fithiphealthy

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS}. 9 May 2013

Dear Lauren –

I moved to Center City almost 8 years ago from NYC after the birth of my first child.  I had developed post-partum depression with the birth of my first child, and was thereafter diagnosed as clinically depressed. Fast forward 4 years and 2 additional children, I struggled to get back into a fitness groove, as I knew being active always made a difference in my emotional health. I had tried a few of the boutique fitness programs here in Philly, but after a few months, I got bored and quickly dropped out.  I tried DVDs at home and those also fell by the wayside.

I moved out to the Mainline in June 2011 and joined a gym, and again found myself unable to develop a routine.  Moving out to the suburbs coincided with the onset of peri-menopause and a resulting 30-lb weight gain. I tried to regain control of my hormones and stave off the effects of osteoarthritis, which was exacerbated by my sudden weight gain.  With the help of a really good endocrinologist, I was able to put my hormones back in line, but the weight didn’t come off as quickly as it was put on.  That’s where Lithe came in.

It was about a year ago (my Lithe-versary is May 6^th) that the Mainline Studio opened, and my first class was a 101 with the queen of the breath, Carrie Gero. I was sore but I came back two days later and took another 101 with Cheri Tolin, and then I met you Lauren in Waspie, and I remember you tickling my shoulders to make them relax and instantly felt the change.  That summer I also signed up for my first ‘10’ and met some of the other amazing instructors like Krista, Bari, and Elizabeth. With ’10’ I was introduced to the community of women that were part of Lithe and I became officially obsessed.

Since my first class, I have lost a total of 15 lbs. and since ‘10’ I have lost a total of almost 19” over my entire body. I have more I would like to accomplish, as recently I discovered through the 3-day Detox that I needed to eliminate dairy from my diet when I dropped 4.5 lbs. (included in the 15 total above) in those 3 days! (way to kick start the summer :)

188 classes later, I am a stronger, more confident and happier mom, sister, wife, friend and self.  Thank you Lauren and Lithe for helping me achieve a feeling of confident beauty, that radiates from within every day.  I know I owe it to all the instructors, staff and my fellow Lithers. This coming year I am again committing to the FitHipHealthy motto – especially the eating healthy part. I am a lifelong Lither and forever grateful.

Love NM

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY LITHE FOODS! 7 May 2013

Lithe Foods celebrated its second birthday on May 1st.  Can't wait to see (and taste) what this year brings!  A big thanks to Katie Cavuto Boyle, MS RD and the Lithe Foods team! 

LITHE IN PHILLY MAG! 7 May 2013

Check out The Cult of Lithe Queen of Hearts feature by Richard Rys in Philadelphia Magazine's May issue.  Kudos to Richard for having the guts to enter our culture (and experience the workout!).  Thank you to our Lithe Instructors Jaime Powers, Kim Sauer, Meg Grauzlis and Tirsa Rivas for enduring an arduous 14 hour shoot and body painting session.  And, thank you to all the Lithers of Philadelphia for shaping Lithe's history, and loving this workout and lifestyle; I'm so honored! 

Images via Philadelphia Magazine and Jonathan Pushnick

STEEL CUT OATS! 2 May 2013

 

Looking for a simple detox food to flush out the fat and cholesterol before summer?  Steel cut oats is a low-cal, super-filling, super food that can keep you full all morning and power you into your afternoon.

Compared to instant and rolled oats, steel-cut oats take longer to digest and absorb, which creates longer lasting satiety levels. Steel-cut oats are considered to be healthier, because of the minimal processing of the oat kernels. For ¼ cup serving, it’s about 170 calories, with 5 grams-dietary fiber and 7 grams-protein. These incredible grains offer nutritional value in other ways including, high level of B-vitamins, calcium, reduces cholesterol/high blood pressure, and helps prevent heart disease.

Next time you're shopping for oats, double check the ingredients. Some brands have added sugars like corn syrup. Try using oats as a base for your breakfast and have fun by adding different types of fruit and seeds (hello, Muesli!). You can also check out our beloved breakfast staple (make sure you heat it up!), Lithe's Carrot Cake Oatmeal found in the fridges of our studios.

Content via FHH Contributor Christina Dollings

KALE LEMONADE! 29 Apr 2013

Our Lithe Foods winter lemonade is in the fridges today!  This cold-pressed juice is detoxifying, energizing, boosts immune function, and prevents cancer and cardiovascular disease.  Currently dressed as a chef's special, you'll see this sweet-tart in its real label soon.

LITHE HIBISCUS SANGRIA! 19 Apr 2013

It's back for spring and summer!  The whole world drinks Hibiscus tea and I fell in love with it the first time I had Aqua de Jamaica on Lithe Escape. We’ve added seasonal, cold-pressed orange, lime and ginger (and cubed apples and oranges for authenticity and sweetness!) all while keeping it under 100 calories. 

Drink as a mock-tail or add red wine to this healthy mixer. Hibiscus is not only beautiful and delicious but it has numerous health benefits:  

• It lowers blood pressure, LDL cholesterol levels and your risk of heart disease.
• it’s rich in antioxidants (such as vitamin C) that protect us from cancer.
• It’s high in electrolytes (perfect post-Lithe)
• It gets things moving:  it’s a diuretic and a mild laxative
• When you consume hibiscus tea after the meal, it assists in breaking down starch and sugar.
• Drink post-Lithe:  It has a cooling effect and acts as a natural body refrigerant.

LITHE FOODS SPRING 2013 DETOX MENU! 16 Apr 2013

Our Lithe Foods Spring Detox Menu is here!  Re-energize, re-set healthy eating patterns, and lose a few pounds, which is always a bonus.  What I love most about our detox is that you can have your cake and eat it too, from caffeine (I adore our tea ritual) to chocolate (our Brownie Bite and Skinny Chocolate Milk).  Our plan really makes healthy eating simple, attainable, and maintainable:

• New Spring Detox Plan Menu
• FAQs & Policies Spring 2013 (also posted on our website)
• Debuts on Tuesday, April 23rd (almost sold out!)
• Call by 7PM the Wednesday before your desired Tuesday start date; we offer a limited number of plans each week, so first come first serve!
• Unfortunately, no substitutions can be made due to allergies or personal preferences, so please review the menu and ingredient lists carefully prior to ordering.
• Start date changes or cancellations must be made one week prior to the scheduled start date in order to receive a refund.

SPRING (BREAK) RECOVERY SMOOTHIE! 15 Apr 2013

 

It's back...sunshine in a bottle!

SKINNY HEATHEN! 12 Apr 2013

Have you tried Smirnoff's Sorbet Light Vodka?  It's a full-flavored, sorbet-inspired vodka with natural fruit flavor, containing sweet lemon, candy lemon notes in the background and a cool, refreshing finish.  I love that it only has 78 calories per 1.5 fl. oz.  Try this Light Lemon Mojito recipe with our cold-pressed Lithe Foods Mojito as a mixer (only 89 calories per bottle!).

1.5 oz SMIRNOFF SORBET LIGHT™ LEMON

1 cup of Lithe Foods Mojito

4-7 mint leaves

1/4 cup or 2 oz of club soda

Combine all ingredients except the soda in a rocks glass, add ice, shake, strain into a rocks glass, top with soda and garnish with a lemon wheel.  Enjoy!

Images via Smirnoff & Lithe Foods

LITHE (AND LAUREN) ON GO RECESS! 9 Apr 2013

Read all about Lithe and Lauren on GoRecess!