June 2011 "Health & Fitness Issue"

06.11

HEALTH & FITNESS ISSUE CULTURE

DINING ENTERTAINMENT

FASHION

FITNESS

LIFESTYLE

NIGHTLIFE

hot wings. cold beer.

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good times. live music!

sizzlin’ summer is here.

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refresh • rejuvenate • recreate

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White PArty FAShiOn ShOW | liVe PerFOrMAnCeS | DJ CABAnAS | ViP tABleS | COCKtAilS | CuiSine Fountain Plaza at the nC Music Factory | 935 n. Graham Street SAturDAy, June 25th 6-11PM | AFter PArty At Butter GenerAl ADMiSSiOn $10.00 FOr tiCKetS, ViP tABleS Or CABAnAS lOG On tO ChArlOtteSeen.COM

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Whether your goal is to finally slip into those skinny jeans, or you’re just looking to become a little more fit and fabulous, the Loze Your Excuse “Weight Loss Challenge” is a great way to kick-start a better you!

If you are one of the few selected, you will have the opportunity to work with a certified personal trainer on staff at ZX Fitness, as well as have classes and a regimen set up for you to achieve your weight loss goals.

You also will have the opportunity to work with a dietitian and a nutritionist during your weight loss challenge so you are able to maintain your loss.

The winning participant will receive a prize package valued at more than $1,000. The challenge is open to males and females, and you do not have to be a member to participate in the Loze Your Excuse “Weight Loss Challenge.”

Congratulations on your decision to get serious about weight loss. Sign up now at lozeyourexcuse@ZXFitness.com. What do you have to lose?

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THE SEARCH IS ON!

Do you think

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CoveR GiRl

2011

noWS youR ChanCe to Be on the CoveR oF the September Fashion issue For More Details Please email us at: covergirl2011@elevatelifestyle.com

look?

publisher’s note Well I hope everyone had a great Memorial Weekend -- it’s hard to believe it’s the first of June and we are only a couple weeks away from summer! It’s going to be a great one with so much going on.

You can pretty much pick any night of the week to find something fun to do, especially when it comes to live music. From AA5 on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and Jam at the Banks at the N.C. White Water Center on Thursday evenings, to FRIDAY LIVE! at the N.C. Music Factory, you don’t have an excuse to be bored this summer.

This month brings our “Health and Fitness Issue.” Whether you’re looking to lose that baby weight, find that special spa in Charlotte, or start drinking and eating more healthfully, Elevate Lifestyle has you covered. Also, if you’re looking to get active, check out what the N.C. White Water Center has to offer.

So once you get that body you’ve been working for, you will need to get out and show it off. Come to the Fifth Annual White Party at the N.C. Music Factory on Saturday, June 25, brought to you by Elevate Lifestyle, Charlotte Seen and Kiss 95.1. There will be a DJ spinning the best hits, a fashion show and live performances. You can purchase your tickets at CharlotteSeen.com.

Till next month, Steve Caldwell

" I can’t believe this is happening again... "

Hangover Haven Sundays Launching Sunday,

June 5th

The Recovery Begins at High Noon!

Drink and Beer Specials 20% Off All Appetizers Weekly Giveaways Live Music from John Earle Band ElevateLifestyle.com

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team Publisher: Steve Caldwell Editor: Edy Hinson Creative Director: Greg Smith Design and Production: Greenspon Advertising Cover and Photo Spread Photography: Photography: Jim Merrill Photography, JMTFoto.com | Models: Brittany Kerr, Melissa Littlejohn and Renee Burrows with Directions USA, Adriana Flores With Evolution Fashion Stylist: Andre Jarrid | Makeup and Hair: Who’s the Fairest, WhosTheFairest.com Swimwear: Letarte By Lisa Cabrinha, LetarteSwimwear.com | Location: The VUE Charlotte Advertising, Sponsorship, Website Sales, and General Advertising Sales Information: Brad Cheek | Christine Younghans | Dempsey Gibson | Steve Caldwell Contributing Editors: Culture Editor: Chrystal Rose | Dining Editor: Nikki Wilson Entertainment Editor: Denise Gregory | Fashion Editor: Debra Kennedy Fitness Editor: Monique Douglas | Nightlife Editor: Sean Flynn Contributing Writers: Ashley Hampton | Elaine Gregory | Lauren Nguyen Event, Article and Website Photography: Chip Auger | Eun Park | Lazyday.com | Steve Caldwell Interns: Elizabeth Solitaro | Jacob Brooks

Monday, june 2oth 2011 Charlotte Golf links shot Gun start at 1pM | Captain’s ChoiCe reGistration fee $350 for a foursoMe: inCludes Cart & Green fees, adult BeveraGes all day, snaCk on Golf Cart, and 19th hole awards CeleBration with dinner. sponsorships are availaBle startinG at $200 ContaCt Bo Many at BManey@Btlf.orG ready to play, siGn up now at elevatelifestyle.CoM

CONTENTS 20 24 30 34 38 42

CULTURE Alegria!

DINING New On The Dining Scene ENTERTAINMENT Jam At The Banks FASHION Sizzling Summer Fashion NIGHTLIFE Outdoor Fun LIFESTYLE A Wonderful VUE

18 28

HEALTH & FITNESS guide 52 56 62 70 74 80 86

Healthy Recipes Summer Cocktails Just Relax!

What Baby Weight?

Alcohol And Training Where to Start?

Just One Touch

Get Ready Charlotte!

September 19-24 5 Days of Fashion & Style 5 Days To Remember

Photo on left by Markverks Photography Center and right photos by Robert Christopher Photography

www.charlottefashionweek.com

culture

Alegria!

Ahh…Alegria! Cirque du Soleil is Back in Town It’s the second time Cirque du Soleil is coming to Charlotte this year and I can’t wait to see what it’ll bring. After the amazing, visually captivating, goose bump inspiring show Totem brought—How could I not?

Alegria means “jubilation” in Spanish and considers itself to be “a mood, a state of mind” which contrary to the translation is a little dark and heavy. While Totem was based on the evolution of man, Alegria focuses on the evolution of power from all different walks of life. Totem was a new production while Alegria was created for Cirque’s 10th anniversary and has been around for 17 years. You won’t be able to pinpoint just one theme in this jaw dropping spectacle of color and acrobatics…but you can try.

Not convinced? Here are 10 reasons you should go see Alegria this August.

• You missed Totem Cirque came to town with a big top, tents and a fascinating show and you missed it. Maybe it was out of your way, maybe you were out of town, maybe your friends saw it without you… Point is the most beautiful circus on Earth only comes around every so often. Don’t miss out again!

• If you’ve seen one, you definitely need to see them all No, all Cirque du Soleil shows are NOT created equal. Just because you did see Totem doesn’t mean you should skip this one. Cirque creates a sort of magic with each show, demonstrating incredible acrobatics, amazing visual effects and rhythmic music. You will never see the same thing twice…unless of course you see the same show twice.

• You’ll regret it The show is only in town for five nights, August 3rd-7th. If you are at all waffling on the idea, you should go. Otherwise you risk blinking and having them pack up and move on to Florida before you could make a decision.

• It’s convenient I’ll admit, Totem being at the Speedway was a little out of the way, but where else in Charlotte are you going to put a big top? Alegria will be at the Time Warner Cable Arena, just a few steps from some fabulous dining (before the show) and some of Charlotte’s best nightlife (after the show.)

• You won’t have to stay up late While the first two days of Alegria start at 7:30, the last three offer both the later show and a matinee for those of you who prefer to go on with the rest of your day. It’s a great time to take the kids. (Well the ones who are able to sit still and appreciate beauty of course.)

• Discounts!

Students, Military, Seniors and Children all get acknowledged, with proper identification of course. Full price tickets start around $40 (with fees) which for a show like this, is a pretty good deal.

• It’ll break up your summer Kids driving you nuts? Why not take a night off and go see Alegria? You can rejuvenate yourself just in time to get the kids ready to head back to school.

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No kids? By the end of the summer you’ve probably seen several movies, taken a trip to the beach and spent plenty of days on the lake, why not break things up a bit and see a world renowned show?

• It makes the perfect: Belated Mother’s Day, Just Because I Love You, I’m Sorry, Happy Birthday, Graduation, Anniversary, Thanks For Always Watching My Shows With Me gifts.

• It beats a normal date night Rather than the same old dinner and a movie why not change it up and see dinner and the circus?

• It’s Cirque!

If you’ve never seen a Cirque show you need to, it’ll blow you away. And if you’ve seen a Cirque show, well I probably already had you at “Cirque du Soleil is back in town.”

Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria will be in town from August 3rd-August 7th at the Time Warner Cable Arena. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster. com.

I suggest you go see it.

Cultural Editor, Crystal Rose

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Voted Charlotte’s “best low-carb lunch & best wraps!” by elevate magazine

Fueling Charlotte with Healthy Food Bank of America Plaza • 101 S. Tryon Street • 704.910.1094 Duke Energy Center • 550 S. Tryon Street • 980.355.0240 energycafecharlotte.com 22

dining

new on the dining scene Summer is here, and now is the perfect time to revamp your lifestyle. Whether you want to look good in your short shorts or you just want more energy to get you through the 95-degree days, it all starts with the food you put in your mouth. Healthy eating can take you a long way but with busy days, outdoor adventures and nights out with friends this season, it’s not always the easiest thing to do. That’s where we come in: to offer you some great places to find some great choices for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And with options that include pizza, Mexican and smoothies, it should be one easy summer.

Common Market One of my favorite hot spots for lunch is a deli that serves up flavorful subs, packed high with fresh-tasting ingredients. And that’s exactly what Common Market opened its doors for. While a sub can be full of protein and all your needed veggies, it can also be a train wreck of fat and calories that will slow you down during your daily routine. Healthy eating is all about choices. You don’t have to give up all the extras on your turkey club, just switch out the bad for the good, and with 14 different toppings to choose from, Common Market makes it easy.

A list of condiments like mayonnaise and mustard are available, but I choose to change it up, not only opting for a healthier spread like hummus or olive tapenade, but also kicking up my taste buds, as it’s not every day I get to taste Market’s sun-dried tomato spread.

After that, move on to the veggies. With a full list that includes creamy avocado, banana peppers, sprouts, red peppers and much more, I never have to get the same thing twice and I’m always switching up the flavors.

Next time you pop in, try the turkey capri made with baby spinach, goat cheese, red onion and my favorite sun-dried tomato spread. If you don’t feel like a sub, no problem. Common Market also serves up soups, salads, paninis and a full breakfast menu.

2007 Commonwealth Ave. | 704.334.5991 1515 South Tryon St. | 704.332.7783 CommonMarketIsGood.com Johnny Burrito A Mexican restaurant that actually boasts entrees that are low-fat, healthy and prepared fresh daily with no MSG? Oh, yes, please! Johnny Burrito has been around for years and has won multiple awards in Charlotte and they are well-deserved. And you don’t even have to go in and guess which items are healthy for you – Johnny’s has already done that for you.

Johnny’s uses all white meat chicken breasts, flank steak and ground beef, and the chicken is marinated with fruit juices and seasonings. Before the meat hits the grill, the additional fat is trimmed off and thrown away. It doesn’t stop there – the rice and black beans start dry and are cooked with just a bit of seasoning, making these sides vegetarian and fat-free. The mushrooms, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, green peppers and jalapenos are all hand-cut produce, arriving fresh daily.

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And if you want to cut even more, Johnny’s tells folks that you can make “a very low-fat burrito by choosing chicken, veggie, or a rice and bean burrito or nacho salad and then just cut back on the cheese and sour cream.”

I think this place just gave me a reason to eat a burrito three times a week.

301 South Tryon St. | 704.371.4448 | JohnnyBurrito.com Brixx Wood Fired Pizza I adore a good pizza with a thin, crispy crust, seasoned meats and a tasty sauce. But I also adore looking good in my new bikini; so sadly, pizza never makes the top of my list for healthy eating. Yet, after checking out the options at Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, maybe I’ll be able to enjoy a pie for dinner and still strut my stuff at the pool.

The key word to Brixx’s method is right there in the name – wood fired. Walk into any of the four Charlotte locations and you’ll see the brick oven aflame as cooks are sliding in the handmade pizzas, letting the fire do the rest.

The first step is to choose your crust.

There’s traditional, whole wheat or a gluten free option. Next, choose which toppings are going to satisfy your cravings. Just like at a deli, healthy eating is all about options. The margherita pizza is simple, yet so tasty with roma tomatoes, fresh house made mozzarella and basil. But being a lover of seafood, I’ll never pass up the spicy shrimp pizza crafted with wood-roasted shrimp, roasted red peppers, sundried tomatoes, goat cheese and fresh basil.

Brixx has a full list of other options, as well as an appetizer menu, but their minds are still set on healthier ways to prepare their dishes. That’s right, the wood fired oven gets plenty of use as there are no deep fryers to be found at any Brixx location. How’s that for quality, good tasting food without the extra calories?

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9820 Rea Rd. | 704.940.2011 1801 Scott Ave. | 704.376.1000 225 East Sixth St. | 704.347.2749 7814 Fairview Rd. | 704.295.0707 BrixxPizza.com Energy Café While healthy options at a restaurant are good practice, what’s even better is a restaurant where everything is healthy so you can’t go wrong, no matter what you order. The folks at Energy Café are passionate about not only making good food but making it good for you. Using unprocessed ingredients and organic products whenever possible, Energy strives to help people establish healthy eating habits early on so you don’t have to face consequences from poor eating later in life.

And best part of the entire idea of Energy? – it’s healthy fast food, meaning you can get in, get out and get on with your day. If you love a good salad, Energy has you covered yet there is so much more than that. Check out the menu and you’ll find all-natural soups, a coffee and tea bar, frozen yogurt with fresh fruit toppings, protein-packed smoothies and a dozen wraps and sandwiches to give you a burst of energy throughout the day.

And if you’re craving a bit of dessert, they got that too. Fuel bars, which are shaped like brownies but are much better for you, are preservativefree and made fresh in house every day, blending whole grains and superfoods. There’s no cardboard taste here though, as you couldn’t get better flavors than the pumpkin walnut, blueberry almond, banana nut or the peanut butter chocolate chip.

550 South Tryon St. | 980.355.0240 101 South Tryon St. | 704.910.1094 EnergyCafeCharlotte.com Luna’s Living Kitchen If you are wondering what the definition of healthy eating is, skip the dictionary and take a stroll into Luna’s Living Kitchen. Unlike so many of

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the restaurants you’ll step foot in, Luna’s boasts a menu filled with raw and vegan dishes.

But if your steak-loving self thinks you’ll miss the meat, you just have to give Luna’s a try.

Stop in for breakfast and you’ll find a menu filled with healthy options to start your day.

Whether you try the parfait, granola, buckwheat or the fruit dish served with two bonbons, you can’t go wrong. Or you can pop in for lunch or dinner and check out popular dishes like the veggie burger, the Sprout It Out Loud salad with hemp dressing or the mystical mushroom spaghetti crafted with zucchini noodles, marinated mushrooms and a creamy miso sauce.

Still not convinced that vegan eating is your style? Grab one of their new brownie concoctions topped with fresh strawberries, another brownie and then the cashew cream. Luna’s also offers chocolate pudding, coconut macaroons, energy bars and a variety of smoothies, juices and organic teas to finish your meal.

If you won’t take my word for it, check out Luna’s Facebook page where their loyal followers can’t stop raving about the food. The hemp dressing may sound funny to you, but another patron told Luna’s she was addicted to it like crack, while another loyal follower bragged that the apple spirulina kombucha she tasted rocked her world.

2102 South Blvd. | 704.333.0008 | LunasLivingKitchen.com Dinig Editor, Nikki Wilson

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entertainment

jam at the banks While Searching the City, I found Jam at the Banks— US National Whitewater Center’s Riverside Concerts and Other Highlights If you have partying A.D.D., then you’re kinda like me. You’ve probably eaten at nearly every restaurant in the city and done all of the ‘cool stuff’ like ‘patio concerts.’ So, like you, I was looking for the latest entertainment when I found another, wetter version of Alive After Five: River Jam at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

All summer long, every Thursday until September, the Whitewater Center will present more than 20 bands that you and your friends can dance to. That’s new music plus new fun in the sun for the next four months. Before the band hits the banks, you can bike, paddle, run and exercise. Their restaurant, River’s Edge Bar & Grill, has eats and beers to tickle your fancy. Without further rambling, here’s your River Jam Guide featuring Summer Picks for the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

River Jam’s Band Lineup: 6/16 Mike Strauss Band | 6/23 Thompson Brothers Band 6/30 Alan Barrington | 7/07 Exit 54 | 7/14 Elonzo 7/21 Matt MacKelcan Band | | 8/04 RockHighway Summer Park Picks Aside from the park’s activities that we are familiar with such as streamlining, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and so forth, here are some other features that I looked into exploring for the summer. Lucky for you, my list includes activities fitting for every social setting, even a li’l something to do with your beloved office buddies.

Canopy Tour Ever participated in a Canopy Tour? Picture seeing the entire park from an aerial perspective with a series of zip lines, sky bridges and rappels: that’s exactly what the Canopy Tour is all about. This is one of my picks for fun because it’s organized and already planned; we all know choosing what to do in a group of six can be quite hassling. This eliminates such grief.

At least afterwards, everyone has a true taste of what interests them inside the park and could possibly venture out from the group. Tour also includes a whopping True Blue Free Fall.

Survival Programs In addition to the Center’s regularly scheduled activities, you can also play survivor with your friends. Ok, not really, but there are survival programs that you can take for the sake of vacationing abroad. Say you’re backpacking Europe in a few months, well wouldn’t you want to know all about signaling, how to make a fire, and what to use in the wilderness for first aid? You can do all of that with either of these weekend long programs: Survival 101 or Wilderness Exploration and Survival Program. Both programs have age qualifiers and 31

vary in price. Hey, at the very least, you can pretend you’re on Survivor!

Team Development Center Whadd’ya know … there’s a little something for the professional who is tired of the mundane meetings at the office.

USNWC features a Team Development Center for cross development and creating cohesiveness amongst large working groups. This is a fabulous option to boost morale back in the office and break away from the ordinary. The program has height activity qualifiers that are helpful in choosing what’s appropriate for your group. You may want to call for more information.

Welp, are you interested in hanging out with me at the Center?

SIKE. I’m not inviting you! But should you have more questions or need additional info, you can contact the Center’s Guest Services at (704) 391-3900. Enjoy!

Entertainment Editor, Denise Gregory, NikkiPanache.Com

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fashion

debra’s sizzling summer fashion list Summer is the most fun season for most of us. It gives us a chance to get a great tan (spray or natural), and enjoy amazing vacations and weekend parties with family and friends. But with this wonderful season comes the added bonus of shopping for great fashions that will make the summer even hotter.

Fashion trends play a very important role when it comes to style, so if you want to look trendy and be admired for your fabulous fashion sense, you need to keep up with the fashion must-haves.

With my simple suggestions, you will have all of the pieces that will allow you to be summer ready. Your friends will admire and comment that you are the “IT” girl and that your wardrobe is pretty, fashionable and flattering.

Summer Romance – Full skirts and Maxi Dresses It is time to rock the Full Skirt and Maxi Dress once again, ladies. This look is all about comfort. These items truly never go

out of Vogue. Both items are airy, light and flowing. Animal prints are again trendy. Bright tones are very popular and the color orange is the rage of the season.

70’s Chic – Wide leg pants Wide pants have made a comeback from the 70’s. They are comfy, stylish and often elegant. Plus, there are plenty of more modern and youthful designs.

A Girl’s Best Friend – Shoes Forget diamonds – shoes are truly a girl’s best friend.

Summer 2011 is full of new “best friends” for shoe addicts everywhere. Sculpted wedges, stilettos and sandals are all the rage for the perfect addition to your wardrobe.

If you need to limit your selection to only one pair, my suggestion is a great neutral wedge.

Bold and Beautiful Get bold and beautiful with chunky jewelry and a few stylish and fashionable rings for the summer.

Bright colored stones and fun eye-catching rings will dictate the trends this 35

summer. This is a very inexpensive way to add a modern touch to your wardrobe.

The Cat is Out of The Bag Cat eye glasses are all the rage this summer.

This vintage look of the 60’s will be the most sought-after trend and will be impossible to find once the season begins. This glamorous style looks great on everyone. Get yours soon before the stores are sold out.

So why look ordinary this summer, when you can look super fabulous and stunning wearing these five staple pieces I have recommended. Drop me a line and let me know what your favorite purchase will be this summer at debra@debrakennedyshow.com. So get trendy this summer!

Fashion Editor, Debra Ann Kennedy

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nightlife

outdoor fun It’s June now, which means concert season is revving up and our happy hour options are wide open! We all know the Bible Belt prohibits happy hour drink specials, but that does not stop us from celebrating gatherings during happy hour! While sitting at work, one thing on my mind (besides sex) is, How much longer until I can have a cold beer?

Where should I have this cold beer? Where can I have a cold beer and listen to some good music? Maybe even some live music? Outside?

Yep, a few years ago there was really only one true spot for such happy hour happenings. Now-a-days, Charlotte has several gigs to choose from. All of which are during the work week immediately after 5 o’clock, outside with live music! Some with free admissions and almost all with portions of proceeds benefiting good causes. This, I am a big fan of, since my only good deed normally consists of tipping my bartender well. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to skip the gym after work, lie to your spouse and say you’re working late, and go out and milk this town for everything its got while it’s not too hot!

Thursday’s Alive After Five at The Epicenter hosts free entertainment throughout the summer. It’s one of the largest weekly happy hours in Charlotte at a prominent location downtown. The bands mostly consist of local and cover bands and you can tell by the name of the band what you are in store for. Swinging Richards, Girlz,Girlz,Girlz … hell, sounds like a party to me. Along with the AA5 festivities, Epicenter is offering special $20 meals at selected restaurants along with free entry with wristbands at participating bars! While at the Epicenter, be sure to check out their two new spots Bubbles Lounge and Luck 8 Dinner Club, which are set to open soon.

Is downtown not in your radar or can’t wait until Thursday? AA5 offers another happy hour gig on Wednesdays in the Southpark area at Alive After 5 Piedmont Town Center. Similar bands, though a little less diverse crowd than AA5 at the Epicenter. You can still expect to see plenty of short skirts, tucked in polo’s and pay the same as you would for Thursday’s brew, which is four to five bucks.

Some other worthy outside shin-digs are South Park’s Village Tavern at 5, Zink at 5, Mix at 6 in Ballantyne, Summer Concert Series at University Place and Whitewater River Jam at the WWRC. Though it’s not truly a happy hour setting, don’t forget to take in NODA’s outside Gallerycrawl on the first and third Fridays of every month too. Not to mention the long awaited Chop Shop, which will eventually be hosting some killer concerts!

Friday’s happy hour scares me. Mostly because I, as well a majority of other people, do not have to work Saturday; which means Friday’s happy hour could very well turn into an all-nighter … and quick. My standard few beers and a shot of whiskey just tripled!

Intentions of working in the yard Saturday easily get replaced with drinking bloody marys that eventually lead to the hair of the dog.

Nonetheless, Friday’s happy hour celebration can be found at the N.C Music Factory. Coors Light Friday Live! At the Factory

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caters to a bit of bigger music acts so tickets are $5.

Chump change when factoring in these bands every Friday night from 5 to11 p.m. -- rain or shine! Eight week passes for only $20 are available as well as VIP tickets with portions of the proceeds to benefit Kids First Of The Carolinas. Live! Tickets also includes admission to other places with in NCMF so feel free to pull an all-nighter here.

As far as big venue and big name concerts coming through in June, you can catch several. What has seven arms and sucks?

Def Leppard, right? Hey, I can’t lie, I rocked a Hysteria shirt back in the day and you can catch them this month when they play live at Verizon. Other big acts to roll through this month in Charlotte are Primus, ZZ Top, Kenny Chesney, Nicole Kidman…I mean Keith Urban, Phish and my concert pick of the month: Ryan Bingham at Amos’s!

That’s right, it’s time to clean out the coolers and throw away those corroded wounded soldiers you forgot about, tune up the air guitars and rock n’ roll. I’m practicing my Tommy Lee drumstick in the air lick as we speak!

Cheers!

Nightlife Editor, Sean Flynn

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Multiple studios on-location Green Screen Studio Casting Studio Sound Recording Studio Warehouse Studio

Features / Amenities: ·Oversized “Green Screen” ·Separate control room (overlooking set) ·Private on-set dressing rooms ·Drive in Stage (warehouse studio) ·Set / Prep Area (Break room) ·Private studio entrance ·Wireless Internet ·Equipment rental available

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fitness

healthy recipes Thai Barbecued Shrimp These barbecued shrimp have the perfect amount of kick to them, and are great over rice or noodles, or just on their own!

Ingredients • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 tablespoon soy sauce • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon brown sugar • 2 teaspoons curry paste • 1 pound medium shrimp - peeled and deveined Steps 1. In a resealable bag mix together the lemon juice, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, brown sugar and curry paste. Add shrimp. Place in refrigerator to marinate for 1 hour.

2. Preheat grill for high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers. In a saucepan, boil the marinade for a few minutes. When the grill is hot, lightly oil the grate.

3. Grill shrimp for 3 minutes per side, or until opaque. Baste occasionally with the marinade.

Nutritional Info: Calories 73 | Protein 11.7g | Carbohydrates 3.6g | Fat 1.0g Other Dietary Info: Cholesterol 86mg | Dietary Fiber 0.1g Preparation Time: 10 min | Cooking Time 6 min | 8 servings Mixed Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin with Shallot-Port Reduction Ingredients BEEF: • 1 (2-pound) beef tenderloin, trimmed • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 1/2 tablespoons cracked mixed peppercorns • Cooking spray REDUCTION: • 2 cups ruby port or other sweet red wine • 1 1/2 cups fat-free, less-sodium beef broth • 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 2 sprigs fresh parsley • 1 sprig fresh thyme • 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 3 tablespoons water • 1 tablespoon butter • 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar Steps 1. Preheat oven to 450°.

2. To prepare beef, sprinkle beef evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and peppercorns, pressing firmly to adhere. Place beef in a shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 33 minutes or until a thermometer registers 135° or until desired degree of doneness. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

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3. To prepare reduction, combine port and next 5 ingredients (through thyme) in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 1 1/4 cups (about 15 minutes). Strain port mixture through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids. Combine flour and 3 tablespoons water. Return port mixture to pan; add flour mixture to pan, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute or until thickened, stirring constantly with a whisk. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vinegar.

Nutritional Info: Calories 173 | Protein 23.0g | Carbohydrates 3.0g Fat 6.0g Other Dietary Info: Fiber 0.4g | Cholesterol 56mg | Iron 1.9mg | Sodium 477mg | Calcium 28mg Preparation Time: 15 min | Cooking Time 34 min | 8 servings

Asian-Glazed Swordfish with Baby Bok Choy Ingredients • 4 (800g) Swordfish Fillets • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce • 1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce • 1 clove garlic, crushed • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar • 1 teaspoon sugar • 600g baby bok choy, halved length ways • 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh coriander leaves Steps 1. COAT fish fillets with half the combined sauces, garlic and oil. Add vinegar and sugar to remaining sauce mixture; reserve dressing.

2. COOK fish fillets in heated, oiled large non-stick frying pan until browned on both sides and just cooked through. Remove fish from pan, cover to keep warm.

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3. ADD bok choy to same pan; cook, covered, until just tender. Serve fish on bok choy, drizzled with reserved dressing; sprinkle with coriander.

Nutritional Info: Per 800g serving | Fat 5.0g Preparation Time: 5 min | Cooking Time 15 min | 4 servings

Watermelon Agua Fresca Ingredients • 8 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided • 1 cup water, divided • 1/3 cup sugar, divided • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice • 1 liter club soda or seltzer water, well chilled • Lime slices for garnish Steps 1. Combine half the watermelon, half the water and half the sugar in a blender; puree. Pour through a coarse strainer into a large container.

Repeat with the remaining watermelon, water and sugar. Stir in lime juice. Refrigerate until well chilled, about 4 hours.

2. To serve, stir in club soda (or seltzer) and garnish with lime.

Nutritional Info: Calories 68 | Carbohydrates 16.0g Other Dietary Info: Sugars 15 g Preparation Time:15 min | Cooking Time 0 min | 10 servings

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fitness

drink smart: healthy summer cocktails The warm weather is here, and it’s time to throw on your teeny bikini and head up to the lake or nearest pool. With summer comes more cookouts, lake parties, happy hours on your favorite patio … you know the rest. And while we are out enjoying the weather, we are most likely enjoying more drinks as well. Nothing says summer fun like sipping margaritas and fruity frozen drinks, but lots of these summer drinks are loaded with calories and sugar.

Luckily, there are healthy options out there. Adjusting a few ingredients here and there will make for delicious summer cocktails that won’t risk compromising your teeny bikini summer body!

Here are a few of my summer favorites, perfect to make at home or call for at your favorite local bar or restaurant. Keep in mind that if you don’t like a particular liquor you can substitute another. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that most liquors contain from 75 to 125 calories per ounce.

Skinny Gin & Tonic 1 1/2 oz Hendrick’s Gin Diet Tonic Cucumber Wheel Lime wedge Substitution is key! An average gin and tonic has more than 200 calories; but by using diet tonic and a squeeze of lime juice, you will shave off 100 calories. Combine ingredients over ice and squeeze the lime into the cocktail. Garnish with the cucumber wheel.

Summer Spritzer 1oz Skyy Infusions Dragon Fruit Vodka 1 oz Skyy Infusions Citrus Vodka 3/4 oz Lemon Juice 2 Strawberries 1 sprig of Mint 2-3 Lemon Wheels Soda In a shaker, muddle together mint and strawberries. Then add Skyy Citrus, Skyy Dragon Fruit and lemon juice, and shake vigorously with ice for 15 seconds.

Pour contents of the shaker into a tall glass, fill with ice and top with soda. Yummy summer in a glass!

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*muddle - To muddle is to combine ingredients, usually in the bottom of a glass, by pressing them with a muddler to press out the juice or flavors before adding the liquid ingredients. If you do not have a muddler, use the back side of a large spoon.

Poolside Berry Cooler 1 1/2 oz Stoli Raspberry Vodka 2 oz Seltzer Water 1 oz Cranberry Juice Pour ingredients over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.

For a sweeter taste, use lemon-lime soda in place of seltzer.

And go ahead and throw in an umbrella to make it complete!

Lemonrita 1 1/2 oz 1800 Silver Tequila 1/2 oz Triple Sec 2 1/2 oz Light Lemonade 1/2 oz Lime Juice Mix all ingredients in a mixing tin and shake vigorously.

Pour over ice. To make them frozen, combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

A FEW HEALTHY TIPS TO REMEMBER: It’s not the alcohol that makes cocktails as calorie-heavy as a quarter pounder, so be careful what mixers you use with your favorite liquor. Use club soda or seltzer instead of Sprite and tonic to make them calorie free.

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Try a dessert, cocktail, or after-dinner drink instead of having both dessert AND a drink.

Drink your veggies when you can -- many fresh vegetables are high in fiber and vitamins (Hendricks Gin & Cucumber Tonic or a Bloody Mary).

When making Bloody Marys, use real tomato/vegetable juice instead of Bloody Mary Mix; many of the pre-made mixes contain high amounts of corn syrup and salt.

Vodka Girl? Try drinking a ‘vodka-water’ and using Crystal Light single serving drink packets to add some flavor. Get them at the grocery store and throw them in your purse before you head out!

Sunning? Make sure to sip smart -- extreme heat and high temperatures tend to intensify alcohol’s effect on the body.

Whether you’re pool-side or lake-side, I hope you have a chance to give these refreshing cocktails a try … Enjoy the Sun! Lauren Nguyen, Republic National Distributing Company Please feel free to contact Lauren with your comments and questions at Lauren.Loves.Liquor@gmail.com.

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fitness

just relax!

Looking for a really good massage or a great facial? Well, considering this is our ‘Health’ issue, we decided to research a few spas in the area, that way the next time you were in some serious need of quality ‘you’ time, this little section we’ve included in our issue could be your ‘handy dandy’ spa go-to guide. The spas we researched are excellent in providing their clients with some of the best products and services around. From a session with any of these spas, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling refreshed, extremely relaxed and very satisfied.

Le Petit Spa Le Petit Spa offers an array of innovative face treatments. Facials range from antioxidant cleansing to medical grade chemical peels to the heavenly 60-minute four layered facial. “All of my treatments are focused on delivering the maximum longterm benefits to my clients. The care I give often allows me to be successful in clearing up a skin condition that has plagued an individual for many years…Years of experience with skin led me to open up Le Petit Spa,” quoted from the founder of Le Petit Spa herself, Priti. Priti has been an esthetician for many years, teaching makeup techniques and skin care to clients. She also specializes in medical grade chemical peels, threading, waxing and mineral based makeup. In 2009, she was voted best esthetician in Charlotte by the BOB Awards for Charlotte Magazine. Le Petit Spa is a place where the customer comes first and the skin care is customized especially for the uniqueness of their skin. Relaxation and rejuvenation along with professional products and service makes Le Petit Spa stand out above the competition. Le Petit Spa is warm, cozy and unpretentious.

6324 Fairview Road | 803.493.0637 LePetitSpaCharlotte.com All About You Salon & Day Spa All About You Salon & Day Spa is just as unique as it looks!

It is a Christ-centered salon located in the heart of historic Dilworth. The salon was founded in May 2002 by Patsy and Shannon Tucker, a mother and daughter who share a common passion in serving others. All About You is committed to offering a peaceful, joyful and uplifting environment; a reprieve from the hectic world around us. “We are grateful for each person that entrusts us with their hair, skin and nail care needs.”

All About You is located in the bright green house with the blue

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awnings, you can’t miss it. They provide hair services, facial treatments, hair removal, nail services, massage therapy and wedding preparations. A few of the products they offer are Bumble & Bumble, Keune Color, Bioelements, and more. All about You Salon & Day Spa is committed to providing the highest quality products available. They are passionate about the way (you) feel, and the way (you) look! For more information about booking and hours, you can either call or visit their Web site.

1700 E. Boulevard | 704.295.0744 | AllAboutYouSalon.org Voci Spa Voci Spa is located in the Stone Crest Shopping center in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte. Their featured services consist of skin care, massage and body, makeup, permanent makeup, laser services, botox and fillers, endermologie, nails, waxing and tinting, and lash extensions. You can shop online with Voci Spa or from their ‘express menu’ found on their Web site. Voci Spa also offers monthly specials. Their demos include Jane Iredale lessons, chair massages, brow wax, nail 64

polish change, and consultations for laser, Botox, fillers, and skin care which are all FREE if you attend one of their open houses. They also raffle Jane Iredale products, Botox & Juvederm, Radiesse, massage therapy, skin care and products, and laser skin tightening during their open houses. However, if you are not able to attend an open house, these products are available daily in their salon. Treat yourself next time you’re in the Ballantyne area with Voci Spa. 7808 Rea Rd. | 704.307.4416 | VociSpa.com Georgetown Day Spa Located in the heart of Plaza Midwood and known as “your neighborhood healing place,” Georgetown Day Spa is a unique salon and day spa offering the highest quality of services in a comfortable neighborhood setting. Georgetown Day Spa offers services in hair care, skin care, massage, and nail care. They also offer awesome spa packages, yoga classes, and hypnotherapy and reiki classes. The products carried in their salon are Keune, So Pure, Moroccan Oil, Dermalogica, and O.P.I. They provide hair design for men, women and children, all over color, highlights, semi-permanent color, color change, corrective color, conditioning treatment, and senior shampoo and set. Skin care services include facials and waxing. Massage services include full body stretching and range of motion movement, lymphatic drainage massage, PreNatal massage, Deep tissue/Swedish/Neuromuscular, Hot Stone massage, Couples massage, and Reiki. Their packages include; Escape For Men, Day Break, Just For Him, Exhilaration, and The Awakening.

1213 Thomas Ave | 704.335.0050 | GeorgeTownDaySpa.com Carolina Club Spa Carolina Club Spa is located in Huntersville, N.C. This spa focuses on optimal healing through clinical and therapeu65

tic massage. Their clients are assisted with professional licensed massage and bodywork therapists who specialize in Neuromuscular and sports massage. They have helped patients who have suffered from symptoms of pain due to conditions such as but not limited to: Cancer, Crohn’s Disease, Depression, Digestive Issues, Fibromyalgia, Golfer’s/Tennis Elbow, Joint Disorder, Lupus, Prenatal Discomfort, Pre/Post Surgery, Rehabilitation, Sports Injury, and TMJ. They provide massages indoor and outside by the pool. The massage services provided are Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Sports Massage, and Prenatal Massage. Specialty massages provided include hot stone, bamboo, aromatherapy, blended experience, and tough love. Their featured products are Red Flower, Aura Cacia, Bio Freeze, Mama Mio Pregnancy Products, and many others.

830 Skybrook Dr. | 704.947.8873 | CarolinaClubSpa.com Elaine Gregory 66

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fitness

what baby weight?

I was watching E! News the other evening and noticed one of their headlines featured a very skinny Kourtney Kardashian for her Shape Magazine photo shoot. For those of you who have been living in the dark for the past three or more years, Kourtney Kardashian is the eldest of the entire Kardashian clan. The quick Kardashian run-down is that they are America’s reality-TV royal family per se, with Kim Kardashian sitting as princess. Their mother (Kris Jenner) is wife to former Olympian Bruce Jenner and is the ex-wife of OJ Simpson’s lawyer, Robert Kardashian. Are you caught up now?

The reason I am mentioning Kourtney is because she gave birth to her son Mason in December of 2009 and by the looks of it, shows no remnants of her labor whatsoever.

In fact, she seems smaller than ever! So what exactly was her secret, I wondered?

I don’t have any children of my own but I am a proud Godmother to two beautiful girls.

This by no means makes me an expert on how to lose baby weight of course, so I did some research and here is what I have found: Breastfeeding Kourtney told Shape Magazine, “I was burning an extra 600 calories a day and I got really skinny, where I was like, I just don’t want to lose any more weight.” The act of breastfeeding tightens the stomach muscles and is a workout within itself. After my sister gave birth, I remember her singing the joys of how breastfeeding repaired her body and according to drsears.com, “Breastfeeding mothers showed significantly larger reductions in hip circumference and more fat loss by one month postpartum when compared with formula-feeding moms.”

Healthy Munching I like to refer to this as a mental-recalibration. If your afternoon snack is habitually a pack of M&M’s, then it is time to pick 71

a healthier choice, like a piece of fruit. Choose organic foods over the highly-processed ones.

Healthy Choice has packaged selections that are low in calories and not very high in sodium.

Whatever you decide, consider making a healthy decision for yourself and for your baby.

Now Walk It Out Do just as rapper Unk said and “walk it out!” After every meal, go for a walk to help jumpstart your metabolism and get those calories burning. Not only will you feel better after doing so, but it will curb that feeling of lethargy that typically occurs after digesting a lot of food.

Cutting Back On ‘Throwing Back’ The Drinks Monitoring your alcohol intake is imperative. Most people tend to forget that there are calories with every drink that you have, so those calories add to the pounds you gain. Also, cutting back on caffeinated drinks will lower your sugar intake and in turn, help you to lose weight.

Sweat it off!

With a new baby in tow, finding time to work out will be difficult for most. Try to find time to get a cardio workout in as well as lifting weights. Doing this will help shed the pounds you want to get your body back to where it used to be.

Til Next time…

Fitness Editor, Monique Douglas 72

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fitness

alcohol and training Some of the earliest records of alcoholic beverages are found in Egypt from around 4,000 B.C. The Egyptians credited the gods for the invention of beer and wine, and considered it a necessity of life, brewing it daily in their homes. Much like the staples of our diet today, beer and wine were considered as important, if not more so, than bread and meat.

Of course today we know a lot more about alcohol and its effects. This article will present some information about alcohol, explain how your body processes it, look at health concerns, and discuss the content of different alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol’s Calories, and Body Fat Since its first days, alcohol has been an integral part of our culture, or at least most cultures. From a sedating effect to a courage imbibing effect the reasons for drinking are numerous and myriad. We are also well aware of alcohol’s dark side, its addictive qualities, performance reducing effects, mental impairment, and a number of health related issues like diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver, just to name a couple. Also, drinking and the operating of motor vehicles are responsible for a large number of deaths every year.

These are all good reasons to not abuse alcohol.

One of the effects that alcohol has, and is not widely discussed, is its effect on body composition. Basically, alcohol supplies seven calories per gram. Simply put, this means that alcohol supplies energy, adding to the body’s energy balance whenever it is consumed. The calories that alcohol supplies, however, are considered empty calories, unlike the more substantial calories of complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Calories from alcohol are essentially calories without any nutritional benefit whatsoever. Not only that, but calories from alcohol are actually consumed first when combined with other macronutrients like proteins, carbohydrates and fats. This means a delaying or postponing of the fat-burning process, which could potentially mean more fat storage.

Dr. Atkins recommends avoiding alcohol consumption on the Atkins diet because whenever alcohol is consumed, it is the first fuel to be burned. While this is happening your body will not burn fat. Alcohol does not store as glycogen and you immediately return to ketosis/lipolysis after the alcohol is used up. He goes further to say that if you must drink alcohol then wine is acceptable. If you do not like wine, then straight liquor like gin, rye or scotch is a reasonable alternative, as long as the mix is sugarless, meaning no juice or tonic water, just diet soda or seltzer. That being said, any form of alcohol can pose problems for those wanting to lose weight to look their best. The ideal diet would not include alcohol at all.

The Calories As discussed before, alcohol weighs in at a hefty seven calories per gram, which is only two calories less per gram than fat. We also have to factor in that alcoholic calories will hasten fat storage because they lack any nutrients that are beneficial for a healthy metabolism.

Add to the mix ‌ well, the mix: many alcoholic beverages are loaded with calories from other sources. In fact some cocktails contain fats.

A five-ounce glass of wine will typically contain 110 calories, 91 of these are derived from the alcohol itself, the remaining calories come from carbohydrates.

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Beers typically contain more carbohydrates, though “Lite” beers are closer to a glass of wine for their carbohydrate content, but still have a higher energy content overall.

Alcohol, Our Inhibitions, And Our Appetite Drinking loosens up our inhibitions and breaks down willpower and motivation; and it becomes progressively worse as you drink more. Maybe sober you wouldn’t dream of eating that Big Mac or at least would have the strength to resist the urge, but after several glasses of wine, it suddenly doesn’t seem all that bad. In fact, alcohol has an appetite stimulating effect as it provides very little nutrition itself. A Canadian study showed that alcohol consumption prior to a meal compared to a normal carbohydrate drink, increased the total caloric intake for that meal by a significant amount.

The Stomach, Kidneys, Liver And Alcohol Alcohol can have detrimental effects on the lining of the stomach and esophagus, as well as putting stress on the kidneys and liver. Too much alcohol can lead to some very serious health problems, even death in some cases.

Weakening of the stomach lining effects the rate at which food is digested and this will hurt a healthy metabolism and weight loss.

The liver is responsible for processing toxins and also breaks down fats for fuel; as such, a healthy liver is crucial to maintaining a healthy body.

Alcohol is at its worst during the liver’s detoxification process.

Alcohol And Testosterone Alcohol interferes with testosterone production and there are a couple of reasons why this is not desirable at all.

First of these reasons is that testosterone has a strong fat loss effect, and drinking reduces this. Second, testosterone is an anabolic hormone, which means it plays a large part in the muscle building process.

The more lean muscle mass your body carries, the more calories you burn naturally without even exercising, this is known as your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). The body requires energy to support muscle retention and gain, it doesn’t need calories to maintain fat.

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How The Body Processes Alcohol About a quarter of the alcohol consumed in a drink is absorbed immediately from the stomach to the blood stream, the rest is absorbed via the small intestine.

The rate at which alcohol is absorbed can be increased based on a few factors: the amount of food in the stomach, a fuller stomach slows the rate of absorption; whether a drink is carbonated, carbonated drinks are absorbed faster; and alcohol percentage, the higher it is, the faster it will be absorbed.

Caloric Content of Common Alcoholic Beverages Straight Liquor Tequila, Scotch and Vodka: Serving Size 1.5 oz | Calories 115 Whisky: Serving Size 100ml | Calories 220 Rum: Serving Size 100ml | Calories 220 Gin: Serving Size 100ml | Calories 220 Beer Regular: Volume 3% - 5% | Serving Size 12 oz Calories 150 Light: Volume 3% - 5% | Serving Size 12 oz Calories 100 Wines Regular Wines: Volume 10% - 14% Serving Size 4 oz | Calories 85 Sweet White Wine: Volume 10% - 14% Serving Size 4 oz | Calories 100 Light Wines: Volume 6% - 10% Serving Size 5 oz | Calories 65

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fitness

where to start?

Everyone wants to be fit and in shape. The thing is, people don’t know where to start, and what to do that works best for their bodies. We were lucky enough to interview North Carolina native John Gregory, who is a private personal trainer. John took the time to answer a few questions and give us straight up answers that everyone wants, and needs to hear. Unlike most personal trainers who have been fairly fit and in shape their whole lives, John has not; and he has truly made an amazing transformation along with his many clients.

Never having had the desire to be a “personal trainer,” John started working out and eating healthy for himself. Over time, people came to him asking for help and advice. Soon after, he found himself hired as a personal trainer. See what it takes to get the results you want. John has provided many useful tips from years of experience and has shared with us what works for him, and what may work for you!

Elevate: How did you get started?

John Gregory: Well, I was always a big guy. My weight started becoming a problem in the fifth grade, I ate the same as the other kids, but my portions were out of control. In my younger years I didn’t realize what I was doing to my

body and how it would affect me in my life. By the time I knew it, I had ballooned to a heaping 258 pounds in 11th grade. I was always active in all sports growing up. All the way through high school I always worked out, set records in the weight room, and competed at a high level. With all my success in sports and weights, I didn’t realize what my body looked like until it would be time for the beach, or anything social outdoors. I was always known as the strong kid but when not in the gym or in an unfamiliar setting, I was looked upon as the ‘fat kid’. After countless times of being afraid to take my shirt off at the beach, lake, sports events etc., I realized it was time to make a change! I had put it off for so long and realized this uncomfortable feeling would continue no matter how much weight I could lift, or how much I told myself that it didn’t bother me. When it all came down to it, it was time to do work!

E: When did the actual ‘total body transformation’ (Arnold Schwarzenegger voice, LOL) as you and your workout buddies call it, begin?

J: Two months before high school graduation I started my new lifestyle.

My diet was my main downfall, so that was the first thing I attacked. After doing some research, I started a high protein, low carb, low fat meal plan.

I don’t say diet, because ‘diets’ don’t work.

E: What did this ‘total body transformation’ consist of?

J: I continued my weight lifting and incorporated more cardio and plyometrics into my routine. For the next two months I vigorously followed my new program and had dropped 40 pounds up to the day of graduation.

I felt very good about myself and didn’t mind all the compliments coming my way from friends and family. It made me feel good about myself, better than anything else I can describe. It was something nobody could take away from me. I still wasn’t where I wanted to be so I continued. The results started slowing as I came closer to my goal so I had to adapt. My body had plateaued with my current program so I had to switch things up.

E: So, what did you do to switch things up?

J: With trial and error, in time I figured out what my body needed. I started eating five to six small meals a day. My protein, fat, and carb intake were all portioned just right to get me closer to my goal. I planned my meals around my workout plan. Within an hour of waking up and consuming a

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high protein meal, I was ready to start the day. I ate small meals of lean meats, green veggies, and various fruits low on the glycemic index. The body also gets used to your workout plan, the trick to keeping the results coming is to change up your routine, body confusion is key. The body will adapt to certain workouts meaning results come to a halt. Whether it’s new exercises, more weight/less reps, less weight/more reps, or just more sets, it’s good to change your routine about every month or whenever you start to see a slow in your results, that way your results keep coming. People get stuck in the same routine and give up way too soon.

E: How do you feel about snacking throughout the day?

J: Snacking is important. In order to keep your metabolism going and to continue burning unwanted fat, you should definitely snack. It also gives you energy and cuts the urge of wanting to splurge and eat a big meal.

E: What kinds of snacks do you snack on?

J: Boiled eggs, peanuts, honeydew, almonds, apples, broccoli...

E: What’s the main difference between men and women when it comes to losing weight?

J: Everybody’s different whether man or woman. For example, what works for me may not work as well for the next person. Adjustments are needed from person to person to get the best results possible for them.

I just helped a female client reach her goal a month and a half earlier than she had planned. Her plan was similar to me but the needed adjustments were applied. Women naturally have less muscle mass than males, meaning their body fat is typically higher when comparing a skinny girl to a skinny guy, for example.

E: I personally love bread, I could eat it every day. However when I do eat bread, I eat wheat because I’ve been told it’s healthy and not really fattening? Is this true?

J: As I stated above, everybody’s different. I have friends that can eat whatever they want, sandwiches, sweets, etc., and as long as they work out, they keep gaining positive results. For me, I have to stay away from bread, except for every once in a while. Most people consider wheat bread being a healthy alternative to white bread; an even better alternative is whole grain. It’s been proven that Americans do not consume

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enough whole grains throughout the day. Surprisingly, most people I have talked to or have trained, didn’t know the difference between whole grain and whole wheat bread.

E: What would you suggest to people about eating healthy and exercising?

J: Everybody has a different goal and different purpose for their lifestyle.

I suggest people pay more attention to what they’re eating than to how much weight they can lift in the gym or how long they can run on a treadmill. For me, eating right is 80 percent of my physique. With my clients, I put them on a healthy meal plan, and work out plan, and make needed adjustments over time.

E: What is your drive when working with your clients?

J: My motivation is my past. I know how it felt to be uncomfortable in my body.

E: What is your main focus with your clients?

J: My main focus is to help make people love themselves and feel healthier and happier about themselves.

E: How long have you been working out and eating healthy?

J: Six years.

E: Do you work out every day?

J: Five days a week. The body needs time to recoup and rebuild. Overworking your body can give you negative results and become unhealthy.

E: How do you know if you’re working your body too much?

J: Results start to slow, energy flees, and you start to encounter sleepless nights.

E: What’s your motto?

J: “If you’re going to do something, might as well do it right.”

Elaine Gregory

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fitness

Just One Touch: Health & Fitness Apps Beer Gut Fitness If you’re worried about your intake of empty calories from all those frosty beers and caipirinhas you plan to drink this spring and summer, this might be the app for you. It tells you when you’re safe to have a drink — calorically speaking — and when you need to exercise. It even shows you what kinds of exercise you can do and for how long.

Smartphone: Android | Cost: Paid

Nike Training Club Nike Training Club is a training app that gives you your own personal trainer, anytime, anywhere. Get lean, toned and strong with over 60 custom-built workouts featuring audio guidance and on-demand instruction from a Nike Professional Trainer while you earn NTC rewards like Lea Michele’s exclusive workout.

Smartphone: Apple | Cost: Free Calorie Counter Pro: MyNetDiary Why wait - start losing weight with MyNetDiary - fast, easy, comprehensive app.

MyNetDiary is a comprehensive, highquality diet app featuring: easy food tracking with a database of 300,000-plus foods, and an instant food search. Up to 35 nutrients, body measurements, recipes, favorites, exercises, planning, charts, food time tracking, barcode scanner, and more.

Smartphone: Android and Apple | Cost: Paid My Sport Training The most comprehensive, most popular, most award-winning fitness software is now available for your BlackBerry phone, with a complete set of features to track every detail of your cardio and strength workouts.

Smartphone: Blackberry | Cost: Paid

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Endomondo Sports Tracker Use your mobile as a free personal coach and training partner. Using the built-in GPS, it tracks your running, cycling, hiking, kayaking, skiing - you name it! As a bonus, you get audio feedback while working out.

Smartphone: Blackberry, Apple and Android | Cost: Free BMI Calculator This application is designed to calculate your body mass index. Simply input your weight and height to get the result of your body weight status - overweight, normal or underweight.

Smartphone: Blackberry | Cost: Free Elsie’s Yoga Class Inspiring, fun, and uplifting, live and unplugged Anusara-inspired yoga classes taught by Pittsburgh yoga teacher Elsie Escobar. Classes range from strong beginners to advanced. They are 60 to 75 minutes long. Depending on the level and length of the individual class, they may include all or some of the following: a theme, meditation, pranayama, warm-ups, sun salutations, standing poses, arm balances, hip openers, backbends, cool down poses and relaxation. The class is live and Elsie is teaching to what she sees. It’s designed to include you into the class experience.

Smartphone: Android and Apple | Cost: Paid 22

Daily Ab Workout Daily Ab Workout is a great five-minute daily ab routine for men and women that steps you through ten of the best ab-sculpting exercises. These proven exercises, demonstrated by a certified personal trainer, target all major abdominal muscles. Spending just five minutes a day can strengthen your core and tone your abs.

Smartphone: Andriod and Apple | Cost: Free Deep Relaxation and Stress Management Hypnosis Overcome stress and anxiety with this hypnosis session. Stress and anxiety-related illnesses are at an all-time high, so learning stress management techniques to relax is extremely important for your mental and physical health. This session will guide you into a deeply relaxed state and your subconscious will absorb the many post hypnotic suggestions to help you cope with everyday stressors. When you awake you will feel a sense of inner calm and peace.

Smartphone: Apple | Cost: Paid Ashley Hampton

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WORDS AND IMAGES, CREATIVELY COMBINED AND PRINTED WITH CARE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD.

IS THE OFFICIAL PRINTER OF ELEVATE MAGAZINE 2050 NORTHWEST 94 AVENUE MIAMI, FLORIDA 33172 T F E W

305.594.2100 // 800.895.6244 305.594.1870 INFO@NUPRESS.COM WWW.NUPRESS.COM

COLOR IS THE REFLECTION OF LIGHT. WE REFLECT BRILLIANTLY.

IN FOCUS

Amazing Food.

Unbeatable Service.

Brand Spankin’ New Drink Menu!

Everyone’s Favorite AA5 Pre And Post-Part y Spot! $2 Beer Specials Every Thursday Night.

At The EpiCentre | 704.688.0366 | MortimersPub.com

IN FOCUS photos by: trip bye

IN FOCUS photos by: trip bye

IN FOCUS photos by: trip bye

IN FOCUS photos by: trip bye

IN FOCUS photos by: trip bye

IN FOCUS photos by: trip bye

IN FOCUS photos by: trip bye

CORNHOLE IS BACK! Wednesday @ 7pm Great Weekly Giveaways!

FRIDAYis NIGHT ’ LADIES NIGHT

. and For V.I.P upcoming search

bands

buckhead charlotte

IN FOCUS photos by: trip bye CMYK = 38,75,100,48 RGB = 101,53,20

IN FOCUS photos by: trip bye

IS LIKE NO OTHER COMPANY IN TOWN!

We have the hottest monthly culture, dining, entertainment, fashion, fitness, and nightlife publication to hit the streets of Charlotte, we host the largest variety of events than anyone else and we will soon have one kick ass new website! Now is your opportunity to come work for us, Elevate Lifestyle is looking for someone who: Has a proven sales history, ability to listen and comprehend clients needs, enjoys meeting lots of new people everyday, and likes making money while having fun.

You would be selling the following products: Magazine Advertisements, Event Sponsorships, Online Sales, and Charlotte Half Price Program.

To join the Elevate Lifestyle team, please forward a cover letter and your resume in word format to steve@elevatelifestyle.com.

Coming in July

EntErtainmEnt & nightlifE guidE SpeCial SeCtion:

distinctivE carolina BEach dEstinations

DemogRapHiCS anD pySCHogRapHiCS oF eleVate liFeStyle ReaDeRS: Female 55.4% | male 44.6% age: 21-27 25.5% | 28 - 34: 45% | 35 - 44: 29.3% annual income: less than 35k: 12.2% between 35k - 55k: 31.7% | above 55k: 56.1% order Drinks By Brand name 68.3% order Beers By Brand name 81.7% Frequenting nightclubs/lounges 73.2% SpeCial eDitoRial aDV. RateS: 30% off Rate Card prices For a 3X month Consecutive Buy includes online editorial article & Banner advertisement FoR StRategiC aDVeRtiSing in tHiS iSSue pleaSe Call 980.475.8600 oR email uS at adv@elevatelifestyle.com

www.kiss951.com