Oxygen MagazineD's Editor-in-Chief Blog

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Kale chips-Yum!


Lately I had been hearing a lot about kale chips. Chef's and nutritionists had been touting them as a great snack food. When Gwyneth Paltrow was on Ellen a few month's ago she was saying how even her kids love them. From what I've heard the crunchy texture combined with the savoury taste are a great alternative to potato chips.
Oxygen' nutrition editor Helen Vong whipped up a batch on the weekend and shared some with me. They were delicious. And as I tend to do, I've already started thinking of alternative ways to eat or prepare them. Topping my salad with them is first on the list. 
Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

Kale Chips
Ready in 20 minutes  Makes 4 servings
1 bunch kale
Olive oil spray or 1 tbsp olive oil  
Lemon juice
Sea salt, to taste
1.              Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2.              Use a knife to remove kale leaves from its thick stems. Tear kale leaves into bite size pieces and place onto cookie sheet.
3.              Drizzle kale with oil and toss gently to mix.  Sprinkle with salt and lemon juice. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until crispy. 

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Morning Workouts-Help!

What time of day do you workout? I've always preferred lunch time or right after work, but lately I find these times just aren't working for me anymore. For the past week or so I've been entertaining the idea of early morning workouts. I'm totally a morning person, but for some reason have never been motivated to get myself to the gym that early. But now I see the appeal of getting my workout out of the way and having the rest of the day free. Plus, I've heard morning workouts give you a little extra energy kick throughout the day.
So tell me this, for those of you who do manage to get up before 6am and head to the gym, what's your secret? When your alarm goes off Monday morning, especially when it's pouring rain, how do you drag your butt to the gym. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Battle Ropes Training

Check out Oxygen's fitness editor Rachel Crocker trying out battle ropes, a new strength and conditioning technique!
A big thank you to Medcan's John Vizzini and Vince Rinella for rolling out the "green" carpet and taking the time to show us this innovation in fitness.
Stay tuned for a future issue of Oxygen where you can learn your very own routine.




Thursday, May 19, 2011

A lesson in innovation

Tomorrow my fitness editor Rachel Crocker and I are going on a field trip. We're going to see a demonstration of a new fitness technique. It's very popular right now in New York City, and we've included a small blurb about it in a recent issue of Oxygen.
Are you intrigued? Stay tuned next week for all the details. Reminder to self—bring your camera.
To all my Canadian friends, happy long weekend. To all my friends south of the border, same to you, one week later!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

My latest obsession

When Kristi Youngdahl submitted her Success Story to Oxygen, she included an interesting nugget of information. One of her favorite clean recipes is this: Preheat oven to 350. Spray 12-serving muffin tins with nonstick spray. Put 1 tablespoon each of old fashioned oats and blueberries in each muffin cup. Top off with liquid egg whites. Stir each cup; bake for 20-25 minutes. 
Last week I decided to give it a shot. The first time I made the recipe, I did it exactly how Kristi suggested. I brought them into work and they were a hit with the Oxygen and Clean Eating staff members. This past weekend I added raspberries to the mix, and I think they turned out even better.
Now I've become obsessed with finding even more variations. One of Oxygen's designers Megan suggested a dash of cinnamon. Assistant Editor Kirstyn added a slice of banana to the top once it was done baking. Clean Eating's Alicia is aiming for a savoury quiche-like concoction I'm looking forward to. 
If you have any suggestions, please send them my way!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Arnold Action-who can forget it?

Check out what happened at the Oxygen booth at the Arnold!
Although March feels like forever ago, the memories of the Arnold still linger. When I watch this video it brings a smile to my face as I flash back to three action-packed days of celebrating fitness. Although the weekend is a whirlwind, it's still one of my favourite things about working at Oxygen.
Enjoy!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A new hobby

Yesterday I treated myself to a day off from work. I knew in advance my weekend would be a busy one—my sister and I threw a surprise 40th anniversary party for our parents, so I thought no time like the present to use up a vacation day. The weather couldn't have cooperated any better, so instead of lazing around like I originally intended,  I spent the morning tending to my front lawn.
I'm ashamed to say, last year my lawn was neglected and unfortunately the weeds and dandelions didn't magically disappear under the weight of the winter snow like I had hoped. So this year I made a promise I would do my best to bring my lawn back to life.
With my new gardening gloves, dandelion picker and SPF loaded on, I was ready to go. And let me tell you, there is not much else more satisfying than pulling a weed, root and all, out of the ground. Excuse me while I get a little vulgar, but it's almost as good as tackling a stubborn pimple or ingrown hair.
Today my calves are a little achey, and I'm moving a little slower than usual, but I can't wait to get back out there and do some gardening. Next weekend, top soil and mulch!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Sunny Days are Here Again!

I love summer. I love the sun, the heat, I don't even mind the humidity. I only turn the A/C on in the house in order to get a good nights sleep. Although these days if I'm going to be spending any significant time in the sun, I load up on SPF 55. Lessons learned from my youth!
Today was the first day in a while I've taken my workout outside. There isn't a cloud in the sky! I asked my good friend Alicia Rewega (Clean Eating mag's editor in chief) to join me in a jog, and she suggested ending off the run with some sprints and lunges. Needless to say my legs are shaking, but I feel great. There's just something about the hint of summertime, for me anyway, that lures me outdoors and instantly lifts my mood. Plus, in the news yesterday they've forecasted a dry, warm and sunny summer. I can't wait!
PS, Robert Kennedy Publishing baseball season starts next Tuesday. Wish me luck, I've got a bit of the "first-game jitters".

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Love is in the air

Last weekend I was glued to the TV every chance I got. Friday morning I had enough time to catch a glimpse of Kate and Wills during the ceremony before heading off the work. Once I punched out at 4:30 Friday, the rest of the weekend any time I could catch a recap, I was on it. Body language specialists, lip readers, and of course fashion police; whoever was sharing an opinion, I was mesmerized.
A male neighbour asked me what the appeal was. I explained how it was a day of pure fantasy. Forget about the economic woes of the nation, or the fact the Queen's children are not really the poster-people for successful marriages. For me, there is not much else more exciting than seeing the gown a bride chooses to wed her prince charming (for real) of her dreams. And better yet, getting the thumbs up 'round the world for the perfect dress.
And I don't think I'm alone. One reporter said "love was in the air" all over the world.  I think he was right. We definitely felt a buzz in the Oxygen department.  For a brief moment, we were given permission to forget about reality and just enjoy the romance of it all. This week it's back to work, back to eating right, and hitting the gym. But wasn't it nice for a few days to jump on the wedding bandwagon, and not take it all so seriously?