40 lic courier april 2013 • www.queenscourier.com MAMMA GIANNA ON A MISSION This is one of the hardest articles I have ever written. So . . . no better way than to just jump in. I weighed myself on March 21 and almost passed out. I weighed 201 pounds! “Get out of here!!” I screamed at my scale. I decided then and there to take a step back and make some changes in my life. Being so involved in the LIC YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign and such a strong supporter of our local Y, I knew I should not be setting such an unhealthy example. After all, I know a lot about nutrition because I’m in the restaurant business! But I have no willpower when it comes to food. As I am writing this, I am eating a cookie fresh out of the oven. I need motivation. And the best way to motivate is to have a challenge. I not only want to challenge myself, but all of you who would like to get healthy. Come get healthy with Mamma G! This a three fold attack: 1.Mind set 2.Exercise 3.Food intake Mind set: If someone calls you fat— like my brother, Anthony, often says about me—that’s just wrong. Don’t listen to that negativity. Breathe in deeply, meditate on healthy thoughts and be positive. You have to convince yourself that you can do it. Did you know that genetics plays a huge part in your health? Look at your family history and talk to a doctor so you are aware of how your body needs to be treated. Exercise is often associated with work but it should not be. I am definitely not a doctor, but research has shown walking can reduce stress and is instrumental in losing weight. Start off slow, like making your way to the Yoga Room at least two times a week. I heard that the hot class will definitely shed some pounds, and also detoxify at the same time. And when you are ready, CrossFit has an awesome boot camp from hell. What I am going to do is call my friend Rosanna Balata Lake who went from school teacher to personal trainer (SAMBA) to start so I don’t break something. We talked about how important it is to go at your own pace and incorporate a routine with work and lifestyle. For instance, for me, taking a walk with my kids after picking them up from school Food intake: this is where I don’t shut up! With all the education and knowledge that’s out there, this should be so easy. But it is always the hardest. And what is my excuse? It is the same as all of you - not enough TIME. The only difference is I am too busy cooking for everyone else that I forget about me. To fix this is easy: pre-plan your menu, not for the whole week but for the day. For instance, buy fresh fruit daily so you don’t go without it. Have a low fat Greek yogurt in the house or work place, nuts are a must, and GREENS GET IT -- it can’t be emphasized enough, you can’t have enough of them. You must have three full meals a day religiously and two healthy snacks. You need to get your metabolism in motion. But the key is smaller portions and more proteins, Legumes (beans) are best. Try to cut back on white flour, have whole-wheat pasta instead. When you order out or go out there are a couple of rules. Rule #1: No fried foods Rule#2: Stay away from saturated fats Rule #3: Stick with grilled foods; however, make sure it’s just grilled. Rule #4: You cannot deprive yourself or you will binge. No extremes. Rule #5: Don’t make it a job, make it a life style! So my goal is to be healthy and not just to be thin and lose weight, after all, I am Mamma Gianna. Your goal should be yours. Please check with your doctor first on what is best for you. Every month I will give you an update and please don’t let me regret this. Please visit your local Y, there are so many fun family events going on. 32-23 Queens Boulevard Long Island City, NY Peace, salads and getting healthy at the Y, Mamma Gianna
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