The Fit List will cover topics that are familiar to you as a reader of MoveUrBody.com.  We’ll share fitness tips and tricks and even some rants and raves We will be attending and reviewing all kinds of different fitness classes and events in the Chicago area, while still incorporating information that will be interesting to you even if you don’t live in the area.

We could not have done this without the support and encouragement from you, our readers.   Thank you for helping to build MoveUrBody.com over the past year!  As a result of this transition, we will not be updating this site as often as you’re used to.  Our focus will be on The Fit List, so we hope you will come check us out and subscribe.  Please continue to follow, tell your friends, and definitely let us know if there’s any topics you’d like to read about.

You can also find The Fit List by visiting ChicagoNow, clicking the “Find a Blog” tab and choosing Wellness.

Thanks again and we hope to see you at The Fit List!

Courtney & Stacy

If you’re throwing a Super Bowl Party this year, be cool and do something a little different…make it a healthy one!  Detroit Free Press offers a few tips on ways to cut out some of those unwanted calories:

•  Buy baked: When purchasing potato or tortilla chips, grab the baked or reduced-fat versions.

•  Veg out: Have plenty of fresh vegetables chopped and ready to munch. They’re great with dips, salsa and hummus.

•  De-fat dips: When preparing creamy dips that contain sour cream, mayonnaise or cream cheese, opt for plain yogurt or the fat-free or reduced-fat versions of those ingredients.

•   Drink diet soda, juice or water.  If you want to enjoy an adult beverage or two, go for a light beer or something low in sugar.

•  Location, location, location: Placing snacks within arm’s reach of the couch or recliner encourages mindless eating. Help your guests make snacking a conscious activity by placing treats away from the immediate TV-viewing area.

Cooking Light offers a few suggestions on how to make some of those traditional game day crowd pleasers not so bad for you by cutting fat, calories, and sodium.  Learn about 5 Super Bowl Food Makeovers here!

Let me tell you about the new Whole Foods on North and Sheffield in Chicago.  We parked on the second floor of the parking garage.  We tried to park closer but couldn’t get a spot up front as many of them are reserved for “alternative-fuel vehicles.”  I smiled thinking “Gosh, Whole Foods.  You never let me down.  You’re so forward-thinking.”  I ignored that cynical little voice inside me that was saying, “Wow.  Isn’t THAT pretentious.  A perk for people who can afford to be early adopters.  Where’s your handicapped spots Whole Foods?  Expectant mothers?”  I’m sure they’re there.  I’m sure I  just missed them.

We parked and entered the store.  As we descended on the escalator inside, we got an aerial view of the entire Whole Foods experience.  I can assure you, you have never seen so many bright colors in one place in your life.  Orange clementines are piled high into intricate pyramid shapes.  “How do they do that!?” you’ll ask yourself.  Fresh green grapes as big as ping-pong balls beckon you to put them in your cart to snack on as you shop.  Mangoes are stacked high in beautiful wicker baskets; rare vegetables line the walls and you’re sure you can’t find this stuff anywhere else.

Image courtesy of Flickr

We needed Poblano peppers and Thai chilies for some dinners we’re making this week.  I spotted them easily and grinned from ear-to-ear as I placed them in the little plastic bag hanging nearby.  We next made our way over to the bath and body section.  There were baskets filled with varieties of bath salts that you can scoop yourself and take home.  I stood smelling the Eucalyptus salts until I was almost high…thinking how much relief I would be feeling if I had a cold.  Almost wishing I had a cold so these Whole Foods salts could work their magic.

We sauntered by the fish counter, with pinks and silvers so bright and fresh you just can’t tear your eyes away.  Tilapia for $9.99 a pound?  What a steal!  I’ll take two!  Courtney wanted to take a stroll through the cheese section.  The cheese section at Whole Foods makes me weak in the knees.  I’m a cheese-addict, and walking through that section is what I imagine walking into a crack-house might feel like for a crack addict.  The sushi-counter is the next stop.  Where there’s actually Asian people making the rolls.  I stared at a spicy tuna handroll for ten minutes before Court dragged me away.

Image courtesy of Flickr

The rest of the trip in Whole Foods is simply a delight.  We splurge on things like “organic oatmeal” and find some rare Mediterranean spices for a meal this week.  The online reviews of the recipe said it was almost impossible to find these spices.  Psssht.  Obviously they didn’t check Whole Foods.

I breathe in all the organic, natural, healthy goodness – just knowing that shopping here is making me healthier.  I’m putting good, organic things in my body.  Who cares if I don’t exactly know what that means!?  Who cares if there are so many conflicting messages about what’s good and what’s bad for you that I can’t even tell them apart anymore!?  I know Whole Foods is good for me!  I buy eggs from chickens that can roam freely, damn it. And that’s what’s important.

I left Whole Foods feeling punch-drunk.  We spent $30 and got a bunch of great stuff – including Poblano peppers, a mango and  grapes as big as ping-pong balls.

It wasn’t until we got to Stanley’s Fresh Market on Elston that I started to come back to reality.  Stanley’s is no Whole Foods.  It’s a no-bullshit kind of place.  Where as Whole Foods is filled with rich Lincoln-Parkers sipping wine as they shop, Stanley’s tends to cater to people that just need some greenery at a good price.  It’s a Moms-in-big-winter-coats-putting-food-on-the-table-for- four-kids, kind of place.

Image courtesy of Flickr

If I met Stanley he’d probably be like, “You want mangoes?  We got mangoes. Go look on the back wall,” without looking up at me.  Indeed Stanley’s has mangoes.  In fact, they had them on special last night.  Two for $.98.  I paid $2 for a single mango at Whole Foods.  Stanley’s also has grapes.  For about $1.50 a bunch.  I paid $5.59 for my grapes at Whole Foods.  Yes, you read that right.  Almost $6 for my grapes.  Granted, my Whole Foods grapes looked a helluva lot better than the Stanley’s grapes…but I can’t tell you that they were really worth four times the price.  Then I found the Poblano peppers.  Stanley’s was selling them for $.98 a pound.  I bought two from Stanley just to punish myself.  I paid $.52 for one at Whole Foods – they were $1.99 a pound.

What the hell Whole Foods?  Are you trying to make a fool of me?  I thought we had an understanding!?  I’ll pay the premium as long as I know I can’t get it anywhere else.  As long as I’m reasonably convinced that you have healthier choices.  I put up with the aisles clogged with Lincoln Park trixies toting their baby bjorns.  I practice healthy self-talk when I start getting pissed that Whole Foods has turned into more of a “place to be seen” than a grocery store.  I ignore the nagging, cynical voice inside my head that says, “When did eating healthy and organic become so Goddamn trendy?  And how the hell do people afford this shit?”

We all want to eat healthy.  Most people would agree that they want to eat things that make them stronger and healthier.  Foods that come from more natural ingredients instead of processed, evil-scientist-created ones.  But during times like these, and arguably at all times, you want to know that you’re getting a good deal.  You do NOT want to walk down the street and find the same damn pepper for a fraction of the price.  I don’t mind paying a little extra for fresher meat and fish – and I can definitely taste the difference.

Don’t get me wrong.  I still love Whole Foods.  But as much as I love it, I can’t help but feel like a poser every time I go there.  I think, “I’m not cool enough or rich enough to be here.”  And no one should have to be cool or rich to eat healthy.

The Wall Street Journal recently wrote an article about the Hidden Benefits of exercise. Studies show that regular exercise – something as simple as a brisk  30-45 minute walk 5 times a week – can boost the body’s immune system.  If you need a little reminder about why you made that New Year’s Resolution to work out more, check this out.

Courtesy of the Wall Street Journal

So push through the pain and mental blocks and get your butt on the treadmill.  You’ll be glad you did.

We’ve made it a little easier for you this year by putting together a list of some of the upcoming races through the end of April. They are mostly 5Ks, but there are also a few 8Ks, 10Ks, and even a 50k.  And actually, the first three events listed are Stair Climbing Races.  Trust us, stairs are a lot LOT harder than they may seem.  Take a look at the list below, pick your favorite (or pick two!) and get yourself signed up before they fill up!!  And please, comment if you know of any other races that we’ve missed.  We’ll see you out there!!

E. Jason Wambsgans/ Chicago Tribune

JANUARY

13th Annual Kohl’s Step Up for Kids – 1/31

FEBRUARY

2010 Fight for Air CLIMB – 2/14

Hustle up the Hancock – 2/28

MARCH

St. Paddy’s Day 5k Run/Walk – 3/14

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8k -3/21

Chicago Lakefront 50k – 3/27

APRIL

Wrigley Start Early Run 5k/10k – 4/10

Race for More World Change -4/17

Race to Wrigley 5k – 4/24

CARA Lakefront 10 Miler – 4/24

Run for Malaria 5k – 4/25

Ravenswood Run 5k -4/25

AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato

The Fresh Diet offers daily delivery (yes, right to your door) of 3 freshly prepared gourmet meals and 2 snacks delivered right to your doorstep.  According to their website, all of Fresh Diet’s meals and snacks are prepared in accordance with “Dr Sears’ Zone Diet Program” and made with only the finest and freshest ingredients.

I’m not sure what Dr. Sears’ Zone Diet Program is, but this deal sounds pretty interesting for people like me looking for convenient ways to eat healthier. 

The Fresh Diet currently serves people daily in South Florida, Chicago, The NY Tri-State area, Southern California, Boston and Philadelphia.

Check it out but hurry!  You only have until midnight tonight to buy!

3 Minute Legs:  “Take the strain and pain out of squats and lunges.” Supports you on the way down and helps you on the way up.  Get tighter and leaner in 3 minutes!

Hawaiian Chair: Just sit back and let the Hawaii Chair do it all for you.  Work the waist, butt, and thighs while you work.

Shake Weight: “Get Strong, Sexy, and Sculpted Arms and Shoulders with the Shake Weight.”  In only 6 minutes, you can get an entire upper body workout.

It’s a new year!  What better time to set some new fitness goals?  January is the most popular month for new gym memberships.  The hardest part is investigating the deals and finding the best one for you.  We took some of the work out of it for you, so you can get healthy and save some money while doing it.  Here are some Chicago-area gyms (and some that have nationwide locations) that are offering specials.  Oh, and before you take the plunge, check out this post we wrote a few months ago about things to think about before joining a gym.  No better time like the present!

As of today (January 5), Crunch will take $125 off your membership fee.  (This deal is supposed to end January 5.) This gym offers month to month membership which most clubs do not offer.  Crunch is also including a special personal training offer if you join in January!!  If you’re still unsure, get a free guest pass to try it out.

Chicago Athletic Clubs are offering a $49 enrollment fee if you join before 1/31.  Also, if you’re already a member at any CAC (WAC, LPAC , EAC, LVAC), visit their website or talk to a staff member next time you’re in to find out how you can save $50 on your next month’s dues.

YMCA Chicago is offering a $0 enrollment fee if you sign up in January.  The YMCA does not have any long-term contracts plus they offer free nutrition and training programs.  Also, if you refer a friend, you’ll get 1 month free.

Save $300 if you join in January at Midtown Tennis Club.  Fill out the form on their website and receive a complimentary trial membership.

Join now and receive 30 days FREE at Curves; there are over 100 locations in Chicago.

Fitness Formula offers a three-day trial and has nine Chicago area clubs.  Almost all of their clubs offer FREE valet parking!

Stop procrastinating and sign yourself up.  If you’re intimidated, don’t worry.  Many people will be new – trying classes and some machines for the first time too.  Good luck and get in there!