AH-CHOO!!

by Erika under , ,
Happy Friday!

A few reminders:

RoadRunner Boot Camp Event- Saturday 4/21- 8:00am (TOMORROW!!)
We will be hosting Rock Star Boot Camp at RoadRunner Sports (7077 E Mayo Blvd). Everyone is welcome!! Come, bring a friend, spouse, neighbor, grandma - whomever - and enjoy the beat down! After the workout, the store opens and you'll enjoy a 10% discount (15% if we have more than 50 participants)! Make note that the 6am and 7am camps for April 21st will be cancelled in light of this special event!

Attn Kids Camp Parents, we have decided that Kids Camp will also be held at 8am at RoadRunner Sports! We don't want any parents to have to leave to take their kids to Kids Camp at the warehouse and miss out on the great deals at RoadRunner. So...Kids Camp this Saturday will be held at RoadRunner Sports! Come one, come all!!

Pillows For A Purpose:
Next week is the last week to bring in Pillows for a Purpose! Make sure you pick up a new pillow, if you can, and drop it by the warehouse. Also accepting gently used towels and sheets. Remember these pillows are for Sojourner Center here for in Phoenix for women escaping domestic violence. Imagine if you had nothing to call your own, how nice it would be have a new pillow to lay your head on at night and that you get to keep even when you leave the center. We have not received many items. Let's rock this out!

Cartwright School Fun Run 4/27/12, 9:00am
Mark it on your calendars! We need as many Rock Stars as possible to make this run as smoothly and fun as we can. Check out this post for more information.

Warrior Dash 4/28 & 4/29
A bunch of campers are running the Warrior Dash in a few weeks. Get involved, support the cause and register here.

Foam Fest 5/19
Sign up here, Jodi has a team "Rock Star" and the 9am wave, and there is also team "Rock Star Boot Camp." Use the code "rock" to get $5 off your admission. This race looks like a lot of fun, perfect for the kick off of summer! 

This week's Veggie Of The Week can be found here.
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AHH---CHOO!!!
 
We're heading out of April, had some good rain last week so you know what that means. "April showers bring May flowers." I really enjoy  the blooming season, it's beautiful.. the flowers are gorgeous, the birds chirp louder and earlier, the weather is warming up... summer is around the corner. While this time of year is perfect in my opinion, climate wise- not too hot- there is one thing that MANY hate about this time of year. ALLERGIES.
 
 
Do you have seasonal allergies? I'm kind of strange... some years I get them bad, some years not at all. I've always wondered why that was especially since I've lived in the same place forever, so the same things bloom around me. Fortunately I don't suffer as bad as a few people I know. My husband for one is really effected. He is drowsy, itchy, sneezy, weak, tired, and overall a blast to be around. Note the sarcasm? Poor guy.
 
A few years ago while at the Road Runner farmers market (Road Runner Park, Saturdays) there was a lady selling bee pollen. I was puzzled as to why on earth she would be selling that, she said you eat it. HUH? The idea is that you start out eating a few granules a day, working up to a teaspoon or two, and it slowly builds up your body's defenses to fight off allergens and avoid reactions in the future. Since learning about it I've noticed a lot of my friends have used and tried it, some swear by it.

There are a few things to know about choosing the right kind of bee pollen... I found this article that gives a good break down. Also, next time you're at the farmers market, look for the bee pollen lady, she's got a TON of good info!

A camper posted her struggles with allergies in the Rock Star Boot Camp Fit & Healthy Facebook group (JOIN NOW!!!) and shared some really great links to learn more about a holistic approach to allergy relief. Take the time to read this article, it's very informative and might answers some questions you didn't even know you had! Probiotics are also a great aid in allergy relief/prevention. There are many different kinds of probiotics, not all work for everyone in the same way, in the same combination. So make sure to do your homework. The staff at the Whole Foods vitamin dept, and Sprouts are VERY helpful.
 
What works for you? Feel free to post in the comments below! 


Posted by Erika at 12:16 PM 1 comments
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Veggie Of The Week: Cauliflower

by Erika under ,
This is an interesting one for me, mostly because until recently I have NOT been a fan of cauliflower. I have a memory of when I was about 8 years old-- My parents made this pasta salad with all sorts of vegetables. Cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, peppers- It was AWFUL. Being the good parents that they were/are, I wasn't allowed to leave the table until I ate all my veggies, and they were dead serious about that. I could've sat there all night except there was dessert and it was movie night. The table was in another room, so I couldn't have even watched from my seat while protesting. Still, I stuck to my guns for probably an hour or so (maybe a lot less, you know when you're a kid, 10 minutes is a century), I ate everything except the GIANT pieces of cauliflower. They were huge, I probably got the biggest bits of the whole salad! After a little more time had passed I did would any anxious kid would do that couldn't throw it under the table to the dogs (since they were outside :/), plugged my nose, and chewed as fast as I could.

guh-ross!

THAT was the last time I willingly ate cauliflower.

I found a recipe a long time ago for mock mashed potatoes made from cauliflower. Reviews said it tasted no different from regular mashed taters, the kids and husbands couldn't tell the difference. I've made major efforts to eat healthier, try new things... so I thought "what the heck, maybe I'll like it now." AND I LOVED IT.

So now that I told my life story on cauliflower, here is that mashed cauliflower recipe, and a few more!

Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cauliflower, washed, and cut into florets
  • 1 vidalia onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons kerrygold unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation>>

Here is another super easy, delicious one. Paired with lemons and olives, two of my favorite things in the world.. You just can't go wrong!

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced shallot
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped oil-cured or kalamata olives
Preparation>>



This next one has a little bit of an Indian flare and involves more preparation. I haven't tried it yet, but my husband just walked by and said it looked amazing. So I guess that means I'm making it sooner than later!

Cracklin’ Cauliflower
  • 1 bunch cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1/2 large red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1/2 tablespoon fennel seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Preparation>>


So if you had a traumatizing cauliflower event in your life like I did and won't eat, hopefully hearing my story will give you an extra push to give it one more try :)

Posted by Erika at 12:13 PM 0 comments
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A Few Before & Afters

by Erika under , , , ,
Before I get started, we have a new Announcements & Events page where you can find a calendar of events and special news. Stay current peeps!

Make sure you check out the Rock Star Boot Camp Kids Camp page as well. Lots of great info and pictures :)

This weeks Veggie Of The Week and recipes can be found here.

Rock Star Boot Camp Fit & Healthy Facebook Group <-------- JOIN NOW!
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I've been asked by a few skeptical friends if working out at Rock Star Boot Camp "really works." Of course us campers KNOW what does the body good: eat clean, train mean, get lean. Simple. We feel the progress daily through our soreness, increased strength, smaller waistlines etc. It's nice to SEE side-by-side how much one can accomplish when they commit themselves to a healthier lifestyle. I've compiled a few pictures posted on the Rock Star Boot Camp Facebook page {LIKE US!}, all in one place. I'll start with one of the more recent. This is April, she is the definition of "Beast Mode."


How does she do it!? Here is a little message from her that came along with these amazing transformation images.

"Okay, this may sound dumb, but I didn't realize that I was REALLY losing weight until yesterday. I know that I've been slimming down a bit and the clothes are fitting nicer-some too big now, but did not realize HOW much weight I had lost. I've attached pics taken on 12/27 and yesterday 3/27. Man! What a HUGE difference 90 days made. I know that my clean eating, coupled with RSB have helped me get close to my normal weight again... and gave me my SEXY back. LOL! 

Last fall, I suddenly gained about 30lbs in 3 months due to undiagnosed health problems. Thankfully, I was blessed to find a MD that believes in holistic healing and treating the ISSUE and not the symptoms. My appointment with him was on 12/27 and after blood testing me for 19 different ailments, he discovered that I had a severe Vitamin D deficiency (less than 1%) which was exacerbating my existing endocrine, insulin and arthritis issues. Hence me developing a weight problem even though I never stopped eating clean or working out--well what I THOUGHT was working out. :)

I remember my first week at camp when we were doing sprint starts (like this morning) and you said that I looked like I had done this before. I told you that I ran track in High School and College and clearly remember you saying "we're going to get your body back into track shape". Of course, I was overweight, achy, and discouraged and did NOT believe you, but YOU believed in me and that kept me coming back to camp each day.  

Every morning as I'm grunting, panting, sweating, and sometimes making Anastasia noises during the workouts, I remember the Dr. that diagnosed me with Rheumatoid Arthritis telling me to limit myself to "light exercise". Yeah right Dr. Dude! I'm a Rock Star now baby and we lift heavy $hit, smile thru the pain, and do BIG THINGS! Thank you for being YOU Curtis!!!"


Next is me :) This one was taking a little over a month ago. You can read more about it at Honey, I Shrunk My Butt.



Diana is another regular Rock Star Boot Camp member. I hear that she hasn't missed a single work out since her vacation in December! That's some serious commitment right there!


She posted this pic some time ago:


And her most recent:


Doesn't she look great?!

It's not only the ladies, look how toned up Tony got.




Now for last and definitely not least is Andrew. I don't have a before picture of him (still working on that and I'll post it soon as he sends me one!) but I do have his written  testimonial part way through his journey and a NEW photo of him accomplishing a MAJOR goal.

Andrew emailed me a Before pic, see below!!


"My name is Andrew Tomlinson. I started at Rock Star Boot Camp in late October of 2011 and have had a ton of success. It would be impossible to list all of my motivators or cover my entire weight loss journey in just a few short paragraphs, but I will try my best.

In junior year of high school my interest was sparked to join the Army National Guard, and bounced back and forth between joining and not for a couple of years, around the time of my 19th birthday, after I had graduated and attended two semesters of college at Paradise Valley Community College, I knew a 9-5 life wasn't for me, however, I was extremely intimidated by the work ahead of me to get to where I wanted to be.

I started my journey at 5' 10" and 292lbs, in January of 2011. I was completely new to everything fitness, and health. I messed around for five months on my own, using a stationary bike, walking, and fighting with myself everyday to find excuses not to train, going through a few serious mental and emotional battles to keep myself trying. I can't count the number of times I "gave up". After my 20th birthday, in May of 2011, I decided it was time to take control, or so I thought. A family friend and I began going to the gym every other day, and I was able to stay consistent with it for four months. In those months I was able to drop from 290 to 250, without any serious considerations of diet or cardio - It was strictly upper body weight lifting.

After those four months, early September 2011, we unfortunately stopped going to the gym, and I completely fell off track. It honestly felt like the end for me. It felt impossible to lose weight and no matter what I did on my own, the weight would come back.

Then something amazing happened, one single life changing email, and I had absolutely no idea what was coming. I opened my Groupon e-mail, and according to my doctor, it saved my life. Being a 20 year old Asthmatic, and a smoker, I had no idea what I was doing to my body. I learned in early October that I had a severe lung infection (which I still am trying to get rid of - three rounds of antibiotics have not cleared it up - I just found out about a month ago it is Pneumonia) and was told that if I did not change my habits I wouldn't make it past 40.

So I opened up the Groupon e-mail, and thanks to the support and motivation of my parents, I spent the most meaningful dollars of my life. Now I have been a "Rock Star" for almost three months and have managed to quit smoking, I've changed my dieting habits, and have began writing everything that I eat down which helps me count calories and I have only missed a handful of classes. Those were all in the first month and a half. I can honestly say I've become addicted (a little better addiction than smoking - right :) ) Thanks to Rock Star Boot Camp I have lost over 45 pounds IN UNDER THREE MONTHS - I didn't know that was possible, and my strength has...tripled? Quadrupled? (Whats the word for 5?).

I can make it over the climbing wall - did it twice today 1/12.

Now it is January 2012, and I am 203 lbs, and have just under 15 lbs to lose until I can finally achieve my goal that I have been working on for almost two years, to enlist. I couldn't have done it without the support of so many people, my parents, friends, especially the one who got me going to the gym originally, as well as a ton of campers - Zach, Scott, (I think Tiffany? She motivated me to get over the wall the first time), Erika, Rachelle, and of course Curtis. I know there are people I missed and I apologize. Everyone at Rock Star is simply amazing, the compliments alone can drive someone to keep showing up, working your hardest, and being the best you can be.

Thanks for reading - and thank you Rock Star for everything you've done!"

A few months later, Andrew has now lost a total of 70 pounds, and here he is being sworn in to the National Guard (in his RSBC shirt!). Great job Andrew, you are truly inspirational to so many, thank you for your selfless future service to our country!


 

We want to see YOUR transformation. Please send a before and after picture to erika.staten@gmail.com. Don't worry about the side-by-side, I can put that together in Photoshop :)

Posted by Erika at 10:32 AM 0 comments
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Veggie Of The Week: Asparagus

by Erika under ,
Here's a fun little asparagus factoid:

The German town of Schwetzingen claims to be the "Asparagus Capital of the World," and holds its annual Spargelfest (asparagus festival) in May. The person who grows the heaviest stalk is named Spargel King or Queen.

Also, 

Five ounces of asparagus contain 60 percent of the recommended daily intake of folic acid, which prevents heart disease and birth defects. Other possible benefits include preventing cancer and urinary tract infections, easing arthritic pain.

So chow down on some asparagus! It's good for you! I found a few tasty looking recipes that I can't wait to try out myself. What is your favorite way to prepare asparagus? Post it below in the comments for us to try it too!


Indian-Spiced Chicken & Asparagus
4 servings, about 1 cup each 

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite-size chunks
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small fresh chile, seeded and minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 1/2 bunches asparagus (about 1 1/2 pounds), woody ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup “lite” coconut milk (see Tip)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
 Preparation>>

Asparagus Salad
Serves 2-3

12 spears of thick asparagus, sliced into 1/4-inch thick coins
5 - 6 broccolini (or broccoli) florets, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
big pinch of salt
1 small shallot, chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted, and coarsely chopped
7 tiny radishes, washed trimmed and very thinly sliced
zest of one lemon
a bit of shaved Parmesan
Preparation>>

Simple Garlic Roasted Aparagus

Makes 6 servings
  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus spears
  • 2 - 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
 
Preparation>>








I'm pretty sure I'll be trying ALL of these in the near future. Again if you have a favorite of your own, post it below in the comments!
Posted by Erika at 10:24 AM 0 comments
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Veggie Of The Week: Artichoke

by Erika under ,
A few campers get weekly produce bags from a local farmer through C.S.A. (Community Supported Agriculture) bags. It was mentioned in the RSBC Fit & Healthy Group on Facebook (join if you haven't yet!) that in the upcoming bag expect Artichoke. I've eaten Artichoke maybe twice in my life so I would have NO idea what to do with them. I've done some searching on The Googles to find some clean, healthy, (and delicious looking) recipes. If you have more, please post them in the comments below.

Pan Roasted Baby Artichokes With Pistachios, Lemon And Black Quinoa

Ingredients:
  • 1 lb small artichokes
  • 1 half medium shallot
  • 1/4 c. shelled pistachio nuts
  • Juice and zest of 1 Meyer lemon
  • 1/2 c. black quinoa cooked
  • 1/4 c. + 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper

 Read More>>


 

Artichoke, Tuna, and Mushroom Salad With Thyme Vinaigrette

 

Ingredients
For dressing
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 clove of roasted garlic, minced
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 dashes hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco
1 pinch sugar (SKIP, OR REPLACE WITH YOUR FAVORITE ALTERNATIVE)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
Pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For salad
3 ounces baby spinach or baby spinach/lettuce mix
7 ounces artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
3 ounces brown or white mushrooms, ends trimmed and thinly sliced
5 medium sun-dried tomatoes, drained of oil and cut into strips
3 ounces chunk white or albacore tuna in water, drained
1/2 cup nicoise olives
1/2 carrot

Read More>>

Roasted Artichokes

What you'll need . . .

  • 2 large artichokes (whole)
  • 1 lime, halved
  • 2 large cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
Read More>>




These are just the few I found doing a quick search. They look yummy and I might just get some Artichoke at the farmers market (I missed the C.S.A this time, but next time) tomorrow. What's your favorite way to prepare artichoke? Post below in the comments!
Posted by Erika at 4:05 PM 0 comments
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Current Events

by Erika under ,
There are quite a few things going on here at RSBC and we want to make sure every stays up to date and informed.

Pillows With A Purpose
Rock Star Boot Camp is hosting “Pillows with a Purpose” during the month of April. Camper Linda McVey is collecting for the Sojourner Center here in Phoenix. There are two ways to participate. Details are on the attached flyer, as well as displayed at the warehouse. If you can, please help a family in a need.

A note from Linda: “Our company does Share the Comfort in April where we give back 15% off all our sales to women’s shelters across the country. I chose Sojourner Center in Phoenix for our donations locally. Obviously purchasing from me (bedding, bath, comfort clothes) is the best way to give back. However, 3 years ago I began Pillows for a Purpose. Women in these shelters leaving abusive relationships feel safe for the first time in a long time. The pillow becomes a symbol of the safeness they feel and it is something they no doubt cry into during their stay. It is the piece of bedding they take as they move through the shelter to a new level. I developed a video that Sojourner is using to inspire their donators during this month." More on the Sojourner Center here.

Cartwright School Fun Run 4/27
Rock Star has been given the opportunity to host an obstacle race at one of Phoenix's Elementary schools. The kids are going to get the chance to complete their own race; hop over hay bails, run a mile and crawl through mud and water. The students are SO excited! Curtis mentioned there is a young lady in a wheelchair who thought she would be left out... Left out? No way! That's not how we operate, that's not part of the Rock Star Code. We are going to make it possible for her to run this race with her friends carry her through/under/over every obstacle until we reach the finish line. Please mark this date on your calendar to come support and volunteer for the race!

Here are a few pictures from school's Fun Run assembly, and after school workout. Active kids make happy kids!
Cartwright School Fun Run Assembly

Students getting their obstacle race training on!

Great workout Cartwright Cougars!




Warrior Dash 4/28 & 4/29
A bunch of campers are running the Warrior Dash in a few weeks. Get involved, support the cause and register here.

Foam Fest 5/19
Sign up here, Jodi has a team "Rock Star" and the 9am wave, and there is also team "Rock Star Boot Camp." Use the code "rock" to get $5 off your admission. This race looks like a lot of fun, perfect for the kick off of summer!

Spartan Sprint 2013
If you haven't signed up for the race yet, make sure you register and kick yourself into obstacle race, high gear training. Stay tuned for special news and events regarding the upcoming Spartan race training. RSBC has teamed up with Spartan to bring you an amazing event and we'll soon be enlisting volunteer team members to help organize and distribute materials. We've got less than a year to prepare for the race people, let's do this! Sign up here.

Are you on Facebook? Have you joined the Rock Star Boot Camp Fit & Healthy group yet? Here is what it is all about, make sure you join!! 
As an extension of Rock Star Boot Camp, this group will focus on nutrition, over all health, and our daily fitness journey. The group will not berate anyone on their eating habits; nor push one type of diet over another. Suggestions will be made, questions will be answered, and knowledge and experiences will be shared by all - but all aspects will remain positive. If you aren’t meeting your fitness goals, you will know why as you look back on your fitness and nutrition progression. Awareness is a large part of the battle. Be purposeful. Make smart choices and pay attention, day after day. Tracking these decisions will be the “writing on the wall” as to why you are, or are not, meeting your fitness and nutrition goals during this most-tempting time. We will be here to help along the way.
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Many more events are coming up soon and we'll be sure to keep you in the loop. If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments :)

Posted by Erika at 2:10 PM 0 comments
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