Simple Kale and Turkey Soup

Ingredients

8 cups chicken broth
1 bunch kale, rinsed and sliced
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
1 pound diced fully cooked turkey ham
4 cloves garlic, chopped
freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions

Measure the chicken broth into a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. When it comes to a boil, add the kale, potatoes, ham and garlic. Season with ground black pepper. Simmer covered over low heat for 1 1/2 hours.


Dreamy Fish Stew http://remywright.blogspot.com/2011/04/dream-do-come-true-choppino.html

And here's what I've been whipping up all week for lunch:

2 cups low-sodium chicken or veggie broth
1 cup sprouts
1 cup frozen spinach
1/2 c diced tomatoes (from a can)
1/2 chopped white onion
2 stalks chopped celery
2 sliced carrots
a few dashes of hot sauce (go for it!)
seal salt
pepper
ginger
garlic

This is souper light lunch time dish. I've been eating a bowl or two every afternoon with two rice cakes topped with 1/4 avocado and a drizzle of honey. I'll add all natural turkey or ham to complete the meal and fill me up until dinner time.