Ask Pam: Make Dieting Romantic
Members: Come sign up to join our team of experts as we motivate you on “Meals for Two” on Feb. 8, 2009 at 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. EST and Feb. 11, 2009 at 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. EST.
Any tips on keeping dieting romantic?
Trying to keep the love alive and not add any extra to your weight?
They say the quickest way to a man’s (or us women, too) heart is through their stomach. So true for many of us!
Romantic holidays, dates or special occasions are often filled with sweet indulgences and decadent meals. Of course it would be wonderful if it didn’t fill out our waistline and empty our pocketbooks!
On Valentine’s Day or any day, show someone you care with more than just chocolate or other treats; warm their hearts in other creative, yummy ways:
1. Give a gift your loved one will treasure: Chocolate and roses are romantic, but so are creative gifts. Think out of the box and pick up the chores for a day or create a spa atmosphere at home – make something homemade (so romantic and thoughtful).
2. Stir it up in the kitchen: Create a healthy, delicious meal at home. Surprise your loved one or cook together. No need to make a full-on five course meal; start with appetizers (like shrimp cocktail), a glass of wine and good conversation, and end on a light note with a fruity dessert (strawberries and cream).
3. Write words of encouragement: Send someone you care about a note of love or encouragement. Nothing makes someone feel more special than knowing you care about them and think they are the greatest.
4. Think of foods and senses: Many foods act as aphrodisiacs and are good for your health. Asparagus, honey, figs, almonds and strawberries get those taste buds stirring.
5. Dining out: Share something together. This helps you keep the calories in check and gets you talking about flavors and tastes (foods) you both enjoy.
6. Go outdoors: Take a walk along the beach, pier or favorite outdoors spot. It’ll keep you active and get you moving – and communicating.
7. Spend more time together: Instead of going out, spend more time in conversation or watching a movie together. No need to spend a lot of money or feel the need to go out to dinner – show you care by being with the one you love.
Indulge in romance anytime – just keep the calories in check! It’s the little things that make you feel good – and maybe a bit of chocolate (dark, of course!).
Have a diet question for Pam? Email askpam@ediets.com and check back to see if your question is picked! And if you missed a previous column, click here to see the archive.
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Valentine’s Couples Workout
By Raphael Calzadilla, B.A., CPT, ACE
eDiets Chief Fitness Pro
Pam Ofstein, eDiets Director of Nutrition Services, was kind of enough to be my partner in this Valentine’s Day couples’ workout.
Perform each exercise, then move to the next one. Try to complete the circuit (all exercises) twice.
Couples’ Lunge and Reverse Lunge
1. You get double your money with this exercise. Begin by facing your partner while holding each others’ hands with arms slightly elevated.
2. Pam takes a forward long lunge with her left leg, while I perform a reverse lunge with my right leg. Alternate legs with each rep. Keep your body straight during both movements, and don’t let your opposing knee touch the floor. Perform 12 reps on each leg.
After completing 12 reps, the person performing the reverse lunge then performs the forward lunge, and the person performing forward lunges will switch to reverse lunges. Lunges will work the quadriceps, hamstrings and the butt. Support your partner by keeping your hands and arms elevated and by giving them words of encouragement.
Couples’ Squat
1. Begin by facing your partner while holding each others’ hands, with arms slightly elevated. Feet should be shoulder-width apart.
2. Lower by bending at the hips and knees to a parallel squat. It’s important to stick your butt out while lowering — almost as if you’re about to sit in a chair.
Rise back up to the starting position and repeat. Perform 15 reps. Squats work the quadriceps, hamstrings and butt.
1. Begin by lying on a mat with your feet and ankles interlocked. This will provide support for your partner.
2. Place your hands crossed over your chest and perform an abdominal crunch. Support your partner by telling them to keep his eyes straight up and not to bend his neck. Perform 15 reps.
Interlocking Bicycle Maneuver
Begin with your backs flat on a mat with feet and ankles interlocked. With your fingertips placed on the sides of your head, perform opposite elbow to opposite knee crunches. Lower to the mat and perform the same movement on the other side. Perform 15 reps on each side.
Chest Press
Both partners shoulder stagger their feet so one leg is behind and one leg in front. Bring hands up to chest level and place the bottom of your hands against the hands of your partner. Now each of you should slowly push right and left as each partner provides just a bit of resistance. This is great for the chest, shoulders and arms. Perform the movement for 40 seconds. Look directly in your partner’s eyes while performing the exercise and keep your torso facing forward — don’t twist your upper body.
Shoulder Press
One person will begin on their knees. Bend arms at the elbow 90 degrees and make fists. Partner stands behind and provides the slightest resistance by pressing down with the palms as the person kneeling presses upward. The goal of the person kneeling is to perform a full shoulder press with resistance. Perform 10 reps, then switch.
Hamstring Stretch
Lay flat on a mat with knees bent. As you raise one leg, your partner will place his hand on your ankle and gently stretch your leg towards your upper torso. This should be performed with very little pressure, and your lower back should not come up off the mat. Hold for 30 seconds and switch legs.
Celebrate Your Victory!
Oh, and guys? Please give your honey a Valentine’s gift that’s thoughtful and meaningful. Otherwise, the remainder of 2010 will look like this:
Happy Valentines Day!
As an eDiets member, you can get more fun, specialty fitness ideas like this one — and even work directly with Raphael to create your perfect plan! Get more information now and get on track to get a body you love!
A drug-free competitive bodybuilder and winner of the prestigious WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation) Pro Card, Raphael Calzadilla is a veteran of the health-and-fitness industry. He specializes in a holistic approach to body transformation, nutrition programs and personal training. He earned his B.A. in Communications from Southern Connecticut State University and is certified as a personal trainer with The American Council On Exercise.
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