Great Beginnnings

Pilates classes start up today for the first time since Dec. 13. To continue the fresh start theme for the New Year, here are a few ideas to get you back to class in style. First, take out your mat, unroll it, and wipe it down with a mild cleaning solution. I really like Caldrea's Citron Ginger Counter Cleaner from Target. They contain no harsh chemicals and it smells fresh and happy. I use these everyday in my kitchen.

Then wash, dry, and steam your workout clothes. Put them all in one drawer or bin so you'll be ready to workout. I hope you've gotten some workout clothes rather than old t-shirts and jogging pants. That kind of clothing never inspires. Besides, with all the holiday pounds, you'll want to feel as confident as possible. Nice workout gear helps. Target carries some pretty good workout wear and so does Soma. I just love their tunics - they cover you beautifully, like this

I wear Soma tunics when I teach...

You can keep it simple like this or...

You might like several pieces for mixing and matching and  a change in the weather.

Pink just makes you feel pretty.

Bring along a a water bottle to hydrate. All that breathing can cause a dry mouth. You might like gum for this, too. I like the packs that have a  big 5 on them. This gum tastes very juicy and filled with sugar-free mouth-watering flavor.

You'll want a heavy bag to carry all your gear. I use the Vera Bradley large Tote. It's heavy duty enough to get tossed around and large enough to hold my mat, hair rubber bands, scrunchies, bands, and workout CD's. It' really pretty, too.

Plan to eat a protein filled breakfast with in about a 50/50 ration of carbs to protein. Check my post on the Best 300 Calorie Oatmeal Ever.  Eat At least 2-3 hours  before you workout. Hydrate well before you go. When you prepare for your workout, you look forward to it. Give yourself an incentive to help  keep that ever important commitment to  health and well being. See you in class!

Classes at First Evagelical Church on the Ridgway Loop:

Mon 9:30 a

Tues 12:30 p

Thursday 9:30 a & 12:30 p

Classes at St. John's Episcopal Church at Central and Greer:

Tues 4:45 p & 6:30 p

Thurs 4:45 p and 6:30 p.

Bring your own mat, bands, and $7 per class or pay $60 in advance for 12 classes. No restrictions apply.

Oatmeal Makeover

On very cold days like today, I like a bowl of hot oatmeal. My recipe was basically this: oatmeal, some sort of milk, butter or margarine, and a few flavor add-ins.While it was tasty and felt so good going down, in an hour or so, I my blood sugar would drop and I'd be hungry again. I started staying away from oatmeal and other hot cereals. That was until I found at www.canyoustayfordinner.com, a recipe for the best buttery 300 calorie oatmeal ever. Yes, of course, I want that! The recipe called for an ingredient that was iffy at best: egg whites. The only way to find out whether it worked was to make it myself. She told it true, it is the best and buttery tasting, too. I also used whole wheat cream of wheat, oat bran, and cream of  buckwheat (for my gluten-sensitive sisters).  I added vanilla and cinnamon for a delicious twist. You can go to Pinterest or her site and see it yourself but I'll give you my own revised recipe here:

Pilate's Pretty Rendition of Best Buttery 300 Calorie Oatmeal Ever

2/3 cup dry oatmeal
1 1/3 cup water
Your choice of sweetener (I use Sweet & Low or Splenda)
Dash if Vanilla
Generous sprinkle of cinnamon
Dash of salt
3 egg whites

In microwave or on stove top, mix the oatmeal, water, sweetener,vanilla, cinnamon, and a dash of salt. Cook following directions on oatmeal box. While you cook the cereal, get out 3 eggs. Separate the whites from the yolks (save them for another use or toss them) and whisk the whites only until frothy. Stir quickly into the hot oatmeal and enjoy!

The egg whites turn the oatmeal into a buttery tasting sou`flee. Egg whites are a fat free source of clean protein. Coming in at a whopping 10.8 grams of protein, my blood sugar stays stable and I can make it to my next meal without craving carbs. Use oat bran instead of oatmeal and add a beautiful tally of 9.6 grams of fiber! Oh, it makes me feel healthy and beautiful just thinking about it.