A little blog post about ALCOHOL.

Now, I love to have a glass of wine in the evening, but I thought I'd post some interesting facts about alcohol, so that we all can make better choices.

For many of us, who are trying to watch our waist lines, counting calories is pretty commonplace, but, it's not just our food calories that matter. What we drink, when we drink it, and how we like to drink it matter too. Knowing the caloric content of all the fluids you consume is important to weight loss, but knowing how alcohol affects your body may help you to lose those last 5 ponds.

Here are a few interesting facts on alcohol:

Alcohol is a sugar, but unlike other sugars that cost 4 calories per gram alcohol costs 7.

• A 5 ounce glass of wine, red or white, will cost you 110-120 calories.

• Beer is different than wine in that the caloric cost will depend on the amount of alcohol per volume. Ultra Light beers can cost 55 calories per serving, where as the higher alcohol beers can cost between 190 and 300 calories per serving.

• Liquor is similar to beer in that the amount of calories will depend on the proof. A 70 proof shot can cost you 55 calories, where as a 90 proof shot can cost 75 calories.

• Mixed drinks can have the highest caloric content of all, depending on the mixer.

A small portion of alcohol is stored as fat. The rest is converted to acetate and released into the bloodstream where it replaces fat as a source of fuel.

People tend to consume more overall calories when they drink alcohol with a meal vs an non alcoholic drink.

Remember to start your evening with a well balanced meal, and always follow your glass of wine or beer with plenty of water.

Have a healthy day!

Jennie

You know spring is just around the corner when...

...you hear the sound of Richmond Balance Boot Camp participants sprinting up the Libby Hill Park stairs at the crack of dawn.

Yes, March 5th begins our new Boot Camp season. Join us in our 3rd year of melting off winter weight and toning up butts for bikini season. And this year we're going to make sure you don't get left out in the cold!

Can't make it up to Libby Hill Park? No problem. Join our participants at our new Bryan Park location on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings at 6pm for shedding pounds Northside style.

Just can't get enough of the sun rising and setting over the James River while you grunt and sweat? Then stick with our tried and true Libby Hill Park boot camp Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6am AND 6pm.

Give us a call at 804-343-1234 for more details.

Don't let your diet get intercepted by fatty Super Bowl snacks

Here's a great idea for a hearty but healthy chili for your Super Sunday.

1lb lean ground turkey breast

1 pkg chili seasoning (McCormick's Tex-Mex chili seasoning is gluten free)

Water as needed

4 large tomatoes or one 16oz can of diced tomatoes

1 can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained

3/4 cups each of yellow squash and zucchini chopped

1/2 cup onion chopped

2 cloves garlic chopped

2 tsp fresh ginger minced

1/2-1 tsp cayenne pepper

salt and pepper to taste

1 Tbsp EVOO or olive oil cooking spray

2 stalks of celery coarsely chopped

Gorgonzola cheese, optional

Spray your chill pot with cooking spray or add EVOO. Sautee onions until translucent. Add garlic and ginger and sautee another minute. Add turkey and sautee until browned (because the turkey is lean breast meat, you shouldn't have to drain any fat from it). Add chilli seasonings, cayenne, salt and pepper, water beans and tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 20 minutes. Before serving, add celery for a healthy crunch. Top with gorgonzola and enjoy your Super Bowl!!!