Boots McBlog

It’s been awhile since I’ve made an entry under “boots’ camp”.   Frilly dress /bathing suit season is frightfully near.   The warmer weather reminds me that comfort food of the winter has made my spring duds a little less comfy to wear.   Never fear,  its a great time to make some more tweaks to my habits.   Confession – I’m a snacker.   I honestly could live on party food,  snacks and sweets.    Thankfully there are so many healthier options out there these days to make my afternoon crunch time – a little less guilt ridden.   I plan to start sharing a few more of my recipes and food finds along the way.  

In a complete about face from my previous ladylike post,  I have the sense of humor of a fourth grade boy….which is why I find this snack not only delicious – but  the name makes me giggle.       Pirates Booty is an all natural rice / corn puff.   No trans fats  ( those yucky globules that gum up your arteries)  and they are gluten free.  ( Gluten is a protein in wheat to which many many folks are developing an allergy signified by intestinal pain, joint pain, and/or skin rash).   I’ve been lovin’ the Aged white cheddar flavor for over a year now after I noticed my health conscious best friend feeding it to her two year old.   If you’ve never seen it, it is usally over in the “healthy/ natural” section of your local market.  When I shopped Whole Foods last week,  I was ecstatic to find the myriad of flavors available.   Salt & Vinegar, Veggie, Cheddar, BBQ.    They also have them available in snack bags of 1oz serving making them perfect for packing a lunch for kids or yourself or toting to the pool or ballfield.   A 1 oz serving has 130 calories and 5 gm fat which is comparable to baked chips – but these little puffs provide more volume and crunch time, plus all the flavor and NO orange dust all over your fingers when you are finished.      Just like the package says “thar be good”.    Silly name, low in calories  means  a perfect snack for a laughternoon break.

Disclosure: the FCC  prefers me to tell you that Pirates Booty nor Whole Foods is paying me to write this.  Of course,  I would be thrilled if they would.  But they aren’t  - these are strictly my lil ol opinions.

Cheers, Y’all!

Dear Miss Emily Post,

My deepest regrets for my next blog entry.

Sincerely,

Boots

When chewing gum was introduced to the United States in 1871, Emily Post would not even speak of the subject.  It was declasse, not to mention, to some  it was immoral.      Jump 140 years into the future and you are bound to see someone, somewhere smacking the stuff in public.  ( I use the word, “smacking” as it is the  word my mother used when I was growing up  to emphasize her disgust at the habit)  To mom’s dismay,  I happen to love to chew gum.  Many of us do.

The other night as I sat watching the Oscars,  I spied  Sarah Jessica Parker – queen of fashion – bedecked in her Haute Couture Chanel gown chewing away.    First I was horrified at her lack of civility, but  I then thought to myself – “That’s how she stays so skinny.”   Yes, chewing gum can actually shed some pounds.

The New England Journal of Medicine published a study citing the act of chewing gum can increase caloric expenditure each day  by 20%.   Eleven calories per hour were burned – not much-  but it adds up.    The study concluded that chewing sugar free gum every hour you are awake could possibly lead to an 11 pound weight loss in a year.   Wow!  11 pounds!!   Before you get too excited,  this means ALL waking hours – in the shower, at the gym, in that important, must -seal -the deal presentation.   Um -  the latter is not such a good idea.    It is still important to mind your manners.

While you may not be able to chew gum ALL the time to reach the full 11 pounds weight loss,   chewing sugar free gum can help you decrease cravings for higher calorie snacks and curb your appetite.  It can increase gastric motility by stimulating saliva production and may calm some symptoms of indigestion.  ( Warning – Obligatory negative medical news Note to follow: swallowing too much air may lead to increased indigestion or gas.  Some sugar free sweeteners such as sorbitol may cause gastric distress if taken in large quanitities.  Sorbitol is the key ingredient in most laxatives)   However – in more good news, gums sweetened with xylitol may help to reduce dental caries.    And perhaps the reason, I reach for it most often is that chewing gum in a rhythmic pattern can help to reduce anxiety and stress.   I happen to be that toe tapping, fidgety girl in meetings  and I always have a pack of Orbitz’s  flavor of the month on hand.

Of course, for Emily’s sake and my mother’s,  one should never blow bubbles in public,  “pop” it, or dispose of it by simply spitting it out.   Wrapping the used product in a paper and then disposing of it in a receptacle is best practice.  I can’t believe I actually feel the need to have to say that…. but  those of us who have ruined a pair of pumps by stepping in a bubblicious mess would appreciate if everyone would heed these common courtesies.

When in private – that’s a different story – smack away.  Blow a big ol bubble.  Have fun – and just think of all the good your are doing for yourself.  Now that’s something to chew on.

Cheers!

**special thanks to Hestands in the Heights for allowing me to snap a shot of their gum display that always makes me happy when I  see it.

Happy March!   A new month signifies a closer step to spring and the season for my favorite vegetable – ASPARAGUS.   Many of us are familiar with the canned or frozen version that has no semblance to the delicacy of fresh crunchy spears.  Again, fresh is best!   Asparagus is versatile and can be used in various dishes from salads, to omelets, used as a topper for a grilled steak or just  as a simple roasted side dish.   I often prepare these quickly grilled or roasted  just like the brussels sprouts I featured a few weeks ago.    (By the way,  our local market and I would like to thank those of you  who tried the fresh brussels sprouts..and LIKED them!)  Asparagus is a great source of fiber, folate, and vitamin C and extremely low in calories.

My preference for asparagus is to buy pencil thin stalks. I think they are more tender, however thicker stalks can be just as tasty.    Asparagus is best stored  standing in a dish of water in the refrigerator until it’s use. (no more than 5 days after purchase) To prepare, gently bend the stalk and allow it to naturally break and discard the tough end.  Prepare steamed, roasted, or grilled.   And by grilled this means, you can use that panini maker or Boxer named grill for a quick fix.

Last night,  I tossed them with a teaspoon of Olive Oil and sprinkled with Lemon Pepper and placed on my panini grill for approx 4 minutes.   Many times, I’ll stop here and use them as yummy side dish.  However, for Sunday Supper, I used them for a pizza!  (see below)

Grilled Chicken & Asparagus, Caramelized Onion Pizza.

My oldest brother, who is an excellent cook and a fellow foodie,  told me about this concoction.  Just like his Xanadu album years ago,   I’ve taken this recipe and have made it my own.   It is one of my favorite spring meals.

2  4oz chicken breast*

1/2 bundle of Asparagus

1 vidalia onion/ sweet onion,  sliced

1 prepared  12 inch Pizza crust ( i.e. Boboli Whole Wheat Crust)

1 cup Italian Blend Cheese or Grated Fresh Parmesan

Lemon Pepper Seasoning, to taste

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

3 tsp Olive Oil, separated

1 tsp butter

Directions:

In a heavy saucepan or iron skillet  melt one tsp of butter with one teaspoon of Olive oil.   Place sliced onion in the pan over medium heat and slowly cook for 30 minutes until onions caramelize.  Remove from Heat.    ( While onions are cooking,  you will have time to prepare the chicken and the asparagus)

For uncooked chicken, sprinkle with Lemon Pepper Seasoning to taste and place on countertop grill.   Usually 5-7 minutes.  Remove from grill and allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes.  Then chop into bite size pieces and toss with 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice.

*For the chicken breast, you may choose to substitute rotisserie chicken breast or pre packaged grilled tenders to save time on preparation

Once Chicken is complete,  toss asparagus spears with 1 tsp of olive oil and lemon pepper to taste.  Place on counter top grill for 2-4 minutes.  Remove from grill and chop.

To prepare pizza, brush top of prepared pizza crust with 1 tsp of Olive Oil.  Top with chopped chicken,  chopped grilled asparagus, and caramelized onions.  Sprinkle with One cup of Italian blend cheese or Parmesan.  Bake according to Pizza crust instructions.  Usually 8-10 minutes at 450 degrees.  Yields: 6 slices

Calories per slice:  approx 225 calories.  Serve this with a side of citrus mixed fruit ( oranges and grapefruit)  for a colorful, vitamin packed, well balanced meal.

What an easy and delicious way to march into a healthy new season.

Cheers, Y’all!

p.s.   Of course, you know today’s soundtrack will definitely involve the Xanadu Soundtrack.

Dependable. Versatile.  Classic.  Elegant.   She never seems to disappoint.  If you are like me,  there is an entire section of your closet dedicated to this wardrobe staple – the Little Black Dress or “LBD” as she is often known.

from my collection - my favorite LBD is this one by Gemma Kahng

The LBD is a great camoflauge for those times when we don’t feel quite as, well,  little.   And when we are at our peak fitness…VA VA VA VOOM!   Watch out,  there is nothing sexier than a pair of great gams extending from that dark hemline.

Like the number of LBD’s hanging in my closet, I’ve begun quite a collection of work-out apps on my iPhone to help me make the most of my couture.   The latest is  SHAPE Magazines Little Black Dress App.

Little Black Dress provides  12 total body strength training and cardio workouts specifically designed to sculpt, shrink, and strengthen a women’s figure in all the right spots — ideal for slipping into whichever little black dress style you desire.  Shoulders, arms, legs, abs,  you name it – there is a workout to help work those areas you most want to highlight.    There is also “5 minute pre-party Prep” workout which I adore.  Nothing feels better than walking into a party feeling strong.     The app also lets you listen to your own workout tunes while following visual step by step directions on each exercise.

Check it out today.   Just like a little black dress,  a strong body never goes out of style.

Cheers!

“Rhythm…roll…steady…flow”   These are the words my personal trainer uses as I start my interval walk/ run training.   I wonder what Courtney Cox thinks when she hears these words.   (She and I have the same trainer).  I wonder if Sarah Silverman jokes,  “Oh, just like I do with Matt Damon?”     (She uses my trainer, too)      Yes, most days of the week,  I meet with Grace Lazenby,  fitness trainer to the stars. The workouts are worthy of any golden statue!   Why – just the other day as I was on my 7% incline interval, pushing myself for nearly an hour,  when my former trainer stopped by to comment on my tenacity.   I guess she didn’t notice I had my upscale trainer by my side.  Maybe she didn’t notice because my trainer  is my  iPod.

When Boots’ Camp started a few weeks back, I made the decision to be more regular with my exercise.   In the past, I have whipped myself into shape with the help of some very talented and TOUGH personal trainers.   Given that I am now on my “creative sabbatical”  I can’t very well justify to The Angler why the trainer is a “necessary” expense.  I also find trainers really don’t like to be paid with funny ideas and blog posts.     What to do?

I discovered www.iTrain.com by a fluke web search.  Lo and behold,  I feel like I have struck Gold (‘s gym).   For the cost of a monthly trainer,  I can have unlimited workout MP3 downloads for a year in a variety of areas of training.   They offer iTrain, iSculpt, iBallet, iStretch, iTread, iElliptical.   You name it – they have a program to help you achieve your fitness goals.    The music is fresh  – although typical – techno workout tunes.   Grace’s tone of encouragement is just enough push without being too much the drill sergeant nor is she too sugary sweet.       She also walks you through various levels from beginner to advanced runner on the iTread serious.  I’m NOT a runner’s runner.  And I’m more than a walker – so I can tailor my speed to her directives.  Now, I have personally set goals to reach those high jogger milage numbers she challenges .  I don’t like those other iPod ghost runners beating me.

If you don’t want to commit to a full year’s membership,  there is also an “a la carte” option that allows you to buy workouts individually to give it a test run (or walk)  or purchase a packaged  set of workouts.   They are ideal for those who have fluctuating workout times or who travel and use hotel gyms frequently.

Studies  show that women who listen to music while working out are 95% more likely to reach their workout goals.   iTrain is an incredible and easy way to stay motivated, push yourself, enjoy your workouts,  and get that Hollywood bod.

Check it out for yourself!   www.iTrain.com

Cheers!