Posts Tagged food
The Big Game is Sunday, February 5 and it’s usually a day when we’re munching on snacks and junk all day long. Here are two easy-to-whip-together dip recipes that you’ll want to keep digging into and don’t have to feel guilty about! The perfect (and healthier) way to indulge in a bowl of guacamole is my Edamole Broccomole; the addition of the edamame and broccoli cut the fat and calories by 60% plus it has all the protein benefits of edamame and cancer-fighting benefits of broccoli. You’ll notice the guacamole continues to stay green longer but you won’t have to worry about that – this one will be gone fast! The Salsa Ranchera is a staple and goes great with just about anything. It’s always best to use fresh ingredients so I recommend planning your trip to the grocery store or farmer’s market on Friday or Saturday to gather all your ingredients and beat the crowds.
Game day not your bowl of dip? Check out our Spa Specials at Glen Ivy Hot Springs!
Edamole Broccomole Dip
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup shelled edamame (fresh soybeans) fresh or frozen
1/2 cup peeled broccoli stalks
2 avocados, peeled and stoned, mashed in a medium sized bowl
4 cups water
1 scallion thinly sliced
1/4 cup red onion diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 jalapeno, minced
1 lime, juiced
1 medium tomato, diced
4 tablespoons fresh cilantro minced
Sea salt to taste
Method:
1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Reduce to a simmer and add the edamame and simmer for 30 seconds or until cooked.
3. Drain the beans and set aside to cool.
4. Repeat with the broccoli spears. Steam about 30 seconds until soft or just until cooked al dente.
5. Drain the broccoli and set aside to cool.
6. Place the edamame in a food processor and pulse to combine. Run the processor 20 seconds or until the beans resemble coffee grounds.
7. Repeat with the broccoli.
8. Place everything in a bowl and mix well to combine.
9. Season to taste and serve or refrigerate until needed.
Salsa Ranchera
Yields: 4 cups
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion chopped
6 cloves garlic
6 Roma tomatoes
1 jalapeno halved
6 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
sea salt to taste
Method:
Pre-heat oven to 375°
Place the onions, garlic, tomatoes and chiles in a bowl with the oil and toss.
Place on a sheet pan and bake [30] minutes.
Remove from the oven and add to a blender and pulse [10] seconds.
Add the cilantro and blend pulsing [10] seconds.
Salsa should be slightly chunky.
Season to taste.
Serving size: 1 oz.
Calories: 20; Fat: 2g
—Chef Bill
The last time hula-hooping was popular in America Elvis was all the rage and had just come out with the top 40 hit “A Big Hunk of Love.” The years may have have passed, and you might not even be old enough to remember, but no worries, the passion for hooping has circled back to the 21st century with whirl wind speed and is being embraced as the latest new fitness trend by young and old alike!
A Hula-Rama Participant
And no one understands this better than wonderful folks at Hoopnotica who have been fundamental movers and shakers in reviving hooping and getting people really excited about fitness! Hoopnotica, in case you haven’t heard, is the hottest new hooping trend out of LA and they teamed up with us last Thursday for the first-ever Hula-Rama at the Hot Springs, bringing the community together to celebrate the benefits of spa lifestyle and the sheer joy of fitness. It was a match made in heaven! Guests (along with some energetic Glen Ivy employees) were quick to pick up a hoop and join in one (or more) of the three classes held on the front lawn that day. Although the initial instruction was about how to perform the basics, by the end of the day, we saw hip and leg hooping, arm hooping, halos and even how to stretch and relax with a hoop. The Hoopnotica hoops themselves are beautiful to look at; larger than a child’s hoop, they span 4 feet and are brightly colored in vivid pinks, reds, greens and blues with flashes of metallic gold and silver. We even saw travel hoops that break down to the size of yoga mat and sling over your shoulder with an easy carry strap. For the more creative types, hoop decorating classes were available in Tiempo Lounge and the results were dizzying!
After a solid cardio workout (hooping burns 420 calories per hour, by the way), spa guests were able to enjoy a calming yoga stretch routine with Glen Ivy’s fitness expert Meg Root.
Stretching class led by Meg Root
In addition, we were joined by the traveling Spa Buzz Bus girls on their west coast tour — a country-wide mission to create buzz for active and healthy living. Not only were guests invited inside their amazing Airstream for a refreshing glass of lavender lemon elixer, they received gifts and prizes throughout the day including some amazing products from COOLA (a line of sun care products that contain certified organic extracts, antioxidants and vitamins) and Melt (a delicious organic butter spread). Primavera skin care professionals were also on hand to introduce guests to this wonderful organic line that we are now using in our facial treatments and to spray the occasional over heated hooper with the Primavera Moisturizing Refreshing Mist. Botanical tours through the spa had guests stopping to adorn the succulent wall with more plants and other activities during the day including seed bomb making, a labyrinth walk, container gardening classes, bird watching, and an aromatherapy workshop kept everyone busy connecting with the sights, smells, sounds, and feel of nature all day long.
Happy, relaxed and renewed guests were heading home from their spa day only to be greeted with one more very special treat, a farmers market featuring local organic produce. Bob Cat Properties, 3 Hart’s Grove, and Unity Farms have long been supplying Chef Bill Wavrin’s kitchen with everything from honey to avocados, to citrus and squash and had their booths set up in the Hot Springs parking lot. Everyone stopped by to fill their bags with healthy, colorful veggies and cool off with a sample of sweet and juicy watermelon, commenting “I wish it was like this everyday at Glen Ivy!”
Here’s the good news! While you still might have to visit your local farmers market to get your fresh organic produce each week, many of the featured activities at the Hula-Rama event are available on a regular basis at the Hot Springs. The Events & Activities schedule is updated monthly with new classes and presenters, so be sure to check it before your next visit. If you have ideas for an activity that you think we should add, please let us know. Our program of classes and activities is always growing and we would love to know what has you spinning!
Thank you to everyone who helped make Hula-Rama a success! We had entirely way too much fun and we hope that you did too.
View photos in the glenivy.com gallery or visit Glen Ivy on Facebook.
Did you join us for the first-ever Hula-Rama at the Hot Springs? We’d love to hear from you!
Glen Ivy Hot Springs is excited to host the first ever “Hula-Rama” this Thursday, September 8. Glen Ivy Marketing & Communications Manager and event organizer Jennifer Merrett tells us more…
Q. Jennifer, What is Hula-Rama, and why is Glen Ivy having one?
A. Hula-Rama is a way of introducing guests, local media, and community leaders to some of the fun and healthy guest programming that have enhanced the spa experience at Glen Ivy Hot Springs over the last year. Through a host of regular daily fitness classes, workshops and tours, we have added many activities for creative and personal renewal. We also feature numerous special presenters each month that bring unique experiences and entertainment so that guests may pick and choose the ones that feel right to them. Almost all are free of charge, included with paid spa admission so each time a guest visits the spa, they’re sure to have a new experience!
Q. Where does the Hula-Rama come in?
A. The inspiration for this event came from a partnership with Hoopnotica, the Venice Beach company that is leading the very successful Hula hooping fitness trend. We have given it a try and decided we like hooping— exercise can be fun, as evidenced by our long-time guest favorite, Water Aerobics, which happens here daily. Hoopnotica will be here at Glen Ivy Hot Springs throughout the day, giving demonstrations and teaching classes, and even be selling hoops and offering a hoop decorating class. I can’t wait!
Q. What else can guests enjoy on this day?
A. In addition to three Hoopnotica classes, guests may try a stretch, yoga or water aerobics class, learn more about container gardening, walk the labyrinth, take a botanical tour of the grounds, or shop at the mini Farmer’s Market and Glen Ivy Plant Shop. Plus there will Raffle Prize drawings throughout the day. You can view full schedule of activities on our website.
Q. Did you say PRIZES? What kind of stuff can we win? And how do we enter?
A. When you arrive, you can fill out a form to sign up to win some fantastic prizes including Glen Ivy Spa essentials gift bags, skin care products, a beautiful container garden made by floral designer Shannon Ballew, and starter Hoopnotica Hoop kits!
Stay up to date with us on Facebook or visit glenivy.com/hularama or call 888.GLEN IVY.
“If you keep only healthy food in your fridge, you will eat healthy food.”
Stop by a Farmers Market or Farm Stand. Pick something colorful and build a meal around it. How about fresh tomatoes and basil for the start of an easy caprese salad? Or try one of these other quick and delicious tomato recipes from Fine Cooking.- In the kitchen prepping dinner? Take an extra 10 minutes to portion fresh veggies and fruit for healthy snacks and next meals, saving time later and the temptation of sugary alternatives.
- Meal plan, Phase 1: Jot down a list of your favorite healthy meals, and then make a grocery list to have the basics on hand for the upcoming week. Need inspiration for fast and fresh recipes? Check out these from WIlliams Sonoma
- Meal plan, Phase 2: Sit down with your morning coffee for 10 minutes to plan dinner that evening. Choose a meal from your list. Do you need to take anything out of the freezer or stop by the market on the way home? A few moments thought early in the day can mean the difference between a tasty homemade meal and takeout.
- Does your dinner recipe freeze well? Double it and put the rest in the freezer for a quick meal on a busy day.
- Always keep a glass a water nearby, and carry a water bottle. When you feel the urge to snack or low energy, try a few sips of cool water first and see if that staves the craving.
- Plant a kitchen container garden of your favorite herbs. Easy to care for, lovely to look at, you can add zing and flavor instantly to any meal or drink!
- Get inspired! Pick up a new cookbook, magazine, browse online recipes, or take in 10 minutes of your favorite cooking show. My two current favorites are Jamie Oliver and Tastespotting.
- Use your BBQ or grill more often, a delicious way to prepare vegetables. Grilled dishes often have less fat than stove top ones because they don’t sit in a pan and absorb more fat (oil, butter, etc) while they cook.
- Dish plates with slightly smaller portions before bringing them to the table, then take your time eating, enjoying conversation. Eating too fast can be one reason for over indulgence, another is convenience. If you stretch out your dining time, you may find you are full when you finish the first serving, especially if there isn’t more tempting you at arm’s reach.
Tell us your healthy food short cuts!
This August the Glen Ivy Challenge is to use 10 minutes of your day towards making yourself healthier and happier. I have noticed in my family that dining habits can be the first thing to suffer, heading for take out when we are short on time and energy. Instead of hitting the drive thru, here are my top 10 favorite recipes that can be thrown together in a flash, from a New York Times article written a few years back, you can check out the full list of 101 here.
Add a salad and a loaf of bread and you can turn any dish on this list into a meal that will be better than takeout! Try these and let us know what you think, or share your favorite quick and easy meal below.
13 Gazpacho: Combine one pound tomatoes cut into chunks, a cucumber peeled and cut into chunks, two or three slices stale bread torn into pieces, a quarter-cup olive oil, two tablespoons sherry vinegar and a clove of garlic in a blender with one cup water and a couple of ice cubes. Process until smooth, adding water if necessary. Season with salt and pepper, then serve or refrigerate, garnished with anchovies if you like, and a little more olive oil.
15 Call it panini: Grilled cheese with prosciutto, tomatoes, thyme or basil leaves.
22 Make wraps of tuna, warm white beans, a drizzle of olive oil and lettuce and tomato.
29 Chop prosciutto and crisp it in a skillet with olive oil; add chopped not-too-ripe figs. Serve over greens dressed with oil and vinegar; top all with crumbled blue cheese.
40 Put a large can of chickpeas and their liquid in a medium saucepan. Add some sherry, along with olive oil, plenty of minced garlic, smoked pimentón and chopped Spanish chorizo. Heat through.
64 Pasta with fresh tomatoes: Cook chopped fresh tomatoes in butter or oil with garlic until tender, while pasta cooks. Combine and serve with grated Parmesan.
68 Brush portobello caps with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper and broil until tender. Briefly sweat chopped onions, then scramble eggs with them. Put eggs in mushrooms.
77 Sear corn kernels in olive oil with minced jalapeños and chopped onions; toss with cilantro, black beans, chopped tomatoes, chopped bell pepper and lime.
78 Cook shrimp in a skillet slowly (five minutes or so) to preserve their juices, with plenty of garlic and olive oil, until done; pour over watercress or arugula, with lemon, pepper and salt.
98 Rub flank steak or chuck with curry or chili powder before broiling or grilling, then slice thin across the grain. Delicious on salad with bread.
Check back later this month as Glen Ivy’s Chef Bill Wavrin will be sharing his tips and tricks to fast and easy healthy eating!
Our Monthly Challenge to you this August is “Be Healthier and Happier in 10 Minutes a Day.”
There are one thousand four hundred and forty minutes in a single day (that’s 1,440!). Subtract the 400 or so that you sleep an that leaves 1,040 for all that you do in your waking hours. What if you could take just 10 of those minutes each day to focus on something happier and healthier in your life (even if it meant getting 10 minutes less sleep?)
Would it be enough to make a difference?
We think so.
Because most of us have full and busy lives with work, family and a long list of to-dos, often our best intentions can get sabotaged, and making time for healthy living can end up at the bottom of the list. We do understand, and we have all been there. So that is why we’ve made the Glen Ivy August Challenge a little less challenging, by asking you, “How can you live a healthier, happier lifestyle using only 10 minutes of your day?” That’s it… just 10 minutes! Whether it is something you choose to do at the same time each day, or taking 10 minutes to do something different at different times of the day, it all counts.
To help you along, we will be sharing healthy living tips from our resident spa experts, including:
• Fast Food in your own kitchen with Chef Bill
• The 10 minute Flash Fitness workout with Fitness Expert Meg
• Reduce work stress in a 10 minute meditation with Seraphina
• Connecting with nature: 10 minutes outside with Patrick
It’s easy to participate. Use a calendar, any calendar will work, (your phone, day runner, or computer) and make a note each day on how you spent those 10 precious minutes. You may also want to set an alarm on your watch or phone as a reminder.
Need some incentive? At the end of each week, send us your calendar and a few thoughts on how the challenge has made a difference (or not) in your life. And, because we are in the business of helping folks make regular time for a FULL DAY of healthier living, all responses will be entered into a drawing to WIN a complimentary admission to Glen Ivy Hot Springs.
Just send us an email to contest@glenivy.com and show us how you used daily 10 minutes during the past week, plus any notes on how it affected your schedule and overall well being:
• You can list your activities or just send a snapshot of your daytimer, whatever works for you.
• Include your name and contact information
• Please let us know whether we may share your comments and/or images, and attribute with your first name and last initial, or anonymously.
We will draw one random winner each week to receive a One Day Spa Admission to Glen Ivy Hot Springs, draws will be done the following Monday for the past week.
It is our hope that you will discover many that are so easy to implement that you will use them every day, and keep adding more. Before you know it, you will have adjusted your routine and be healthier (and happier!).
Good luck, the clock started ticking on this challenge August 1st!
More this Month:
A sampling of the August Guest Programs and Events Schedule for Glen Ivy Hot Springs, complimentary with spa admission:
• Vision Board Treasure Mapping with Seraphina Ashe
• Succulent Gardening with Shannon Ballew
• Chilled Summer Soups cooking class with Chef Bill Wavrin
• The Power of Mindful Meditation with Royce Morales
• Create Your Own Positive Affirmation Cards with Crystal Guiterrez
Tips and Advice:
• Smart phone app review, from naps to recipes
• Glo Make Up artists share Back to School Make Up Tricks
• Glen Ivy Wheel of Wellness (download pdf)
Sunny summer months are the best time to kick it into gear and start eating and moving your way to lasting changes!
Meg Root is an ACE certified Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist with over 25 years in the fitness and spa industry.
Shorter days. Colder temperatures. Rainy weather. No wonder so many of us fail to follow through with the healthy commitments we made to ourselves on New Years Day! Looking back, one could argue that January is the WORST month of the year to attempt a major lifestyle makeover.
But with those dismal winter months behind us, I’m here to tell you that there is no BETTER time than the warm, sunny summer months to kick it into gear and start eating and moving your way to lasting changes. Not only is the weather more favorable, but there is something about summer that just smacks of fun, adventure and the great outdoors. And living in Southern California means that we have an abundance of the very ingredients that allow us to move out of our typical routines in search of something new and different. So, for the next couple of months, I give you permission to throw out the same old predictable approach that I usually preach—goal setting, writing it down, making an appointment with yourself, blah, blah, blah!– and replace it with a sense of playful adventure that puts a healthy dose of WOW! into your wellness.
Think hike, not walk.
While there is nothing easier and more convenient than a consistent walking program, the summer is a great time to head off road and explore the trails in your community. Turning your walk into a hike means that the varied terrain along with the extra time spent outside enjoying nature (and burning calories) will also benefit your bottom line–literally. Also trending in fitness these days–training for local races and charity events. Choose something you care about and get moving for a good cause–not to mention for your own health!
Think market, not store.
Ditch the grocery store one day a week and venture out to your local farmer’s market. These days, you don’t have to travel to Provence to enjoy a fabulous outdoor market experience (although, that would be nice!). Chances are you have something just as inspiring within 10 miles of your own house. Have fun with it–leave the paper and plastic at home and bring a woven basket to carry your produce. First thing in the basket should always be a gorgeous bunch of flowers. Then shop around for one new colorful vegetable or unique ingredient you are not used to cooking with and give it a try when you get home. Check out my favorite foodie website, food52.com. They have a fun page titled “foodpickle,” that could probably tell you just what to do with that bunch of purple kale you just bought!
Think social, not solo.
Hey, I’m the first one to seek out the solitude of a solo workout or a deserted stretch of beach for my chair and umbrella. But summer seems like such a great time to do just the opposite. I love watching the fun and camaraderie of beach volleyball games, group surfing lessons, outdoor bootcamp workouts, and music in the park. And when you start hanging out with people who love to do these things, things that get your body moving and lift your spirit at the same time, you begin to want to do more of it yourself.
Now, you may think that I’m giving you the summer off from your healthy aspirations. Well, I’m not! What I hope will happen, and I have a strong feeling that it will, is that putting the fun factor into moving more, healthy shopping and connecting with like minded people, will lay the foundation for the cold winter months when inspiration can be hard to find. You’ve heard of Christmas in July. Well, today I am declaring New Year’s Day in June!
What will be your healthy resolution for the summer months ahead?
Meg Root
Many people have a hard time finding their “get up and go” in the morning. Even if you are a morning person you are probably far from firing on all cylinders when you first open your eyes. Try adding a few of these proven tricks to your routine to start every day feeling happy and energized.
1. When your alarm goes off, turn it off as fast as you can. Then take a deep breath to fully inflate your lungs, and stretch your limbs out in all directions for a couple seconds… like you’re stretching during a yawn. Then sit up, plant your feet on the floor, and stand up. Smile a big smile…
2. Smile. Yes, it seems silly. How can a smile help get you out of bed? For starters, you need to think of something to smile about. Think of something that you are grateful for in your life, and actually physically smile when you think of it. You can’t just think happy thoughts – that won’t do it. You will be amazed at how much the physical act of smiling will bring your mind into focus on your life, and also start to shake off the cobwebs of sleep. This has the added bonus of energetically setting yourself up to attract even more things to be grateful for, so you get two perks for the price of one by simply smiling like you mean it!
3. Let the sun in. Exposure to light stimulates your brain to stop producing sleep-inducing melatonin. So open some blinds and do some stretches to get your blood moving. This will help raise your body temperature and lift some of the brain fog, offsetting the desire to climb back into your warm bed.
4. Sleep more effectively. Wondering why you still feel tired? I have noticed sleeping longer doesn’t necessarily translate to sleeping better. Some days I can have 8 hours of sleep, yet feel like I haven’t slept at all. Other days I can be fully alert, productive and cheerful after only a few short hours.
If you find that you are still tired after a good stretch of 6-8 hours, chances are you’re not sleeping well. Most people just don’t need much more sleep than that. Sleeping well can be attained in various ways. I find having a good mattress and pillow with some quiet reading time before bed to be helpful. Here are some tips towards sleeping better.
5. Exercise. This is a great kick start to your day. Exercising your body will get you into motion and up to full speed better than (or in addition to) that cup of coffee. While working out after work may be a good relaxer to end a hectic day, it’s more likely to be canceled with the uncertainty of last minute dinner arrangements to late evening meetings. A brisk morning workout, or even just a short walk outdoors, will trigger feel good endorphins and lower stress hormones, with effects that can last 6-8 hours, making you mentally sharper and less likely to hit a mid morning slump.
6. Shower therapy. Aromatherapy scents that can boost energy include citrus, eucalyptus and mint. Select bath products or make your own with aromatherapy oils for an invigorating shower experience. Tip: Put a drop of peppermint oil on a tissue and sniff to clear mind of clutter and a quick midday lift.
7. Don’t forget the most important meal of the day. A body must have fuel, and part of the grogginess you feel is due to the fact it has been several hours since your last meal. Need some ideas for inspiring morning meals? Check out these great breakfast recipes from Glen Ivy’s Executive Spa Chef Bill Wavrin.
8. Enjoy yourself. One major complaint in this modern day, rush-filled, society is not being able to have a proper family-work-life balance. Waking up earlier allows one to begin the day right, by doing things that you and your family would enjoy, before heading off to the next level which is to work, and doing so knowing that your time has been well spent in the morning to enjoy with your loved ones.
9. Review all the things you got done. As you work at building your “morning energy” routine, be sure to review and acknowledge your successes. From simply feeling better each to potentially being more productive and enjoying your mornings more, looking back at all the things you’ve managed to get done in the early mornings is a great motivator to keep you going!
Have a great day!
Another Fabulous Glen Ivy Spa-tini from Executive Chef Bill Wavrin
Hibiscus and Blueberry Refresco
What a great way to start off any day. They call it the drink of the Pharaohs, who enjoyed it as a cooler on those hot North African days. In Mexico hibiscus teas, or Jamaica, can be found on almost any corner and our neighbors south of the border they have been enjoying this tea as a sweetened refresco for centuries.
Studies have shown that drinking [2] cups of hibiscus tea can lower systolic blood pressure, lower cholesterol and is a wonderful cooler. The hibiscus flower contains many antioxidants that help in protecting cells from free radicals. Marrying the hibiscus teas with blueberries gives a huge boost to benefiting one’s healthy regiment by heightening the antioxidants levels over the top. The chiles offer a surprising piquant twist to a wonderful traditional drink. Zest it up & Buen Provecho!!
Hibiscus and Blueberry Resfresco
Yield: 8 – 8 ounce servings
Ingredients
4 ounces hibiscus flowers
½ gallon water
4 ounce lemon juice
2 ounces fresh lime juice
brown sugar to taste
8 cups ice or as needed
8 hibiscus flowers for garnish
2 chiles del arbol toasted
4 mint leaves
8 lime slices
8 lemon slices
8 ounces blueberries
Method
Step #1: Bring the water to a boil in a stock pot and add the dried hibiscus flowers. Take off the heat and allow the tea to steep [30] minutes. Strain, toss the flowers and set aside to cool. Refrigerate and cover the tea until needed.
Step #2: Place everything in a pitcher and stir. Add sugar to taste. Add ice to the glasses and garnish with a mint leaf, blueberries, lemon and lime slice and a hibiscus flower.
Buen Provecho and Salud!!
Did you know Glen Ivy Hot Springs now has chickens? We do! Their coop is up near the Landscaping & Sustainability Team’s loft office and greenhouses, just behind the new Rancho Uva area. Why chickens, you wonder? Live animals not only create an ambiance to connect our team to nature and the earth, the chickens also symbolize our direct connection to food through their eggs! As the Landscaping & Sustainability team continues our tradition of stewardship of the land, they also undertake this sense of responsibility and care taking for these animals, which in turn, will help their team in their efforts around the Spa.
“Chicken manure is one of the best fertilizers around,” says Patrick Mitchell, Glen Ivy’s Director of Landscapes & Sustainability. “It’s a great resource for the Landscaping team in that regard to nurture our plants and also to assist in our ongoing composting program. Chickens help the process by picking at and eating items such as avocado peels that are a little harder to break down.”
Patrick also shares that the chickens will be part of the team. “They’re being put to work!” he says, explaining that a chicken tractor (a mobile coop) will be made by his team to allow the chickens to feed on weeds and insects in specific plots of land, turn the soil with their feet and fertilize that area for future growth.
Name that Coop Contest:
Now that you know why they’re here, we need your help. Our wonderful chickens need a name for their lovely coop created by the Maintenance Team. We’re looking for fun, creative names for their home – especially those that have ties to our location or history and spa. Submit your best name as a comment below by April 1 and our Sustainability Team will pick their favorite to paint on the coop!
