<![CDATA[LakeAustin.com Blog]]> http://www.lakeaustin.com/ en atravis+sadmin@nerdery.com Copyright 2013 2013-05-10T18:33:59+00:00 <![CDATA[Lifting Weights vs. Resistance Training]]> http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/lifting-weights-vs.-resistance-training http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/lifting-weights-vs.-resistance-training#When:18:33:59Z A question from one of our blog readers…

Is “lifting weights” the same as “resistance-training” or “body sculpting”?

Yes, all of those terms are synonyms and the broad definition is any type of activity that puts more than normal amounts of stress or resistance on your muscles.  This type of training increases your lean muscle tissue, sculpts your body, and adds definition.  And, you do not have to necessarily “pump iron” to achieve results.  Using exercise bands, tubing, medicine balls, kettle bells, and even your own body weight would offer additional resistance to the exercise you were performing.  For example, beginners to “weight-training” would probably feel that squats without any added “resistance” would be enough of a challenge—and they would be correct.  However, once the person becomes stronger, it would be a good idea to add resistance in the form of hand weights, a barbell, a medicine ball, etc. to increase the challenge so the muscles would respond and improvement would continue.

]]> 2013-05-10T18:33:59+00:00 <![CDATA[Worried about failing memory? Walk it off.]]> http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/worried-about-failing-memory-walk-it-off http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/worried-about-failing-memory-walk-it-off#When:16:14:07Z Recent research shows that a 20-minute daily walk boosts memory power, sharpens the mind and counters some of the cognitive decline normally associated with aging.

How can such a simple and brief activity yield such amazing benefits?  Walking increases blood flow throughout the body including the brain.  The additional blood flow in the brain brings nourishment to its vessels and tissues thereby stimulating the generation of new neurons and improving synaptic connections.  As a result of this development, our ability to recall and retrieve information becomes easier and remembering is a snap!

Now you have one more advantage to add to your “reasons to walk” list.  And if you are having trouble remembering other reasons—then maybe it’s time to lace up those tennies and get moving!

]]> 2013-04-26T16:14:07+00:00 <![CDATA[Cooking Session with Chef Art Smith]]> http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/cooking-session-with-chef-art-smith http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/cooking-session-with-chef-art-smith#When:14:52:25Z On Friday, April 19 Lake Austin Spa Resort was delighted to host Chef Art Smith during our Culinary Experience Week.

 

To view Art Smith's recipes, Click here!
Grilled Shrimp on Arugula with Lemon Vinaigrette, Green Pea Soup with Little Vegetables and Pecan Shortbread Cookies

The executive chef and co-owner of Table fifty-two, Art and Soul, Southern Art, and LYFE Kitchen restaurants. His latest restaurant opened in late 2011, Joanne's, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with Lady Gaga's parents, Joseph and Cynthia Germanotta.

Art Smith has received the culinary profession's highest awards and has cooked for some of the world's most famous celebrities. In 1997, Smith became the personal, day-to-day chef to Oprah Winfrey, a position that lasted ten years. Smith now coordinates and cooks for the headline-grabbing special events that Ms. Winfrey hosts all around the world.

Most recently Smith has made several television appearances including ABC's Lady Gaga Thanksgiving Special, Top Chef and returned to Top Chef Masters (for the second time), where he quickly became an audience favorite.

Smith was also featured in an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition where he lend a hand to a deserving family that has devoted their lives to providing meals for the less fortunate members of their community. Smith recently completed the filming of the pilot episode for the ABC television show Time Machine Chefs, (Over Easy Production Inc.)
Smith has made regular television appearances on programs such as Iron Chef America, The Today Show, Nightline, Fox News, Extra, BBQ Pitmasters, Dr. Oz and Oprah in addition to having served as a Williams-Sonoma culinary instructor and the special events chef for Martha Stewart Living magazine.

A contributing editor to O, the Oprah Magazine, Smith is also the author of three award-winning cookbooks: Back to the Table; Kitchen Life: Real Food for Real Families; and Back to the Family. Most recently he contributed recipes and cooking advice to The Spectrum, the newest book by ground-breaking cardiologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Dean Ornish.

In 2003, he founded Common Threads, a non-profit organization that teaches children about diversity and tolerance through the world's great cultures. For his tireless Common Threads leadership, Smith was honored by Chicago magazine as a Chicagoan of the Year in 2007. That same year, the prestigious James Beard Foundation named him Humanitarian of the Year. Smith was inducted into the Chicago Culinary Museums  Hall of Fame in 2010. September 30th 2010 was proclaimed by Richard M. Daley, Mayor of The City of Chicago as Chef Art Smith Day in Chicago.

]]> 2013-04-22T14:52:25+00:00 <![CDATA[What Can Walking Do For You?]]> http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/what-can-walking-do-for-you http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/what-can-walking-do-for-you#When:18:36:47Z Walking is sometimes considered the “Rodney Dangerfield” of exercise—it just doesn’t get the respect it deserves.  In reality, walking 30-minutes a day for 30 days can significantly improve your life in a variety of ways.

You’ll improve your overall fitness: aerobic capacity and physical function will increase making activity throughout your day seem easier.

You’ll lose weight and increase lean muscle tissue: walking burns calories, reduces fat storage and tones many muscles.

You’ll save on medical expenses: many find that they are able to decrease their medications or eliminate them entirely.  In addition, those who walk regularly make fewer visits to their physician than those who are sedentary.

You’ll strengthen your heart: improving your cardiovascular health will decrease your risk of dying from heart disease or stroke.

You’ll boost your immune system and lower your risk for many diseases and cancers: and, if you do catch a cold, accidentally cut your skin or succumb to what’s going around, your stronger immune system will lead you to a speedy recovery.

You’ll train your brain: physical activity stimulates mental activity that will sharpen your focus, memory, decision-making skills and problem solving abilities.

So if you’re not a walker and you need convincing why you should be or if you are a walker and you’re wondering if walking is worth your time and trouble, remind yourself of the above benefits and get moving!
 

]]> 2013-04-12T18:36:47+00:00 <![CDATA[Fitting in Fitness: Finding Time to Exercise]]> http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/fitting-in-fitness-finding-time-to-exercise http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/fitting-in-fitness-finding-time-to-exercise#When:20:34:52Z Despite the numerous physical and psychological benefits of physical activity, many people do not exercise.  When asked why not, the most common answer given for being inactive was: not enough time.  This seems justifiable and since so many cite time as a major problematic barrier, it must be difficult to overcome.  Fortunately, lack of time is within the control of the individual!  And, by being under an individual’s control, solutions can be found. If “lack of time” plays havoc with your exercise schedule, try one or some of the following hints to fit fitness into your life.


Prioritize. Don't let errands and your workday sidetrack your fitness pursuits and instead, look for ways to add physical activity to your typical daily routine.  Also, schedule your activity into your day planner or on your calendar as you would any other important appointment and don’t change your plans just because something comes up.  Remind yourself that exercise is a priority.

Exercise first thing in the morning.  Wake up 30 minutes earlier and use the extra time to walk on your treadmill or take a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Some research suggests that people who exercise in the morning are more likely to be consistent and adhere to their fitness program.

If possible, walk or ride a bike to work.  If that’s not feasible, walk part of your commute by getting off the subway or exiting the bus several blocks early.

Walk the stairs in your building or walk the parking lot on your lunch break.  Ask one or some of your colleagues to join you—the buddy system is an effective way to adhere to your plan.

Schedule "walking meetings” or plan activities as a department team-building exercise.

Think of household chores and yard work as “exercise in disguise.”  Mop the floors, scrub the tubs and dust the shelves at a pace fast enough to increase your heart rate.  Mowing the lawn, raking leaves and pulling weeds are a great way to burn calories, strengthen your arms and legs, and tighten your abdomen.
Be active while watching TV.  During commercials, perform strength work exercises such as squats and lunges, pushups and situps, and curls and presses.  During the show it’s time for cardio—walk or jog on the treadmill or ride a stationary bike.
 

Plan active outings with your family. Take group walks before or after dinner, or play catch or participate in team sports. Ride your bikes to the park, zoo or other destinations.

Get your dog into the act. Take daily walks with Fido or Fluffy. If you don't have a dog, borrow one. An enthusiastic dog may give you the motivation you need to lace up your walking shoes.

Get social. You may do better with the encouragement of others. Try a dance club, hiking group or golf league.

Join a team. Sign up for a softball, soccer or volleyball team through your company or through your local parks and recreation department. Making a commitment to a team is a great motivator.

Find a fitness club. Sign up for a group exercise class at a nearby fitness club. The cost may be an incentive to stick with it.

Plan active outings. Make a date with a friend to hike in a local park, or take a family trip to the zoo.

Be active while running errands. When you go to the mall or grocery store, park toward the back of the lot and walk the extra distance. If you have a little extra time, walk inside for a lap or two before you start shopping. Keep a pair of walking shoes in your car so that you're ready when you find a few minutes for exercise.

Remember that everyone is different and what works for you might not be the best plan for your spouse or best friend.  Consider the above suggestions and implement what makes sense and seems the most enjoyable.  There's no single best way to fit physical activity into your day. Your lifestyle, job and family responsibilities will point to the most convenient time and place for fitness. Do what works for you — and make daily physical activity a habit you keep. 

Eventually, you’ll find numerous ways to easily fit fitness into your day.

]]> 2013-04-05T20:34:52+00:00 <![CDATA[One-On-One with Chef Art Smith]]> http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/one-on-one-with-chef-art-smith http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/one-on-one-with-chef-art-smith#When:16:26:36Z What is your favorite kitchen tool and why? My Chefs Knife, you only need one great sharp knife

What or who inspired you to want to cook? My family, they are farmers. They did lots of cooking.

What is your favorite comfort food? Slowly cooked beans of any kind.

What was you best meal ever in a restaurant? White Truffle Pizza in Tuscany

What is your most used or favorite cookbook? Google, nobody buys cookbooks anymore they just Google them.Cookbooks are more about collecting.

What is your favorite herb or spice and why? Fresh bay leaves I hand picked in the hills of Tuscany. Wild fragant

What do you like to cook at home and why? Turkey Chili, from my husband to my house manager plus the neighbors they all cant wait for their cup.

When did you know you had a passion for cooking? When I was 4, and realized that if you fed the bullys they wouldnt pick on you.

What is your "food philosophy"? Food is Love

What makes a good chef? Natural talent, passion, hard working

How do you relax? walk in my bare feet in my garden and tend my plants

While cooking, what musician or music do you like to listen to? From Mozart to Christina Aguiliara

What makes cooking fun for you? making people happy

What is your fondest memory growing up and in the kitchen? Being given little treats by my Grandmother

What is your favorite spa treatment? smile sports massage
 

ABOUT ART SMITH

Art Smith is the executive chef and co-owner of Table fifty-two, Art and Soul, Southern Art, and LYFE Kitchen restaurants. His latest restaurant opened in late 2011, Joanne's, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with Lady Gaga's parents, Joseph and Cynthia Germanotta.

Art Smith has received the culinary profession's highest awards and has cooked for some of the world's most famous celebrities. In 1997, Smith became the personal, day-to-day chef to Oprah Winfrey, a position that lasted ten years. Smith now coordinates and cooks for the headline-grabbing special events that Ms. Winfrey hosts all around the world.

Most recently Smith has made several television appearances including ABC's Lady Gaga Thanksgiving Special, Top Chef and returned to Top Chef Masters (for the second time), where he quickly became an audience favorite.

Smith was also featured in an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition where he lend a hand to a deserving family that has devoted their lives to providing meals for the less fortunate members of their community. Smith recently completed the filming of the pilot episode for the ABC television show Time Machine Chefs, (Over Easy Production Inc.)
Smith has made regular television appearances on programs such as Iron Chef America, The Today Show, Nightline, Fox News, Extra, BBQ Pitmasters, Dr. Oz and Oprah in addition to having served as a Williams-Sonoma culinary instructor and the special events chef for Martha Stewart Living magazine.

A contributing editor to O, the Oprah Magazine, Smith is also the author of three award-winning cookbooks: Back to the Table; Kitchen Life: Real Food for Real Families; and Back to the Family. Most recently he contributed recipes and cooking advice to The Spectrum, the newest book by ground-breaking cardiologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Dean Ornish.

In 2003, he founded Common Threads, a non-profit organization that teaches children about diversity and tolerance through the world's great cultures. For his tireless Common Threads leadership, Smith was honored by Chicago magazine as a Chicagoan of the Year in 2007. That same year, the prestigious James Beard Foundation named him Humanitarian of the Year. Smith was inducted into the Chicago Culinary Museums  Hall of Fame in 2010. September 30th 2010 was proclaimed by Richard M. Daley, Mayor of The City of Chicago as Chef Art Smith Day in Chicago.

]]> 2013-04-04T16:26:36+00:00 <![CDATA[The Life Cycle of Ladybugs]]> http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/the-life-cycle-of-ladybugs http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/the-life-cycle-of-ladybugs#When:13:10:36Z Do you believe Ladybugs are lucky? Have you ever wondered about a Ladybugs life cycle? Our Director of Flora and Fauna discusses the life cycle of a ladybugs in her latest segment.

Click here to watch the video.

]]> 2013-03-27T13:10:36+00:00 <![CDATA[Spring for Relaxation and Hydration]]> http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/spring-for-relaxation-and-hydration http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/spring-for-relaxation-and-hydration#When:20:24:06Z By: Robin Jones
LakeHouse Spa Director

We have a vast and wide variety of treatments throughout our entire menu and sometimes it’s hard to choose which one would best suit you.I know my skin is feeling a bit dry this time of year and one of our new treatments is the “Quench Body Wrap”. The organic shea butter is warmed and brushed onto the body prior to being wrapped. While you are cocooned, warm oil is drizzled onto your hair and the scalp is massaged. The longer treatment includes a full body massage and the skin and hair is luxuriously soft.It is intensely hydrating and offered in 50 minute or 80 minute sessions.

Now that we’ve cared for your body and hair – on to the face. I don’t think it matters how old a person is when it comes to the care of the skin. We offer 15 facials that will help any issue that you might be experiencing. Our “Advanced Resurfacing Facial” incorporates the power of nature’s own stem cells and peptides to rejuvenate, revive and protect the skin. After just one treatment skin feels smoother, is instantly hydrated and looks brighter. Any wrinkles and lines are less visible.

Next, the nails! Get those toes ready for some flashy new colors with our “Heavenly Hydrating Pedicure”! It starts with a “scent journey” to discover what aroma is your favorite. Or, we can mix two aromas together for your very own scent. The organic shea butter exfoliation scrub is followed by a massage infused with shea butter cream mixed with vitamin E and jojoba oil. The final masque seals in hydration to transform your skin to feel cashmere soft.
Come visit the LakeHouse Spa at Lake Austin Spa Resort and kick off your Spring with full relaxation and hydration!

]]> 2013-03-26T20:24:06+00:00 <![CDATA[This Is Where I Am Today, But I Am Not Staying Long]]> http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/this-is-where-i-am-today-but-i-am-not-staying-long http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/this-is-where-i-am-today-but-i-am-not-staying-long#When:20:18:28Z A good friend of mine made this comment to me recently and it hit me between the eyes!  This is where I am today, but I am not staying long.  Powerful words!  In her case, she is in a battle with breast cancer that is treatable and curable.  Still absolutely no fun, but she knows that if she keeps her mind moving forward, staying positive, she will not only survive, but thrive.  When she said this to me, it hit me for a lot of different reasons.  While I am thankful I am not in a battle with an insidious disease like breast cancer, I do find myself getting stuck at times. 

Her statement said to me that while this is where she finds herself now, SHE HAS THE POWER to keep moving herself forward and SO DO I (and oh, SO DO YOU)!.  So I will take her lead (feel free to join me), keep my mind in a happy and positive place and look to the future for the great things that life has to offer.   This will involve the skill of ‘letting go’, which I must admit, I am not good at and it will involve not over-thinking issues – which I am really not good at, but I will try.

The next time my life has me stuck in a rut or dealing something that isn’t pleasant, I resolve to stay positive and keep my mind focused while I pack a bag because I am not staying there long!

Be well,
Tracy

]]> 2013-03-26T20:18:28+00:00 <![CDATA[Homemade Facial Techniques]]> http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/homemade-facial-techniques http://www.lakeaustin.com/blog/read/homemade-facial-techniques#When:16:44:07Z Learm homemade facial techniques from the Esthetician Erin from the LakeHouse Spa on Fox 7's Good Day Austin. Hint: think brown sugar and olive oil as an exfoliant...

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

]]> 2013-03-21T16:44:07+00:00