Lifestyle Dynamic Journey

           Nutrition is a very simple subject made difficult by commercial diet plans and programs. We must understand that nutrition is made up of Macro & Micronutrients. The Macronutrients are called carbohydrates, proteins, fats and water. These are necessary for proper human body function. Any diet or weight loss program that dictates the elimination of any of the macronutrients should always be discarded. These programs are not concerned with overall health and definitely do not look to the long term. Some general nutrition information that can be used to help design your food choices are as follows: 1 pound of “fat” = 3500 calories  1% of body fat = 2.5 pounds of fat  1 gram of protein = 4 calories 1 gram of carbohydrate = 4 calories  1 gram of fat = 9 calories Now that you have a basic understanding of nutrition, I hope that you don’t fall prey to the myths and false programs that run rampant today. One of the best pieces of advice I can give anyone

     Good food starts with a story.  Why are you making it? Where did the inspiration come from? The food we make and eat conveys that story.  We pass this story through generations, each adding their own piece, making it theirs while still holding on to the original.  The ingredients for your meal are the foundations of that story.  Perhaps you use roasted red peppers because they remind you of a trip you took to Tuscany or always wanted to.  Maybe you want you use ginger or wasabi as an ode to Asian culture.  Regardless of your reasoning, it's your story.  That story will be passed to your children and their children and so forth and so on, each adding a chapter. It really is a story without end.  Many variations, but an endless family story      Every tiny morsel of your food will let anyone eating it, including yourself, become aware of the influences you possess. You open yourself up to the criticism of others, allowing them into your world even just for a second or

Motivation : the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior. Lots of people appear to be exercising in an attempt to stay young and to improve the quality of their life. In addition, judging from the looks of store windows, we’re in the midst of a fitness craze. Most department stores carry a wide variety of athletic sportswear, not only for the physical activity, but also for leisure and even work. More and more fitness clubs appear to be opening up as people try to get or stay in shape. But the fact is that most Americans do not regularly participate in physical activity (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 1996, 1999) despite the physiological and psychological benefits of exercise, including reduced tension and depression, increased self-esteem, lowered risk of cardiovascular disease, better weight control, and enhanced functioning of s

   Just a short little day trip into NYC to get a great breakfast with the best travel companions I have.  This is what life is all about.  It's all about life so embrace it and go travel, eat, lift and just LIVE! For more assistance with choosing foods or creating recipes and plans go here

It isn't something new to talk about, but it is incredibly accurate to say that having the right tools for the job will make the end product fantastic. The kitchen is no different.  It isn't just about appliances, as those do help, but what I am talking about goes a bit more specific.  It will also vary from person to person as some individuals are just better with certain tools than others and that is all they need.      When working in the kitchen, you need to have the appropriate pans to cook in.  If you use cheap, inexpensive pots and pans, you will get burnt and strangely flavored foods.  Cheap pans don't heat evenly and usually end up warping in the middle after only a few uses.  Spend the extra money and get yourself some quality cookware.  Your food will never be the same. Next is your knife or knives depending on how special you think you are.  I know of a chef who does everything with only one knife, one type, one blade, nothing else.  You can get

New York City has so much to offer the discerning visitor. Little shops holding antique collections or even the strangest of gifts for a friend or loved one.  New York City is known for it’s hustle and bustle as well as a dingy appearance towards safety and warmth.  Although there are many downsides to NYC, one cannot ignore one of the greatest achievements NYC has - Food! The Chelsea and West Village areas of NYC are of no exception.  Now I don’t make it practice to drag both of my sons to a dangerous place on a cold Saturday, with snow actually falling on us as we walk from our car that we parked for FREE.  Yes I found free parking on a side street just 1/2 block away from where I was about to enjoy one of the best lunches I have had in NYC.   Enter Bareburger , 153 8th ave Between 17th & 18th streets. I don’t know anywhere else that you can customize your burgers with great toppings as well as different choices of meat.  Bison, beef, Elk are all just exampl

Ever see a Chinese restaurant on TV and they show the cook making a ton of food in what looks like a really dirty wok? Or maybe you have a friend who is asian and owns one of them? Either way, it could be a bit daunting to see your food being tossed around in a not so clean kitchen tool. The truth is, it is clean.  Very clean! It looks brown from countless gallons of oil being thrown in it while super hot. Asian food is full of flavor and color and what do you get when you combine all the colors of a spectrum? Blackish, brown - DARK you get Dark colors!!! There is compounded flavors embedded in every inch of that wok.  Meals upon meals with varying flavors, acidity, spice and sweetness clinging to the sides like a mountain goat going for a stroll up a damn vertical! That imbued flavor helps give specific tastes to food.  Sometimes that is why we can never duplicate a recipe we had at a local restaurant, simply because we have no idea what was cooked in it before

Ever since my trip to Miami, I have been obsessed with cuban sandwiches and Feijoada.  Now, it isn't   a typical Miami dish, but Feijoada was sometime I fell into while eating at the Lincoln Road Mall in Miami Beach.  You can't get more touristy than eating at Sushi Samba in Miami Beach, however it was a fantastic choice.  I didn't even know how to pronounce it, but reading the description was enough get me salivating and wanting. When I returned back to NY, I could easily head to the Sushi Samba location in NYC but I wanted to see if I could make it on my own.  It is a lot easier than you think.  It may not look incredibly pleasing, but taste it and you will be pleased. What you'll need to make my version of Feijoada is simple: - 1 can black beans - 8 Sweet Italian Sausages - Garlic - Bay leaves - Sofrito - Lemon Juice - Sour Orange - Parsley or Cilantro Mix ingredients together and let "stew" for about 2 hours on medium to

The city of brotherly love seems to be a bit of my focus as of late.  It isn't far from my residence and since having some family and friends present, it makes it a bit more of a second home to mine.  It is within a 3 hour drive (sometimes less if I'm feeling a wee bit like the fast and furious - RIP Paul Walker) so visiting Philadelphia isn't a big deal for me and my family.               I make it a habit when I visit the Philly that I get myself the staples - A really good cheesesteak and some great donuts. There is only one place I go for my donuts Bielers Bakery in Reading Terminal Market and only one place I go for my meat in a roll and that is Tony Luke's.              This trip was a bit different as we were bringing some parenting stuff to our pregnant cousin who lives in South Philly.  People usually equate south Philly to sports freaks and criminals.  The Sports freaks are pretty much a spot on description but criminal? not so much.  I mean it isn

Traveling via car from NY to Florida can yield some interesting food finds where you least expect it. For instance, stopping for lunch at what we seemingly thought would be another fast food romp unveiled a hidden gem in Dale City Virginia. Pho Saigon! Although the name pretty much says what you'll be eating as well as where it's from, do not be fooled into thinking this is just another run of the mill American styled ethnic food. You know the kind that passes for "asian cuisine" because they tell us it is. Pho Saigon is the real deal and the flavors are outstanding. From the spicy beef Pho with mixed vegetables to the pork chop with rice and salad. Sweet, tangy and a bit of heat definitely makes the 1000 mile drive worth it.  I can't wait to see what I find on the way back! For more assistance with choosing foods or creating recipes and plans go here