Aspen is a Proud Sponsor of the Go Red BetterU Makeover Challenge!

(DES MOINES, April 20, 2011) — The American Heart Association announced today it is seeking applicants for Des Moines’ 5th Annual Go Red BetterU Makeover Challenge.

As part of the annual Des Moines Go Red For Women Luncheon, sponsored by Pioneer, 10-15 individual women and mother/daughter teams will be selected to participate in the Go Red BetterU Makeover Challenge presented by Mercy/Iowa Heart Center. Applications are due Friday, May 6. Applicants will be selected by a committee based on a variety of criteria. Selected participants will be notified the week of June 3 and the Challenge will kick off June 27.

The participants will experience a 10-week heart health makeover where each woman will have a cardiovascular risk assessment and counseling with an Iowa Heart Center cardiologist, a free 10 week membership package to Aspen Athletic Clubs, and an individualized nutrition consultation with a Mercy dietician. Each participant will take part in an initial wellness screening where height, weight, inches, blood pressure, cholesterol, HDL/LDL, triglycerides, body mass index, and blood glucose will be measured. Those same numbers will be measured at the end of the 10-week challenge and the winners will be announced at the Go Red For Women Luncheon on September 9, 2011.

“Too few people realize heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, claiming more lives than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer,“ says Kathy Goetz, co-chair of the Des Moines event and Chief Quality Officer at Iowa Heart Center “But the good news is heart disease can largely be prevented. Through the BetterU Makeover Challenge, we want women to become more aware of their risks of heart disease and how they can protect themselves.”

For an application, visit www.heart.org/DesMoines, the American Heart Association, Iowa Heart Center and Aspen Athletic Clubs.  For more information about the Go Red BetterU Makeover Challenge, applicants can contact Kassi Wessing, Corporate Events Director with the American Heart Association at 515-246-4571 or kassi.wessing@heart.org. Mailed applications can be sent to: American Heart Association, Attn: Kassi Wessing, 1111 9^th Street, Suite 280, Des Moines, Iowa 50314.

New Kettlebell Session – Starts May 10th!

What is Kettlebell Training?

Intense functional strength training with kettle bells.  Learn basic lifting techniques with kettle bells then progress to more advance moves as you grow stronger.  The program will being Tuesday, May 10th and run Tuesday/Thursday evenings at 6 pm and Sunday at 11:00 pm.  Cost is $299 for the 10 week course.

Contact Paul Statler – Certified Personal Trainer – for more information at 918.909.9993.  The class will be capped at 15.  Hurry…sign up today!

Classes held at the Hickman Facility.

Molly & Lyndee – 180 lbs Lost and Counting!

This week we have a great follow up to a success story we aired last November. When we met Lyndee Underbakke and Molly Fairchild they’d already started their weightloss journey.

They were motivated by the fact that they hadn’t been picked to compete on The Biggest Loser and decided to get in shape on their own. Now, they’re at the one year mark, and more than halfway to their goal of losing 320 pounds.
Click Here for the Full Story/Video.

SuperFoods Fat Burn

Acai and Green Tea blend.

Apex SUPERFOODS Fat Burn combines the powerful Green Tea and Acai Berry with Chromium & Caffeine for focused energy and metabolism boosting+

Ultra Fat Burn

Apex Fat Burn ULTRA is recommended for those looking to control appetite, fight cravings and improve mood!  ULTRA combines the metabolism boosting properties of Chromium and Caffeine with a Phase 2 Carb Controller and 5 HTP for mood supports and appetite regulation.

Chromium enhances the action of insulin, a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat, and protein in the body, and helps regulate glucose metabolism+

Phase 2 Starch Neutralizer inhibits the breakdown of starch into glucose and other simple sugars which may help suppress appetite by improving blood glucose control+ 

EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) is a naturally occurring plant compound found in Green Tea. Clinical research suggests that the combination of EGCG and Caffeine may help enhance thermogenesis to help burn calories and boost metabolism+  1

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid naturally produced by the body. In the body, 5-HTP is converted to serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain that affects emotions, behavior, thought, sleep and appetite. 5-HTP has been clinically studied for its ability to support mood 2 and appetite regulation+ 3, 4

ULTRA Fat Burn is a great option for existing Fat Burn 1, 2 or 3 users looking for increased thermogenic activity and natural antioxidant support+

This product is best suited for individuals trying to control their appetite, improve their mood, optimize fat metabolism and increase their energy (with caffeine)+

+These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The trademark Phase 2 Starch Neutralizer is being used under license.

Green Tea & Mango Splash

Provided by EatingWell.com
 
Feel the island breezes as you sip this cooling concoction.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup strongly brewed green tea, (2 tea bags to 1 cup water)
2 cups mango nectar
Ice cubes
Mint sprigs, for garnish
Mango slivers, for garnish

COOKING DIRECTIONS

Step 1
Combine tea and mango nectar in a pitcher. Serve over ice, garnished with mint sprigs and mango slivers.

Banana-Raisin French Toast

Provided by EatingWell.com
With a surprise banana filling, this low-fat French toast is sure to please the whole family. 

INGREDIENTS
1 ripe banana, peeled
2 teaspoons frozen orange-juice concentrate
4 slices cinnamon-raisin bread
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup nonfat milk
1/4 cup nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt
1 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup, or honey
1 teaspoon butter, divided 

COOKING DIRECTIONS

Step 1 Mash banana coarsely with a fork in a small, shallow bowl. Stir in orange-juice concentrate. Spread the banana mixture over 2 slices of bread and top with the remaining 2 slices of bread, forming 2 sandwiches.

Step 2 Whisk together egg whites and milk in a shallow dish; add the sandwiches and soak for about 20 seconds. Turn the sandwiches over and soak for 20 seconds longer. Transfer the sandwiches to a plate.

Step 3 Stir together yogurt and maple syrup (or honey) in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 4 Melt 1/2 teaspoon butter in a nonstick skillet over low heat. Tilt the pan to swirl the butter around the skillet. Place the sandwiches in the pan using a metal spatula, and cook until the underside is browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Lift the sandwiches and add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon butter. Turn over and cook until browned, 5 to 7 minutes longer. Serve with the sweetened yogurt.