Fit and Fresh
Healthy things to do in September Line dancing, anyone?
By Sally Baker and Katie Kirschenmann
For a different and fun kind of exercise, how about trying your hand (or cowboy boot) at line dancing? The final session for the summer runs from Sept. 5 to 26 on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Bakersfield College. Your instructor will be Bobby Watts, and the cost is $25 for all four sessions. Register today at bakersfieldparks.us.
The Amazing Almond In August, local farmers began the long process of harvesting one of this valley’s biggest commodities — almonds. Did you know almonds are the most nutritious of all nuts? This portable little snack boasts huge health benefits. Just one ounce (about 20 nuts) contains 12 percent
Healthy classes for kids If you have younger children who may enjoy learning how to grow their own food and prepare a healthy meal, consider a couple of classes held at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. The Children’s Garden class teaches simple techniques of planting, maintaining and developing the garden. This class operates year-round on Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 to 5 p.m. The Healthy Cooking for Kids class teaches children how to prepare simple but healthy dishes using fruit, vegetables and whole grains. This class also operates year round on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 4 p.m. Both are free. Call 322-9874.
Roasted Almonds with olive oil • Heat oven to 350 F • Cover a cookie sheet with foil and spread out almonds • With a brush, spread olive oil over almonds • Bake 8 to 10 minutes • Remove from oven and sprinkle lightly with sea salt
Photo by Sally Baker
Poise Pilates + Barre
of your daily allowance for protein, has no cholesterol, and is high in vitamin E, that powerhouse antioxidant with strong cancer-fighting qualities. Almonds are also full of minerals, such as magnesium, zinc and phosphorous. This humble nut is also a great source of calcium and folic acid — perfect for those pregnant. Almonds are also an effective weapon against heart disease, being a good fat. I have always promoted the almond as a great postworkout snack, during studying or an anytime nutritional snack to carry with you. Keep a small baggie in your car or pack a few in your pocket on a long ride or run. I’m often asked, “How many almonds should I eat per day?” I usually respond with 12 to 15 per day, each day. My almond farmer husband will thank you and so will your body. Roasting almonds brings forth a delicious nutty, aromatic crunch, perfect in salads. 136
Bakersfield Life
September 2012
Are you looking to shake up your exercise routine? There is a fresh-faced, dynamic duo in town that can help you achieve your fitness goals. Local women Callie Spitzer and Christine Travis have taken their combined and extensive knowledge of Pilates and “Burn at the Barre” and have created a challenging new insight into the workout experience. Their newly opened Poise Pilates + Barre is devoted to the philosophy behind a uniformly developed body. Spitzer and Travis instruct their clients through a regimen that increases mind-body connection, flexibility, strength and balance all the while coaxing your body into leaner and longer proportions. I recently spoke with Spitzer about the benefits of Pilates and the Barre method. It is her fundamental belief that Pilates is for everyone. She says, “Pilates is dedicated to