Local Farmers Markets

This morning, I got this delicious Soyogurt at Whole Foods Brentwood to snack on and checked out the Farmers Market. Talked to the vendors about my blog and took pictures. It was still early, so I got to browse around freely without having to fight the crowd. I walked over from my home with Sparky, but had to tie her to a tree because they don't let dogs in the Market. Tasted free samples of yummy chocolate, Just This fruit bars, fresh fruits, juices and Brothers Spreads and Tapenade. Bought 3 cartons of different flavored spreads because they're so good. Would love to share a booth and pass out free health and fitness information each Sunday. Left some Fit-Twist business cards with the vendors. The guy at Brothers Products is a nice young man who clearly loves what he does because he got me to try the variety of spreads/ tapenade and the stuff sold themselves.

1. Garlic Spread made with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and salt.

2. Lebneh/ Herbs with yogurt, herbs, olive oil and salt.

3. Olives Tapenade with green and black olives, spices, olive oil.

12103 Brookhurst St, Garden Grove, CA 92840

Will return to Brentwood Farmers Market next Sunday and talk to more vendors.

I also visited the Market on Ocean Park & Main St, but that one wasn't as friendly to outsiders like me. They told me I couldn't leave my flyers at any stalls. I won't go back there except for Sno:la yogurt because I love the chocolate fro-yo and Masako is a very nice lady.

Fit-Twist
Holistic Health Club L.A.

http://www.fit-twist.net

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7​4653758@N00

Health = Wealth

Health & Fitness Fest in Santa Monica

I was at the Health & Fitness Fest on 3rd Street Promenade for about an hour today. There were many health and fitness related exhibits, samples, free classes, demos, etc. This event is fun with lots of people. I posted this on my Holistic Health Club site and Yelp! I took many photos of the vendors. Maybe one of them will sponsor my blog.

Kim Selbert and I will teach Laughter & Yoga classes on Sundays 6-7 pm in August. This fun combo class is for everyone, even if you don't know how to do yoga. There will be dancing, laughter, music and movement. It'll also be a Fit-Twist Party with free samples and a raffle for prizes. We'll have lots of fun. Space is limited. RSVP to reserve a spot now. For more info on Laughter Yoga, go to Kim's website below.



Fit-Twist Yoga
http://www.fit-twist.net

Laughter Yoga
http://www.kimselbert.com

U.S. is the Fattest Country

McDonald's Happy Meal

U.S. is the fattest of 33 countries. Mexico and New Zealand are runners-up. 70% of Americans are now overweight says the report, a number that will balloon to 75% in 2020. Food researchers indict the couch-and-mouse lifestyle, with people watching more T.V. and clicking online. The media with its ubiquitous commercials for high-calorie foods is partly responsible for the expanding waistlines, especially in kids. But the demise of the family dinner is also a factor says the Star-Tribune. Structured, please-pass-the peas family meals are no longer the norm. We are a fast food culture and don't really take time to enjoy our meals. When people watch TV, they often eat too much or consume the wrong food because they lose track or are not paying attention to their meal.

In fact, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that substance abuse itself is lower in families that eat together 3 times a week, food being many people’s preferred substance. A 2010 study by the University of California, Berkeley and Columbia University found 9th graders are fatter when their schools are close to fast-food restaurants. Should we ban those restaurants from opening or operating near our schools? I think it's a matter of supply and demand. If we educate ourselves and the children about healthy eating habits, we won't eat junk food, there will be no demand for fast foods, therefore those restaurants must change or go out of business. I used to love sodas as a kid and was placated or rewarded with junk food like candies by my parents. I believe that parents need to be good role models by eating a healthy diet and refuse give in to kids demands for things that are not good for them. I used to teach grade school in LAUSD where they served lunches that I wouldn't eat even if they were free and the vending machines there are probably still full of junk food. As consumers, we have power with our dollars. Vote for healthy food with your wallets. Go to a Farmers Market near you and buy fresh produce. Patronize a restaurant that serves fresh, healthy, locally grown food. Learn how to make simple dishes with me. I will teach a 30-minute Healthy Cooking Class if there is enough demand for it. Contact me for more information.

Ingrid Cheng
Founder of Fit-Twist and Yoga teacher
http://www.fit-twist.net
http://holistichealthclubla.webs.com

Connect & Be Prepared

According to prepare2respond.org, strong communities can be the key to survival in an emergency. Connect with your neighbors. Be prepared to respond. We are not strangers, but just neighbors who have not met yet. So say hello and exchange contact information. Know who to call for help, what their skills and resources are. Organize a neighborhood meeting to discuss an emergency plan. Prepare a survival kit that will last a few days or buy one. For more information, go to: http://www.prepare2respond.org/more-about-disasters-preparedness 

There are 10.1 million people in L.A. How do we build a strong community? Should we go online or meet face-to-face? Let me know.

Holistic Health Club L.A.
http://holistichealthclubla.webs.com

Farmers Classic and Fit-Twist Yoga

I was at the Farmers Classic today with my dog Sparky and my camera. It was a rushed job because I didn't know about this big event until yesterday, so I quickly applied for a media pass and got it this morning. Had to pay $11 for parking at UCLA then couldn't find the place where I should pick up my pass. They didn't allow the Sparky into the tennis area, saying that dogs will bark. I assured them that my dog Sparky is very well-behaved and wouldn't make a noise, but I had to leave her for a short time to take photos of the event.

I liked the short bit of tennis match that I saw and the vendors at Farmers Classic but didn't have time to browse around since Sparky was waiting for me in a shady spot. I was part of the Wilson Tennis Guinness Book of World Records attempt for the "Most people to bounce a tennis ball on their racquet in one location." See me on YouTube.

I posted photos on Flickr and I'm excited about my Fit-Twist Yoga class in Brentwood every week. Sign up now by going to the Contact Us page. Class will be cancelled unless 3 or more persons RSVP.

Health = Wealth
Fit-Twist

Get Active and Explore L.A.

There is no better way to explore L.A. than walking, hiking or biking. Here are some historical and cultural sites that make great people-powered outings.

1. Soak up sun, culture and history while peddling on bike paths and areas in Santa Monica 

2. Go walking in L.A. with a Los Angeles Conservancy tour ($10 adults, $5 ages 6-12) www.laconservancy.org. Park near Angel’s Flight (on Hill Street between 3^rd and 4^th streets) and they’ll validate your $5 ticket, then leave your car behind for an hour or two.  

3. Come to Laughter and Yoga class on Sunday 8/7 from 6-7 pm at Aanand Saagar in Venice. Space is limited. Prepay to reserve your spot now and get a chance to win raffle prizes like a free facial!

I love bloomspot's offers.

http://fitnesswla.weebly.com
http://holistichealthclubla.webs.com

When You Eat Affects Your Sleep

According to Dr. Daemon Jones, when you eat can affect your ability to have a good night’s sleep. Difficulty in sleeping is related to many factors including mental stresses like anxiety and depression, daily habits/ behaviors, hormonal levels, medications and food choices. If you're struggling with sleeping problem or insomnia, it is important to speak to your physician to get help addressing the causes of the problem. Insomnia is defined as a disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep/ stay asleep or both.

When you eat food can impact your ability to enjoy sleep appropriately. Ideally, Dr. Jones recommends that people eat 3 to 4 hours before going to sleep to give their bodies time to process and digest the food. If you eat 3 hours or less before going to sleep, this prevents the relaxation of the body for sleep because you activate your digestive system to begin to process the food. I agree that it's healthier to stop eating 3 hours before bedtime, but sometimes, I crave something sweet. Then my choice would be an apple or a small serving of Ciao Bella Gelato or the Blood Orange Sorbet with 60 cal, 16 g of sugar and no fat per 1/2 cup of serving. It's made with natural ingredients like organic cane juice, blood orange juice and lemon juice.

Then I stay up a bit later to play with my dog Sparky or read a book. According to researchers at the University of Maryland, people who read often are happier than those who watch TV - even if the plot of the book is depressing.

http://fun-dogs.webs.com

Summer Fruits

Summer is a great time to enjoy everything the season has to offer, including an abundance of fresh, tasty fruits and vegetables according to the CDC.

• They provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients that are important for good health.

• Compared to people who eat only small amounts, those who eat more generous amounts of fruits and veggies as part of a healthy diet are more likely to have a reduced risk of chronic diseases. These diseases include stroke, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, perhaps heart disease and high blood pressure. 

• Most fruits and veggies are naturally low in fat and calories, so substituting them for high-calorie foods can be a calorie-reducing strategy. To learn more about their role in weight management, visit How to Use Fruits and Vegetables to Help Manage Your Weight.

Fit-Twist
Exercise + Nutrition = Health
Health = Wealth
http://www.fit-twist.net

McD's Happy Meal Makeover

McDonald's trims its kids meal by reducing the amount of fries, adding apples, cutting calories and fat in each meal. Will that lower the 17% rate of obesity in our youths? I don't think so. It's not the quality of food but the quantity and the hurried way people eat that makes them fat. Read The Fat Fallacy by Dr. Will Clower in which he explains that despite our national obsession with dieting, Americans are just getting fatter. We count every calorie, search out low fat or non-fat foods that are highly processed and chemically laden, in hopes that these foods will help us lose weight. The French don’t do any of this. They eat real food, not highly processed foods. They don’t make low fat versions and they enjoy their carbs.

Clower tells us that the French eat smaller portions than we do, and they take their time to enjoy every bite. By eating slowly, and consuming moderate amounts of fat, their bodies have a chance to become full and satisfied on smaller portions. “Enjoyment and satisfaction have more to do with the amount of time you spend on the meal than the raw poundage of food you eat.” So, avoid fast or "faux" foods and eat real, healthy meals. Try not to rush through your lunch or dinner. Stop drinking sodas, even diet ones. Don't buy snacks with  ingredients you can't recognize (won't find in nature), strange coloring, long expiration dates and get some fruits like apples, bananas or oranges. They're easy and healthy snacks. Also pack a small amount of nuts in a zippy bag to go. I always bring healthy snacks with me wherever I go so if I get hungry, I won't be tempted to go for junk food.

Fit-Twist
Health, Fitness and Nutrition
We Are What We Eat 
http://www.fit-twist.net

Make Money While You Sleep

What the heck is affiliate marketing anyway?

In a nutshell, an affiliate (that's you) gets paid a commission when you refer a sale to an advertiser. So, if you post an affiliate link for my health food on your business website, and someone clicks that link and buys the product, you get a percentage of the sale. You don't sell the product; you don't run the shopping cart; you don't stock and ship the software. You simply provide a link to the product website, and they take it from there.

There are lots of ways to drive affiliate traffic to high-paying offers -- websites are only one way. I'll show you at least 2 other ways. Contact me now.
 
I'm not a saleswoman. I hate selling, but I really make money doing this.

The word "marketing" throws people sometimes, but the reality is the most successful marketers don't sell at all. They don't even "persuade." They do a little research and present the right offers to the right audience. Even very shy people can make good money with the techniques I'm going to share.

Whats good money? Does a few hundred dollars a month -- or a few thousand dollars a day -- sound good to you? It's not magic, or a scam. It's a simple, repeatable system that you set up to bring the results you want. I'll lay it all out for you. There's Click Bank, Share a Sale, etc. It's easy to sign up and pick the offers that align with what you do already. My sites have links to drive more traffic to them and I get paid if someone buys a product from one of them.

Fit-Twist
Health = Wealth
http://fit-twist.weebly.com/links.html
http://fitnesswla.weebly.com/links.html
http://health-directory.webs.com

Healthy Life Tools

Six Tools by Tommy Rosen


1: Having a Spiritual Path

2: Asking for Help    3: Communication

4: Yoga - "It strengthens the body, calms the mind, and connects us to the infinite Universe. It is also delightful. Yoga helps us tap into the pharmacy within – the endocrine system." When this works well, we're healthy.

5: Nutrition - We are what we eat, fast food or junk makes us fat and can eventually cause health problems. You can't buy happiness, but you can invest in healthy food.

6:  Spending Time in Nature - I teach yoga at the park because I love the outdoors, the trees and the grass. In a University of Rochester study, 90% of people got a boost in energy and a brighter outlook when they spend time outdoors around, trees, grass and living things.

Fit-Twist Yoga
Contact me for a free health consultation
Sign up for a class now

http://www.fit-twist.net

Healthy Community, Healthy Family

You could participate in the National Children's Study at the Los Angeles-Ventura Study Center (LAVSC). The goal of the Study is to improve the health and well-being of children. It will examine the effects of environmental influences on the health and development of children here in L.A. It is currently enrolling and following Study participants and recruiting women ages 18 to 49 who are pregnant or likely to become pregnant in an initial set of 14 randomly selected neighborhoods. Eligible participants will complete confidential surveys and will receive compensation for their time. The National Children’s Study is an observational study and does not involve any medications or treatments.  

Based at the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families & Communities and in close association with the University of California and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the LAVSC is a cooperative effort joining universities, community groups, local health departments, and hospitals. If you would like find out about eligibility to enroll or would like more information about this contact them at 877-834-7064.

We are all affected by the environment especially young children. My niece Jordan who is 5 years old often has colds, coughs and respiratory problems due to the air and other environmental influences. I wish they have this study in Singapore where she's living.

Another resource for health is the UCLA Wellness Initiative: You already have the healthy impulses, the desire to get the most out of life. By providing you practical tools, techniques and a healthy dose of motivation, the UCLA Wellness Initiative wants to be your catalyst — so you can take all those thoughts about enhancing the quality of your life…and do something with them! I am passionate about health and fitness. That's why I want to share this with everyone.

http://wellness.healthcare.ucla.edu

Fit-Twist Yoga
http://www.fit-twist.net

Are You a Cultural Creative?

I am because I "give a lot of importance to helping other people to bring out their unique gifts." 50 million adult Americans belong to this group which comprises of the more educated, leading-edge thinkers including many writers, artists, musicians, psychotherapists, feminists, alternative health care providers and other professionals. They combine a serious focus on their spirituality with a strong passion for social activism. "We are all consciously connected in this beautiful world, somehow, someway" and we should all give back out of gratitude or love. "Feel Empowered from the inside out!" Exercise + Good Nutrition = Health.

I have been blessed with a nice home in West L.A, a wonderful family, good health, friends who support me and a great life. I love what I do, empowering people to be proactive about their fitness and health. If we all commit to a regular exercise routine whether it be yoga or walking or some physical activity and eat a balanced diet with less meat and more vegetables, we can end obesity and prevent the many diseases that are caused by being overweight. I love yoga because it "empowers me, makes me feel beautiful , strong and connects me to my inner self". That's why I want to share it with everyone. Join me at Fit-Twist for a free yoga class. Sign up now!

http://www.fit-twist.net

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_Creatives

Cultural Creatives - The (R)evolution

More Fun Events

LIVE MUSIC & DANCE! 
Wed, Jul 27 at 7:00 PM at West LA Civic Center Bandshell: Country Band & Line Dancing
 

The Festival of Chariots, Venice Beach

Sun, July 31st. at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. 10 am - 12 pm

http://lalive.info/fofc/information.html

Moksha Fest, Santa Monica

Aug 13-14

http://www.mokshafestival.com

Sunset Junction Street Fair, Silverlake 

Aug 27th-28th. 

http://www.sunsetjunction.org/

September is National Yoga Month
http://www.yogamonth.org

Abbot Kinney Festival, Venice  

Sept. 25th.  10 am - 6 pm

http://abbotkinney.org/about/

Join the Holistic Health Club to get advance notice of more fun, mostly free events.

http://holistichealthclubla.webs.com

Part of Fit-Twist

Health = Wealth
We support Yoga Month

http://fitnesswla.weebly.com

I love CorePower Yoga Wilshire

Healthy Breakfast

 I love the people, teachers & staff at the Wilshire studio (L.A, CA). They make me feel welcomed and the teachers are great!  CorePower Yoga is offering 1 week of free yoga classes. Go online or to the studio to sign up. The level 1 class is unheated and I highly recommend it to beginners of hot yoga or yoga. I have healthy food and recipes that I'd like to demo and share with the healthy yogis there. Hope they'll let me demo a product at their studio soon.

The Fit-Twist online health food store is now open. Contact us for a free sample of my food or a recipe. You'll love the taste (money back guarantee). Just contact us for a Return Authorization # within 7 days of purchase.

Exercise + Nutrition = Good Health

Fitness = Health = Wealth
http://fit-twist.weebly.com

http://holistichealthclubla.webs.com

Diet Mistake

There is no quick fix when it comes to healthy eating. "A healthy diet relies on a lifelong commitment to eating the right foods and eating the right way," says Sari Greaves, RD, an American Dietetic Association (ADA) spokeswoman. Don't try fad diets to lose weight because they'll derail your healthy eating plan.

Beware of One-Food Wonders

One diet promises that you can lose 10 pounds in a week by eating as much as you want -- as long as what you're eating only one food. Bad idea. If you go on an extreme, short-term diet, "you're setting yourself up to be very hungry and then bingeing," says Marjorie Nolan, MS, RD, CDN, CPT, a registered dietitian. "The bottom line is, if a product or diet sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Weight loss should be a gradual process in which you lose no more than 1 pound a week by eating a well-rounded diet," Greaves says. (Source: www.webmd.com)

With my healthy eating plan, you can eat from all food groups and feel satisfied. Yet, you'll still lose weight. Contact us now for a free consultation!  

Ingrid Cheng
Fit-Twist Founder
Yoga Teacher
www.fit-twist.net

Healthy Dogs

Daily exercise and good nutrition = Fit Fun Dogs. We are a healthy online pet store and a social networking site.

Say "hi" to my dog Sparky, a 2-year old female that I adopted from the shelter. We are a part of the Fit-Twist family.

I am also an event planner who organizes fit fun activities for dog owners with my Fun-Dogs group. It's free to join and most events are cheap or free. There's a cost to running this group so we are looking for supporting members or sponsors. Say no to puppy mills and adopt a dog. I am a member of SPCALA and HSUS. Contact us now!


Ingrid
http://fun-dogs.webs.com

Chinese Healthy Diet

There is a growing list of cultural diet pyramids available. Like other traditional guides, the Asian Diet Pyramid has physical activity at the base showing the importance of exercise in overall health.

Source:  www.methodsofhealing.com

The Chinese eat more rice, noodles, vegetables and legumes than meat. We eat a balanced meal with our chopsticks to pick up small bits of food. Traditionally, the Chinese enjoy food in 3 main ways: color or sight, smell and taste. We look at the dish for its appeal to our eyes, we inhale its delicious scent and savor its flavor. A typical Chinese meal is served at a round table to allow energy to flow freely. Instead of a main course, several different dishes are served like a banquet. Its very much a communal affair with everyone serving themselves or the hostess making sure a guest gets served first. My mom often serve homemade broth-based soup with dinner. I enjoy her green and red carrots, lotus root or watercress soup. Everyone loves her cooking. I helped her prepare the fresh ingredients for most of her dishes. Every time she makes a meal, it is with attention, labor and love. She spends time to cook a delicious, healthy meal because she enjoys good food. I learned a lot from her and am still learning. Food is prepared in bite-sized pieces for easy pick-up by chopsticks. For dessert, we normally prefer fresh fruit, the more seasonal the better. At the end of our meal, the Chinese drink tea to aid digestion.

http://fit-twist.net