Unik Fit: Butternut Squash Carrot Ginger Soup Recipe

Chef Ali Smith of the Whole Foods Market @ 97^th street shared her delicious recipe for Butternut Squash-Carrot-Ginger Soup at the Graceline Court’s New Year’s Resolutions Pop-Up Event.  Take a look at Ali’s recipe below!

Butternut Squash-Carrot-Ginger Soup Recipe:
-1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed and cut into bite-sized chunks
-6 medium carrots, peeled, cut into bite-sized rounds
-4-5 tablespoons peeled, minced ginger
-1 cans coconut milk, light
-1 can coconut milk, regular
-4 Kaffir lime leaves, if available
-1/2 cup coarsely chopped Thai basil leaves
-Filtered water, at least 4 cups
-Organic olive oil, ¼ cup
-Agave nectar, 1 tablespoon
-Celtic salt, 2 tablespoons or to taste
-1 tsp granulated kelp or granulated kelp with cayenne (Main Seacoast Brand)

Directions:
In a stainless soup pot or a LeCreuset-type enamel soup pot (not non-stick); warm enough olive oil to lightly cover the bottom of the pot (2-3 tablespoons olive oil).  Add the cubed butternut squash and sauté on medium-low heat until squash starts to soften slightly, around 10 minutes.  If squash is sticking, add a little more olive oil Stir frequently!  Add minced ginger and sauté another 3 minutes, and then add the carrots and stir/sauté for another 4-5 minutes.  Then add enough water just to the top of the squash.  Bring to a boil, add the kelp, salt, kaffir lime leaves if you have them, cover and turn down to a low boil for 15-18 minutes (or longer) until the squash is totally soft.  Add cans of coconut milk, the agave, stir, remove top and let cool to room temperature.  (Can put the entire pot in the freezer to cool down if in a rush).

Remove kaffir lime leaves and begin to blend the mixture in a blender. Make sure to only fill blender 1/3 of the way full, then add a ladle at a time to the blender to make sure contents don’t explode out of the blender. Taste for salt and add more if needed.  Once entire batch is blended add chopped Thai basil leaves.  Can garnish with sesame salt! You can put it in portion size containers and freeze it if you like cubed.

Nadia Murdock is a PR Guru and the CEO of Manchester Public Relations and a writer for the NY Fitness Examiner.

Images by Whole Foods Market

Unik Fit: Punk Rope

1. What is Punk Rope?
A playful cross between recess and boot camp, Punk Rope is a theme-driven, interval-style, song-based class, which incorporates creative calisthenics, games, partner drills, and rope jumping. The emphasis is both on fun and delivering an effective total body workout. Fitnesswise, the focus is on improving aerobic conditioning, anaerobic conditioning, coordination, and agility. Healthwise, the big benefits are improved body composition and bone density.

2. When was Punk Rope created?
I taught the first Punk Rope class at New York University in October 2004. There are now roughly 40 classes offered in 14 states.

3. What makes Punk Rope different from all the other workouts out there?
There are six qualities, which make Punk Rope different from other fitness classes:
1) To my knowledge, Punk Rope is the only play-centered class available. Sure, it’s a great workout, but it’s also hilarious and puts a smile on the face of the participants.
2) Punk Rope is highly interactive. Participants frequently work as part of small teams running relays, playing games, or performing group drills.
3) The music is extremely eclectic, ranging from punk rock to jazz to classical to zydeco to hip hop and beyond.
4) Classes are theme-driven celebrating everything from the Super Bowl to St. Patrick’s Day to the Seventies.
5) Punk Rope incorporates five intervals of rope jumping or roughly 12-13 minutes. Rope jumping is one of the most effective, but also one of the most misunderstood cardio modalities known to man. Punk Rope makes it fun and accessible to everybody.
6) Punk Rope welcomes students of all ages and fitness levels. We’ve had students as young as 3. We’ve also had students who have never taken a fitness class or been in a gym as well as those who are highly conditioned athletes. Moms come with daughters and fathers with sons. How often do you see that in a typical fitness class?

4.Who should take this class?
Everybody. Seriously. Unless the individual has an orthopedic or health issue that prevents them from jumping or doing other intense activities, this class, because it’s self-paced, is suitable for everybody. The rope jumping portion might be frustrating for some, but they can always put their ropes down and still get a good workout.

5. Where are your classes taught in the NYC area?
All the classes are listed at www.punkrope.com (click Find a Class).

6. Lastly, is this class fun?
I can’t see how you can possibly have more fun while exercising than going to a Punk Rope class. I’ve been going to the gym for roughly 34 years and I’ve never seen more people smile and laugh during a workout than they do in Punk Rope. It’s playful, it’s goofy, it’s all the things you wanted in a gym class when you were a kid.

Suggested media clips:
MSN/Kashi: http://vimeo.com/5977664
NBC Mobile: http://vimeo.com/4067248
Punk Rope in Action: http://vimeo.com/672544

Nadia Murdock is a PR Guru and the CEO of Manchester Public Relations and a writer for the NY Fitness Examiner.

Video by www.punkrope.com

& Curves">Unik Fit: Marisa Tomei Core & Curves



Marisa Tomei’s Core & Curves workout DVD is designed to create long lean muscles for great legs, shapely arms and a tight core. Tomei teamed up with celebrity fitness trainer Key Son to create this full-body routine. The workout focuses on small muscle groups that will lengthen the body.  The 3 workouts include: Best Legs Workout, Ten Moves in Ten and Body Definition with Toning Band.  The DVD comes with one resistance band, which allows you to tailor the intensity of the workout to your fitness level.

For more information on Marisa Tomei Core & Curves visit www.gaiam.com

Nadia Murdock is a PR Guru and the CEO of Manchester Public Relations and a writer for the NY Fitness Examiner.

Unik Fit: Would you wear Trim Treads?

This shoe comes in a Sandal, Clog and Boot!  You can keep your legs in shape all year long, here is how it works!

When standing focus on balancing on the flat part of the shoe under the ball of your foot. You want to try and stand with your feet parallel to the ground, just as if you were barefooted. The effort to maintain balance will help your core and leg muscles.

Benefits

• Greatly improved balance and inner core strength,
• Better posture
• Muscle toning benefits from wearing the shoes.

To target the muscles on the back side of your legs, from your ankles to your buttocks you are going to do heel & toe lifts.  Start with the heel of the shoe resting on the ground, then repeatedly lifting up to the point of balance on the flat part of the shoe, then back down. Repeat this move for your desired number of sets, over time you will start to see a difference.  If you wish to target the front of the legs roll forward on the angled part of the shoe just beneath your toes then back to the point of balance under the flat part of the shoe, this move works your buttocks.

Wear your Trim Treads for at least 30 minutes a day and see results!

Flip Flops: $39

Clogs: $60

Boots: $80

For more information visit www.trimtreads.com

Nadia Murdock is a PR Guru and the CEO of Manchester Public Relations and a writer for the NY Fitness Examiner.

{ Images by Trim Treads }

Unik Fit: Drink Responsibly and Light!

The lightest beer in the world can help you get through the summer without the bulge.  Select 55 is a premium light beer from Budweiser with only, 55 calories.

In comparison to its competitors Select 55 ranks the highest for the lightest beer.

Bud Select 55 – 55 calories, 1.9 g carbs, 2.4% abv

MGD Light 64 – 64 calories, 2.4 g carbs, 2.8% abv

Bud Select – 99 calories, 3.1 g carbs, 4.3% abv

With summer BBQ’s around the corner it’s nice to know you can drink and not feel guilty.

Nadia Murdock is a PR Guru and the CEO of Manchester Public Relations and a writer for the NY Fitness Examiner.

{ Image by Select 55 }

Unik Fit: Lose the Baby Weight Without Being a Slave to the Gym

Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford, 41 lost all of her post pregnancy weight simply by nursing and being an active mom.  After giving birth to her second child Helena she made sure to keep active which can be really easy with a newborn on your hands.  Dropping the extra weight and eating right is very important but don’t forget you have to TONE.  Kelly got her 127 pound figure back by purchasing a pair of Reebok Easy Tone sneakers and simply ran everyday errands such as walking the dog, taking a stroll in the park and keeping up with her kids.

Celeb Mommy’s Weight Loss Secrets

Tori Spelling

http://www.examiner.com/x-1079-NY-Fitness-Examiner~y2009m2d20-Baby-weight-problem-solved-How-Tori-Spelling-did-it

Nicole Richie

http://style.popcrunch.com/nicole-richie-loses-the-baby-weight-in-no-time/

Jessica Alba

http://www.celebritydietdoctor.com/jessica-alba-post-baby-diet/

Jennifer Garner

http://www.examiner.com/x-1079-NY-Fitness-Examiner~y2009m4d20-Baby-Fat-Be-Gone-Jennifer-Garner-is-another-hot-celebrity-mom

Nadia Murdock is a PR Guru and the CEO of Manchester Public Relations and a writer for the NY Fitness Examiner.

{ Image by Kelly Rutherford }

Unik Fit: Soul Cycle

Bring out your inner warrior with the “Spiritual Warrior” collection by Soul Cycle.  Soul Cycle studio founded by Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice is an amazing cycling studio that is guaranteed to burn fat, tone muscle and improve aerobic endurance.  Introducing their performance apparel line in January 2010 the “Spiritual Warrior” collection is designed to inspire and empower women during their workout.  The colors are fun and the fabric allows flexibility for a more effective workout.

Retailing between $35 and $150 and can be purchased at any studio location or online at www.soul-cycle.com.

Nadia Murdock is a PR Guru and the CEO of Manchester Public Relations and a writer for the NY Fitness Examiner.

{ Image by Soul Cycle}

Unik Fit: Interviews Kelly Dooley of BodyRock

Unik Fit: Check List

What to Wear: Puma Tech Performance Tank is extremely comfortable and has adjustable built in power mesh bra support.

Price: $38

Shop: www.shop.puma.com

What to Read: Stretching by Suzanne Martin PT, DPT.  This book is ideal for learning new stretches for all fitness levels.  Another good read is You On A Diet: Owner’s Manual for Waist Management. Written by Mehmet C. Oz, M. D. and Michael F. Roizen, M.D.

What habit to begin By standing more we increase our fat metabolism and improve our heart health.  Try standing while doing simple chores around the house or talking on the phone. These are small ways that you can include this new habit, which will eventually become a way of life.

Nadia Murdock is a PR Guru and the CEO of Manchester Public Relations and a writer for the NY Fitness Examiner.

Unik Fit: Get the Booty and Thighs of your Dreams

Below are some timeless exercise moves that will help create a shapely derrière and awesome thighs.

Weighted jump squats

This can be used with leg weights that can be purchased at any sporting goods store. The weights vary so you may want to increase the weight as you become more advanced or if you are seeking more of a challenge.

Jumping lunge

This is moderately difficult but so worth it! To learn how to perfect this move click here.

Donkey kick

This is one of my favorite moves and by adding a resistance band you can increase the intensity of the workout, trust me you will feel it the next day.

Supine-Single Leg Bridge

Click here to see how to perform this exercise.

Curtsy lunge

I like to do this lunge for a minute as part of my interval training.

Weighted Leg Lift

This can be performed with or without weights, view this video to see how it’s performed.

Nadia Murdock is a PR Guru and the CEO of Manchester Public Relations and a writer for the NY Fitness Examiner.