8/6/11




Food shopping Buddy..

I have decided to add a new service to my business, personal food shopper. Clients ask me what I buy from the grocery store all the time or what I eat during the week. So, for a few low rates, I will accompany you to the grocery store and help you find the right foods for your particular needs and also prepare a sample menu for the week with the foods purchased that day.




Check out my website for rates and contact info


7/25/11

Cleansing, Juicing, Detoxing.. OH MY!




In the 2 years that I have been living LA I think I know of at least 30 different ways to cleanse, juice or detox my body AND I think I have tried them all, for many different reasons from weight loss, skin issues or having a few too many drinks on the weekend..

I started my series of "cleansing" with a colonic. I have always heard about them but the idea of something going in your BUM.. wasn't exactly appealing to me. However, people kept telling me about how amazing they felt after. So, I made my first appointment at the Beverly Hills Wellness Center at 328 . Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA. I had a very pleasant experience and the staff was very knowledgeable, however, I won't get into details (that isn't my thing) but I will tell you I did feel lighter immediately after. They say to see the best results is to do a series of them but I was done after one!

Next, I tried a juice cleanse. There a million different brands out there but I just went and bought juices from Beverly Hills Juice at 8382 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, California and drank nothing but different kinds of juices for 3 days. In between the juices I drank water and would try to avoid eating anything which was very hard! I LOVE to eat so this was never going to work for me. I still continue to drink juices but I have them now with healthy clean food in between.
Then, I was onto the 3 day Fruit Flush by Jay Robb. This detox has you drinking a protein powder and water all day the first day followed by 2 days of nothing but fruit and a small piece of protein for dinner. I would LITERALLY count down the minutes till it was dinner time and a small plain piece if chicken never tasted so good! After, I was done, I will admit I felt lighter and wasn't craving any big meals. However, the few pounds I lost I put back on as soon as I went back to eating a normal healthy diet.
I could probably write for days about the other fad cleanses I have tried but I just want to out out there that cleansing and detoxing should be for a short period if time and not a quick fix for weight loss because it will come right back unless you stay on these long terms and I believer we should all be eating from the good ol' Food Pyramid ( in moderation) that we learned about in grade school.


All in all , I have come to the conclusion that the best policy for stay thin, healthy and to have glowing skin is to eat right and keep everything in moderation.
Hi There,

I am sorry it has been so long since my last post. As most of you know I have been working a full time job while pursuing Kick Ash on the side UNTIL recently. I have decided after much support and confidence from friends and family to leave my job and go after my dream full time. I promise more blogging on food, work outs, and living a healthy lifestyle. I will be posting more work out videos as well and look forward to hearing from you all. Be sure to check my website for current class times and locations and always feel free to email me any fitness/ health questions!

xo,

Kick Ash

3/18/11


Cardio isn't enough...



I tell my clients every day incorporate weight training into your routine and I promise you will see a difference and be much happier. It doesn't mean your are trying to become the next big muscle fitness model, it is actually going to help your belly fat, stress, heart disease, cancer and LOOK HOT IN A BATHING SUIT!


1. You'll lose 40 percent more fat.

If you think cardio is the key to blasting belly fat, keep reading: When Penn State researchers put dieters into three groups—no exercise, aerobic exercise only, or aerobic exercise and weight training—they all lost around 21 pounds, but the lifters shed six more pounds of fat than those who didn't pump iron. Why? The lifters' loss was almost pure fat; the others lost fat and muscle.

Other research on dieters who don't lift shows that, on average, 75 percent of their weight loss is from fat, while 25 percent is from muscle. Muscle loss may drop your scale weight, but it doesn't improve your reflection in the mirror and it makes you more likely to gain back the flab you lost. However, if you weight train as you diet, you'll protect your hard-earned muscle and burn more fat.

Burn more fat faster with this high-intensity workout routine.

2. Your clothes will fit better.

Research shows that between the ages of 30 and 50, you'll likely lose 10 percent of your body's total muscle. Worse yet, it's likely to be replaced by fat over time, says a study. And that increases your waist size, because one pound of fat takes up 18 percent more space than one pound of muscle.

3. You'll burn more calories.

Lifting increases the number of calories you burn while your butt is parked on the couch. That's because after each strength workout, your muscles need energy to repair their fibers. In fact, researchers found that when people did a total-body workout with just three big-muscle moves, their metabolisms were raised for 39 hours afterward. They also burned a greater percentage of calories from fat compared with those who didn't lift.

Lifting gives you a better burn during exercise too: Doing a circuit of eight moves (which takes about eight minutes) can expend 159 to 231 calories. That's about what you'd burn if you ran at a 10-mile-per-hour pace for the same duration.

Easy ways to boost your metabolism.

4. Your diet will improve.

Exercise helps your brain stick to a diet plan. University of Pittsburgh researchers studied 169 overweight adults and found that those who didn't follow a three-hours-a-week training regimen ate more than their allotted 1,500 calories a day. The reverse was also true— sneaking snacks sabotaged their workouts. The study authors say both diet and exercise likely remind you to stay on track, aiding your weight-loss goals.

5. You'll handle stress better.

Break a sweat in the weight room and you'll stay cool under pressure. Scientists determined that the fittest people exhibited lower levels of stress hormones than those who were the least fit. Another study found that after a stressful situation, the blood pressure levels of people with the most muscle returned to normal faster than the levels of those with the least muscle.

6. You'll be happier.

Yoga isn't the only Zen-inducing kind of exercise. Researchers found that people who performed three weight workouts a week for six months significantly improved their scores on measures of anger and overall mood.

Can you lose weight with yoga? You will with this routine.

7. You'll build stronger bones.

As you age, bone mass goes to pot, which increases your likelihood of one day suffering a debilitating fracture. The good news: A study found that 16 weeks of resistance training increased hip bone density and elevated blood levels of osteocalcin—a marker of bone growth—by 19 percent.

8. You'll get into shape faster.

The term cardio shouldn't describe only aerobic exercise: A study found that circuit training with weights raises your heart rate 15 beats per minute higher than if you ran at 60 to 70 percent of your max heart rate. This approach strengthens muscles and provides cardiovascular benefits similar to those of aerobic exercise— so you save time without sacrificing results.

9. Your heart will be healthier.

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that people who did three total-body weight workouts a week for two months decreased their diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by an average of eight points. That's enough to reduce the risk of a stroke by 40 percent and the chance of a heart attack by 15 percent.

10. You'll be way more productive.

Lifting could result in a raise (or at least a pat on the back from your boss). Researchers found that workers were 15 percent more productive on days they exercised compared with days they didn't. So on days you work out, you can (theoretically) finish in eight hours what would normally take nine hours and 12 minutes. Or you'd still work for nine hours but get more done, leaving you feeling less stressed and happier with your job—another perk reported on days workers exercised.

11. You'll live longer.

University of South Carolina researchers determined that total-body strength is linked to lower risks of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Similarly, other scientists found that being strong during middle age is associated with "exceptional survival," defined as living to the age of 85 without developing a major disease.

12. You'll be even smarter.

Muscles strengthen your body and mind: Brazilian researchers found that six months of resistance training enhanced lifters' cognitive function. In fact, the sweat sessions resulted in better short- and long-term memory, improved verbal reasoning, and a longer attention span.


Adapted from Women's Health

2/2/11






ALOE VERA JUICE






My latest obession and added ingredient to my morning smoothie or juice;


Top 10 Benefits to adding Aloe Vera Juice to your diet:

.

10. Aloe Vera Juice for Dental Health and Hygiene

Aloe Vera juice is great for your mouth and gums. Take that to your next dentist appointment!

9. Aloe Vera Juice and Aloe Gelly for Rapid Soothing

Aloe Vera juice and gelly (for the skin) is legendary for its soothing properties.

8. Digestion Support from Aloe Vera Juice

A healthy digestive tract ensures that nutrients from the foods we eat are absorbed into the blood stream. One of the important aloe vera juice benefits is its natural, detoxifying properties.

7. Immune Support From Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice provides you with natural support for the immune system. Since the immune system works around the clock protecting the body, aloe vera juice, with its natural immune enhancers, gives the body a continual arsenal from which to draw. Drinking 2 to 4 ounces of aloe vera juice regularly may give your immune system the helping hand it needs.

6. Aloe Vera Juice Helps with Weight Management and Energy Levels

Aloe vera juice helps, naturally, by helping the body to cleanse the digestive system. Our diets include many unwanted substances which can cause lethargy and exhaustion. Taken regularly Aloe Vera juice benefits you with a greater feeling of well-being, allowingenergy levels to increase and helping to maintain a healthy body weight.

5. Collagen and Elastin Repair Supported by Aloe Vera Juice and Aloe Vera Gelly Applied Topically

Aloe Vera juice aids your skin by providing the body with a rich supply of building materials. The skin replenishes itself every 21 to 28 days. An important boost from aloe vera is this support of skin regeneration.

4. Aloe Vera Juice Benefits for Nutrients

Some of the minerals found in aloe vera juice include calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. What a powerful storehouse we have in aloe vera juice! We all know that the benefit of adding foods to our diets with naturally occurring vitamins and minerals is recommended for overall health. Drinking aloe vera juice benefits the body with a natural and healthful way to replenish the body’s supply.

3. Daily Dose of Vitamins from Aloe Vera Juice

A significant value of aloe vera is that it is a powerhouse of vitamins. Aloe Vera juice is loaded with vitamins including: Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid and Niacin. The human body simply cannot store some of these vitamins; therefore we need to supplement them regularly through our diets. What better way than by drinking in these vitamin benefits of Aloe Vera Juice, while at the same time building the body’s defense system naturally against oxidative stress?

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties of Aloe Vera Juice and Aloe Vera Gelly (for the skin)

Aloe vera juice includes 12 natural substances that have been shown to inhibit inflammation without side effects. Added to that is the benefit for the support of proper joint and muscle mobility from aloe vera juice.

1. Body-Building Blocks Found in Aloe Vera Juice

Amino acids are our body’s building blocks. Eight amino acids, which are essential and cannot be made by the body are found within aloe vera juice! Drinking fresh, naturally potent Aloe Vera Juice benefits you by helping to maintain your health through replenishingyour body naturally with these essential amino acids. An analysis of the aloe vera plant shows that it comes closer than any other known plant to the duplication of essential amino acids.

All of these benefits, with just two to four ounces of aloe vera juice, twice a day!


1/9/11




Feelin' Green

I woke up and decided to go to the Hollywood Farmer's Market this morning on Ivar and Sunset. I can't believe I have been living here for almost 2 years and never made it there. I really enjoyed myself.. sampled lots of fresh produce and bought all the ingredients to make my green juice today:
Cucumbers
Parsley
Spinach
Ginger
Golden Delicious Apples
Celery
Lemon

This is a great juice and provides lots of dietary fiber, protein, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, iron, magnesium and phosphors and very good source of Vitamin A, C, K and Calcium.

I then decided to take the extra cucumbers and a teaspoon on almond butter for the perfect afternoon snack!

Bon Appetit!

xo,

Kick Ash Fitness


1/8/11


My 3 day cleanse...


So, just like everyone else I indulged a bit to much over the holidays and even for someone like me who is in the health and fitness field I decided that I needed a jump start to get back on track and feel like myself again.

One of my girlfriends, told me about this 3 day fruit cleanse/detox and I thought to myself if there is fruit involved I could give it a try. I am not big on anything that requires starving myself and I don't think anyone close to me would be either.

The cleanse is by Jay Robb a well known clinical nutritionist with over three decades of experience as a professional in his field. http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Fruit_Flush_Diet


The day before the cleanse I researched all the ingredients I would need and was pleasantly surprised to find out I had almost everything. The cleanse calls for a whey protein powder preferably Jay Robb's. (I use this every morning already in chocolate flavor), water , fruit and some actual protein, I would recommend skinless boneless chicken or salmon.


Day 1
Wake up and mix 1 1/4 of protein powder with 1 quart of water and blend (or mix). You will need all of this so if you are on the go, find a big plastic container to carry around with you. You are then allowed to have 6 ounces every 2 hours. In between be sure to drink lots of water or lemon water it will help you consume more. I think because I was so ready to start this cleanse that I wasn't feeling terribly hungry and I was drinking so much water it was keeping my belly full. I also didn't work out that morning so my appetite wasn't as big as usual. I made it all day with out any headaches and at the end of the day you are allowed to have 3-4 ounces of protein with a raw salad consisting of lettuce and veggies and you may only use extra virgin olive oil or flax seed oil. They suggest you eat at 6 pm but I never get home before 8 so I ate my salmon and raw salad at 815pm.. That salmon never tasted SO good.. I guess I was more hungry than I realized. I thought to myself wow I can totally do this and the next two days I was able to eat fruit so how hard could it be.

Day 2
I woke up at 540am to go to my usual Muay Thai boot camp class and was feeling hungry and definitely not as strong as I normally am however, I made it through the class and couldn't wait to get back to my first piece of fruit! For the next two days I was able to eat 1 serving of fruit every 2 hours until dinner and then my protein and raw salad. I ate my banana and was on my way to work with my bag of fruit. Be sure to look up what is considered 1 serving to make sure you have the right amounts. I proceeded with my work day and started to feel under the weather and thought maybe I was just losing energy from the change in my diet but as my nose started to get stuffy and my head was feeling very full I realised I was probably catching a cold that had finally made its way to me from everyone else. I wasn't going to give up and I just needed to get through the rest of the day and soon enough I will be eating my chicken and raw salad. The day seemed long and the fruit seemed small. I felt this cleanse was getting harder than I thought. Thankfully my friend was doing the cleanse with me so I would text her though out the day and we could commiserate together and I was having her over for dinner that night so we could wallow some more. The day ended and I made it.. One day left!!

Day 3

I woke up feeling worse than the day before with this head cold and both my clients had cancelled so I was very happy to sleep in a little more. I think between the lack of food mixed with the head cold I was struggling to peel myself out of bed and was a walking shell of myself. I had to make it through this last day. I made into work with my second bag of fruit in hand and proceeded with my day. I was really struggling with hunger and fatigue. I decided to get a decaf tea to have in between my fruit to help with my throat and maybe ward off some hunger pains.. didn't really help. I looked at my calender and noticed I was training two clients back to back after work and either I was going to have to wait till 9 for my protein and raw salad dinner or I would end the fruit early and have dinner before I trained and just not eat anything for the rest of the night which would be hard too. I ordered a plain salad with grilled chicken from the cafe across the street and ate at 6pm. That salad never tasted so good! By the time I got to the gym I had some color back to my face and my energy level shot up, which was great. I was able to motivate my clients more than a zombie! I wasn't even hungry for the rest of the night which was even better.

Day 4 OFF THE CLEANSE

So you think I would be ready to eat whatever came my way but after all that I felt so clean that I wanted to be very careful about what I put in my stomach. For the first time in my life I didn't want to snack on every little thing. I decided for a protein shake for breakfast and light soup and veggie salad for lunch and some more fruit.. You'd think I would be sick of fruit but I felt great after it. I never weighed myself through this cleanse so I can't tell you if I lost weight or not. I was not doing this for an immediate weight drop but more for a start to eating right again. I recommend this cleanse to people who are looking to start fresh with their eating habits and continue eating clean.

I have a feeling I will try this again without being sick so I can reap all the benefits.

Happy New Year and remember to check out my website for kickboxing classes and private training info...

xo,

Kick Ash Fitness


12/15/10







Where has this drink been all my life... MAMMA CHIA




I personally want to thank my friend Laura from telling me about this amazing drink! Let me start by telling you all the GOODIES in it:


2,000 mg Omega-3
10 g Balanced Fiber
33 mg Calcium
4 g Complete Protein

High Antioxidants




Oh and it tastes DELICIOUS! This fabulous drink comes in 4 flavors: Blackberry Hibiscus, Cherry Lime, Cranberry Lemonade and Raspberry Passion. I have only found them at certain Whole Foods and they are selling out quick..I highly recommend going out and finding one of these and trying them.. I'm pretty sure you will thank me :-)




For more info go : http://www.mammachia.com/





xo,

Ashley






12/13/10


Miracle Noodle


Hello Everyone,

I apologize for not posting in a while. With all these holidays and work, time has been passing me by.. I did not forget about my Kick Ash Fans.. I promise.
I want to tell you about the latest food I was turned onto that could help and save a lot of you while trying to keep off those extra pounds. They are called.. Miracle Noodles. They are a great substitute for pasta and rice. I had my first package last week and I LOVED them.. You simply drain them, rinse in cold water for 15 seconds, pat dry in a paper towel and add your favorite sauce or soup to them and eat. They are made of naturally water soluble fiber with no fat, sugar or starch. With the right amount of veggies, protein, fat and carbohydrates and plenty of exercise.. You should have no problem losing weight without having to starve yourself! For more info go to: www.miraclenoodle.com
xo,
Ashley

10/23/10

Free Beverly Hills Fitness Expo Sunday October 24th


I will be teaching a cardio-kickboxing class in the boxing ring at 11 am and doing demos until 3:30 pm.


The Expo is located at Robinson May's Parking Lot at 9900 Wilshire Blvd (next to the Beverly Hilton Hotel)


more info: This event is being held with The Beverly Hills Health and Fitness Expo and will offer something for every member of the family including complimentary massages, health screenings, martial arts classes, boxing instruction, MMA fight demos, Sumo wrestling, strength challenges, fitness model search, health lectures, fitness demonstrations, exotic cars, custom motorcycles, and free product giveaways. Obstacle courses, face painting will be available for the kids as well a variety of information and products for pet owners and lovers alike.


http://www.facebook.com/ShapeUpAmerica


10/12/10

ONLINE FOOD DIARY

I have told many of my clients to follow one but haven't actually kept one myself until recently. I always thought I ate healthy so I figured I didn't need to. However, sometimes I wonder if I am getting the right amount of carbs, fat and protein in my diet.

Then I found www.figwee.com. After researching many food journals on line I liked Figwee a lot. It was simple and had images to show proportions that you could adjust to what you ate. It gives you options for your GOALS. For example:

Your Goals

Desired Weight: lbs
Enter your healthy target weight.

Weekly weight loss of: lbs / week
Allow target calories per day to vary based on my exercise / activity.

Fixed calories per day of: calories / day
Set a constant goal of a certain number of calories per day.

Net carbs per day of: grams of carbs / day
Set a constant goal of a certain number of grams of carbohydrates per day


There is an activity log to input your exercise for the day and to see calories consumed versus calories burned. After, you will receive a results page that will post your net calories to show how you are doing. So, you don't have to feel like you are alone in this, they have an online community page to chat with others and ask questions to their help line.

I am a trainer, fitness instructor and a very healthy person but I like using this to keep me in check to make sure I am not consuming to much of one thing. For me, I realized I was consuming a few more carbs without thinking about it (fruit can add up). I know now I need to up my protein a little more.

Check it out, it could help you loose that weight you have been trying to loose on your own for a while now.


xo,

Kick Ash

9/19/10

Speeding up your metabolism

I apologize for being MIA lately and not current on my posts. I am back now and want to give you a few tips on how to keep your metabolism up and running high!

BREAKFAST, BREAKFAST, BREAKFAST.. eat it! I hear a lot of people say they don't like to eat first thing in the morning or they don't have time. Well , missing breakfast is one of the worst things you can do. It slows your metabolism down and depletes your body of fuel it needs to function properly. Egg whites that come in a carton are easy, just pour and cook. Ready in less than 5 minutes. Plain oatmeal without sugar is a good choice. just add a few blueberries or cinnamon and you have a delicious filling breakfast!

BED TIME...Losing sleep can make you FAT! It may slow your metabolism down not letting your body get properly utilize food and nutrients as energy so then end up being stored as fat. Try to get 8 hours of sleep a night.


PUMPING IRON..A lot of women get scared of weight lifting because they think they are going to bulk up but it actually helps build calorie-burning lean muscle.. be sure to add weight-bearing exercises to your cardio routine a few times a week.

GET OUT OF THAT CHAIR..Most of us sit at a desk all day and stare in a computer. Try to get up in between phone calls, take walks around the office every 30 minutes and get the blood flowing because sitting for too long switches off enzymes that capture fat into the blood stream..

Eating several small meals through out the day and moving your body will help keep your metabolism up and you SLIMMER!

xo,

Kick Ash Fitness

8/19/10




Cheat Night






I eat super healthy 90% of the time so I can enjoy cheat meals like the one I had last night at Cobra and Matadors at 7615 Beverly Blvd in West Hollywood. I love this place, so many great dishes all served tapas style.. It is BYOB so I usually show up with one of my favorite bottles of wine that they open with NO corkage fee and sit back and wait for one of my favorite dishes on the menu...BACON WRAPPED DATES!


Their salty-sweet mixture captures me at first bite and melt in mouth. I am also a huge fan of their buratto in a jar with toasted baguettes on the side.. If you are a cheese fan this is your dish. I could go on forever but let me just say if you are looking for mouth watering tapas in a funky cool atmosphere then check out this place and in case you forget to bring your own wine or beer they have a place right next door that you can pop into.

xo,

Kick Ash

8/17/10

Updates

I wanted to let you all know that I will be starting up Kick Ash Fitness Classes in mid-September and I am still taking clients for personal training. Also for more frequent updates be sure to check out my two Facebook pages:http://http//www.facebook.com/pages/Beverly-Hills-CA/Kick-Ash-Fitness/151278494886242 and http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=537630028 and follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/kickashfitness.

xo,

Kick Ash

8/16/10

Getting Back Into It
It's been a month since my knee surgery and almost 2 1/2 months since the pain started.. I am slowly now getting back into my workout mode! I started doing a Brazilian Butt-Lift work out video at home which has been awesome for my rear end! I went on my first moderate hike yesterday with a little pain going down and tomorrow I will start easing back into fitness classes of all sorts.. Physique 57 http://www.physique57.com/, Muy Thai Basics and Bootcamp at http://www.roxyfit.com/ and I am looking into spinning classes.
I will also be starting up my own Kick Ash cardio kick box classes mid September. As much as I have missed working out it has been a little hard to get back into it full time. I don't want to over do it but I want to be up to 4-5 days a week of working out by the beginning of September. I have tried to maintain a super healthy diet during this whole time with the exception of a few cheat days.. I think it is helped not make me feel so horrible about sitting around. I look forward to sharing more adventures, food journals, facts and more with you soon!
xo,
Kick Ash

8/10/10


10 Minutes to a Healthy Dinner



If you are like me you, you are constantly on the move between work, family, trying to maintain a social life it can all be very difficult to stay healthy. I have learned that keeping the right ingredients in your fridge and freezer can make life a lot easier and keep you from putting on those extra pounds.


First I try to shop only on the outside aisles of the supermarket, which is where the produce and fruit is kept. I usually just do a quick run through grabbing a variety of different veggies, fruit and then I grab a box of firm tofu, pre-cooked grilled chicken or fish.


Monday and Wednesdays are usually very long days for me and when I get home around 8:45pm the last thing I want to do is start cooking a long dinner. So I have mastered my go-to quick veggie or veggies and protein dinner.


This is what you will need:


1 medium size frying pan

1 Tsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2-3 Cups of mixed veggies chopped ( ex. Tomatoes, carrots, spinach, squash,bell peppers)

2 Tsp of Onion Powder

2 Tsp of Garlic Powder

1 Tsp of Cayenne Pepper


Place everything in pan and cook on med heat until veggies start to get soft at that point if you want you can add in some Tofu or Chicken cook for another 4-5 minutes.. All Done!


Optional:

1 package of firm seasoned tofu OR a some pre cooked Grilled Chicken (Trader's has a great selection of both)


Left overs are GREAT for lunch the next day!


8/4/10

Brazilian Butt Lift
I am just shy of my 3 week recovery point from my knee surgery and I decided to open up my Beachbody workout DVD and try my new Brazilian Butt Lift workout.. I was a little skeptical because you know never know what these DVDs are going to be like.
I popped it in and decided to start with the "basics". Since I am considering myself a beginner until I am 100% I want to take it slow.
Just from the basics I was already feeling the burn. Once I has the moves down I started with the first 30 minute session. I couldn't do everything quite yet but within the first 17 minutes my legs were shaking, my butt was burning and I was sweating. I can't wait to be able to do the whole thing and move on the other workouts.
In the package they sent they give you a tape measure and a card to fill out your beginning measurements and your final results. I will post my results in another few weeks.
It feels good to be working out again even if it is for a quick 20 minute burn!
xo,
Kick Ash