Balsamic Strawberries with Ricotta Cream

Serves:
4 servings

Ingredients

1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 (16-ounce) container strawberries, cleaned and quartered
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons (optional)

Directions

Put the ricotta cheese, honey and vanilla extract into the small bowl of a food processor and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate for a couple hours.

In a small saucepan combine the vinegar and sugar and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool completely.

In a medium bowl, toss the berries with the basil and the balsamic syrup.

Divide cream among 4 glasses, top with the berry mixture and serve.

Per Serving:

Calories 180; Total Fat 5 g; (Sat Fat 3 g, Mono Fat 1.5 g, Poly Fat 0 g) ; Protein 8 g; Carb 27 g; Fiber 2 g; Cholesterol 20 mg; Sodium 80 mg

Excellent source of: Vitamin C, Manganese. Good source of: Protein, Vitamin K, Calcium, Phosphorus, Selenium

Realizing that my health doesn’t start with my body, but is actually a reflection of a dynamic ecosystem of various parts, is one of the biggest discoveries I’ve made this year, and it informs every part of my life. I’ve come to understand that true health is an essential balancing act of creative expression, spiritual connection, mental health, a positive living environment, financial well being, a healthy sex life, and a professional life in which we are flourishing. (Of course, a healthy body is one aspect of this ecosystem). The best thing I can do for my health—and my life, is to be unapologetically me, to listen to my inner pilot light, and allow its radiance to illuminate the world.

For nearly a decade, I’ve specialized in training entertainment execs and celebrities, so I know that staying in shape while traveling is one of the biggest challenges they face.

It’s also the single most important thing they can do for themselves. Why? Because exercise enhances performance. It sharpens your game. By putting in a concerted effort to take care of your body on the road, you’ll reap countless rewards: better sleep, more energy, boosted mood, less jet lag, more mental acuity. Oh, and you’ll look better, too.

Here are 11 practical ways to help you stick to your fitness goals when you travel:

KEEP WORKOUT GEAR PACKED AT ALL TIMES.  Producers and crew often keep their toiletries in a separate, ready-to-go bag, so they don’t have to re-pack for every shoot. Do the same thing when it comes to your workout gear. A pair of gym shoes can double as running shoes, a shirt made of moisture-wicking fabric, some shorts and a light jacket will usually do the trick. Pack a jump rope for a great cardio workout. If you feel more adventurous, throw in some resistance bands.

PACK WORKOUT CLOTHES IN AN EXTERIOR POCKET of your bag, so you don’t have to dig around looking for it when you arrive at your destination. This sets you up for success.

WORK OUT FIRST THING IN THE MORNING when possible. An early workout accomplishes two things: it sets the tone for the rest of your day, and it ensures that exercise gets on your schedule. Because you can’t always predict those last-minute meetings and business dinners. Personally, I know that the longer I wait to work out—the less likely it happens (unless you have a trainer).

CHOOSE HOTELS WITH GYMS.  One of my favorite websites, http://athleticmindedtraveler.com gives expert recommendations on hotels in cities around the world based on their gyms and fitness offerings. If they do not have a gym on site, ask the manager if the hotel partners with a local gyms for guests.

SET UP SESSIONS WITH A TRAINER IN ADVANCE.  Call the concierge ahead of your check in date to set up a session with a qualified fitness professional. If you’re going to be in a city for a week or more, booking some sessions with a great trainer can shake up your routine and keep you motivated while you’re on the road.

FIND OUT ABOUT GYM PARTNERSHIPS. Your home gym may allow you to work out at affiliated gyms around the world (e.g., If you’re a YMCA member, you’re usually welcome at other Y’s for free). If your gym doesn’t have clubs in other cities, ask the local gym if they have guest passes.

PRE-SHIP THE FOOD YOU NEED. Eliminate the option of eating poorly by packing or pre-shipping protein bars or shakes ahead of time. Fedex and UPS have ground and “super saver” options to make this less expensive than checking a second piece of luggage. For an extended trip, throw in some of your workout gear (a set of TRX straps, or resistance bands). That way it won’t take up space in your luggage.

REWARD YOURSELF at night with a tasty, healthy dinner. That way, when you have those crazy days, you will be looking forward to a delicious meal at night that’s both healthy and enjoyable. Red wine is encouraged!

ALTERNATE ALCOHOL WITH WATER. When you drink alcohol, you can automatically cut your consumption in half simply by alternating each alcoholic beverage with a large glass of water. Alcohol works against more than your waistline—it also interrupts sleep patterns, making the sleep you get less restful. And the importance of good sleep when traveling is huge.

TRY NOT TO EAT YOUR FEELINGS. Moving is life’s second most stressful event—and travel is stressful for many of the same reasons. When under stress, we turn to food that’s familiar and comforting. Resolve ahead of time to stick to your healthy routine. At a restaurant, make healthy meal choices—you can do it with a little extra effort.

DRAW BOUNDARIES. When you’re at the top of your game, there’s a lot of pressure—still, you’re a human being, and there comes a point where you’ll say: “Fuck it—my life starts with me.” Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. I’ve often observed that my most successful clients are those who draw boundaries and enforce them. Don’t respond to e-mails or text messages after a pre-determined time. And unless it contains your music playlists, leave your smartphone behind for the duration of your exercise time. The world won’t come crashing down. And you’ll feel better because you took charge of your life.

—Sam Page, CFT 

HEY SAM: Wondering if I could get some advice from you on the troubling “inner thigh” — I really want to slim my inner thighs, but they seem to keep bulking up.  I’m getting to the point of wanting lipo. Help me, buddy. ~James, Salt Lake City, Utah

I have found that repetitive motions, using only body weight, to be very effective in toning up the inner thigh. For example, try squeezing a very small rubber ball tightly between your upper thighs, with feet raised off the floor at a 90-degree angle. Perform 25-30 crunches, then drop your arms and neck back, and just pulse the ball with your upper thighs over and over again. You will begin to feel the inside of your thighs burn. Keep going for about 30 seconds past the “burning” point. Don’t use ankle weights. In fact, I recommend using only your own body weight and isometric movements.

Another tool you might like are a series of DVD’s from a fitness studio in Los Angeles called Pop Physique, which is all the rage among ladies here in Hollywood. The principles behind their uber-targeted workouts are to tone the stomach, inner thigh, transform your arms, and lift your butt. My friend Lisa treated me to a month of Pop Physique classes for Christmas. As a dude wearing dance tights, surrounded by 20-30 ladies, I found the PopPhys workouts in the Silverlake studio to be both challenging as hell, and fun. I’m sure the DVD’s capture some of this while offering a great workout targeting these areas!  ~Sam  

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 If John F. Kennedy Jr’s magazine, GEORGE, has a defining legacy, it’s that modern politicians, like celebrities, understand the iconic power and importance of their physical image more than ever before.